by Iris Abbott
She drove by the elementary school first to pick up Emily. After hugs and kisses they continued on to the middle school. Jay and a handful of his friends were waiting in the pick-up and drop-off circle in front of the school. Abigail waved at her son’s friends and waited for him to climb into the back of the SUV.
“Hey mom,” he greeted. “Where’s Mason?”
Not exactly one of the first things she expected to hear out of her son’s mouth, but she knew she shouldn’t be too surprised. After all he looked up to and really liked Mason. That was one of the reason’s Abigail had agreed to Mason’s offer of marriage. “He’s at work honey. He works a lot more hours than I did as a teaching assistant. He’s due home for dinner right around six o’clock.”
“Awesome! Hey mom there’s another home football game this Friday night. Do you think Mason would let me go to the game with him?”
Abigail tapped the stirring wheel lightly while she waited for the traffic light to cycle through from yellow back to green. “I don’t know honey. I’m sure he’ll be at one of the football games as part of his duty as superintendent of the school system. I don’t want you running around the high school unsupervised and he may not have time to watch you.”
Emily sat up straighter and leveled her mother and brother with a sharp glare. “There is no way I’m going to another football game. If you guys decide to turn it into another family night I want to stay with grandma or Aunt Annabel.”
“No can do kiddo. Remember your aunt and uncle are going to Costa Rica, so she can get images for her latest photo book. Grandma is going to have her hands full with Charlotte and Jacob. We’ll worry about the football game later.”
The light turned green and Abigail crossed the intersection and headed toward their new home. “I have to stop by the grocery store. Any requests? It is our first dinner together as a family in our new home,” Abigail put as much enthusiasm as she could behind her words.
The kid’s tossed out several suggestions and in the end Abigail decided on a creamy chicken parmesan and rice dish, green beans, and cinnamon apples with Greek yogurt for dessert. She also added a sweet white wine to the cart for her and Mason to enjoy along with the meal.
When they reached the house the children unloaded the packages from the back of the SUV while Abigail took care of the groceries. Once everything was inside she sent each child to their respective room to begin organizing their personal possessions. The four of them had gone shopping for children’s bedroom furniture right after the announcement of their engagement. Mason had everything delivered and set up while she and the children were still living at her mother’s house. A great idea that she was extremely grateful for now that moving day had arrived.
After getting Emily and Jay on task Abigail tackled her own decorating chore. She would have to start dinner in the next few minutes so she didn’t have much time. She traded his dark drapes for beige, green, and mauve, silk curtains trimmed in lace. She stripped off the chocolate brown bedspread and replaced it with a light quilt that matched the new curtains. Lastly she placed a silk flower arrangement of bronze and mauve roses complete with greenery resting inside a bronze container on top of the dresser with mirror.
She put a photo of Jay and Emily on her nightstand. She dug into the bottom of a bag to find the large antique looking bronze picture frame she bought that day and inserted the latest family photo of the Montgomery sister’s with their mom and children. It got pride of place on the dresser next to the roses.
She gave the room a final inspection and was satisfied with her handy work. Now it looked lived in and much more welcoming than the bachelor pad bedroom it had represented before her hasty redecorating. Abigail couldn’t hold back the smile that broke loose. Mason had told her this was her home too. She hoped he could handle the changes, after all a couple’s bedroom should be romantic and inviting even in a marriage of convenience.
******
Mason found himself rushing through the paperwork on his desk. He’d never been in such a hurry to get home before. Granted he’d never had anyone there waiting for him either. At exactly five o’clock he signed the last memo, packed his briefcase, and headed out the door. He passed his secretary’s desk on his way out the door. “I’m done for the day, Linda.”
She glanced at her watch and raised a brow. “This is the earliest you’ve left the office since you’ve worked in this building,” she said in a matter of fact voice.
“Obviously that was before I had a wife and children waiting at home for me. It’s our first evening together as a family. Abigail’s making dinner and there’s no way I’m going to be late. See you in the morning.” He whistled as he walked down the stairs of the old building housing the county offices and toward the parking lot.
Abigail was putting the final touches to dinner when she heard the garage door open. “Emily, Jay,” she called out. “Mason’s home. Go wash up for dinner and make sure you’re in the dinning room in the next five minutes.”
She removed the apron and nervously rubbed her hands down the front of her slacks. She wasn’t exactly sure how she should greet Mason. She wanted to run into his arms and lift her lips to steal a passion filled kiss before the children could make it downstairs. She wasn’t sure how Mason would respond to that and she’d had enough husbandly rejection to last a lifetime thanks to Roger.
Mason wasn’t sure what kind of greeting he’d expected, but he had expected something. Instead his wife just stood by the stove as if her feet were glued to the hardwood floor and she couldn’t move if her life depended on it. He broke the ice with a mundane question. “How was your day? Did the movers make it here this morning with all your stuff?”
Abigail nodded. She was relieved he’d asked such a routine question. It allowed her to focus on small talk and not the butterflies flying around her stomach. “They were right on time and we’ve already put everything away. Jay and Emily are washing up for dinner now. You might want to do the same…”
Abigail fell silent. Mason was slowly walking toward her much like a large cat stalking prey. She wanted to take a step back, but she was blocked in by the kitchen appliances.
“I’m starved,” Mason assured his wife as he advanced even closer.
Somehow Abigail knew he wasn’t just talking about food. That was the last thought in her head right before his lips swooped down to capture her mouth in a hard and demanding kiss. Abigail gave up all pretenses of not wanting her husband. She wrapped her arms around his neck and clung to him as if her life depended on it.
Mason had been waiting for her response and deepened the kiss when he felt her melt in his arms. He was so absorbed by the feel of her body pressed into his that he forgot all about where he was. His kitchen or downtown Tallahassee, it didn’t matter. He was oblivious to everything but the feel of Abigail in his arms.
Abigail felt Mason deepen the kiss and moved her head it give him better access to her mouth. She wanted to melt into a puddle on the floor, but thankfully his arms were holding her upright.
“Yuck,” came the high-pitched squeal from Emily. “Mom, boys are so gross!”
Abigail guiltily sprang away from Mason. She didn’t get too far, because he still held her. He had one arm wrapped around her waist and she used it to help maintain her balance. “You won’t think that when you get older Em, but for now I’m glad you feel that way. Mason and I are adults though so there’s no yuck factor for us.”
Mason raised his eyebrows. “Good to know Mrs. Blake. I’ll just go wash up and meet everyone back in the dining room.”
Abigail had already busied herself with Emily and dinner, anything to get her mind off of Mason and how good it felt to be held in his arms. “Here you go honey,” she handed Emily a serving dish with green beans. “Place this in the center of the table then come back and help me carry out the dessert dishes.”
Abigail with the help of the children had just finished placing everything on the table when Mason rejoined them. She couldn’t help
but notice he’d traded his beige dress pants and light blue button up dress shirt for jeans and a knit golf shirt. The knit material stretched across his broad shoulders and showcased his muscles. It made Abigail’s mouth water.
Abigail would have liked nothing better than to sit there and daydream about those muscles wrapped around her body. The constant chatter coming from her children and Mason made that impossible though. She allowed herself to relax and watch the interaction between her children and Mason.
Despite the yuck factor, Emily was full speed ahead talking about an upcoming fieldtrip to the university’s botanical gardens. This was the first Abigail had heard about the trip and her ears perked up. “I wanted to invite Aunt Annabel as a chaperone, but she might be in Costa Rica. Would you like to go on our class fieldtrip, Mason?”
Abigail’s eyes widened and she lost the tight grip she had on her fork. The sound of silverware clattering against china drew three pairs of eyes her way. “Sorry,” Abigail murmured. “Emily, you didn’t mention this field trip earlier when I picked you up from school.”
“I was going to then you said Aunt Annabel was going to be in Costa Rica.” The youngster shrugged her shoulders.
Abigail lived for her children. She couldn’t believe Emily hadn’t asked her to be a chaperone. Now that she didn’t have to work there was nothing she’d love more then to accompany her daughter on a school trip.
Mason didn’t have to be a friend and acquaintance of several years to know that Abigail was hurt. He could see it in her eyes. Those bright green eyes that seemed to always light up a room were now a dull and faded green. “There’s no way I could chaperone the trip. It’s really hard for me to get away from the office for an entire day.” Not to mention he was sure Kathy Foster, Emily’s fifth grade teacher would have a heart attack if she was told the school superintendent planned to spend the day with her class outside the classroom. She’d probably feel like a microbe under the bright light of a microscope.
“I’d love to join your class for lunch though. How does that sound?”
Emily was satisfied with his compromise. “That’d be great Mason. We’re going to have a picnic style bag lunch on the garden grounds. My teacher said it’s one of the highlights of the trip. Besides I’m sure mom would love having lunch with you too, won’t you mommy.”
Abigail instantly cheered. “I didn’t realize I was invited to this little shindig.”
Emily frowned. “Of course you are mommy. Ms. Foster said she’d call you with the details, but since you’re a classroom volunteer she already has your name on the chaperone list. I saw it on her desk before I left school.”
Whew, Abigail mentally swiped a hand across her forehead. She had signed on as a volunteer for Emily’s class right after she’d lost her job. “It would have been nice for her to call first, but I did tell her I’d be available now anytime she needed an extra pair of hands.”
“Well I’m glad that’s all settled,” Mason said with a smile. “Give me the date as soon as it’s confirmed and I’ll make sure I block out mid-morning and afternoon to spend with my two favorite girls.” Emily giggled and Abigail blushed. Jay just rolled his eyes. Mason breathed a sigh of relief. Maybe this family thing wasn’t going to be so hard after all.
Jay wasn’t about to let this opportunity pass by. “Botanical gardens are boring. You know what’s not boring? Football! Please take me to the Tiger’s home football game this Friday night,” he begged Mason.
Mason glanced at Abigail and was glad to see the tentative smile she sent his way. “I need to be there anyway, as long as it’s okay with your mother, I’d be glad to take you to the game.”
Abigail wiped her mouth and put her napkin down on the table. She wouldn’t be able to eat another bite. “I don’t want him unsupervised Mason.” Silent understanding passed between the two adults. “If you can’t keep an eye on him because you’re busy mingling with parents and staff members then I’ll have to go. Emily has already said she doesn’t want to go and my mom can’t watch her this weekend.”
“Don’t worry Abigail, it’s not a problem. Jay and I will have some male bonding time and you and Emily can have a girl’s night out.”
Emily clapped her hands in glee. “I want a manicure and pedicure with pretty pink nail polish!”
“Hmmm, I think you lived too long under the same roof as your Aunt Aubrey. That suspiciously sounded like something she would say.”
“That’s because it is,” Jay said with all the disgust of a young teen male. “The last time we stayed with Aunt Aubrey she took Emily to the spa for a girl’s day out. Uncle Matthew and I got stuck with babysitting duty, but that’s okay. He took me to a minor league baseball game. Baseball’s not quite as exciting as football, but it’s a close second. It was my first baseball game too. We got hot dogs, roasted peanuts, and baseball caps. It was great!”
“All right then, it’s settled. Jay and I will go to the football game and Abigail and Emily can pamper themselves at the new day spa in town.”
Abigail gritted her teeth. She’d spent a good chunk of her savings on the new bed and bath stuff. She didn’t have extra funds for a spa treat. “I don’t know Emily, that’s something you do with your aunt. Maybe we could do something else.” She got up and started clearing the table. She didn’t want to see the look of disappointment she knew would be on her daughter’s face.
Mason followed her into the kitchen. “Not that anything could make either of you any prettier, but if Emily wants to go,” Mason shrugged his shoulder. “Why not take her and pamper yourself too while you’re at it.”
Abigail glared at him when she was sure Emily and Jay weren’t looking. “Because I can’t afford it, Mason. I spent most of my meager savings buying a new bedroom set and other stuff for the master bathroom.”
“So I noticed when I changed clothes. It’s very nice by the way. I like the feminine touch you’ve brought to the bedroom.”
“You’re not mad then? I was a little worried after I made all the changes that it might be too much for you?”
Mason felt awkward at her nervousness and hesitancy around him and wished they could fall back into the comfortable feel of their old friendship, but then their relationship had irrevocably changed and there was no going back to those days of platonic friendship.
“I’m not mad, Abigail. I told you this is your home too. I expect you and the children to leave your mark here. As far as money, that’s ridiculous. You’re my wife now. I told you I’m willing to share all I have with you. I’ve already ordered an ATM card for you with access to my checking account. It just hasn’t arrived yet. Charge the spa day to your credit card and I’ll pay the bill when it comes in.”
“I’m sorry, but I feel funny using your money even if we are married, especially when it comes to Emily and Jay.”
“Well you better get over that attitude real quick. When the custody battle goes to court it would help our side immensely if we can prove that I not only take care of you, but the children too. In other words we need to look like a real family, which by the way is what we are.”
Abigail knew what he was saying was true. “You’re right. I just have to adjust. Everything happened so fast.”
“Yes it did, but it’s not like we’re strangers. I’m committed to this marriage and our family Abigail. You have to trust me and believe that.”
Abigail gave him a weak smile then started on the dishes. She wanted to trust him she really did, but it was hard to put herself and her children in a position where they could possibly be hurt and not fight against it. Instinctively deep down she knew that Mason was already in a position where he could hurt her and her children. What Roger had done had been terrible, but he hadn’t been a good husband for a long time and he hardly ever spent time with Jay and Emily. If Mason suddenly disappeared from their lives they’d be devastated, and she had to admit so would she.
Mason watched her for a few minutes. “I’m going to make sure Jay and Emily have fin
ished their homework.” He didn’t wait for a response. He knew by her body language that she was in thinking mode and was done with talk at least for now. He would keep proving himself until she eventually let down the wall trying to keep him out and trusted him completely.
Eleven
Just as Mason predicted Emily took to the horses right away. Mason spent most evenings after dinner in the stables with Emily and Jay who had also taken an interest in the horses. He taught them the basics of horse care and allowed them to feed sugar cubes and apple slices to both Dolly and Midnight. The children kept asking him about riding, but each time he told them they had to learn the basics first then they could start riding lessons.
The following Saturday morning bright and early he woke Abigail up with a string of kisses all over her face and neck. “Good morning sleeping beauty. It’s time for you to wake up and fix a hearty breakfast for your family.
“Oh my God,” she grumbled when she looked at the alarm clock resting on the nightstand. “It’s five-thirty in the morning on a Saturday. Have you lost you’re mind!” She covered her head with a pillow.
“Not at all,” he tugged the pillow off her face. “But we have a long day in front of us. Emily and Jay have been working really hard this week learning everything they can about horses. They are ready to learn how to ride. They need horses of their own for that. Today we’re driving to a horse farm owned by a couple of friends of mine so they can pick out their own horses.”
Abigail was wide awake now and speechless. She knew money wasn’t an issue for Mason like it would have been for Roger, but even if he’d had the money he would have never done anything like this for Jay and Emily. She threw her arms around Mason and gave him an enthusiastic kiss that held nothing back.
