Natasha's Dream

by Heather Greenis

  “Are you on the pill?” he asked.

  “No. It made me sick. My doctor doesn’t recommend trying again, but I am prepared. I took a quick break this afternoon and popped into the drug store.” She pointed at the box of condoms on the night table, and then put her arms around his neck.

  “I’m willing to give the pull and pray method—”

  “I don’t want to take chances. My parents wouldn’t be impressed to discover I’m pregnant.”

  “I’m okay with condoms,” he assured her. “My buddy to the south is used to a raincoat.”

  He lowered her bottom onto the mattress, set her head on the pillow, and kissed her. The night was beyond her hopes and dreams. Head-over-heels in love, in a perfect world, she would spend eternity with this man.

  * * *

  Keeghan stood at the front door, her stomach gurgling, hungry for her lunch on Monday. Will pulled up in front of the boutique. She ran out and joined him in the car. Once at the local park, he removed the picnic basket from the trunk and carried it to a shady area under a large maple tree. The slight breeze felt great after spending three hours in the shop. She held onto the skirt of her multi-coloured striped sundress, squatted in front of the basket, and lifted the lid. Will had packed two whole wheat wraps, cheese, carrot sticks, grapes, cookies, and two apples. The opposite side held cranberry juice, napkins, two wine glasses, and a blanket.

  “Once again, I’m impressed.”

  “Mom was not too pleased to hear we’d been eating out a lot after she insisted I learn how to prepare a meal when I was growing up. Dining out is tough on a budget, and in my chosen career, I’m expected to know how to save. Everything here is healthy food. This picnic did not include a trip to the local coffee shop.”

  “Smart mom.”

  Keeghan sat back and held her full stomach, planning to relax. Will cleared his throat, capturing her attention.

  “I have something for you.”

  She sat upright. He reached into the right front pocket of his dark suit trouser pocket, and removed two keys. Holding the first key out to her, he looked into her eyes.

  “I think it’s time you tell Sherry she needs a new roommate. I want you to move in with me. I want to snuggle on the couch, and then carry you down the hall. I want to fall asleep with you in my arms, and wake up to your beautiful face.”

  She wanted to beam. Will wanted her in his life even after meeting her father, and discovering her nighttime quirk. Will was committing to her. But, she had to ensure he wasn’t interested in simply living together. Marriage was important to her. She wanted a family.

  “How do you feel about common-law relationships?” he asked, interrupting her thoughts.

  “Did you talk to your parents about this?”

  “My parents aren’t the problem, Keegh. Your dad and I aren’t exactly on good terms. I’m a decent guy, and somehow I have to prove that to him. Your mom and your brothers like me, so … I’ll take five out of six for now. I let you walk out of my life in high school, and fate brought you back. I want this to work.”

  She picked up the key and squeezed it in her palm.

  “I would love to move in with you, but….”

  “But?”

  “I’d like to plan a wedding within the next five years.”

  “Within five years, I’m hoping to be a father, a dad, whatever the term. Unless something goes wrong, I see you in my future. I plan to put two rings on your finger within a couple of years.”

  Music to her ears, her entire being bubbled with excitement.

  “If you agree to this, we can go to the condo after work, pack an overnight bag, and you can come home with me. After dinner, we can snuggle on the couch, and talk. Then I plan to kiss you, and with any luck….”

  “It’s going to be a long afternoon,” she admitted.

  “How much furniture do you own?”

  “A double bed and dresser, but we can donate them to Habitat for Humanity or some other charity. That’s what I did with the rest of my stuff when I moved into Sherry’s. I had hand-me-downs from my brothers.”

  “I have a buddy with a truck. We’ll deal with those.” He handed her the second key. “This will get you in the front door of the building.”

  Keeghan was all smiles as she dug into her purse and attached the keys to her key ring.

  Chapter Twenty-Three

  Two months later, with trembling hands, Keeghan pushed the memory button for Will’s cell.

  “Hey.”

  “Oh my gosh. You’ll never believe it. I’ve been promoted to store manager.” So excited, her words tripped over each other. “I’ll be purchasing the product line for the entire store. My base pay will increase as well as my commission rate.”

  “That’s amazing news, Keegh. I’m so happy for you. Let’s go out to dinner tonight to celebrate. Oh, damn, I’ve gotta go. My phone is ringing. Talk later.”

  * * *

  Will changed out of his work suit and put on dark dress pants with a grey and blue speckled sports jacket. Keeghan donned an elegant long floral gown. Seated at a corner table with soft glowing light, they toasted her promotion and talked about the events of the day. Keeghan was still over the moon excited. Once their plates were cleared, Will reached into his pocket. A small box appeared.

  He removed the diamond, and reached for her left hand. She held his gaze as he slid the ring up to her knuckle. A warm sensation consumed her. The white gold band intertwined with a band of yellow gold, in the centre nestled a half-carat diamond. She never uttered a sound.

  “This can’t surprise you, Keeghan. I told you the night of our first date, I would be shopping for a ring after you moved in. I love you. I think I fell in love with you the day we spoke in the boutique.”

  There was nothing Keeghan hated more than being the centre of attention, but she wanted Will to actually propose. She wanted to hear those four amazing words.

  “A diamond ring for getting a promotion,” she teased. “What are you going to give me when you propose? Or when we find out we’re going to be parents?”

  “You know damn well this is an engagement ring, but if you want the old-fashioned route, you’ve got it,” he growled, though amusement sparked in his eyes.

  He removed the ring from her finger. He stood up and kneeled down on one knee in front of her. Keeghan’s jaw dropped. Will looked up and cleared his throat. He gripped her left hand.

  “Sit on your chair,” she pleaded, keeping her voice lowered. “I just meant I want to hear those four words.”

  “I’m in love with you, Keeghan Erika Kinsdale,” he announced louder than was strictly necessary.

  Thanks to her stupid request, every eye in the place was on them. Embarrassment flooded her body with prickly heat.

  “I want to be by your side to support you in every aspect of your life,” he continued as he held her left hand. “I’ll give you my shoulder to cry on. I’ll be there to watch your face light up when you’re happy. I hope to raise a family with you. Please tell me you will spend eternity with me. Will you marry me?”

  Tears poured down her face. She nodded. She expected him to push the ring onto her finger, but he never moved.

  “Yes,” she responded in a barely audible voice.

  “Louder. The audience you requested couldn’t hear that.”

  Her entire being regretted her decision to ask to Will propose like this. She should know better than to test him. Will didn’t have a shy or reserved bone in his body. In public, he had more than enough for both of them.

  “Yes,” she responded in a louder voice. “I’ll marry you.”

  With an ear to ear smile, Will pushed the ring onto her finger, leaned forward, and gave her a gentle kiss. The fellow patrons began clapping.

  “Never again,” she promised. “I know better.”

  Still grinning, Will stood, and returned to his seat.

  “That will be a good story for the grandkids. How Papa made Nana blush.”

  “I’
ll enjoy listening to it. This is perfect.”

  “Not quite. In a perfect world I would have spoken to your father, and asked for his blessing. I didn’t do that. I didn’t even mention it to your mom, and God knows I could have.”

  “I appreciate the thought, but it isn’t necessary to speak with my parents. We aren’t nineteen. I’ve been living independently for years. I love you, and I look forward to our future together.” She looked down at her hand. “I love this ring.”

  “I’m glad you like it. When I had the ring designed, I told the jeweller you like yellow gold, and I like white. She’s waiting to speak with both of us before she designs the wedding bands.”

  “Keep it simple, Will. I’d like a plain yellow band.” As she looked at the ring on her finger, she thought of perceptions. In the eyes of the world, she was spoken for, but Will was still available. That bugged her.

  “Would you be willing to wear an engagement ring?”

  “Me?”

  “Yes, you. This ring means I’m committed, and I’ll be proud to wear it, but to the world, you still appear single until the day I put a wedding ring on your finger.”

  “You want me, to wear an, en-engagement ring? I … um … I’ve never, heard of that … or thought about it,” he stammered.

  “You’re willing to wear a wedding band, aren’t you?”

  “Of course.”

  “Then I’d like you to wear an engagement ring until the day I replace it with a wedding band.”

  “The wedding will be a double ring ceremony, so … I might as well get used to a ring while we’re engaged. Am I going to be wearing two rings once we’re married?”

  “Not unless you want to. Maybe tomorrow we can go the jeweller, and I’ll buy you an inexpensive but meaningful ring.”

  “If that’s what makes you happy.”

  “Very happy.”

  After dinner, Will drove to his parent’s home to show off the ring and share in the occasion. The congratulations were loud and heartfelt. They spoke with his papa, and then pictures were taken of the engaged couple before they returned home. Keeghan called her mom, told her about the promotion, and then, in an ecstatic voice, informed her Will had proposed. Her mom was thrilled.

  Chapter Twenty-Four

  Three months later, Keeghan finished a conversation with her boss, and sent a text message to Will.

  ‘Call me. I need to hear your voice.’

  “Hi,” she responded when she saw his name on her cell display.

  “What’s up?” he asked.

  “I need a pick-me-up,” she groaned. “I just had a conversation with the boss. Irene and Lawrence have decided to sell the business. They want to retire. I like my job, Will. I’ve worked here since graduating from high school.”

  “I’m so sorry.”

  “Here we are trying to save for the wedding, and a house, and I’m going to lose my job.”

  “Don’t dwell on that. We’re going to be fine. You’re amazing in sales. You’ll get another job.”

  “I hope so.”

  “My phone is ringing. It’s one of my better clients. We’ll talk later.”

  An hour later, Keeghan’s cell phone buzzed with an incoming message.

  ‘$ 4 the business. Inquire.’

  “Will,” she groaned, shaking her head. “I love him, but his head is in the clouds if he’s considering owning two businesses. We’re savings-poor, wanting a house and his investment business.”

  ‘Keep focused,’ she typed. ‘Own a home! Your business. I will find another job.’

  ‘Doesn’t cost $ to ask. Tell Irene we need to see the books. Dad and I will review them.’ He signed off with a smiley face.

  Against her better judgement, she typed ‘K’ and sent it.

  * * *

  Saturday afternoon, Will’s parents arrived at the apartment. Keeghan and Kirsten sat in the living room and visited while the men sat at the kitchen table and examined the financial documents. Three hours later, they were confident it was a good investment and business venture. Needing fresh air to clear their minds, the guys stepped outside. Kirsten assisted Keeghan with the dinner.

  That night, Keeghan crawled into bed and snuggled next Will. They discussed the pros and cons of retail ownership. After a good night’s sleep, and a dream about owning the business, Keeghan felt exhilarated, ready to put their plans into action.

  * * *

  Sunday night after dinner with his parents and Papa, they returned to Will’s condo. They just settled on the sofa when the phone rang. Keeghan reached for it, saw ‘Kirsten/Lucas’ on the display, and handed the phone to Will.

  “It’s Papa,” he informed her. Will activated the speakerphone. “He wants to talk to us. Okay, Papa. We’re listening.”

  Will’s papa offered to finance the business. The only stipulation was a promise to help the underprivileged once the capital loan was paid off. Keeghan already volunteered for two organizations, one of which was the local humane society. Will helped there at least twice a month, taking dogs for a walk. That was one promise that would be easy to keep. They ended the call, thrilled.

  “Can he afford to do this?” she asked. “I don’t want to see him tight for cash. It isn’t cheap, living in this province. It’s a standing joke with my family that B.C. stands for bring cash.”

  “My grandparents owned a nice home when Dad was younger. Papa lived there until Nana passed. Papa must have made a profit when he sold that house.” Will put his arm around Keeghan’s shoulder and gave it a gentle squeeze. “I’m sure bankers in his day made a decent buck, and he must have a pension. Papa and Dad both have a brain for finance. They would have discussed it before he called. Papa is offering to help because he wants to. It isn’t like he has a house full of kids or grandkids looking for a handout. You’re the one with the big family.”

  Chapter Twenty-Five

  Keeghan looked over her shoulder. Sherry stood behind her and adjusted the small train of her off-white silk wedding gown. Keeghan fidgeted with the scooped neckline, and gave a slight tug to the long lace sleeves. All three of her brothers offered to walk her down the aisle, but her poppa was doing the honours, smiling like a trooper. He spoke to her young niece and nephew. Sherry took her place beside her.

  “You have a definite advantage working at the boutique.” Sherry said with mock envy. “You saw the perfect dress on a supplier’s website, and just like magic, it arrives by courier. I love this dress.”

  “Me too.”

  “Will and Jim are stepping into position,” Sherry informed her friend. “They so look handsome. It’s almost show time, Keegh.”

  The music changed. Her poppa whispered to his grandchildren and they began the trip down the aisle. Sherry followed behind in a strapless fuchsia cocktail-length gown. In an attempt to calm her nerves, Keeghan fidgeted with her bouquet of pink roses and greenery.

  “Keeghan, are you certain about this?”

  She looked into her father’s eyes.

  “I love him, Poppa. I’m not questioning my decision to marry him. My nerves will settle once I get through my vows. I’m beginning to wish we only invited twenty people.”

  “You’d still be nervous. You are a vision, sweetheart. C’mon, that’s our cue. There’s a young man waiting for you.”

  Keeghan stepped into the soft glow from the candles at the front of the church. Their family and friends were all looking at her. She gripped her poppa’s arm, afraid for a moment that she would faint. Once she was down the aisle, Will extended his hand. The minister asked the ritual question.

  “Who gives this woman?”

  “I do.”

  Poppa kissed her cheek and joined her mom in the pew. Keeghan and Will turned to face the minister. The ceremony was perfect. Will spoke clearly and loudly. Keeghan struggled to get the words out. The minister pronounced them man and wife, and Will turned to their guests.

  “I assure you, Keeghan said ‘I do.’ Jim and Sherry heard her.” His joke brought a swel
l of laughter from the congregation.

  He gave her another gentle kiss to seal the deal. The licence was signed and witnessed. They were married.

  * * *

  Two days after returning from their honeymoon, they joined Papa for dinner. He delivered the personal cheque which would enable them to purchase the store. Weekends were spent renovating the interior of the premises. The new décor was perfect. Keeghan was content, but Will was growing impatient with his work, and desperately wanted to move ahead and open his own investment firm.

  “William, think of your days in lending.” Keeghan overheard Lucas remind him during a phone conversation. “You have a choice. A new job or a house. You’re going to struggle to get a mortgage if you’re both recently self-employed. One of those ‘sorry, but’ conversations that you hated giving. Can you take me off speakerphone, I’m getting an echo.”

  Will picked up the receiver and sent her an apologetic smile. Keeghan couldn’t hear the rest of the conversation, but the slight frown on her husband’s face concerned her.

  Eager to move out of the apartment, they began searching the internet for a modest house in their price range. Ninety days after their wedding, they moved into their first home.

  * * *

  Six months after the wedding, Papa suggested a weekday visit at his apartment. Keeghan stood to clear the dishes when Papa stepped away from the table and disappeared into his bedroom. He returned a few minutes later and handed Will a cheque. Will looked at it, and then held it out for her to see.

  “Papa?” Will asked.