by Lee Heaven
“Thank you, Decker.”
Once again he has put the decision in my hand. Not making it for me like everyone else used to do. How could I not love this man for the rest of my life when he gave just that, my life, back to me?
Chapter 17
Turning in circles I don’t know which way to go. My head is spinning and I don’t know if it’s because I’m in a sea of celebrities and rich people or because I still have to pull this night off or because of the five inch Rock & Republic studded beige and black heels I’m wearing or because of what happened two days ago at the courthouse. Dinner is going to be served in half an hour. People are pouring over the art on display and in the catalog
“Little lady, where did you get a mouth like that?” I heard a man’s voice behind me say.
“Uh…what?” I spin around and see John Hankles walking my way with a bleach bottle blonde draped across his arm. She’s scowling at me, probably thinks I’m gonna steal her date and she won’t get to score with the big studly baseball player. I want to punch her instantly in her perfect little plastic surgery nose.
“Boston!” I start laughing and gave him a hug.
“In the hallway at the court house the other day; your mouth where’d you learn to speak like that?” he says as he hugs me back.
Everyone’s always got to question my mouth. If you’re from Jersey, and yes it’s Jersey not New Jersey, no one ever says new especially if you grew up there, it was just second nature and you never realize when someone is swearing. But if you aren’t from Jersey then you pick up on the fact that we swear a lot.
“That would be what I call my Jersey trucker mouth. You grow up in Jersey this is how you learn to talk. Decker hates it. I swear he almost had a coronary the first time he heard me use it. I try not to around him but when I’m mad it comes out and there’s no stopping it.”
“Well remind me not to make you mad,” John said laughing. “Looks like you doing good tonight. Good turnout of people. I can’t wait for the auction to start. I’ve got my eye on a few pieces.”
“Well make sure you don’t stop bidding till you get them. That way we can raise lots of money.”
I needed people to bid as high as they can go. All auctions are set so the company loaning them will make their commission first and then anything that they do over that set price is what we will earn toward our fundraiser. So the higher the pieces went the more money we would make.
“You make sure to save me a dance after all the bidding is done,” he says as the blonde on his arm starts to fidget.
“Sure will,” I said with a big smile and hurry off toward the kitchen to see how dinner is going.
Half way to the kitchen Dennis stops to tell me the DJ just called and won’t be able to make it he was just in an accident. Great just what I need now! Once one thing goes wrong everything does. I pull out my iPhone from my very tiny clutch purse and start scrolling through all the contacts. I have to know someone. Right?
The burning in my chest starts just when I need it least. I rub at my chest with one hand as the other scrolls through my contact list.
“Hey, baby, what’s wrong?” Decker says as he wraps his arms around me.
I relaxed against his hard muscled chest. Just being wrapped in his warmth was always calming and I could stay wrapped in his arms all day. It was where I found my peace. He was what I needed, even when I didn’t know I needed him. But he always knew. He always found me just when I needed him the most.
“The DJ. He just called he was in an accident and can’t make it. Now I gotta find someone else that can get here in less than two hours.” My voice betraying the panic I was beginning to feel.
I look up into his hazel-green eyes and relish in the fact he still by my side. He looks absolutely delicious in his black tux. I was never a fan of bow ties but man Decker is fucking sexy in his.
“Let me handle this. You go check on whatever it was you were hurrying off to,” he said as he kissed my neck. “By the way, I love this dress you’re wearing. I love when you show off your wings. I get turned on just looking at your bare back.”
As if he to prove his point he pulled me tightly into his body and slightly ground his hard cock into me. If it wasn’t for all the people walking around and arriving I would throw him on the floor and have my way with him right here.
Giggling, I said, “I know. That’s why I had Jason Wu make this special.” I twirl in my black floor length halter dress. The back stopping millimeters from my butt making sure my wings were in full view. A slit going up both legs stops at the top of my thigh showing off more skin then I had in years.
My midnight runs with Jimmy have not only given me peace and calmness but have also gotten my ass back in shape. The baby gut has disappeared. My legs are toned. My butt almost back to normal, Decker says it’s perfect, but I still don’t like it.
“So all I have to do is tug on this tie and it will leave you standing there in what just those sexy ass shoes and that black thong I saw you pulling out of the draw earlier?” he says as he tugs on the tie of my dress teasing to untie it.
“I put the thong back in the draw,” teasing him with the biggest Cheshire cat grin I can put on. He doesn’t need to know that I put on the sparkly silver ones, let him think I’m commando right now, this game is more fun.
“Oh, baby, you’re killing me. I’ll drop to my knees right here if you want,” he practically panted out.
“Don’t you tease! You go make a phone call and find me a DJ. I need to go to the kitchen and check on dinner.” I plant a kiss on his ever so sweet lips and rush off, looking back just long enough to see him have to adjust his hard cock. I couldn’t help it I burst out laughing. He winks at me.
~~~
Dinner was spectacular. The plates were absolutely stunning and the food was good, at least from what I was told. I barely tasted mine as I wolfed it down so I can make my rounds to all the guests to make sure everyone was having a good time.
I don’t think I could ever get the sight of all the celebrities I met tonight out of my mind. I just wish I had these contacts when I was helping the PTA. The fundraisers I could have pulled off then, they would have died!
I almost fell over when I was introduced to Laila Ali and her father the great Muhammad Ali. Decker took me over to meet Carey Hart and his absolutely stunning wife, and my favorite singer, Pink. Decker whispered something in her ear and she smiled and nodded. I pretended I didn’t see, but I knew he was up to something.
The auction started and almost immediately pieces were being bided to amounts that I think even shocked the auctioneer. There was everything from originals to prints, screen works, art pieces, and sculptures. A Van Gogh went for fifty-five thousand. A picture of Ali vs. Frazier went for ten thousand; a round of applause went up to actually honor the man when it was sold.
Decker bought Josie a Winnie the Pooh print. He also bought me a huge seventy-five inch panoramic photo of a foggy Central Park. I said it reminded me of my first run that night after I came home and Decker didn’t even let me argue about it before he bid on it. I had to laugh at the face he made when an auction of a signed photo of Decker jumping into the stands for a foul ball went up for bid. But even he was impressed that it went for twelve thousand dollars.
Piece after piece was auctioned off. Guest were having a blast. I couldn’t have asked for a better night. After the auction ended dessert was served with coffee and teas. It was the most scrumptious chocolate soufflé I ever tasted, and this time I didn’t scarf it down.
While guest finished their desserts the tally of the money raised tonight was added up. When it was finished Dennis, Mark, and Cindy handed me the envelope. Decker and I went over to the area where the DJ had set up his equipment. Funny I never even knew he got here, no one told me and I never saw him come in and set up.
A round of applause went out to Decker and me. However, Decker turned to me and started clapping to. Needless to say I was completely embarrassed. I hate having a
ttention just on me. But I graciously accepted it and bowed thanking them all.
“Thank you. Thank you all for coming. I couldn’t have asked for a better turn out or for better people to share my first fundraiser with. I want to thank you all for opening your wallets and helping us here tonight. Now I was just handed this envelope and it contains the total amount of how much was raised tonight. Neither Decker nor I have seen the total yet. So you will all share in our surprise and joy when I read it for the first time.”
Opening the envelope I pull out the card and flip it over. Staring at the total my mouth drops open, tears spring to my eyes and my hand starts to shake. I look over at Decker who is smiling the biggest smile I have ever seen.
“How much is it?” someone yells.
“Ladies and gentlemen, I am pleased, no wait I am beyond ecstatic to say that with your generosity we have raised…” I had to take a few breaths just to say the amount.
“Come on your killing us!” someone else yelled and everyone laughed.
With tears in my eyes I found my voice and said, “Two point eight million dollars.”
The crowd of people was on their feet in seconds standing and giving me a round of applause as Decker kissed me. Taking the microphone from my hands Decker gave me a hug and then turns to our guest.
“I think this lovely lady deserves another round of applause.” Everyone continued to stand and clap for me. When they all had stopped and sat back down Decker continued, “This was her first fundraiser and not only did she do an absolute wonderful job but I have one more wonderful thing to add to her night. Her first fundraiser was also our top earning fundraiser ever.”
Again everyone stood and applauded. I was blown away. I was probably also as red as a lobster I was so embarrassed to have everyone continue to applaud me the way they were.
“Now ladies and gentlemen, we have just one more exciting event for you this evening. It is now time for some dancing. I am pleased to announce that our DJ for the evening will be the great David Guetta.” The crowd started clapping and whooping as he made his way over to the DJ equipment waving to everyone.
“I have one more surprise for my lovely lady here.” Turning to me and smiling that heart stopping smile he has. “Now before all that bass pumping music comes on and steals your heart away from me, since of course that is your first and true love as you have told me so many times before.” I giggle and our guests laugh. “I would love to have one dance with your heart. Ladies and gentlemen here to sing this beautiful woman’s favorite song, the lovely Pink!”
My mouth drops open as she walks in front of the DJ equipment and hugs Decker while taking the microphone and then hugs me. Taking me by the hand Decker leads me out to the area that was kept clear for dancing.
Pink turns to us. “Sarah, Decker, I think I speak for everyone when I say, thank you for the wonderful evening you have given us. This night was fabulous. Now if you would, I am pleased to sing you your favorite song ‘Glitter In The Air’.” Looking back at David Guetta and giving a nod he starts the track and she begins to sing.
Decker takes me in his arms and begins to sway me across the floor. “How did you know this was my favorite song?” I ask.
“Baby, it’s the only song you lip sync to and you constantly do it. I swear you listen to that song at least a hundred times a day.” He smiles down at me.
“And David Guetta?”
“First, he was in town and owed me a favor. Second, the song in the club that first weekend it was his song Titanium that was playing when I first saw it.”
“Saw what?” I asked confused.
“That you loved me.” He bent and kissed me as he continued to dance me across the floor and everyone gathered to watch.
I thought back to that night. It was his song playing when he turned me in his arms and bent me backwards. I saw it in his eyes that night. How much he wanted me. I didn’t realize it was also pouring out of my eyes.
“How did you know then? I didn’t even know then.”
“When you turned and looked into my eyes, before I bent you backwards, I saw it in your eyes. It’s why I bent you backwards and tasted you,” his sexy smile turning sultry. “I knew I had to wait for you to realize it. I knew I had to wait for you to come to me. As much as it killed me to have to wait, I had to, you had to realize it without pressure from me. I’m just glad I only had to wait four days before I had you back in my arms. And now that you’re here, I will do whatever it takes to keep you here, because, baby, I’m never letting you go.”
Tears of joy welled in my eyes and trickled down my cheeks. For the first time in a long time I was truly happy. I felt loved. Not just from Decker but from the world. The worry of that God awful trial I had to go back to on Monday was the furthest thing from my mind.
Right here, right now all I thought about was this man holding me. This man who notices the littlest things about me, things I don’t even realize I do. How could I ever live my life without him anymore? How could I go back to being plain Sarah Starr?
As Pink finishes her song and David Guetta flowed into Titanium that’s when I realize it. That’s when I saw it. I knew at that moment.
Looking up at Decker through my tears of joy, I said, “These wings may be on my body and I may be your angel, but they are also your wings and you are my angel. You have saved me. You love me unconditionally, despite my scars and my past. I belong in your world.”
~~~
I couldn’t have asked for a better weekend. I couldn’t have asked for better friends, family, or a boyfriend. I couldn’t have asked for a better spot to be on a Sunday afternoon then where I am now. Yankee Stadium, with my friends and family, stadium fries, and Decker just smacking a grand slam making the score against Boston now 9-1 and it’s only the fourth inning. This is a great day.
I love the fan marquee. I always wanted someone to wish me a happy birthday or even just to say hi and welcome to another game. But no, no one ever did it for me. Shawn always said it was stupid and embarrassing. I always said it was romantic; it was in my eyes at least.
So here I sit in the middle of the fifth inning reading everybody’s happy birthday, happy anniversary, welcome to the stadium and will you marry me messages. Maggie and I are giggling, no wait, we are side splitting laughing at the one guy who asked his girlfriend to marry him. They put them on camera on the scoreboard and his girlfriend’s hair is bigger than a bee hive. The people behind them must be having a hard time seeing the game past her hair.
Maggie gasps and points wide eyed at the screen. Fifty-some-odd thousand fans, all the players’, coaches and umps in the stadium go quite. I don’t think I’ve ever heard the stadium that quiet. There was not a noise at all. It was so quite you could hear the rats up the street squeaking.
Up on the marquee was a message, Sarah, Will You Marry Me? Decker
My mouth drops open and then I realize I have a camera pointed at me and I’m on the scoreboard and Decker is kneeling next to me. Wait Decker is next to me, when did he get here? The whole stadium is staring either at me or at the screen.
Playing over the loud speaker wasn’t the usual voice of the stadiums announcer reading the message it was Bruno Mars singing Marry You.
Turning with tears spilling down my cheek I see a smiling, kneeling Decker. His killer smile plastered on his face. He’s holding a ring. A ring! I can’t do anything but stare at him and cry. My hands covering my mouth which had fallen open and didn’t seem to want to close no matter how hard I tried to close it.
Finally he says, “What do you say? Will you marry me?”
Bruno Mars is singing all around me!
I look over at my mom and Decker’s mom standing there holding each other’s hands beaming at us. Maggie touches my shoulder and squeezes. I look back to Decker. Staring into his eyes I knew my answer without a doubt.
“Yes, Yes!” I nod my head yes up and down. Decker leans in and wraps himself around me kissing me deeply and dipping me over his bent
knee.
The whole stadium erupts. I think it’s louder then when they win a World Series or even a major come back game. Cheering, banging on seats and walls were all for us, all for the love that I share with this wonderful man.
I think I just heard the hearts of thousands of girls breaking. At the same time mine was two stitches away from being healed all the way.
He put a ring on me! Oh my God he put a ring on me! Me! Me! OMG! Not some skinny minnie model. Not some fancy actress. Not even five years from now when he retires. He put a ring on my finger now! Oh my fucking God I’m gonna marry Decker fucking Jensen!
Decker didn’t have to bat this inning so he was able to stay for a few minutes and receive some congratulations. I showed off my ring. We received hugs and kisses from our family and friends.
My ring was beautiful. Little blue box from Tiffany and all! A stunning platinum band with scintillating round brilliant diamonds complementing the pure radiance of the beautiful princess-cut diamond.
Once Decker left I don’t think I sat still. People after people were stopping in to talk to me, some I couldn’t even tell you who they were. Finally around the bottom of the eighth inning I was able to sit for five minutes.
Taking my phone out of my pocket. I had to call Chrissy. Sliding the unlock button over I see fifty-six missed call. Most are from Chrissy and my sister, but there’s also numbers I don’t recognize and a few other people I really don’t want to talk to. I’ll call my sister later, right now I have to call Chrissy.
“Holy Fuck! I can’t believe he asked you on national television!” Chrissy screams into the phone when she picks it up.
“Wait, what do you mean national television? Those messages show during the commercial,” I squealed back at her.
“Sarah, they showed the whole fucking thing on television. I saw everything. From the moment the message appeared on the board, to when you saw it, when you said yes and he kissed you. It was all on live television. Hell the millions of people watching saw it. The whole fucking world knew as it happened.”
