The door to This Great Coffee Place jangled as she pulled it open, yanking it harder than intended. She’d told Kate and Tommy to stay in the car, but like the headstrong children they were, they didn’t listen and had followed her inside. It was packed for late morning. A handful of local writers hammered away at laptops in the corner. The PTO had set up shop at one of the larger tables, chatting more than planning the next elementary school dance. MJ cringed to realize she was about to give them some new fodder. Her eyes found Lisa, standing behind the counter and pointing to a table near the window. Her stomach turned in on itself when she saw Chris sharing a table with Tammie.
She had to do this now. The plane was leaving in two hours.
Lisa had stopped taking orders to better watch what MJ would do. The room went silent, collectively recognizing something out of the norm was afoot.
MJ strode to stand right in front of Chris, clutching two envelopes in her right hand, the tinny engagement ring proudly displayed on her left.
Chris opened his mouth to speak to her, but she held her hands up.
“No, please don’t say anything. Let me say what I need to say; then I’ll go.”
He nodded and crossed his arms in front of himself. MJ looked around at all the expectant faces. Tammie leaned forward with voyeuristic anticipation, her face gaunt from her recent treatments. For once, MJ ignored her and everyone else, letting the room dissolve until it was just she and Chris, like when they kissed.
“From the moment you boosted me onto that counter and charmed me with that lemon custard pie, I knew you were extraordinary. You had a direct line to my soul, and over the years, I did everything I could to block it up. I didn’t like needing you so much. Every time I didn’t share my thoughts because I didn’t want to fight. Every time I didn’t ask for help when I was overwhelmed. Every time I wished you were with me instead of playing poker but didn’t tell you—each a little brick I stacked between my heart and you. I made a wall so high and thick that I couldn’t remember all the reasons I loved you—and there are so, so many.”
MJ knelt on the floor in front of him, grabbing his hand with her left. He didn’t pull away, so she kept going.
“You got stuck with a broken person who refused to admit how much she needed you. But I do.
“I need the special smile you only give to me. I need your pie every year on our anniversary because I still can’t make it. I need you to order my old-fashioneds on Friday night and make up ridiculous words that only we understand. Marriage isn’t supposed to be perfect. It’s messy and frustrating and full of compromises. It’s toilet seats left up, it’s rained-out vacations, and arguments over how best to do the taxes. But it’s also finding new reasons to love the person you’re with.”
MJ paused to catch her breath.
“I screwed up and I am so sorry. I thought kissing another man would give me answers, but it only proved I was asking the wrong question. You are the answer. You’re the only person I can trust with my heart. I need you in my life—there is no substitute, no one else for me, and there never will be.”
MJ squeezed his hand and stood up. She set the two envelopes on the table.
“The kids and I are going to my mom’s wedding. One envelope is the signed divorce papers. The other is a ticket to Vegas to join us. My heart and soul are yours completely. If you can forgive me—even if you only think you can—I want you to join us.”
She bent over and put her hands on the sides of his face, soaking up his blue eyes, afraid this might be the last time, and set her lips on his. She let them linger, memorizing the taste and feel and smell of him. She pulled back and with her face a few inches from his, she whispered, “I need you, Chris. Please, please come to me.”
Chris’s eyes shone a bit more than before, but he didn’t say anything—she’d told him not to. When she stepped back, the rest of the café came back with a rush. MJ was painfully aware everyone had witnessed her confessions. Everyone would know whether they stayed married or not. But the only one who mattered was staring at the two envelopes.
She turned and left, the bells echoing in the silence behind her.
Chapter Twenty-Five
The tiny outdoor chapel was a riot of greens. Lush moss traced a curved path to a backdrop of ancient-looking stones under a gentle waterfall, which formed a tiny clear pool. The walls were thick green hedges decorated with thousands of white lights. A border of Irish moss dotted with tiny white flowers edged the base and irregularly shaped paving stones framed by neatly trimmed grass formed an unconventional floor. Sheer white fabric tented above them, decorated with more white lights and small hanging lanterns. The whole area breathed with life and magic.
MJ, Kate, Tommy, and MJ’s mom had arrived before the VanderHouse contingent. Her mom wore a swishy A-line cream dress with elegant lace sleeves. Her graying hair was pulled back in a soft chignon at the base of her neck. She glowed with so much happiness, MJ couldn’t help but feel the same, even while a piece of her was still back home. She daubed at her eye with one of the many tissues she’d tucked into her bra.
“Shouldn’t you be in hiding somewhere, Ma? Dr. VanderHouse is going to notice you when he walks in.”
Barbara waved her hand at MJ’s words.
“We’re too old for that nonsense. We’re going with what makes us happy. And he’s going to be family—you don’t need to call him Dr. VanderHouse. Gordon will do.”
As if summoned by magic at the mention of his name, Dr. VanderHouse—in a crisp gray suit and lavender tie—entered the chapel, his eyes ignoring everything but her mother. Any doubts MJ might have had about this marriage evaporated. His adoration for her mother couldn’t have been clearer. He went straight to her, pulling her in for a kiss.
The kiss stretched into awkward territory. MJ hadn’t noticed who entered with him until a male voice cleared his throat and brought the couple back to the present. Mike and his husband stood close by the door.
MJ went up to Mike and gave him a huge hug—he was going to be her stepbrother, after all.
“Hey,” MJ said. “It’s nice to see you.”
“You, too,” Mike said. “MJ, this is Brian.” Brian leaned in closer to shake MJ’s hand, keeping an eye on the door.
“When do you think Elvis is going to get here?” he asked. “I’m dying to know if he’ll be a young, sexy Elvis or a drug-addled, fat Elvis.” His face reflected the giddy delight in his voice.
MJ snorted. She liked him immediately. “I’m rooting for a young Elvis.”
Brian shook his head. “No way—five bucks he’s full-on white jumpsuit and muttonchop sideburns.”
“No gambling. It’s a wedding,” Mike said.
“It’s a wedding in Vegas—I’m pretty sure an oddsmaker is part of the package,” Brian said, winking at MJ.
From beyond the greenery, they heard someone singing “Can’t Help Falling in Love.”
Barbara squeaked in excitement.
A businesslike assistant preceded the singer into the chapel, silently directing everyone into position for Elvis’s entrance. At last, in all his spangled, white-jumpsuited glory, the Elvis impersonator entered. His black wig formed a towering pompadour, a deep V dove almost to his navel, and a guitar hung over his shoulder. He shimmied his way to the front, facing the giddy couple. MJ couldn’t keep a smile off her face, especially when she noticed Kate and Tommy giggling to each other. MJ owed Brian five dollars.
With practiced ease, he slipped the guitar off his neck and handed it to the assistant. In a spot-on imitation of Elvis’s drawl, he began.
“We are gathered today, to celebrate the miracle of love between this beautiful woman and this handsome man.”
Elvis paused, giving the wedding party time to soak up his presence. The sequins on his outfit sparkled, adding a disco-ball effect to him. Everyone had a sparkle or two dancing on them, making them a part of the special ceremony. He was a one-man portable party of love.
“Love, it’s a beautiful th
ing,” he continued. “Barbara and Gordon, love has brought you to this moment so you can proclaim it for all to hear.
“But this proclamation isn’t just for today. Today is about committing to loving eternally, every day, with all your heart. Love doesn’t take a vacation to Hawaii; it doesn’t recognize time or age. It needs to be tended to every day.”
Barbara and Gordon held hands, absorbed in each other’s eyes.
As MJ listened to Elvis, a warm, strong hand slid into hers and the familiar scent that lived in all her happiest memories caused her breath to hitch. She couldn’t look because she knew she’d ruin her mom’s beautiful wedding by making a scene. Instead, she clutched Chris’s hand, worried he’d disappear if she let go. She poured all her heart into that grip, sending him all her love, hoping he’d feel it. Fat tears of relief tumbled down her cheeks. She looked down at her feet as she wiped them away with one of her stashed tissues, noticing a white box next to Chris’s black dress shoes.
On her other side, Tommy elbowed Kate and the two stood grinning. Elvis pulled two rings from somewhere in his jumpsuit and set one in Barbara’s hand and one in Gordon’s.
“Barbara and Gordon have prepared their own special vows for each other.” Elvis nodded to Gordon.
Gordon cleared his throat and gently took Barbara’s hand, partially sliding on the ring.
“My dearest Barbara, I’ll never fall in love again if you love me tender. I’ll buy you blue suede shoes and never take you to Heartbreak Hotel. Please wear my ring around your neck to soothe my burning love.” His voice cracked. “I want you, I need you, I love you.” He slid the ring onto her finger.
MJ leaned into Chris, wanting to be as close to him as possible. Now it was Barbara’s turn.
“My surprise, my Gordon.” Her voice was strong and clear. “I’ll be loving you too much, baby, if you’ll give me all your love. I’ll take you to Blueberry Hill and I’ll never have a suspicious mind. Don’t be cruel, and take care of any fever. I want you, I need you, I love you.”
Elvis pulled out a spangled handkerchief and dabbed his eyes.
“I’m all shook up,” he said. Everyone chuckled. “Barbara and Gordon have declared their love and commitment in front of their family, friends, and the King of Rock ’n’ Roll. With the power vested in me by the state of Nevada, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride.”
While the newlyweds sealed their vows, Elvis sang “Love Me Tender” and encouraged all the guests to dance. Kate and Tommy quickly got out of the way while the adults began swaying to the music.
Chris pulled her in so close that she had to wrap both arms around his neck and rest her head in the space between his shoulder and ear. She never wanted the music to stop, for the moment to end, but all too soon, the last notes drifted into the sparkling lights surrounding them.
As the other guests moved forward to congratulate Barbara and Gordon, MJ pulled Chris to the back corner of the room.
“MJ.” His voice cracked with relief.
“You came.” She searched his face for a clue.
“I . . . I wasn’t going to. I couldn’t get that picture out of my head. But then I went home to our quiet, empty house, and it didn’t matter anymore. I love you so much it makes me stupid.” He laced his fingers with hers. “I thought about what you said at the coffee shop, how open and honest you were. I knew I couldn’t live without you.”
A sob of pure relief escaped her mouth.
“I don’t want us to be over.” His voice broke. “I said so many things I didn’t mean. I have always wanted you, MJ. Always. I just needed to be reminded why. And I’m sorry I took so long. I should have followed you out of Lisa’s.”
Tears shimmered in both their eyes.
“I let you push me away. When I thought I had lost you—I didn’t fight for you. That’s my biggest regret.” He took a step closer to her, the air between them electric. “But never again. You are the first and only woman I’ve ever loved, but I stopped showing you that. You deserve to know every second of every day that you are adored, and I promise to show you a million different ways. I never want you to doubt me again. I would do anything for you.”
MJ grabbed his shirt and pulled him in the last few inches.
“Then kiss me.”
He did, and everything disappeared around them.
“Congrats, Ma.” MJ hugged her mom close, both women wiping tears.
Barbara took her daughter’s face in her hands. MJ saw the wise woman who raised her, but also a new side—a carefree side, an in-love side. The pressure of living life and raising a daughter—even a full-grown daughter alone—had lifted. She pulled Chris into their small circle. “Elvis was right, you two.You need to tend to your marriage.” She gave them both a squeeze. “Now get out of here,” she whispered. “I’ll make sure the kids don’t get into too much trouble.”
MJ didn’t need to be told twice. She snagged Chris’s hand and pulled him out of the chapel, leaving behind two kids whose future therapy bills had just gotten a lot cheaper. He paused long enough to pick up the white box that was at his feet. Her heart thudded as everything slowed around her. More than their hands connected them—strings made from a thousand memories intertwined to bond them closer and tighter than a welding torch binding steel to steel.
She yanked him into an empty elevator, holding his head between her hands, their bodies inches apart. He settled his free hand on her hip, letting it skim her curves, revisiting their dips and rises.
“You came,” MJ said again, scouring his face with her eyes.
His mouth twitched into a half smile. “How could I not? You told me to.”
She ran her fingers through his hair, which had never looked better.
“So, you do what I tell you now?” she teased.
“Always and forever.” Chris’s hand slid up her side as he nipped at her bottom lip, sending shivers across her body.
The elevator dinged on their floor. MJ backed out of it, keeping Chris close, inches from connecting. Holding his gaze as she backed down the hallway, she stopped when she got to her door.
“Will you get the key?” MJ asked.
Chris looked at her dress for pockets.
“Where is it? You don’t have a purse.”
MJ smiled and flashed her eyes down. Chris’s face turned wicked. He pushed her against the door as she threw her head back, giving him more room to search. He slid a hand into her bra, inhaling as his fingers grazed the soft skin. MJ bit her lip as his hand made contact, finding the key card immediately, but ignoring it as he chose to explore more. He dipped his head down to kiss her through the satin.
“Open. The. Door,” she said.
With a grin, Chris pulled out the card, then leaned into her harder so she could feel the torment was not one-sided. Chris fumbled and opened the door, causing them to stumble in. He yanked her in tight, kissing her while backing her toward the chair, dropping the box on one of the end tables. When her legs hit the back, he spun them around and sat down, leaving her standing. His hands followed her legs under her dress until they reached the satiny edge of her underwear. Leaning his head against her stomach so she could feel his hot breath through the thin fabric, he clenched the top of her underwear with his hands and pulled them down, nearly tearing the fabric in his haste.
This was no step one, two, three—she had no idea what would happen next. He took his hands off her to unbutton his own pants, his trembling hands struggling with the basic coordination.
Without waiting for him to kick them off his ankles and with her dress hiked to her hips, she crawled into his lap and exhaled as their lips found each other.
Her husband had come to her. She was home.
“After that, I’d consider letting you kiss other men on a regular basis,” Chris said.
MJ threw a cloud of bubbles at him, but they broke apart midair like a mini-blizzard, so she kicked him under the water, sloshing it against the sides. They’d ordered up some champagne
and food and took their party to the giant tub. Chris had moved the mysterious white box in there with them.
“Too bad—you’re stuck with all my kisses from now on.”
Chris’s face relaxed. She slid across the tub to sit next to him and slipped her hand into his, leaning her head on his shoulder. Her curiosity had finally lost patience.
“What’s in the box?”
Chris smiled his special smile and pulled the box toward him.
“I was wondering when you were going to ask.”
Careful to not get it wet, he opened the top and tilted it so MJ could see inside.
“Is that what I think it is?” But she knew what it was before he confirmed it with a nod. She could smell the tart lemon. “You brought this all the way from home?”
“We didn’t have one for our twentieth, so I thought we should celebrate now.”
MJ scrunched her face.
“Not exactly . . . you didn’t have any. I, on the other hand . . .”
She watched him put the mystery together, ending with the room-filling laugh she loved once he figured it out.
“You ate an entire pie that day? You really were tipsy.” He set the box down and pulled her tighter.
“Where did we go so wrong?” she asked.
He kissed the top of her head. “We stopped talking about important things.”
“Let’s not do that again. And what about Tammie?”
“She really is in a tough spot. She’s not an easy person to like, but she’s trying to change that.”
MJ pursed her lips. “I’m on it.”
Chris tilted her chin up so they could look at each other.
“You’re an amazing woman.” He kissed her nose. “What about poker?” Chris asked.
“Over it. Someone once told me that most regular poker players were searching for something on the felt. I don’t need to search anymore. I had what I needed all along.”
Chapter Twenty-Six
MJ stared at the license plate that used to frazzle her. HOT MAMA. Tammie opened her door and eased herself down from the high perch, her head wrapped in a colorful scarf.
Luck, Love & Lemon Pie Page 22