"A couple of times…so who's counting?" He shot her a wicked grin.
"It's not forever. I'm coming back at Christmas."
"Six months from now. You'll probably come back engaged to some hot French dude."
She laughed. "Doubt that."
"Are you kidding?" He stood up and started pacing. "When they see you there, in Paris…with your stylish clothes and hot…it'll be all over for me."
"I've never met a man better than you." She rested her hand on his forearm.
"Then marry me before you go!" The words rushed out of his mouth.
"What?"
"You heard me. The judge is still here. Then I know you'll still be mine when you come back." He took her hand.
"That's insane. You can't mean it."
"I do. And I've got the ring to prove it." He whipped a small box out of his pocket.
Leah's eyes widened. "Colin…no. We can wait. We have to wait. I'm not going to rush into this. If we can't wait six months, then we shouldn't be together."
"I didn't think you'd go for it, but thought I'd try anyway," he said.
"Don't look so glum. I'm flattered you want to marry me."
"I do. I want to be with you always." He pulled her into his embrace.
Leah rested her cheek against his shoulder.
"I love you, too. I'll stick if you will."
"Hah! That'll be easy. I'll never find another woman like you."
"Really?" She pushed away and cocked an eyebrow at him. "You'll be at a university…crawling with eligible young women. I'll be in the company of women and gay men. We'll see."
"Eligible girls, not women."
"I see you're still living by the dating list. No discussion about age…"
"You know about that?" He jumped up.
"Carrie told me…well, she dropped something about it and I wormed it out of her. But don't tell her."
"So all this time…"
"Yeah, I knew. Knew you were coming after me."
"How come you didn't hold out?"
"You're irresistible. Wanted to…couldn't."
"So the dating list worked after all. Now we should take it a step further…"
She was quiet.
"You think I'm going to find some hot babe at Kensington…so you're afraid to commit! Got it. Not gonna happen."
"How do you know?"
"Because you have my heart. I can't give away what I no longer possess."
His words stunned her. She never expected such commitment from him. Emotion choked her as his love surrounded her. I can't lose him. How will I ever find another love like his?
Suddenly her feelings broke through her defenses. All these weeks she had maintained control, especially in front of Colin. But his declaration cut through her defenses, shredding them into little pieces like dried out newspaper. Raw emotion bubbled up in her chest as she burst into tears, covering her face with her hands. He was beside her in a second, folding her into his arms.
"Don't cry, baby. Our love will survive, you'll see."
Big, strong hands rubbing her back quelled her trembling. Colin pulled a handkerchief out of his breast pocket to hand to Leah. She fisted the white cotton, holding it to her face.
"And I thought you didn't care." His quiet voice calmed her.
A big breath brought on a shudder. Care? You'll never know how much.
"I love you. I don't want to lose you, either."
"It would be easier to feel the commitment if we were married."
"If we can withstand the separation then I'll feel confident about our commitment. Hold onto that ring." A small smile lifted the corners of her mouth as she dabbed at her eyes.
"So we're sort of engaged?"
She shook her head.
"You're free to find someone else. So am I. If we do, then we were not meant to be. Time to get back to the party."
"Wait, Leah."
She took a shaky step back. He grabbed her elbow, steadying her as her hand wrapped around his biceps.
"And if we don't find anyone else?"
"Then we are meant to be…and I'll be ready to make a commitment to you."
An uncertain smile passed over his lips.
"Not sure if I like this idea."
"Why? Doubting you'll still want me?"
"Doubting you'll still want me." He pushed several stands of hair out of her face.
"Then isn't it better to know before getting married?"
"We're talking romance, not logic."
"Our lives, Colin, our lives. I don't want either of us to be unhappy. We've sailed into a fabulous affair. Can it last? Time will tell."
She took Colin's hand and started back to the party. He followed her along.
****
Grey and Carrie were cutting the wedding cake when the lovers returned. Colin sighed as he slipped an arm around her waist.
"I want what they have."
"So do I," Leah whispered in return.
The happy newlyweds fed cake to each other and laughed. The quartet continued to play while everyone sat down to eat dessert. Grey approached Colin.
"We'll be leaving in an hour. Ready, Squirt?"
Colin nodded. "When does your limo arrive, Leah?"
"About half an hour," she said looking at her watch.
"Let's dance while we can."
She fell into his arms for a sweet, sensuous slow dance.
****
Stuart swept Delia into his arms for a dance.
"Marvelous wedding, my dear," he whispered into her ear.
She smiled. "I'm exhausted. But everyone looks happy."
"Except those two." Stuart nodded toward Colin and Leah.
"In a little while, they'll be parting for six months. Young love, so intense."
He chuckled. "You're pretty intense yourself."
Color stained her cheeks as she peered up at him. "I think Carrie had the kind of wedding she wanted."
"Very classy."
"I thought so. Good thing Janice calmed down. I was ready to kill her. Now we're at peace again. Isn't Carrie the most beautiful bride ever?"
"She's lovely. You'd make a beautiful bride, too, Delia."
She raised her eyebrows.
"Me? My marrying days are over."
"Sure about that?" He eased her into a dip.
"What did you have in mind?"
"Perhaps this isn't the time or place…"
"It isn't." She rested her head on his shoulder.
"But later…when the guests are gone?"
Delia giggled. "I love it when you're mysterious."
****
An hour later, Delia rounded up Colin and Leah. Carrie and Grey came down dressed in street clothes to make the trek to New York City. They were scheduled to stay in a suite at The St. Regis for a night then catch a plane to Paris. But first, Carrie had to throw her bouquet. Several women were vying for position. Leah hung back. Carrie turned her back, closed her eyes and gave a healthy toss. The bouquet bounced off the head of one woman and into Leah's arms. Colin burst out laughing at Leah's flustered red face. Delia smiled as she leaned over to whisper in Leah's ear.
"I'll make the same wedding for you, sweetie."
"Colin! Bring the car around," Grey called, motioning for his brother.
He nodded, turned and took Leah in his arms for a passionate kiss. Grey stopped, his mouth open slightly as his brother bid farewell to his lady love. Heavy blinking was obvious by both lovers as they parted.
"Good luck in your new job," Leah said, cupping his cheek.
"Thanks. You, too."
"Until Christmas," She said, sliding her hand over Colin's.
"Christmas."
He turned abruptly and walked away. Within five minutes, he pulled up in his brother's Jaguar. Grey opened the door for Carrie, bid everyone farewell, got in the car and closed the door. Colin took one last look at Leah before he put the Jag in gear and roared away.
Leah's chin quivered and her eyes fill with tears a
s she struggled for control. Delia put her hand on Leah's shoulder.
"It'll work out. You have an exciting time ahead."
"Just wish I could share it with him."
Delia pulled Leah into a hug. The younger woman hid her face, allowing a few tears to escape.
"I believe what you have is real. Patience. Go out there and show them what you can do, Leah. Shock them with your talent, make Colin proud. This is your time to shine."
Leah pulled herself together enough to smile at Delia.
"You're right. I'll do my best."
Harvey came out of the house carrying Leah's two suitcases as the limo pulled up. The driver loaded her luggage as she got in the back seat.
"Au revoir," Delia called.
"À bientôt." Leah waved as the limo headed for the airport.
"Ah, young love, so sweet, so pure, so…painful," she sighed.
Chapter Eighteen
July, Paris, France
Email from Leah to Colin.
I finally got unpacked. The apartment is small but very chic. The view is of a tiny side street but I love it anyway. How would we fit you into this space? With a shoehorn! Seriously it's quiet and lonely without you. But all of Paris is outside my door. Back later.
Love,
L
Reply from Colin.
Found a great two bedroom apartment on the second floor of a house in Willow Falls. Unlike your tiny place there's a ton of room here. Enough for me and you. I seem to rattle around here like a marble in an empty shoebox. Trying to focus on preparing my lectures and outlining a program for the wrestling team but my mind keeps drifting to thoughts of you. You'd love it here. Tons of fresh air and room to breathe.
I want to hear all about Paris. Don't meet any hot Frenchmen, okay?
Love,
C
August, Willow Falls, New York
Email from Colin to Leah.
Wow! Paris sounds great! Wish I were there with you to take it all in. Met any men, yet? Hope not. How's the job going?
Half our team is experienced and half are new. I keep telling myself the new guys aren't dumb, just inexperienced. Still, we have a long way to go. I work out with the team. Keeps me in shape and less time thinking about you.
I have my lesson plan completed but I almost blew lunch thinking about my first lecture. TMI? LOL! Guess I'm the newbie there. I hope everyone loves your designs and you haven't met any men yet. Have you? Still missing you like crazy. But I have found a few friends to go to football games with. Harry, John and Cathy are just as rah-rah as I am about Kensington's team. Wish you were going with me, instead.
Love,
C
Reply from Leah
You'll be great lecturing the students. It's the anticipation making you nervous. Besides a few nerves will make you better. I have faith in you. And as for the wrestling team, I know you can whip them into shape and win some matches. Keep working out. Makes me look forward even more to touching you again. TMI?
Lady Jeanne has sold my first design! I'm so excited! Everyone is very happy. She's given me a guide, Jean Pierre. He's showing me around the city. We will travel together to other cities to visit great art museums and get ideas for designs. Wish you were coming with me. I miss you so much.
Love,
L
September, Paris, France
Email from Leah to Colin,
I can't believe Lady Jeanne sold my second design, the one I made up for Carrie. Oops, I think I wasn't supposed to tell about that! LOL. I'm very excited. I've been at the Louvre, sketching, every day this week. There are so many fabulous ideas there waiting to be picked up.
Lady Jeanne has scheduled a month-long trip for Jean Pierre and me to travel to Italy and a few other places. I'll be sketching and trying to take in all the art. I know that seems like a lot of time but it will pass quickly.
Who is this Cathy person? You're going to football games with her? Is it serious? Is this something I should worry about? I love you, Colin, in case you've forgotten.
Love,
L
Reply from Colin,
Don't worry about Cathy. She's only a friend. It's more fun to go to the football games with her than alone. I didn't think about the time change when I set up Skype. It's seems impossible to talk to you, see you. I wish I could touch you.
You're traveling with Jean Pierre for a month? Do you have separate rooms? When are you leaving? Are you sleeping with him? Please tell me it isn't so.
Lectures and wrestling are okay but I keep thinking of you traveling with this guy. It's hard to concentrate. Of course I still love you. Please tell me you feel the same.
Love,
C
Reply from Leah
I didn't think about the time change either. I miss talking to you. I'm going to be on the road a lot now, so the timing gets even crazier. I miss you so much.
Love,
L
October, Willow Falls, NY
Email from Colin to Leah.
Hi, Leah,
The wrestling team has won two matches and lost two. We have two guys with star potential and the rest have a lot to learn. I'm hopeful that we can improve and have a winning team next year. The school seems happy so far.
Lectures are going okay. Students seem interested. I'm beginning to remember their names and be more relaxed. Lots of papers to grade at night. Tires me out so I'm sleeping better. I'd rather you tired me out in bed, but I can't have everything.
Our football team is doing better than the wrestling team. Cathy and I bet on every game. So far I've won two lunches at the local pizza place. She's won one.
When are you taking this trip? I'll be worried about you every day you're gone. Only three months till Christmas. I'm crossing the days off my calendar.
Love,
C
Reply from Leah,
Glad to hear your teams are doing well. A little worried about those bets with Cathy. I hope they don't morph into something more than food. I knew you'd be okay with the lectures. You're a good speaker. Wish I could be there to listen in.
The trip is planned for October 15 to November 15. I probably won't have Internet access then, so don't wig out if you don't hear from me for a while. You will be traveling with me in my heart – as always. Don't worry about Jean Pierre. He's not half the man you are.
Lady Jeanne sold my third design. She's not happy with what I'm doing now, though. I'm a little concerned. I'd better find inspiration on this trip or I might be in trouble. Missing you a ton. Will email as soon as the trip is over. I hope you don't find someone else while I'm traveling.
Love,
L
****
It had started snowing at noon. By two o'clock, the heavy snow tapered off into a smattering of stubborn flakes continuing to fall. The sun was out but an inch had already accumulated. Carrie fisted her hand and wiped it in a circle on the window in the front door of her wedding present from Grey, the old Victorian home in Pine Grove. She pulled her black cashmere cardigan a little tighter to keep out the draft as her eyes searched for her husband.
Grey was shoveling snow off the front walk when he caught her signal and waved. She held up a mug of hot chocolate and motioned for him to come in. He stomped the snow off his boots, put down the shovel and headed for the front door. Cold snowy air blew in with him. Carrie shivered as she handed the hot beverage to him. His cold lips found her warm ones before seeking the warm liquid.
"Lunch," Carrie said.
Grey took off his boots, then his down jacket. He hung it on the peg by the front door before he walked through the living room, freshly painted a dark teal blue with white trim. Winter sunlight streamed in the tall front windows, warming Grey a bit. He followed her into their big kitchen. On the round antique oak table two places were set. Two small bowls of homemade New England clam chowder sent a tempting fragrance through the air. Grey slid into his seat and picked up his spoon.
"Walk is almost fi
nished," he said, blowing cool air on a spoonful of hot soup.
"I still have two pies to make and our cauliflower cheese casserole."
"Mom is in love with that dish. Says dad only eats cauliflower when it's in your casserole."
Carrie smiled as she joined him at the table.
"Soup is delicious."
"Thank you. I was hoping the house would be finished by Thanksgiving but the holiday crept up on me. We're nowhere near done."
"Is the guest room done for Colin?"
"It is. I thought he was staying at your parents' place?"
"He might and…he might not!" He gave her a mischievous smile.
"What does that mean?"
"Tell ya later. Besides, it's not definite yet." He averted his eye from her gaze.
"Our first Thanksgiving in our own house in Pine Grove as husband and wife," she sighed.
He placed his hand over hers as their eyes connected.
Grey shivered.
"We need to do something about the heat in this place. It's drafty as hell. The kitchen should never be cold. I'll get on it as soon as I finish the front walk."
"An old house is a lot of work, isn't it?" Carrie cast shy eyes at him.
"Maybe but it's what you wanted. When we get done here, it's going to be a real showplace, like the townhouse. You did a fantastic job on that place and I'm sure you'll outdo yourself here."
"It's going to be a big money drain, isn't it?"
"Nope. John and I have an excellent offer for one of our companies. That will more than take care of the expenses for this house for the next ten years. Don't worry."
"I love renovating and decorating."
"I know you do," he said, rising from his chair.
"I love you, in case I haven't told you in, let's see…the last ten minutes?"
He laughed and kissed her. "My wife…I love saying that," he said, almost to himself.
The Dating List Page 21
