I reached in my front pocket for the ring box and lowered myself on one knee. An emotional smile pulled at her mouth as tears began to spill over her lids. I felt my own eyes pooling, my heart, pounding against my ribs. I swallowed and cleared my throat. This had to be perfect.
“Today, I want to make it official.”
I opened the box and studied her expression. As her mouth fell open, her hands flew up to cover it. Her eyes darted from the ring back up to me, and then down to the ring again. The three-carat asscher-cut diamond glistened in the sunlight.
Rebecca slowly lowered her trembling hands and bent at the waist to get a closer look. “Jackson,” she whispered. “It’s…” She lifted her gaze and breathed, “It’s beautiful.”
I smiled and gently brushed her tears away with my thumb. “Rebecca, will you do me the honor of sharing the rest of your life with me as my wife?”
She took a shaky, deep breath and let it out slowly. Then she tilted her chin and grinned. “Are you done being scared?”
“Love is the biggest motivator of courage.” My smile widened. “I’m practically fearless.”
She giggled. “Spoken like a true romantic.”
“Marry me, Rebecca. Make me the happiest man on earth.”
She covered her face with her dainty hands. A squeal escaped between her slender fingers. She lowered her hands and bent down, gazing at the ring again. “It’s so beautiful.”
“Well, are you gonna answer me or not?”
She threw her head back and laughed.
Oh, how I love that laugh. “Marry me, dammit. Marry me and make me the happiest man in the world.”
She smiled and reached out to touch my cheek. “Okay, Mr. Manly Man. I’ll do it.”
I had to stand so I wouldn’t fall over. “You’ll do it?” I reached my arm around her waist and pulled her close. “You’ll be my wife?”
“Yes!” she shouted, with glee. She cupped my face in her hands and kissed me softly on the lips. “I’ll spend today, tomorrow, and every day after that right by your side. I’ll be your wife, Jackson. I’ll marry you.”
Chapter Twenty-Seven
Rebecca
Saturday, June 3, 2000 ~ The Reunion
I wrung my clammy hands as we sat at the red light by the conference center. “I cannot believe how nervous I am. Look how my hands are shaking!”
Jackson cut his eyes at me, smiled, and patted me on the leg. “Believe me, no one will even notice.”
“You don’t think so?”
“Trust me. In that dress? Your hands are the last place anyone will be looking, darling.”
“Why?” I looked down at my dress worriedly. “Is something wrong with it?”
“Wrong? Oh, no.” Jackson laughed. “Everything’s absolutely right, my dear. Your behind looks like two scoops of ice cream. And I won’t embarrass myself by telling you how amazing your front looks.”
“Jackson!” I shoved his shoulder. “So is the sweetheart neckline too low cut?”
“That’s what it’s called? Well, sweetheart, absolutely not. I love it. So will every other man at the reunion. And probably some of the ladies too.”
“Stop it.”
“I’m serious!”
The light turned green, and Jackson turned into the conference center. It was 8:29, and the parking lot was packed. Katie told me Andrew drove a white Chevy Tahoe, so that’s what I was looking for. We rode down each row of cars and didn’t spot them anywhere. Nor did we see any empty spaces. We made another round and spotted a space way in the back, so Jackson decided to take it and said he’d give Andrew a call.
As he was backing in, I took notice of the car beside us. It was the most beautiful car I’d ever seen in my life—a turquoise-blue Bel Air convertible. It was so shiny, I could see my reflection in it.
“Take a look at this car over here. I wonder who owns it.”
“Probably someone who has more money than they know what to do with.”
I continued staring at the car while Jackson called Andrew.
He hung up and looked at me. “They drove the Mustang.”
I creased my eyebrows. “I thought he had a Tahoe?”
“He does, but he drives the Mustang when he’s trying to impress the ladies.”
I laughed. “Oh, so he’s seventeen?”
“Are you kidding? All guys wanna impress the ladies. Don’t matter how old they are.”
“I guess that explains this Bel Air then.” I cut my eyes back over to the car parked next to us.
“Without a doubt. The guy has good taste, though; I’ll give him that.” Jackson smiled. “Sit tight.”
I watched him as he came around the front of the truck and opened my door for me. He was so handsome. Standing there in his two shades of velvet nights and phantom, filling out that Ralph Lauren shirt like a boss and looking as fresh as a scoop of ice cream himself.
“Why, thank you.” I smiled as he helped me out of the truck.
His eyes twinkled in the light as they moved over me. “You are altogether beautiful, my love.” He took my hand and kissed it. “There is no flaw in you.”
“Song of Solomon?” I tilted my head. “I didn’t know you read the Bible.”
“How could I not, with a grandmother like Ruby?” He smiled. “It helps me build faith. And faith can move mountains, you know.”
Matthew 17:20. I smiled in adoration. As the moonlight fell across his face, his eyes sparkled. They were unusually bright tonight. How wonderful to know I’d be looking in these eyes for the rest of my life. “Jackson, you make me so happy.”
“I sure am glad.” He grinned. “It’d be a shame if I got all dressed up in this eggplant suit for nothing.” We both laughed. “One more thing before we go in.” He reached in his pocket and pulled out a small box. “I got you something to wear tonight. I think it’ll go well with your diamond earrings.”
He raised the lid, and I gasped. “Jackson, It’s beautiful.”
“Not as beautiful as you.”
He gently removed the delicate necklace from the box and put it around my neck. After he secured the clasp, he looked at the floating-heart diamond pendant and grinned. “That looks nice.”
I reached up and touched it. It was the perfect length. “Thank you.” I smiled. “You have great taste.”
“That, I do.” He winked, then reached down and took my hand. “Are you ready?”
I looked at the sea of cars, mushroom-shaped topiary trees, and carefully trimmed hedges, and took a deep breath. The moon was enormous and incredibly radiant, the night, warm but not humid. A slight breeze brushed my face and bare shoulders. It was a magical night, a night I’d never forget for the rest of my life. I looked at Jackson and nodded, then we headed toward the conference center.
“Maybe we’ll find out which one of our classmates owns the classic car. It made me think of the car Dad said your grandpa owned. Remember that story?”
He squeezed my hand. “I remember.”
We walked in silence for a bit, following the sidewalk up to the building. The closer we got to the conference center, the better we could hear the music blaring from the inside. I grinned and looked at Jackson.
“You hear that?” I asked, recognizing the song.
“One of our favorites.” He smiled.
“The most iconic ballad of their career.”
“It’s the only ballad of their career. Or at least the only positive one.”
I chuckled and thought, Yeah, with an album titled Appetite for Destruction, it’s surprising they even recorded “Sweet Child O’ Mine.”
I sang along in my best Axl Rose voice, and Jackson played the air guitar as we climbed the elaborate steps leading to the building. Then I spotted our friends.
“There’s Andrew and Katie.”
As we entered the doorway, the sound of music and noisy conversations filled with laughter and high-pitched squeals confirmed we were at the right place. A petite older woman sitting behind a table y
elled to get our attention, then waved us over to the registration desk.
“Hey! Y’all come on over and get your name tags.” She looked so familiar with her golden-blond, bee-hive hairdo and wide-rimmed glasses. It had to be Mrs. Liz, but she was so tiny. She must’ve lost at least a hundred pounds.
“Welcome to the Class of 1990 Ten-Year Reunion.” She greeted us with a wide smile. “Well, great God in heaven above. If it isn’t our star athlete!” she squealed, then jumped up from her post at the table and ran around to hug Jackson. Yep, that’s her all right. I’d recognize that screechy voice anywhere.
“You mean the GOAT!” Mr. Walton said as he stepped forward. He had changed too, a little more weight and a little less hair, but still handsome as always.
“Well, that’s an awful thing to say, Robert!” Mrs. Liz scolded.
“Liz, dear,” Mr. Walton said with a slight chuckle, “GOAT is an acronym. It stands for Greatest Of All Time.”
“Oh! Well, that’s right, then!” Mrs. Liz laced her hand through Mr. Walton’s arm. “Jackson’s definitely a GOAT!” She laughed.
Mr. Walton rolled his eyes, “Not a GOAT, Liz. The GOAT.” He reached out to shake Jackson’s hand. “No one has beaten your record yet.”
“And I bet no one ever will, either!” Mrs. Liz added.
“Pleasure to see you both again.” Jackson smiled.
Mr. Walton’s eyes widened. “I’d know this face anywhere! Just as pretty as ever, Rebecca.”
I laughed. “Thank you. It’s good to see you.”
Mr. Walton and Mrs. Liz greeted Katie and Andrew with the same enthusiasm, and then we went inside. The room was dim except for the tiny lights strung all along the walls, creating a night-sky effect, and the colored lights swirling around the floor from the ginormous spinning disco ball. Laughter and chatter and music filled the air. Couples swayed together on the dance floor. Former classmates and their dates lined the buffet table, while others ordered drinks at the bar or sat chatting at tables adorned with dark-blue linen table cloths and centerpieces of white lace, tea light candles, and cascading roses.
The theme for the reunion was Midsummer Night’s Dream, and the decorating committee had gone all out. A mock cobblestone road led through an enchanted forest where trees made from cardboard and tissue paper were inhabited by large paper mâché owls with glowing eyes. The forest opened up to a twenty-foot high waterfall made of crepe paper, tinsel, and cotton balls. A fog machine, a mister, and a small speaker providing sounds of crashing water completed the effect. As I looked around, taking it all in, I was speechless.
“How’s that table over there?” Jackson pointed, jolting me from my momentary daydream.
“Looks good to me,” Andrew answered.
My stomach was in knots, my mouth was dry, and my chest had broken out in a cold sweat. I was thrilled to sit down. The boys pulled out our chairs, and Katie and I took a seat.
“Andrew and I are going to the bar. Any special requests, ladies?” Jackson smiled at me.
“Surprise us,” Katie answered.
I shrugged and forced a smile. “I’m great with whatever.”
Jackson bent down and kissed me on the lips. “Relax, sweetheart. How about a glass of wine to calm your nerves?”
“Great idea, Jackson.” Katie gave my knee an affectionate pat. “Make it two. Something sweet. Maybe a riesling?”
Jackson looked at me, and I nodded. “You got it. Two rieslings, coming right up.”
“We’ll be right back, ladies,” Andrew said, winking at Katie.
As soon as they were out of sight, I shook my head. “I’m completely stressed out.”
“What? Why?” Katie sucked her teeth, “you don’t need to be stressed.”
“Okay,” I huffed, “but I am. I know I’m being ridiculous, but I’m just so freaking nervous.”
“You’re right, sis. You’re being ridiculous. What in the world do you have to be nervous about? The people here? Please. You just need to relax. You’re beautiful. And that dress, good Lord!”
“Right? I’m a little uncomfortable…” I began to chew my bottom lip.
“Stop that! You’ll mess up your lipstick,” Katie scolded. “And why are you uncomfortable?”
“My dress. It’s so tight. It’s like a second skin.”
“Not even close, honey.”
“You’re not the one wearing it.”
“Well, from where I’m sitting, it’s tight enough to show you’re a woman, but loose enough to show you’re a lady. And it makes your boobs look great.” She waggled her eyebrows at me.
“Oh, thanks. That’s what I was going for, you know.”
“Ha! I figured, you vixen.” She shook her head. “Trying to make all the grown men cry like babies.” Katie’s eyes scanned the crowd. “Jackson looks good tonight too, by the way. You dressed him well. I’d say he’s the second hottest man in the building.”
I chuckled. “Second hottest?”
“A close second.” She winked.
I took a deep breath. “Maybe I’m just thinking about some of the crap I went through.”
“Yeah, I remember some of those stories. I wish I’d been around back then. Things would’ve been a whole lot different. I would’ve buried those bitches.”
“I bet. You’ve always been able to handle people well. That’s why you’re such a great lawyer.”
“Thanks, sis. And you can bet I’ll take care of things tonight if anyone wants to get lippy.”
I smiled at my scrappy friend and then massaged between my eyebrows.
“Oh. My. God!” Katie shouted, and I nearly jumped out of my chair, knocked over the centerpiece, and peed myself a little, all at the same time. “What the hell is on your finger?”
She reached out and snatched my hand over toward the candlelight where she could get a good look. I watched her eyes widen as she leaned in to inspect the ring.
“Good Lord, Rebecca! When did this happen? And why didn’t you tell me?” She gave me the stink eye and then looked down at my ring again. “Holy shit! I guess my plan worked! Y’all are actually getting married!”
“What?” Andrew and Jackson had returned with our drinks. “Who’s getting married?”
I quickly pulled my hand back and rested it in my lap. Jackson was grinning profusely. He offered me my wine and sat down beside me, then took a long drink of his beer.
“So, am I the only one who isn’t in on the secret?” Andrew handed Katie her wine, then took a sip of what looked like whiskey and Coke. “Who the hell’s getting married?”
Jackson took another pull from his beer, sat the bottle on the table, and grinned like a mule eating briars through a bob-wired fence. “I am, buddy. To this beautiful woman right here.” He put his arm around me and pulled me close.
I picked up my wine and guzzled half of it.
“No shit!” Andrew’s eyes widened as a grin covered his face. “It’s about damn time, Jackson. Ho-ly shit, man. Congratulations!” Andrew held up his drink, “This calls for a toast!”
“What are we toasting to, fellas?” a male voice shouted from behind us.
We all looked up to find our old friends, Greg and Jason, approaching our table. Jackson and Andrew stood and shook hands with their former teammates.
“They’ll let anybody in this joint, I see.” Jackson laughed, shaking Greg’s hand.
“It wouldn’t be a party without us.” Greg teased.
“Hey, guys! Long time, no see.” Jason waved.
“How ya been, man?” Jackson shook Jason’s hand and patted him on the back.
“Doing good. I see you quit going to the gym.” Jason joked.
“Some of us do try to stay in shape.” Jackson snickered.
“These pretty ladies y’all’s wives?” Greg asked.
Andrew puffed out his chest. “Back off, hound dog.”
Greg dipped his head. “Katie? Is that you? And Rebecca? I didn’t expect to see y’all here.”
“Hello
, Greg.” I smiled and reached for my pendant, covering my exposed chest with my hand.
“Hi, Greg,” Katie said. “Good to see you. How are you?”
“I can’t complain.” He grinned. “Y’all come find us later. I wanna introduce you to my wife. And be sure to try the shrimp. Best thing on the buffet.”
“He’d know, he’s eaten about four pounds already,” Jason joked. We laughed as our friends disappeared into the crowd.
Jackson held out his hand. “Would my fiancée care to go browse the buffet?”
I arched an eyebrow at Jackson. He was serious. Great. I guzzled down the rest of my wine. Then I reached over and grabbed Katie’s glass and guzzled hers down too.
Smiling, I took Jackson’s hand. “Sure. Let’s do it. I’m starting to feel a bit more relaxed.”
Hand-in-hand, we made our way toward the buffet table. I could already feel the wine working on my neck and shoulders, and it wasn’t doing a bad job on my legs, either, as I was finding it difficult to walk without leaning into him.
“Rebecca Sharp!”
Groaning inwardly, or so I thought, I took a deep breath and squeezed Jackson’s hand. It was Mrs. Donaldson, our former librarian.
“Oh, my goodness! Look at you two!” she exclaimed, reaching out to hug me.
“Mrs. Donaldson!” I returned the embrace and offered her a genuine smile. “How lovely to see you.” My words, a tad bit slurred.
Worth the Risk Page 24