“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to worry you. I shouldn’t have disappeared like that, but I was devastated, thinking I had lost you forever. I thought you didn’t want me anymore.” I looked down as I felt the shame of my cowardly actions.
Mark put a finger under my chin to force me to look back at him, intensifying our connection. “Sam, I love you, and I’ll love you regardless of what happens. Please tell me I haven’t lost you.”
My heart leaped, and the ice that had settled started to break free. I might be a little late at grasping what he had been trying to tell me, but it was starting to sink in.
“I love you, too. I’m yours, Mark. My love for you will only grow stronger.”
He hugged me to him, nearly squeezing the breath out of me. I felt whole again as my heart reassembled itself.
As Allison’s mom had always told us, Girls, just because it’s broken, don’t throw it away. Most times, something mended is stronger than it was to begin with.
Mark looked outside, and I followed his gaze. The rain had dissipated, leaving a clear sky.
He kissed my cheek. “It’s about time I broke through that stubborn head of yours. Come with me. There’s something I have to do.”
Without hesitating, I responded, “Of course.”
He opened the back door and slid us out of the backseat. The sky was clear, and I could hear the birds chirping. It was beautiful, peaceful, and perfect. He leaned back in to get something, and then he was back out, pulling me to the edge of the pond.
He turned me toward him. “Sam, you’re the one for me. I know our relationship has been fast for you. The moment you came back into my life, I felt as if we were finally going to have our chance. I waited for you because you are worth the wait. When it’s right between two people, there’s no reason to delay what’s meant to be just because of what someone deems is an appropriate amount of time before taking the next step.”
He knelt down on one knee and pulled out a black velvet box from behind his back. “This is where I went last night when you saw me going in the opposite direction of our condo. They had called while I was at the party and said it was ready.”
He popped open the box. “Sam, would you do me the honor of becoming mine and allowing me to become yours for the rest of our lives? I promise to never leave you and to love you always.”
I started exclaiming as I looked into his eyes, “Yes! Yes! Yes! You’re all that I want, all that I need.”
He stood, and I jumped into his arms before he had a chance to put the ring on my finger. Our lips smashed together, and my body never felt more alive. I now knew that we would be together forever, and we’d be able to overcome anything. He knew the worst of me and still loved me. Like this place, our relationship had weathered the storm and had come out more beautiful than ever.
After sitting me down, he slipped the ring on my finger. It was a beautiful square-cut diamond in a platinum band.
I gasped. “It’s beautiful. I love it.”
He pulled me back to him. “I had it made especially for you.”
I looked at my hand and watched the diamond sparkle.
His thumb came up and caressed my cheek. “Can we go to where you are staying? I want to spend some time with my fiancée without any barriers. I’ll have someone pick up your car and deliver it back to our place.”
The word our had me elated beyond belief. “Yes.”
Stopping at my car, I got my cell phone and locked the vehicle up.
As we got into the truck, he said, “I need to call Allison.”
“Okay. Tell her that I’m sorry.”
He pulled out his phone and dialed her number. “Hey, Allison. She said yes.”
He pulled the phone away from his ear, and I could hear the squeals coming from the other end.
“Yes, she’s right here. Hold on.”
He handed me the phone.
“Hello?”
“Oh geez, Sam, you had us so worried. Congratulations, sweetie. You deserve this happiness more than anyone.”
A few happy tears fell down my face. “Thank you. I’m so sorry.”
“Oh, we’ll talk about your stunt later. For now, let’s enjoy this happy moment.”
“Love you, bestie.”
“Love you, too. He’s a keeper.”
I looked over at Mark, who seemed so happy, even in our tired state. “I know. We’ll come by and see you guys before we head out of town.”
“Sounds good.”
After handing the phone back to Mark, I lifted the console and scooted closer to him. This feels perfect. I had one more person I needed to let know that I was okay. I turned on my phone and ignored the new texts and voice mails that had come in during that sad time.
Quickly, I sent Martin a text.
Me: I’m okay. Mark found me. It was a misunderstanding on my part. He proposed, and I accepted.
Martin: I’m glad, sweetheart. You women make things so much harder on us guys—which supports my theory on males being the smarter gender.
Me: Thank you for everything. You’re the best. I’m making you an appointment to have your head examined. You men make us women crazy.
Martin: You’d be there for me, too. Call me this week. I feel a bet coming on. We’ll discuss the terms later. Prepare to lose.
Me: Will do. Oh, I’m preparing my victory dance. See ya later.
Martin: Later.
After I put my phone beside me on the seat, Mark asked, “Who were you texting?”
“Martin.”
He didn’t say anything as he brought me to him. He kissed the top of my head, and I stared at my ring.
The happiness in my heart was spilling over. “I love being engaged to you.”
“You have no idea how happy you’ve made me.”
This was going to be our forever.
Back in the hotel room, we were lying together in a tangled mess of sheets with my head on his chest.
I can’t believe it! I’m engaged! My mind was yelling it over and over again in excitement.
As I was thinking about how happy I was, Mark asked, “Hey, Sam, did Martin know where you were?”
I raised my head. “Yes.”
Something passed over his features.
“What’s wrong? I thought you had left me. I didn’t know where to go. I needed to disappear, so I could deal. The last thing I wanted to do was try to cope with a broken heart in a negative way, like I had all those years ago. Martin had no idea what was going on. He still has no idea, but he now knows that you found me, and we’re engaged.”
He closed his eyes. “I was terrified when I couldn’t find you. We couldn’t reach Martin, and that was probably why.” He opened his eyes. “You have to promise me that you’ll never run away like that even if you think it’s over. We have to talk it out, Sam. I was scared shitless, thinking something had happened to you. We are going to be together forever, Sam. We work it out together as one. It’s you and me.”
I kissed his cheek. “You and me. I promise, I’ll never do that again. Don’t leave me like that again.”
He relaxed and pulled me to him. “I won’t, I promise. I was thinking that we should purchase your little hidden gem, have it fixed up, and get married there.”
I sat up in bed with the sheet pooling around my waist. “Are you serious?”
He rose, too. “Yes. It consoled you all those years. It’s where you first told me you loved me, where I got you back, and where you agreed to be my wife. I’d like to get married there. Eventually, we can build a house out there.”
“Yes. I want a Christmas wedding. Do you think that’s doable?” I moved to straddle him.
He started grinning. “Yes.”
I started bouncing on his lap, and immediately, I felt him get harder underneath me.
He smiled. “Christmas it is.”
And with that, I raised myself and slid onto him.
He is my forever.
Early December
“Sam, hold still.”
&
nbsp; I was practically bouncing as Allison and my mom were trying to lace up the back of my wedding dress. Allison’s warning didn’t help as I continued bouncing, not being able to help it.
“I’m trying. You guys haven’t let me see or talk to Mark since yesterday evening after the rehearsal dinner.”
My mom, wearing a red dress, was the next to pipe in, “Calm down. You’ll be down that aisle in no time. I’m going to go check to make sure your dad is getting ready. He was chomping at the bit to get you two married, and now that the day has come, I think he’d rather you live in sin.”
That caused all three of us to laugh.
“Poor Dad. You might need to slip him a shot or two. I know I could use one.”
“Sam…”
I loved razzing my mom into using that motherly tone. However, I really could use a shot or two.
As she was leaving, she stopped and put her finger in the air. “On second thought, you might have a point.”
We all laughed as she left the room.
I was anxious to get to Mark.
“Don’t even think about it. You’re not seeing him until it’s time.” Allison rocked back on her heels with her little tummy, putting her finger to her chin.
She was, I thought, even more adorable at eight months pregnant. She was all belly and walked with a slight waddle. I loved the plum baby doll dress we had chosen together for her bridesmaid dress.
“Oh, I remember something similar happening to me, and all I received was an evil little cackle when I complained.”
Thinking back to Allison’s wedding day, I had been a tad obnoxious. I would never admit it to her though.
“Not funny, Allison.” It was amazing how much my perception had changed on everything. “And you won’t tell me where Mark is taking me on our honeymoon? You’re supposed to have my back.” My voice had officially gone whiny. I deserved to be slapped.
I’d had total control over the wedding, and Mark had asked to plan our honeymoon as his wedding gift to me.
“Whoa, you were the one who agreed to let him surprise you. That’s not my fault. Oh, I should tell you this one thing he’s doing. It’s so romantic.” Allison put her hands up to her heart, all dreamlike.
We had spent three days here in preparation for the wedding, and we would be on our honeymoon for five days. Mark had seven days between games, and the next game was pretty much a guaranteed win for their team, so Damien had given permission for Mark to be gone.
I love my brother-in-law.
I chewed on my lip, wagering with the devil on one shoulder and the angel on the other, both telling me why I should or shouldn’t find out the secret Allison was keeping from me. The devil won. “Tell me. Tell me. Tell me.” I was an absolute basket case as I grabbed her shoulders and gave her a slight shake.
Then, she started trying to imitate my cackle from her wedding day.
Oh shit, she is playing me.
“I don’t think I will. I remember all the little things you and Martin did to harass Damien. You can suffer.” She gave me a little squeeze before she went to get my veil.
“You’re evil.”
I stuck my tongue out at her, and Allison laughed as she returned to my side.
I started patting her tummy, and I was rewarded with a kick from the baby. “How’s my little niece doing today?”
I was still giving my mama a hard time about her wrong prediction. I might have done a victory dance around the living room when we’d found out at the reveal party.
Allison rubbed her tummy. “She’s still cooking and getting bigger and bigger. She’s an active one. Her daddy has gone a bit overboard in the safety department.” She paused, smiling, and then refocused on the task at hand. “Let’s finish getting you ready. It’s almost time to go.”
I jumped up and down in excitement.
“Sam, be still, or you’ll be late to your own wedding.”
I stopped, and she giggled as she attached my veil.
“You just want to go straight to the honeymoon.”
“You bet your ass I want to get to the honeymoon. I’m excited to ravish him over and over again.”
Allison raised one eyebrow. “You know your niece has ears.”
I gave her a little salute, and there was a knock at the door.
One of my favorite voices came through the door. “Your mom said you were upstairs, and I wanted to come give my little baker a hug.”
I practically skipped to the door as Edna walked in. She was wearing a little green dress suit with a red flower. Allison gave me a little hug before she left.
“I’m so glad you’re here,” I said to Edna. I gave her the biggest hug.
It meant so much to Mark and me, having her be a part of our intimate ceremony.
“Oh, I wouldn’t have missed it for the world. Just know that even though you’ll be married, your tokus better be in my kitchen every chance you get. You’re like a granddaughter to me, Sam.”
My lip started to quiver.
“Oh, don’t you dare. You’re about to go meet that fine man, and we are not arriving as blubbering messes.”
I nodded, afraid to speak.
“You look beautiful. Are you ready?” she asked.
“Do you have any parting advice before I become Mrs. Robertson?” I took a deep breath, letting the realization all set in, but there wasn’t a nervous bone in my body.
Edna grabbed my shoulders and gave me a loving smile. “Freeze this moment in time in your mind. When the difficult times come, think back on this day, and you’ll be able to find your way.”
I gave her one final hug. “Thank you. Thank you for everything. You gave me so much strength as I found myself.” My body started fidgeting again as I felt the moment getting closer.
“Let’s go get you married before we have to sedate you,” Edna teased.
I nodded in agreement as I was practically jumping as we walked down the steps. My mom was at the bottom of the stairs, and I saw two white limos waiting outside the front window. Edna continued on to the front door to join Allison, and they walked toward the front limo. That only left my mama and me in the entryway.
Mom followed my gaze and answered my silent query. “Mark wanted you and your dad to ride to the ceremony together. Allison, Edna, and I will be in the front one.”
I had to start fanning my face to keep the tears at bay.
She leaned toward the side table and grabbed a small white box. “I have something for you. When you were born, your grandmother bought you your own bride’s Bible to carry with you. She wanted it to be kept a surprise until your wedding day. In it is an inscription for you and Mark to read in private prior to the ceremony. It’s your something old.”
I started fanning my face again. This is too much.
She reached again, picked up a blue box that was on the table, and handed it to me. “Second is your something new. Allison got this for you, but she wanted me to give it to you during our time together.”
Mama opened the blue velvet box. Within the box, there was a diamond pendant on a white gold chain. Three intricate diamond hearts were connected in the most amazing way. The pendant sparkled magnificently.
She took it out, and I turned around, so she could put it on my neck.
“She had one made for me and another for her. The three hearts represent how the three of us are linked for life as mother, daughters, and sisters.”
Allison was so much like Damien when it came to this romantic shit. I grabbed a magazine from the table and began fanning my face to keep any moisture from seeping out of my eyes.
How much is a girl expected to take?
From her wrist, Mama took off the bracelet that she wore to every special occasion. “Third is your something borrowed. This is the diamond bracelet I wore on my wedding day. It was given to me by my mother as my something new.”
She clasped the bracelet on my wrist. I was afraid to speak because I was barely hanging on with my heart being in my throat.
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br /> Next, she picked up a book from the table. “Edna got you something to have also. It’s not to take to the wedding, but it is old, borrowed, new, and blue.”
Mama handed it to me, and I saw it was a cookbook. The title read, Bake with Love.
When I opened it, there was a note on the front page.
I handed it back to my mom, and I started fanning myself again.
Are they all trying to get me to bawl my eyes out before I get married?
That small saying from Edna meant more to me than she would ever know. The lessons and friendship that had been formed through baking helped me open myself up to the promise of love.
My mom continued on, “Sam, before we go out there, I want you to know that you are the most precious gift I’ve ever received. Having you in my life made it complete. You have a remarkable man waiting for you, and I’m so thankful you found each other.”
I gave her a hug as I took deep breaths, and I whispered, “Thank you, Mama. I love you so much.”
“Now, Allison knew we were probably going to be a crying mess, so she wanted me to give you this after we had our moment for your something blue to take down the aisle.”
My mom wiped away a few tears from her face. She handed me a box, and I opened it and started laughing. Allison was always there in the exact capacity I needed her. In the box was a garter that had the same design as my dress with a delicate blue ribbon woven into the white. At the front of it dangled the letters P and V in silver.
My mom clearly didn’t get the inside joke. “You two have always been like peas in a pod. She said you would get it, and it would help keep the tears away. Are you ready to get married, my sweet daughter?”
“Yes, Mama. I’m ready for all the promises that love brings.”
Walking hand in hand with my mom, we went to the second limo. I slid in next to my ever-anxious dad in his tux, and my mom helped put my wedding gown train in the car. The door closed behind me.
“Looking good there, Dad.”
He was a jittery mess, too. It was evident where I had gotten the whole knee-shaking, muscle-moving nervous habit.
“Boo Bear, you’re beautiful. Mark is a lucky man.”
“We’re both lucky, Dad.”
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