“A metamorphosis had occurred,” he commented.
“The butterfly returns,” she replied.
“I want details after my 8:30 meeting,” he stated, “I should be done by 11 or so.”
“I won't be here,” she said over her shoulder, “Lunch date.”
He smiled and headed for his meeting.
Bruce, Lynn and Jeff were scheduled to do a final review of the contract at 9:00 AM. Lynn arrived at 8:30 and she silently waited with John, until Bruce got off of the phone.
Bruce turned in his chair and after a brief hesitation said, “Jeff, I think the contract review will need to be rescheduled. I need to meet with Lynn first.”
Jeff looked at Lynn protectively, afraid Bruce was going to reprimand her behavior of yesterday. He had known that Bruce had been on the phone with Paul Dillard-Thompson when he arrived for the meeting. The look on Bruce's face told Jeff that the postponement was not an option.
“What time tomorrow would be good for you Lynn?” Jeff asked.
“She won't be here tomorrow,” Bruce said calmly. “But, Jeff, you and I can meet tomorrow at 9:00 AM.”
Lynn's happiness faded from her face. Jeff looked with shock at Bruce, and began to protest.
“Out,” said Bruce calmly. “Now.”
Jeff looked at Lynn with sympathy, trying to give her support and encouragement. Silently his mind cried 'It must be worse than I thought. Be brave.' He winked at her, in an effort to show his loyalty, and left without comment. Lynn searched Bruce's face, for a clue to his statement. He looked only mildly angry, but also a bit sad.
“Out with it,” she said finally. “I can't stand this silent treatment. What is going on?”
Bruce looked at her sternly. His anger rising again.
“You tell me what's going on. I demand loyalty and trust above all else. And you have betrayed both. I want an explanation.”
Lynn felt as if she was repeating the conversation with Paul, and wondered if Bruce's reaction had anything to do with him. Yet, the accusations from Bruce angered her.
“I have never betrayed your trust,” she retorted. “And no one could be more loyal. Both to you and this company. I think I deserve to know how you have come to these erroneous conclusions!”
Bruce smiled at her demand, and she felt even more bewildered.
“What are you trying to do here, Bruce?”
“I just wanted to hear that from you, Lynn,” he smiled looking relieved. “Now let's start at the beginning. Who is Sandra? Why did Paul Dillard-Thompson call and demand you have the rest of the week to spend educating him on the details of our corporation? And why do I have this foreboding feeling that I am going to loose my best V.P. soon?”
Lynn looked at him with shock, then anger, and at his final comment, had to laugh out loud with her own relief. Bruce was confused by her reactions and waited patiently for enlightenment. Lynn began by reassuring Bruce he was not going to loose her. She continued with a summary of her trip, and her relationship with Paul.
Bruce informed her that Sandra had been the source of his accusations of disloyalty. She had attempted to persuade Bruce to not allow Lynn at the meeting yesterday. Sandra had informed him that Lynn had been the mastermind behind the attempted cancellation of the contract, and the reason that Paul had requested no women in their meetings.
“I have to confess, that I was the reason behind the attempted cancellation,” Lynn said. “But I was an unknowing catalyst.”
Lynn then detailed for Bruce the lies that Sandra had fabricated about Bruce and Lynn having an affair. She explained that, Paul, in a rage of revenge and anger, had tried to break the contract. Bruce was appalled.
By the time Lynn had finished explaining how Sandra had attempted to validate the lie, Bruce was furious. They both sat in silence. Lynn, reflecting on the sadness of the situation. She felt pity for or her former friend, and for Sandra. Both embittered and hateful. One behind bars, and one imprisoned by anger and self doubt. Bruce was concentrating on forming a plan of action. But his mind rejected all the ideas as he thought of them.
“So, what about Paul?” Bruce asked finally. “His actions yesterday indicated that he still believes the lies. Yet, today he was friendly in his insistence that you educate him on our business.”
“We talked last night,” said Lynn. “Until then, I wasn't even aware of the accusations or his resulting behavior. I simply thought I had read too many emotions into a vacation romance. Yesterday, I believed that he was in love with someone else.”
“And now?”
“Now, we're going to start over,” said Lynn with more calm than she felt. “Clean slate, forgive and forget.”
“I'm glad to hear that. Because he should be here in about 30 minutes.”
Lynn's heart leapt. Something inside of her stirred. Perhaps they truly could forgive and forget. She got up to return to her office. At the door, Bruce called to her.
“Lynn,” he teased, “I do expect you both to work this week. Paul need to know every number on all our financial reports.”
“He probably already does,” smiled Lynn.
“You're probably right,” Bruce laughed. “Now get out of here, and go educate our newest Executive!”
“Yes, sir!” Lynn saluted, and walked back to her office with a radiant smile plastered on her face.
*****
Paul and Lynn were married three months later, in her parents small church in Texas.
The three months in between had been busy ones. Lynn and Paul had flown to Texas so Paul could meet her family. Then they booked a trip back to Australia for Lynn to meet Paul’s family. His mother greeted her warmly, and immediately approved. Paul’s father was a bit reserved at first, but when he was convinced that Lynn was not after Paul for his money, he became Lynn’s biggest fan.
All that travel, in addition to planning the wedding and setting up dual residency. Lynn had set up an office with Paul in Sydney, and Paul had established an office at the Corporate Headquarters in San Francisco. During their trip to visit Paul’s parents, Lynn had permanently moved her cat, Cassie, to Paul’s house in Australia. It seemed Cassie should move there, as most of their time would be spent Australia. Cassie had adjusted well, as it seemed she loved the ocean in Australia as much as Lynn. She would sit and watch the gulls for hours.
Katherine had agreed to be Lynn’s Maid of Honor, and Doug was to be Paul’s Best Man. Yet the plans changed when called Lynn in tears two weeks before the wedding, explaining that she and Doug had a falling out about the trip. Katherine had shared her excitement with Doug about them exploring places in San Francisco for their honeymoon, but he had reacted with much hostility and instead postponed their wedding plans indefinitely. Then he and cancelled his trip. He had not even called Paul to explain.
Katherine was confused and heartbroken. She had many of the plans already finalized for her wedding to Doug in December. Her dress hung in the closet, and the printed invitations were to go out next month. Her family was reassuring her that it would all work out. Lynn was not convinced. She was supportive of her friend, but not surprised that Doug’s true character had begun to surface. Lynn had been relieved that Doug had decided not to fly over with the Coleman family, even if that did mean that Paul had to find someone else to be his Best Man.
Paul met Jeff during their contract dealings in San Francisco, and they had become good friends. He was already planning to come for the wedding, so when Doug cancelled, Paul suggested Jeff stand in as his Best Man. Lynn enthusiastically agreed.
Jeff Anderson flew in several days early to meet with Lynn and Paul to take care of all the legal matters for their international marriage. He had also agreed to handle all the ongoing legal matters for the merging of their two companies. Lynn was relieved that at least one of her current friends would be working with them in Australia. Even if it would be temporary.
Paul chartered a flight from Sydney for his family and friends to all attend from Australia. A suite of rooms was reserved at a five star hotel near Lynn’s parents house for all of their out of town, and out of country guests. All of the expenses for the flights and hotels for their family and friends was graciously paid for by the groom.
The Australia delegation arrived a week early, and Paul’s Family spent much of their time getting to know the Eastman’s. They all got along famously. Barbara, Duane and Katherine spent much of the week helping Lynn with all the many details of the wedding. Katherine was trying her best to stay cheerful for her friend, but Lynn could see the sadness in her eyes. Lynn realized the wedding was going to be difficult for Katherine, but she was glad she was able to be with her friend during this emotional turmoil.
Lynn’s secretary, Susan, also flew in a week early to help Lynn with the wedding arrangements. She and Katherine had been invaluable help, and they became good friends during the course of the week.
Unfortunately Katherine and Jeff seemed to have an instant animosity. Lynn had been hopeful that the two of them would hit it off, and secretly prayed that they would become even more than friends. Jeff seemed like the perfect match for Katherine. At least that was Lynn’s impression. They, however, seemed to have a different opinion. She was unsure that they could even remain civil enough to each other to walk in together for the wedding as the Maid of Honor and Best Man.
Bruce, John & Steve all flew in from California with their wives the day before the wedding.
Pastor Wilson agreed to officiated at the ceremony, and his wife, and a few of the members from Lynn’s bible study flew in for the wedding as well.
*****
The morning of her wedding, Lynn awoke to a beautiful, sunny, hot July day in Texas. Lynn laid in bed for a few moments, just relishing the reality that today was her wedding day. The day she had dreamed of her entire life. The day she had planned a thousand times during her younger years. This was her dream come true day.
She thanked the Lord for the wonderful man she was to marry. Paul Dillard -Thompson. A man of integrity. A man of faith. A man of courage. Her man. Soon to be her husband. She sighed as she stretched and rolled out of bed to dress for her wedding.
It was a beautiful but simple wedding. Paul felt as if he were seeing a vision when Lynn walked in on her Father’s arm. He had never seen anything, or anyone, so lovely. He fought back tears, remembering how he had almost thrown it all away. He closed his eyes for just a moment, in silent thanks to God for this day.
Lynn could barely believe the man consuming her with his gaze at the end of the aisle. He was truly her Prince Charming. Then man she had waited for, all these years. She took a deep breath and thanked the Lord for working out what seemed to be an impossible situation.
All in attendance agreed that Lynn was as stunning as a Princess in the strapless designer gown, made especially for her. Paul, too, was more handsome than any Prince in his black tux with tails. Katherine and Jeff behaved themselves and walked in as Best Man and Maid of Honor without a quarrel. Lynn’s Dad walked her down the aisle without a stumble or a tear. Lynn and Paul’s mothers both cried tears of joy for their children. Pastor Wilson was funny and solum at exactly the right times. His short sermon about the Love of Christ touched the hearts and souls of all in attendance.
Lynn and Paul couldn’t have been more pleased. It was indeed a perfect wedding. Small and intimate with all of the people that meant the most to them in attendance.
Following a brief reception, Paul & Lynn flew to Lynn’s home in San Francisco. All their friends and family would be joining them there the next night for their big reception party in California.
Lynn was glad to be home. She had always felt that she wanted to spend her wedding night in her own home. She didn't want a bridal suite, at some impersonal hotel.
The house seemed strangely empty to Lynn when they arrived, since Cassie was not there to greet them at the door.
“I am certain Cassie is having the time of her life with our housekeeper in Australia,” said Paul sensitively.
Lynn smiled at her husband. “You always know the right things to say,” she teased.
“Not always,” he reflected sadly. “But a happy ending is what counts.”
Suddenly Lynn was aghast. “Paul,” she squealed, “You didn't carry me over the threshold!”
Paul picked her up with ease, and carried her back outside.
“If I get a hernia do you promise not to take me to the hospital until after you have ravaged my body?”
“I do,” she laughed.
Paul began to nibble on her ear. Gently he set her on her feet, and began kissing her passionately. Lynn felt the now familiar rush in her head. Her breath quickened as Paul's hand idly traced patterns on her back. She reached for him in love and trust. Paul, her husband. The man of her dreams. And this was her wedding night! She moaned quietly, as his lips left hers and began assaulting her neck.
“I love you Lynn,” he breathed huskily. “More than I have ever loved anyone.”
He stared deeply into her eyes, as his hands continued to hold her. Lynn had never felt so loved or alive.
“I love you Paul,” she answered, her voice heavy with passion.
Once again, Paul leaned over her. She felt herself in his arms, being carried up the stairs. Lynn closed her eyes and sighed. Paul laid her gently on the bed, where together, the desires of their hearts, and the passions of their minds would reach the highest of heights. Lynn snuggled closer and felt the steady beat of Paul's heart. She felt secure.
Their wedding night proved to be all she had dreamed it would be. Paul was sensuous, yet, gentle. Passionate, yet tender. She had never felt so alive.
Paul pulled her closer in the unconsciousness of sleep, and called her name softly. She could feel his heart beating as she nibbled on his ear. His eyes opened slowly, and he gazed at her with love. He closed them again and released a deep sigh, as if not wanting to awaken from a dream.
She gently kissed his eyelids, the tip of his nose, his chin and moved to brush his lips with hers. His hands began exploring her body, touching off flames of desire as they moved. His eyes now wide open, the passion shining.
“I must be dreaming,” he smiled. “But if I am, promise me I never have to wake up.”
“You're the dream,” Lynn teased. “My very own dream come true.”
Paul pulled her closer to him, and kissed his wife.
“You enthrall me,” he sighed, as their night of love continued.
*****
The morning sun brought an unfamiliar shyness for Lynn. Yet Paul, quick to notice her timidness, soon had her laughing with sheer delight. As she burst into another round of giggles, the mood changed. Paul once again had her senses reeling and her head spinning. Lynn was overjoyed with the man she loved.
Reluctantly Paul and Lynn acknowledged they needed to start the day. That evening would be their reception party in San Francisco for all of their friends and business associates there.
The reception was a huge success. Hundreds of people from the San Francisco area were in there, with all of the wedding guests flying in from Texas to join them as well. No expense was spared. The celebration made the bride and groom the talk of the town, as they danced into the hearts of all in attendance. The wedding couple and their guests danced until morning, and even then left reluctantly. Lynn and Paul stayed until the very end, even through they were to leave for Tahiti the next day, to continue their honeymoon on the way back to Australia.
*****
Lynn was quite tired when they arrived in Tahiti. She confessed she could sleep for days. The parties and travel wore her out. Paul, however, had something besides sleeping on his mind.
“You're an absolute cad,” Lynn teased. “But you win, I'm addicted to you.”
“A habit I'll never let you break,” he said as he carried her over yet another threshold.
“I could get use to this,” Lynn smiled.
“I'm counting on it,” he replied, as Lynn kicked the door shut with her foot.
The rest of the week in Tahiti was spent together in the bliss of love. Their honeymoon flew by too fast. Lazy days in the sun, and sleepless nights in their private paradise.
“Are you happy?” Paul asked one day.
“More than I ever dreamed possible!” Lynn replied.
“I haven’t thought of the office for days,” Paul stated.
“This is the best escape from work I ever had!” Lynn shared.
“The best!” Paul agreed, laughing with his new wife.
*****
The morning of their departure, Lynn felt a stirring in her soul. She was truly going off to her new life with Paul. A strange melancholy overcame her, as she thought lovingly of the friends and family she would miss so desperately. Yet, it was replaced by an excitement of even greater magnitude.
She thought of life with Paul, in their beautiful house at Palm Beach. She thought of the life they would share. Growing old together, watching the unchanging sea.
As she snuggled closer to Paul, Lynn had never felt such contentment. She thanked God for her husband, and methodically fingered the diamond heart he had given her. Paul awoke and surveyed his bride.
“Good morning Mrs. Dillard -Thompson,” he said as he kissed her expertly. Yet, Paul sensed her reserve and stared deep into her eyes.
“What is it my love?” he asked tenderly.
“Ambivalence,” she replied. “I'll miss my friends and family, but not nearly as much as I missed you.”
He pulled her closer, “I am so happy Lynn. It has been a perfect honeymoon.”
“Yes, it has. I can't believe we have to leave today. I never felt less like going back to the office.”
“Especially now that your reputation is ruined,” he teased.
Lynn stared at him. Confusion in her dark green eyes.
“Rumor has it,” he continued, “That you are involved with a married man at the office.”
“What?” Lynn replied distressed. She saw the amusement in his eyes and smiled. “This time I must admit, I am guilty as charged,” she I stated. “I am involved with my husband.”
*****