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Word Prompt: Shimmer

Rose's Revelations

I hated to do it to Alice but I just couldn't think of anything special enough for my date with Rose. My sweet, funny sister had just rolled her eyes and packed her bag without (much) complaint when I told her my plan. I'd questioned Jake about the local offerings and asked where he took a really special date, and don't tell me Alice doesn't know that part was primarily for her benefit, but none of the scenarios stood out in my mind.

The house was a mess, unpacked boxes, construction dust, you name it but being a bestselling author does have some perks so with the promise of double time pay, Jake's ad hoc bunch of assistants turned it into a functional wonderland in only three and a half days. I was also footing the bill for a spa weekend in Seattle for Alice and Leah, how she got involved I'll never know, but what the hell; you only have your last first date once. My last minute idea for a gazebo sent everyone into a tailspin but it got finished and now I have a couple hours to unwind before Rose gets here. Workmen gone, check; Alice off to Seattle, check; champagne in the 'fridge, check; catered dinner in the warming tray, check; fragrant candles ready to be lit, check; cheesy romantic playlist ready to go, check; twinkle lights illuminating the driveway (thanks Alice), check.

Rose arrived at five minutes after the appointed time and two minutes into my hysterical panic that she wasn't coming. She was breathtaking! She was beautiful when I'd seen her working or run into her around town in her jeans and fitted tees, usually with something snarky written across the chest, and long hair in a bun or ponytail but my heart constricted when I realized she'd dressed up for me. Her denim slacks fit her in a way that made my pants suddenly seem too tight, her long hair had been let loose and cascaded down her back and her heels gave her enough height to put us eye to eye. She handed me her wrap and I might have forgotten what to do with it when her high neck, backless, sleeveless shirt was revealed. I pulled myself together when she gave me a little smirk, found the damm coat closet and about half considered locking myself in there in mortification.

Rose seemed impressed with the meal preparations so I relaxed and enjoyed myself. I gave her a tour of the house after we ate and tried to look as casual as possible while watching her walk around my bedroom. I had to get her out of there as soon as possible before I did something to guarantee she'd never want to come back so grabbing her hand, I led her into the former master suite and home to our newly completed 'dream office'. She lightly ran her fingers over the gleaming wood of the antique partner's desk in the middle of the space and spent a good ten minutes perusing the book shelves along the back wall. I had never been one to brag about my success but I felt so damm proud when she came to the shelf lined with the Brandon McCarty series and looking over her shoulder, gave me a beautiful smile. I felt like our years of hard work and Ramen suppers in the beginning were worth it just to see that smile.

Back downstairs, I poured wine and served lush chocolate cake, not a winning combination in my book, but Alice assured me good wine and rich chocolate was the way to any woman's heart and from the way Rose closed her eyes and hummed a little when she tasted it, I guess she was right. We settled in front of the fire and the conversation flowed, my earlier nerves replaced with a feeling of contented joy as Rose opened up and told me how she ended up in this little corner of the country. An Anthropology major from Arizona, she and a group of friends who shared her aversion to the usual drunken escapades had spent spring break hiking in the forests, interviewing Quileute elders, and enjoying scenery so different from what she had grown up in. Her eyes shown when she talked about that first trip and how only the determination to finish her degree and plans to return for the summer allowed her to return to Arizona and finish junior year. She met Bella and Seth over spring break and secured a job for the coming summer. After graduation, she moved here for good and continued to work at the Wolf's Den while establishing residency, then commuted to classes in Seattle for her Master's and would begin her first year of teaching, three days in Forks and two in La Push each week after the summer. She was a stunning, intelligent, hardworking, ambitious woman and I couldn't believe my luck that she had chosen to spend a rare free evening in my company; and when she confessed to being a Brandon McCarty fan it meant more to me than a spot on any bestseller list.

Our perfect evening was capped by moonlight waltzing in the new gazebo. Alice's twinkle lights causing Rose's bare skin to shimmer. Sending a silent thank you to our mother for forcing me into lessons, I rejoiced when Rose laughed as I expertly twirled her. Never letting go of her hand, I pulled her back to me and into my arms, caressed her cheek, and eyes seeking permission, pressed my lips to hers for the first time.

Stay tuned for more of Alice and Jake coming up next time. Great Grandma Sophie hasn't been forgotten and even Edward and Jasper may put in an appearance!

Please visit Babette12's WitFit entries: the Chapstick Chronicles, Ranchward, and more!

Thanks so much for reading and all your wonderful reviews! :)

Have you ever gone all out in preparation for a special date?