by R. E. Laurel
“That’s my life.” He briefly explained, slipping his arm around her waist, easing her nearer. He pressed a kiss on the top of her head, gaining a giggle from her. “I need to tell you that you look beautiful today, not that you’re not beautiful every day.”
“This old thing? It’s the first outfit I put on.” She lied.
“That would be a first. I swear, my sister used to empty her closet to find the right one,” he laughed.
“Haha, please put these on the dining room table. Oh wait, I have a couple of others on there. How about in the parlor on the table in the front window.”
“Your wish is my command,” he replied, gripping the heavy vase with both hands to deliver where she mentioned. Walking through the dining room he laughed at the two bouquets he sent to her and how huge they actually were.
He returned to the kitchen where Maren had her head in the French doors of her refrigerator. Backing up, she had a pie in her hand to set on the counter. As she turned back towards the refrigerator, she caught his hand snaking out, trying to wipe off some of the meringue.
“Hey!” she squealed, giving his hand a playful slap. “That’s for later as are these ones.” She returned to the refrigerator to withdraw two more.
“You baked these? Or thawed and baked,” he teased, eagerly looking at the pastries.
“I made them from scratch. I couldn’t sleep last night,” she confessed.
“Do you want to know what I was doing last night? Buying a new SUV and walking the streets of the town.”
Maren looked at him with pure disbelief before laughter burst forth. “You were street walking?” She giggled, placing her hand on his chest, leaning in with her merriment to laugh louder. “I’m sorry, but I’m picturing you doing that.”
His laughter blended with hers. “I didn’t even get a hit. I didn’t think I was that bad looking.”
“Oh, you’re not but the image of you in town.”
“And it was damn cold out there too. For the record, it helped.”
Maren’s laughter slowed at the innuendo he declared. “Mine didn’t. We need to get moving.” She placed the pies in an oblong basket. Victor reached for the handle, their hands touching. She gasped at the shock sparking between them.
“Maren,” he began looking into her eyes. His fingers slid through her hair to remain as he added, “Gorgeous, you don’t know what you do to me.”
“I’m hoping it’s something good,” she softly said, her gaze searching his. She smiled at his nod.
“Go and see if I put the vase in the right place,” he ordered.
She eyed him with the strange request. Seeing his dimple, she moved away.
Victor crossed his arms, leaning against the counter, waiting for it. Her squeal sent Mr. Whiskers running into the kitchen, sliding on the floor as he tried to turn into the corridor.
“Victor Montgomery! Oh shit! What is this?”
He chuckled when her chosen term filled the house. He remained where he stood as a wide-eyed Maren scurried into the kitchen holding the slender package open to reveal the sapphire and diamond necklace and matching earrings. Still smiling, he shrugged.
“Jewelry.” He simply replied.
“I know that. I can’t accept this,” she squealed.
“I didn’t bring it. Perhaps the Thanksgiving Turkey did.”
“Get real,” she scoffed, gently fingering the pendant. “Everyone knows there isn’t any such thing as a Thanksgiving Turkey delivering gifts.” She gave him an impish grin.
“How do you know? Have you ever seen him?”
“No.”
“There you have it.” He tried sounding logical. “Let me put it on you.” She handed him the box before turning to lead him to an oval beveled mirror hanging in the front entry. “This will look wonderful with your sweater.”
She watched his reflection as he stood behind her, removing the necklace from the velvet protection. His finger opened the clasp then dropped the necklace in front of her chest. Inhaling, she lifted her hair from her neck so that he could see. His face held such a seriousness as he worked to connect the clasp. His hands remained on the tops of her shoulders as he looked at their reflection. The pendant reached perfectly above her cleavage.
“Beautiful,” he declared. Maren gingerly fingered the heart-shaped stone surrounded by a double halo of diamonds.
“What color is the metal?”
“Rose Gold.”
“I’ve never seen anything quite like this,” she gasped at the sudden feel of his lips soft on her neck. Closing her eyes at the luscious sensations his touch evoked, she dropped her head sideways to permit him better access. His arms slid around her waist, pulling her against him, feeling his fingers glide to her chin, his other hand sliding to her breast, gently cupping, pulling her further into him. “Ouuu, Vic,” she gasped, feeling a new emotion stirring deep inside of her. Her hands moved to cover his as she got lost in this sweet attack. “We really need to go,” she added as she turned in his arms to wrap her arms around his neck. She pressed a slow kiss on his neck, not wanting to leave.
“Before we get too carried away,” he murmured against her neck. “It’s beginning to get difficult for me.”
CHAPTER 13
“I still can’t believe that you bought a Range Rover SUV! I’ve looked at these. All I can say is they must pay you really well.” Maren added in total amazement, rubbing her hand across the dash. Then sitting back, she made a face while squirming in her seat. “My ass is feeling hot,” she complained.
Victor laughed out. “Heated leather seats,” he explained. “You probably need to adjust the temperature.” Glancing at the dashboard he saw where her side was set to ninety degrees. “You most definitely need to adjust it.”
He loved how much of a lady she looked and acted but had that slight roughness which kept him a little bit on edge, waiting for the next unladylike outburst or blunt remark. One never knew what would come out of that sexy mouth and he found himself impatiently waiting to find out. The thought of Maren meeting his mom briefly crossed his mind. That could turn into an interesting day. He knew Maren would be able to handle herself around her.
With Maren switching the radio, she would stop to sing along with the country songs, a bit off key here and there and he couldn’t help but join her. Everything they did together felt natural as if they are meant for each other. He was so much at ease with her, around her and he loved it. With their voices somewhat blending together, they drove through the light snowfall the ten miles to the outskirts of Concord Hamlet to the homestead of Maren’s family. Her parents now lived in the house her great-great-grandparents built and began a small vineyard.
“We’re here!” Maren sang out as she led the way through the front door.
“Hey! It’s the long lost sister!”
A shrill squeal broke forth from Maren as a petite blonde woman followed by a burly sized man with broad shoulders and muscular arms appeared from the dining room, arms outstretched and a huge smile on his lips. In one step, they were together. He swooped her into his arms, swinging her feet in the air. Returning her to the floor, he finally eyed Victor. With a friendly smile, he extended his arm, reaching his hand for a shake.
“Hi, I’m Rick. Maren’s brother. This is Nan, my wife and somewhere is our two-year-old, Ted.”
Victor took Rick’s hand in his and felt the grip tightening, just the way his father did to him yesterday. With a smile on his lips, he decided to return with a death grip, his hand tightening with each pump until he saw a flinch in Rick’s eyes. His smile broadened as he released his grip.
“Victor, Maren’s boyfriend,” he quipped, not missing surprised looks they all shot to her. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Rick, Nan.”
“Good grip,” Rick said with a smile as he gave her a wink.
Victor gave a single nod as he followed Maren into the kitchen, carrying her basket with the pies. After setting it on the island, he turned to Maren, noticing her biting her
lower lip, no doubt fighting back any giggle.
“What’s with the men in your family testing my strength through their handshakes?”
“Call it a male macho thing. They’ve always been that way.”
“Every time?” He wondered, wincing at the nod of her head. “Jesus.”
“Victor. Go sit with the men in the family room while we get lunch ready,” Teresa suggested, wrapping her arms around his, urging him into the other room.
He stalled, wanting to hang in the kitchen, after all, the food was there. Snaking a handout, he grabbed a piece of fudge from a plate to take with him. With a light slap of his hand on Maren’s butt and receiving a soft squeal from her as he shot her a devilish grin, he relented to go with the men.
Teresa waited until he disappeared from the kitchen and pounced on Maren. “I’m happy for you. He seems like such a fine young man.”
Maren pursed her lips, rubbing the area where a slight stinging sensation he left penetrated. “Yea, I really really like him.” She managed to say, finally taking a seat on a high stool at the island.
“How did you two meet?” Nan asked, taking the next seat.
“We worked together until I got let go. Damn Mr. Neal the Sixth and his cutbacks,” she sneered with distaste. She picked up a piece of fudge to take a bite.
“You’re going to ruin your dinner doing that,” Teresa reminded.
Ignoring her, Maren took a bite, talking around the peanut butter fudge before she swallowed. “I know, it’s just that I hate the thought of being fired.”
“You weren’t fired, you were let go and through no reason of your own,” Nan interjected.
“I suppose so but still it pisses me off.”
Nan placed her crossed arms on the island, leaning nearer to Maren. In a conspiratorial voice, she asked. “Is this really the third date with him?”
Maren furrowed her brows, “This isn’t a date...”
“That’s bullshit. Then what would you call it?”
“I asked him two weeks ago when he first began. He said he was transferred from another area. I assumed he didn’t have any family here so I invited him. So, you see, this won’t qualify as a date. I was being nice, damn it.” She added as she finally grew weary of others so concerned about her private life.
“Sure. That’s what you tell us but I think you liked him from the first time you saw him.” Teresa declared then added. “Belinda has been keeping me informed.”
“Belinda can talk way too much too. Just what is the big deal that I brought him here.”
“Twice in as many days,” Teresa interjected with a giggle.
Maren released a sigh, grabbing a date pinwheel cookie.
“You’ll ruin your dinner,” Teresa once again reminded.
Maren narrowed her eyes, giving an evil glare as she bit into the sweet cookie. She began speaking with the mouthful, “Why is everyone so concerned that I brought a man home?”
“Well, sweetheart. It’s the track record you have had all of your life with the boys. One date is all you went on with them.”
“I’ve been out a few times more than once. You know, I’m really getting tired of this conversation,” she snapped.
“All right,” Nan agreed. “But, it’s just so cool and he’s so handsome. I think you’re sexually frustrated.” Nan shot her an all-knowing look.
“I am not. Well, perhaps,” she confessed among the laughter.
“Let's dish out the food and eat,” Teresa suggested, picking up one of many vegetable bowls for the trimmings.
“I’ll get the guys.”
Maren eagerly left the confines of the fifth-degree crew to disappear into the family room. She paused at the vision of Victor on the floor, his body laying out, an arm propped his torso up as he played with Ted. They diligently worked at stacking some colorful plastic blocks. In one movement, Victor would lightly push them over, receiving an ecstatic squealing baby laugh from Ted. Victor joined with Ted.
“Aw Ted, what did you do?” He joked. Ted quickly reached for the blocks to rebuild the tower as he giggled.
“Dinner is ready. Daddy, you need to carve the bird.”
“Yes,” he exclaimed, rising from his seat to lead the way. Victor stood, picking Ted into his arms to carry. Rick brought up the rear, reaching out to pat her face.
“He’s good,” he whispered. “I think he’d be the keeper.”
“Stop it,” she threatened.
“Ou. I’m scared.”
The surprised squeal from Ted filled the room as Victor placed him on his shoulders, his hand gripping onto Ted’s arm to keep him from falling. Maren laughed at Ted’s expression of sheer joy. Victor turned, holding his hand out clasping her hand. Her grin was complacent as she stepped nearer to walk with him.
“I’m having a good time with your family. Just thought you’d like to know.”
“I’m glad you are. I’m getting harassed by them,” she countered.
“What about?”
She rolled her eyes up at him.
“Oh, is it about that dating thing you do?”
“Bingo.”
They entered the dining room where her father was already carving the turkey. Rick plucked Ted from Victor’s shoulders and strapped into the highchair where he immediately wanted his sippy cup. The table was exquisitely set with fall dishes designed with autumn leaves with matching coffee mugs. A matching pair of tall crystal candlesticks with cream tapered candles were freshly lit. Silver ceramic napkin rings held the rolled rust colored napkins laid across the plates. The room deliciously smelled of the fall harvest along with turkey with all of the trimmings.
“Victor, sit here, next to me. Rick and Nan on the right. Maren next to Victor. All we need is the bird and we’ll be ready to eat.” Teresa instructed.
“Maren, where did you get that necklace? It’s beautiful! I didn’t notice it before,” Nan gasped, her eyes wide with awe as she looked at the necklace from across the table.
“Vic got it for me.” She pushed her hair behind her ears, “Matching earrings, too.”
“I didn’t notice it either. It’s beautiful!” Teresa echoed. “What kind is the chain?”
“It’s a sapphire with diamonds. Rose gold,” Victor answered.
Teresa turned, going to her phone she had on the island and began pushing buttons.
“Mom, no,” Maren whined. She shifted her gaze to Victor’s face who looked back, confused. “She’s googling it.” He gently shook his head in disbelief.
“All she has to do is ask,” he snickered.
“I’ll explain it to you later,” Maren replied.
Teresa returned to her seat, her mouth slightly opened as she read the screen and then looked at Nan and then at Maren.
“Maren,” she gasped, ready to turn the screen so that she could see it.
“Mom, I don’t care and besides, it isn’t polite to ask the price of gifts.”
“But...Okay,” she turned the phone to show Nan, waiting for her to set her cup of coffee on the table. With wide eyes, she grabbed the phone from Teresa’s hand.
“Geez.”
Maren glared at them. “Shit, you’re being rude. Stop it.”
“Yea she found the box this morning next to the flowers and thought I got it for her. I told her it was the Thanksgiving Turkey. He delivers gifts under fall flowers to good boys and girls.”
“Did she believe you?” Rick snickered. “Hell, it wouldn’t surprise me if she did.”
“No, but it was a good story at the time,” Victor laughed, as Rick joined.
“She must have been a damn good girl,” Nan muttered.
Maren unconsciously fingered the necklace while shooting a scowl to the others. Thanks for nothing. Now she’d have to check it out herself.
“Before we begin you all know what we have to do. Victor, it’s a family tradition,” she briefly explained. “Let’s go around the table and tell what we’re thankful for. Davis, you first,” Teresa suggested.
>
Davis leaned back, his face deep in thought, “Well as always, I’m thankful for my family, our health and God’s blessings upon us.”
“I’m thankful for Nan, Ted, who is growing like a weed, and family. Also our health and prosperous business,” Rick ended.
“I am very thankful for Rick who gave me such a treasure in Ted and to my extended family in everyone,” Nan stated through a smile.
“Well, it isn’t any secret that I’m thankful for a husband that is such a hard worker and whom I love deeply every day. I’m thankful for two wonderful children who have given me nothing but happiness every day...”
“Except for that time when Maren never came home from a date and later you found out about mischief happening that Halloween night,” Rick quipped.
“It was your idea,” Maren reminded with a sweet smile.
“Besides that, you have given me happiness,” Teresa interrupted.
“And let’s not forget that time Maren apparently went to school in a dress but changed into a most daring outfit as she skipped school,” Rick added.
“Richard Davis Wilson,” Teresa snapped, shooting daggers at him as he returned with a tight-lipped grin.
“Just want to let Victor know what he’s in for.”
“Don’t be such an ass, Rick. That happened over ten years ago,” Maren returned. “And besides, it wasn’t that daring.”
“I’m enjoying the stories,” Victor added.
“You would,” Maren laughed, adding, “Okay Rick. Let us get through this and then you can reminisce.”
“Despite the bickering you two enjoy, you have given me happiness and I’m thankful for that,” Teresa ended with a long sigh.
“Well, here goes,” Maren began. “I am thankful for my family for the love and dedication and how they back me during my sometimes off the wall suggestions. I am thankful that I can help in the shop in the winery. I am thankful for all of the unexpected events that have happened recently in my life.” She shot Victor a sideways glance and saw him grin at her, “And to God for his blessings and sometimes uncanny reasoning to have things happen.”
