Chef Charming
Page 12
“Way to go, big guy,” Jose thumped Marcus on the back. “Didn’t know you had it in you!”
“Thanks for the vote of confidence, buddy,” Marcus laughed.
“Hey, Rori,” Jose said as they left the restaurant, “if you change your mind, call me.”
“Not likely, but thanks for the offer.” She gave him a quick kiss on the cheek.
“You are one lucky guy, Marcus,” Jose told his friend. “Take care of that lovely lady.”
“I will.” Marcus thought that the next three weeks were going to be the longest of his life. His love for this fascinating woman deepened with each new experience they shared.
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Later that evening, sitting in the family den, Marcus knew Rori was working on her resume online, so he opened his email program and quickly typed.
Dearest Aurora, You are gorgeous and I love you.
He knew immediately when she got the message even though no one else in the room would have known. Her slightly raised eyebrow gave it away.
Really? You’re sending me a message from across the room? Rori answered in the message box.
Yes, couldn’t resist the urge and didn’t want to disturb the family. Rori’s dad was dutifully, but reluctantly looking at wedding announcement examples with his enthusiastic wife. Gwen was working through the classroom requirements for the new charter school.
You are silly, Aurora responded.
You’ve rubbed off on me. Not sure anyone would’ve called me ‘silly’ three weeks ago.
It’s just because they didn’t know you very well.
I’ve found some Bible verses we could use in the ceremony. I’m going to forward them to you, okay?
Or, I could just come over there, Rori offered, really looking for an excuse to sit next to him.
No. I’m also sending you an email with the preliminary menu from the culinary guys. He didn’t want to tell her that the real reason he didn’t want her to sit next to him was that the temptation was too great. He knew it was reasonable to be attracted to his future wife, but had spent a lot of time in prayer making sure he didn’t act on those desires. He was not going to spoil the precious gift God had dropped unexpectedly into his life.
Thankfully, her mom chose that moment to call them up to the dining room to look at the wedding invitation examples, interrupting their secret message session.
Late Saturday afternoon, Marcus and Rori arrived at his parent’s house. His mom and dad were thrilled with Rori, realizing immediately this vivacious, merry soul was a perfect match for their son. Mrs. MacRae had already spent time on the phone with Rori’s mom, and her plans were in full swing. Marcus and his dad left the ladies to the wedding details and headed out to the deck to talk.
“Have you told her about Carissa yet?” His dad asked. Carissa was Marcus’s college girlfriend. They had dated exclusively for several months, but thankfully, Marcus had realized she was not as serious about her faith as he was. Their breakup was not pleasant and he had only been on very casual dates since then, almost four years ago.
“No,” Marcus realized he had forgotten about Carissa. “I really haven’t thought about her in months, and definitely not in the last three weeks.”
“You might want to bring it up,” his dad advised, “Maybe in your session with Pastor Jay tomorrow after church.”
In the living room, Marcus’s sister had pulled out the family photo albums and Rori was enjoying seeing Marcus as a child and young man. As she turned the page, she heard his mom whisper to her daughter.
“Here, Rori,” Katie said, reaching for the album. “Let’s look at these later. I know Mother is anxious to get these lists done.” Her obvious interruption was too late. Rori was staring at a formal picture of Marcus and a gorgeous petite brunette.
“Who’s this?” Rori forgot her resolve to be dainty and ladylike when she was with Marcus’s family. The distressed curiosity was evident in her voice.
“Just an old girlfriend,” Mrs. MacRae explained. “Carissa and Marcus dated in college. It didn’t end well.”
“We didn’t really like her,” Katie interjected. “She was snooty and I think she just went to church with us to keep her hooks in him.”
“Kathryn Lynn MacRae!” her mother scolded.
“Well, it’s true,” the young woman tried to look apologetic. Their banter had given Rori time to recover. The woman in the picture was gorgeous and so completely her opposite that she was immediately distraught. She wanted to run and hide but instead used humor to cover her feelings.
“Well, we’ll have to cross that name off the baby names list, won’t we?” Rori quipped, forcing herself to grin as she closed the photo album and handed it to Katie.
Mrs. MacRae and Katie joined in her laughter, relieved that their soon to be family member was not easily upset. They had no idea that Rori was in fact dying inside. She knew she would never be able to compete with the beauty in the photograph.
Marcus assumed her quietness that evening was just due to the pace of the wedding planning. She was sharing a room with Katie and he pulled his sister aside and instructed her to make sure they didn’t stay up late talking. Rori needed her rest.
“She found out about Carissa this afternoon,” Katie informed him.
“What?!” Marcus almost growled. “What were you thinking?!”
“Don’t yell at me!” Katie stood her ground. “Rori took it all in stride. She said something about making sure Carissa was marked off the potential baby names list. She is really special, big brother.”
“Yes she is,” Marcus said, mentally trying to decide how to bring up the subject with Rori. “Do you think I should say something to her?”
“I don’t know,” Katie said with her wise nineteen years of experience. “Maybe you should. It probably would have been better coming from you.”
“Thanks, baby sister,” Marcus hugged her and gave her a quick kiss on the forehead.
“Wow,” Katie said quietly, unused to outward displays of affection from either older brother. Must be Rori’s influence, she thought. I like it!
Sunday morning dawned with a misty welcome. Rori followed the aroma of coffee downstairs to find Marcus was the only one awake. He took advantage of the opportunity and gave her a long hug.
“Did you sleep well?” he asked breathing in the lavender scent of her hair. He kissed her lightly, not trusting himself with any more, and released her.
“Yes,” Rori smiled. He thought the smile was a little false, but just accredited his doubts with the newness of their relationship. He was anxious to become familiar with her ever-changing expressions.
She was looking forward to the worship service, hoping that the hymns and message would help her troubled heart. Although their family church was more formal than the church she and Marcus attended just off campus, the teaching was solid and the songs familiar. She left the service with a lighter heart. They grabbed a quick fast food meal before returning to meet with the Pastor.
Having so little time to fit in pre-marital counseling the couple had arranged for this meeting and two meetings with Pastor Sam back home. Understanding their different personalities was the aim of today's session. A lot of laughter and teasing ensued, which encouraged Pastor Lawrence.
These two were opposites in many ways, but surprisingly held strong convictions about child-rearing, finances, and the importance of their spiritual lives. Confident that they could work through the inevitable conflicts that arose from being male and female, the pastor encouraged them. Although one of them was extremely organized and controlled and one lived life from moment to moment, he pointed out that if they loved and respected each other and learned to appreciate the other’s viewpoint, these differences would actually make for a very complete and stable marriage.
“Major on the major, and minor on the minor,” the pastor left them with his best piece of advice.
Stories of Marcus as a child filled the conversation at the family dinner early that ev
ening. Rori couldn’t help but laugh, despite the shadow that still clung to her when she thought about his old girlfriend. She tried to shake off the doubts.
On their drive back to Rori’s home, Marcus mentioned Carissa.
“I hear that you were unexpectedly informed about the infamous Carissa," he carefully broached the subject. “You do know that she was never, ever as important to me as you are, right? Even from the first moment I saw you, I think all thoughts or memories of her faded completely away. Honestly when my dad suggested that I mention her to you, my first thought was, ‘Who is Carissa?’
“Thank you, Charming,” Rori sighed, leaned over and kissed him quickly on the cheek. She knew that he probably thought he had erased all her doubts, but Rori could still picture the gorgeous, petite brunette smiling up at him in the photographs. This is my problem, not his, though, she decided. Definitely will be a topic of prayer.
Marcus dropped her back at her parent’s house and after a quick cup of coffee, prepared to head back home. Rori walked him to the car, her family giving the couple a few minutes of privacy.
“Princess,” Marcus held her hands lightly. “I love you.”
“I love you, too, Marcus,” Rori wanted Marcus to hold her close and kiss away her questions, but he seemed content to let the cool evening breeze swirl between them. He finally pulled her close and kissed her softly.
“I’ve got to go,” he whispered against her hair. “I’ll call you when I get home.”
“Okay.” She waited in the driveway until his car turned out of the neighborhood.
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Monday night Rori emailed Marcus timing it just as his evening class should be ending, hoping he would be online. He was.
Marcus, you should be very, very thankful.
I am, but remind me again, why? His message instantly popped up.
You are marrying a very unusual woman.
Again, I agree, but what specific characteristic are you classifying as unusual? I can think of several.
I hate shopping especially trying on clothes – yuck! That will save you a lot of money in the long run.
Marcus wasn’t surprised. Rori was definitely not an ordinary woman.
That bad today, huh? He was tempted to add, “We could elope....” but resisted the urge.
Actually, I enjoyed trying on wedding gowns, which was surprising. I felt very princess-like.
Marcus groaned. You are killing me. Please, Lord, I’m struggling again here. Apparently she has no idea how she affects me! He tried to make his response as nonchalant as possible.
Did you find one?
Not 'the' one yet. I kept sending Jess pictures so she could give input and that helped. I did find a couple that I really liked. Mom and I are going to one more place tomorrow or Monday.
Any chance I could get a picture?
No way.
A description?
Not a chance.
Hints?
Nope.
You are a cruel, cruel woman. He could picture her playful grin as their conversation continued.
Yes sir. It’s payback.
Payback?
Oops, Rori realized she had just headed down a secret road. Oh well, here goes nothing.
Yes, payback. Since you insist on wearing your kilt and I have to suffer through the ceremony being totally distracted, you can suffer a few days wondering what my dress will look like.
My kilt? Distraction? I’m lost. I thought you liked the idea. If you don’t, you have to let me know so Dad, James, and I can figure something else out.
No, no. Kilts are fine.
Then the problem is...?
I love the idea, (and I’m only telling you this since I don’t have to do it face –to-face), your long, muscular legs are extremely attractive. Now that I’ve shocked you, I’m signing off, mortifyingly embarrassed, but deeply in love with you, Lord Marcus – Aurora
Silly girl, you have made me laugh. I love you.
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Not trusting her email to convey her excitement, she called Marcus on Wednesday and left a message on his phone.
“I found a dress!”
Later that evening, a message popped up on her computer.
Your phone message could be classified as cruel and unusual punishment, Marcus typed.
Sorry, but it’s really, really pretty, Rori explained.
Even meaner, Marcus stated.
Sorry, I’ll stop, Rori conceded.
I love you, Aurora.
I love you, too, Marcus. Oh, and I started another countdown. Seventeen days.
I hope my picture is better on this one! Marcus remembered the caricature she had drawn and how mad he was when he first saw it. Looking back now, he knew the picture in the sketchbook was what pushed him to admit his feelings for Aurora Grace Sinclair and had convinced him not to give up hope.
Whatever do you mean? I liked the first one. I thought it was very lifelike.
Imp! Life with this woman was going to be a joy.
Doubt and Dilemma
Early the following Friday morning, Rori, her mom, and Mrs. MacRae were heading towards the campus. They were planning to spend the weekend checking on the dinner arrangements and final details. They also both wanted a look at the gazebo and gardens where the wedding was to take place.
The two very organized and motivated mothers made the potentially hectic plans flow like a well-oiled machine. As far as plans and details went, their wedding was a dream. Rori only wished her emotions were as undisturbed.
Rori was glad that their chatter filled the car so neither lady noticed her silence. She and Marcus had talked each evening, but he was busy with the community cooking class. Even though he was co-teaching the intensive class for the culinary students with Jake, it still took up a lot a time. He was usually exhausted when they were finally able to speak each evening. Plus, she didn’t feel confident enough anymore to burden him with her doubts. She knew he would probably say she was ridiculous for worrying.
The moms had rented a hotel room, but Rori was staying with Carla and Zoe. Jess was coming over later to make it a fun girl’s night. Jake had been booted out to spend the weekend with Marcus.
After dropping the ladies off at the hotel, Rori met Carla at the Marcus’s condominium, which had been designated as the collection point for wedding supplies. They were planning to spend the morning on party favors. Carla noticed Rori’s unusual quietness.
“What’s wrong?” Carla knew something was bothering her friend.
“Nothing, just tired,” Rori explained. She forced herself into a more cheerful mood, and apparently she was convincing enough. Carla let the matter drop, but was still concerned.
“I didn’t think it would make such a mess,” Rori exclaimed over the disaster facing Marcus when he came home to find her and Carla in his kitchen. He was exhausted from the week of classes and nervous about the wedding. The stress made him short-tempered. Unfortunately, Jake was not here to warn him of the dangerous ground ahead.
“Exactly,” he grumbled. “You didn’t think.” Moving their wedding craft project off his kitchen counter impatiently. His back was facing her so he didn't see the blood drain from her face. Carla did but was unable to stop Rori before she bolted out the back door.
“You big, dumb idiot,” Carla pounded her small fists on his back.
“What?” Marcus turned, trying to fend off the surprise attack.
“She’s gone!” Carla pointed out the sliding glass door. “I can’t believe you just said that to her! She practically worships you, and you basically just called her stupid. How could you? Especially knowing about how she was treated by what’s-his-name, that jerk in high school. You fool!”
“Jason,” Marcus said as his conversation with Rori’s father came flooding back. He had shared a brief version of it with Jake and Carla over breakfast that morning.
“What have I done?” Marcus felt a yawning pit of despair open up ben
eath him.
“Go after her you doofus!” Carla’s vocabulary seemed to have an endless supply of words to describe his stupidity.
Marcus found Rori curled up on the bench swing hanging in the gazebo at the edge of the community park. He knelt beside her and reached out to brush the hair from her face.
“Please don’t touch me.” Her words conveyed the depth of her hurt. “I’m fine. I knew you would change your mind. Can you please just get this over with so I don’t have to face public humiliation? I don’t think I’ll survive this one.”
“Change my mind?” Marcus asked, “What the h..., heck would I change my mind about?!” His emotions running so high, he was in danger of slipping into colorful speech.
Rori lifted her head slightly, eyebrows raised and bright blue eyes peeking over her folded arms. He knew she was reacting to his choice, or almost choice, of words.
“Sorry,” he muttered. “What have I changed my mind about, if you will please enlighten me?” He was angry with himself but Rori assumed his tone was still directed at her.
“Loving me.”
He stood abruptly and moved to the bench next to her perch. The normally controlled, stoic, rugged man buried his head in his hands. He fought for control but a glance at the dejected young woman before him brought tears to his eyes.
“Aurora,” Marcus pleaded. “Look at me. Please.”
She raised her head again. He could see her blue eyes, brilliant in the evening light. Surprisingly, they held no tears, just a haunted look.
“I love you. I will always love you. Nothing you can do will ever, ever change that.”
She rolled her eyes and buried her head on her arms again.
“Whatever.” The bitterness was harder to take than anger. He moved back to her side and in one motion lifted her from the swing. He settled himself in the spot where she had been sitting and cradled her in his arms.
She was amazed at how easily he lifted her. Being as tall as she was meant she had never felt dainty. Until now. Still her long legs combined with his not-so-small frame, made for a very close proximity in the swing.
“I am an idiot. I should never have said what I did.” Marcus apologized, knowing that it was probably too little and too late. “I have no excuse but that I am tired and nervous and I want the wedding to be here already.”