Robin's Reward (Bonita Creek Trilogy Book 1)

by McCrary Jacobs, June

  The couple ate a portion of each item Jorie had prepared, and declared every morsel delectable. As they cleared the table and repacked the picnic basket, Jeff became quiet.

  “You’ve got the look again. The look that tells me you’ve something to say. Is it something bad? Have I done something wrong?” She looked pensive and slightly anxious.

  “No, Robin, you haven’t done anything wrong. Just relax. This is possibly the best thing ever . . .” He reached for her hand and lifted it so she would stand up with him. He guided her over to the railing of the gazebo so they were facing the ocean. As he looked deeply into her waiting eyes, his voice dropped lower and an air of anticipation surrounded them both. Robin inhaled a quick breath of the fresh, crisp ocean air and settled her eyes on her companion’s face.

  Jeff began, “I’ve spent a lot of time in thought and prayer about our relationship.” He paused momentarily before continuing, “I love you very much. More than I ever thought possible, in fact. The past weeks of separation from you have been hard because I missed you tremendously. I feel like a whole man when we’re together. I found myself wanting to be here in Bonita Creek with you instead of being a lonely bachelor back in Illinois.”

  As he reached for her other hand he continued, “I want to spend my life with you loving, learning, and growing together. With God’s blessing I’d like to raise our babies in light and love. I hope you feel the same way about me.” He’d thought about kneeling at this point, but he wanted to see Robin’s face when he asked her the age-old question, so he remained standing. “Will you marry me, Robin?”

  She gasped softly in delight. Surprise and love sparkled in her eyes. “I love you, too, and I want to raise a family with you. Thank you for not holding my past against me and for accepting me for the woman God created me to be. I’d be honored to be your wife.”

  “I’m a mathematical-logical-linear-thinking-no-nonsense forensic accountant kind of a guy, so give it to me straight, please. Are you saying yes?”

  “Yes, of course it’s a yes! I will marry you!” she shouted.

  “Thank you.” He reached for Robin and cupped her face lovingly in his hands. “This is the best day of my life so far, but I can think of at least one day that’ll surpass it. I hope our wedding day comes soon.”

  He kissed her with all the love in his heart and reached into his front pocket to present her with the ring he’d chosen. Her face shone with pleasure when he handed her a uniquely-carved wooden box tied with a crisp bow.

  “Go ahead and open it,” Jeff encouraged.

  As Robin’s misty eyes focused on the gold ring, he related the story of the ring. “The ring’s creator made it over a century ago for his intended wife. I found it at a specialty store in rural Illinois.”

  “I’m speechless . . . It is the most unique ring I’ve ever seen.”

  “Read the inscription inside,” he prompted gently.

  “I’ll love you forever,” Robin read reverently. Her eyes filled with fresh tears as she said, “I’ll treasure this ring forever as a reminder of how much I love you. Thank you.”

  Jeff gently slid the ring onto Robin’s finger, which he noticed was steady and true. “You’re welcome. I’ll always be good to you and our children. I’ll never abandon you. I hope you were absolutely positive when you said ‘yes’ to my proposal because now you’re stuck with me forever.”

  “It’s all good,” she replied before placing the most loving kiss ever on her future husband’s waiting lips.

  Chapter 27

  While they drove east back home later, they began chatting about their ideas and dreams for their wedding.

  “Penny will be my maid of honor. She’s always been like a sister to me,” Robin proclaimed proudly.

  “I figured she’d be your first choice for the role.”

  “I’d like Jorie to be my bridesmaid and our soloist. She’ll bless us with her beautiful voice. Unfortunately, at my previous wedding I had absolutely no input about anything because ‘you-know-who’ and his mother took over.”

  “I thought we agreed not to let what happened previously influence our relationship.”

  “Sorry. I need to retrain my mind beginning right this minute.”

  “I’ll help you with the planning for our wedding; but you can have things at our wedding and reception just as you wish.” He reached over to squeeze her hand.

  “I appreciate it. You’re the best.”

  “You’ve got it all mixed up. I’m not the best man—I’m the groom. It’d be for the best if you remembered it, please.”

  She giggled. “As if I’d forget so soon who just made the most romantic proposal ever.”

  “Have you thought about who you’d like to escort you down the aisle at the ceremony?”

  “My Grandpa John walked me down the aisle the first time. This time I think my escort’s identity will remain a closely-guarded secret until the last possible moment,” she said with a sassy grin.

  “I like this mysterious side of you. It’s so un-librarian-like.”

  As she signed contentedly, Robin felt an unfamiliar surge of joy pulse through her heart and mind. Thank you for this greatest of blessings, Lord.

  ~*~

  By the time they reached home, they’d decided on a June wedding at the Dahlia Garden. Pastor White would officiate. After the ceremony the bride and groom and their guests would celebrate with music and casual summer fare. They would toast with sparkling cider and enjoy a special wedding cake crafted by the best bakery in the area.

  “I want our wedding day to be a day we’ll always treasure,” Robin said.

  “It’ll definitely be the most important event in my life up to this point.”

  “Even more important than getting your driver’s license or your high school diploma?”

  “Well, my first driver’s license was pretty important . . .”

  They both chuckled. Several minutes passed in silence. Jeff sensed Robin was mulling something over in her mind before speaking.

  “Are we planning to keep our engagement a secret, or may I call Penny tonight?”

  “No more secrets. I’d like to call my folks and Doug tonight. No one else knew about my plans for proposing.”

  “What about Jorie?”

  “I only asked her to prepare the picnic food and set up the table for me. I didn’t say why. Is there any reason we need to keep our engagement a secret?”

  “No.”

  “Because the way I’m feeling right now, I’d like to go to the highest peak on the Bonita Creek Trail and shout at the top of my lungs, ‘Robin Lynnette Bennett has agreed to be my ever-loving wife and the mother of my children!’ What do you think?” Jeff teased.

  “I think you may be slightly crazy, and I know for certain I’m crazy in love with you.”

  “I want to share my business plans with you. This is a surprise—not a secret.”

  “Let’s hear it,” Robin said.

  Jeff revealed his plans for opening his own financial services office in Bonita Creek. He told Robin about the renovated office space he’d rented and promised to show her the photos of his offices the realtor had sent. Robin knew about the building and offices and only had good things to say. He explained his plans to grow his business by offering traditional accounting services, forensic accounting analysis for estates, and criminal investigations involving identity theft, fraud, and embezzlement.

  “How exciting. I’m happy for you, Jeff.”

  “You’re not mad I didn’t talk it over with you beforehand?”

  “No, why should I be? It’s your career, and you should set up your business where and how you want to. Don’t you agree?”

  “Yeah, but—”

  “Besides, it shows you made a commitment to building a life here in my hometown before you even proposed.”

  “You are? But I thought you’d—”

  “You’ve gained my trust, Jeff. You don’t need to be on pins and needles about the trust issue anymore.�
�

  He sighed deeply and tried to focus on his driving. Things are falling into place, Clarke. Finally.

  ~*~

  They decided to call the Clarkes from Robin’s cottage so the other could hear the conversation. Because of the time difference, Jeff called his parents right when they arrived at home.

  “Hi, Dad, is Mom around? . . . Good, I’d like to talk to you both. Can you ask her to get on the extension, please? . . . Yes, I’ll wait.” He sent a lopsided grin to his bride-to-be as he waited patiently for his mother to pick up the bedroom phone.

  “Hi, Mom . . . No, nothing’s wrong. It’s all good, as they say here in California. I just have some fantastic news I wanted to share with you both tonight . . . No, I didn’t get a promotion at work . . . No, I didn’t buy a new car . . . Well, if you’ll be patient I’ll tell you what it is right now.”

  Robin could hear Jeff’s mother’s voice arguing she was patient. Jeff rolled his eyes dramatically as his mother continued on for a few more seconds.

  “Are you ready now? . . . I asked Robin to marry me and she accepted. We’re planning a June wedding here in California.”

  Jeff’s mother said in a voice filled with disappointment, “But we haven’t even met her yet. How could you possibly propose before we even have a chance to meet her, Jeffrey?”

  His father spoke. “Candace, Jeff is nearly thirty years old. I don’t think he needs our permission to decide who he wants to marry. Son, congratulations. This is the best news I’ve heard in a long, long time. May I speak to your bride before we hang up?”

  “Thanks, Dad. Robin’s right here, so I’ll let you speak to her in a moment. Mom and Dad, we feel the Lord is leading us together. I know we’ll spend a happy life together as husband and wife. We want to raise a family together and create many happy memories for you as grandparents, too.”

  “In that case, I wish you both the best, son,” his mother added somewhat reluctantly.

  “We’ll be in California with bells on for your wedding,” his father added. “Pamela will want to come along, too. Now, may I speak to my future daughter-in-law, please?”

  “He wants to speak to you,” Jeff said as he handed over the telephone.

  “Hi, Mr. Clarke, I’m Robin.”

  “Well, congratulations. We can’t wait to meet you and add you to the Clarke family officially next June. Oh, and please call me Jerry. My wife wants to say a few words to you also, don’t you, dear?”

  “Yes, all right. Hi, Robin. Best wishes on your engagement. Jeff has told us so much about you, but I must admit I wasn’t expecting him to propose so soon. Are you surprised, too?”

  “Yes, I was astonished when he proposed. However, I believe the Lord will bless this marriage. I’m ‘over the moon’ with happiness about our engagement, Mrs. Clarke.”

  His mother laughed softly. “I’m just a little over fifty, so I’m not ready to be a stodgy old mother-in-law. Please call me Candace.”

  “Thank you, Candace.”

  “I know you’ve lost your parents and grandparents. If you need any help planning the wedding or reception, please feel free to call me. In the future, if you ever need some female advice about marriage or child-rearing or anything at all, you can call or write to me and I’d be glad to help in any way I can. I’d like us to become close, Robin.”

  Tears sprung up in Robin’s eyes and she barely got her response past the lump in her throat.

  “Your offer is very gracious, Candace. I’m grateful for your kindness. Right now I’m just trying to get familiar with the idea of being married to your exceptional son. However, I’m sure I’ll be calling you in the future when the need arises.” She passed the receiver back to her fiancé.

  “I’m back on the line, Mom and Dad,” he alerted.

  “Are you going to call Doug tonight?” his mother inquired.

  “Yes, I’m going to ask him to be my best man.”

  “His parents will be so pleased about your marriage and his being your best man,” Candace gushed.

  Jeff’s father broke into the conversation. “I’m sure you two lovebirds have more important things to do than talk to the old folks tonight, so we’ll disconnect now. We love you, Jeff, and we know we’ll love Robin, too. Call us again soon to tell us when you’re back in Illinois. Let us know if you two need anything.”

  “Thanks. Robin is great. You’re going to love her.”

  “We’re happy for you both. Good night, son.”

  After turning off his phone, Jeff turned to Robin. “Our announcement went over well.”

  “Were you concerned it wouldn’t go well?”

  “Uh, well, my mother has been known to act a little strange when she’s given news she’s been unprepared for. I think it stems from the shock of Gregory’s death.”

  “Sad, but understandable. She really warmed up to me quickly, though. Your dad seems nice and outgoing.”

  “I’m told I inherited my charm and wit from his side of the family.”

  “Really? You’re charming and witty? I hadn’t noticed.”

  “Here, I’ll prove it.” He pulled Robin into a feverish embrace and kissed her responsive lips.

  When he raised his head he murmured, “It’s going to be hard to go back to Illinois since we’re engaged. I don’t want to be separated from you for even a moment more than necessary.”

  Sudden tears rushed to her eyes, and she nodded. “We’ll just have to figure out a way to deal with being apart for extended periods of time until we’re married next summer.”

  ~*~

  The pair decided to call their cousins later. They wanted to savor their time together and cement the image of their engagement day in their minds. They listened to some quiet music and chatted for the next couple of hours. As the time approached for him to leave Robin, she slipped into his welcoming arms and hugged him tightly around his waist. The steady, reliable beat of his heart comforted her. He’d worked hard to make his proposal extraordinary, and it had its desired effect of making her feel treasured and loved unconditionally.

  Gazing up into his face Robin spoke passionately. “You’ve made me the happiest woman on earth today. I love you with all of my heart, and I can’t wait to see where this journey takes us. Thank you for making your proposal so unique and special. I absolutely love my ring.”

  She stood on her toes to place an emotion-filled kiss on her fiancé’s waiting lips. Wrapping her arms around his neck she pulled him ever closer, afraid of missing even a whisper of time.

  “I’m afraid if I don’t say goodnight now I’ll never leave. Enjoy your conversation with Penny. I’ll see you for breakfast tomorrow around seven-thirty. Do you want to eat in town?”

  “No, let’s eat here. I’ll fix your favorites.”

  “Sounds good to me. Goodnight.”

  Chapter 28

  A groggy Penny looked at her alarm clock before answering the telephone. Who would be calling her after midnight and why? Hopefully it wasn’t another family tragedy she’d be expected to become hopelessly drawn into against her better judgment.

  “Hello?”

  “Hi, Penny. It’s Robbie. Did I interrupt anything?” Penny heard excitement in Robin’s voice.

  “Only my beauty sleep. Is anything wrong?”

  “No, everything’s wonderful. Guess why I’m calling?”

  Penny sat straight up in bed. “Did Jeff Clarke finally wise up and ask you to marry him?”

  “Yes, how did you guess?”

  “Well, I hoped you weren’t calling me at midnight to tell me you bought a new dress or found a new flower seed. Congratulations. You deserve to marry a great guy like Jeff. I’m happy for both of you. Now, tell all. Spill it, girlfriend.”

  “Thanks, Penny. Sorry I woke you up—I didn’t realize how late it was. Why don’t you try to get some sleep, and we’ll talk again tomorrow?”

  “Not a chance. I’m wide awake now, so start talkin’, Miss Future Mrs. Clarke.”

  “First off, I w
anted to do this in person but I’m too excited to wait until I see you. Penny, will you be my maid of honor?”

  “Absolutely, yes. I’d be honored.”

  “You’re my best friend and as close as a sister to me. I have another question to ask you. I can’t imagine being married in anything other than one of your magnificent couture creations. Will you design and make my wedding dress, please?”

  “It would be my pleasure. It’ll be my wedding gift to you both.”

  “I’m going to ask Jorie to be my bridesmaid. Would it be possible for you to—”

  “I’d love to design and make my dress and Jorie’s dress, too. That is what you were going to say next, isn’t it?”

  “Yes. I want you to coordinate decorations for the wedding and reception, too, if you’re up to it.”

  “I am. Working together will be fun. Now tell me about Jeff’s proposal. Was it really romantic?”

  “Yes, you could say it was super romantic.”

  “Was it like in all those inspirational romance novels I love to read? A unique setting, stunning ring, magical words, sweet kisses . . .”

  “Exactly.”

  Robin heard her cousin sigh dreamily in response. Robin relayed the details of the proposal before saying goodnight.

  Jeff said while he’d stressed to Jorie the purpose of the picnic was important, he hadn’t revealed his plans to propose. Robin wanted to call Jorie to announce the engagement and ask her to be her bridesmaid and the soloist at the wedding. Deciding it was too late to call Jorie now, Robin decided to make the call the first thing the next morning. She smiled as she realized it already was the next morning. Her life had taken on a positive hue because her attitude had been colored with Jeff’s love and devotion.

  It took a couple more hours of quiet reflection and prayer before Robin settled down enough to get some sleep. As she laid her head on her pillow she sighed deeply and smiled. She looked at her engagement ring in the moonlight. Finally she nestled down in her covers and drifted off into a restful sleep. Her dreams were filled with a certain handsome hero standing before a backdrop of the Pacific Ocean, holding his arms and heart open to Robin.