Embracing Forever

by Sheryl Lister

  “Then follow me.”

  The man led him to a black Town Car parked at the curb. Bryson got in and leaned his head back. He was exhausted from the overnight flight because he hadn’t been able to sleep. Would she be happy to see him or would he be going back home without the woman he loved and his best friend? The drive to Rosewood Heights took just over an hour and a pretty, young woman with skin the color of light brown sugar and dark, sparkling eyes smiled at him from behind the long mahogany counter at the Rosewood Inn. He gave her his name, identification and credit card.

  “Mr. Montgomery, welcome to Rosewood Heights. We have you reserved for three nights.”

  “Thank you and yes.”

  “It’s a little early for check-in, but let me see if I have something available.” She clicked a few keys.

  Bryson glanced down at his watch. Ten forty-five. He hoped they had a room. He would pay the extra cost if necessary.

  “You’re in luck. I do have a room with one king-sized bed.” She handed him his ID and credit card, along with the room key. “The restaurant serves breakfast until eleven thirty. The waffles are to die for,” she added with a smile. “Phillip will show you to your room.” She gestured to a bellhop standing nearby.

  He followed Phillip to a second floor room that had a balcony overlooking the gardens. The inn had all the charm of a small town, from the airy room with a ceiling fan, to the wrought iron surrounding the balcony.

  Bryson felt rejuvenated after his shower. He decided to wait until later to unpack. He put the room key in his pocket, took the stairs down to the first floor to the small restaurant.

  After placing his order, he sat back and contemplated how to get Raven back. The only thing he could do was tell her what lay in his heart. He just hoped Simeon came through with the information Bryson needed and that everything turned out in his favor.

  Chapter Twelve

  “So have you thought any more about talking to Bryson?” Ava asked Raven Friday as they walked through the gardens at Rosewood Estates.

  “A little.” Truthfully, Raven had thought of nothing else all night. “But I have no idea what I would say.” She stopped walking and scanned the fence with all the locks. There were far more than she remembered seeing last year. “I guess a lot of people are finding love.” Whenever a couple got engaged or expressed their love in the garden, they placed a lock on the fence.

  “There’ve been four more weddings here since mine. Maybe yours will be next.”

  She gave Ava a sidelong glance. “I don’t think so.” But, secretly, she wouldn’t mind being married next to the lake. At sunset, the view was unlike anything she’d ever seen.

  “Just tell him what you feel.”

  It took a second to realize Ava had picked up on their previous conversation. “Everything is so jumbled up. Each time I think a relationship is going to be good, I end up being wrong and this time…” She let the sentence hang. She couldn’t bring herself to say out loud that this time she didn’t want to be wrong. She wanted it to be good forever.

  A smile blossomed on Ava’s face. “I have a feeling you won’t be wrong this time.”

  Raven eyed her. “How do you know?”

  Ava shrugged. “From what I remember about him, he seemed like a great guy.”

  Raven’s cell rang. She glanced down at the display and saw her brother’s name. “Let me answer this. Hey, Simeon.”

  “Hey, sis. I just wanted to check on you.”

  She smiled. “I’m good. Just sitting in Love’s Last Garden, talking to Ava.”

  “Well, I won’t hold you. Tell Ava I said hello. See you when you get back home.”

  “Okay. I’ll tell her.” She disconnected. “Simeon said hi.”

  “Did he get his case handled?”

  “Yes. But I worry about him putting in so many hours. Just like someone else I know,” she added, smiling at Ava. Ava served on almost every committee in town, was involved in the town planning and often acted as the personal assistant to the mayor. Raven still didn’t know her actual job title.

  Ava laughed. ”Hey, there’s a lot to do. Actually, I’ve slowed down a little. I have something else to occupy my time now.”

  “Mmm hmm, I bet. Owen is probably the only person who can slow you down.”

  “You’re probably right.”

  Raven just shook her head. They continued to converse while sitting on a bench beneath a large oak tree. Raven took in the beauty of the area—sunflowers, coneflowers, hydrangeas, and, of course, a few Carolina Jessamines, the state flower. Thankfully, the humidity hadn’t climbed to unbearable levels as yet, but the late June temperatures were expected to be near ninety.

  “Hey, beautiful.”

  Raven whirled around so fast she almost fell off the bench. “Bryson? What…what are you doing here?” Her heart started pounding in her chest. He looked so good it took everything in her not to leap into his arms. Evidently he’d checked the weather because he had on beige shorts, a pale blue silk tee and leather sandals. No one wore dark colors at this time of the year.

  “Guess I’m not the only one whose nights are going to be occupied,” Ava said just loud enough for Raven to hear her. She stood and extended her hand. “I don’t know if you remember me, but I’m Ava.”

  Bryson clasped her hand. “I do. It’s good to see you again and congratulations on your marriage.”

  “Thank you. Well, I’ll leave you two to talk.” Ava divided an amused glance between Raven and Bryson and hurried off. When she was behind Bryson, she caught Raven’s gaze, held up her phone and mouthed, “Call me later.”

  Raven nodded. She turned her attention back to Bryson. “You never answered my question.”

  “I came for you. May I?” Bryson gestured to the bench.

  She nodded and scooted over. For a moment he didn’t say anything. She had a thousand questions, starting with who had told him she’d come home and how he knew where she would be.

  “I’m sorry I hurt you, Raven.”

  A measure of guilt rose. “You didn’t hurt me, Bryson. I believe you didn’t know about Whitney’s plans.”

  “I met her about a year and a half ago at a business conference and we ended up in her hotel room. She’s a recruiter for her job in Seattle and came through LA a lot. We got together a few times for dinner or drinks, but that’s it. I never mentioned her to you because we never had a relationship. The last time I had spoken with her was when she called to say Happy New Year.”

  Simeon had said the same thing and she felt worse. “I’m sorry.”

  Bryson faced her. “Baby, why didn’t you wait and let me explain?”

  “Because what I feel for you scares me so much. In every relationship I’ve had, what started out as being good turned to bad and I don’t think I could handle that if it happens to us.”

  “Sweetheart, listen to me. I know your history, just like you know mine. We’ve both had some bad things happen in relationships. But do you know what? Through all of them, one thing remained good.”

  “What?”

  “Us.”

  Raven searched his face. Every moment of their twelve years together flashed in her mind. He was right. “Oh my God, Bryse. I’m so sorry.” The tears came.

  He smiled and draped his arm around her. “You don’t have to apologize, Raven. I know that you’re afraid. But I also know that you love me. I can feel it here.” He pointed to his heart. “Let go of your fears. You told me you trusted me with your life. Trust me with your heart, baby and I promise to take good care of it.”

  She placed her hand on his heart and felt the strong, steady beat. “You always have.” The fact that he had come all the way to South Carolina proved how far he was willing to go for her. Now, she had to show him how far she would go for him, to prove that she was ready to embrace all he had to offer. “I’m ready, Bryse.”

  “For what?”

  “To embrace everything you’re offering.”

  Bryson held out his hand. �
��What I’m offering you is forever.”

  Raven hesitated for the briefest of moments before placing her hand in his. She trusted him and he had never let her down. “I love you, Bryse.”

  “I love you, too. Forever.”

  She kissed him, pouring into it everything he made her feel.

  He picked her up, straddled her on his lap and rested his forehead against hers. “I was so worried about you. And when you weren’t at home or work, I almost lost my mind. You didn’t answer any of our calls.”

  Once again, her guilt surfaced. Bryson, Jerome and Kendrick had called several times and left messages. “I know and I’m sorry. I’ll call them later.”

  “We’ll call them later. I’m just happy to have you in my arms again. Promise me that you won’t do this again. I don’t think my heart could take not knowing where you are.”

  “I promise. No more running.”

  Bryson stared at her intently, understanding the gravity of her words. “Unless you’re running to me. I will always be there to catch you.”

  Something burst free in her heart. “And you’d better not drop me.”

  He roared with laughter.

  Raven just smiled. She wrapped her arms around him and laid her head on his shoulder. He was hers. “How long are you staying?”

  “I’m flying home with you Monday morning.”

  Her head came up. Only one person knew her flight information. “Simeon. He told you?”

  “He did. But he made me promise two things first—to make you happy and to not turn into a bossy big brother.”

  “And you said?”

  “That I had no problems making you happy and I wouldn’t turn into that kind of brother because you’re bossy enough for the both of us.”

  “You what?” she asked with mock outrage, punching him in the chest.

  “Ow!” Bryson rubbed the spot.

  “You’re lucky that’s all I did.” She rolled her eyes and climbed off his lap.

  Bryson stood. “Don’t be mad. You know we love you.”

  “Whatever,” she muttered, trying to hide her smile.

  He reached for her hand. “Let’s go for a walk. This is a beautiful place.”

  “It is. My favorite spot is down by the lake.” They set off on a leisurely stroll and Raven shared all the historical points. Later, she received a text from Ava: From the sound of all that laughter coming from the garden, I assume all is well. He’s a keeper! She laughed.

  “What’s so funny?”

  “Nothing really. Ava just texted me.” Raven’s stomach growled softly. “Do you want to go get something to eat?”

  “I had waffles at the Rosewood Inn earlier and I’m not that hungry, but what did you have in mind?”

  “Ooh, those waffles will make you hurt somebody, they’re so good. Is that where you’re staying?”

  “Yes. I can’t convince you to come stay with me, can I?” Bryson gently nipped at her ear. “I’ll make it well worth it.”

  She was tempted, oh so tempted. But this was a small town and word would spread like a wild fire if she “shacked up” with him. “I would love to, but my parents would go ballistic. Speaking of my parents, they’ll want to see you.” They’d met Bryson when she graduated from college. “I was going to suggest going to the Little Rose Café for lunch, but if my mother finds out that the townsfolk saw you before she did—and the word will beat us back to the house—I’ll never live it down.”

  “Well, I don’t want to mess up with your mother, so…” He gestured her forward.

  “I’m certain she’ll be more than happy to whip something up, and I don’t mean sandwiches and chips.” Raven was also certain that her mother would go absolutely crazy over Bryson. They walked back through the estate to the lot where she had parked her mother’s car and she drove them the ten minutes to her parents’ house.

  “I like the porch. Looks like a great place to sit at the end of the day.”

  “That’s exactly what I did.” She held his hand as they climbed the steps to the front door. “Mom,” Raven called, entering.

  “I’m right—” Her mother stopped short upon seeing Bryson and a look of wonder bloomed on her face. “Hello, I’m Margaret Holloway.” Then recognition dawned. “Bryson? Oh, my goodness. I didn’t recognize you with your new hairstyle.” She came over, hugged him and took both his hands.

  “Hello, Mrs. Holloway. It’s good to see you again.”

  He unleashed his smile and Raven thought her mother would swoon right there. “You can let go of him now, Mom.” She shook her head.

  “Bryson, Raven didn’t tell me you were coming. What brings you to our little beach town?”

  “Raven.” Bryson answered her mother, but his eyes were on Raven. “We had a little misunderstanding and I came to clear the air and to let her know that I love her and she will always be first in my life.”

  Her mother gasped and brought both hands to her mouth. “Are you telling me you’re together, together? More than friends?”

  He smiled over at Raven and she said, “Yes, Mom. That’s what we’re saying.”

  “Hallelujah! Thank you, Lord for answering my prayer.” She grabbed Bryson in one of her famous crushing hugs. “I am so happy!” She finally turned him loose. “Are you hungry? Let me go fix you all some lunch. Raven, take Bryson out to the porch and I’ll let you know when it’s ready. Oh, your father is going to be so surprised. I’ve got to go call him.” She started for the kitchen and stopped. “I’m just so happy.” She hurried off.

  Raven shook her head and did as her mother said. She sat on the swing and patted the space next to her.

  Bryson sat and pulled her close. “Your mom is sweet.”

  “My mom is a mess,” she countered, laughing.

  He chuckled and set the swing to a slow sway.

  “You know, I always envied the time my parents spent sitting here together. I wondered how it would feel to sit just like this with someone I love. I don’t have to wonder anymore.”

  “And how does it feel?”

  “Incredible, amazing…safe.” The layers of fears she had carried for so long began to drop off one by one, until only peace and contentment remained. They didn’t have to say a word. Their hearts had already spoken. She and Bryson sat in comfortable silence, the swing gently moving back and forth, until her mother called them in to eat.

  “I have some sweet tea, Bryson. Is that okay?” her mother asked.

  Raven laughed at the look on Bryson’s face. Clearly he hadn’t believed what she had told him about her mother.

  “Sweet tea is just fine, Mrs. Holloway. You shouldn’t have gone through all this trouble.”

  Raven met his stunned gaze with an amused one. “Mom, you really went overboard.” She had made fried chicken, potato salad, fresh green beans and homemade biscuits. She’d mentioned making the biscuits for dinner.

  Her mother waved her off. “Oh, this isn’t much.”

  Bryson’s smile widened and Raven rolled her eyes.

  “Is there a place where I can wash up?” Bryson asked.

  “Of course, baby.”

  Baby? Her mother was going too far.

  Her mother pointed Bryson in the direction of the half bath down the hall. As soon as he was out of hearing range, she turned to Raven. “Oh, my goodness! He’s grown up to be such a handsome young man.” She giggled like a schoolgirl. “And when did you start dating? You always told me the two of you were only good friends.”

  “It happened about a month ago. Took us both by surprise.”

  She clasped her hands together. “Lord, I’m going to have some pretty grandbabies.”

  Raven’s eyes widened. “Mom,” she whispered, taking a hasty glance into the hallway to make sure Bryson hadn’t heard. She sighed. “Can you please keep it down?”

  “What? Bryson is a cutie.”

  She threw up her hands. No way would she win this battle. Bryson re-entered the kitchen and she hoped he missed her mother’s last sta
tement.

  “You should probably go and wash your hands, Raven. Oh, and your dad will be here in time for lunch. He’s anxious to see Bryson. Isn’t that wonderful?”

  “Just peachy.”

  Bryson laughed softly.

  Afraid of what else her outrageous mother might say if left alone with Bryson, Raven walked over to the kitchen sink to wash her hands. They had just sat down at the dining room table when she heard her father open the screen door.

  He poked his head in the dining room and waved. “Let me wash up and I’ll be right there.” Her father was back in a minute.

  Bryson quickly came to his feet.

  “Dad, you remember Bryson Montgomery. Bryse, my dad, Allen Holloway.”

  “It’s a pleasure to see you again, sir,” Bryson said and extended his hand.

  Her father grasped the proffered hand and smiled, evidently pleased by Bryson’s manners. “Same here, son. It’s been a few years. Looking forward to talking to you later.”

  Meeting his gaze easily, Bryson said, “As am I, sir.”

  Raven wanted to sink into the floorboards. They were acting like she was sixteen and going on her first date. Bryson reached under the table and gave her hand a gentle squeeze, letting her know it was okay. His touch sent calming vibes through her and she relaxed.

  * * *

  Bryson woke up Saturday morning with a huge smile on his face. He liked Raven’s parents and had enjoyed spending time with them. He thought about the conversation he’d had with Mr. Holloway. The man had grilled him for nearly an hour, but Bryson hadn’t minded because he had no doubts he would pass every test. In an age when asking for a woman’s hand didn’t occur as much, it had impressed her father that Bryson had chosen to do so.

  He checked his pants pocket again to make sure he had everything then called the contact at Rosewood Estates Simeon had given him. Simeon had proven to be a great coconspirator for what he had planned and every person Simeon suggested had been eager to help. His cell rang.

  “What’s up, baby?” he asked when he answered.

  “I’m here,” Raven said.

  “Okay. I’ll be right down.” Bryson’s heart started beating rapidly. He took a deep breath and left to go meet his future wife. His steps slowed when he saw her in the lobby. Raven had on golden colored sundress and flat sandals. As he came closer, he saw that the color seemed to bring out the gold highlights in her hair, which hung straight around her shoulders. He smiled and placed a soft kiss on her lips.