My Dream Man

by Marie Solka

  He released my hand, let out a deep breath and stood. “Well, it was worth a shot. I better get going then.”

  I walked him to the door. Then I realized I’d forgotten my shopping bags in his car and ran out to get them. He gave me a big hug. “Happy Holidays Sam. It was nice seeing you again.”

  “You too,” I replied.

  As the words came out of my mouth I could’ve swore I saw Greg drive by. I squinted to try and read the plates, but it was too dark. Then the car disappeared into the night.

  Chapter 38

  On Christmas Eve the doorbell rang. I’d been wrapping gifts and wasn’t expecting anyone. I thought maybe it was Tabby since she’d just returned from college and was staying at our parent’s house. I ran over and checked the peephole.

  I opened the door. “Mr. Varo,” I said, in a friendly yet professional tone. “What a nice surprise.”

  His eyes met mine and he could see the pain I tried to hide. “May I come in Sam? I’d like to talk to you.”

  “Of course.”

  I invited him in, and once he stepped inside, I let my guard down. He wasn’t the one who’d hurt me.

  We walked to the sofa and sat down.

  “Sam. I feel terrible about what happened between you and Greg. I’ve wanted to come over here and talk to you since he told me, but he asked me not to.”

  I exhaled. I feared he’d say something far worse, like Greg was dead or he didn’t want to be with me anymore. “I feel terrible too,” I said. “Things were going so well.”

  He looked me in the eye. “I want you to know I had no idea Greg was still married to Allison. I thought they’d gotten divorced.” He shook his head in confusion. “I mean, we never had a discussion about it, I just assumed.”

  “I understand.”

  Mr. Varo rubbed his face, which looked drained of energy. “You know that boy is broken up. He’s completely devastated over this. Been miserable ever since he came home from the trip.”

  “Me too,” I said in a low voice.

  “I never would’ve tried fixing the two of you up if I had known he was still married.”

  “I don’t blame you.”

  “Thanks for saying that Sam. I’ve been worried you thought I was a dishonorable man.” He quickly added, “Not that Greg is. He just went about things all wrong, but that doesn’t make him a cad.”

  “I know.”

  Mr. Varo looked like he wasn’t sure what to say next.

  “So how have you been feeling?” I asked him. “How is your foot?”

  He smiled. “Foot’s great. I’ve been sticking to the diet and following all instructions to keep it under control. Thanks for all your help.” He paused, looked me in the eye and said, “I hope to have you around again soon, not as my nurse, but as my daughter-in-law.”

  My eyes got watery. “I hope so too.”

  With that Mr. Varo stood. “I don’t want to keep you. Looks like you’re busy wrapping gifts.”

  “I’m a bit of a last minute Larry.”

  “Merry Christmas Sam.” He smiled and gave me a hug. Then he reached into his coat pocket and handed me an envelope. “Greg asked me to give you this.”

  “Thanks,” I said, taking it from him. “And Merry Christmas.”

  When he left I sat down on the couch. As I opened the letter my hands trembled and my mouth dried up.

  Samantha,

  I’m so sorry I screwed things up. I wanted to tell you I was married so many times, but I was afraid you’d get upset and break up with me. And yeah, I know how stupid that sounds now. I should have been honest with you. And after all I said to you about sharing your honest feelings with me. I was a total hypocrite.

  I thought about putting off the proposal until after the divorce went through, but I didn’t want to miss the opportunity to ask you on the ferry. I was just so excited to do that, you know? I had always envisioned proposing that way, ever since I took a ride to the island with my dad on the last trip and saw how beautiful it was.

  I really thought the divorce would be taken care of long ago and that it would never be an issue. That was foolish of me. And not telling you was just plain stupid. I never meant to hurt you Sam. I love you with all of my heart.

  I just got word that the divorce will be final on January 2nd. I know you said we couldn’t see each other until then, but if you can find it in your heart to forgive me, I would love to spend Christmas with you.

  I miss you,

  Greg

  When I finished reading the letter I set it down and sighed. I missed him too. So much. The beginning of the year was only a week away, and there was no point in ruining the holidays by being stubborn.

  I mulled over what to do as I wrapped the remaining gifts. Then, as I put the last piece of tape on Tabby’s present, I made a decision.

  I grabbed my phone and dialed Greg. It was kind of late, but I was sure he’d be up.

  “Hello,” he answered, sounding a bit frightened.

  “Hey,” I said in a soft voice. “Merry Christmas.”

  Greg was silent for a few seconds, then I heard crying. “Merry Christmas Sam,” he said through heavy tears. “I’m glad you called.”

  Hearing him sob shook me to my core. “I’ve wanted to call,” I admitted, “but I was afraid of getting hurt.”

  “I understand. You had every right to be angry.” His voice cracked as he spoke. “The thought of you being hurt kills me, and knowing I caused it, well…it’s unbearable. I wish I would’ve been honest with you from the beginning.”

  “We can’t go back in time Greg. All we can do is try to pick up where we left off. I know you’re sorry, and I accept your apology.”

  “Oh Sam. Thank you.” He was quiet for a few moments. When he spoke again, his voice was stronger, more confident. “I miss you so much. Would it be okay if I came over?”

  “Right now?” I looked at the time on the DVD player. It was almost midnight.

  “Yeah. If it’s okay with you.”

  I must have sighed out loud.

  “What is it, Sam? If you don’t want me to come over, I can wait. I’ll wait as long as I have to…”

  “Greg, it’s fine. I want you to come over. I’ve accepted your apology and I’m done being stubborn.”

  “Okay. I’m already heading out the door. See you soon.”

  I hung up and smiled. I couldn’t think of anything I wanted more for Christmas.

  When I heard the doorbell ring my heart skipped like it had on our first date. I rushed to open it. Then our eyes met and he took me in his arms. “It feels so good to hold you again,” he whispered.

  I buried my face in his chest. “Feels good to be held,” I whispered back.

  After inhaling his scent, I lifted my chin so we were face to face. His eyes radiated so much love it brought tears to mine. I thought he was going to say something, but instead he kissed me. A slow, soft kiss that said everything.

  When our lips pulled apart he rubbed his nose against mine. “Your nose is cold,” I said. “And you’ve got snowflakes on your coat.”

  He smiled. “At least we’re going to have a white Christmas.”

  “C’mon,” I said. “I’ll make us some tea.”

  He took off his coat and followed me to the kitchen. His eyes followed my every move, and when I gave him his cup he continued staring. Not in that sexual, observing me like a specimen way, but in a tender fashion.

  The message was loud and clear. He would never hurt me like that again.

  We sipped our tea and sat opposite each other in silence. It wasn’t uncomfortable though. It was more of a wordless reconnecting. Within a few minutes I smiled.

  “What are you thinking?” he asked.

  “I’m thinking of the day we first met. How funny you looked wearing your pajamas and the pink robe.”

  He grinned. “I was lost in thought until you showed up. Then your beauty distracted me.”

  “Well your masculine prowess disrupted a perfectly good ni
ght’s sleep. It doesn’t get any more distracting than that,” I teased.

  Greg checked his watch. “It’s late. Should I go?” The look on his face made it clear he didn’t want to leave.

  I shook my head no, then reached for his hand and led him to the bedroom. We changed into pajamas and climbed into bed and snuggled as close to each other as possible and fell asleep.

  When I woke in his arms the next morning, I felt whole again. My world was balanced and the sinking feeling was gone. I lay there, enjoying the moment, until he stirred.

  “Morning,” he said when I turned to face him.

  “Good morning.”

  He gave me a peck on the lips, then he rubbed his eyes and yawned.

  “There’s something I need to tell you,” I said.

  He propped his head on one elbow and waited.

  “My mom and Tabby are the only ones who know we were apart. We never told my dad. I’ve just been saying you’re busy at work when he asks where you’ve been.”

  “Oh God. Thanks Sam. I’ve been worried sick about what to say to them, especially your dad.” He looked embarrassed. “I’ll bet your mom and sister hate me.”

  “They don’t hate you. In fact, Tabby was the one who suggested I give you a call.” I broke eye contact and looked down. “It was me who was being stubborn.”

  “I understand,” he said.

  My eyes met his and he gave me a questioning look. “Are we still engaged Sam? I don’t want to presume.”

  I nodded yes, then he smiled and jumped out of bed. “Hold on,” he said. “I’ll be right back.”

  When he returned he had the velvet box in his hand. He popped it open and said, “May I return this to its rightful owner?”

  I held out my left hand and watched as he slid the ring on my finger. I smiled, turning my hand from left to right, admiring it. Then I looked up at him. His eyes burned with desire. And seeing them brought back the woman I was with him, the woman who could never get enough.

  Instinctively, I climbed onto his lap. He was already rock hard, and within moments he peeled my panties off and I slid on top him. Feeling him inside me made me crazed. I had missed him so much I came multiple times in the first ten minutes. I wanted to ride him all day long.

  “We have to get ready to go soon,” I complained. “But I want more. I want you on me.”

  Greg got on top and began thrusting forcefully, making me scream with pleasure until he eventually came. Afterward he lay next to me, staring into my eyes. His were filled with so many things: adoration, regret, happiness.

  “I love you so much Sam.”

  I beamed at him. “I love you too.”

  Chapter 39

  That afternoon Greg, his dad, and I stood on my parent’s porch, waiting for them to come to the door. Tabby was the one who answered. She wore a wide smile when she saw the three of us and said, “Merry Christmas!”

  The guys took off their coats and went on in carrying the bags of gifts as Tabby and I stayed in the foyer. I lifted my hand so she could see the ring. She shrieked upon seeing it, then covered her mouth as if it would lower the sound. “You called him,” she whispered.

  “I’m not above learning from my wise little sis,” I said, hoping to make her feel proud.

  She bobbed her head in agreement, happy with herself. “Let me see it again,” she said.

  Mom made her way over. She could tell we were buzzing about something and had to get in on it. “We’re engaged!” I said, showing her the ring.

  “Ahhhh!” she cried out, playing her part like a pro. Then she gave me a big hug. “Oh honey. I’m so happy for you.”

  “Thanks to both of you for keeping the drama on the down low.”

  “What drama?” Tabby asked, smiling.

  I let out a deep sigh. “You guys are the best. Let’s go drink some eggnog.”

  The tree looked beautiful in the family room. It twinkled in cream-colored lights with burgundy and green ornaments. My parents had really outdone themselves. Greg and his dad had just finished arranging their presents and were standing beside the tree, admiring the decorations.

  “Dad. I’ve got some news,” I said. Mom and Tabby stayed by my side, both giddy with excitement.

  My dad walked over. He wore an expression of genuine curiosity.

  I showed him my left hand and said, “Greg and I are getting married!”

  “That’s great news honey!” He gave me a big hug. “Congratulations Sam. He’s a good one.”

  I glanced at Greg. He looked embarrassed by the compliment, but he seemed pleased watching us.

  “Thanks Dad.”

  “I think this calls for champagne,” Mom said. She scurried off to the kitchen. Dad followed since he obviously knew where to find the corkscrew.

  Greg came over and gave me a kiss on the cheek. “That went well,” he whispered.

  I smiled and reached for his hand. “It went better than well.”

  Mom and Dad passed out flutes of bubbly. Then everyone lifted their glasses. “To Greg and Samantha.” Dad said.

  “And to grandchildren,” Mr. Varo added, winking at me.

  “Hear, hear,” Tabby said. She looked a bit tipsy, like she’d been hitting the eggnog before we arrived.

  We clinked our glasses and then Greg turned to me. He gave me a kiss on the lips in front of everyone, and our small group filled the air with cheers and whistles. When it died down, I had to give credit where credit was due.

  “None of this could have happened without Michael Varo. Not only was he a model patient, he was also a pretty great matchmaker. He could tell I was smitten with his son and found ways to put us together.”

  Greg smiled at his dad.

  “My son needed a person who would truly love him and always stay by his side.”

  I understood the double meaning and looked up at Greg. He gently rubbed the small of my back.

  “Okay kids. This has been fun,” Dad said. “But I’m starved. When do we eat?”

  Mom swatted at him. “Ten more minutes,” she said.

  While we ate dinner Greg kept stealing glances at me. I wished I knew what he was thinking, but his expression gave no clue. I was fantasizing about later, daydreaming of him in my bed wearing nothing but a Santa hat. He must have picked up on my vibe because he gave me a seductive grin.

  “So when are you thinking of having the wedding?” Mom asked.

  “I’m not sure,” I said. “We haven’t discussed details yet.”

  “Summer seems to be a popular time. Or Fall,” Greg said.

  “Well, whenever it is, I can’t wait to start planning everything with Mom and Tab. This is going to be so much fun.”

  “Oh no,” said my dad. “That’s code for ‘expensive,’ isn’t it?”

  Greg looked stunned for a moment. Then everyone broke into laughter. It was the perfect soundtrack to a perfect day.

  After we opened gifts I pulled Tabby aside. “Will you be my maid of honor?”

  Her response was a hiccup. Then she laughed. She’d had way too much to drink. “Of course!” she said. “I’d be delighted.” Then her face grew more serious. “Who else are you going to ask?”

  “Just Valerie and Genevieve. I want to keep it small.”

  She nodded. “That’s a good idea. Smaller is better. In weddings, at least.”

  We both giggled. Then I said, “I’m thinking of having Mrs. Myszkowski as my flower girl. What do you think?”

  Tabby’s jaw dropped. “Get the hell out. You’re not serious, are you?”

  I broke into a belly laugh. “I had you there for a second. You should have seen your face.”

  She pushed me lightly. “Man. You’ve really bonded with that crazy old lady.”

  “She’s not crazy. She’s actually really cool. I’ll take you to meet her. You’ll see.”

  “Whatever.”

  Greg came over and grinned at us. “You two are having too much fun over here. What are you laughing about?”

 
“Wedding plans. She wants her old wheelchair patient to be your flower girl.”

  Greg turned to me and could tell it was a joke. “You mean we’re not having ASIMO do that?”

  I broke into a fit of laughter. “Your dad would have a fit.”

  “Hey Dad. Sam and I were just discussing wedding attendants. I’m thinking ASIMO would be a great ring bearer. What do you think?”

  Mr. Varo shook his head. “Whatever you say son.”

  He was tired from all the food. He didn’t have the energy to argue.

  At the end of the night we said our goodbyes, and my parents congratulated us again. Then we drove to Greg’s place. “You okay that I’m staying at Sam’s tonight?” he asked his dad.

  “Of course. Why wouldn’t I be?” Mr. Varo replied.

  “Just checking since it’s Christmas.”

  Greg slipped away to pack a bag and Mr. Varo and I stood in the family room together.

  “I’m glad you called my son,” he said.

  I smiled. “Me too.”

  Chapter 40

  Greg and I chowed down on leftovers the next day while lounging in our jammies. Eating dinner for breakfast seemed a sensible idea since it required almost no work on our part. Besides, we’d worked up quite an appetite the night before.

  I dipped my slice of ham in mustard. “Too bad you didn’t have a Santa hat last night.”

  Greg smiled. “They’re probably on clearance today. I can pick one up if you like.”

  “Do that. You never know when it might come in handy.” I liked that he was okay with playing dress up.

  As we polished off the leftovers, my mind drifted to Allison.

  I put on a serious face. “You know how we made up and stuff…?” Greg seemed to notice the shift in my voice. “Well you never told me anything about your visit with Allison.”

  “I wondered if you’d ask about that,” he said. Then he looked me in the eyes. “I wasn’t trying to hide anything from you. I just figured I’d hurt you enough, so why bother bringing it up?”

  I shrugged. “I still want to know.”

  Greg had finished eating. He pushed his plate away, then sat back in his chair. “I got off stage and came back to the table and you were gone. I went looking for you, and out of nowhere Allison stopped me. I’m not sure what you thought I knew, but I had no idea she was going to be there. I was taken aback. Anyway, she said hello, and told me what a great presentation I gave. She was about to launch into a longer conversation when I cut her off. I said I was here with my fiancé and had to find her, but that I’d try to catch up with her later. Then she asked if you had strawberry blonde hair and I said ‘yes’ and recognition clicked in her eyes. Her expression grew concerned, confirming my fear, and when she told me what she said I just about had a heart attack.”