Marsala and Magnolias

by SJ McCoy

  She went through to the kitchen and put her purse down on the counter. He’d said he was going to cook for her tonight—the Chicken Marsala that they’d never gotten around to eating the first night she came here. She didn’t know what time he’d be back, but he’d called her earlier to say that he shouldn’t be too late, so not to go snacking on anything and spoil her appetite. She smiled. She didn’t need to eat, but she did want her usual Friday night treat. He’d very sweetly bought everything she needed to make her Margaritas and she fixed herself one and took it out onto the terrace. She loved it out here. The view was amazing. She sat down on one of the loungers, but couldn’t settle there—apparently, she wasn’t totally relaxed here yet. Instead, she took her drink and sat at the table. She blew out a big happy sigh and took in the view. Who would ever have thought that this would be her life? She smiled as she remembered what Antonio had said about being grateful to David. He was right. She was grateful to him now—if he hadn’t dumped her she wouldn’t be sitting here right now, sipping her Margarita, and waiting for her wonderful man to come home to her.

  She had to wonder what her mom would make of all this. She’d only spoke to her a couple of times since that night at Molly’s. She wasn’t angry at her, but her feelings were still a little hurt that her mom thought she should take David back and be grateful that he wanted her again. She pulled her phone out of her pocket. She should give them a call, maybe she’d even tell them about Antonio. Though she wouldn’t expect too much enthusiasm.

  She set her phone down on the table when she heard the garage door open. He was home. She could call her parents another time. Right now, she had to go tell a certain Sicilian that she loved him.

  She met him in the kitchen and he came and closed his arms around her. There was a gleam in his eyes that made her wonder what he was up to.

  “Hey, bella. I love coming home to find you here.”

  “I love being here.”

  “You do?” The way he smiled made her more curious as to what he had up his sleeve.

  “I do. I love being with you.”

  He smiled and planted a kiss on her lips.

  She decided she might as well go for it. There was no point waiting. “I love being with you because I love you.”

  He cupped her face between his hands and kissed her. Then he lifted his head and looked into her eyes. “You do? You’re sure?”

  She laughed. “I’m sure. I wouldn’t tell you if I didn’t know for certain.”

  He kissed her again and wrapped her in a big hug before holding her at arm’s-length. “You just made me the happiest man in the world. I love you, Mary Ellen. I love you and I always will. I’m a lucky man.”

  She put her hands on his shoulders and reached up to kiss him. “And I’m a lucky lady.”

  ~ ~ ~

  After they’d eaten, Antonio led her out onto the terrace and sat her down at the table. “Wait here. I’ll be right back.”

  She gave him a puzzled look, but did as he asked.

  He hurried back into the kitchen to fetch the Tiramisu and the items he’d picked up after work. He opened the fridge and then closed it again. Was it tempting fate? No. He opened it again and took out a bottle of champagne. He had to believe they’d be celebrating after dessert.

  She laughed when he came back out. “You should have let me help out.”

  He shrugged as he set out the desserts and the champagne, the flutes, and the most important thing—his little bag of goodies.

  She raised an eyebrow at him. “What’s that?”

  “Tiramisu.” He tried to look innocent, but she wasn’t going for it.

  “I know that. I mean, what’s in the bag?”

  “A surprise.”

  She made a face at him.

  “Oh, that’s right. You don’t like surprises.” He picked up the bag. He’d wanted to wait until after dessert, but he was too impatient anyway. He fished inside it and pulled out his first gift. He handed it over with a smile. “I thought you might want this.”

  She took it from him with a puzzled look. “It’s a garage opener?”

  He nodded. “You shouldn’t have to leave your car in the driveway.”

  She laughed. “It’s hardly in any danger out there. Even if someone tried to take it, they wouldn’t get out of the gate.”

  He shook his head. She was missing the point. “It’s not about someone taking your car; it’s about you keeping your car here.”

  “Okay.” She still looked puzzled. “Thanks.”

  “When you come home before I do, you can go straight into the garage.”

  She nodded again, missing his point about this being home.

  He needed to do better. He pulled out the key he’d had cut and handed it over. “This is for you, too, if you want it.”

  She took it with the same puzzled look on her face. “Thanks, do you need the other one back as the spare?”

  He let out a frustrated chuckle. “No. The point is that that one was the spare. I don’t want you to have the spare. I want you to have your very own key, and your own garage opener so you can come and go as you please. You should be able to do that—if you live here.”

  “But I don’t … oh!” She met his gaze. “Are you saying …?”

  He laughed and took hold of her hands. “Apparently, I’m not doing a very good job of it, but yes, I’m asking you to move in with me.”

  She nodded slowly, and he held his breath, not sure if that meant yes or if she was thinking it over.

  He tried to wait for her to answer, but he couldn’t. “Do you want to?”

  She met his gaze and nodded again. “Yes. I do.”

  He grinned and lifted her hands to lips. “Thank you. You just made me an even happier man.”

  She was smiling, but she didn’t say anything.

  “Are you sure?”

  She nodded happily. “Sorry; yes, I am. I’m thrilled. I’m just taking a moment to get used to the idea—and to get past my need for things to go more slowly. I want it just as much as you do, so why waste time?”

  Antonio grinned. “I love it when you think like that.”

  She laughed. “So do I. So far.”

  ~ ~ ~

  “Do you want to go out for breakfast?”

  Mary Ellen looked at him. Did she? She wasn’t sure.

  He narrowed his eyes at her. “Are you ashamed to be seen out with me?”

  She laughed. “No. It’s not that, though I take it that means you want to go to Molly’s?”

  “She does serve the best breakfast in town.”

  “She does.” Mary Ellen got to her feet. “Yeah, let’s do it. I’m sure it won’t be a surprise to anyone to see us having breakfast together.”

  He chuckled. “So you were ashamed of me?”

  “No!” she pushed at his arm. “I’m sure no girl has ever been ashamed of you. All I was hesitating over was if I’m ready to tell people that I’m moving in with you.”

  “You don’t have to tell them if you don’t want to.”

  She shook her head at him. “I know that much, but I also know you well enough to know that you’re bound to let it slip out.”

  He gave her a shamefaced grin. “You do know me well. I want to tell the world.”

  She smiled. “And I said yes, let’s go. So apparently, I do, too.”

  He held the door open for her when they got to Molly’s and she stopped dead just inside the door, making him walk into the back of her. He slid his arms around her waist and rested his head on her shoulder. “Problem?”

  She sighed. “No problem, but look. At least we won’t need to repeat our news over and over to everyone. The whole gang’s here.” She nodded toward a large table in the back where all the Hamiltons were sitting. Mr. and Mrs. Hamilton had joined their children and their partners and even Gene and his wife Rita were there.

  Antonio kissed her cheek and took hold of her hand. “We don’t have to j
oin them.”

  “Too late,” she replied as Cameron waved and got to his feet. Mrs. Hamilton met her gaze with a smile and beckoned them over.

  “It’s good to see the two of you.” Mr. Hamilton gave her a knowing smile then nodded at Antonio.

  “You will join us, won’t you?”

  Antonio raised an eyebrow at her and she nodded. How could they refuse?

  Cam caught her eye. “Sorry I didn’t invite you. It’s just that we have some news we wanted to share with the family.”

  Antonio gave him a hurt look. “I’m not family anymore?”

  Mr. Hamilton gave his nephew a stern look. “Of course you are. We were being considerate of your situation.” He winked at Mary Ellen and she couldn’t help smiling back at him. He seemed so formal, yet he was so warm and kind.

  Cameron punched his arm. “Don’t, okay. Piper and I have decided to change our wedding plans. We’ll both be more comfortable with a smaller celebration and we wanted to tell Mom and Dad first.”

  Mary Ellen smiled at Piper. “That’s good, you should do whatever works best for you.”

  Piper looked uncomfortable, but Mrs. Hamilton put a hand on her arm. “She’s right. You’re the most important one in all of this. We’re just happy to be invited to whatever the two of you want to do.”

  Mr. Hamilton nodded his agreement. “That’s right, and I believe you were about to tell us what your new plans are?”

  Cam grinned around at everyone. “I don’t know what you’re going to make of this, but we’ve decided we want to have just a small ceremony and reception in …” He looked around again, drawing out the moment.”

  “Tell us already!” said Chelsea impatiently.

  Piper laughed. “In Summer Lake.”

  “Thank God for that!” said Chelsea. For one horrible moment I thought you were about to say Vegas.”

  They all laughed at that.

  “No, that’s not my style at all,” said Piper. “It’s okay for the parties, but not for our wedding.”

  Mr. Hamilton chuckled. “If it weren’t for parties in Vegas the two of you might never have gotten together.”

  Mary Ellen loved the way Cam and Piper smiled at each other. She hoped that someday she and Antonio would have memories that made them smile like that.

  “What will happen with all the arrangements you made?” asked Antonio.

  She looked at him. He couldn’t know what she’d gone through canceling all of her own wedding arrangements all those years ago. It surprised her that the thought even occurred to him.

  Cam smiled. “I’ll take care of it all on Monday.”

  Mary Ellen smiled. Of course he would. Piper wouldn’t have to go through what she had—even if it was under much happier circumstances, no bride should have to cancel her wedding arrangements.

  “And what about you? Have you made any plans yet?”

  Mary Ellen’s heart jumped into her throat as Gene smiled at her. How did he know that her getting married was even a possibility? He smirked at her and a wave of relief rushed through her as he turned to look at Chelsea.

  “We haven’t decided yet, have we?” She smiled up at Grant.

  He laughed. “I’m just waiting to hear what you want, and we’ll do it.”

  Mr. Hamilton smiled at him. “Just don’t agree to anything too crazy?”

  Grant shrugged his shoulders. “I’ll try, but I can’t make any promises.”

  Chelsea made a face at her dad. “You can make all the noises you like. If I want to get married while skydiving, you’ll be there.”

  They all laughed as Mr. Hamilton nodded sadly. “I will. I will.”

  The server came to take their orders and they caught up with each other’s news while they ate. Afterward, everyone went their separate ways with promises to catch up soon. Mary Ellen felt a little deflated as they walked back to the car. She’d been expecting to hear everyone’s reaction to her moving in with Antonio, but it hadn’t been the time or the place to talk about it. Everyone had enough going on in their own lives.

  When Antonio reached the car, he held the door open for her and pecked her lips before she got in. “Is everything okay?”

  She nodded.

  “I’m disappointed, too, but we’ll tell them when we see them next.”

  Chapter Seventeen

  They spent the rest of the day hanging out at the house. Antonio didn’t usually spend much time at home, but with Mary Ellen there, there was no place else he’d rather be. She’d set herself up on one of the loungers out on the terrace. She looked so at home reading her book, and that was what he wanted her to be—at home, here with him.

  Her phone rang, and she reached for it, but then looked up at him. “It must be yours. It’s not mine.”

  It made him smile that they both had the same ringtone, though it did get a little confusing sometimes. He went to fetch his from the counter. It was Muse.”

  “Hello?”

  “Antonio. I’m sorry to disturb you.” It was Rodney. “I’ve found something of a discrepancy in the accounts. I think I know what’s happening, but I don’t want to act on my intuition until I know that you agree.”

  Antonio frowned. “You think someone’s stealing?”

  “I’m afraid so.”

  Antonio blew out a sigh. “Are you there now?”

  “Yes, but it can wait. I know this is your weekend.”

  “It’s okay, hold on a minute.” He looked at Mary Ellen. He hated to leave her, but employee theft wasn’t something to take lightly. He couldn’t just let it ride, and it wasn’t right to offload all the responsibility onto Rodney.

  She looked up. “Is everything all right?”

  “No. There’s a problem at Muse. Would you mind if I run over there and sort it out?”

  “Of course not. Go. Do what you need to do. I’m fine here.”

  “Thanks.” He lifted his phone back to his ear. “I’ll be right over Rodney.”

  When he got to the wine bar and Rodney showed him the receipts and the takings, it was all too obvious that the new guy on the upstairs bar had been taking home more than tips. Antonio nodded sadly. He liked to give people a chance, to believe the best of people, but unfortunately, in this case there was no room for doubt. “What time’s he due in for his shift?”

  Rodney checked his watch. “He should be here in twenty minutes.”

  “Okay. I’ll wait and take care of it myself.”

  “Thank you.” Rodney smile awkwardly. “I can do it if you want me to, but I do find firing people rather distasteful.”

  Antonio laughed and grasped his shoulder. “I’m sure you do. Don’t worry. I wouldn’t ask you to. You’re here to enhance the finer side, not to get your hands dirty with the darker side of the business.”

  Rodney smiled. “Can I get you anything while you wait?”

  Antonio shook his head. “I’m fine, thanks. I’m making a special dinner tonight.”

  “Are things going well?”

  Antonio grinned. “That’s an understatement. I asked her to move in with me, and she said yes.” He couldn’t help it, he had to share his news with someone.

  Unfortunately, Rodney didn’t seem thrilled to hear it.

  “You’re not happy for me?”

  “Of course, I am. I suppose I’m a little more cautious than you. Are you sure about her?”

  “I couldn’t be surer, Rodney. I’m in love with her.”

  “And does she feel the same? Are you sure of her intentions?”

  Antonio laughed. “My intentions are honorable, if that’s what you mean.”

  “No. It isn’t. Is she in love with you? I’m sorry, perhaps it’s this little incident that’s making me lose trust in human nature. But you must admit, you’re quite a prize.”

  Antonio frowned. “She’s not after me for my money, if that’s what you mean. She loves me. She’s more cautious about this than I am. It’s me that’s rus
hing things along, not her.”

  Rodney nodded. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to offend. I’m only looking out for you.”

  Antonio wrapped his arm around the older man’s shoulders and hugged him into his side. “I know, and I appreciate it, but you don’t have to worry about Mary Ellen. She’s as genuine as they come. She’s the real deal, and she and I—we’re meant to be. I’m not going to make the same mistake my brother made.”

  “How is Marcos?”

  “Not good.” That reminded Antonio that he was supposed to call him.

  “I’m sorry to hear that. Give him my best when you speak to him. I hope we’ll see him back here soon.”

  “Will do. In fact, I’m going to give him a quick call while I wait.”

  ~ ~ ~

  Mary Ellen paced the living room and looked at her watch. When Antonio left he’d said he shouldn’t be more than an hour. He’d already been gone for nearly three. She’d been fine for a while, but now she was getting antsy. This was supposedly her first full day living here and he’d just disappeared. If this was a sign of how he thought their life should be, she wasn’t sure she was interested. She took a deep breath to calm herself. That was ridiculous! She knew all about having to go into work on the weekend, and about work problems eating up far more time than you expected them to. He’d gone into work, that was all. The nagging little voice insisted on reminding her that his work also happened to be his playground—the place where he met women and took them home to bed.