by Carol May
Taking me by the hand, we casually stroll past the table as if it doesn't exist. Making sure I am not hallucinating, I look from him back to the table, I am confused. Stopping on the path I point back to that romantic setting we just passed and manage to say, “I assume that is for us."
In typical Blaine fashion he nods as he replies, “You are correct, it is for us but not yet. I alerted the chef, when we departed the Capitol which means it will be a few minutes before our meal actually arrives. I understand there is a waterfall area a little further down the path. I thought we might stroll there. Unless, you would prefer to remain here."
Stumbling just a little as I attempt to continue on Blaine catches me pulling me close to him. Smiling as I look up, I answer, "The waterfall sounds wonderful." I thought I had experienced some fantastic things with him but so far this day far surpasses any other. As we stroll on toward our destination we chat about the colors of the leaves and the small vignettes of autumn pumpkins, scarecrows and hay bales that are arranged in such cheerful ways. I am very happy, I chose to travel on to the water. When we arrive, I find the sound of the water as it rushes over the rocks has a calming effect. Looking up at him, I thank him for this day and explain that it was exactly what I needed.
“I thought this might be a good outing for you. These past weeks have been a nightmare for you. You have spent so much time at the hospital that I felt as if you needed a break.” Squeezing my hand we quietly stand absorbing nature's beauty. This serene view of the water and the colorful autumn foliage makes me suddenly sad. It isn’t the type of sadness that I have experienced over Brad since I have been back in Kansas but the type of sadness that this time of year brings. The changing of the seasons. All the beautiful shades of green that summer provides along with the bright colors of the flowers are fading to what will eventually be the starkness of winter. This time of year always effected me this way at least once a year. An understanding develops somewhere in my mind that I have lost the true image of the changing of the seasons since I have been in Miami. I once laughed when a native Miamian joked that the seasons in Miami were tourist and hurricane. I now understand what he meant. Shaking all that off, I can help but pull out my phone and take some photos. I work my way up onto a large rock pull Blaine in behind me and take a selfie. That’s when Blaine asks “Are you ready for dinner?” Agreeing that I am we retrace our steps.
Nearing the table, I hear music off in the distance. He explains that this is the final night for some type of symphony in the park series. Continuing on he says, “I selected this spot for our dinner tonight because we are a nice distance away from the actual concert but close enough to enjoy the music." Blaine signals for our meal to begin, a server steps forward from behind the trees with two silver domed covered plates. As if on cue, the sun begins to sink into the western sky providing a beautiful light show to end the day.
The magic of this day continues. As darkness sets in some type of light overhead begins to glow. Looking up, I must have tilted my head as if in thought because Blaine explains what I am looking at. “I thought we would need some lighting to actually dine by so what you are seeing in the tree branches is a battery operated teardrop crystal chandelier. The twinkling of the lights along with the music in the background creates a picture of something that might be found in a little girl’s fairy tale.
With the setting of the sun I am beginning to shiver a little.
Blaine wrinkles his forehead a bit and asks, "Are you cold?"
My first thought was to be the smartass he accused me of earlier in the day by replying with something like, "Oh no, I just shiver when I am happy. Of course, I am cold." Instead I simply smile as I answer, "that's another thing I forgot about Kansas in October, the temperature really drops with the sun."
Blaine rises from the table takes several strides to a basket near the base of one of the trees we are sitting under. He has thought of everything. Returning to me with a deep red shawl, he places it around my shoulders. Studying this beautiful fabric, I notice it's attractive jacquard pattern. It is cuddly warm yet feels almost as if nothing extra is on my body. "I thought you might get cool but I didn't want anything heavy for you. It's Cashmere. I hope you are not allergic to it." Pulling on a jacket for himself, he continues, "We have desert if you are interested."
"No, I am not allergic to anything as far as I know. Yes, I'd love desert. Thank you for thinking about something to keep me warm."
There is that devilish grin of his as he says, "Darlin, I'm always thinking about keeping you warm. Just not warm with clothes. I felt the throw might be the best since I distinctly remember you telling me that you were not into any type of exhibition."
At a loss for words I shake my head and smile.
We finish our meal with some type of warm fruit desert accompanied by an excellent cup of coffee. Sitting here simply enjoying the last moments of the evening, Blaine says, "Charli, the time we have spent together has been amazing. You have brought a calmness to me that I will never forget."
Ok is just about all I can manage to say. Closing my eyes, I have an idea what is coming. Do I sit here and listen to the remainder of the speech or do I leave him sitting here? I have the keys to the car in my pocket but where would I go? My inner voice is telling me to stay in place. No matter what he says I will keep a stone face. Opening my mouth to attempt to speak Blaine shakes his head and continues, “I know we haven't been together for a long period of time but when something is right, it is right. When I have a particular feeling in my business dealings, I tend to follow that feeling. I have that feeling about you, about us."
Ok, so maybe I was wrong. Not sure what to say, I simply say, "okay." My heart is beginning to race. Maybe he isn’t ending this. It sure sounded that way but why would he go to all the trouble he must have for today if he was going to end this thing between us? That wouldn’t be sensible.
With a small smile on his face Blaine is speaking in a tone that I am not sure I have ever heard him use. "Think back to the day we arrived in Kansas. I whispered something when we were waiting for the elevator at the hospital but I am not sure you remember or even if you heard me."
Breaking into a smile, I ask, " So, it wasn't my imagination then?"
His smile matches mine, when he responds, “No, it wasn't your imagination. I love you, Charli.” Standing, he walks around to me, takes my hand and pulls me from my seat.
Looking off into the direction of the music he says, “I have no idea as to when the concert will end, so I want to take this opportunity to feel you in my arms. Dance with me.” Smiling as we slowly move to the music, I lay my head onto his chest, not sure what to say to Blaine but I feel as if things are right.
When the music ends Blaine steps back and drops to one knee
“Charli, will you marry me?”
Standing almost statue still in front of him I gaze down into his eyes waiting for one of two things to occur. Either I wake up and this has all been a dream or Blaine follows his question with a got you, I was joking. Neither of those thing happen so this must be for real. Speechless, I watch him remove a small black box from his jacket pocket. My heart is racing as he opens it. My eyes are drawn to the most beautiful ring I believe I have ever seen. The pear shaped diamond engagement ring is sparkling even under this low light. Placing my hand across my lips, I stand staring at the box and it’s contents. Reaching out in what seems almost slow motion to the box, I realize I am trembling from head to toe. That little inner voice of mine that has been silent for a very long time is beginning to speak rapidly. “Did he just ask me to marry him? Did I hear him correctly? Oh my Lord, what am I going to say? Can I ask to think about it? No that wouldn’t be right. I do love him. I’m just not in love with him the way I was with Houston. I will never love that way again. No. No sir. I refuse to. Look what being in love with someone did to me. How can he do this? I have never even said the l word to him. Heck, I wasn’t sure I had heard him correctly that day at the hospital.” It seems
as if my body has a mind of it’s own because before I realize it I open my mouth.
I manage to whisper "Yes."
Lifting my hand as he stands up Blaine slips that astounding ring onto my finger followed by a kiss that might possibly be the kiss to end all kisses. It started out tender but soon progressed into simple wanton desire.
Driving back to the apartment, he rented for me several weeks ago, I have very little to say. I suppose I'm basking in the events of the day. This truly has been the perfect day. Running my thumb across the inside of my ring finger, I can't believe this is mine.
Laying my head back because this time he is driving I say, "I have got to tell my brothers." My mind is racing. I can only imagine what they will say. Closing my eyes for a split second, I decide that this is my happy day and neither of them will spoil it for me.
Pulling out his phone I hear Blaine say into his phone’s speaker “call” and then rattle off John’s number. Wait a minute I whip my head around toward him when I ask, "How did you know John's number?" Handing me the phone, I am sure my facial expression is one of shock. Just as he is about to provide that information my oldest brother answers.
“John?”
“Yes Sis it is me.”
After we exchange a few pleasantries, I say with just a small tremble in my voice because I fear his reaction, “I just wanted to let you know Blaine has asked me to marry him.”
In his best brotherly tone I hear, “Well ok. What did you say?
“Yes.”
The next response I get from him startles me. "I'm glad you said yes. The man may have lots of money and run a giant corporation but he sure has been worried about this."
Clearing my throat a little I ask, "Wait a minute you knew?" as I turn my head to look over at Blaine once more. His eyes are fixed on the road ahead but thanks to the street lights I can make out that he is smiling.
"Yes, I knew.”
Taking a little deep breath as I shake my head why am I not surprised? Continuing on with the conversation I say in just a little bit of a snarky tone, “By the way Blaine’s phone is on speaker.
That’s when John laughs. "So Blaine can hear me?"
With a small chuckle Blaine responds, "Yes, I can hear you. Thanks a lot for sharing with my future wife that I have been worried about her answer."
Laughing John says, "You are welcome."
We chat for a few minutes before we disconnect.
Sitting here in this magnificent car as we roar through the streets of Topeka I ask, "So I assume there is not any need for me to worry about telling Brad is there?"
Pulling my hand to his lips he gives it a quick kiss before he replies, "No. I asked both of your brothers for their permission a couple of days ago. Before you make any type of comment let me say it wouldn't have mattered if they hadn't given me their blessing, I was asking anyway. It just seemed like the right thing to do. You know, since you like all of those old buildings I thought you might appreciate that I followed through with a tradition.”
With a light chuckle I respond, “you are correct in that I like the fact that you chose to follow a tradition. I must admit they kept your secret.”
Smiling I now understand why he went to all the trouble to plan this day but before I can ask Blaine says, “I wanted the day you agreed to become Mrs. Blaine Carlton be a day you would remember forever. I wanted to give you a day of firsts.” Turning into the parking garage of the apartment building we are renting from he pulls into the space beside the SUV I’ve been using to get to the hospital and back. Just as I am about to exit the car Blaine hands me the keys and says, “I hope you like your engagement present.”
I have no doubt that my eyes are the size of saucers as the old saying goes. “What?” is about all I can manage to get out.
Leaning across the seat he opens the glove box pulls out a car title and sure enough my name is on it. “Blaine! You shouldn’t have. This is too much.” Holding up my left hand I exclaim, “this is my engagement present.”
Cupping my face in his hands he responds as only he could, “No Charli your ring is my promise to love you. It is my promise that you will always be cared for and that you will want for nothing. It is a symbol of my promise that I will do everything within my power to make all of your dreams come true. This car is just the first of me doing that.”
Chapter 34
Walking into Supreme Corporate Travel, I smile as I say, "I'm back." It feels really good to be back. Joan jumps up from her desk and greets me with a hug. Not sure if Lana is in yet, I decide to simply catch up with Joan on both her personal life as well as the little things that have been happening during my absence the last two months
I explain how Brad is staying in the apartment Blaine rented for us, while he regains more strength. The hospital released Brad with the condition he remain nearby. His physical therapist has really been working him out which is a good thing. He has quite a way to go but he has really come a long way. Finally biting the bullet, I ask, "Is Lana in yet? I really must have a conversation with her."
Looking rather sheepishly at me, Joan says, "No, she isn't in yet. She has been coming in later than she use to. She hasn't said but I am almost positive she has a man in her life. She does seem to be happier than she has been in a while."
Absorbing all of that, I simply nod. Standing up, I say as I pick up my bag, "As much as I would love to sit out here and talk to you all morning, I know I have work to do." Walking to my door, I hear my cell phone ring. Digging it out of my bag as I enter my office, I see it is a text from Blaine.
Hope your first day back is off to good start.
He is in Los Angles for a few days, handling some type of crisis in his office there.
Smiling, I check the time, realizing the four hour time difference means it is five a.m. there. Why are you up so early?
A part of me, hopes his answer will not imply he is just getting in from a night of partying. I am not sure that is something I can handle. Him out on the town.
On the treadmill.
Treadmill? Yuck. I hate them. Much prefer to be outside.
I prefer inside. Inside you to be exact. You are not here. So treadmill. Gotha keep my stamina up.
With a little laugh, I read on as my phone pings again.
Watching national weather. Saw Miami, thought of you.
That's nice. ;)
Nice? Darlin, I can assure you it was anything but nice. Nasty maybe but not nice.
Smiling as I quickly type my response. Nasty can be nice, also!!
That's my woman. Have a good day.
You too.
Feeling my temperature rise, I silence my phone before I get even more worked up. I have already visualized him on running on the treadmill. Sweat running down his shirtless back. Getting lost in my fantasy, I hear a knock on my door which could only mean one person, Lana.
"Come in."
Bursting through the door just like old times she practically screams, "Let me see it. Joan told me all about it. Why didn't you tell me the minute it happened?" Pausing with the rapid fire questions just long enough to take my hand as I hold it out to her. I hear her gasp. "My God, Charli! It is beautiful. Joan told me you had a rock on your left hand but I had not idea it was this big."
Not having to pretend with Lana, I almost squeal, "It's right at four carats. It is beautiful isn't it?" This is the way it is suppose to be between us. I will never admit it to her but I did pick up my phone several times to tell her. The first time I pulled up her contact info I had her number on the screen but didn’t push send. Another time, I had the text all type out but erased it. I can let all that go. What she has with him is not any of my concern especially now. They both can live their lives however and with whomever they chose.
Hugging me, she says, "I didn't know you and Mr. Carlton were that serious. Heck, I am not sure I even knew for sure the two of you were actually dating. Now you have a ring on your finger. Are you sure?"
Nodding my head,
I say, "Yes, Mama Lana I am sure."
Agreeing to a girl’s night to fill them in on the engagement day we get busy. Just as when I was in Kansas before, I have been working on my my accounts via my laptop and the internet but it isn’t the same as being in the office. I have missed my messy desk and all of my things.
Hearing a knock on my door, I answer “Come in.”
Looking up, I see Joan holding a small basket of what appears to be mail. “Charli, these things came for you this past week but since you said you would be back today, I didn’t see any point in trying to get them to you. Lana and I agreed it would be best to hold onto them.”
With a shrug of my shoulders, I smile and say, “That makes sense to me. Just set it in the chair and I’ll get to it sometime.” Returning to my computer and the project at hand I am lost in our next proposal featuring a retreat in New Orleans. I might fight my fears and go with Lana this time. Who am I kidding? I don’t want to take one of those “magic” pills unless I really have to. Nope I think I’ll stay right here in Miami.
Looking over at my phone, I am surprised I haven’t heard anything from Blaine since this morning. I have no doubt he is locked in some meeting somewhere. Smiling, I pick up my phone and type aqua lace bra with matching panties
In about five minutes my phone pings, Did we pick those out together?
Yes. ;)
Are those the ones that show just a little cheek of that sweet ass?
Yes. ;) ;)
Damn! I’m 3000 miles away.