“
Happy Birthday!” they all yelled, and Percy and Megs jumped with delight.
“
How fun!” Carlee yelled back. “What a nice surprise! Thank you!”
They
ate pizza, talked and laughed into the evening. Finally, they gathered for the cake.
Andy looked at Carlee, the beautiful woman she’d become, and his mind drifted.
Twenty…
He thought about Beth missing out on her, John not knowing what he missed the years before he passed away, and those since, and Matthew trying to plan a life for them together…
Where did all those years go?
And he thought again that he couldn’t love her more, or be more proud if she were his own flesh and blood.
Matthew saw him across the room.
He was thinking many of the same thoughts. He looked to where Carlee was standing near the cake. Geni had lit the candles, and Matthew saw the glow on her face as she blew them out, everyone singing to her. He couldn’t love anyone more than the two women he saw across from him.
Later, Matthew was standing at the window looking out. With his hands in his pockets, peering out the window, he was thinking of the future. The backyard looked like a quiet, peaceful haven. Geni had birdhouses everywhere and a beautiful flower garden with a bench and the river close by. It was a nice evening and lights were on outside. Andy joined him at the window, draping an arm around his shoulder. “Share your thoughts?”
“
Just dreading having to go back,” Matthew replied.
But Andy knew it was more; it was leaving Carlee behind, missing his dad, worrying about his mom, thinking about his future;
his future with Carlee, as well.
“
That bench looks mighty appealing, let’s go have a seat,” Andy said.
Carlee noticed the two of them go out the door and take a seat on the bench. She looked out the window; Andy was leaned over with his elbows on his knees. She could tell he was talking, and Matthew nodded as he spoke.
“
I was wrong,” Andy said.
“
About what?” Matthew asked.
“
Why don’t you tell me about this job, and you and Carlee,” Andy said.
Matthew talked for a while and Andy listened.
Finally, Matthew said; “I just can’t imagine all these days without her. It’s hard to think that I can’t be right there if she needs something.” He paused, “That flight here took forever. Nine and a half hours is a long time when you need someone.”
Andy thought of Beth
, and all those
‘shoulda, coulda, wouldas.’
“
I accepted, and I know the job at the University is a huge opportunity, but I’m torn like I can’t even tell you because of what it means - me being there and her being here.”
Andy thought a minute before he spoke. He took a big, deep breath
and then said; “Then let’s figure this out, Matt; figure out what we need to do about school, and plan a wedding,” he said.
Matthew smiled at him, and with no hesitation, no more conversation, he rose from the bench and said;
“I’ll go tell Carlee.”
When they went back inside, everyone was gathered in the living room talking. They’d pulled chairs from the dining room, and kitchen, and some were sitting on the floor. There was laughter, and it was a pleasant sound. Andy and Matthew made the rounds topping off everyone’s glasses. Finally, Andy looked at Matthew and nodded.
“
Carlee, I have something I need to say.” He pulled her to her feet from the spot on the floor where she was playing. He held her hands and looked around the room at all those people he loved.
“
I already asked you to spend forever with me and you said ‘yes.’ Now I’m asking you to set a date. Carlee, marry me and let’s make it official.”
She stood frozen,
“But…”
“
No ‘but’,” he said. “Let’s do this thing.” Everyone started clapping.
Saturday they gathered to go to the funeral home to meet friends. Matthew was in the kitchen waiting when he saw Carlee approach. He went to her, wrapping her in his embrace. “I’m so glad you’re here,” he whispered in her ear, burying his face in her neck, drinking in the smell of her.
“I couldn’t
be anywhere else, Matthew Davis,” she whispered. She looked up and saw Geni enter the room. She was watching them, smiling. Carlee noticed Geni’s dress, and looked down at hers. They were wearing similar navy blue dresses, and the two of them laughed. As Andy came into the kitchen, Matthew looked at his suit. They too, were both wearing navy blue and the group started laughing. Kimmy, Lane, Jenna and Marissa joined them in the kitchen and laughed over the choice of attire, as well.
They made their way to the funeral home
, and shared a somber moment when they entered the chapel. Finally, Brian and Thomas came in and went to greet their mom. As they joined the rest of the group, everyone started laughing. Both men were wearing navy blue suits. Andy broke into a whispered chorus of “I’m so blue…” followed by laughter; exactly what they needed at the moment.
The funeral home was filled with people as m
any came to pay their respects. Tom Davis had grown up in the area, and he and Geni were both well-known, and well liked. Matthew introduced Carlee to family friends and relatives, proudly referring to her as his “soon-to-be-wife”.
Sunday morning was a lazy one, everyone gathered in the kitchen to share coffee and pastries. Thomas, Brian and their families were back around one that afternoon to spend the day. Geni loved them all being there, filling her house with chatter, laughter and love, and she dreaded the quiet that she knew would follow once they all left.
On Monday morning, all the people who Geni Davis now considered her family, gathered to say ‘Good-Bye’ to Thomas Grayson Davis. Marissa left afterward to return to the college. Kimmy, Lane and Jenna made the drive back south. Geni, her boys and their families, and Carlee and Andy spent that last afternoon together. They all knew they would be together in a few days to celebrate Matthew’s graduation, but it seemed they didn’t want to part ways just yet… ‘together’ seemed a good place to be.
Matthew was leaving the next morning, and he didn’t care what anyone thought, when it was time to call it a night he went to Carlee’s bed. He left the door open, but he wasn’t leaving without spending the night holding her.
His flight was
at six Tuesday morning. Carlee, Andy and Geni took him to the airport. Andy and Geni left them at the terminal and Carlee walked with him as far as they would allow her to go. Matthew dropped his bag and pulled her into his arms. He drew his fingers through her hair, pulling her to him, and kissed her. He knew, before he felt the tears that she was crying.
“
Don’t cry,” he whispered in her ear. “You’ll be there in a week. We have plenty to talk about, lots to plan. Our future, Carlee,” he added.
She snuggled further into his arms and cried harder. “I’m crying because I’m happy. I’m thinking of ‘forever’ with you and I can’t wait.”
Matthew kissed her again, turned to wave good-bye to Andy and Geni
. He grabbed Carlee for one more kiss before he went through security. Andy and Geni exchanged glances and laughed; they were both crying.
CHAPTER TWENTY
~ A Beginning
Carlee
couldn’t wait to get to London. Her semester was complete the first week in December, and she and Marissa packed up for the holiday break. Carlee was going home first, and then flying to London on the tenth. When she returned to school in January she’d meet with her advisor to discuss ideas on how to proceed.
She pul
led into the driveway, and Andy met her at the door. She called when she was leaving St. Augustine and knew he’d been watching for her, he always did. When she entered the house, she dropped her purse and her hand went to her mouth. “Oh, my gosh! What did you do?” she yelled. “Turn around, let me look at you!”
He did
, and again she yelled, “Oh, my gosh! I just can’t even believe what I’m seeing!” She hugged him, rustling her fingers through his hair. “I just can’t believe it!”
“
Do you like it?” he asked and Carlee nodded. “Kimmy did it yesterday. I decided the Father of the Bride shouldn’t have hair longer than his daughter. I need time to adjust, but I like it,” he said, and then added, “I think! Giovanna’s for pizza tonight?”
“
I think not. I have other plans.”
“
Really?” he asked, clearly disappointed that she may not be there to spend the evening with him.
“
Really,” she said and waited a moment before she continued. “He doesn’t know it yet, but I have a date with a very handsome man.” She ran her fingers through his hair again. “I’m going to cook for him. It’s something I’ve never done.”
“
I am sure he’ll be most appreciative. He’s a very lucky man. Anyone I know?” he laughed and again she nodded.
“
What are you fixing me? I’m starving!” he said, poking fun at her.
“
Laugh now,” she giggled, “you may not be able later! Let me get my things from the car and put them in my room, then we’ll go to the grocery store. Papa, I still can’t believe it!” His ponytail was gone. The style was short and kind of messy, and she liked it a lot.
“
I’m still shocked when I look in the mirror. I’ve heard myself say ‘who the hell is that?’ more than once! I’ve had the ponytail since high school!” he laughed. “You’ll be proud of me, Carlee.”
“
Always proud Papa, why now?” she laughed.
“
I donated it to the Wigs for Kids.”
“
Awesome!” she yelled. “You drive, I need to call Matthew.” They got in Andy’s car and headed the few blocks to the store.
“
Well, hello there,” she said sweetly, as Matthew answered. They were on the video application so she could see the smile on his face.
“
Carlee,” he said.
“
Wait!” she laughed lightly. “Don’t say anything all mushy, I’m with Papa and he’s listening! Hang on a sec, you gotta see this!” She turned the phone toward Andy.
“
Does he know about your date?” Andy asked.
“
Actually it was my idea,” Matthew said. “I figured if I gotta suffer through this learning to cook thing, you may as well too!” and they all laughed. “Wait! What the… Where’s all your hair?”
“
Gone!” Andy laughed.
“
Can you believe it Matthew? I’m still in shock!” she said, once more running her fingers though Andy’s hair so Matthew could see. “I’ll call you later. I just wanted you to know I was here. I love you!”
They made it up and down the aisles at the grocery store, Carlee dropping items into the basket as Andy pushed. She dropped a few things that Matthew liked, but weren’t available in the U.K., into the basket to take with her. When they got to the register, Andy pulled out his wallet.
“
No, this is my treat,” she said pushing his hand away.
He leaned and whispered in her ear.
“What is it that you want?” She laughed and pushed him away. The cashier knew them from previous visits and laughed at the exchange.
Back at the house
, Carlee began preparing the meal she’d planned. “Go pour us a glass of wine and turn on some of your ‘chill music.’ You can sit at the table and watch me perform my magic!” she laughed.
He did as she said, and as he watched her he noticed something; she was happy. He hadn’t seen that in a while, and it made him smile. She puttered and banged pots and pans, cooking, and cleaning up the mess as she went along. Finally, she came to the table and sat with him. “Twenty minutes!”
“
Everything’s set for the trip over for graduation. I changed my ticket. I’m going to Jacksonville to fly over with Geni,” Andy told her.
Carlee liked that.
She knew from talking with them both that he and Geni were talking on a regular basis.
“
We’ll all be at White’s. I reserved the private dining room for the night before, and the afternoon after the graduation ceremony,” he told her.
“
Matthew is very glad that everyone’s coming; he’s missing Tom.”
“
It’s the milestones that are hardest when someone is missing,” Andy said, patting her hand, remembering every milestone in Carlee’s life. “I wouldn’t miss it for anything. I know Geni is anxious. Thomas, Brian, and the girls have been keeping her busy, but I know she’s ready for some Matthew time, now.”
The timer went off and Carlee rose to get it. “Here goes, Papa! Pour some more wine and prepare yourself to be amazed!”
It was chicken in lemon sauce and she served it over rice with a salad and rolls.
They ate and chatted, and finally Andy said; “Wow Carlee, that was really good.”
“
I heard you making those yummy noises!” she laughed, and added, “Don’t get too excited. It was one of those recipes they have in the store. I’ve been collecting them,” she said. “You pick up the card and it tells you everything you need, including step by step instructions, right down to ‘wash hands.’ The chicken was already breaded and ready to go, all I had to do was put it all together.”
He
reached to place a tender hand on her cheek. “Well, my dear, you put it together nicely.” The music playing was an eclectic mix and as Andy heard Nat King Cole’s “Unforgettable” as he reached for Carlee’s hand. “We haven’t shared a dance since London. This song brings fond memories. May I have the pleasure?”
“
I’d love to…”
He wrapped her in his arms and kissed the top of her head, and had to blink back tears
as they danced in the kitchen.
The next day was a lazy one as Carlee prepared for her trip.
~ ~ ~
Matthew met her at the airport after his shift at Six
.
He decided to stay part-time until Carlee could be there full-time. His teaching position didn’t start until January ninth. The changes taking place excited him, but every tomorrow with Carlee excited him more.
She let him know ahead of time that she was checking bags, so he was waiting in baggage claim as she arrived. It was just after ten when she saw him, and ran into his arms.
“
Oh man, am I ever glad you’re here!” he yelled as he grabbed her and they shared kisses.
Matthew brought dinner home with him, and they settled in at the flat. It was an early, lazy night; the trip always left her tired, with the time difference and the anxiousness. Matthew showered and they crawled in bed. Carlee scooted close into his arms, his fingers skimming her skin, shivers ran up her spine. She whispered softly in his ear, “I’m freezing. Can you warm it up in here?”
Matthew threw the covers back to go turn the thermostat up but she reached for his hand. “Not
that
heat,” she laughed.
Wednesday morning, Matthew was up first, he put coffee on and warmed the oven for scones that Cook sent home with him for Carlee, her favorite, brown sugar. He heard her stir and went back to the bed.
“
Good morning, beautiful.” He crawled back in bed to kiss her, and held her in his arms. “I love it when you’re here.”
“
How long ‘til the scones are ready?” she asked in a sleepy voice.
“
Twenty more minutes…”
“
Good…” she said pulling him closer.
They got out of bed as the timer was going off. Matthew got the scones and Carlee poured their coffee. They sat at the table and talked about a wedding.
“Spring in London?” she asked as they started looking at the calendar. “I think we should get married here, so you don’t have to come home. We’ll explore some places to have a wedding and reception. It’ll be jumbled up some because I’ll have to get back.”
“Are you sure we can’t we do it tomorrow?” he asked with a smile. “I am sooo ready to be married to you!”
“
I’ll finish the next term, and postpone the following, so I can spend that time with you until we figure out about transferring to a college here. Marissa and I’ve been surfing the ‘net, and I’m meeting with my advisor when I go back. What do you think of Saturday March 24
th
? That’s my spring break,” she said.
“
I think there should be a wedding that day,” he replied and leaned in for a kiss.
They ran out to do some errands; and Carlee asked him to take her to shop. “I swear I’ll only be a few minutes. You can drop me off and drive around the block and I’ll call you.”
“
What do you need?” he asked her.
“
A coat!” she laughed. “I don’t have a warm one, and this thing of yours is warm, but it’s huge! I look like the Michelin tire dude!” she said, and they both laughed.
Matthew parked the car. He decided he could use a new shirt to wear with his suit
, so they went in together and shopped. A few minutes turned into a couple hours and several bags of warm clothes for her. They also had bags of things she wanted for the kitchen. Next, they went to the grocery store. Matthew wanted spaghetti for dinner, and they stocked up on what they needed for the next few days.
Later, with the sauce simmering, they snuggled on the sofa. He watched her, listening as she shared ideas, and it made him happy. Whatever she wanted was fine with him. He just couldn’t wait to spend the rest of his life with her.
“
Hello…? Are you listening to me,” she said and laughed.
“
Yep, London, school, wedding…” his elbow on the arm of the sofa, he rested his head on his hand looking at her.
“
What?”
“
Just thinking…”
“
About?”
“
You,” he laughed, “Thinking about you in the other room, actually.”
“
The kitchen?” she teased.
“
No, the other ‘other’ room,” he laughed.
The next morning, Matthew went out to pick up his suit from the cleaner. Carlee was surfing the Internet when he returned. The date set, she was ready to start planning. Matthew entered with a bundle of daisies for her.
“
You are so sweet! Come surf with me.”
“
May I show you something first,” he asked.
“
Sure,” she said, pushing the screen his direction.
“
I had an idea and stopped at White’s to talk to Damon while I was out. I wanted to know some options before I shared with you. He suggested you take a look at this. I’ll tell you what I’m thinking after you look at the pictures and read the information.”
She looked at what he shared with her
. Quiet, she intently studied the information. “Matthew! I know exactly what you are thinking,” she said excitedly.
“
Carlee, it was our beginning.”
“
I know, and I love it!” she said, delighted that he thought of it.
“
I told him our thoughts about the reception the evening before, he liked that it was different.” He could see her mind racing, and smiled at her. “I already had him put the dates on the calendar.”
“
Yes!” she said and hugged him, “Yes, I love it!”
She looked at the clock. Geni and
Andy would be arriving around 5:30. Matthew made late reservations at the restaurant Six for them. He and Carlee would meet them there at eight.
On the flight over, Andy and Geni talked, a lot. They’d become good friends over the last year and a half. She was excited and proud of Matthew. And she adored Carlee. “Andy, I have a surprise for Carlee, can I tell you about it?”
“
Sure,” he said.
“
Matthew already knows,” she paused. “Tom was a smart man, he knew he wasn’t getting any younger and he always made sure he kept things up to date, ‘just in case’ he would say. After Carlee came into our lives and he saw her passion for the Butterfly Camp, he made a change to his Will. We talked about it, but it was a no-brainer for me when he mentioned it the first time. Somehow, I knew she’d be part of our lives.” She looked at Andy and shared a smile before she continued. “I’ve done some homework, and talked to my attorney the other day. There is an adjourning plot of land to the camp that’s being purchased in Tom’s honor.”