Charming Dave

by Doreen Alsen

  “Okay.” Patsy frowned, clearly disappointed that Dave didn’t own livestock.

  Ainslie sighed. “Let’s drop this, okay? Let’s just enjoy having Mr. Mason as a special friend.”

  Her three meddlesome children exchanged serious looks. They must have talked about this.

  Lord love a duck. What next?

  ****

  Dave sat back in his office chair as he tossed his reading glasses on his desk. He hadn’t seen Ainslie for days, not an acceptable situation.

  One he’d remedy tonight by stopping at The End Zone.

  His desk phone trilled. He scowled as he looked at his watch—4:30. The last thing he needed was an interruption making more work and delaying his trip to The End Zone.

  Please don’t be a crisis. “Yes, Mrs. Rockland?”

  “I have three students sitting here in the outer office, wondering if you have time right now to see them.”

  “Of course.” Resigned, he tightened his tie, but didn’t roll down his sleeves.

  And gawked as Mrs. Rockland opened his door for Ruark, Shanna, and Patsy to walk into his office. Whatever he expected, it wasn’t this. “Hey. What’s up?”

  “We want to talk to you about Momma,” Ruark said.

  His stomach hitched. “Okay. Is there anything wrong?”

  Patsy heaved a very big, very dramatic sigh as she sat in one of his office chairs. “Yep. We want you to be our daddy and marry our momma, but she says she can’t ’cause you have to ask her.”

  “So, we came here to tell you that if you want to ask her it’s okay with us,” Shanna added.

  “Um.” Suddenly incapable of speech, a high pitched buzz drilled through Dave’s brain. Marrying Ainslie and being a father to these three amazing kids was his fondest wish delivered to him on a silver platter.

  “Gawd, Patsy.” Shanna glared at her sister. “We weren’t going to put it out there right away.”

  Patsy stuck her tongue out at Shanna.

  Ruark shook his head. “Fighting like this in front of Mr. Mason is sure going to make him want to marry Momma.” He looked at Dave. “I apologize for my sisters.”

  “It’s okay, no need to apologize.” Dave could finally think again. “Does your mother know you’re here?”

  “’Course not.” Shanna shook her head. “She’d just up and die from embarrassment if she knew.”

  “You can’t tell her. She’ll ground us forever,” Patsy pouted.

  “Patsy has a good point.” Shanna pursed her lips. “Can you ask her to marry you without mentioning this little visit?”

  Ruark sat and put his elbows on his knees, then dropped his head into his hands, the picture of despair.

  Dave took a deep breath. He didn’t want to mess this up. “Maybe your mother doesn’t want to marry me.”

  Patsy nodded her head so hard her curls bounced in a frothy tangle. “She does want to marry you. Why won’t you ask her?”

  “Is it because of us?” Shanna added. “You don’t like us?”

  “Of course I like you.” Dave’s heart began to beat in heavy thuds—ka-thunk, ka-thunk.

  “We promise we’ll be really good. We’ll clean our rooms and not leave dirty dishes in the living room and do our homework right away after school.” Patsy looked like a baby owl, eyes wide and unblinking.

  Ruark stood. “What we’re trying to say is that we want Momma to be happy. We can tell she loves you, so we want you to know we won’t stand in the way. That’s if you love her back and all.”

  “Well, uh, I do love your mother, and I love you kids. I think it’s great that you love your mom and are looking out for her.” He held up a finger. “But you have to promise me that you’ll let me take it from here. Can you do that?”

  “Yep.” Ruark looked at his sisters. “Let’s jet.”

  “Thanks for listening to us,” Shanna nodded.

  Patsy grinned. “I’m glad you’re going to be our daddy.” She lifted her arms to be picked up.

  So Dave picked her up.

  She puckered up and gave Dave a kiss. “Thank you.”

  Dave set her down and watched her scamper off after Shanna and Ruark. His heart still stuttering, he sat down in the chair Shanna had been sitting in.

  Ainslie’s children wanted him to be their father. Intense pride rolled through him. Maybe he should start passing out the cigars.

  His heart unclenched and a gentle warmth took over. Looked like he had some plans to make.

  Chapter Thirty-Seven

  Ainslie loved the way her silk Lanvin gown swished and frothed as she moved across the room. Pink as pale and fragile as a June peony, the dress bared her shoulders, and champagne colored tulle bloomed to frame her neck, shoulders and cleavage. Ainslie had sheathed her arms in long, white gloves and had perched her most elaborate and sparkly beauty queen tiara on her head.

  She’d sprinkled a light, tasteful smattering of glitter across her cleavage, along with a tiny touch of her beloved Nocturnes de Caron behind each ear. Bibbidi Bobbidi Boo! Instant princess.

  She sighed as she took stock of the room. Strategically placed trees strung with hundreds of multi-colored, twinkling fairy lights created an enchanted forest. Whimsical mirrors waiting to be auctioned appeared here and there, reflecting the lights of the trees. Wisps of the sounds of musicians warming up teased her ears.

  She loved to dance. She hoped she’d have someone to dance with.

  Dave Mason. She wanted to dance with Dave.

  He’d been non-committal about attending, claiming that work might keep him from the Ball.

  She suspected it was the whole costume thing. Andi and Gina told her their husbands had done nothing but complain, creating outlandish excuses to try and get out of it.

  Speaking of whom, she noticed them near the bandstand talking to Hope. Andi made a very elegant princess, in a rich gold colored gown and plain gold crown on her head. Gina looked lovely in a yellow gown with hoops and panniers. The dress was so wide, she had trouble getting through doors. She piled her curly red hair on top of her head, with long curls that escaped to flirt with her shoulders.

  As for Hope, Little Bo Peep had never looked so good. She’d curled her hair into fat ringlets and topped them off with a white mop cap. Her blue dress was very short and puffed out over a stiff petticoat. A tight bustier covered a white, puffy sleeved peasant blouse. Her sheer white hose and black stilettos showed off a whole lotta leg. Hope handled her shepherd’s crook like it was a weapon.

  This Little Bo Peep had her some dangerous teeth.

  Andi spotted her and beckoned her to join them. Ainslie felt a smile bloom on her face. It was so nice to have girlfriends again and a brand new career doing something she loved. No more cleaning lady. No more waitress.

  The girls toasted her as she joined them. Hope handed her a glass of champagne. “We’re having a toast to us because we are made of awesome.”

  “Seriously.” Gina said. “We rock hard.”

  Ainslie laughed as they all clinked glasses.

  She had to pinch herself to make sure she wasn’t dreaming.

  ****

  “Here’s the codpiece.” Ian held out a totally ridiculous athletic supporter, decorated with some sequins glued to it.”

  “I’m not wearing that.” Dave shook his head. “No way, no how.”

  Ian laughed.

  “Are you sure this is okay?” Dave looked at himself in the mirror, from the front, then moved to the side.

  “Actually, that outfit really makes your ass look fat.” Mike tipped his chair onto its back two legs. “Huge, actually.”

  Dave gave Mike the one finger salute. “Ha fuckity ha, ha, ha. This from the man rocking a frog suit.”

  “The gold crown on top really goes well with the fluorescent green webbed gloves and flippers,” Ian added.

  “You’ve got a point.” Dave looked at Mike and crossed his eyes. “Ribbit,” he croaked.

  Mike’s eyes narrowed. “At least I’m not a sissy. W
earing that? You should change your name to Nancy. What do you think, Ian?”

  “Yeah, Nancy’s ass is huge.”

  “Hugest ass I’ve ever seen.” Mike chuckled.

  “It’s why, it’s beautiful.” Ian cocked his head and turned his head toward the ceiling. “What’s that I hear? Is it the weeping of angels?” He looked back at Dave and Mike. “I do believe I heard the angels cry.”

  “Yeah, yeah, funny, funny.” Dave adjusted the fake sword at his side and the red banner across his chest. Even though he felt stupider than he had ever felt in his entire life, he was going out, in public, in this outfit.

  His plan had a few flaws, sure enough.

  He’d just have to make it work.

  ****

  “See how the artist used silver and gold filigree to achieve a fairy tale atmosphere.” Ainslie stood near a set of mirrors, ready to sweet talk people into bidding on a mirror. “I can imagine Rapunzel sitting in front of it, combing her hair.”

  The ballroom sparkled with fairy lights in a forest of trees and greenery. Champagne fizzed while the guests danced, nibbled on Hope’s amazing food, and surveyed the mirrors on auction. Ainslie would tap dance if she needed to close the sale.

  “It would look so sweet in Jenny’s room,” the woman told her husband.

  “She’d break it in two weeks.” The husband crossed his arms across his chest.

  The woman looked at Ainslie. “Don’t mind him. He’s always grumpy.” She reached a finger to trace the filigree. “My Jenny loves fairy tales. How do I get it?”

  Ainslie smiled and reached for a clipboard. “Just fill out this little form and put it into the box here with the other bids.”

  The woman grabbed the clipboard. “How much do you think I should bid?”

  “The minimum bid is $375.00. The artist’s other pieces have gone for anywhere between $800.00 to $1,500.00.”

  After signing her bid with a flourish, the woman put the bid in the box. “Thank you.”

  “No, thank you! Your gift to the Addington Ballet Theater will help us immeasurably.” She ratcheted up the wattage in her already bright smile. “I hope you win!”

  The woman winked. “Not as much as I do. Come on Ed. Let’s get you some food.” The pair moved along.

  Going on tiptoe, Ainslie scanned the room. So no sign of Dave, Mike, or Ian.

  She hoped so much Dave cleared his work schedule so he could make the ball, she ached with it. He did admit he had a costume, but wouldn’t say a word about it. Curiosity scooted up her spine then danced down again.

  The man definitely could keep a secret.

  “This is going so well,” Andi said as she came up to Ainslie. “I think we’re going to make a mint for the ballet.”

  Ainslie turned from looking for Dave to smile at Andi. “I hope so.” She slid her eyes back over to the entrance to continue watching for Dave.

  “If you’re looking for Dave, he’s with Mike and Ian.” Andi wrinkled her nose. “Mike is not going to get here any earlier than he has to. Dressing in costume is so not his thing.”

  “Am I that obvious?”

  “Yes, but only from those who share your predicament.” Gina said as she joined Andi and Ainslie. She tugged the off the shoulder neckline of her yellow satin ball dress. “I’ve gotta say, Ian had some very interesting questions for me.”

  “Oh, really.” Andi raised her eyebrows. “Do tell.”

  “Crazy stuff.” Gina shook her head. “Like how to get sequins to stick to an athletic supporter.”

  “What? No way!” Andi laughed. “You’re kidding.”

  Gina’s curls bounced as she nodded. “Yes, way! It’s God’s own truth. He wanted to know if he had to use glue or could he get away with scotch tape.”

  “Oh my God.” Andi looked like she was going to faint. “Frog princes don’t need sequined supporters, right?”

  Gina shook her head. “Only if he’s going to hop around all night. I know my guy’s costume doesn’t need sequins. It’s got a lot of gold braid and maribou trimming. Sequins would definitely be overkill.”

  Andi took a deep breath. “Maybe it’s for Dave.”

  “What kind of costume would need a sequined supporter, anyway?” Ainslie shook her head.

  “Damned if I know.” Gina looked sad, but the twinkle in her eyes said otherwise. “But whatever it is, it can’t be made of good.”

  Ainslie’s mind boggled.

  She turned to watch the doors again, her heart sounding loudly in her ears. Something in the air had changed.

  Then her heart stopped when she saw Dave enter the ballroom with Mike and Ian. Mike had dressed all in a fluorescent green, long sleeved turtle neck, webbed gloves and green make up on his face. The crowning touch was a pair of green flippers on his feet instead of shoes. Ian wore a dark blue velvet coat over leggings and boots. The coat was be-ribboned with a ton of gold braids and his huge hat was trimmed with more maribou than a Frederick’s of Hollywood mule. He had a fencing foil attached to his belt, and it kept getting in the way when he walked.

  And Dave. Dear Lord, he was Prince Charming come to life.

  “Wouldja look at that,” Gina breathed. “God, they’re so cute.”

  “Do me a favor and don’t tell Mike he looks cute.” Andi grinned.

  “Okay, I’ll say he looks adorable.” Gina grinned.

  “And please don’t say ribbit to him. It’ll make him crazy.”

  Ainslie couldn’t tear her eyes away from Dave. He could have been lifted off the page of a fairy tale, a perfect prince. Dressed in a dark blue coat and black breeches, a red sash across his chest and a sword at his side, he looked ready to slay dragons and rescue damsels.

  Nary a sequin in sight.

  When he stood before her, Dave reached for her hand and brought it to his mouth for a gentle, thrilling brush of his lips. “You look amazing, Cinderella.”

  She sighed in delight. “You look so handsome.” Wait. “How did you know I was coming as Cinderella?”

  “Spike.” Music floated around them, the tune sultry and slow. “Dance with me.”

  Ainslie followed him onto the dance floor and into his arms. His arms felt warm and strong around her as he twirled her around the dance floor. “You dance very well,” she breathed.

  “My mother made me take ballroom dancing classes. It ended up being a good way to meet girls.”

  “Oh, really.” She angled her chin to look up at him. “You’re full of surprises.”

  He cocked his head to one side, love shining brightly from his eyes. “You don’t know the half of it.” He pulled her tight against him.

  She sighed as she melted into the warmth of his embrace, the steady thud of his heart against her body. Her skin felt extra sensitive, prickling as the air around them sparked and crackled.

  “Penny for your thoughts.” Dave looked at her, a question in his eyes.

  Did he look worried? How odd. “I’m thinking about how perfect tonight is.” She smiled. “About how much I love you.”

  Something flickered warmly in his gaze as he studied her face. Though the music still played, he spun her to a stop.

  And then, oh dear Lord, he went down on one knee in front of her. She looked at his face, that handsome face, those beautiful blue eyes and saw the love there.

  Love for her.

  He took her left gloved hand and kissed it. “Ainslie Logan, I love you so much, there are times I can’t breathe because of it.” He let go of her hand to pull a small black velvet box and flip open the top.

  Her breath caught in her throat as the diamond ring in the box reflected the light and made it dance. She couldn’t find her voice, couldn’t move.

  “What I really want to ask is will you marry me? I’ll do anything you want, anything you need.”

  “All you have to do is love me and the children.”

  He shifted his weight on the one knee on the floor. “Not to be unromantic, but if you could give me a yes, my knee will be forever gr
ateful.”

  “Just your knee?” She still couldn’t believe what she was hearing.

  “My heart, my body, my brain, my left small toe—whatever you want, you’ve got it.”

  “And my children?”

  “Trust me, they’re good with this.”

  “I think there’s a story here.”

  “There is, but I’ll tell you after you say yes.” Dave gave her the smile she loved the best.

  “Well, then, I better say yes.” She reached out to touch his cheek. Pulling up on his arms so that he stood in front of her, she trembled as she gave him her answer. “Yes, I’ll marry you.”

  That’s when they noticed that the music had stopped and everyone in the room was watching them. The crowd on the dance floor clapped and hooted with approval.

  Next thing she knew, Dave snatched her up into his arms and spun her around.

  Dave set her down and kissed her, a soul kiss full of love and promise. She kissed him back, with all the love and trust she felt for him.

  After tugging off the glove of her left hand, he put the ring, a classic solitaire, on her finger. “This is forever. I mean it. I’m not ever going to let you get away.”

  “As if I’d let you.” She grinned.

  Dave led Ainslie into a private little corner of the room.

  “We’ve got a lot of plans to make.” Ainslie felt light-headed and dizzy with the thrill of it all.

  “Good thing we know a professional event planner.”

  A laugh bubbled out of her. A new job, a proposal from the most wonderful man she’d ever met.

  A new life. “I never thought I could be this happy again.”

  Dave kissed her, a deep claiming kiss, which made her toes curl. “I plan to keep you this happy for the rest of our lives.”

  “Me too.” She stared into his blue, blue eyes. “I love you so much!”

  He smiled. “Me too, baby.” He kissed her again. “Me too.”

  Epilogue

  Ruark looked around the small chapel where Momma would marry Mr. Mason.

  Correction. Dave. His soon to be step-father.

  He was Dave’s best man, how cool was that? Shanna and Patsy were standing up for Momma.