by Té Russ
“What?!”
“Yep,” she replied, nodding even though her sister couldn't see her.
“What...how...what?” her sister seemed to be unable to form a complete sentence.
Instead of waiting for her to get her bearings, Liz began to tell Leigh about what had happened the night before, including John showing up.
“I'm glad John showed up when he did,” Leigh said after Liz had finished retelling the story.
“Me too.”
“Did he stay over to make sure Dad didn't come back?”
She paused, smiling then answered. “Yes.”
Leigh could clearly hear the change in her younger sister's voice. “What was that?”
Liz looked at the phone. “What?”
“Your whole mood just changed. I'm assuming things went well between the two of you.”
“Yes.”
“What's with the monosyllabic responses all of a sudden Lizzie?”
“What?”
“There you go again with the one liners.” She let a gasp. “Did you and John...” She didn't finish the question.
The pregnant silence spoke volumes.
“You did!” she screamed into the phone. Liz moved the phone away from her ear until her sister calmed down.
It was no secret to Leigh that Liz had been a virgin, so she knew it was a big deal for her to have been intimate with someone. Liz sighed as she began to tell her sister what happened, without revealing too many details.
“After daddy left, John saw the bruise on my arm and went ballistic. Leigh, I really thought John was going to go after him and kill him.”
Leigh gave an unladylike snort; which, for lack of better words, was her way of saying “good riddance”.
Liz continued. “He was ready to go out and hunt him down, but I stopped him. The last thing I wanted then was to be alone. One thing led to another and...” She trailed off, letting her sister use her own imagination.
“And what?”
“You know Leigh. I don't have to tell you every single thing.”
“Some how I always knew he'd be the one,” she replied quietly.
Liz smiled, thinking again about how it seemed everyone except for her had known that it was only a matter of time before she and John became more than friends.
She continued talking to Leigh for a few more minutes before hanging up and heading to her studio. She was ahead of schedule with her work and wanted to finish so she could have a few days to relax before they began setting up the gallery.
She walked by the kitchen and blushed again as she glanced at the island.
Chapter 17
John was in the kitchen of Johnny's in tyrant mode. He'd counted the bottles of wine twice, made sure all of the food was prepped. He'd called a staff meeting for his catering crew to let them know that this job had to be better than any job they'd done before.
The staff was not blind to the fact that this job was for the woman they knew belonged to him and if anything went wrong on their end for her big night, heads would roll.
As he was finishing up with the meeting, his cell phone rang.
“How ya doin' baby?” he asked as he answered his phone. He'd known she been on edge for the last few days. She'd wanted so badly for the show to go well. He didn't have a doubt that it would be a perfect night and he was doing his part to ensure it.
“Where are you?” she asked breathily.
“I'm heading back to the dry cleaners.” She was at the gallery, making sure everything was in its place. She'd finished her new pieces ahead of schedule and her reproduced pieces had arrived a few days before. Liz was pleased with how everything turned out, but none of that had eased her anxiousness. John had even sent her to a spa to have the works done and she still returned home jittery. The only time she was relaxed was when they made love.
Since she was still at the gallery, he'd agreed to pick up her dress from the dry cleaners since his suit was there as well. “As soon as I pick up our clothes, I will be on my way to your place. I figured I could get dressed there.”
“That's fine,” she said.
“Hey Lizzie.”
“Yeah?”
“Relax baby, everything is going to be fine.”
“But what if-”
“No 'but what if'. Trust me?”
“Always.”
“Then just relax. I'll see you in twenty minutes.”
Liz stood in Anjelah Martin's gallery and looked around at the room filled exclusively with her artwork. Her family and the man she loved with all of her heart surrounded her. She was so thankful for what they'd become together. He looked down at her and smiled.
Leaning down he whispered in her ear. “Breath Lizzie.”
She exhaled deeply, feeling the tension dissipate. Everything was going well, just as he'd said it would. She'd meant it when she said she'd always trusted him. She always had and she always would. She also knew that there would never be another man she would ever love. She wanted to be with him forever. She wanted to be his wife.
John noticed the strange look on her face. Placing his hand on the small of her back, he asked her, “Are you alright?”
She blinked then blinked again. “Yes!” she exclaimed breathlessly.
He tilted his head to the side. “Are you sure?”
She nodded, trying to keep her emotions in control. “Yes. I'm wonderful. Everything is wonderful. Even the food.”
He stood tall, sticking his chest out. “Well of course the food is wonderful.” He winked at her. “I told you to trust me.”
“And I told you I always do.”
He looked around then stole a quick kiss on the lips.
“Lizzie!” They turned at the sound of Miranda's voice. Liz was surprised to see John's parents trailing behind Randi. She turned and glanced at him. He simply smiled at her. Randi quickly hugged Liz.
“Randi, you look stunning!” Liz exclaimed holding her at arms length to look at her. Randi was wearing a black one-shoulder dress that cinched her waist and floated lovingly around her knees. She'd paired the dress with a pair of four-inch strappy black heels.
Randi smiled and returned the compliment. “Not as gorgeous as you are though,” she said of the red strapless dress Liz was wearing. She'd known how much John liked how she looked in red so she chose the dress carefully. When she stepped out of her bedroom so they could leave for the art show, she could see the raw passion in his eyes.
“I can't miss my own gallery opening,” she said to him.
He'd smiled, kissed her on the cheek and made a comment about having the rest of the night to themselves.
Liz looked over to Randi and John's parents. “Mr. and Mrs. Parker, thank you so much for coming. I had no idea.”
“Of course we'd be here,” John Parker Sr. replied.
“That's right dear,” Sondra Parker added. “Everything looks wonderful. We are very proud of you.” She looked around then whispered to Randi. “Miranda, there are a lot of nice single looking men here. Maybe you should-”
“Hey Mom,” John said, interrupting his mother, “Why don't you and Dad come and taste some of the food that yours truly catered.” He kissed Liz on the cheek then escorted his parents in the opposite direction. He looked over his should and winked at Randi and she mouthed a silent thank you.
She turned to a chuckling Liz and shook her head. “The woman never stops.” It was no secret that Sondra Parker tried every chance she got to meddle in her daughter's love life, or lack there of she'd always remind Randi.
Liz smiled at Randi. “You know Sondra means well.”
“Yes, but I wish she would...” Randi's voice trailed off as she noticed a man enter the gallery. Liz looked in the direction that Randi was looking.
“That's Spencer Gray,” she whispered.
“Do you know him?”
Randi shook her head. “Only by his work and reputation. His photographs are amazing. His uncle is also the owner of the magazine I work for.”
He stopped to ask someone a question. They responded by pointing in Liz and Randi's direction. He turned and locked eyes with Randi. She quickly turned away.
“It looks like he's coming this way,” Liz murmured next to Randi.
“I think I'm going to go and find John and my parents.”
“Don't you want to meet him?” Liz asked, puzzled by Randi's stranger behavior.
She shook her head glancing over her shoulder to see him coming straight towards them, still looking at her. “I'm sure he is coming to ask about one of your pieces so I'll let you handle your business.” She gave her another quick hug then quickly disappeared in the crowd.
By the time Spencer Gray reached Liz, Randi was out of sight. He looked over Liz's head clearly searching for the woman who'd just been standing with her that he'd only caught a glimpse of.
“Mr. Gray,” Liz said interrupting his thoughts. He looked down at her and smiled.
“You know who I am?”
Liz turned slightly and looked around. “Evidently, your reputation precedes you.” She stuck out her hand. “I'm Elizabeth Wheeler.”
He shook her hand and replied, “Then you are the woman I am looking for at the moment. I would like to buy one of your sculptures.”
The art show was a complete success. Anjelah Martin was so pleased that she offered Liz exclusivity of her gallery to display her artwork for the next two months.
Liz was elated. John had taken her, along with their families out to celebrate after. Several hours later they'd returned to Liz's apartment to have a celebration of their own.
They were sitting at the kitchen table the next morning after cooking a wonderful breakfast together. John was once again impressed at how her cooking skills had improved. “I can't wait to see how you fare at making dinner.”
“You will get your chance to experience more of my new culinary skills soon enough,” she teased, smiling at him.
He winked at her over the rim of his mug as he took a sip.
She looked down into her cup of tea. “Johnny, I wanted to talk to you about something.”
He placed the cup down, looking at her concerned. She appeared nervous. “What's up Peaches?”
“Well...it's just that we've been dating for two months now and you've been spending quite a few nights over here lately.” He saw her blush. He was amazed at how timid she could still be, as brazen as she was in the bedroom.
He simply nodded as she continued. “I just thought maybe you should leave some clothes over here.”
He stared at her for a moment then asked, “Are you offering to clear a drawer out for me Lizzie?”
“I figured it would save time for you in the mornings to just get dressed here and not have to go back to your apartment.”
He stared at her for several more moments before standing and holding his hand out to her.
“Let's go for a ride.”
She looked at him as though he'd had a moment of insanity. Here she was trying to have a serious conversation with him. What was he doing?
“Let's go for a ride?” she repeated.
“Yes, Elizabeth. I have a gift for you.” She knew he was serious, so she took his hand.
They didn't speak much on the drive. She looked at him confused when they arrived in a neighborhood lined with full trees. They stopped in front of a massive two story white house, with black shutters. John got out and went around to open the door for Liz. She was in complete awe of the house, but she was still wondering what they were doing there.
They walked up the sidewalk and she glanced at the sold sign in the yard as they walked past. John opened the door and stepped back allowing Liz to enter first. She turned to him as he closed the door and sauntered over to her. He took her hand and kissed her cheek. “Let's take a tour of the place.”
The massive seven bedroom, four-bathroom house was spectacular. The master bedroom had French doors that led out to a balcony. The kitchen was complete with the best appliances.
John, still holding Liz's hand, led her through an enormous sunroom to the backyard. The yard was big enough for plenty of kids to run around all day and never get tired. There was also a large tree off to the corner. He led her to a shed under the tree. They went inside and he showed her around. It was completely finished with a sink, bathroom and small refrigerator.
She turned and looked at him.
“What are we doing here John?”
He pulled her into the circle of his arms. “I don't want to keep a few clothes at your apartment, Lizzie.”
She sighed exasperated. Then nodded, her curls bouncing around her face. “That's fine Johnny, but why couldn't you have told me that at my apartment. Why did you have to bring me out here?”
“I'm trying to tell you that I need more than a single drawer woman. I need to wake up with you every single morning. I want you to be my wife.”
She took a step back. “What did you say?”
“You heard me loud and clear Peaches. I want you to marry me, carry my children. I want us to build our family in this house.” He looked around. “This would be the perfect area for a studio don't you think?”
“You...this house? You bought a house?”
“I bought us a house, Liz. That is, if you'll say yes.”
“Yes!” she screamed, throwing her arms around his neck and showering him with kisses. He wrapped his arms around her waist and spun her around. He gently sat her down then reached into his pocket. Taking a deep breath, he pulled out the small jewelry box. Dropping down to one knee, he opened the box.
She gasped as he placed the ring on her finger. As he stood she asked, “How long have you had it?”
“You wouldn't believe me if I told you,” he said smiling at her. Then he cradled her neck and kissed her, sealing their fate.
Epilogue
One month later.
Liz didn't know how she pulled it off. Within a month's time, they'd moved into their new home and planned a wedding. She was now about to walk down the aisle to marry her best friend.
In her sweetheart charmeuse gown, with a ruched bodice and pick up skirt with a sweep train and apple red long sash around her waist, she was the perfect June bride. They were having the wedding in the back yard of their home. With the help of their mothers and sisters, they'd transformed the back yard into a dreamland.
They'd chosen Randi as the maid of honor and Paul, John's sous chef, as the best man. Liz stood at the back door and Neil came and stood beside her. He'd been more than honored when she asked him to give her away.
“Ready sweet pea?” he asked offering his elbow. She looped her arm through his, looked up at him and let out a breath. “Ready Pop.”
The wedding march began and the guests rose in anticipation of the entrance of the bride. The doors opened and John felt a lump of emotion rise in his throat as he watched and eagerly waited for his bride to approach him. Her stepfather stopped in front of John and the minister and gently kissed Liz on the cheek. He turned to John, gave him a firm handshake, and then gave Liz's hand to him.
He stared in complete adoration of Liz then leaned over and brushed a kiss on her lips. The minister cleared his throat. “We're not quite to that part of the ceremony.” The guests laughed as he gave an apology he didn't really mean.
They turned to face the minister and he began the ceremony. They exchanged vows and rings and soon the minister was pronouncing them husband and wife. “You may now-”
Before he got a chance to finish the traditional words, John had taken Liz in his arms, dipped her and gave her a kiss that garnered whistles and shouts from the guest.
The sunroom had been turned into a reception hall. A dance floor had been put in for guests to enjoy themselves. They had a wonderful time of dancing and dining on food catered by John's restaurant.
After they'd spent a few hours celebrating in their new union, they were waved off by their guests as they got into a limo that would take them back to the city where they'd spend th
e night in a honeymoon suite before flying out the next morning to start their two week honeymoon in Hawaii.
When they arrived to their hotel room, John swept Liz up in his arms, causing her to giggle. She wrapped her arms around his neck and leaned her head onto his shoulder.
“How are you Mrs. Parker?”
“I'm wonderful Mr. Parker.”
He sat her down and kissed her the way he'd really wanted to kiss her at the end of the ceremony. She responded to him just as quickly.
He turned her around, undid the sash, and then unzipped her dress. They didn't waste any time undressing each other.
He picked her up again and carried her to the bed. As he laid over her, he gazed into her eyes. She reached up and gently grazed his cheek. He kissed the palm of her hand.
He was amazed at how things had unfolded. He won the heart of the woman he'd loved longer than even he realized. He would now spend the rest of his life loving and being loved by his best friend and dream lover.
Thanks for reading!
ISBN: 978-0-9857347-0-1
Published by Shanté Russ
Dream Lover
© 2012, Té Russ
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. This book contains material protected under International and Federal Copyright Laws and Treaties. Any unauthorized reprint or use of this material is prohibited. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system without express written permission from the author / publisher.
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are either the product of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events or locales is entirely coincidental.
