Something of a Storm (All in Good Time Book 1)

by St. James, Brooke

  I nodded.

  "Well, I can't stand it that you're not next to me. I don't like not having you in my bed, Laney."

  Peter put the window down and began whistling and moving around as if he was doing his best to give us our privacy, which made Zack and I both smile.

  "I'm not saying we have to get married tomorrow or anything, but just so you know I'd be okay with that. The sooner the better, as far as I'm concerned." He paused. "So anyway, the window was from me."

  He began going down on one knee, which made me instinctually walk toward him. I couldn't stand to see him kneeling like that while I was standing there looking down at him, so I got on my knees too. This made him laugh and shake his head at me. Still smiling, he put his hand in his pocket and pulled out a small box.

  "Delaney Rockwell Spencer," Zack said, with a huge grin. Peter's whistling hitched at the sound of my middle name, but only for a second before he kept right on whistling. "Will you please marry me?"

  "Yes!" I said smiling. He opened the box and I saw a gorgeous, simple, round solitaire.

  I gave him a hug before I took it from him and stared down at it. It seemed as if we were both content to stay on our knees because neither of us made a move to stand.

  "Tomorrow?" he asked smiling.

  I tried to imagine how I'd ever pull off a wedding in the near future with the way my symptoms still came and went. I had no idea when I'd finally be normal enough to be the bride he deserved.

  "Zack, I want to, but I can't imagine planning a wedding and going through with it, not with the way I'm still hit and miss with these sympt—"

  "Let's go down to the justice of the peace," he said. "Or let's go let my dad do it at his house." He stared at me as if he was completely serious.

  I felt overwhelmed. "I thought you would want a real wedding with friends and family and everything, Zack. I feel like you deserve that."

  He reached out and grabbed my hands. "You deserve it too, Laney, and we'll do that. We'll plan a party—a celebration sometime when you're feeling better. But for now, let's just get it done. I want to be next to you when you wake up hurting in the middle of the night. I can't stand not being there to hold you."

  A hundred different thoughts crossed my mind at the same time. I stared down at the ring wondering what to say first.

  "What about Lexi?" was the first thing that came out.

  I glanced up to see a huge grin spread across his face. "I knew you were gonna say that. I already took care of it."

  "Whattya mean, you took care of it?"

  "I mean I knew you were gonna want her close, so I took care of it."

  "What'd you do?"

  "I bought your landlord's house. I figured we could move into the big house and she could stay in the apartment."

  My face broke into a huge, uncontrollable grin despite the fact that his words hadn't really sank in. "You're kidding me, right?"

  He smiled broadly. I loved it when he smiled like that. I couldn't help myself… I reached out and put my hand on his face. "Did you just tell me you bought my landlord's house, Zack?"

  He nodded. "We close in a couple of weeks." I looked down at the ring again before picking it up slightly.

  "And did you just give me this and say that you wanted me to be your wife?"

  Peter whistled louder.

  I looked at Zack who gave me a sideways smile as confirmation. I sank onto my bottom feeling like I might die of sheer happiness and then I smiled up at him. "You know my answer is obviously yes to all this, right?" He smiled and I shrugged and nodded. "I mean, whatever you're proposing—whatever you had in mind—the answer is a big, fat, yes, you know that, right?"

  He was laughing as he stood. He extended a hand to help me up, and before you know it, we were both standing and I was in his arms.

  "I'll call Dad," he said. "I think it takes some paperwork or whatever, but we can probably have it ready by this weekend. We can do it in their backyard with just my parents and sisters and Lexi, and then when you're feeling better, we'll plan something bigger."

  "I can't imagine a more perfect plan," I said.

  He kissed me tenderly, and Peter's whistling grew louder and busier. Zack and I were both smiling when we broke the kiss.

  Within a few minutes, he was gone.

  "You better make that alphabet soup piece the centerpiece of your new living room," Peter said, after Zack left. "He paid dearly for it."

  I pushed at his shoulder. "I hope you didn't make him pay dearly," I said.

  "You bet I did," he said. "That thing took me forever, and your boy there didn't hesitate to crack the whip. He had me working nights and weekends on it."

  I laughed. "I can't believe he did that."

  "I can't either," he said shaking his head. "I'm not saying you're not a catch or anything, Laney, but what's the hurry, you know? I mean, if all he wants is to sleep next to you, then he just needs to come over to your apartment and fall asleep in your bed—or you go to his place or whatever. I don't know if anyone alerted him, but it's now the twenty-first century, and you don't need to get married to sleep in the same bed anymore."

  "He's old-school like that," I said, smiling down at my new ring. "You know, a man of virtue and whatnot."

  "Well, I guess I owe a congratulations to the happy, virtuous couple, then."

  I hugged him. "Thank you, Peter. And you did a beautiful job with the alphabet soup."

  Chapter 20

  Zack and I were married three days after he proposed. We had an extremely small ceremony at his parents' house, just like he mentioned. And as hard as it was for me to believe, he was telling the truth about buying Ken and Kathy's house. He had already made the offer when he proposed, and we closed on the property two weeks later. Zack and I moved into the main house, and Lexi and Andy both continued living in the apartments above the garage.

  It had been a year since then, and we were just now having the celebration we talked about. It took me a long time to shake those symptoms, but I'd been feeling better for quite some time. We thought it would be a nice idea to plan the party on our first anniversary.

  A lot had happened in that year. I completed that bakery piece for his cousin and we went down to San Diego to deliver it. His cousin was so impressed with the gift that he introduced me to his friend at the San Diego Zoo who hired me to do another one. They just so happened to fall in love with the one I'd already drawn with the elephant at the center. It was a huge piece that Peter was helping me complete, and we were almost done with it.

  I never went back to work at Miller's. By the time I felt up to working a real job, I was already making a little money at stained glass, so I decided to focus my time and attention on my passion. Thankfully, Zack supported me in that decision. He was willing to set me up with everything I needed for my own studio, but for now, I was content working with Peter. I figured I'd venture out on my own at some point, but it wasn't that time just yet. Peter and I had fun together and I was still learning a lot from him.

  Zack and I still played the grocery game about once a week. We'd pick a random time to buy groceries for unsuspecting shoppers. Sometimes we'd cover 5, sometimes 10, sometimes more. Sometimes they'd have a ton of groceries, sometimes just a few. Sometimes we'd sit there and watch the results, and sometimes we'd just drop off the debit card while we did our shopping and pick it up again when we went through the line. We changed it up all the time, but one thing remained the same… we were always the ones who were blessed by helping others. I'm not sure there's any greater joy than being in a position to share a little of your wealth, and we were both so thankful that we had enough to spread some love.

  We sold the work truck. I didn't get a car right away, but eventually got a little two-door hatchback. Lexi drove it when I didn't need it, which was most of the time. She loved living in the apartment, and had it all fixed up just how she wanted it. The main house was a work in progress. I had the window I made of the storm and the alphabet soup window both o
n display downstairs, but it was a huge house, and Zack and I were taking our time furnishing it.

  Tonight was our one-year anniversary and the evening of our wedding party. Mrs. Williams flew in from Washington to be there. I had several people coming, including some friends from Miller's, but she was the only one from home. She had plans to stay with Zack and I for the two nights she was here. The only problem was that she had flight delays, and instead of having all afternoon to hang out before the party, she would now barely make it, if at all. The last I heard, she was supposed to land at 6:45, which meant she'd be late for the party that started at 7. Zack's brother in law had volunteered to pick her up from the airport.

  The party was at a cool venue Zack's family knew about. It was an old feed store that had been remodeled but still had a cool, vintage feel to it. We hired a band and Lexi hooked us up with catering from Miller's. There were just over a hundred guests present, and Zack and I were standing around talking to a group of them when Rita walked in with Zack's brother in law Jesse. It was nearly 8pm when they arrived, but Jesse sent Zack a text from the road, so we knew they were getting close.

  It had been about a year and a half since I'd seen Mrs. Williams. I knew I was looking forward to it, but I wasn't expecting to be quite as emotional about it as I was. My sweet friend from Washington was a sight for sore eyes. I excused myself from the conversation and crossed to her the instant she walked in. I pulled Zack along, but let go of his hand once we reached her so that I could give her a hug. We squeezed each other tightly for a long minute as I tried to hold back tears.

  "You look so beautiful, Laney Doll."

  "You look beautiful too, Ms. Rita—even younger than you did the last time I saw you."

  She pulled back so she could get a good look at me. I wore the same dress I wore to our little wedding a year ago. It was a simple, white dress that resembled a long sleeve button up shirt with a belt. It was sheer with gold accents making it elegant enough for a bride, but much simpler than anything you'd find at a bridal shop, which was more my style. I'd only been to a salon a few times in my whole life, but Zack's mom got us appointments with her hairdresser for the occasion. She styled my hair half-up with several intricate braids. I loved it, and so did Zack.

  "I have to say I knew what a success you'd become, Laney, so it doesn't surprise me at all to find you like this." She smiled lovingly at me for a second before turning her attention to Zack. "I hope you know what a jewel you have here, young man."

  He smiled at her. "I'm glad we agree on that," he said as he moved forward to hug her. "I like this woman already."

  She let out a little affectionate groan as she squeezed him and patted his back. "I think Laney's got good taste, young man."

  "I'm sure of it," he said, putting a kiss on her cheek. "She's told me a lot about you."

  She smiled up at him. "Likewise."

  Just then his parents walked up. We introduced Rita to them, and we all stood around and talked for a few minutes before deciding it was about time for Rita to get something besides airplane peanuts to eat. Zack excused himself to go speak with some of his family who drove up from L.A., and I told him I'd go with Rita.

  There was a long table full of food and drinks, and Rita and I made our way over there walking hand in hand. "Where's your sister?" she asked, leaning in so I could hear her over the band and the murmur of the crowd.

  I stopped walking so I could look for Lexi, and then pointed her out to Rita. "Oh, goodness, I don't know if I would have recognized her," she said, covering her mouth. "She's done a lot of growing up, hasn't she?"

  I smiled "You have no idea."

  "Are those some of your friends?"

  "Yes ma'am, that's Andy, the guy I was telling you about who rents the apartment from us. That's his girlfriend Maddie with them. Maddie works with Lexi at both of her jobs, actually."

  "Oh, I remember you mentioning both of those people. It's good to put faces with names."

  I laughed. "Andy had a crush on her for the longest, and they just started dating. They're the cutest."

  We turned and continued walking toward the food. "How about Lexi," she asked. "Does she have a beau?"

  "Not just yet. I think she's holding out for one of the San Francisco Giants."

  Mrs. Williams smiled as she tentatively picked up a plate. I encouraged her with a nod, and started helping her by scooping portions of my favorite foods onto her plate.

  "I have something to give you," she said. "I was going to give it to you at your house, but it's burning a hole in my purse if you want to look at it now."

  "What is it?" I asked.

  She smiled and set her plate on the table so she could fish something out of her purse. It was a greeting card. "This isn't from me. I have a little something else for you, but it's in my luggage." She handed the card to me. It wasn't marked, but my first thought was that if it wasn't from her then it was from the crew at Callahan's.

  I turned it over to find that it was open. It looked as if it had been sealed and reopened already. She put her hand out to stop me from taking the card out. "I opened it. I had to just to make sure it was something you'd want to read." I gave her a curious expression and she shook her head. "I guess I should start by saying that I went to your mom's the other day. I brought this card over there and told her I was going to see you in California. I told her that you'd gotten married, and would probably like to hear from her."

  My heart sank listening to her recount the conversation with my mom. I dreaded hearing her say that my mom was really mean to her or that she asked her for money or something.

  "What did she say?" I asked.

  She smiled patiently. "She was a little offended at first—offended that I knew you were getting married and she didn't."

  "I've been married for a year," I thought, but didn't say out loud.

  "She took the card and then sat at the kitchen table with it for ten minutes or so before sealing it up and handing it back to me." Mrs. Williams tapped her finger on the envelope. "You don't have to read it now, but I wouldn’t give it to you at all if it wasn't something I'd want you to read."

  She picked up her plate and began eating, leaving the choice up to me. I looked around to find that everyone at the party was preoccupied, and I figured now was as good a time as any to open it. My hands shook as I slid it out of the envelope. It was a beautiful card of congratulations that I knew Mrs. Williams had picked out and purchased, so rather than take time looking at it, I opened it and let my eyes roam directly to the paragraph that was written in my mother's messy handwriting.

  Delaney,

  I heard you're getting married. It's hard to believe since I still picture you as a little girl who refused to put shoes on her feet half the time. I knew you would settle down and when you did it would be for good. You're dependable like that. Your new husband, whoever he is, is lucky to have you. I stopped reading because tears started to fill my eyes as a result of her heartfelt words. If I hadn't known it was her handwriting, I would have had a hard time believing she wrote it. I stared at the ceiling, took a deep breath, and then began reading again. You're going to make a good wife, and if you decide to have kids, then you'll make a good mom too. You took better care of yourself and Lexi than I ever did. I know you deserved better than me, Delaney. You'll build a good life, one that will turn out different than mine. I hope your new husband is a good man. I hope neither of you start drinking. I hope the best for you and Lexi, I really do. Please forgive me and know that even though I might not act like it, I do love you. I love you and I wish you the best. Sincerely, your mom Jennifer

  I laughed and cried at the same time as I held the card to my chest. I cried for obvious reasons, and laughed at the fact that she actually put the words your mom in front of her name when she signed it.

  "Is it okay?" Rita asked, seeing my emotion. "I thought it was okay."

  "It's fine, it's good," I said, taking a second to compose myself. "It makes me happy."


  She was still holding her plate, but she reached out and gave me a one-armed hug.

  "Rita Williams in the flesh. I can't believe you're standing right here in front of me!" Peter approached Rita with his arms open, and she hugged him as best she could without spilling her food.

  "It's good to see you, Peter. Laney's been keeping me in the loop so I can make sure you're behaving."

  "You know I never behave," he said laughing. He gestured at me. "It's this girl we gotta watch out for."

  "What's that supposed to mean?" I asked, giggling. I was grateful for the comic relief after my mom's words had me feeling a little emotional. "It means you came in my studio looking like an unassuming vacuum cleaner saleswoman, and the next thing I know the most eligible man in San Francisco is down on his knee proposing to you, and you're landing major glass jobs."

  "Oh, I knew she'd make an impact," Rita said. "That's why I sent her down here."

  "It's a good thing she lived through those first few months," he said, still joking around. "I think we almost lost her there for a second."

  I smiled at the joke while on the inside I was thinking how he nor she nor anyone (save maybe Zack and Lexi) knew how bad it really was. Almost losing me was closer to the mark than Peter knew.

  It was at that moment that I noticed Zack from across the room. He caught sight of me and started walking in my direction. He was by far the most handsome man in the room, and my stomach still did a flip at the sight of him coming my way.

  "I can see why he was the most eligible man in San Francisco," Rita said, noticing him walking our way. "He's even more handsome than the pictures you sent, Laney."

  "He's good to me too," I said, smiling but not taking my eyes off Zack.

  He was the definition of tall dark and handsome. He wore light grey slacks and a white button-up shirt that fit like a glove. The room was dimly lit, but his confident smile shone even from a distance. His eyes were locked on mine the whole time he crossed the room, and I could tell by his expression that his thoughts toward me were less than wholesome. I felt like I might faint from desire or love or some sort of perfect mixture of the two.