Take A Chance (Running Into Love) Page 9

  “So where would you like to go to celebrate?”

  “Gosh, I don’t know.”

  “Well, I was hoping you would say that, I made reservations for us.”

  Pulling up to a nice restaurant, he valeted the car. We walk into the restaurant with my arm looped through his. We are escorted to a table in the back. Immediately, I see an arrangement of pink roses laying in the middle of the table. On the plate is a small box wrapped in soft pink paper with a pink bow. When did he have time to pull all of this off?

  “Asher, this is too much. You didn’t need to do all this. You already got me the necklace. I love it so much. Really, you didn’t need to go to all this trouble.”

  “Nonsense, and stop taking the fun out of spoiling you. I want to, so I am. So get used to it.” Pulling out my chair, I take a seat and pick up the box.

  “Go ahead open it,” he says.

  “Asher, you really didn’t have to do this.”

  Ever so carefully I open the box trying not to rip the paper. Opening the lid, I gasp. Inside is a thick platinum rounded rope type bracelet, with one pink heart charm with pave diamonds. It’s stunning. I look up at Asher with tears threatening to spill down my face.

  “It’s a charm bracelet. I got you started with the one charm and every year on the anniversary of being cancer free, I’ll add to it with another charm.”

  Jumping up from the table, knocking over glasses and my chair in the process, I launch myself at him sitting in his lap, squeeze his neck, and shower him with kisses. The tears have run freely down my cheeks now, and I don’t even care.

  “Asher, thank you so much. It’s perfect.” Suddenly noticing you could hear a pin drop, I remove my face from Asher’s neck and look around the restaurant. Everyone’s eyes are on me sitting in Asher’s lap.

  Standing, I apologize, “Sorry.” Oh, my gosh, I’m so embarrassed. The waiter has picked up my chair and fixed the glasses on the table. I take my seat, as red as a lobster. Asher reaches across the table and takes my hand.

  “I just wanted to tell you how proud I am of you. I know you went into this by yourself, but I have had the privilege of seeing you through the last half of your journey. You have brought such joy to my life. I think you are an amazing woman, and I look forward to wherever this new journey leads us.”

  Asher

  Seeing Willow ring that bell with that smile on her face, I about lost it and cried. I love how excited she got when she opened her gifts. Giving to Willow and seeing her reaction is priceless. I wish I could have had a picture of her sitting in my lap showering me with kisses at the restaurant though. Glancing across the table she has the biggest grin on her face, and she covers her mouth with her hand.

  “What’s so funny?”

  “Your face,” she says. She can barely contain her giggles.

  “My face, what’s so funny about my face?”

  “You have lipstick kisses all over your face.” She reaches for a napkin. “Here let me wipe them off for you.”

  “Are you kidding, you’re not wiping them off. I love them,” I tell her, loving the smile on her face.

  “You look like a goof.”

  “Yes, well I’m your goof so get used to it.” I like the sound of her laughter. If sitting in a crowded restaurant with lipstick shaped kisses all over my face makes her laugh, then I have no problem with it. Dinner is wonderful and she seems to be really happy. I know she has a few more tests and the appointment to have her port removed. But all in all, she seems to have a glow about her. Being done with chemo must be a huge relief for her.

  “I have an idea, why don’t we drop by your house, pick up Lucy, and you both come spend the weekend with me at my house. We have a busy weekend, and it only makes sense to stay at my place.”

  “Alright, sounds like a good plan to me. Lucy will love exploring a new place.”

  “Let’s go get you packed up then.” Heading to her place, she packs her things as well as things for Lucy. On the way back to my place the dang dog is sitting in her lap with her nose smooshed into my window. Walking in my front door, Lucy takes off in the house with her nose to the ground exploring. Putting Willow’s things in my bedroom, I come out to find her with her nose in the refrigerator.

  “Are you hungry again?”

  “No, I was just being nosy. I wanted to see what you stocked in your fridge.”

  “Half the time I don’t’ even know what’s in there. My housekeeper comes twice a week and stocks my fridge.”

  “You have a housekeeper? Well, I would think so with this big house and only you living here.”

  Facing her, I’m telling her with my eyes that this is the same house Olivia and I shared while we were married, hoping she can read minds.

  “Willow,” I start to say.

  “This is the house you and Olivia shared?” she says finishing my sentence.

  “Yes, I never moved. I never felt it was right.”

  “Asher, you don’t have to explain to me. I think it’s lovely. Why don’t you have any photos of her out?”

  “I had my sister take them all down. It was a really hard time in my life. Every day, I would come home and see reminders of her all over. They’re in a storage unit. Enough about that, it’s getting late. You have to be tired. You had a big day. What do you say we head on up to bed?”

  “Sure, but I want you to know this house doesn’t bother me at all. When you feel more comfortable, I’d like to see photos of the two of you. I want to hear all about her, she sounds like an amazing woman.”

  Leading her down the hall towards my bedroom, I can’t help but fall more in love with her. She’s not at all threatened by memories of Olivia. She’s more accepting of all of it than I could have ever hoped for. It’s such a relief, and I find that I want to share everything with her. I climb in bed while she changes into pajamas in the bathroom.

  I leave my T-shirt on and fold the covers back, waiting for her. She walks in wearing Scooby Doo flannel pajamas. The button-up top is unbuttoned with a tank top underneath. I grin at her, and she thinks that I’m a goof.

  “What? Don’t you like Scooby Doo?”

  “Actually I do, but I’ve never seen adult Scooby Doo pajamas before.”

  “Where have you been living? You don’t eat chili with noodles, and you’ve never seen adult Scooby Doo pajamas.” She stands at the side of the bed looking nervous. I pat the space next to me for her to join me. She hesitates, then grabs the flannel shirt and slowly takes it off and sets it on the end of the bed. Instantly, Lucy jumps up and plants herself in a little ball on the soft flannel shirt.

  She stands there for a few seconds letting me look at her, she’s beautiful. With our eyes locked together, I reach behind my back and pull my shirt off. Her eyes move slowly, traveling over my chest. I reach out my hand, and she places hers in mine and slides into bed. Rolling on her side I press my bare chest to her back holding her tight. Lacing our fingers together, she kisses my knuckles and places them under her chin. I bury my nose in her sweet-smelling hair, close my eyes and thank God for another chance to love someone as special as Willow.

  Waking the next morning with the warm sun on my face and an even warmer Willow draped over the side of my body, she lifts her head placing her chin on my bare chest.

  “Good morning, sunshine,” she says with a smile.

  “Good morning, sweetheart. How did you sleep?”

  “Mmmm, wonderful. Your bed is so comfortable, much nicer than mine. I just might not want to ever leave.”

  “You know that could be arranged.” She places a kiss on my chest. Lucy walks up my body and curls up on my chest next to Willow’s face.

  “I think Lucy likes it here too.” Sitting up, she heads to the bathroom, returns a few minutes later and snuggles back up to my side.

  “I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but Amelia and Ava will be here soon to pick you up to take you shopping for a dress for tonight.”

  “Amelia is coming too?” she asks surp
rised.

  “Yes, I invited her, I hope you don’t mind.”

  “Not at all, I’m excited. Shopping with the girls. Sounds like fun.”

  “I thought you would like that. No arguing, but I have an account set up for you with instructions for you to get everything you’ll need for tonight and tomorrow for dinner with my parents.”

  “Asher, no. That’s too much.”

  With a kiss on her nose, I say, “Ah, ah, ah, I said no arguing. Ava and Amelia have been instructed as well. Why don’t you get in the shower, I’ll head downstairs and make us some breakfast before you go.”

  “You really are too much, but it’s just too much fun for me to say no. Thank you. I’ll be down in a little while.” She reaches over and kisses me once before grabbing her bag and heading to the bathroom to shower.

  “Come on Lucy, let’s go get you some breakfast and make Mom some too.”

  I gently swat her on the ass and give her a smile. She jumps with surprise and returns a sweet smile, then closes the bathroom door. Putting on a T-shirt and a pair of jeans, I pat my leg to call Lucy, “Come on girl, let’s go.”

  Chapter 15

  Willow

  Making my way downstairs to the kitchen I hear Asher, Amelia, and Ava talking. “There she is. Here’s some coffee, sweetheart, and I made you some eggs and bacon.”

  “Thank you, it smells yummy.” Amelia and Ava smile and make room for me at the bar, so I’m sitting next to Asher.

  “So, Willow, are you ready to hit the mall and have some girl time? I made us appointments for mani/pedi’s, and then it’s off to lunch, followed by a full day of shopping,” Ava says, as she eye’s me with a wink.

  “That sounds like a busy day but someone has to do it, right?” I say, and Ava and Amelia both laugh.

  I can hear Asher whispering to Amelia, “If it looks like it’s too much for her, you need to bring her home, alright?”

  “Asher, stop worrying about me. I’m fine. You gals ready to get this party started?”

  The mani/pedi’s were heavenly. Sitting in a vibrating chair, while someone rubs your feet and calf muscles is well, just heavenly. I left the spa with pretty pink French manicured fingers and toes, unsure of what color my dress will be. I thought it was a safe neutral choice for any dress color. Gossiping with the girls was so much fun. Lunch was filled with laughter and more stories, some of Asher as a kid. Listening to the girls tell stories was such a riot, the five of them really are close, and I can see the love written all over their faces.

  Shopping was another story though. Every dress I tried on didn’t make me feel comfortable enough. After hours of shopping, I still had not found anything. Feeling depressed and tired, Ava walks up with a beautiful pink satin gown.

  “What do you think about this one? I think this one might work. It’s off the shoulders but in a straight line across the upper chest. I think everything will be covered with this one.”

  Taking the dress from Ava, I go to try it on. It is beautiful, it has long sleeves, and is floor length, with a slit up to the middle of my thigh. It is slightly off the shoulders but high enough and straight across my chest that it does cover everything. With tears in my eyes, I say, “This is it, this is the one, it’s beautiful. Oh Ava, I love it.”

  “It’s beautiful on you. Now let’s accessorize! Hurry up and change, we need shoes, a hand bag, and under garments!” I quickly change and Amelia pulls my hand to head toward the shoe department.

  After a few more hours of shopping with the girls, I am just exhausted. I leave with a gown, shoes, a hand bag, and under garments for tonight. A casual outfit for tomorrow and there must be a few extra things in there as well. I think the girls went a little crazy, because there are entirely too many bags for just those few things. We finally head back to Asher’s.

  Plopping on his couch, I just need to close my eyes for a minute. Ava and Amelia bring in all the bags, and before I know it, I’m being lifted in Asher’s arms, and I’m being carried to bed.

  “Shh, you can rest for a little while. I’ll wake you up with plenty of time to get ready. You sleep.”

  Curling up in Asher’s comfortable bed, Lucy joins me for a nap. I wake with a smile as Asher moves my hair out of my face and places a warm kiss on my cheek.

  “Wake up, sweetheart. You should get ready for tonight.” Rolling over I wrap my arms around his neck and kiss him on the lips.

  “Did you have fun with the girls today? They wouldn’t stop talking my ear off after I brought you to bed.”

  “Um hmm, I did. Who knew having sisters was so much fun? I mean, I didn’t mean they were my real sisters, I didn’t mean to imply that we were married or anything.”

  “Sweetheart, I know what you mean, its fine I like that you think of them as your sisters. Now, you better get out of bed and start getting ready, we need to leave in an hour and a half.”

  “I can tell you grew up with sisters, thank you for giving me plenty of time to get ready.”

  After getting out of the shower, a knock at the door surprises me. “Willow, it’s me Amelia, I thought you could use some help getting ready. I can curl your hair and do your makeup if you like.”

  Opening the door wrapped in a towel I sigh with relief. “You are a godsend. I was freaking out about how to do my hair and make-up. I’ve never been to anything like this. I am your blank slate, make me beautiful.”

  “You are already beautiful, but growing up with my mom and a sister, we did each other’s hair and make-up all the time. It’s my pleasure to help you.”

  After only half an hour, Amelia is done. She’s curled my hair in soft waves, and my make-up is smoky and gorgeous. Looking at myself in the mirror, I am stunned, I hardly recognize myself.

  “There you go, now go put on that sexy lingerie and that gown, lets knock the socks off Asher!”

  After getting dressed Amelia places the necklace Asher gave me around my neck and the bracelet around my wrist. Standing back, she says, “You are stunning, Willow, just beautiful!”

  “Amelia, thank you so much for today. For the spa, lunch, shopping, and helping me get ready. I never had a sister, but if I did, I would wish she were just like you and Ava.”

  With tears in her eyes, she grabs my hand and squeezes. “Willow, it’s been a hard three years since Olivia’s been gone. I see the way Asher looks at you, and I see the love in his eyes. I was so afraid for him, he was so depressed after she died, we all were. I never thought he could find someone to make him smile again. I’m so happy for the two of you. I couldn’t have wished for a better person for him.”

  My eyes fill with tears as she says, “Oh no you don’t. No crying, you better stop that or Asher will kill me if he thinks I’ve upset you.”

  “What do you mean you upset her…?” Asher walks in and stops when he sees us standing there holding hands.

  “You look beautiful,” he says and Amelia lets go of my hands, moving to the side so Asher can take the whole look in.

  “I didn’t upset her, we were just talking,” Amelia insists.

  “She’s crying though. Willow, is everything alright?”

  “Yes, yes I’m fine. We were just having a girly moment.”

  “Are you sure? Because I can still take her down if you want me to,” Asher teases.

  “You do that and I’m telling Mom!” Amelia shouts.

  “Bring it on sis, bring it on.”

  “Alright you two, I think we need to get going. We don’t want to be late.”

  “Amelia, thank you for helping Willow get ready, these are for you.” Reaching just outside the bedroom door in the hallway, he hands Amelia orange roses.

  “And these are for you.” He hands me a bouquet of pink roses.

  “They’re beautiful, pink is my favorite color. How fitting between breast cancer pink, the jewelry and the gown and now the roses, everything is pink.”

  “We should go. Simon is waiting downstairs for us.”

  Asher

  Seei
ng Willow standing in my bedroom looking so beautiful took my breath away. I couldn’t help but think she looked like she belonged there in my room, in my house. She is such a beautiful woman inside and out. Escorting her outside helping her in the car, she sits close holding my hand.

  “You look handsome tonight, and I have to say I’ve seen you in a three-piece suit every day at work. I’ve seen you in jeans and a T-shirt. I’ve even seen you in nothing but boxers, but you in that tux. I think that might be my favorite. I’m going to have to keep a close eye on you tonight and fight off all the single ladies, probably even some married ones. Hmm, on second thought you in just boxers that might be my favorite, but no one else gets to see you in that.”

  “No, no they don’t and thank you, but I’m afraid I’ll be the one to keep a close eye on you. You look absolutely beautiful tonight.”

  “I never did ask, what is the benefit for tonight?”

  “Actually, I can’t believe I didn’t tell you, it’s for cancer research.”

  “Oh. How fitting.”

  Pulling up in front of the hotel, Simon opens my door. I walk around and reach in for Willow’s hand. We walk hand in hand into the banquet room. Large round tables are set with fine china. Music plays softly in the back ground. I check the list for our table number, and lead Willow to our seat. The tables fill in quickly, and dinner is served.

  The main speaker gets up and does his presentation. Willow sits by me listening to the man talk about his cancer and his fifteen-year remission. Wiping a tear with the back of her hand, I grab her other hand and give it a squeeze. She smiles and goes back to listening to the man, as he finishes his speech. After dessert, we are requested to go into the ballroom for dancing and an open bar. Taking Willow’s hand, we head to the dance floor, holding each other close.

  After several songs, we head over to the bar for a soda. I can tell the man behind us is drunk and should definitely not be getting another drink. He bumps into Willow causing her to stumble. Grabbing onto her arm to steady her, the man slurs, “Ssorry didn’t see ya there.”

  Willow turns around and tells the man, “Don’t worry it’s alright.” He takes one look at her, and his eyes go to her chest, from dancing her dress shifted and the very top of her port is showing.