Beholden to You

by Sexton, Carlie

  Natalie looked down for a moment. Then she looked back up at me with tears in her eyes. “Maybe this will show you how I feel,” she said, going toward the wrapped present on her coffee table. I followed her into the living room. She handed the gift to me. “Open it.”

  We both sat on the sofa as I unwrapped my gift. Seeing the stocking she obviously had made for me, touched me in a way no other gift ever had. I knew I was hard to buy for, since I am a man of means. Natalie put a lot of thought and effort into my gift.

  “Baby, I love it. No one has ever made anything for me before.”

  “Look at the back,” she said sweetly.

  On the back she had written “All My Love, Natalie.”

  “I’m sorry I’m not ready to shout from the rooftops how I feel about you, but I hope this helps you to know that I want you in my life and I do have feelings for you.”

  I smiled at my girl. “Yes, Nat, it does.”

  “It’s one week until Kate and Neil’s wedding. Can you give me a week?”

  I took that question as a good sign. I knew then, I knew she loved me, so that’s what I would give her, a week. I nodded and kissed her on the lips.

  “I want you to have your present now, too.” I pulled the Tiffany’s box out of my coat pocket and handed it to Natalie.

  “I’ve never gone into Tiffany’s before,” she said, staring at the blue box. Natalie lifted the lid of the box, revealing the earrings I had selected for her.

  “Oh my God, Mac, these are beautiful,” she said, gazing at the tanzanite and diamond earrings. “But, they must have cost a fortune. You shouldn’t have bought me something so…”

  “Stop. Nothing is too expensive for you. I want to give you everything, and when I saw these, I thought of your beautiful blue eyes,” I said. Natalie began putting the earrings on.

  “How do they look?” she asked.

  “Gorgeous, just like the woman wearing them.”

  “I’m gonna go look in the mirror.”

  Natalie returned a minute later. “I love them, Mac. Thank you,” she said, melding into my arms, her head on my chest. Holding her for a while, I imagined how things would go when I gave her the other blue box I had from Tiffany’s.

  We made our way to the Statton home after enjoying our breakfast and just hanging out. Later that night, we had plans of watching It’s a Wonderful Life.

  I held Natalie’s hand walking up the driveway, but then realized she’d probably prefer I not be affectionate at that point. Approaching the door, I let go of her hand to open it.

  The sound of laughter, and the aroma of bread baking, made us both smile at each other. I felt pretty lucky to have Natalie. Something had been missing last year, celebrating Christmas with Cassie. The whole experience, looking back, seemed contrived, fake, artificial. With Nat, the day seemed rich and alive. Worth celebrating again. I love my girl.

  Entering the kitchen, we were greeted by the whole Statton clan. It dawned on me as Neil’s sister Jessica was hugging me, that Natalie’s sister had been named Jessica, too. Oh, shit. I hoped my girl was going to be okay. Thanksgiving had been a disaster.

  “You’re here,” Kate said, hugging Natalie. “Did you show up at the same time or come together?” she asked, raising one eyebrow.

  “I offered to bring Natalie today when I heard you had invited her.”

  Natalie cleverly created a diversion. “How are things coming along for the wedding? I’m sorry I haven’t been that involved.”

  “Oh, Sadie has it all under control and I know you have been swamped at Nordies, so don’t give it a second thought.”

  “Well, I wish you were there with us. We all miss you so much. I’m assuming there isn’t any news on Roger.”

  “No,” Kate said, shaking her head. “He’s still at large. I would have called you if they had him in custody.”

  “They’re going to get him. It’s just a matter of time,” Neil said, pulling Kate close to his side and kissing her on the cheek.

  Neil’s parents, Sophia and Magnus, hugged each of us. “Would you each like a glass of wine?” she offered.

  “That sounds great, but I’ll get it. You have your hands full with the meal. Sophia put her hand on my shoulder and gave me her motherly smile. She walked with me over to the refrigerator and took out an unopened bottle of white chardonnay. She looked at me expectantly, like she knew something I hadn’t told her.

  “You love her, don’t you?” she asked in a hushed voice.

  “Yes,” I said.

  She hugged me. “I’m so thrilled both my boys are happy. I look forward to your wedding.”

  Hearing her say that made me realize Natalie hadn’t gotten the wedding she had been dreaming about since she was a little girl. Time to do some investigative work and find out what her dream wedding might be.

  I poured the wine and Sophia got back to the oven to check on the Cornish hens that were baking.

  I took the wine over to Natalie and began questioning Kate about the wedding.

  “So, who did you say was your wedding planner?”

  “Sadie Phelps. She’s the best in San Diego and my handsome fiancé was smart enough to hire her to coordinate everything,” Kate said, glancing at Neil with a gleam in her eye.

  “Well, Neil is a smart man. So, I take it that you’re not having a big shindig?” I continued.

  “I’ve been to both large and small weddings and I preferred the smaller ones. They’re just more intimate.”

  Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Natalie nod her head. Then, I knew two things. Natalie would be okay with a small wedding and I needed to hire Sadie Phelps.

  “So, what are the popular colors for weddings these days?”

  Kate laughed. “Mac, you’re so sweet to ask. But, I have no idea what is popular. I mainly did neutrals, but with red roses.”

  “Oh,” I said, looking over at Natalie. I guess I was going to have to look at her closet to see what colors she liked. I was pleased with myself for at least finding out a little bit of info on the down low. Making the fairy tale wedding, that my beautiful girl had always wanted, will have to be my focus, despite how busy I am at work. My girl deserves special.

  “Why don’t you fellas come outside with me? I want to show you where I’m going to put the new putting green,” Magnus suggested.

  We followed him out and left the ladies inside. After Magus described all the intricacies of the newest addition to the Statton estate, Neil and I hung back a little to talk.

  “How’s it going?” Neil inquired.

  “Man, I’m crazy about her, but she still doesn’t want to go public until after you and Kate are hitched.”

  “That’s only a week from today. It’ll go by fast.”

  I went on to tell Neil about everything that had been going on with Cassie, having to out myself to Natalie about security, and my plans for New Year’s Eve. He listened intently like always, and then we were called into the house for dinner. Confiding in him made me relax a little. I wanted to find out what was happening with Roger, but it would have to wait until we were alone again. I didn’t want to bring that up during dinner.

  The dinner conversation was lively, with Neil’s parents telling stories of Christmas’s when Neil and Jessica were small children. Kate was having a ball listening to the antics that Neil pulled when he was a boy. Not much had changed since then. He was still tenacious as evidenced by the beautiful woman sitting by his side. He knew what he wanted and he always went after it.

  Natalie didn’t say much, but I didn’t expect her to. Since we were seated next to each other, I was able to check in with her by touching her leg periodically. Each time, she put her hand in mine and squeezed it, signaling she was okay.

  After about four hours at the Statton home, I could tell that Natalie was growing tired. I just wanted my girl to quit her job so she could she relax, get through her losses, and begin a life with me.

  “Do you want to get going soon?” I asked her quietly.
>
  “That would be good. I’m feeling a little drained.”

  We said our goodbyes to the Statton family. On the way home, Natalie told me how much she’d enjoyed herself and how Sophia had gone out of her way to make her feel at home. We arrived back at her place and cuddled on the couch to watch It’s a Wonderful Life. Glancing over at my girl intently watching the movie unfold, I wanted so much to tell her I loved her, and ask her to come home with me, but I had promised to give her one more week.

  Chapter 27: Natalie

  Between the bridal shower, engagement party, rehearsal dinner, and Neil’s sister having her baby, the week between Christmas and New Year flew by. The merger Mac was working on kept him busy as well, so we had very little time alone together. The security guards kept shadowing me and I hadn’t received any other unexpected surprises from Cassie. I was hoping that she had given up, but having seen the resolve in her eyes when she had come to Nordstrom, I knew that was too much to ask for.

  Fortunately, Mac was my date for the wedding and I was looking forward to some time alone with him. Standing up in the wedding party, I imagined us before a minister saying our I do’s, slipping rings onto each other’s fingers, and kissing when we were pronounced man and wife. Kate and Neil’s was probably the closest I was going to get to a wedding, but I didn’t mind, because I knew the important thing was the marriage, not the party before it. A few times I caught Mac eyeing me during the ceremony, causing my cheeks to burn. He looked so handsome in his tux and I just wanted to be in his arms.

  Once the ceremony was over we proceeded to the reception. After Neil and Kate’s first dance, I knew I would have my wish of being in Mac’s arms dancing with him. At least I could borrow some things from the special night and make them my own.

  Finally, the right song came on and Mac asked me to dance. He held my hand as he guided me out to the dance floor. Once I was secure in his arms, he told me in my ear how beautiful I looked. Then our eyes met.

  “So, you still haven’t told them anything?” he asked me. “I can’t believe you’ve made it this long without telling them.”

  I shook my head. “No, I’m really good at keeping secrets.”

  “You don’t think Kate and Charlie suspect anything?”

  “They have been so distracted with wedding planning that they haven’t asked much about you until today, after you removed that horrible woman from Kate’s suite. I’m so glad you made her leave.”

  “I’ve had experience with obsessed women. I hope she resigns, or Neil is going to have to fire her. She’s too unstable to keep around.”

  “No kidding. So, you’ve had a stalker other than Cassie?”

  “Yes, one old girlfriend tried to sabotage the relationship I had after she and I ended.”

  “Wow, you really attract the crazy ones, huh?” I said laughing. “Good thing she didn’t take a page out of Roger’s book.”

  Mac chuckled at my joke. “I can’t believe Kate is going through all of that. You never know who’s unstable.”

  I tilted my head to one side, but my eyes were downcast.

  Mac lifted my chin. “Tell me,” he said.

  “I do have something to tell you, but I want to wait until we are alone.”

  “Is everything okay?” he asked with a concerned look.

  “I’m not sure.”

  “Nat, you’re scaring me.”

  “Just hold me, Mac.”

  Mac pulled me close and I rested my head on his shoulder. The music changed to a fast song and he promptly escorted me off the dance floor and out of the ballroom.

  “Where are we going?” I asked.

  “Up to your hotel room to grab your things, and then to my suite.”

  I didn’t speak. I was feeling breathless with what it would mean to be in his suite with him for the night. Especially with what I needed to tell him. Mac led me by the hand to my room. I fished out the key from the small bag that I was carrying. Mac opened the door and we collected my things quickly, the tension between us rising with each passing moment.

  When we arrived at the door to Mac’s suite, he looked down at me and said, “Mrs. Carter, I want you to be with me every day and every night from now on. I don’t want to spend another minute without you.”

  I searched his eyes like I always did. I didn’t know why, he hadn’t lied to me so far, but everything seemed too good to be true and I was anticipating something going wrong. I knew he was waiting for me to respond to his declaration. “I want to be with you too, Mac,” I said, my voice slightly shaking. I didn’t know how he was going to react once I told him my news.

  Mac opened the door, scooped me up in his arms, and carried me over the threshold. I felt… like a bride. He had a way of making me feel special, adored, and protected, all at once. I loved him for that. My own thoughts made my blood pressure spike as I was finally admitting to myself that I loved Mac Carter.

  Mac placed me on the bed and then went back into the hall to grab my suitcase. When he returned, his face looked worried and his demeanor was serious.

  “Okay, what’s going on?” he asked, as he sat on the bed next to me.

  I exhaled and gathered my thoughts. How was I going to tell him? What if it changed things?

  “Natalie, please tell me what’s going on.”

  “I’m not sure how to start.”

  “Start from the beginning.”

  “I’m just…just worried about what you are going to think,” I said, swallowing hard.

  Mac took my hand. “Baby, there’s nothing that you can tell me that will take me away from you. Is that what you are worried about?”

  I nodded.

  “Well, you’re not going to tell me something like you’re actually a man, are you?” he asked with a grin.

  “No, I’m not a man,” I said, not being able to contain my laugh.

  “Then anything else we will face together.”

  “I’m late.” There, I said it.

  “Late for what?” Mac questioned.

  “Late,” I said, giving him a hard look.

  “You mean…we might be…pregnant?” he asked, his eyes alight with what I desired to be hope.

  “I haven’t taken a pregnancy test, but I bought one. I just didn’t want to be alone when I found out.”

  “Where’s the test? Let’s do it now.”

  “It’s in my makeup bag in my suitcase.”

  Mac brought my suitcase over to the bed. He placed it on the bed and opened it for me. I found my bag and took out the test.

  “You know, before I do this, I probably need to get out of this gown,” I said, moving toward the edge of the bed to stand. I found my silky robe in my luggage and turned my back to Mac, indicating that he could unzip my dress. Under my dress, I was wearing a bustier and a thong. As the dress slid down my body, I heard Mac’s breathing accelerate. He was seeing me without clothing for the first time—at least, the first time that he would remember.

  Turning to face him, I saw the fire in his eyes. Desire was coursing through my body and I wanted to make love to him so desperately, but I slipped on my robe and proceeded to the bathroom to take the test. I followed the instructions and carried the test out with me when I was finished.

  “How long will it take?” he asked.

  “A couple of minutes.”

  Mac had put on some music while I was in the bathroom. Michael Buble crooned in the background as we stood there staring at each other. I put the test on the nightstand and Mac pulled me into his arms saying, “No matter what the test indicates, I love you and want to spend the rest of my life showing you how much.”

  “Oh Mac, I love you, and I want the same thing. I was so worried that you…”

  “Baby, no more worrying. I’ve got you and I’m never letting you go. Hang on, did you just tell me that you love me?”

  The love that poured through my husband’s eyes and his words drove away my fears.

  I sighed, “Yes, Mac, I did. You’ve made me so happy an
d I can’t believe I get to have you in my life.”

  “Believe it, because I am all yours. Always. And you are all mine. Always.”

  I smiled at my adoring husband. “Always.”

  Mac grinned, “Dance with me, Mrs. Carter.”

  I wrapped my hands around his neck and began slow dancing with my husband who continually reassured me that he loved me. His words might have said it, but his actions had screamed it loud and clear.

  Mac whispered in my ear, “I hope we have a daughter just like you.”

  If I wasn’t already desperate for him before, his words caused me to crave him in a way I had never experienced before. I had fallen hopelessly in love with this gorgeous man and I was going to completely let my guard down and show him.

  The song ended and so did the few minutes that we needed for the test to give an accurate response.

  “Are you ready to see the results?” he asked me.

  “Yes,” I answered, courage welling up inside. “I’m so happy that you are okay with this, that you’re not freaking out right now.”

  Mac put his hands on my face. “Natalie, I want you, I need you, and most importantly, I love you. Never doubt that. Nothing can change how I feel about you.”

  Mac picked up the test and held it between us so we could both see it at the same time. “It’s positive,” I said, looking up at him. He was beaming as he looked down at me.

  “Let’s celebrate, baby,” he said, sweeping me off my feet.

  “What did you have in mind?” I asked coyly.

  “You’ll see,” he said, placing me on the bed again.

  Mac got down on his knees and pulled another blue box from his coat just like on Christmas. Taking my hand, he said, “I’ve been planning this and it’s been so hard to wait, like a kid waiting for Santa to bring him a puppy.”

  “Mac,” I began.

  “No don’t say anything yet,” he said, putting his fingers lightly on my lips. “Natalie, I love the way you laugh…the way you always surprise me… . I love how you think of others before yourself. I love the way your mind works. You’re secretive sexy side; how you love your friends fiercely. I see my life with you, a family, Christmases with our children. You are the only one for me. Do you know why I’m so certain?” he asked.