by Haley Travis
“The wedding is on September ninth.”
“What the what?”
“I know, it’s sort of ridiculous. But we just know that we’re to be together, through and through. It’s like, he’s part of my bones.” I bit my lip, trying to bring tears to my eyes to really sell it. “And the other night we were talking, talking about the symbolism of two people being together, and timelessness, and numbers, and we found out that September ninth is a really important number to both of us.”
They both looked at me like I was cracking up, so I tried to look extra excited.
“September ninth is the ninth day of the ninth month. Nine is an incredibly lucky number. Also, three times three is nine. I was born on the ninth day of the third month. He was born on the twenty-seventh day of the ninth month, so three times nine on the ninth month.” Lauren looked touched. Rayanne looked like she didn’t get it.
“I don’t know, it all fell together and seemed so perfect, then we also saw that it was a full moon. We just said that would be a magical day to do something incredible. We were joking around, having a glass of wine sitting right here, when all of a sudden he got a strange look on his face.”
I rubbed my eyes, pretending I was wiping away a tear. They were literally on the edge of their seats.
“He took me by the hands, and led me over to the window,” I gestured, “And I thought we were going to look at the lake or something, then he suddenly fell to his knees, clutching my hands in his, and asked me to be with him forever, and marry him on that day that was strangely perfect for us both.”
I blinked hard, looking into Lauren’s eyes. “I know I’m a cautious person, and this might seem absolutely nuts. But I just knew. It had to happen. So I said yes.”
Rayanne actually made a choked little cry, blinking back tears as Lauren handed her a tissue.
“Goddammit. You’re right,” Rayanne muttered.
“He’s the one,” Lauren whispered. “That is so ridiculously sweet.”
“It might seem rushed, but when you know you just know. And of course, the quicker it is, the less fuss his family can make.” I grinned, giving them a wink. “So it will be much easier for me in the long run.”
They laughed. “Well,” said Rayanne, “I have to say, this is a beautiful condo. It certainly won’t suck having to move in here.”
“Actually, I’m already totally moved in.” She gave me a pointed look.
Lauren said, “When she broke up with that jerk Ryan, she had to get out of the apartment immediately. She was staying at my place while I was at my brother’s, then Jimmy’s…”
“Then I catsit for Karen for nearly a month.”
“Oh that’s right. Then with Stacy for a few weeks, then her sister moved back, and she had nowhere else to go.” Lauren turned to me. “You were frantically apartment hunting last I heard. So I guess I could see moving in with a guy a bit quick if it was here.” She gestured to the chandelier.
I shrugged. “Yeah, it was intended to just be for a few weeks until I found a place. But we clicked so well. Our basic routines and habits just sort of lined up.” I wasn’t sure if I was overselling it, but I couldn’t resist adding, “And it might seem mushy, but I’ve never slept very well until I started sleeping in his arms.”
Lauren rolled her eyes but grinned. “Okay, you are officially making me sick.” She set her glass on the table, getting down to business. “You know the questions. The boyfriend test ritual. Or in this case, fiancé.”
Rayanne actually clapped in glee. Over the years we’ve sat each other down and checked in on boyfriends to make sure they were worthy, and the same four questions always came up after a little wine.
“Number one,” Lauren asked, “Does he have his shit shat?”
“Yes. He has a good job, a great home, nice friends, and no horrific addictions or habits.”
“Number two. How do you feel around him?”
“Like myself. I don’t have to pretend to be anything I’m not.” I paused for a second, remembering to throw some truth in the mix. “Okay, I’m still a little weirded out by his rich family, but nobody is asking me to change so far.”
“Good enough,” Rayanne said. “Number three – how does he treat you?”
I pressed my lips together, looking away for a moment. It was time for more truth. “I’ve never met a man who listens as intently as he does. He is absolutely dedicated to making me as comfortable as possible in every situation. And when I disagree with him, he listens, and he’s fine with us having different opinions.”
“Wow.” Lauren’s eyes were wide, but she was nodding.
“And the bonus question...” Rayanne grinned, knowing what Lauren was about to say.
Oh, no. I always block out the last one.
“Does he eat pussy like a champ?”
I probably blushed to the shade of the wine-colored throw pillows. Lauren burst into hysterical laughter. “That’s a big yes right there!” She stared at me while I sipped my wine, trying to think of some way to change the subject. I stayed silent, trying to stifle my giggling.
“Okay, fine. You keep your little secrets.”
I heard my phone buzz and glanced over to see a text from Jacob. I picked it up, read it quickly, then giggled. “He’s absolutely delighted that I’m having a girls night here and getting settled. Are you guys hungry?”
“Sure,” Lauren said.
“Actually, I’m starving,” Rayanne said. “I didn’t get a chance to each lunch on my shift today.”
“You both like Italian, right?” They nodded, but looked confused. “I’ll just text him that.”
In half an hour a catering service from a major hotel arrived, setting the giant glass dining room table, dishing out the food, pouring wine that was specifically paired to the beef ravioli, and sprinkling fresh pepper and grated Parmesan on our Caesar salads.
As soon as the staff retreated to the kitchen area, Lauren looked over at me and let her jaw drop open as we all sat down. “So, this is what it’s like being rich? One text and dinner is on the table in thirty minutes?”
“Apparently,” I said, my eyes likely as large as hers. “I’m still getting used to it. I won’t lie, it’s pretty strange.”
Rayanne took a bite of the ravioli and her eyes almost rolled back in her head. “Holy squid. I take back everything I’ve ever said about rich people. If this is how the other half lives, I love it.”
I held up a glass, and my friends joined me in a toast. “To new opportunities?” I said hesitantly.
“To finding the men of our dreams,” Rayanne laughed.
Lauren giggled. “To endless wonderful wine and food, with good friends.”
We had a fabulous night, and it was ridiculously decadent being able to send them both home with beautifully packaged leftovers for their lunches tomorrow, and having the serving staff clean everything up, insisting that I relax on the couch with a cup of tea. Jacob came in just after they left, and I ran to him, giving him a gigantic hug.
“So, sending food was the right decision?” he smirked.
I led him to the couch, where I had a glass of wine poured for him. As soon as the door had shut behind the last of the staff, I squealed, “Oh my God, it went so well!”
“That’s fabulous. Tell me everything.”
I told him all about my story of the romantic proposal, how much they loved the condo, the way he treated me, and that they would definitely be spreading excellent gossip in all of my circles.
“And the best part,” I said triumphantly, “Is that I realized how I can do the wedding planning and feel okay about spending that much money. “
“Mia, that’s fabulous,” he said, genuinely excited. “What is it?”
“If we are supporting smaller, local, and independent businesses, people who could really use the money and the prestige of working at such a large event, I have no problem paying any amount they like.”
“Huh,” he said, thinking for a moment. “So giving mone
y to a tiny company is more acceptable than giving money to a large company?”
I probably scrunched up my face, trying to explain. “Yes, sort of. It’s like helping the little guy, and starting someone out on a great path. You know? Also, since it’s such a rush and I really have no preconceived ideas of what it is I want, they can do whatever they are best at.”
“Clever,” he grinned. His stormy eyes were sparkling, and he looked genuinely proud of me for working it out. I had to tear my gaze away from his gorgeously sculpted face, trying to remind myself that he was probably only proud of his business partner for doing good work. He was probably just being incredibly friendly with me because of our insane deadline. There was no way a gorgeous, clever, wealthy man could possibly truly be looking at me the way he had been.
JACOB
<<< 13 >>>
MOTHER
As Mia shook my mother’s hand carefully, she looked like a nervous little bird, and it was hard not to throw my arms around her.
“Mia, how lovely to meet you, dear,” mother said, her high voice slightly piercing. “Jacob has told me so much about you.”
I noticed the little glance to me, since I had only called her a few days ago to tell her that Mia existed, and we were suddenly getting married.
“It’s lovely to meet you, Mrs. Stoneburrowes,” Mia said softly.
“Please, dear, call me Rosalind.”
She nodded politely. “Your home is absolutely lovely.”
Mother smiled warmly. “Thank you. It’s not one of those glass and metal towers in the sky like Jacob’s, but it’s home. Let’s go into the salon.”
I had warned Mia that my mother was pretentious, but calling the front living room ‘the salon’ was almost giggle-worthy.
As we sat down, I was careful to sit close enough to look casual, but giving Mia a little space. A small woman in a black dress with a white apron brought a tray of champagne glasses and hors d’oeuvres.
“Thank you, Caitlyn,” mother murmured. “So, Mia, tell me about yourself. What do you do? What is your family like? What are your goals?”
She always did get right to the point.
“Um, I have no family left,” Mia said softly. I hoped that mother could tell from my pointed look that we wouldn’t be speaking about that further. “I have a diploma in Arts, Media & Communications,” Mia continued quickly, “So I’ll be looking for a position in the arts community eventually.” Looking up at me, she smiled. “This month is likely going to be a bit busy, so I’m going to leave that in the brainstorming phase until we’re settled.”
Mother looked quite surprised. “You’re going to look for work after you’re married?” She shot me a look I didn’t understand.
“Yes,” Mia nodded enthusiastically. “Once we get everything sorted, and our home is in order. We might need to take a little break after the wedding.”
“Yes,” mother said, picking up a champagne glass and gesturing for us to join her. “To the happy couple. Wishing you a lovely wedding, and a wonderful marriage.” Her voice had a slightly gritty tone that I’ve learned meant there was a lot she wasn’t saying.
“Thank you,” I said after we all sipped.
“So,” she said, her smile looking tight. “You do realize that everyone is going to ask me why the wedding is happening so fast.”
“I’m not pregnant,” Mia blurted, and I forced a chuckle.
Mother fanned herself dramatically, her shiny pink nails flashing in the light. “Thank you, dear. I didn’t want to have to ask. That is a great relief.”
Mia explained the numerology, and how we just felt that it was right.
“How long have you been dating?” mother asked.
“Three months,” I said smoothly.
Then Mia gave her an absolutely winning smile. “At first I wasn’t sure about him, because he seemed so focused on work that I wasn’t sure he was well balanced. Then he helped me finish a crossword puzzle, and seemed to have a very wide range of knowledge. So I gave him another chance,” she said with a giggle.
“He really is a good boy,” mother said proudly. Then she grinned. “I hope that you two are planning children in a few years.”
I turned to see Mia looking positively horrified, and I took her hand, giving it a little shake. Turning back to mother, I said, “We have slightly different opinions about how many children we should have eventually, but since we’re so young, we’ve decided to put a pin in that discussion and not bring it up again for three years. We can set up our home, do some traveling, and get our lives straight before we bring kids into the picture. Right, honey?”
She nodded, gratefully. “One step at a time.”
Mother nodded. “That’s very smart. Also, you’ll be getting your inheritance, and that will be some work for you. Such a brilliant investor, but you’ll also have to spoil your new wife with some gifts, exotic trips, the whole nine yards.” Although her voice was almost sugary sweet, the way she was looking at the two of us was odd.
Mia’s hand gave mine a little squeeze. “That isn’t exactly cocktail chat, mother,” I said cautiously.
She laughed merrily again. Turning to Mia, she said, “Don’t you worry, sweetie, I certainly am not implying that I think you’re one of those money grubbing little twits he used to date. I can see that you two are genuinely in love. But for a while there, Jacob was certainly a target. All women love a man who is tall, dark and handsome, but when you add probable billionaire someday to the mix, that can bring out shameless, unscrupulous people.”
She laughed, sipping her sparkling drink, and I followed suit, while Mia stared awkwardly at her hands.
“Don’t forget,” mother said, “It’s a tradition to choose your favorite charities around the time of your inheritance.” Turning to Mia, she said, “When one is handed a great deal of money, it’s good form to immediately donate a healthy portion to a beloved charity, you see.”
“That seems like the perfect thing to do,” Mia said, trying to keep things light. “Sharing the wealth is important for the communities we live in.”
“Exactly, darling.” Her eyes lit up as she thought of an important question. “Tell me, Mia, what are your favorite charities?”
I tried to smile warmly, as Mia glanced at me as if she were almost worried about her answer. “Well, if I were suddenly handing money around, the Children’s Hospital would obviously be my first choice.”
Rosalind nodded, seeming to agree with her selection. “Absolutely dear. That’s perfect.”
“The research they’re doing for children all across North America, and globally is just astounding. But they desperately need to fund some new construction projects right now as they grow, and their technology is advancing.”
Mother looked impressed that Mia actually had a clue about it. “What else dear?”
“Well,” Mia said, mixing a bit of honesty into the show, “I really enjoy supporting local artists at the grassroots level. If people don’t support them while they are just starting, they will never become well-established parts of the city’s culture.”
Mother nodded, thinking. “Darling, that’s a lovely way to look at it.”
“That’s why,” I said gently, realizing that now was the time to bring it up, “We’ve decided to choose most of the wedding vendors from smaller, local independent businesses.”
Mother blinked a few times, then cocked her head. “Why, that’s interesting. Instead of well-established experts, you are giving new people their first shot?”
“Well, not quite their very first,” Mia said quickly. “These are people who have been working for years. Just perhaps not for weddings or huge events.”
“So there might be a few untraditional elements, Mother. For example, we’re looking at a local blues-rock band for the reception.”
“Oh.” She looked surprised, but not exactly upset. “Well, that sounds different.”
“I’ve heard them several times, they’re fabulous,” Mia said quickly. “
And I’ve checked that it won’t be overly loud. I’ve also found a local indie DJ, a woman, for the actual dinner, and the end of the reception.”
Mother looked curious, but not quite concerned yet. “Well, of course I like that you’ve hired a woman.”
“Good.” I was relieved. “We decided to go with a slightly country theme, so the greenery for the centrepieces will be from a local farm, the wine from one of our favorite vineyards in Niagara, and the take-home gifts from local artisans. It’s all still being figured out, but Mia is in planning mode already.”
Mother pressed her lips together firmly as if she were either thinking hard or holding back saying something nasty.