by C. J. Corbin
"It's okay, Michael. Everything is okay. Ryan is an old friend."
"An old friend with his hands all over your ass?" Michael's hands bunched into fists.
Ryan held his hands up too. "Hey man, it's cool. I'm sorry, Elizabeth," he apologized and stepped back.
Dad walked up behind Michael and put his hand on his shoulder. "Son. Let it go. Ryan has known Elizabeth since high school."
"That doesn't give him the right to fondle her," he hissed through his teeth.
"Ryan, this is my fiancé, Michael." I introduced him.
Ryan stuck his hand out and Michael didn't move.
"Ah well..." Ryan stammered, "Nice to meet you. I’d better go. I'm sorry again, Elizabeth. See you, Bob." He turned and scrambled quickly back up the hill.
We didn't move until the door to his house closed Dad patted him on the back. "Let it go, son. It was just a misunderstanding. I'm sure Ryan didn't mean it."
"So this is what goes on when you come down here?" His eyes flashed with anger.
"No, it doesn't." I took his elbow and turned him toward the house. "I only met up with him the last time I was here."
I frowned as my father disappeared into the house. I guess he wanted to avoid the fireworks.
"I will not tolerate another man touching you." He enunciated the words slowly.
"Can we go into the house instead of discussing this in the front yard?"
He followed me into my old bedroom. I sat on the bed and took my boot off. Raising my foot up, I waved it at him. He pulled the desk chair up to the bed and he was quiet as he massaged my toes slowly. Which he did very well.
He sighed and stopped the massage. "I'm sorry, babe. I know this is not your fault. When I saw his arms around you, I saw red."
"It's okay."
"I wanted to kill him. Or at the very least do some major bodily harm."
I raised an eyebrow, "Really Michael? For a hug?"
His lips pressed together, "It wasn't just a hug, that asshole was seriously feeling you up."
"Yes, and I was about ready to take care of it when you came on all caveman-like."
"I could have taken him," he stated matter-of-factly.
I grinned, " I have no doubt considering you blot out the sun much more than he does."
"So," he paused, "Is this what you felt like when you saw me with Brigitte?"
"I didn't so much want to kill her or you, for me, it put insecurity in my mind about the love you have for me. It's very difficult for me to believe I'm good enough for you."
He squeezed his eyes shut and let out a large breath. Moving next to me on the bed, he put his arm around my shoulders and held me close.
"I don't want you ever to mistrust the love I have for you. You’re everything to me. It's because of you that I can even breathe."
I smiled, "And you make it hard for me to catch my breath." I cupped his face in my hands. "It's all about trust, Michael. Love me enough to have faith in me. I’m learning to be sure about you."
CHAPTER FORTY-FIVE
Over the coming days, Michael and Dad spent a lot of time together. I was happy to see them connecting, bonding, or whatever. Michael loved Lisa's three children and insisted we take the whole family to the zoo with us.
I’d been to the San Diego Zoo many times, but never as a VIP guest. This was a different experience. Allowed in before the zoo opened and taken down in a golf cart for a close personal visit with their polar bears, my excitement level was just as high as the kids. The bears were impressive enough, but seeing their enclosure from behind the scenes was a special treat.
We left Dad, Bill and the older kids at the polar bear enclosure so they could walk around the zoo while Lisa, Michael, and I went back in the cart to the meeting room site. Although my ankle was better, the boot still made it difficult for me to walk around. Michael went to the meeting room to prepare, and we girls sat with Owen in the restaurant next door.
Lisa threw a small blanket over herself as she began to nurse Owen. "Did the doctor tell you the sex of the baby while you were in the hospital?
I shook my head, "No. We don't want to know. Michael and I want to be surprised."
"Really? Why not? You can plan better if you know in advance. Choose a name. Pick a decor. You know..." She trailed off.
I smiled inwardly. Yes. I knew my sister - The Great Planner. "No. We prefer it this way. I do know if it's a boy, he’ll be Michael Jr.," I laughed, "But I haven't sold Michael on it one yet. He's not hot on the junior."
"If it's a girl?"
"We haven't gotten that far yet. I'm not due for months, and we have plenty of time to decide."
"The time goes faster than you think."
"I just want to get through Nancy's wedding first. Then I can concentrate on everything else. I'm trying to finish the first book of my new series too. It’ll all work out."
Lisa rolled her eyes. I know my lack of planning skills irritated her to no end. Too bad.
"Have you gotten any closer to choosing a wedding date?" She questioned.
"Nope. I suggested next year in the spring, but Michael almost had a heart attack over it. I don't know."
Her brow puckered. "You're planning on not being married when you have your baby." She said it as a statement rather than a question.
I made a face at her, "Come on Lisa, you are not going to pull the 'out of wedlock' excuse. People have babies all the time without being married."
She twisted her face back at me, "Our people don’t have babies when they’re not married."
"Our people?" I snickered, "Who are our people?"
"Oh you know what I mean. You and Michael should be married."
I reached out and patted her hand, "We will be, Lisa. Don't worry. Give it some time. A piece of paper between us won't legitimize us any more than the commitment we have."
It looked like this was just another issue on which we wouldn't agree. Michael had come into the restaurant and waved at me. The meeting was ready to start and I didn't want to miss it. Since Owen was fast asleep, I convinced Lisa to come into the meeting with me. She could sit by the door in case the baby started making a fuss, but I wanted her to see Michael in action.
I felt like a puffed up peacock as Michael gave his presentation. There were a few local media outlets covering the event and he’d told me several large corporate contributors were attending. He put the conservation effort into simple layman's terms the general public could understand because the scientists were only confusing the audience. His photographs were awe-inspiring and he’d done a great job of capturing the antics of the small cubs. I’d seen him in action before at the Monterey Bay Aquarium, but today because I knew all the background on the project, I wanted to strut around, point at him and say, "That's my man!" I didn't.
Lisa was impressed. I could tell by the expression on her face. For the first time, I may have surprised my sister on the positive side. I was flying high.
After the meeting, Michael had requests from reporters for interviews and several sponsors wanted to speak with him. We sat on the sidelines and watched the flurry of activity around him.
"Doesn't it bother you?" Lisa asked.
"What?" I turned to her.
"All those women pawing at Michael."
I smiled. "Yeah, nine months ago it did. He's a handsome man with charisma, and I had to get used to it. He's not going to turn ugly overnight, so basically I'm stuck with it."
"It would drive me nuts." She countered.
At that moment, through all the people, Michael caught my eye and winked at me. Yeah, he was my man.
CHAPTER FORTY-SIX
The week of Nancy and Marcus' wedding was upon us in a flash. We were flying into New Orleans a week early because I still needed to be fitted for my maid of honor dress. I wasn't sure how pregnant I would be so we put the fitting off as long as we could. Michael rented a car for the week at the airport. We didn't want to rely or be a burden to the family during our stay.
&
nbsp; He finished putting the suitcases in the trunk and slid in next to me.
"Ready?" He asked as he lifted my hand to his lips.
I nodded.
He looked at my hand and frowned, "Where’s your ring?"
I looked at my hand. My mouth made a big O. "Oh Michael! I took it off when I went back into the house to wash my hands before we left. You were stamping your feet and hurrying me along. I forgot to put it back on."
He raised his eyebrows, "It's my fault?"
"No, of course not. It's sitting on the sink in the kitchen." I cast my eyes down, "I'm sorry. I don't know why I forgot it. It's strange. I always put it back on after washing. Always."
"No worries, babe." He tried to pass it off as trivial, but I heard in his voice that he was frustrated.
The trip into the city was a long one. Caught in Friday night rush hour traffic, I didn't speak much. Michael was fighting the traffic and wasn't happy with me, so I occupied myself by looking out the window.
My phone rang and it surprised me out of my reverie. I answered quickly.
"Where are you guys?" Nancy's voice boomed over the cell.
"We're caught in traffic." I replied. I looked over at Michael, "How much longer do you think?"
Michael blew out a large breath and put the signal light on to change lanes. "Probably another twenty minutes to a half hour."
I conveyed the message to Nancy.
"Okay," she said, "we're holding dinner for you. Simone is getting pissed off and drunker by the moment."
"Oh," I replied, "Go ahead and start dinner without us."
"Are you kidding? Simone would never start without Michael being here."
"Then what’s she pissed about?" I asked.
Michael looked at me with inquiring eyes and mouthed, "What?" I waved him off.
Nancy gave an evil laugh, "Because I think she finally figured out there’s really going to be a wedding and there’s nothing she can do about it."
"Oh Nancy you’re terrible!" I exclaimed.
She laughed again. "I know."
"We'll be there as soon as possible. Michael is driving like a maniac," I said while he flashed a disapproving look at me. I made a face at him.
"Okay. Just thought you'd like to know what you're in for when you get here."
We disconnected and I turned to Michael.
"Simone still isn't happy about the wedding."
"She'll get over it. She always does when she doesn't get her way. She and Brigitte are very much alike. She won’t want to alienate him, which is what will happen if she continues. Marcus is in love with Nancy."
I grinned, "Sounds like the boys do talk."
He laughed and kissed my hand. "That we do babe, that we do."
Shortly before we arrived at the house, Michael stopped the car in front of a liquor store. "I'll be right back." He said, "Leave the car running."
Russell was waiting outside for us when we arrived at the front of the house.
"Miss Simone is quite ruffled Mr. Michael. I'll park the rental and take your luggage up to your room. Miss Elizabeth, it is wonderful to see you again." He said as he helped me out of the car.
"Thank you, Russell." I gave a worried look to Michael. "I hope everything is okay."
"Don't worry, baby," He pulled two chilled bottles of champagne out of the bag from the store and showed me the label. "I ordered them yesterday, after speaking with Marcus."
"Cristal," I whispered, "Yeah that should make her happy."
We entered the house. I heard Simone's voice immediately.
"Mon dieu! They are here at last!" Simone barked.
The entire gang was in the library having cocktails and appetizers.
"There is my mon grand," Simone said as she embraced Michael affectionately.
Michael returned the squeeze, "For you Ma Mére." He handed her the two bottles of champagne.
Simone's eyes lit up with pleasure. "Oh, my Michael. What a good boy you are!"
Simone hugged me next, "Oh my sweet grande fille," she pointed to my foot, "is your sprain better? We heard all about your accident and were so worried. How is your petit bébé?"
"Our little muffin and I are fine. My foot is healing," I said, "I only use the boot if I'm walking around a lot." I smiled, "Michael insisted on a wheelchair for me at the airport."
"Yes," she nodded, "That is right. It is correct Michael should take such good care of you."
Frederick efficiently handed a cocktail to Michael and a sparkling water to me. Everyone else greeted us with hugs. Simone asked Frederick to check on dinner and he left the room. Michael put a few appetizers on a plate as I sat next to Nancy and Marie on the couch. He stood behind me and handed the plate to me. I just finished gobbling them down when Frederick came back into the room to announce dinner was served.
As the soup was being ladled into our bowls, Marcus filled us in on the details of the week listed on the pad sitting next to his plate. From the sound of the arrangements, it was going to be a busy week.
"Brigitte, tante Monique, the cousins, and Christina will be arriving tomorrow afternoon. I've asked Russell to pick them up from the airport and bring them straight to the house. You three," he pointed to Nancy, Marie and me, "will be in your final dress fittings, so go light on the desert tonight." He joked. Nancy and Marie stuck their tongues out at him. I on the other hand grimaced because I knew I’d gained a few pounds.
"Delightful ladies," Marcus teased, "Ma Petite, make sure you keep that in working order for later tonight."
Nancy's face turned a deep crimson, one of the few times I've seen her blush. Simone snapped, "Marcus that will be quite enough!"
He looked irascible, "My apologies Ma Petite, I forgot where I was. Now, where was I?" he looked at his note pad, "Oh yes, tomorrow's cocktail reception and dinner at Domenica's. We're taking the entire restaurant for the evening. It's going to be a very casual affair, so no one needs to dress up. Although ladies, short and sexy are always welcomed by the men."
Simone looked up from her soup, "Marcus you must behave yourself."
"Will there be a lot of people there?" I asked, glad that I had packed a few dresses.
He nodded, "Yeah. Tomorrow, it will be the place to be seen. It's a pre-cursor to the wedding. All the invitees have responded and all of them will be at the wedding too. It's a tradition here. A party before the party."
Hearing about the first day made me tired already. It sounded like Mardi Gras redux. I didn't know how Nancy managed to keep the pace.
Marcus continued, "On Monday, Nancy's family arrives." He reached out to squeeze her hand and she blew a kiss at him.
"We've booked them suites at the Ritz Carlton because we felt they’d enjoy a little privacy as the house will be in huge disarray later in the week. Mom and Dad have never been to New Orleans before, so they'll enjoy a bit of touring too." Nancy disclosed.
The arrangements were dizzying. No wonder I hadn't heard from Nancy. She had to think through all the minute details. After hearing about the plans, I definitely didn’t want a big wedding. A wedding with only Michael and me would be perfect.
"We men will stay at the Ritz Carlton on Thursday night after the rehearsal dinner to stay out of the ladies' way on Friday." Marcus said. "Coordinate any limousine needs you have with Russell. He’s in charge of the fleet we're renting. There’ll be plenty of drivers should anyone want to go anywhere." He turned to Michael, "You really didn't need to rent a car. Use the limos instead."
"I have a few errands to run." Michael replied.
A few errands to run? What errands did he need to run and why? Then I thought, the guys on Thursday night would, without a doubt, be having a small bachelor party at the Ritz Carlton. Inwardly, I rolled my eyes. Goodness knows the trouble they’d get themselves into on Thursday.
I caught the secretive glance Marcus gave to Michael. "Either way Michael, the limos will be available." Marcus resumed with his list. "The decorators will be in the house starting
on Monday and the ballroom should be finished by Wednesday evening. The caterers will have the kitchen, starting Thursday morning. We'll be able to have breakfast here on Thursday, but after that we’ll be at restaurants or there will be cold items available in the kitchen. The bridal party will have breakfast at Vacherie on Friday morning, and the men," he paused to chuckle and grin, "will be hung over from the night before."
I knew it. There was a raucous bachelor party planned. I hoped there wouldn't be naked women involved, but with Marcus, who knew? This was where I met up with my trust issues. After all my bravado from the previous week, would I be able to trust Michael? I hoped so.
As Frederick cleared the soup plates away, it appeared Marcus had several more items to discuss.
Tommy interrupted his cousin, "Marcus do we really need to know every detail? Just tell me when to be someplace and I'll make sure I'm there."
Marcus glanced up from his list and then smirked, "Yeah, I guess that's it. Sorry, Ma Petite and Ma Mére have rubbed off on me." He lifted Nancy's hand and pressed it to his lips. The look between them was heated and raw.
For a moment, everyone's eyes were on them and Simone broke in, "Frederick, I think the Cristal will go very well with the fish tonight. Please serve it."
He nodded and disappeared again. Michael sat next to me with an amused grin on his face. Frederick reappeared and poured the champagne.
"Michael will you do us the honor?" Simone asked.
Michael rose from his chair, "Of course. He held up his glass. I expected a toast to Marcus and Nancy, but he surprised me when he started with "To Miss Simone, a woman of amazing beauty and grace. You’ve taught us all what it is to be gracious and southern. You are unmatched in charm and refinement. Thank you."
"To Miss Simone!" We touched our glasses together.
Simone's lips curved in a big smile. With her handkerchief, she dabbed at her eyes. "Oh my mon grand, thank you!" She rose and Michael seated himself. "And now it is my turn," she said as she lifted her glass to Marcus and Nancy. "I was blessed with the best son a mother could ask for, and now he adds to our petite famille. A beautiful daughter for me. May your union be blessed with many children for you to love and adore. Make me a mémère quickly please."
