by Amy Jarecki
Ryan massaged her shoulders. “Uh huh.”
“It’s a bit fancy.”
“It’s perfect.” Amanda crossed her arms. “I’ll be back in an hour to do your hair.”
Rebecca saluted. “Yes, ma’am.”
The kids closed the door and left her alone. Rebecca turned a full circle and then stared at the dress. She’d only worn it once to a corporate showcase—back when she was a designer. She loved it though. With plenty beading on the sleeves, the dress was classically elegant. She bit her thumbnail. This was about Matt, and the kids were meddling.
She wondered if he’d put them up to it. It didn’t matter. The past couple of weeks without him hanging around had been like trudging through three feet of mud while pushing a cart full of dogs. She’d picked up the phone to call him about fifty times. Every time she set it back down, thinking that he probably never wanted to see her again—not after she’d been so nasty.
Chapter Twenty-Six
Matt, in a new double-breasted black suit, crisp white shirt and red tie, walked up to Rebecca’s front door and rang the bell, a dozen red roses in hand.
Amanda answered. “Whoa, you look like a million bucks.”
“Thanks.” He brushed her nose with his forefinger. “So what are you doing home on a Friday night?”
“I wouldn’t miss this for anything. Besides, I’m lying low, if you don’t remember.”
“Yeah, but a girl as beautiful as you ought to have boys falling all over themselves for a date with you.”
“They sort of are. That’s the problem. I’m not a piece of meat and I’m not going to let them think I’m easy.”
“Of course not. Good for you.” Matt held back his urge to smile. Her reluctance to jump out into the teen singles scene pleased him. It would show the other boys her scruples. “So, is your mom ready?”
Amanda clapped her hands excitedly. “I made sure of it.”
Matt’s eyes followed the milky runner leading up the oak staircase. Rebecca stood at the top, one hand on the banister, her red hair pulled back with ringlets of curls framing the right side of her perfectly oval face. She wore an elegant black dress, the cap sleeves enhanced by sparkling beads. The dress hugged her body sensuously, showing a hint of cleavage, the hem ending just above her knees.
Matt’s jaw dropped as she descended on stiletto heels which appeared far too dainty to support anything, albeit a human being. “You are stunning.”
Rebecca’s face beamed. Matt’s heart raced, observing her countenance—womanly, experienced, wise. He held up the roses.
“Oh my. They’re lovely. ” Rebecca held the buds to her nose and inhaled. “Amanda, will you please put these in a vase?”
Amanda hesitated but took the flowers. “You guys are going to behave now, aren’t you?”
Matt flashed a grin. “We’re going to light up the town, but I’ll have her back at a decent hour. Okay?”
Amanda shook her head. “Take your time.”
Rebecca assessed him. “Is that a new suit?”
“Yes.”
“You look very handsome.”
“Thank you.”
Rebecca reached out and grasped his hand. “Before we go, I need to apologize.”
Matt gazed into those indigo eyes and could scarcely talk. “Me too.”
“No. You did absolutely nothing wrong. I’m the one who behaved like an unmitigated ass.”
With a flutter in his belly, Matt raised her hand to his lips and kissed. “‘Tis all forgotten, milady.”
Leading her to the car, Matt opened the passenger door. Rebecca hesitated. “And where are you taking me, Mr. Johnson?”
“To Moshulu at Penns Landing, my darling.”
“Sounds intriguing.”
“Have you been there?”
“No, but I’ve heard of it. Everyone within fifty miles of Philadelphia has heard of Moshulu.”
Though the end of February, the calm air made it feel mildly chilly. They drove up to the gangway of the tall ship that once sailed the Caribbean, now restaurant, and left the Lexus in the hands of the valet. The ship’s four masts were devoid of sails, but brightly aglow with tiny white lights.
Matt offered his arm and led Rebecca along the narrow gangway of the restaurant-ship. “Welcome aboard the Moshulu, our South Seas fantasy,” a tuxedo-clad host greeted them.
“I’ve reserved the Chef’s Table room for the evening.”
The maître d’s smile broadened. “Ah, yes, Mr. Johnson. Just the two of you?”
Matt nodded. “I’ve made arrangements.”
“Yes, of course. We usually have a minimum of ten guests but I see the notation here. Follow me.”
The maître d’ led them through the sophisticated ship, clad in colors of rich bamboo, sea grass and leather finishes. He motioned to a private room with eight tables. A candle burned on only one table in the center.
Rebecca gasped at the grandeur. “Oh my, this is extravagant.”
“May I take your coat, ma’am?” the maître d’ asked and turned to Matt. “Will that be all, sir?”
“Yes, thank you.”
“Your waiter is Franco. I’ll let him know you’ve arrived.”
Rebecca rubbed her arms against the slight chill. “This is unbelievable. How did you get this room on a Friday night?”
He smiled at the glow of her skin in the candlelight. “Just enjoy.”
Franco arrived and Matt ordered a bottle of Oyster Bay Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand. “Would you like an appetizer, or would you prefer to wait?”
Rebecca nodded. “I’m feeling a bit hungry. Could I have the garganelli pasta with lump crabmeat, please?”
“Make that two but bring the wine first,” Matt said.
He listened to Rebecca chat about her new clients, her eyes dancing with the glow from the candle. Though he found it difficult to focus on her conversation, he admired the way her pert lips formed the words and the loose curls framing her face bounced with her expression.
The wine arrived and Matt lifted his glass. “To us, wherever we go, whatever we do, may we always be best friends.”
He keenly watched Rebecca’s indigo eyes as he spoke. They dilated when he said “best friends” and the corners crinkled cutely with her genuine smile. “Best friends. I like that.”
Matt nervously toyed with a box in his pocket. He orchestrated every step of this night and knew the appetizers would not arrive until he moved the candle to the left. “Are you happy, Rebecca?”
“Yes.”
“I mean, are you happy being with me.”
Her eyes grew wide. “You’re a gift sent from heaven, Matt. I’m so glad I didn’t completely drive you away. I like you too much.”
“Like?” Matt’s eyes lowered as he took a sip of wine. “Is it only like?”
Rebecca licked her lips, her ivory cheeks blushing “No.” With her hands folded on the table, knuckles white, she spoke so softly Matt strained to hear. “It’s not just like. I love you, Matt.” Her eyelids unveiled her honesty.
His heart raced in concert with a swarm of butterflies that attacked his insides. He took her left hand in his and kneeled before her. “Rebecca Lee, you are the most stunning, insightful and wonderful woman I’ve ever met. You have shown me love, responsibility and fun beyond my limited life’s experience and I love you more passionately than I ever dreamed possible. It would give me the greatest happiness and honor if you would be my wife.”
Rebecca gasped as he slipped the black leather box from his pocket and slid a two carat diamond ring on her slender finger. With a glow, she lifted her hand and looked at the ring set in platinum with five diamonds on either side of the extraordinary solitaire. “Oh my. I don’t know what to say. It’s astonishing.” She lingered, staring at the ring, while Matt remained patiently kneeling, watching, tense. Her eyes again met his and she rewarded him with a lovely smile as she hesitated. At last she spoke. “My head is telling me to wait, but my heart is screaming yes.”
Matt reached up his hand and cupped her soft cheek. “Which will it be—head or heart?”
She wrapped her arms around his neck and showered his forehead with kisses. “I can no longer deny my heart.”
Matt’s body trembled, a tear threatened to escape. He held her tightly to regain his composure. “God, Rebecca, I would have walked outside and jumped into the Delaware if you’d said no.”
She laughed. “You already tried that in the Cooper River and helicopters came to your rescue.”
“How could I forget? My fifteen minutes of shame.” He reached and moved the candle to the side. Within minutes the hors d’oeuvres, piled in the shape of a volcano, appeared and they ordered their entrees.
Huge lumps of white crab on top of curly pasta looked like a piece of art but Rebecca attacked the mountain with her fork. “How are we going to break it to the kids?”
His mouth twisted a bit. “I think we should call them together when we get home and blurt it out.”
“Okay.” Rebecca took another bite, chewed and swallowed. “I’d like to wait until after Mandy leaves for college.”
“You think we can hide the news that long?”
“No. I meant the wedding.”
Matt quickly caught up with her. “Oh, I thought we were still talking about breaking the news.”
She smiled. “Have you thought about when we should tie the knot?”
Matt shook his head. “Soon, but not rushed.”
“Yes, I agree. Maybe a nice family wedding and a honeymoon in the South Seas.” Rebecca looked around the ship’s interior. “Someplace where they have tall ships like this.”
“Maybe a cruise on an exclusive yacht?”
“Ooo, that sounds like a fairytale.”
***
Rebecca floated through her salmon entree. They could have served fried fish heads and she wouldn’t have noticed. She wondered if the floating feeling was due in part to the easy rocking of the moored ship, or if Matt completely hypnotized her with his charm.
It didn’t matter. Happiness filled her from head to toe and her inner conflict vanished with a few words. How handsome Matt looked, the candlelight reflecting amber against his skin and his new suit appeared to be tailored exclusively for him.
When her thoughts turned to her children she giggled.
“What?”
“I can’t wait to see the look on Amanda’s face. She’ll die. Thank goodness she’s the one leaving for college.”
“I don’t think you’ll have any problem with her. Well, I’m not sure about the marriage part.”
“What makes you say that?”
“Your kids are sort of why I’m here.”
Rebecca gasped. “Now that’s a story I must hear.”
Matt cut a piece of his steak. “Amanda called me and I met the kids at a coffee shop.”
“Seriously?”
“Yep. They said you couldn’t live without me anymore, and I had to come back.”
Rebecca thwacked him on the shoulder. “Come on. I wasn’t that bad.”
Matt grasped her cool fingers between his wonderfully warm ones. “I’m glad they did.”
“I’m glad Amanda finally saw you for who you are.” Rebecca kissed the back of his hand. “It’s been hard for her to keep up with her act ever since you took her to the dance.”
“She’s a quandary—always on her good behavior when we’re out, but not so good when she’s at home.”
Rebecca shot him a sheepish grin. “I’m afraid I spoiled her too much after her father passed. Some time away at college will do her good.”
“Sure will.”
They lingered through dinner, talking about the future. Though both ate enough to challenge anyone’s digestion, they ordered a Berry Berry Sundae, just so they could continue to enjoy the moment. But when their coffee cups were drained, Matt paid the bill and called for the valet.
Once in the car, guilt needled at the back of Rebecca’s neck. “That must have cost you a fortune.”
“A fortune? That I have and it didn’t come close.”
She puzzled. “What?”
“Let’s just say I’m well off—you know, family money—and splurging on a private room in one of the most exclusive restaurants in Philadelphia is not a setback.”
“Oh.” She knit her brows. “So why did you want to grow my business?”
He smiled. “You kidding? Showing dogs is like being back on the team. I get to be with you, it’s fun and you can earn a living—you know, grow your personal wealth.”
“Ah. That’s why a pricey Komondor is appealing?”
“Sure, if it’s a profitable investment.”
“You’re mostly in it for the profit?”
“Of course not. Like I said, it’s got to be fun. The profitable part comes second.”
Rebecca nodded. “I can see we have a lot of talking to do before the wedding. I’m sure there must be an awful lot I don’t know about you yet.”
He shrugged. “Not so much.”
She leaned across the console and peered at him. “You’re not an ax murderer are you?”
Matt laughed. “No. Malibu boys don’t have many opportunities to chop wood.”
The lights were off in the entry when they arrived home. Rebecca pattered upstairs and found Ryan on his computer and Amanda on Facebook. She asked them to go down and sit on the couch.
Matt stood beside her. Taking his hand she looked at Mandy then Ryan. “I want you both to keep your mouths shut while I say this.” She looked at Matt and then back to the expectant faces of her children. “Matt has asked me to marry him.”
Amanda gaped. “What?”
“I asked you to remain silent.”
Amanda sat up straight and pursed her lips.
“Mandy, out of respect for you we are going to have the wedding in the fall after you’ve left for college.”
Amanda sucked in a breath of air, holding up her hand, looking like she was about to fly off the couch.
“You may speak now and be civil.”
“After I’ve gone to college? But I want to be there.”
Both Rebecca and Matt looked at her incredulously. “You do? Then we’ll plan the wedding for a weekend when you can come home.”
“Maybe a long weekend like Labor Day?” Amanda said, again surprising everyone in the room except possibly herself.
Rebecca glanced at Matt. “Labor Day weekend? That’s only a little more than six months away.”
Matt nodded. “Six months is good. What do you say, Ryan?”
“You know how I feel, dude. Bring it on—the sooner the better.”
“It’s settled then. Labor Day weekend.” Rebecca opened her arms as Amanda and Ryan crowded in for a group hug with Matt’s long arms enveloping them all.
Chapter Twenty-Seven
Labor Day Weekend
It seemed like Maude had not stopped talking since they left for the salon. Some people talk incessantly when they are nervous—like Rebecca’s mother—and some people—like Rebecca—don’t want to talk at all.
Rebecca watched her reflection while the stylist worked wonders, twisting her red mop of curls into a French roll. Maude sat in the chair next to her while a patient man pulled curlers out of her hair. Rebecca was unable to concentrate on her prattle, which included everything from the politicians to blame for the sorry state of the economy to how beautiful her roses looked this year.
A younger beautician attended Amanda a few seats down and Rebecca envied the iPod in her daughter’s ears. Staring at her own reflection, she could hardly hold back her excitement. Her wedding day had arrived and the past six months seemed like a blur. In the spring, she and Matt purchased a bus-sized RV and spent most of the summer traveling to dog shows. Matt’s ex-partner, Brad, bought him out but not before they made amends. They agreed that Matt would work for Brad on a contract basis, and thus far, meant any time Matt wasn’t showing dogs.
Matt purchased an exquisite Komondor, Ang
elica, and nearly had her finished with hopes to take her to Westminster in February. He also finished Patches and was now showing him as a Champion, looking to earn a Grand Champion title soon.
Rebecca’s business flourished with Matt’s knack for organizing things to maximize profitability. Though she had only been there a couple of weeks, Amanda loved Penn State and already had a circle of freshman friends. Ryan would start his junior year of high school on Tuesday and had been practicing with the varsity football team for a month. The track season had paid dividends. He won the state one-hundred meter run.
“…Isn’t he, dear?” Maude’s voice pierced through Rebecca’s thoughts. “Rebecca? Why, you haven’t heard a word I’ve said, have you?”
“Huh?”
“I said, Matt’s one of the nicest young men that I’ve ever had the privilege of knowing. Isn’t he, dear?”
Satisfying warmth filled her while she nodded. “Yes. I call him Mr. Wonderful.”
“Tell them how he proposed,” Maude insisted.
Rebecca glanced over at her mother. “Aw, they don’t want to hear all the sappy details.”
Vivian, her bleached-blonde hairdresser, leaned forward. “Yes we do. I’m dying to hear. This place needs some good sap.”
Sighing, Rebecca couldn’t avoid relaying the story with all the eyes staring at her in the mirror. And she had to admit, she liked telling it. As she remembered every detail of the wonderful proposal, as she saw the excitement on those women’s eyes, she couldn’t help but smile to herself.
He’s perfect and he’s mine. I can’t wait to marry him.
“Holy bejeezus, woman, it sounds like you snagged a winner,” Vivian said, snapping Rebecca out of her daydream.
“He’s a winner, all right. He played in the Rose Bowl and everything,” Maude said.
“He’s unbelievable,” Rebecca added, her mind drifting again, while Maude launched into another mind-numbing ramble about someone she knew who reminded her of Matt.
Hair beautified, Rebecca planned for just enough time to apply her makeup and dress before the ceremony. With relief she looked out her bedroom window at the cloudless sky and glanced down onto the lawn. Roses of every color bloomed and the men had finished setting up the wedding arch and chairs where the ceremony would take place.
