HOLDING ON (The Destiny Series Book 2)

by Karen Stivali

  “I’m right here.” Marienne walked into the room, struggling with the clasp on her bracelet. She was wearing a burgundy velvet dress with a deep v-neck, her belly round and full. He couldn’t imagine anything more beautiful.

  He walked straight to her and kissed her. Her warm lips were faintly sticky from lipstick but he didn’t care. He pressed his hand against the soft velvet on her back.

  “Something’s up with Ruth,” she whispered. “She’s acting all secretive.”

  Daniel laughed. “That would be my doing.”

  Marienne brow furrowed.

  He smiled at her expression. “I asked if she’d stay with Ella for the night, I have a surprise for you. I also have these.” He pushed the large floral box toward her on the counter.

  Marienne ran her fingers along the edges of the box, breaking the tape seals. Daniel watched her face as she lifted off the lid. Her breath caught as she looked inside.

  “Oh my God.” She reached toward the flowers, fingering the petals. Her eyes met his. “They’re just like our wedding flowers.”

  “Yes.” He reached into the shopping bag and extracted a large gold foil candy box. “And these—”

  She interrupted. “Are the chocolates we gave out as favors.” She opened the box and pulled out a heart shaped candy. She took a bite, her tongue swooping down to catch the caramel that oozed out. “Ohhhhh.”

  He loved seeing her so happy. She closed her eyes as she popped the second half into her mouth. We need to leave. Soon. I just want to be alone with her.

  The sweet creamy chocolate and buttery caramel tasted like pure pleasure. It brought with it all the wonderful memories of their wedding night. Marienne sighed. She opened her eyes to see Daniel staring at her, his eyes hungry. “Want one?” She held up a chocolate.

  “No thanks.” He pulled her into his arms. “Well, maybe just a taste.” He lowered his face to hers. His tongue licked gently against hers, and she melted into him like the chocolate had melted in her mouth.

  “Oh sorry,” Ruth said.

  Marienne looked over to see Ruth standing in the doorway. “Don’t be sorry. I hear you’re watching Ella for the night. Thank you.”

  Ruth waved her hand. “Don’t thank me. It’s my pleasure.”

  Daniel grabbed one of the smaller flower boxes and walked over to Ruth. “Happy Valentine’s Day.”

  Ruth’s eyes widened. “You didn’t have to get me anything.”

  “Of course I did. You’re helping to make our anniversary extra special.”

  She lifted the top off the box. “Oh, they’re beautiful.” Her mouth spread into a smile as she lifted out a teacup filled with miniature red roses. “Thank you.”

  Ella skipped into the room. “I wanna see.” She came up alongside Ruth. “Ooo, pretty flowers.”

  Marienne eyed the other small box on the counter as Daniel reached for it.

  “I’m glad you think so,” he said, handing the box to Ella.

  “Careful.” Marienne guided her hands as she opened it.

  “Grandma look! It’s a teacup just like yours, only mine has pink flowers.” She grinned at Daniel. Marienne’s heart swelled. “Thank you, Daddy.”

  “You’re very welcome.” He crouched next to her and reached into the shopping bag. “But I have more.” He handed her a gold heart shaped candy box and a tiny white velvet box.

  She set them down on the kitchen table and climbed onto the chair. Her eyes were wide as she knelt, looking at the boxes, clearly debating which to open first. Marienne knew she loved the moment of mystery. She chose the candy box first. “Can I have one?” she asked as soon as she saw the chocolates.

  “One.” Marienne said. “You and grandma will be having dinner in a little while.”

  She nibbled on the edge of a chocolate heart then shoved the whole thing in her mouth, chewing with a big smile on her face. She reached for the white box and cracked it open. A small gold heart shaped pendant with a tiny diamond chip sparkled up at her. Her mouth dropped open. “Oh Daddy.” She touched it with her finger, as if she was trying to make sure if it was really there. “Can I wear it?”

  “Of course.” He took the box from her hands and gently took the chain out the slits that were holding it in place. He undid the clasp and reached around Ella, fastening it behind her neck. He was clearly pleased that Ella liked his gift. The look on his face was pure contentment. We’re so lucky. Marienne caught Ruth’s eye. She had a sad smile on her face and Marienne wondered if she was thinking about what a good father Daniel was. A better father than Frank was capable of being. For a moment she felt as though she might cry.

  “We should get going,” Daniel said.

  “Oh, okay.” Marienne shook her head to clear it. “Where are we going? What should I bring?”

  “All you need is an overnight bag and a change of clothes.”

  “But where are we going?”

  Daniel answered with a smile. “You’ll see.”

  Chapter 13

  “Seriously,” Marienne said, as Daniel drove down Route 27. “Where are we going?”

  “You’ll see when we get there.” He turned to glance at her, a smiled tugging at his lips. “I love it when your face gets all scrunched like that.” He exited, heading toward Route 1.

  “Ah ha,” she said. “We’re going to the Hyatt.”

  Daniel smiled. “You’re too clever for your own good.”

  The outside of the hotel glistened under a light coating of snow, just as it had on their wedding night the year before. Daniel pulled the car under the porte cochere to unload their bags.

  As he reached for the door handle Marienne put her hand on his arm.

  “It’s perfect,” she said, leaning in and kissing him.

  He stroked the side of her face. “I’m glad.”

  The doorman held Marienne’s door open while Daniel lifted the bags from the trunk. “Let me get those for you, sir.” He took the bags from Daniel’s hands.

  Marienne shivered.

  “Go on inside while I park. I’ll be there in a minute.”

  She nodded and followed the doorman into the lobby.

  Marienne sat down on one of the couches and waited for Daniel to return. The lobby looked exactly like she remembered it—beautiful atrium with tall glass windows, open all the way to the top floor. She couldn’t believe Daniel had arranged for them to spend their anniversary at the same hotel where they’d been married. So many good memories. All their friends gathered together to wish them well. Ella in her beautiful gown. The whole night was like a dream come true. She’d felt like the luckiest woman in the world that night, but tonight she felt even luckier.

  The baby thumped on her belly, and she rubbed her hand against the kicks. “You have such a wonderful father.”

  “And a wonderful mother as well,” Daniel said.

  Marienne jumped at the sound of his voice. “I didn’t even see you come in.”

  “I was just watching you talk to our baby.” He placed his hand next to hers. The baby tapped twice in reply. “See, we’re all excited about our evening.”

  The smile on Daniel’s face made her wonder what else he was up to. She sensed a bit of mischief in his eyes. Maybe he’s just looking forward to the honeymoon suite. She braced her arm on the back of the couch to push herself up. He cupped her elbow to help. Not that I can be much fun in this condition. She grimaced.

  “What’s wrong?” he asked.

  “Nothing. I’m just thinking I had a much more appealing figure the last time we were here.”

  Daniel’s hand traced its way around her back. “I can’t imagine anything more appealing than your figure.” His eyes glowed as he leaned in to kiss her. “Come, let’s go check in.”

  The elevator went past the floor where they’d stayed on their wedding night. Marienne was surprised he hadn’t booked the same suite. It was lovely and overlooked the koi pond in the atrium. She didn’t care. Any room where she got to spend the night alone with Daniel was ab
solutely fine with her.

  They followed the bellboy down the long hallway. He stopped at the door at the end. Daniel’s lips twitched into a smile again. She narrowed her eyes, but he said nothing.

  The door to their room swung open and he placed his hand on her back to usher her inside. It took her breath away. The suite they had stayed in previously was spacious but this room was palatial. Her jaw dropped as she saw the fireplace and the baby grand piano in the lavish sitting area. There was a long polished dining room table and a full kitchen.

  “Should I put your bags in the bedroom?” the bellboy asked.

  “Yes, please.” Daniel answered.

  “I can’t believe you,” she said.

  His face bloomed into a full grin. He handed the bellboy some folded up bills.

  “Enjoy your evening.”

  “We will.” Daniel took Marienne’s hand. “Want to see the bedroom?”

  She gasped when she saw the canopy bed. “Oh my God, I didn’t even know they had a room like this. And the flowers.” There were centerpieces just like the ones from their wedding all around the room. “You’re amazing.” Her eyes filled with tears.

  “Don’t cry.” He swept a finger beneath her eye to catch the one tear that had leaked out. He kissed her, his fingers massaging the back of her neck. He rubbed his nose against hers. “You okay?”

  She nodded, not trusting her voice.

  Daniel checked his watch. “Are you ready to head to dinner?”

  “Yes.” She managed, wiping under her other eye. “Do I look okay?”

  “You look perfect.”

  She reached for her coat but he stopped her. “We’re just going downstairs.”

  “Oh okay.” She followed him into the hallway. She didn’t care where they were headed as long as they were together.

  Daniel had a hard time keeping the grin off his face. He steered her toward the ballroom.

  She furrowed her brow. “I thought the restaurant was over there.” She pointed toward the stairs.

  “It is,” he said. “But they’re having a special Valentine’s Day event in the ballroom. I hope that’s okay.”

  “Sure,” she said, her brow still crinkled.

  He pulled a reservation card from his jacket pocket. “We’re at table 25.”

  He scanned the room until he spotted the number. They made their way toward it. He held out a chair for her then slipped into the seat beside her as soon as she was seated.

  She looked around the room. The lights were dimmed and candles flickered everywhere, making her eyes sparkle even more than usual. The band was setting up but she didn’t seem to be paying attention to them, instead she was staring at him.

  “What?” he asked.

  “I’m just thinking about how happy I was the night of our wedding. And how I’m even happier right now.”

  “Me too.” He rubbed her hand. The other guests were taking their places around the table, making introductions. Daniel could see the band members taking their places. He wondered how long it would take Marienne to realize who they were.

  “Good evening, folks.” The lead singer spoke into the microphone.

  Marienne looked up, her eyes wide. “Isn’t that….” She turned toward Daniel.

  He nodded.

  “They played at our wedding. I can’t believe they’re playing here tonight.” She leaned over and kissed him.

  Daniel took her hand, rubbing his thumb against her wrist. His heart fluttered with anticipation.

  The singer turned to face them and Daniel nodded at him. “We’re going to be playing an assortment of tunes for you tonight, in hopes of making your Valentine’s Day extra special, but first I have an announcement to make. Last year on Valentine’s Day weekend we played a great gig right here in this ballroom, only it was a more private affair. It was a wedding for this lovely couple seated over here at table twenty five.”

  Marienne’s eyes grew huge and darted to Daniel’s. He squeezed her hand.

  “Now I’ve played lots of weddings before, and I’m always happy when folks ask me where else they can see me play, but I’ve never had anyone suggest a venue for me a year ahead of time. The groom had his first anniversary plans in mind before his wedding night was even over, and now here he is tonight, celebrating with his ever more lovely bride. So, if you folks wouldn’t mind I’d like to start the evening off with the couple’s wedding song. Daniel, Marienne, come on out onto the dance floor.”

  “I can’t believe you.” Marienne whispered. Her cheeks were glowing and he saw the tears back in her eyes.

  Daniel helped her up and led her to the dance floor, his hand on the small of her back. The band was softly playing the opening chords, waiting for them to get into place. “I see you two have made good use of the past year.” The singer said. “Let’s all wish Daniel and Marienne a happy anniversary.” The room filled with the sound of clapping.

  Daniel placed his arm around Marienne and took her hand, then bent to kiss her. The applause grew louder.

  Marienne blushed a shade deeper. Daniel had never seen her look more lovely.

  “How about if all you folks join them on the dance floor.” The singer said, as the song began.

  It didn’t matter how many other people were dancing with them, the only person Daniel saw was Marienne.

  After dinner they made their way back up to their room. As soon as they closed the door Daniel swept Marienne into his arms. He pulled her into a delicious, slow kiss. She moaned against his lips. “Do you want anything from the kitchen?” he asked, running his mouth along her neck. “I had them bring us chocolate covered strawberries and sparkling cider. Let’s go take a look.”

  She followed him into the kitchen. He took the plate of strawberries out of the fridge. “You thirsty? Cider? Water?”

  “Water.” She grabbed two glasses from the shelf above the sink and placed each one under the ice maker. The cubes tinkled against the crystal. He filled them both.

  Marienne took a sip, the cool water doing little to quiet the heat that was surging through her. “I have something for you.” She took him by the hand and led him into the bedroom. “Sit here.” She pushed him onto the bed. She unzipped her suitcase and extracted a box wrapped in red paper with white ribbon curls. “Open it.”

  Inside the box was a hand bound leather journal. “You told me you used to write a journal when you were younger, and I thought maybe you’d want to start up again. And in case you do.” She brought her hand out from behind her back and held out a long thin box.

  He unwrapped it and creaked the lid open. A sparkling Mont Blanc Pen lay on the blue satin lining. He ran his fingers over the smooth, cool metal.

  “It’s engraved.” She pointed to the etched letters.

  He lifted the pen out and tilted it to catch the light. He read the scroll-like script aloud. “D&M 2/14 Now, always.”

  “I know you usually write on your computer now, but I thought—”

  He interrupted her with a kiss. “I love it. I love you.” He wove his fingers into her hair, as he nibbled her neck. All she wanted was to pull him down onto the bed but he kept talking. “That reminds me.” He stood up. “Be right back.”

  He darted to his suitcase and returned with a smile. “I have one last gift for you.”

  “You’ve already done so much….”

  He placed a box on top of her belly. “Open it.”

  She ran her fingertips over the black velvet box. Her breath caught as she peaked inside. “It’s beautiful.” She picked up the sparkling gold pendant in the shape of a book. It was inscribed “Our Story”

  “Open the latch.” His eyes twinkled at her.

  She placed her fingernail beneath the tiny oval clasp and flipped it up. The book fell open revealing two locket pages. The first page had their wedding photo and the second had a picture of Ella. The other two remained empty.

  “Room for our future memories,” he said.

  Her hand trembled as she tried to remove
the chain from the velvet holders. Her hormones were going wild. She didn’t know if she wanted to jump him or burst into tears or both.

  “Here, allow me.” Daniel took the box and had the necklace out in a second.

  “Will you help me put it on?” she asked.

  He smiled and reached around her, looking over her shoulder so he could clip it closed.

  She reached up to touch it, already liking the way it felt. “How does it look?”

  “Lovely.” Daniel tilted his head to the side, narrowing his eyes. “Although I think it might look even better if you were wearing less clothing.”

  “Oh you do, eh?” She tried to scowl at him but failed miserably.

  He nodded, his eyes still on her. “So what do you think? You know, I want to make sure the necklace looks its best….”

  She smacked him. “Fine. I’ll do it for the necklace.” She was actually dying to get out of her velvet dress, she was feeling overheated in more ways than one. She stood and slipped off her shoes then pulled the dress over her head. She grabbed the room service menu off the night stand and fanned herself as she sat back down on the bed. “I’m hot.”

  “I’ve always thought so.” Daniel grinned.

  He leaned in and kissed her, his lips trailing to her ear as he sprawled alongside her. She sank into the pillows still fanning.

  His fingers grazed across her breasts. “You really are warm.” He propped himself on his arm and leaned past her, reaching his long fingers into her glass of water. He plucked out an ice cube. “Maybe this will help.” He rubbed the ice against her lips. She opened her mouth and ran her tongue over its smooth surface. “Well I don’t know if it’s helping you, but it’s doing wonders for me.”

  Daniel pressed against her. Her heat radiated right through his clothes. He traced the ice cube from her mouth to her collarbone, gliding it along her skin. She shifted, rubbing her legs back and forth.

  He raised himself on his elbow, kissing his way along the trail of cool water. He pulled aside the lacy cups of her bra, running the ice over each breast. Her nipples puckered as melting ice pooled in her cleavage.