The morning was quiet until Ryan, Ellen, and Abby arrived. There were many uncomfortable silences while Cammie cooked and puttered around the kitchen, lost in thought. Adam struggled for a way to reach her, to regain some of the closeness they had previously experienced. It was lonely there with Sam and Haley all wrapped up in each other. It was still lonely when Ellen and her family arrived in their cohesive family unit. So, Adam found himself hiding out in the kitchen. He knew that Cammie wasn’t thrilled to have him there, but it was more comfortable than trying to be around everyone else.
Surrounded by the sounds of cooking and the amazing smells of the meal, he sat and worked on a list. It was the most challenging work he had ever done. It was facing everything he wanted to forget so that he might be able to salvage something. If he could just figure out who Cammie’s sister was, when everything had gone so horribly wrong, then maybe he could repair some of the damage. If he could prove to her that he was a different man, then maybe she would give him a chance.
It didn’t take Sam long to figure out what he was working on. He had checked in on the kitchen to make sure Cammie had everything she needed. He wanted to remind her that the market down the street would be closing early. When Adam hadn’t even lifted his head or joined in the conversation, Sam had walked over to the table and peeked over his shoulder.
Luckily Cammie had chosen that moment to bring some snack foods out to the great room so the rest of the crew could nibble while watching the parade. Sam took that opportunity to confront his brother.
“Really, Adam,” he said in a low voice, “you don’t even know who her sister is. You think dredging up the past will make it better?”
“No, I don’t, but I think that if I don’t re-visit my history I am doomed to repeat it. If I don’t face it, then I can run from it, hide how awful and insensitive I was, pretend that it was no big deal that I have made no lasting or meaningful relationships in thirty years that didn’t involve a blood relative.” He growled as he stood and motioned for Sam to follow him out the back door as he snatched the paper off the table to take with him.
Once outside, Adam turned and started speaking once more. “You are my best friend. You…are my only friend. While I’m thrilled we’re finally close, I should have more friends. Really I should. Instead, I have a list…a growing list of all the women I slept with and discarded. I was so…wrong for that.” He sighed and looked down at the frosty ground. “It wasn’t even a challenge. It was just…fun. And I played it off and convinced myself that everyone was doing it, so it must be okay.” He stared at the paper he had clenched in his hand. “I don’t even remember the names for too many of these women. I don’t remember the sex. I just remember that it seemed like a good idea at the time. And I was lonely. It was nice to fill the emptiness for just a little while.”
“Okay, so you want the reminder to never be an ass again. I get that. What happens if you figure out who Cammie’s sister is? You think she’s going to want whatever details you recall of the experience? Hell, she’s probably worried right now that you are comparing the two. For all you know this is some crazy sister competition.” Sam was scowling at him.
“You’re right. And I might almost believe that, but I’m no prize.” With that admission, he turned on his heels and headed into the house.
He made it as far as the entrance to the great room before Cammie stopped him. “Hey, I hate to bring this up…” Her voice trailed off.
Adam turned to look at her and the pained expression on her face made him pause. “Did I do that?” He asked, coming over to her side as she stirred the gravy on the stove.
“What?” She asked confused. In response, he simply smoothed the worry lines on her forehead with the back of his hand and chased the frown lines away from her mouth. She slapped his hand away, but in doing so couldn’t help but smile just a bit. “No. I’m worried about court and Sam and Haley and the intense discussion last night that I felt all awkward about.”
He glanced over his shoulder and realized that Sam could walk in at any moment. While he wouldn’t just share something of such a personal nature with anyone…Cammie was not just anyone. “Can that sit a minute? Can we go to the bedroom and talk for a moment?” She wore a skeptical look. “Please, just talk…about Haley.”
She turned off the burner and nodded to him. Without giving her an opportunity to change her mind, he quickly grabbed her hand and dragged her across the great room, directly down the hall to his bedroom. He still had the list in his other hand and as soon as he closed the door behind them, he shoved the incomplete list in his underwear drawer before turning to speak with her.
“So, I don’t know how much you know about our recent history. I’m guessing you may have missed me at more than a few parties?” He watched her for a reaction.
She smirked and nodded. “There were one or two that I was sure you would have been at.”
“Did anyone mention what was going on with me? Where I was?” He studied her.
Looking off into the corner of the room, it was obvious she was trying to remember. She scrunched up her face. “No, I don’t recall anyone mentioning you.”
“And Sam wonders why I think I don’t have any friends,” he muttered. “Okay, well this all started nearly a year ago. Haley was living in Philly and engaged to a not so nice guy. From what I understand, they were at a New Year’s Eve party when he disappeared to hook up with someone, since Haley was saving herself for marriage. When she went to look for him, his best friend cornered her and raped her.”
Cammie inhaled sharply and winced. “Not Haley…”
“Yes, Haley.” He frowned. It was such a personal thing that he revealed, he only hoped she would understand that, recognize the trust, and realize that he could be trusted in return. “She was pretty messed up, physically, mentally, emotionally…as you might imagine. With Sam’s love, she has been recovering ever since.” He sighed. He was happy for Sam, but damn he wanted to find love, too.
“So, how does this relate to you, your absence from a couple of months of parties?” She wore a confused look.
“Oh, that.” He laughed. “The guy who raped her, tried to run her over. I got in the way. That’s all.” He shrugged.
“That’s all,” she repeated in disbelief. “There’s always more to every story with you, isn’t there?”
For some reason, he couldn’t resist. He leaned over and kissed the very tip of her nose. “Doll, I’d love to share everything with you.” He looked into her eyes. They were narrowed. “Some other time maybe.”
Without further explanation, he left the room.
There was a tension in the air, over dinner. Adam knew when Sam suddenly stood that he had decided to end that and change the mood entirely. He wore a determined look on his face. He looked around and said, “Will you excuse me for just a moment, please.” Then he nodded and walked away.
They all looked at each other in confusion. The sound of his steps grew more distant until finally they heard the front door open and close behind him.
Haley looked at Adam. “You don’t think he’s leaving, do you? I mean, I have this history of running when the going gets tough, but he never has.” She looked utterly bewildered.
“Nah. I wouldn’t worry about it. I hear Sam’s more of a sardine player.” He winked at her only to be rewarded with a blush.
The door opened once more and the sound of footsteps headed their direction had Haley settling back into her chair once more. Adam gave her a reassuring look. Soon, Sam had joined them once more. And he had mock up boards, a stand, and a big mysterious box.
“Give me just a moment,” he said. “I know that it’s a holiday and we’re supposed to be relaxing, but this has been bothering me. I’ve been thinking about this so much and we hardly ever all get together any more. I just felt like this was the right time. I wanted everyone to help me out with this. We’re Team Haley, all in her corner, rooting her on.”
He took a deep breath as he finished setti
ng up what looked to be a presentation. “Here,” he said, passing Haley the bag.
She peeked in. “Bagels?” She laughed.
“We always have bagels at a time like this. Sorry there’s no tea.” He smiled.
Opening the big box, he pulled out a couple of different items. There was a can of sardines, a yellow tae kwon do belt, a Tiffany’s box, and a bottle of champagne. Everyone at the table inhaled.
“Pick one,” he said. “I can’t decide where to start the pitch.”
“I don’t know…” Haley said. Her voice was shaky.
“Fine. I’ll pick,” Sam said with a smile. “Here.” He tossed her the Tiffany’s box. She looked at him questioningly.
“It’s empty,” she said without even opening it.
“Of course. It’s purely for demonstration purposes. You know how these pitches work.” He clapped his hands together and took a moment to push up the sleeves on his navy blue cable knit sweater.
“About one hundred and fifty years ago, a company was formed. Originally, it had a long name and a great product that wasn’t selling as well as the owners had hoped. And so they came to our great great great…” He paused for a moment as he tried to count the number of greats needed. “Well, you get the idea. The businessman came to our distant relative and asked if he had any idea for how to improve sales. That man made some suggestions that made Tiffany & Co. what it is today. And in doing so, he built two companies. That’s how our family run advertising agency was started…innovation, taking a chance. We use that same innovation in our daily life, but I was horrible at taking chances. I played it safe. It showed. My work suffered for it.” He smiled at Ellen.
“Yes, I had a super efficient assistant, but sometimes that isn’t enough. Sometimes what seems like the worst thing in the world at the time can really be a blessing in disguise.” He smiled at Haley. “Ellen left me after three years of faithful service to go on maternity leave. I thought it was the worst thing that could happen to me. Instead it turned out to be the best.”
He reached down and picked up the can of sardines from the table. “I learned how to play sardines.” He passed Haley the can of sardines.
In turn, she rewarded him with a smile that seemed to encourage him. So his presentation continued. “I learned to be protective of those that I care about, those that I love deeply, as well as protect myself from those I love deeply because they can be scary if you surprise them.” He chuckled as he passed her the belt.
It appeared that Haley still had no idea where he was going with that. She just listened intently. Sam smiled as he began to work the cork. “I have discovered there is so much in life to be celebrated.” The cork popped and everyone cheered. “I learned to stop hiding my heart so that love can be finally found.” He poured a glass for everyone at the table.
“Life is full of unexpected moments, but when you have the right team working with you, amazing accomplishments will follow. On this day of giving thanks, I wanted to thank all of you for being a part of my life.”
“Dear God,” Adam interrupted. “You aren’t going to make us all go around the table now and talk about what we’re thankful for, are you?” He huffed and crossed his arms over his chest.
“Now why would I do that?” Sam asked surprised.
“Oh, I don’t know. It just was starting to feel like we were headed that direction.” He sighed.
“So, sorry. I wouldn’t want to interrupt your Thanksgiving with a call to be grateful like you are interrupting the biggest sales pitch of my life with your questions.” Sam said through gritted teeth.
“My apologies; please continue. I didn’t realize this was a pitch. I was taught that in a sales pitch you have all of thirty seconds to make sure the consumer understands what you are selling. It’s been at least a couple of minutes and still I have no idea.” He smirked.
“I’m selling me. I’m selling an idea, a concept.” He raised his hands in frustration. “Who invited you anyway?”
“Actually, I invited you. We were already here.” Adam smiled widely, thoroughly enjoying the moment. “Come on. Pitch.”
“Adam, open your mouth one more time and you will never see your car keys, phone, and wallet again. Got it?” He glared at his younger brother threateningly.
Cammie turned to him and chimed in. “Yeah, Adam, you are completely ruining the mood.” She winked at him. Then she leaned in and whispered, “But you totally improved my mood.” She squeezed his hand.
Sam seemed to relax. Cammie still held his hand. Suddenly Adam was inspired to be both quiet and still.
“Haley, we have been through more together in the short time that we’ve known each other than some couples experience in a lifetime. Through it all, I’ve only come to admire you more each day. The Davenports have a history of making great decisions and taking chances. I’ve decided that I want to spend the rest of my life with you. And this, this is my chance…my chance for happiness. I’m risking my heart, which I will gladly give to you, along with this.”
Sam pulled out another Tiffany & Co box. The blue on the cover was discolored, nowhere near as new as the one before her. Dropping to one knee, he held the box out on the palm of his hand. “I want you to have the Davenport Diamonds. Open it.”
Slowly, Haley untied the bow. She pulled the top off the box, and then removed the dark velvet box from within. When the top opened, she gasped, no doubt because the ring inside the box was simply stunning, a three carat cushion cut blue diamond, surrounded by smaller diamonds, all set in white gold. Then Sam took it out and began to slide it onto her finger.
“Let me tell you about this ring,” he said while Haley stared in surprise. Tears had already formed in her eyes. “It was a gift for Charles Davenport to give his bride. He happened to be working for Tiffany and Co. at the time. He had created the signature name, encouraged the signature color, and recommended the signature catalog. This ring has been passed down from generation to generation of Davenport men for their wives. It is unique, one of a kind, the only blue diamond Tiffany’s has ever used, to my knowledge. The blue diamond is rare, like their friendship, a perfect partnership, and that combined with love makes for the rarest of rare experiences…a happy marriage. I saw what my parents had. It was a happy marriage, the foundation of our happy family. I want all that…with you. Will you do me the honor of being my wife, creating a perfect partnership at work and home? Will you be my best friend and the love of my life?”
Everybody was watching, yet from the way Sam and Haley were acting, they had forgotten anyone else was in the room. Adam had never seen such a perfect proposal. For the first time ever, he tried to imagine how he would make such a proposal. He didn’t have family jewels to fall back on, so he’d have to pick that, too…the perfect ring.
His thoughts were interrupted when Haley finally responded, “Yes, Sam. All that…and more.”
Sam pulled her close and kissed her ever so gently on the lips. When everyone at the table began to clap, the spell was broken and they were in a room with friendly faces, but an audience just the same.
“Excuse me,” Adam began with a smile, “but you brought those handy dandy boards and never used them. And quite honestly, that wasn’t much of a sales pitch.”
Sam didn’t even turn his direction. He just stayed nose to nose with Haley while he said in a sweet tone, “Someone doesn’t want his life back. I’m not finished yet.”
Leaning over, Adam whispered to Cammie. “This went from ad pitch to infomercial. ‘But wait, there’s more!’” To that he earned a giggle.
Standing, Sam began speaking again, “Since you agreed to marry me, part two of the pitch can begin.”
Adam slapped his palm against his forehead hard enough to make a decent ‘thwack’ and leave the hint of a mark on his skin. It looked like Sam was turning to glare at him and threaten once more when he simply smirked. He turned a full smile to Haley as he pulled the board back to begin the presentation.
“Here we go. This
is a list of the Top Ten Reasons We Should Get Married on New Year’s Eve.” He started the countdown. “Number ten. Out with the old; in with the new. What’s better than a new husband?”
Adam smiled. This was actually kind of cute. He had no idea Sam had it in him. That Haley really brought out a whole different side of him. By the time he had tuned back in, Sam was already counting down to the second reason.
“Number two. While the rest of the world is coming back to work after the holidays, we’ll be heading off to a warmer climate where we will extend our holidays with a honeymoon!” He beamed.
“And finally, the number one reason we should get married on New Year’s Eve: I love you. And I don’t want to have to wait another year for us to start our happily ever after.” Sam stared at Haley for a moment while he awaited her response.
Haley glanced over at Adam. “I thought it was the girl who was supposed to try to rush the wedding date.”
Cammie laughed. Adam simply shrugged. “Is it possible he’s the girl in your relationship?” He caught Sam scowling at them. “Maybe you should agree to that, too, so he starts looking happy again and we can finally drink this champagne.”
Finally Found Page 11
