by Tamie Dearen
Anne’s heart threatened to leap from her chest. She moaned, and then grabbed his hand and pushed it away. Tears began to fall anew.
“I’m sorry. I’m sorry, Mr. Gherring, but I can’t do this. I really want to. But I can’t.”
He groaned. “I know, but I’ve suffered for longer than you can imagine. Do you know how long I’ve wanted you?”
She shook her head, crying miserably.
“I think I knew after that first day, when you had no idea who I was. I knew I’d found something that had been missing all my life.”
Her eyes closed, but she felt the gentle pressure of his fingers on her jaw. “Look at me, please.”
She watched his face dancing through a shimmer of tears. His voice went soft. “I thought you wanted me too. Was I wrong?”
She shook her head. “No, I did want you.”
“But you don’t anymore? I’m too late? I waited too long?”
She couldn’t bear the devastation in his eyes. “It’s not that. I just can’t do what you want me to do. I can’t be what you want. What you need.”
“And what do you think I want?”
“I think you want me to… to sleep with you.” Anne blushed almost painfully at the words.
“Oh no! I want you very much awake. But I do want you in my bed.” His dimples appeared. “I don’t want a one-night stand, I want—”
“I’m sorry, I just can’t,” she choked.
“But I’m telling you—”
“I’ve thought about it.” Anne’s fingers came up to rub her temples. Believe me, I’ve thought about it. But I can’t go to bed with a man I’m not married to.”
“Yes, I know. But I’m not—”
“Don’t you see? I can’t stay here and watch you be with another woman. It hurts too much!” She buried her face in her hands.
“Anne… you’re doing it, again.”
“What am I doing?”
“That thing where you don’t let me finish a sentence. You don’t fight fair. It’s my turn to speak.”
“Okay, but if you—”
He halted her words with a forceful kiss, her shoulders secured in his hands. He withdrew his lips, and she tried to remember what she was going to say.
“You can’t—”
He kissed her again, swallowing her words. His hands moved behind her head, tangling in her hair. This time the kiss lingered. He pulled back gently, his lips lightly caressing her mouth.
“Ready to let me talk again?”
She nodded, licking her swollen lips.
“I do want you in my bed. But I want you there every night for the rest of my life.”
Her heart doubled its pace. “Are you… are you asking me to marry you?”
“Sort of. Part asking, part begging, part demanding. Whatever will get you to agree.” His sparkling blue eyes were full of hope. “So will you?”
“No. Absolutely not.” Anne felt her insides churning as her heart fought against what she knew was right. “I won’t have you making some rash decision you’ll regret for the rest of your life.”
He pulled a ring case from his pocket. “I don’t make rash decisions. I told you, I’m a very careful man.”
“You’d ask me to marry you, just to sleep with me? That’s ridiculous! You’d regret it afterward. Heck, I don’t even remember what to do anymore.”
He smiled lasciviously. “I’d be happy to jog your memory. But that’s not why I’m asking you to marry me. Don’t you remember our conversation about this… in Switzerland? I told you exactly what I wanted in a wife.”
He moved his head lower to catch her downcast eyes. “I said I wanted someone I wouldn’t be bored with after six months. And I wanted someone that would be fun to grow old with. Someone who’d help me to be the best man I can be. And someone who needed me as much as I need her.”
He pressed his lips in a gentle caress on her cheek. “That’s you. Don’t you know that? Can’t you see? There’s no one else in the world who’d be more perfect for me.”
“But—”
“Now, the only question is—am I the someone for you?” He peered closely. “Am I?”
She closed her eyes and more tears leaked out.
“That wasn’t quite the reaction I was hoping for.” His hand caressed her damp cheek.
Somehow all her emotions seemed to be flooding her mind at once. She couldn’t stop her tears long enough to speak.
She found herself scooped into Steven lap, snuggled against his chest.
“Maybe I read you wrong.” His lips pressed against her forehead. “I won’t pressure you, Anne. If you don’t want this, just tell me.”
“I’ve worked so hard to convince myself that it could never happen. It just doesn’t seem real.”
He whispered into her ear. “Do you want it to be real?”
“I do. But I don’t trust myself anymore.”
“Do you remember your list? The one from Switzerland?”
She shook her head.
“I remember—I memorized it. You wanted someone who’d love your girls, and I do—I already love them. And you wanted someone to hold you when you cry. And I’ve done that—I even like doing it. But you also wanted someone with integrity and someone you could trust. I know that’s me. But the question is, do you? Did I blow my chance?”
Could this be real? Maybe she was only hearing the things she wanted to hear.
“Are you saying you love me?”
“Love is such a small word for what I feel. For the first time in my life, I have a reason to breathe. I’m enchanted with every part of you I know, and I only know a small part so far. I plan to spend the rest of my life searching out every hidden enchantment in your body and soul. And I’m going to cherish and protect you with every fiber of my being. So, do I love you? No… I lovelovelove you.”
Warmth spread throughout her entire body. What was that feeling? She’d felt it before. When she’d married Tom. When her girls were born.
Joy!
He smiled, his dimples deep and his eyes bright with hope, reaching out to brush a tear off her cheek. “So now, will you marry me?”
She grinned. “I don’t know. Let me look at that ring first.”
He laughed, holding the ring case above his head, just out of her reach. “Trade ya.”
“For what?”
“I’ll let you have the ring, if you agree to marry me next Saturday.”
“There’s no way. Why the rush?”
“Because,” he said, as he stretched out on the limousine seat and pulled her on top of him. “I don’t want to wait. I don’t think I can wait any longer than that. One more week, tops. I think I’ve shown a great deal of self-restraint with you, but I have my limits.”
She looked down at his face and felt a now-familiar tingle deep inside. His hands caressed their way up her sides, his thumbs rubbing on the sheer silk panels. Though his fingers never strayed from her sides, she her entire body trembled.
Then he shifted beneath her and his mouth nuzzled her neck, sending chills down her spine. “I can’t wait to marry you and show you how much I love you.
“Yes!” she said. “A week sounds great. Plenty of time. Maybe we shouldn’t wait so long.”
She moved her lips to his and kissed him. This time she wasn’t tentative and shy. Her mouth was hungry and her lips couldn’t get enough of him. Her entire body was on fire. Suddenly, he pushed her off and sat up, depositing her beside him.
“Whoa! I don’t think you’ve forgotten much, after all. But I’m never going to make it a week if we keep doing that.”
They sat alongside each other, dazed and panting, waiting for their hearts to slow.
Finally Anne said, “What will Gram say?”
He laughed. “Gram? I imagine Gram is busy patting herself on the back right now. She knew I’d hurry up when she threw Evan into the mix.”
“Gram wanted you to marry me? I don’t believe that. She would never try to trick me like that.”
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“Sweetheart, you’re so gullible, that’s not a very difficult proposition. And you haven’t known Gram as long as I have.”
“What about my dad and the girls? I can’t throw this at them in a week’s time.”
“Yes, I know. That’s why I talked to them on Monday. Emily took the computer to the hospital so I could FaceTime with your dad.” He gave a lopsided grin. “I was so nervous. I’m glad he couldn’t see me sweating.”
She giggled at the thought. “And Dad said okay?”
“Actually, he made me tell him all about myself for about ten minutes before he said yes,” he said with an astonished laugh. “It turns out your dad has never heard of Gherring Inc. either.”
He continued, tapping off points on his fingers. “So, Charlie’s got a flight booked. Emily says the Fort Worth Arboretum would be a good place for the wedding—”
“Wait a minute. You planned the whole wedding on Monday? With my daughters? Before you even asked me? I was still dating Henri.”
“I know. I appreciate you finally broke up. Saved me from having to kill the guy. Murder can be so messy.”
He pantomimed wringing Henri’s neck, and she began to chuckle, laughing until she had to suppress a snort.
“Where is this limo going?” she asked.
“Nowhere. I told him to drive in circles until we decided.”
This time both of them started chuckling.
“But what about work? What will people say?” Anne imagined facing all her co-workers after denying their relationship with such vehemence.
“Soon everyone will know… you’re sleeping with the boss.”
Company Pool
“Mom,” said Emily. “You can’t wear gloves and a coat over your wedding dress.”
“Why would you plan an outdoor wedding for me in December when you know how cold-natured I am?”
“Sorry I didn’t get to consult with you. But Steven gave us strict instructions not to say anything.”
“Do you know how hard it was to keep it a secret? It was hard for me. Maybe Miss Perfect didn’t have any trouble,” Charlie complained, poking her sister with her finger.
“What would you have done if I’d turned him down?”
“Mom, we knew you were in love with him.” Emily exchanged a glance with her sister.
“Really, Mom,” said Charlie. “It was so obvious. I think you were the only person who didn’t know.”
“That’s not true.”
“What did the people at work say when you told them?” Emily asked.
“Yeah, Mom.” Her grin was smug. “Were they shocked?”
“I’m sure some of them were shocked.” Anne tried to recall. There had to be someone who hadn’t suspected.
“Sam!” she proclaimed. “Sam was surprised. She thought Steven was dating Ellen.”
“What do you expect from a girl who uses a boy’s name?” Emily teased.
“Hey!” Charlie aimed a shoe at her sister.
“The point is we knew you’d say yes,” said Emily. “But poor Steven… I think the original plan was to ask you Monday night. And then at lunch you pulled that stunt with Ellen, and messed everything up. I think he cut it kind of close, waiting until last Saturday.”
“I think maybe there’s a lot of stuff you never told us,” Charlie check her hair in the mirror. “Care to fill us in on a few details? Like, hmmm, was last Saturday the first time he ever kissed you?”
“Oh… look at the time,” Anne said. “We’d better finish getting ready.”
“Eventually, we’ll find out what really happened,” said Emily.
There was a knock on the door, and they heard a man’s muffled voice. “Time to go!”
“Coming, Dad,” said Anne.
It all felt a bit surreal after they arrived at the Arboretum Japanese Garden. She could see people sitting in white chairs and hear the light melodies of classical music. When the cello started playing Bach’s Prelude in C, her dad said, “That’s our cue. Are you ready, Annie?”
Anne took her father’s arm, the unbroken one, and they started down the hill toward the small gathering.
“You look very beautiful, you know,” he said, his voice cracking a little.
“Thanks, Daddy. You look so handsome in your tuxedo.” She grinned up at him. “You know, maybe we should find a wife for you too. You’ve been alone an awfully long time.”
He chuckled. “I’m an old dog—too old. No new tricks for me.”
“We’ll see.”
“You’re shaking. Are you cold or nervous?”
“Just cold.”
She was scared out of her wits. What on earth was she doing, getting married at her age? How could she get used to living with someone when she’d been alone for so long? What would they do during holidays? What if he lost interest after a few months?
Then she saw him. Steven Gherring was standing at the front, waiting. He had eyes for no one but her. And she could see it in his expression—he treasured her. This was a man she could trust. He would take care of her. He would lay down his life for her. The closer she got, the safer she felt. And when her dad deposited her on Steven's arm, she knew. This was where she belonged.
“You look amazing,” he whispered in her ear, brushing her cheek with his lips.
“It’s not time for that yet.” Charlie’s words sent a ripple of laughter through the crowd.
The pastor spoke. It must have been eloquent and meaningful, but she’d have to watch the video to find out. Anne was only aware of Steven. His hand was caressing hers where it rested on his arm. The flex of his muscles against her. The adoration and promise in his eyes. Sometimes he would squeeze her hand or lean over to kiss her head. She couldn’t get close enough to him. How had they managed to stay apart for so long?
He had to nudge her every time she needed to respond, and she hoped she answered correctly. He slipped a ring on her finger, and she placed one on his. They promised to love each other until death parted them. Her heart turned over in her chest at that thought. She prayed it would be a long time before that happened.
But then, her face was in his hands. And he kissed her. And she lost herself in his kiss. At first his lips caressed hers gently, and then he couldn’t seem to stop. He kissed her harder and his mouth was demanding. He staked his claim on her, and his intent made her insides quiver.
“Ahem!” Emily cleared her throat. “Could y’all wait an hour, please? You’re still my mom.”
The preacher announced them as Mr. and Mrs. Steven Gherring. When they turned to face the crowd, Steven smiled and waved at a group of people standing a distance away, behind the bridge.
“Who’s that?” asked Anne.
“That’s the reporters. Let’s give ‘em a good picture.” She squealed as he scooped her up into his arms and kissed her full on the lips, to the delight and applause of the guests and other observers, alike. And then he carried her down the aisle.
“Are you sure you didn’t ask her to marry you after midnight?” Katie asked Steven. “I was so close to winning the pool!”
“What pool?” asked Anne.
“The company pool on when you guys would get engaged,” answered Jared. “I started it and today was my day—I should win something for picking the wedding day.”
“You were no help to me at all,” complained Sam to Anne. “I was trying to get some inside information so I’d have a better chance of winning. You threw me completely off.”
“That’s right,” Tanner agreed. “And I made the mistake of listening to Sam. My day is still a month from now.”
“And then Mr. Gherring got his picture in the social column with that actress,” said Sam. “That really threw me off.”
Anne congratulated herself as she watched the couple interact. Another successful match. Though she had to admit she was a bit off with Steven and Ellen.
“How did I not find out there was an office pool on our engagement when we weren’t even dating?” She turned to Steve
n. “Did you tell everybody except me?”
“No way,” said Katie. “I knew way before Steven did. The man is clueless. But not as clueless as you.”
“Even I knew,” said Gary, squeezing Katie’s hand. “That night you brought her to climb with Steven. He’s never been so interested in belaying before. And I’ve never seen him show off quite as much, either. You know he doesn’t usually climb without a shirt on.”
Jared chimed in. “I suspected even before we went to Switzerland. Sorry boss, but it was obvious.”
Steven laughed good-naturedly. “At least I wasn’t the last to know. That would be Anne, for sure.”
“It all seems pretty dreamlike to me,” Anne exclaimed. “If you think about it, it’s a miracle I even got the job.”
“You’re right, Anne, I can’t even believe he hired you. But I really thought it was funny when you didn’t know who he was.” Katie turned to Gary. “You should have seen his face.”
“Yeah, that was the best part,” Gary said to Steven. “The great Steven Gherring having to work to impress a girl.”
“He didn’t have to work hard to impress me.” Anne squeezed his hand. “The hard work was getting me to admit it.”
“I just thank God you somehow ended up in that group of interviews,” said Steven.
“God might have had a little help.” Katie raised her eyebrows. “You should talk to Gram…”
Anne and Steven found Gram and Mr. Hamilton talking to Mr. Greenly and Minnie.
“Minnie,” said Anne as she hugged her. “Thanks for coming. And I don’t think I’ve ever thanked you for taking care of Gandalf.”
“Oh sweetie, you know how much I love that dog. And we wouldn’t have missed your wedding for anything.”
“So you’ve met Mrs. Gherring?” asked Anne.
“We met a long time ago,” said Gram, with a chuckle.
“You know each other?”
Minnie smiled. “Of course. This is my Aunt Margaret. I think I’ve mentioned her to you before.”
Anne’s eyes grew large as she gawked at Gram. “You’re Minnie’s Aunt Margaret? Gram? That’s incredible! I wish I’d known you were Minnie’s aunt! She always talked about you. In fact, she used to tell me you wanted to fix me up with your…” The words died on her lips as she recognized the truth.