by Aimee Brown
“Why do I feel like you’ve done this before?” I ask him with a nervous laugh. “I think the later one, at least for now.”
“Perfect…” He pulls a black leather wallet from his back jeans pocket and slides out a business card, handing it to me across the table. “This is me, my number, email, measurements,” he winks. “Everything you need to get me the details of this wedding date.”
“OK.”
“Is it black tie?”
“No,” I shake my head. For a guy, he pays attention to the details a lot of men would miss.
“I’ll be there.” He stands from his chair and puts his wallet back in his pocket. “And Emi?”
“Yeah?” I clutch my purse as I stand, still nervous even though he’s just agreed to do this.
“When this wedding is over, he’ll know just how crazy he was to do what he did. Sound good?”
I nod with a hesitant smile. This could go great, I could achieve whatever it is I think I’m looking to achieve, or it could become a disaster. “Sounds great, thank you.”
“It’s totally my pleasure.” With a nod of his head, he stands up, walks around behind the bar, and disappears through the same side door he just came from.
Eight
The Proposal
One year, nine months ago.
Lincoln City, Oregon
“Pack a bag,” Jack says with a grin as he walks through our apartment door.
“But I was just getting ready to make dinner.”
He looks at the counter covered in sauce jars, spaghetti noodles, and seasonings. “I love your spaghetti.” He wraps his arms around my waist. “But I’m thinking maybe tonight we go fancy and head to the coast for the weekend? It’s all booked, paid for, and I promise high amounts of romance.”
“What kind of romance? The kind that gets me into bed or the kind that makes me swoon and fall even more in love with you?”
Jack raises a single eyebrow with a smile “Hopefully both?” He laughs, before kissing my neck, sealing the deal that my answer will not be no. How could I ever resist the guy who is full of romantic surprises even though he knows I hate surprises.
“How fancy?” I ask, following him into our room. I pull out our two black suitcases from the closet and lay them on the bed.
“The blue dress fancy?” His smile grows and his brown eyes sparkle as he pictures me in the one dress he loves.
I only have one blue dress and he requests it anytime he can. I've actually started considering it my lucky blue dress because somehow, every time I wear it, something great happens. He actually picked it out one day while we were shopping and even though it’s a few years old, I don’t think he’ll ever get tired of it.
It’s the dress I wore for the first time to one of his office parties. It’s really nothing special, just a midi dress with a slight flare to the hem with spaghetti straps in a blue color I fell in love with the second I saw it. It's figure flattering, even now, and fits like a glove (the regular kind).
“Whoa, we are going fancy. Does that mean—”
Like the soul-mate that he is, he reads my mind. “Yes, the pinstripe suit.”
A girl can have her favorite clothing too, you know? One of the perks of Jack being a lawyer is that I can swoon over him looking all sexy and dressed up even if it isn’t specifically for me. Today though, it will be.
“Yay!” I start tossing clothes into my suitcase, not forgetting the dress and my highest of high heels that make me stand at least above Jack’s shoulders when wearing them.
*
It takes Jack and me all of an hour to pack our cases, and we speed through the mountains towards Lincoln City. Normally when we come, we stay in tiny motels or cool little bed and breakfasts, but when Jack pulls up to the entrance of the most expensive hotel in the town, my heart does a tiny pitter-patter as I imagine a fancy life I say I never want.
“We’re staying here?”
“Yup.”
“But we never stay here.”
“I know, I thought it would be a nice change?” He grabs my hand and walks me into the hotel, chatting with the woman behind the counter as I walk around gawking at the fancy interiors. Everything is shiny and new with a modern sleek design. White flowers are on every counter and neon blue lights are under every eave.
When he’s done checking us in I follow him into the elevator and watch him push the button for the eleventh floor.
“We’re on the eleventh floor? Is there a balcony?” He knows my only requirement when staying at the beach is a balcony overlooking the ocean. I could spend hours sitting there, reading, or just watching the waves crash. It’s mesmerizingly beautiful.
“Of course, there is. I have a reservation in the restaurant in an hour so let’s dress up?” He flashes a sly smile as we walk out of the elevator and towards room 1124.
I admit I’m getting a little curious as to why he’s going to all this trouble? It’s not like Jack to be so secretive. That’s part of what I love about him. I never have to wonder what he’s up to, he normally tells me up front because he loves seeing my reaction as much as I love not waiting to have one. This time though… it’s like he’s hiding something from me. If I let myself go to what I think it might be, I’ll be really nervous. I’m sure it’s some kind of bad omen to expect what I think it is. If there is anything I’ve learned from watching far too many romantic comedies, it’s not to expect a proposal. It never ends well.
“What did you plan, Mr Cabot? Should I be nervous?”
“Not at all. I just wanted to do something special for you since I’ve been working all the time lately. It’s only fair,” he presses his lips to mine, which I admit, is a pretty unfair way for him to immediately make everything OK.
The room door beeps and pops open when he inserts his key revealing a giant suite of a room.
“Whoa…” We walk into a sitting room bigger than our own living room at home, with a floor to ceiling window looking out at the sunset. There’s a big TV on one wall and a plush couch on the other. A pair of French doors opens to a king-sized bed facing yet another wall of windows, which is the perfect way to wake up in the morning. I immediately spot the balcony stretching across both rooms.
“Jack,” I squeeze his hand. “This is… expensive, and so beautiful.” I know Jack comes from money but he doesn’t normally live the fancy, rich life that he could if he wanted. He’s more down to earth and laid back than that. This is extravagant and way out of the ordinary. Something is definitely up.
“Worth it.” He leans down, kissing my lips with a hand on my neck, giving me all the feelings possible. When he finally pulls away he tosses his bag onto the bed, then unpacks everything and puts his things into the empty drawers in the dresser against the wall.
He’s totally the opposite of me. He will unpack the moment we get somewhere whereas I will gladly live out of a suitcase for a month.
“Get dressed, gorgeous.” He nods towards the bathroom near me.
I plug in my curling iron and do long loose waves in my hair. Pull on my dress and slip on my heels. A quick touch up of my already done makeup and I’m ready.
“OK…”
As I walk out of the bathroom door I am stunned. I thought I was quick getting ready but from the looks of this place it took me a lot longer than I thought.
On the balcony, there is a table set for two: candles, covered plates, and wine.
“How did you—”
“Madam, Sir.” A man in a tuxedo interrupts me, directing me to my chair near where Jack is now standing.
“Who’s this?” I ask, unsure of exactly what is really going on. I swear it was just twenty minutes ago I was standing here staring at the ocean, and now there is a full dinner and waiter in our room.
“This is Elliott, he’s our chef and waiter for the evening.” Jack pulls my chair out for me like the gentleman he is.
“You hired a private chef?”
“I did.” He grabs the wine bottle and pours us each
a glass of wine, pink in color. “I also instructed him to bring dessert first, because I know how you love eating cake for dinner.” He laughs as he sets the wine back in the bucket. “But first…” he walks over and pulls open one of the dresser drawers he just laid all his clothes in and pulls out a small black box with a bright white bow.
Oh my God! It’s a tiny gift box! The squealing going on inside me would embarrass even the coolest of people. A tiny box as in the size of a small piece of jewelry. Holy shit. I was right, he is up to something.
This is it, Ems. He’s proposing.
How did he keep this a secret until right now? I can’t believe this is happening! Is it totally wrong that I want to pause this moment and call Lily right this second?
“I wanted to give you this,” he hands me the box and pulls his chair over near mine. “Open it.”
“What did you do?” I ask him, pulling the bow off and lifting the lid off the box to reveal a white jewelry box the perfect size for a ring. “Is this—” Thank God he can’t hear the squealing going on in my head right now.
Before I can finish, Jack takes the box, moves his chair, and kneels beside me opening the box to reveal the most beautiful engagement ring I’ve ever seen.
“I know you didn’t want me to do this in a public place with a room full of strange eyes watching such a private moment, so here we are, in one of your favorite places, and I just have one question…” He smiles at me as he pulls the ring out of the box before taking my left hand in his. “Will you do me a favor, and spend forever making me this happy?”
“Oh my God!” I can’t contain the squeal any longer and lunge out of my chair, knocking Jack over and causing the ring to go rolling across the floor towards the bed and thankfully, not the balcony. Jack spots it first, laughing as he collapses on the floor to reach it.
We’re both laughing uncontrollably now, “Well, that was smooth,” he holds the ring out to me, both of us now sitting on the floor in front of one another. “Marry me, Emi?”
I stare down at the ring, tears burning my eyes as they spill over uncontrollably. “It’s all I ever wanted. Of course I’ll marry you!” I hold my hand as steady as possible as he slides the gorgeous three carat ring onto my third finger like it was made to fit. I wrap my arms around his neck and stare at the ring over his shoulder for a moment. “I can’t believe you did all this!”
He kisses my neck and lets out what sounds like a relieved sigh. “I love you more than anything.” When his lips finally meet mine, they make me forget dessert, engagement rings, or even the fact that I’m wearing the most uncomfortable six inch heels. It’s just us, and we are newly engaged.
*
“I can’t believe you’re engaged!!” Lily stares at my hand even weeks after she originally saw it. “This is quite the party, too. Who are all these people?”
“I have no idea. I actually don’t know half of them. But isn’t it just incredible?” I glance down at the ring again before taking a sip of my champagne. “It’s like a dream.” Truly.
“Have you set a date?”
“No. In fact, I didn’t even arrange this party, this was all Amelia. I have no idea how to plan a wedding. You know me.”
“I do know you,” Lily laughs as she sips her champagne. “Want my advice?”
“Would saying no stop you?”
“Doubtful,” she gives me a quick playful glare. “Hire a wedding planner. You can give her basic ideas and then let her do all the hard work. Really all you’ll have to do is show up. In hindsight, I wish I’d hired one.”
“Congratulations, you two. I knew she’d say yes.” Jack’s partner, Andy and he are shaking hands.
“You knew?” I ask, surprised to hear that Jack told anyone at all. He kept it so quiet I figured he was the only one that knew.
“I did, and I told him if he didn’t do it soon, I would.” He laughs, making me feel only a little dirty. “Let’s see the rock.” I hold out my hand, the overhead lights of the bar causing it to glitter to life. “Wow! No wonder she said yes.”
“I know…” Jack laughs. “I probably should have asked before showing her the ring to know how she really felt.” He winks, resting his hand on my lower back. Even now, almost four years into our relationship, his touch still sends sparks up my spine.
“You knew my answer long before you asked.” I playfully smack him in the chest.
“We’re gonna be sisters!” Hannah, Jack’s younger sister, unintentionally presses her new boobs against my neck in a giant bear hug. If I was just a tad taller I wouldn’t have to be in constant contact with her chest. “I’m so excited!” she squeals.
“Me too, Hannah. It’s so exciting!”
“Oh my God…” She stops in her tracks, her gaze directed at the bar. “Who is that?”
I follow her gaze across the room to none other than my twin brother. “That’s Emi’s brother, Evan,” Lily says for me.
“Wow! He is…” she glances at me, then back at him. “Gorgeous.”
“OK…” I smile nervously up at Jack. Hannah is not exactly known for her great success with relationships, and neither is my brother, which is exactly the reason they’ve not met yet, but now I’ve no more excuses as to why they shouldn’t meet. “I can introduce you. In any case, you will practically be family soon.”
“Please do.”
I wave Evan over as Hannah waits, almost patiently. “Ev, this is Jack’s sister, Hannah. Hannah, this is my twin brother, Evan.”
“You guys are twins?” She glances back and forth quickly like she doesn’t believe a word I just said.
“Unfortunately,” Evan laughs, holding his hand out for Hannah. “It’s great to meet you. I’d love to hear all the dirt on your brother. There’s got to be something to keep him from being as perfect as Emi claims.” When their hands touch, you can almost see the spark between them.
I know it’s not my place to come in-between possible true love but I also don’t want to over think what could happen if Evan and Hannah get too close. My fear is that they will add each other to their never ending lists of one night stands. Then they’ll somehow piss each other off, and we’ll never be able to have a family gathering without some strange tension in the room. Not exactly the family gathering I’d like to initiate during the engagement party.
“Buy me a drink and I’ll show you the photos that go with the stories.” Hannah flirts, making me a little sick to my stomach.
“Ew… Go do it over there, maybe?” I glance towards an open table and watch Hannah loop her arm through Evan’s, leading him across the room. “And by do it I don’t really mean do it,” I call after them but Hannah only waves a hand over her shoulder in my direction.
“That’s bad news, isn’t it?” I ask Jack, who’s still talking to Andy.
“Could be, but they’re grown-ups.”
“Emi, Jack,” Amelia and her husband Robert approach us, dressed to the nines, and looking like this party was meant for them. “Isn’t this just lovely?” Amelia air kisses each of my cheeks. A gesture I despise. Whenever I see people do the whole air kiss greeting it looks like they were told to make sure others think they’re getting along, when really, they hate each other.
It is lovely, and she would know since she planned the entire thing. I didn’t want to have a party at all. I’m not a huge fan of socializing with a room full of strangers, but she insisted it was the thing to do. Of course, she would pick a swanky downtown bar and hire it out for a private event like some local elitist. Not surprisingly the room is full of at least a hundred people, only maybe a dozen of whom I’ve ever actually met.
“This ring…” Amelia takes my hand and inspects it like she’s doing an appraisal to make sure it’s all still there. “was Jack’s grandmother’s ring. Of course, he added a touch of his own to it before giving it to you, but still, it’s just beautiful and so sentimental. One day you can pass it down to your son.”
“Son?” I choke on my champagne. I’ve only been eng
aged for three weeks and now his family has me popping out sons already. “I don’t know if a son is in the plans for quite some time.”
“Well, of course not immediately, let’s get through the wedding first, but I’m sure you will be blessed with the most beautiful of children, don’t you think, dear?”
Robert nods his head, he’s always been a man of few words. He’s chatting with Jack about whatever grown men talk about at engagement parties, which I doubt is producing sons. I’m not exactly listening because the idea of me being responsible for a child is still swirling through my head like a tornado.
“Come, dear,” Amelia says. “Introduce me to your family.”
“There’s only a few of them, I’m afraid.” With my parents being deceased, only a couple of aunts and uncles and my brother could make it. I don’t know if that makes me look as pathetic as an orphan or not, but it doesn’t raise me up to the Cabot status in life. “Evan…” I say his name before reaching the table he and Hannah are still sharing, hoping that they aren’t already doing the dirty things they are both so known for. “Evan, this is Jack’s mother, Amelia.”
“Evan, look how handsome you are. And you’ve already met my Hannah.” She pats Hannah’s shoulder with a questioning stare before turning her attention back to Evan. “What are your feelings on the upcoming nuptials?”
Evan quickly stands up, following the instructions our father once gave him of standing when a woman approaches your table. He doesn’t hide giving Hannah a somewhat guilty sideways look.
“I think Jack and Emi are absolutely perfect for one another, don’t you?”
“I do, actually, they make a rather lovely couple.”
Evan nods with a curt smile, “I’ve no doubt they’ll be very happy together.” He nods in my direction for approval. I might have told him to keep things classier than he normally would and so far, so good. Amelia looks sufficiently impressed.
“Who else is here that I should meet?” Amelia scans the room, probably looking for faces she’s never seen on her side of town.