CHAPTER 32
“Are you nervous?” Gabe looked at his little brother fidgeting next to him. The last time he had ever seen Shane so edgy was when their mother found garden snakes in the pantry. “What if she says no?” was all he said and stared out the window. Shane and Penny have been together for ten months now and things couldn’t have been better. The long distance was a hindrance but they easily overcame that obstacle, technology was a wonderful thing. After what had happened several months ago, the separation seemed daunting, and neither one of them wanted to leave the other alone. But Penny did have her job she needed to get back to and they realized that life had to go on. “She’s not going to say no” Gabe said with a chuckle, there was no way that would ever happen. He had gotten to know Penny and he had the feeling that if Shane had asked her to jump, she would ask off of which building. As for Lynesse, she got what she deserved after that day, Holten made sure of it. When he got home later that evening, he called his father to find out the details. Holten had divorce papers written up and Lynesse was getting nothing. Of course, she argued but, according to his father, she signed. Especially if she wanted to avoid jail time for kidnapping and Lynesse knew he could make it happen. She moved out of the mansion and into her apartment in the city where she is living on her own inheritance. As for Marcus, he now works for Gabe as a liaison. Gabe had always been interested in antiques but his passion was hunting them. There were many treasures out there that still needed to be discovered and that’s where Marcus comes in. With his knowledge on gaining information, Gabe knew he would be an excellent asset on his team and Marcus enjoyed the work and the pay. All in all, everyone came out of the fiasco for the better. Well, everyone but Lynesse. No one has seen her since the day it happened, much to everyone’s relief. Last he heard, from a common acquaintance, she was planning on leaving for Europe. Good riddance in his mind. The last they see of her, the better.
Shane continued to fidget as he looked out the window where he sat, he couldn’t understand why he was so nervous. He knew he should have asked her a long time ago but…it just didn’t seem right. Last several months was rough with the whole thing with Lynesse and all and, well, he was scared. He had only done this once before and look how well that turned out. Not that he had any worries this time, he just wasn’t sure about her. Oh he knew she loved him, there was no questioning that, what was nagging at him was would she leave her life back home. That he didn’t know. Shane wanted Penny here, with him at all times, not just here and there and that would mean her moving to Colorado. He let out a breath that he didn’t know he was holding. This was nerve racking, at best. He got up and paced around “What’s taking her so long to get here?” he asked to no one in particular and ran his fingers through his hair. “You keep that up, you’re not going to have any hair left” Shane turned and walked over to Gabe, he was right. He was anxious for no reason and he knew it. “Just sit and relax before you make all of us nuts. She’ll be here when she gets here” Holten barked out, his son was driving him to distraction with his pacing. Joining his brother and father at the table, he tried to relax. No luck. “Look, she’s crazy about you. You’re crazy about her. You both have gone through a lot and it made you guys stronger for each other. If Penny is the woman I believe she is, she won’t say no. Trust me. Have I ever lied to you before?” Gabe patted Shane’s back with a grin. Shane eyed him with a look that said ‘Yea right’. Both men started laughing. Since the incident with Lynesse, Shane, Gabe and Holten had become closer. Shane had understood what his father had done for him all those years ago and today, he could only admire the man more than he ever had before. Now, whenever Penny comes to town, they all get together for a family dinner at their favorite restaurant. Shane saw a car pull into the parking lot of the restaurant and he quickly he went to the window and saw the rental pull into the lot “She’s here!” he exclaimed as he rushed for the door.
When Penny left Shane’s after her initial ‘adventure’, she couldn’t help but feel alone. She didn’t like leaving him but they both knew she had to. The few days she stayed were wonderful, of course. Shane had showered so much attention and love on her that she was beyond herself. Their lovemaking became more intense with each passing hour and she had so loved waking in his arms. When she got home, she quickly fired up her computer and sent an IM to let him know she was home. Two seconds later, she received an invite for a video conference and, once again, she was with Shane and making plans to be back in Colorado as soon as possible. They had alternated the traveling, she would go there some weekends and he would come to New York. She had brought him to Cathy’s house and introduced him to Cathy’s husband when he first came to town and Greg befriended him immediately. “You’re gonna need a wingman when these two get together” Greg told Shane seriously as he handed him a beer “they’re both trouble, especially that one” and he tilted his beer toward his wife. Cathy took a look at her husband and only said two words “Shut up” and gave her attention back to her friend sitting next to her.
Penny pulled into the parking lot of the restaurant they have been frequenting when she comes to town. She was excited to see the guys again, but more excited to see Shane. As she parked her car and began to gather her things, her car door opened and when she turned to see who it was, Shane was standing in the opening. She gazed up at him with loving eyes and smiled “Hey you” and took his hand that he offered to get out of the car. She stood on tiptoes to give him a hug. “What took you so long?” he asked as he pulled her into his arms and nuzzled her hair, she smelled so good. “Well hello to you too” she said and held him harder. He felt so good in her arms, she never wanted to let go. Shane pulled her away but kept his arms around her waist and gave her a light kiss. “Hello” he said and deepened the kiss and Penny followed suit with a need to taste him. Shane closed her car door and led her towards the restaurant where Gabe and his father were waiting and she beamed when she saw them and rushed over to hug each one. “Sorry I’m late” she said as Shane pulled a chair out for her “the lineup at the rental kiosk was long and they couldn’t find my reservation. Some computer glitch” “I told you we should’ve sent a car” Holten said as he summoned the waiter for a bottle of wine. It felt good to have everyone together again, he thought as he smiled at his boys and Penny. It had been so long since they were able to sit and just laugh like they used too. “Really, that isn’t necessary” Penny said “It wasn’t that much trouble and it’s expected at times” and she leaned into Shane, feeling his arm around her shoulder. “I have never been spoiled that way and I don’t think I want too” and grinned over at Holten. Yes, Holten liked her very much and he was happy his son had finally found a woman who was grounded. The waiter came with the bottle of wine Holten ordered and began to fill everyone’s glass. Shane, still fidgety, thought that now was as best a time as any and stood with his glass in hand. “I would like to make a toast” he said and smiled at everyone. “It’s not going to be one of those sappy ones, is it?” Holten remarked, knowing his son’s penchant for sensitivity and took a hold of his glass. “Maybe it will, maybe it won’t” Shane responded “I just want to say that, so far, it’s been one hell of a year and, in a way, I’m happy it happened” He took a breath and looked at his father “To dad, who went above and beyond. Thank you for making a decision that would’ve changed my life for the worst. To Gabe, who has always been there and had my back” Gabe nodded in his direction and smiled. Shane gazed down into Penny’s eyes “And to Penny, the one who brought us all together. The one who changed all our lives for the better and the one who I love with all my heart” Shane reached into his pocket and pulled out a tiny box and looked down at it. ‘This small box is going to change my life forever’ and continued staring at it. Penny saw his hesitation and couldn’t understand what was wrong. She saw the box and inside she was full of energy and excitement. This is what she wanted with him and she knew it. Penny stood and faced Shane, she put her hand on top of his while gazing into his eyes. He gaze
d back at her and smiled “Just give her the damn ring already!” Holten shouted at him. Shane, opening the box, realized he was holding his breath and had let it out slowly. “Penelope Dawson, will you marry me?|” Penny cupped his cheek and with tears flowing down her cheeks, she nodded. “Yes. Oh yes!” she said breathlessly. Shane placed the ring on her finger and kissed her deeply. Everyone applauded and laughed as they watched the two most deserving people they know begin their new lives together. As it should be.
A Somers Dream Page 15
