by Lexy Timms
Charity felt her knees begin to shake. He seemed nervous and it suddenly was making her nervous as well.
“I spoke with the board.” He straightened and looked directly at her. “I hope you don’t mind that I spoke with them regarding your contract without talking to you first. I believe you are extremely competent.”
But… Charity believed that word was about to enter his little speech.
“With everything that has happened and your very soon-to-be marriage, would you consider having – what the board referred to as a – floating contract? We still expect you to fulfill your end of the contract but it would mean you could work from Atlanta or New York, or wherever. You would obviously need to be here at least once a month, but I felt – the board felt it was in your, and our, best interest if you were given that option. Is that something you would consider?”
Charity stared at him. She knew her mouth hung open but she couldn’t seem to get her brain to fully process what he was offering. It seemed too easy. Too perfect a solution that it shouldn’t be able to work.
“We realize it might slow the fundraising process down some. However, we’ve gone over everything that’s been done and the hospital accountant assured us you were already months ahead of your proposed budget.”
“You did this, for me?”
He smiled. “You’re a good person, Charity. You deserve every opportunity that comes your way. I pushed for this, and I apologize again for doing it without talking to you first, because I’ve been through this. I let the job become my number one priority instead of family.” He stood and patted her shoulder. “I understand it better than anyone.”
“I appreciate it.” She glanced down at the envelope in her hand. “I appreciate everything. Thank you.”
“Now go have an amazing wedding.”
She grinned. “I think I can do that.”
“I’ll see you when you get back.”
Charity flew back to New York that night and organized what she could for Elijah, who was working a night shift. They were flying out early in the morning so he promised to be back in time to shower and finish packing. Julie and Simon were meeting them at Newark Airport. Her father had a limo service organized to pick him up and then Elijah and Charity.
She crawled into bed late Friday night and never heard Elijah come in until she felt his warm breath as he nuzzled her neck.
“Hey beautiful, it’s time to wake up.”
A hmmmm sound vibrated against her throat and she snuggled closer to his warmth. She opened her eyes. “You’re wet.”
He chuckled. “Yeah, I just showered.” He pressed closer to her, his warm wet body sending shivers of pleasure to her skin.
She scooted over and out of the bed, taking the duvet with her. “I thought we were abstaining.” Sleep had left and she could feel her body instantly aroused from his touch and the sound of his sexy voice.
Elijah lay on his side, just a thin white sheet forming against his lean body. It was impossible to stop her eyes from trailing down his body… and then up again to his handsome face. He enjoyed the teasing torture he was obviously putting her through.
“I haven’t seen you all week and I come home to your beautiful body lying in my bed.” He shrugged, a wicked grin on his face. “What’s a guy to do?”
“Not suggest an abstinence clause two weeks before his wedding.”
“I’m game to pretend I never said a thing.”
“Too late.” She jumped back just out of reach from his hands. She tucked the duvet tight around her and leaned over to press her lips against his. “I missed you.”
Between kisses he squeezed out, “Me, too.”
The alarm clock beside the bed went off.
“Saved by the bell.”
He groaned. “I’ll be quick.”
She laughed and wrestled out of his arms. “Oh no you don’t. I need to shower and the limo with my dad is going to be here in about half an hour. Probably earlier knowing the great and powerful Dr. Thompson.”
Elijah rolled his eyes. “You need to give your dad a break. Maybe try not to be so hard on him.”
Charity, on her way to the bathroom, stopped and turned to look at Elijah. “I was kidding!”
“I know, but you still sort of mean it… not intentionally, of course.” He cleared his throat and sat up. “He’s a good guy, you know. He might not have the best bedside manner but he does care. He loves you a lot, Charity. I’m more than proud to have him as a father-in-law.” He didn’t say it in a mean or judgemental way, he sounded sincere and wistful at the same time.
Elijah was right on the bedside manner. Her dad sucked at that with her. He ran and hid when his wife got sick and he couldn’t face her when Charity confronted him at the funeral. She’d lost her mom, and her dad in a way, that day over six years ago. A lot had happened in the past months and he was trying to make things easier, she should at least try and do the same.
She saluted Elijah. “I’ll be on my best behaviour.” She walked over to the bed and kissed him again, dropping the duvet on top of him. “This is why I’m marrying you, handsome. You make me want to be a better person.”
He kissed her and wrapped his arms around her. The duvet made a mound between them. “Are you naked?” he asked.
“Maybe.”
His hand slid down over her buttocks. “Mmmm…”
She pulled back and laughed. “Not going to happen, mister, not going to happen.” She ran to the bathroom, loving the appreciative noise that came out of his mouth as he watched her.
“Three sleeps, right?” he called out to her. “Three sleeps and I get to do whatever I want ‘cause you’re my wife, right?”
She popped her head through the crack in the door. “Sounds delicious to me.”
He groaned again and she laughed when he grabbed a pillow and threw it over his head.
Twenty-five minutes later, after she had showered and dressed, the doorbell rang at the same time Elijah called out, “Your father’s here.”
Charity noticed Elijah had moved her suitcase to the front room but had left the wedding dress box on the bed. She grabbed her purse and the box, thankful it had a carrying handle on the side so it could act like a suitcase.
Her father stepped out of the limo as the chauffeur carried their suitcases and put them in the trunk.
“You have your tux?” she asked Elijah as he set the alarm and then locked the front door of the house.
“In my case. I’ll need your engagement ring the day before the ceremony as well.”
“Why?”
He grinned. “You’ll see.”
She double-checked she had his ring in her purse. It sat, safe and sound, inside a turquoise blue Tiffany box at the bottom corner of her bag.
They walked to the black limo and climbed in when the driver opened the door for them.
Her father sat inside talking quietly on the phone. He nodded at them as they sat down and continued speaking into his cell. “Yes. Get the results as soon as you can and let me know. You can send them to me via email.” He held the phone in his right hand. He clenched and unclenched his free hand before shaking it and then grabbing his briefcase to grab a file out of it. “I have copies of everything here that’s been done up to date… Thanks. I’ll check back with you when we arrive in New Zealand.” He hung up the phone and tossed it into his briefcase.
“Everything alright?” Elijah asked.
“Fine. Fine. Just… you know how it is. Leave the hospital and you don’t think they’ll survive without you if you’re gone more than a day.”
“They’ll survive.” Charity smiled. “You’ll only be gone eight days.”
“My concern is the mess I’ll have to take care of when I get back.”
Charity knew she had promised to make an effort for Elijah and it took every ounce of patience not to make a snide comment that he didn’t have to come to his only daughter’s wedding. Elijah grabbed her hand and squeezed it. He knew exactly what she was thinkin
g. She tried a positive comment instead. “We’ll just have to make sure you have such a good trip, you won’t have time to worry.”
Her dad gave her a smile, even though he still seemed distracted. At least she had tried.
They drove the rest of the way in silence, her father tapping away on his phone, Elijah and Charity enjoying a mimosa inside the limo. Simon and Julie met them at the gate after checking in. Charity took the box her dress was in as a carry on. She received frowns from the flight attendants on the flight to California, then on to Japan and finally into New Zealand. Each time she explained that her wedding dress lay inside the box and there was no way she was going to risk losing it, the stewardess’ smiled and then introduced Elijah and Charity over the intercom – on each flight!
Tired, but excited to finally be done flying, they arrived in New Zealand. Albert met them after they came through customs. He had rented a large van to take them all to Rapt Bach Estates.
Over breakfast on the ferry over to the island, Elijah tried to explain his house to them. Charity caught Albert chuckling each time Simon, Julie or her father asked a question.
“Elijah,” Albert asked, “have you not told your friends about Rapt Bach?”
Charity raised her hand. “He’s told me.”
Albert chuckled and winked at her. “I know he has, lass.”
Elijah, holding a piece of toast, pointed it at Albert. “I’ve been saving it for a day like today.”
Julie leaned over to Charity. “You did say it was breathtaking. I’m starting to wonder how big this place is.”
“You’ll see.”
Charity’s father was sitting beside Albert. He looked at Albert and chuckled. “Kids.”
“Tell me about it. I’ve got three and a brood of grandkids now. None of them listen.”
“I’ve got that beauty over there and she’s never listened. Mind of her own, that girl.”
“You’ve done well,” Albert complimented.
Dr. Thompson shook his head. “It was all her mother.”
“Elijah mentioned she passed away.” Albert shook his head. “Sorry about that ‘mate. Glad Charity has you here.”
Dr. Thompson nodded but Charity noticed he didn’t say anything. The look on his face the moment before he changed the subject broke her heart. She wondered if it was because he missed his wife or if he wasn’t sure she wanted him there.
He pulled a vial out of his pocket and took two pills out of it.
Past images of vials and pills from her mother flashed before her eyes. “What are those for?” Her voice rose, making everyone at the table stop talking and look at her and Dr. Thompson.
Her father looked down at the pills in his hand and then at her. “Aspirin. They are aspirin.”
Elijah patted her hand. “They’re for headaches.”
She pulled her hand away. “I know what they’re for.” Heat rose to her face. “Sorry. Must be the lack of sleep… or something,” she mumbled.
Thankfully Albert began talking about Rapt Bach and what Elijah was like growing up.
Before long the intercom turned on and the captain requested all passengers who had driven on to return to their vehicles. They would be docking in fifteen minutes.
Butterflies fluttered in Charity’s stomach. Time to meet the soon-to-be mother-in-law.
Chapter 10
Margaret stood stiffly waiting on the large interlock patio leading up to the house. Charity wiped her sweaty palms against her skirt as Albert parked the large van. She realized Elijah’s mother was probably as nervous as she felt. It helped her relax just a smidgen.
Elijah was the first one out. He ran over to his mother and gave her a hug. The surprised look on her face made Charity smile. She followed behind Elijah at a much slower pace. Simon, Julie and her father talked quietly behind her, admiring the massive house.
“Hi Margaret,” Charity said.
Elijah put his arm around her and kissed her forehead.
Margaret straightened her dress and reached out, brushing her hand against Charity’s. “Hello, dear. How was the flight?”
“Long.” Julie dropped her bag and blew her bangs away from her face. “But it was worth the trip. You have a beautiful home, Mrs. Bennet.”
Charity made a mental note to thank Julie later. While Julie gushed about the house, she introduced Margaret to Simon.
When Charity’s dad came around with Albert who was dragging several suitcases, she waved him over. “Dad! I’d like to introduce you to Elijah’s mother. Margaret, this is my father Doctor Scott Thompson.” It seemed silly to say doctor but that was how she had always introduced her father to people. It would feel wrong to do it any other way.
Her father, slightly out of breath, smiled and shook Margaret’s hand. “It’s wonderful to meet you, Margaret. Thank you for putting us up in your home and letting these kids have their ceremony here.”
She waved her hand and smiled. “It’s the least I could do. I’m so happy you came along with them. Heaven forbid I was going to be the only adult here.”
Elijah cleared his throat. “Mom. Simon, Julie and I are all doctors. I believe that makes us adults.”
“Except for Charity.” Simon laughed. “She’s probably the most mature of all of us.”
There was an awkward silence before Margaret spoke. Charity wondered what was running through everyone’s mind.
“Why don’t I show you all to your rooms? You all probably just want to relax for a bit. There’s food in the kitchen if you’re hungry and please make yourselves at home. I can show you around the house a bit if you want as well.”
“I would love that,” Charity’s father said, surprising Charity.
They followed Margaret and Elijah through the beautiful front door to the grand room with the double spiral staircases.
“All your rooms are on the main floor except for Charity’s and Elijah’s.” She gave the tiniest of smiles. “I assumed everyone would prefer their space from them.”
Simon high-fived Elijah. “Your mom’s super cool.”
Julie elbowed him. “We’re not eighteen, idiot.” She turned to Margaret. “Sorry about him. I’d have left him at home, but Elijah asked him to come.”
Margaret laughed.
A twinge of jealousy tugged at Charity. She wanted that easy rapport with Elijah’s mother. She had the talent of doing it with total strangers but couldn’t seem to figure it out with Margaret.
They walked to Dr. Thompson’s room first and then moved on to Julie and Simon’s room further down the hall.
As they headed back toward the grand room, Margaret stepped in between Elijah and Charity and linked her arms through both of them. “I’m glad you are having the wedding here. It means a lot.”
“We wouldn’t have it any other place.” Charity meant the words as she said them.
“Thank you.”
Elijah put his arm around his mom and ruffled Charity’s hair with his fingers. “What have you all planned?”
“Lots.” Margaret’s bell laugh echoed down the hall. “I have everything set for on the beach. Nothing over fancy.” She glanced at Charity. “I have a few questions for you if you have a moment – about the wedding, of course.”
“Sure.”
“I’ll take your suitcase and dress up to your room for you.” Elijah grabbed the bags as they entered the grand room. “You’re welcome to stay in my room, but I figure you probably want the other room to get dressed in, you know, on the day.”
“Sure.” Charity’s face grew hot at the mention of sharing his room in front of his mother.
The two women watched Elijah head up the stairs.
“I have a few things in the kitchen I want to show you.” Margaret began walking in the direction of the kitchen. “I wasn’t exactly sure what flowers you would like. The florist has a few options she can do for the day and said it would be no problem. Elijah mentioned Julie’s dress is a dark blue?”
“It is.” Charity followed her to t
he kitchen. The counter had fruit, meats, cheese and other snacks all spread out. On the table lay pictures and a folder.
Margaret showed her the photos. “The florist is fantastic. I used them for… for the funeral.” She pointed to a bouquet of freesias and creamy white roses. “That one is my favorite.”
Charity nodded. The woman had impeccable taste and they would match her dress perfectly. “They are gorgeous.”
“If you like them, they can do a bouquet for you, a smaller one for Julie and boutonnieres for the men. Would you like an archway on the beach? Something with cloth and flowers or something else?” She picked up her file and pulled a few photos out. “Here are a few options.”
All the designs were beautiful. “I love the idea. I don’t know which one to choose. Which one do you think?” It felt like they were bonding and Charity relaxed. It felt really good.
“What about this one? In case it’s windy, this one looks like it won’t blow apart or take off like a kite.”
Charity laughed. “Perfect.” Impulsively she reached for Margaret’s hand. “I’m really happy to be here. Thank you for doing all this.”
Margaret smiled. A real genuine smile that made Charity want to hug the woman. “I’m glad too. I was worried, because of last time, you might never want to come back to Rapt Bach again. I’m sorry about… about how I acted. It was wrong. I wasn’t in the right frame of mind and I should not have taken it out on you. Thank you for coming back.”
Charity hugged Elijah’s mother. “I wouldn’t miss it for anything. That son of yours is pretty special.”
“I can’t argue with you there.”
Suddenly Charity didn’t feel tired and she couldn’t wait for her wedding day.
Chapter 11
Charity twirled in the bathroom as she swept the hair away from her neck. The past two days seemed to have flashed by in a whirlwind. Jetlag played a part, but so did the playful dress rehearsal yesterday. They hadn’t really needed to rehearse what was going to happen, but it had been fun nonetheless. Julie had made a pitcher of rum punch, which resulted in another pitcher, followed by another. A starry night around a campfire on the beach filled with stories and laughter had been the perfect ending to the day.
