He leaned across the table and kissed her. Never taking his mouth from hers, he rose, helped her up, and together, mouths still fused, led her into her living room.
CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO
Dina did not know when it was that she began to love Drew. Was it when she saw him at the autographing event? Or was it when he took her to Maine to that disappointing interview, one of several other failed interviews? He was the stalwart support she needed to keep trying, despite hearing, “poor economy, layoffs, etc.”
After each failed interview he tried to bolster her dashed hopes. “Don’t worry, there’ll be someone who will hire you. With your qualifications, I know it will happen! Believe me!”
All she did know was that she loved him, the man who made her feel special, wanted, and cared for. Who else but a man like Drew would have made it possible for Nora to be with her during her last weeks of pregnancy and delivery? It was an unselfish act that proved what kind of a man he was.
But now another problem arose.
She was running low on funds. She was able to pay her condo mortgage with funds from the surrogacy, but after paying off her student loans she was concerned that her savings would soon become depleted.
She explained it to Drew as they were driving back from Connecticut after another failed interview. The same response, “No, try us again later. We may be able to find a spot for you if the economy improves, but not now.”
Drew tried to comfort her. “With your qualifications, something is bound to turn up.”
“As it is now, I’m afraid I’m going to run out of money….”
“Run out of money?”
“Yes, because if I don’t find a job soon, I won’t have health insurance, can’t build up a retirement fund…”
“Just stop right there! You don’t have to worry about money, I’ve got a good salary and plenty of benefits! Marry me and don’t bother your little head over anything!”
“But, but,” she protested, “we’re not ready to get married yet.”
“What do you mean, not ready? We love each other….”
“You said after football season…early next year.”
“We don’t have to wait.”
“What do you mean?”
“We can get married anytime we want.”
“But it takes time to plan a wedding!”
“Not if we get married by a justice of the peace.”
“Justice of the peace? Are you kidding me?” She glared over at him, not believing what he had just said.
“I’ve never been more serious. That way, my darling Dina, we can be together legally and you, as my wife, will be covered. Then we can have another ceremony later.”
“I don’t know,” she said, looking out the car window as they sped along Route 95 toward her condo.
“Maybe I could rent out my condo….”
“No, you don’t have to do that. You might earn some money, but it wouldn’t solve your problem of having no benefits.”
“I know.”
“Please think about it. I can’t wait for us to be together.”
“What will your folks think?”
He said, “They will be tickled to death. And get this, my dear. One of Dad’s best friends is a JP.”
“Really?”
“I kid you not!”
* * *
Wasting no time, Drew purchased a diamond ring. He was determined to be fully prepared to make a formal proposal to Dina on Saturday, at dinner at one of their favorite eating establishments.
He had to report to training camp in two weeks, and if all went well their situation would be resolved concerning their quiet wedding and their future. Please God, he thought, don’t let anything go wrong!
He had discussed the plans with his parents. They offered the deck for the ceremony and said they would be proud to serve as witnesses.
“How about Dina?” his mother asked. “Does she have family?”
“Mom, it’s only recently that she has heard from her biological father, after twenty-five years. She has no one else, and I don’t know how she feels about him.”
“How awful. How sad.”
“I know, but somehow she’s been able to reach her personal goals, and I really admire her for that.”
“Any close friends?”
“She does have one that she’s close to,” he said, thinking of Nora’s support to Dina during her surrogacy and delivery. “I’ll see what she says about her friend, Nora.”
“What about food after the ceremony?”
“Oh, Mom, I don’t want you to go to that trouble….”
“Be no trouble.”
“No, I’d rather we go to eat later. Save the food idea for our big wedding, how ’bout that?”
“If that’s what you guys want.”
* * *
When Drew arrived at Dina’s condo for their regular Saturday night dinner date at their favorite restaurant, he had decided that he had to propose tonight. But do it here or at the restaurant? When he saw her come downstairs from her bedroom, he knew he had to do it now.
She looked so lovely. Her dark hair tumbled gloriously around her shoulders, her eyes sparkled, and he knew she was glad to see him.
She was wearing white slacks with a melon-colored silk blouse that fell to her hips, white leather sandals, a gold necklace, and earrings that dangled to her shoulders. She carried a small gold leather clutch bag.
He kissed her.
“You have never looked lovelier, my love.”
“Thank you, kind sir.”
He took her hand, leading her into the living room.
“Please sit down, Dina.”
“Okay. What is it?”
Her dark eyes looked directly into his and he felt as if he were going to choke from his anxiety. To steady his nerves, he took both her hands in his.
“Dina?”
“Yes, Drew?” Her heart was thumping so hard in her chest, she thought he could hear it.
“Dina, I…I have loved you since the day I threw that football into the stands, saw you standing right by the kid who caught it. I wanted to run into the stands and declare my feelings for you right then and there! I don’t know how many years of life the good Lord will give me, but I want to spend every single minute of it with you.”
He reached into his pocket, pulled out the black velvet box, opened it to show her the beautiful marquise diamond.
“Will you marry me?”
Her eyes glistening with unshed tears, she said, “Yes, Drew, I will marry you.”
He slipped the ring on her finger, a perfect fit.
* * *
When they arrived at the restaurant he asked the hostess for a booth in the back of the room, whispering to her, “She said yes.”
As they were being seated, the hostess smiled at Dina. “Your ring is beautiful! I wish you both every happiness.”
“Thank you,” they both answered in unison.
“I’m so happy, Drew, I don’t think I can eat!”
CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE
Dina called Nora the very next morning.
“Well, Nora, are you sitting down?”
“I am.”
“How would you like to be the matron of honor at a wedding next week?”
Nora screamed over the phone. “Dina! You! You and Drew?”
“Who else?”
“When, where? Oh, my God…I can’t believe it. I’m so happy for you, I think I’m going to cry.”
“Don’t cry, just be happy for me. I have to fill you in on a few details. You do know that I’ve been looking for a job, with no luck. I’m afraid if I don’t find something, I may run out of money. Have no health benefits, you know. No retirement. Well, anyway, Drew said if we were married, I’d be on his health benefits. We were going to have a church wedding after the football season ends. In fact, we are still planning that….”
“But next week? What gives?”
“Justice of the peace, on Drew’s folks’ deck. I c
an hardly believe I’ve agreed to this idea, but, Nora, I love him.”
“Humph! ’Bout time you came to your senses.”
* * *
Mr. Tyler had stained the floor of the deck with a new stain and had purchased new furniture for his son’s wedding: a pair of white leather love seats with black wrought iron frames and a matching wrought iron glass-topped coffee table. Matching cast iron urns were filled with beautiful red roses cascading over the sides. A round sisal rug had been placed at the far end of the deck.
A small table held a glass bowl of red and white roses flanked by tall white candles.
It was at twelve noon on a delightful summer day when Dina and Drew were married.
Retired judge Hiram Pederson, Ross Tyler’s friend, conducted the brief ceremony. After hugs, kisses, and best wishes were over, Mr. Tyler brought out chilled champagne. “We are happy to toast the newlyweds, my son Drew and his lovely bride, Dina!”
Glasses were raised and the toast was made.
Drew thanked everyone, shaking hands with each man present. Dina was being hugged by her new mother-in-law and Nora.
Drew reached for her. “Sorry, folks, we have a plane to catch!”
* * *
Drew drove his Lexus to Hanscom Field, was able to find a parking space, and they hurried into the terminal. He held her hand tightly, as if to be certain she was at his side, his beloved wife.
They were on their way to Martha’s Vineyard, the place that had meant so much to them. Friends of Ross and Vanessa had loaned their summer cottage on Wamsutta Avenue to the newlyweds.
“Mr. and Mrs. Tyler?” the pilot asked as they entered the terminal.
“That’s us!” Drew said.
“Follow me. We’re about ready to roll.”
He led them to a private plane, one that belonged to the football coach, who’d said to Drew when he learned of the wedding, “It’s yours, my man, as long as you need it. Good luck!”
Drew shook his hand.
“Thanks very much, sir.”
“No problem. See you at training camp.”
* * *
Dina had flown many times before, but never in such a small plane with room for only five.
Drew sensed her anxiety and was quick to try to reassure her.
“This pilot is extremely capable. Has to be, flying for the coach, and we’ll be airborne for a very short time.”
“Will you hold my hand?”
“With pleasure, my darling wife. Just relax. You’re with me, and all is well.”
“I know. I’m going to close my eyes for a minute.”
She lowered her seat and in a few minutes Drew looked at her. She was sleeping. He smiled, murmured a prayer of thanks.
* * *
As soon as they landed, they took a taxi from the airport to Oak Bluffs, found the house on Wamsutta.
Drew told her that the Bascombs who owned the cottage had also given him the keys to their Jeep so they could get around the island.
“Oh, Drew, this is lovely!”
“It is nice. I like the wicker furniture in the living room. The pillows are so colorful against the white. And,” he walked down a short corridor toward the back of the house, “look at this kitchen! All steel appliances, granite counter tops, a nice eat-in area.” He took her hand. “And here’s the deck!”
Colorful lawn chairs, a love seat, a chaise lounge, beautiful plants in boxes along the outside wooden rails, all invited them. They both sat for a moment, enjoying the comfortable setting, especially since the deck was screened in, no bugs allowed. Drew hopped up, reaching for her hand.
“Let’s see upstairs.”
They found two bedrooms, one with twin beds and the other, the master suite, with a king-sized bed. There were windows on either side of the room, the bed situated against the wall between them. There was a bench at the foot of the bed, and on the wall facing the bed was a large armoire that revealed a television set.
A small bureau, a rocking chair, a table, and lamp completed the room.
The bathroom was small, with a tub with shower, double sinks, and a hamper and a table for any small articles.
It was sparkling clean, as was each room they saw.
Dina sat down in the rocking chair, looked at Drew.
“It feels like home.”
“It really does. I’m going down to the front hall, bring up our suitcases.”
When he brought the bags into the bedroom, Dina told him she’d like to get out of the outfit she had worn during the brief ceremony.
“But before you do, my love, please let me get a picture. Honey, when I saw you at the doorway to the deck, you took my breath away. It seemed as if my knees had turned to jelly. I had to get a grip on myself so I wouldn’t fall.”
Dina’s outfit was an attractive knee-length white linen skirt topped by a navy linen blazer with gold buttons. Beneath the jacket, a white lace camisole peeked out at her neckline.
A white corsage of gardenias and baby’s breath, presented by Drew, rested on the lapel of her left shoulder.
Her jewelry was minimal, gold studs in her earlobes, a gold bracelet, and, of course, the diamond engagement ring.
The navy blue pumps she wore completed the look that had bewitched Drew.
Thinking over his wife’s turbulent past, Drew had restrained himself as much as possible. Although he wanted desperately to make love to her, he knew that even though she had carried and delivered a baby, her sexual experience was limited. Indeed, he thought, she was not like any other woman he’d met. He decided slow and steady wins the race and patience is a virtue.
In the bedroom Dina changed into khaki shorts and a yellow sleeveless cotton blouse. She had removed her panty hose and pumps to put on a pair of sandals. She grabbed a summer hat and her sunglasses. She picked up her wallet and lipstick, slipped the items into her pocket.
Drew was waiting for her in the living room.
“Now you look like an Islander!”
“You do, too,” she said, approving his tan slacks and navy shirt.
He kissed her, grabbed her hand, and started for the front door of the borrowed cottage.
“Look out, world! Here come the Tylers!”
She couldn’t help herself. She laughed at the man she knew she loved. But in the back of her mind she wondered about the coming night, her first sexual experience.
“How ’bout we go to the restaurant where we almost met last summer?” Drew asked.
“Fine with me. As I remember, the food was very good.”
And it was. Each enjoyed the fisherman’s platter, but Dina could not finish hers, decided to take the leftovers home for a late snack.
As they were leaving the restaurant, Drew suggested they tour the island. From Oak Bluffs to Gay Head, with its gloriously colored cliffs, they enjoyed the scenic tour. Drew was proud to be able to show his wife the wonders of the island.
For her part, Dina praised everything, the peace and tranquility of the island, the compelling beauty of the ocean.
“You do know, Drew, that the ocean has a calming effect on us. I remember a patient who had a difficult time, but when discharged to live in a home near the ocean, became a different man. Many think that because as babies we are coddled and nurtured in the fluid in our mother’s uterus, we are also calmed by being around bodies of water.”
“I don’t know a thing about that. All I know is that I am the happiest man in the world and I owe it all to you, my beautiful wife.”
She placed her hand on his right arm, reached toward him to kiss his cheek.
His face flushed in response to her gesture and the unmistakable sensation of his body made him hold tightly to the steering wheel.
Oh, my God, he thought, help me not to mess things up!
They continued on the drive along the ocean, both silent with one thing on their minds, this special night.
Finally Drew spoke. “We are not far from the Bascombs’ cottage. I did a quick check of the refrigera
tor and I wonder if we shouldn’t pick up some things for our breakfast.”
She agreed. “Milk, coffee, bread, cereal. Maybe some fresh fruit, juice…”
“Right. We’ll most likely eat out later in the day.”
They purchased the items Dina had suggested, plus snacks and some beer for Drew and wine for Dina.
When they returned to the cottage they put their purchases away, cold items in the refrigerator and dry in the cabinets.
“It’s nice outside,” he suggested, “why don’t we have a drink out on the deck? What would you like?”
“Don’t think the wine has chilled enough yet, but the iced tea you bought would be fine.”
“For me, too. You go on out, make yourself comfortable, and I’ll bring it right out.”
He brought a tray with two large glasses of iced tea, napkins, cheese and crackers. He served her.
“Thanks. It’s so nice out here, peaceful and serene and filled with our love for each other.”
He sensed that she was relaxed and happy and he prayed silently that he could show her true happiness before this day was over. He couldn’t wait to touch her, to stroke her soft, delicate skin, to taste her warm lips, to feel her lovely, lithe body close to his.
But it was his wife who made the overture. Seated on the love seat side by side, she leaned into him, her head on his chest. He quickly put his arm around her.
“Drew.”
“Yes, honey, what’s on your mind?”
“I’m so happy that you decided we should marry, not wait. Now I feel safe, secure, knowing that you do love me, want me in your life….”
He squeezed her closer to his chest.
“And I always will.”
“I…I’ve never felt wanted before in my life and,” she looked up into his eyes, “I just want to make you happy, not disappoint you in any way.”
“Never! You’ll never disappoint me!” Then he kissed her tear-filled eyes, her cheeks, her mouth. He was joyfully surprised by her response. She had accepted his mouth on hers, allowed his probing tongue to challenge hers lovingly.
A First Class Act Page 12
