Appointment with a Smile (28 page)

“You’re safe now,” I whispered.

“Perhaps.” Her eyes dimmed slightly. “But unforeseen crisis is always around. From the Jetway, to the tarmac, and in the air. Some humans are evil.”

“Most humans aren’t.” I took her hand in mine and kissed her fingertips.

After dinner, we left. Fiona was somewhat blitzed. When the limousine arrived at her hotel, she told me I was probably not a complete fool. She wished us a good, safe return trip to Colorado. I was to keep a bleeping paintbrush in hand until Boston. I promised I’d be diligent in producing more paintings.

As the limo driver dropped off Carrie and Esther at Carrie’s, Esther told me she would take a cab to the airport in the morning and meet me at the check-in desk.

I hugged Carrie goodbye. She whispered in my ear, “You must keep one thing in mind. Bethany can move anywhere she wants, anytime she wants. If she wants to up sticks and move, she can. You and Bethany belong together. That’s it, really.”

The trip to the Marshall inched on until we arrived in my suite. Carrie’s words echoed. I wondered if that really was it. Bethany appeared glum, but no more than I. She’d slipped one of the tiny bison into my handbag. I missed her already.

As we slid beneath the covers, her warmth enticed me. Within her embrace, I understood that this was really it. I moved away from her.

“What’s wrong?” she asked.

“Bethany, you know I have feelings for you. Sometimes loving someone means you need to give them time to consider. You need to consider what our being together would cost you.”

“We’ve been over this. I’m willing to take the chance.” Her face reflected the pain of rejection. “It’s evident that you aren’t. You’ve dealt with so much, and in so little time, Danielle. I can’t blame you for wanting…” She hesitated. “For needing a time-out.”

My hand swiped across my eyes. They burned from executing the many miniscule brushstrokes over the past two weeks and from the multitude of tears I’d shed. “I’m sorry for what I’ve put you through. You deserve better.”

She closed her eyes. It reminded me of the final curtain dropping on a play. When she opened them again, she sighed. “You could be right, but I don’t believe you are. I love you more than you’ll ever know.”

I started to speak and stopped as I gathered my thoughts. “Bethany, I’ve never known a more special woman than you.”

Those words were all I was willing to give at that moment, but we both knew I hadn’t said enough.

Chapter 51

Esther and I boarded easily without the strip search. We took our first-class seats that Fiona had upgraded. We began to chat. Esther was ecstatic. Beyond the flight upgrade, Fiona had picked up her hotel bill.

Then Esther immediately zeroed in on last night. “How did it go with Bethany?”

“A very warm and gentle night. Difficult to say goodbye this morning.”

“You’re so lucky. Don’t you realize most of us don’t even meet one good, tenderhearted woman who’s compatible? You’ve had two women fall in love with you.”

“One left me,” I reminded her.

“But Molly continued to love you, and there were extenuating circumstances. That leaves one who still loves you.”

“I know where this conversation is going, Esther. I realize I’m taking a chance in not making a commitment now. I asked Bethany to visit in a couple of weeks.”

“Listen to yourself. Do you think you might want to take the chance on love again?”

“Not at someone else’s expense.” I opened my shoulder bag and saw the toy stuffed bison. I wondered if Bethany might be looking at hers.

“Oh, then by all means, be an altruistic jerk. Give up the woman you love because you don’t want to inconvenience her. Great plan, Danielle.”

I looked out onto the tarmac. “After saying goodbye to her earlier this morning, I’ll admit, I might have made a big mistake. I can’t stop thinking about her. Wishing she were here with me. Love makes all parting sad.”

“Not loving makes the world sad. You are such a pillock.”

“Is that Carrie’s latest name for me?”

“Mine and hers. She calls Fiona a sweet rum-bucket.”

I said with humor, “Fiona does put it away. I believe she drank two bottles of wine. And they were of an extremely expensive vintage. Hope she’ll be okay for her big date tonight.”

“She’s shameless. Needless to say, we had a hilarious time. Once Bethany arrived, it all seemed complete.”

“How was your parting with Carrie?”

“Hot and heavy. She’ll be visiting Colorado next month. I’ll be heading back to England the following month. The month after that, she has a couple of comp cruise tickets, and she’s invited me.”

“You’re going to have a heavy travel schedule.”

“And Bethany will be making at least one transatlantic.”

“Maybe she’ll decide my lifestyle isn’t for her.”

“She’s certainly not a mediocre human being. That reminds me of the Principle of Mediocrity.”

“Mediocrity has its own principle?” I asked with disbelief.

Esther straightened in her seat as if preparing to launch into a lecture. “The Principle of Mediocrity suggests that life on earth isn’t exceptional at all. There’s a good possibility that life is likely to be found on many other planets. There’s also the Anthropic Principle that believes the fundamental laws of the universe work to make life possible. Random chance. Like meeting people you really care about. I introduced you to two extraordinary women—Molly and Bethany—and you fell in love with them. Or are you even in love with Bethany?”

I hesitated only slightly. “Yes, I am, but I also love my home. I can’t wait to get back there and to see little Clover.”

“Clover will be excited to see you. Sadie and Aggie will be ecstatic to see me.”

“I’m sure Bethany will love Clover, too. She always had Yorkshire Terriers up until the final one died a few years ago.” I thought about the day I comforted her when she told me about her dogs.

“You keep bringing up Bethany’s name. I take it you miss her already? I knew you would. Admit it, you miss her.” Esther nudged me.

“Yes, I miss her. I’m taking a huge chance in leaving her behind, even for a couple of weeks. But she’s got her job and her home to think about.”

“You must realize she’s totally burnt out on her job. Who wouldn’t be? Who needs to live that ‘hair-on-fire’ existence? Even if you aren’t in the picture, she’s going to be leaving her job. She talked with Carrie about going on a leave of absence. LOAs are for six months. You know, if she didn’t like Colorado, she could always return to London and the airlines. Carrie said she’d always have a home with her. Bethany is a more adventuresome person than you are. I’m astounded you interest her at all. Or that you interest any woman of substance for that matter.”

“Esther, I’m feeling beat up enough without your help. You’re right about the LOA. I know I made a mistake. I should have just helped her pack.” My resolve was crumbling. “I was wrong. I didn’t even tell her I loved her before I left.”

“Is that how you truly feel? You are the most skittish human being alive.”

“Random chance,” I repeated what Esther had said earlier. “That’s my life of complete mediocrity. You’re right. I never take chances because I’m frightened. If I had my wish, Bethany would be with me right now. We each took a bison.” I again examined the small stuffed bison that jutted from my bag. “They shouldn’t be parted. They’re a matching set.”

“Call her and tell her that.”

It suddenly dawned on me that everyone was right. If she didn’t want to be with me, she would make her own decision. “Maybe she can take a flight out tomorrow. I’ll invite her.” I fumbled with my cell phone.

Esther smirked with satisfaction.

While I punched up her number on my telephone contact list, I watched the final passengers boarding. Soon I’d be flying away from the woman I loved. When she answered, I rushed on with what I wanted to say.

“Bethany, I’ve made a terrible mistake. Forgive me. I realize now that I want you with me. I love you.”

“I was beginning to think my wait might be forever,” she said. “But it was worth the wait to hear your words.”

“I know this sounds crazy, but is there any chance you can board a plane tomorrow or the next day? As soon as you can? I can’t wait to show you my Colorado.”

From my periphery, I saw Esther moving to the inside seat. I looked down the aisle. There Bethany stood folding her cell phone.

“And I can’t wait to see
our
Colorado through your eyes, Danielle. My LOA began today.” She examined her wristwatch. “Officially, an hour ago. I’m free.”

Standing, I hugged her tightly as I blinked back tears. “This is one of the best moments in my life.” I moved to the next seat and motioned for Bethany to sit.

“Mine as well.”

“What if I hadn’t called you?” I asked.

“I’d have taken the airline’s quickest turn out of Denver. Even if I had to sit on a jump seat for the return trip across the pond.”

“But you would have come to visit me in Colorado?”

“Of course.”

As she sat down and buckled up, I couldn’t take my gaze from her. This was a moment of enchantment. I took her hand. “I do love you so.”

Esther suddenly piped in, saying, “I just thought of something. If Bethany’s here, who’s watching out for bad guys?”

“We’re well-covered,” Bethany told her.

“You knew about this, Esther?”

“Naturally. I’m always a shuttle ride ahead of you. I told Bethany you would regret your decision. That at least by mid ocean, you would be wishing you’d taken a chance. We didn’t even get off the ground, and you recognized your mistake. So I congratulate you.”

“Thanks,” I said as I glowered mockingly at her. I turned back to Bethany and mouthed the words, “I love you.”

Bethany laughed as she squeezed my hand. “Yes, finally the words. And although it must be obvious by now, I’m also in love with you.”

As the plane began its ascent, I felt exhilaration. The plane continued to climb, and I felt love’s radiant elevation. I was going home. And I was sitting between two Ladybugs. One was my dear friend; the other was the woman with whom I’d fallen in love.

Part training, part diligence, Bethany began her checklist. “Can’t wait to meet your family and friends. I’ll need names and descriptions so I can keep everyone in order. But first, I want to meet Clover. I’ll definitely know her without so much as an introduction.”

“Clover will be thrilled to know you get the truly important things first. She appreciates proper prioritization.”

“Unlike you. You seemed to have left the most important thing until last.”

“Bethany, I promise you it’s the last time you won’t be first in my life. That’s my first plan.”

“What do you have in mind for the second, luv?”

“It looks like a Yorkie will be joining our household,” I said with a chuckle. “We can expect the pitter patter of extremely tiny paws.”

Epilogue

Nearly a month after I arrived back in Colorado, I boarded a private jet for Palo Alto, California. It was still very early when we landed. Samantha and Jeffery had insisted that they send their private jet to bring me to Molly’s service. They were aware I didn’t like being away from my home. According to the flight schedule, I would be returned home before Denver’s sunset.

When I arrived at the Wesleys’ luxurious beachside home, I immediately understood the beauty Molly loved about California. I also experienced the love everyone felt for Molly. Before the outdoor garden services began, I looked out at the crowd of her family and friends who knew and loved her.

A giant wall of flowers and floral sprays lined the area. The family understood fully the unconventional plant arrangement I’d chosen. I had sent a huge decorative container of pansies and assorted scented geraniums. Samantha and Jeff’s sons constantly patted the geraniums’ sprigs with precision, just as Molly had done decades ago. Lifting from the greenery was the redolence of Molly’s favorite plant. The boys giggled as they bent and sniffed. I overheard them naming the pansies.

Samantha commented that Molly would have loved it. Even more, Molly would have loved a woman’s comment I overheard. She said the plant was the most exotic she’d ever seen. Molly and I would have had an outrageous laugh at that.

My eyes suddenly became teary as I stared at the shiny silver funeral urn containing Molly’s ashes. On either side were the many paintings I’d done of her. Lining the ultra-luxurious terrace, they stretched for many yards. From paintings of her in her youth to the final painting, her beauty was evident. Samantha told me that Molly loved this place most of all.

The ocean roared in the background as a small orchestral group played ABBA’s “I Have a Dream.”

“It was her favorite,” Samantha said. “But you know that.”

“It came out after she left. Or rather as she was leaving.” But I knew it was Molly’s favorite. I just knew.

“I’m so pleased you can be here, Danielle. Thank you for the painting of the family. We all treasure it as well as the tiny teacup and saucer. The teacup set does have meaning. I had a similar set when I was a child. Mom and I had tea parties.” Her eyes glistened in the sun. “Gingersnaps and herbal mint tea. Mom lavishly fixed my small table with a snack feast. How we loved those parties.”

“She was always wonderful with children. Everyone, actually.”

“Yes, everyone. You’re settling back in Colorado?”

“Early days, but I’m very happy.” Happier than I’d been for thirty years, or thought I would ever be again, I admitted to myself. Part of the delight was witnessing the joy and love Bethany was experiencing. Both a jubilant Clover and our new little Gidgie-Two provided her with much contentment. Family and friends, of course, loved her.

Since Bethany’s arrival, the house had become more than my studio with a structure attached. She had made it a home where love transformed each room into light, laughter, and warmth. I was no longer an unabridged soul. A mirthful exuberance heightened my senses. I’d gone from living for art to living with art, and with Bethany.

“I’m so glad to hear that.” Samantha put her arm around my shoulder. “I know it would have pleased Mom to know you’re happy.”