Title: Journey to Homecoming Pt. 12/?
Author: Sheila
Category: Romance
Pairing: Clay/Sarah
Rating: R
Disclaimer: As If
Spoilers: Up through 'Need to Know'
Summary: Clay and Sarah come together during an investigation
Clay's POV
When I whispered in Sarah's ear on the way in to dinner the scent of lemon tickled my nose. I had joked with her earlier about associating lemons with sex, and it was proving to be true. She turned me on by just looking at her. When we sat I pulled her chair as close as possible and place my arm about her shoulders and removed it only to eat. Sarah had asked for iced tea, when it was served she looked at me as she squeezed the lemon between her fingers. As Harm and I were talking about his tendency to have his planes crash I was running my hand through the hair at the nape of her neck and to the sensative spot behind her ear. She must have liked the touch because she started squirming.
"Are you all right?" I didn't remove or stop moving my fingers.
She gave me a mild glare, "Yes, no problem."
Conversation continued on. We had all been the topic of one Ramon's stories and I took mine with as much grace and laughter as the others. When I had first met Rabb and Mac I could have never imagined my self in this setting. My line of work didn't allow for many friendships to develop much less be maintained. I had changed, for the better. Ideas about more changes were flitting around my mind as we continued to talk. Then a hand began caressing my knee and moving up my thigh and it was all I could do not to move. I removed my hand from neck and she patted my knee.
A few minutes later the game of 'footsie' began again. We alternated touches until we left to avoid embarrassing ourselves. We just made it to the room before we made love wildly.
"You know I am going to retaliate for all the teasing at dinner?" She said with an evil grin.
I was exhausted, neither of us had much sleep in the last several days. Moving only my eyes I looked up at her. I definitely knew I was going to have to pay for all of my teasing.
"Are you going to retaliate now, or are you going to lie in wait and get me when I least expect it?"
"What do you think? As soon as I can move you don't stand a chance."
"What about a nap? I'll let you retaliate all you want when we've rested up. I'll need all my strength to withstand your evil plans."
"As our friend Bud would say, 'Resistance is futile'!"
At that comment I sighed. I was definitely in for it. I moved my head enough and lightly kissed her. Sleep overtook us both.
I woke to her retaliation that any man would appreciate. We both enjoyed her version very much, and I didn't fight her in the least.
"Thank you for offering no resistance." She nipped and kissed all over my face.
"I didn't think I had a choice." I said around her kisses.
She giggled and snuggled to my side. "I want to sleep some more. What time do our debriefings start?"
"Ten. What time is it now?"
"Zero one thirty hours."
"How about we sleep until seven and meet the others at eight-thirty for breakfast?"
"Sounds like a plan. Sweet dreams." She turned to her side and I curled around her and she fell asleep again.
I stayed awake thinking about how I was going to propose. I had never asked anyone to marry me before. I had never thought to get married. I had been in love before, but not like this. Sarah filled the empty places in my soul. And children would complete us both.
Plans for tomorrow were in place. The items I purchased were now in Ramon's room. He would make arrangements for them to be brought to our suite. After the debriefing we would adjoin here where I would present her with the ring. But what would I say. 'Will you marry me' is so old, so is 'will you be my wife', I hope it will come to me. I closed my eyes and gave into sleep.
Sarah's POV
I woke slowly. I had dreamed about children, ones with green eyes and dark hair. Clay's hand was resting on my abdomen as if protecting a life nestled there. I didn't think I was pregnant, the time was slightly off, but possible. I have always wanted children and this was the man who would give them to me.
I wondered about marriage. I had waited for Harm, but I wasn't going to wait for Clay. If he didn't ask I was going to. I had absolutely no doubts to his answer if I asked. I would give him a month, then all bets were off, and then I would pop the question. I wonder how men plan to propose or if they just wing it?
I turned in his arms and looked at his face, he was still deeply asleep, possibly dreaming as I had.
I got out of bed and went to the bathroom to relieve myself. I was brushing my teeth when he stumbled in. His hair was sticking up everywhere, much like mine had been. He gave me a smile and went into the enclosed toilet. When he came out he also brushed his teeth.
When he was finished he walked over to me and gathered me in his arms, "You know it's only six, don't you?" He looked so adorable sleepy.
"Yes, but I had to pee, and here we are. Do you want to shower? We have time for some hot sex without getting sweaty." I waggled my eyebrows at him and he responded with a chuckle.
"I think we could manage that. No acrobatics, I don't think my arm is up to much."
"We can keep it simple, but satisfying, I would think." I gave him my version of his smirk.
He bowed and opened the shower door, "After you mademoiselle."
He showed me how acrobatics weren't necessary for fullfillment so strong that we slumped to the floor of the stall.
When I came more or less to my senses I was sitting in Clay's lap with my head laid back on his shoulder. His arm was around me and his head was lying on my shoulder.
"If we don't stand up we're going to drown," I joked
"I may never move again. Lord, woman, what you do to me." He stood and helped me up.
"I am going to remodel my bath. I have a shower and a tub, but we need ones identical to these." I agreed with him as I grabbed the poof and poured on the lemon liquid soap and washed both of us. He leaned against the shower wall with a silly grin on his face as I washed him.
We dried each other and dressed in shorts and tees. He suggested a walk on beach until we had to meet the group for breakfast. When we got to the beach the sun was just coming up. Clay stood behind me his arms wrapped around my waist and his chin resting on my shoulder. We gently swayed with the trade winds and watched the sun slowly rise from the horizon. We were both at peace, totally sated, and enjoying just being together.
We turned and walked up the beach, speaking of small things, getting to know each other better. After a mile, we turned and retraced out steps. We met the others in the restaurant. They had ordered coffee, but were waiting for us to order. Once the order was placed, we began discussing the mission. We had avoided talking about it last night, needing to be free of the stress. Today was soon enough to talk about it.
After breakfast we all left to get dressed for the meeting. Clay and I put on our uniforms, he in his three-piece suit and me in Marine green.
We met with the joint task force members, and separated to be debriefed. During a break I noticed Clay talking to someone across the large lobby. The person was hidden behind a column. That was the closest I got to him all day. I know debriefing is necessary but this one lasted all day. My interrogator and I shared a whopping thirty-minute lunch, and then went back to it. We finally wrapped everything up at 1800 hours. I was hoarse from all the talking. The FBI agent that interviewed me was nice enough, and complemented me on my recall of events. He told me that if this came to trial that I would have to testify. I told him as long as it wasn't tomorrow, that I would be glad to help put Jarot and company away. He thanked me and I left.
Clay's POV
Our walk on the beach was peaceful. We shared some more of ourselves, that by themselves were inconsequential, but together let us know each other better. After breakfast with our team, we dressed and met with the task force. We were separated for the debriefings, which was SOP. A National Security Agency representative interviewed me. He had studied the preliminary report that Tracy and I had sent to Chegwidden. He was interested how I came to my conclusions. The information I had collected in Suriname seemed pretty slim for me to have connected the dots. How do you explain hunches and leaps of faith? I explained as best I could.
When we broke for lunch I spotted Chegwidden and company. I told the NSA guy that I had to meet up with someone and to eat without me and that I would get back with him within an hour. This was not SOP, and he balked, but I insisted in my most arrogant and pain in the ass tone. He finally gave in, but told me not to talk with the others. What did he think we had been doing for the last few days, maintaining a vow of silence? I shook my head and walked over to my guests.
AJ saw me coming and told the others. They turned to look at me. I had forgotten what the bruising on my face looked like. The women made sympathetic noises, embarrassing me somewhat.
"Webb it's good to see you in one piece, how are the others?" AJ didn't beat around the bush.
"Everyone is fine, they are still being debriefed. I'm on a lunch break now."
AJ introduced me to Meredith. She seemed to be a nice woman and you could tell that AJ felt something quite deep about her. I hugged and kissed Marita then Tessa. I whispered to Tessa that I loved the clothing she had picked out for Sarah. She told me any excuse to shop was fine with her.
Harriet was beautiful at seven months pregnant. I imagined Sarah that way and smiled inwardly.
"Harriet, thank you for coming. I didn't know if you could make it. I wouldn't want to endanger you in any way."
"Don't worry Mr. Webb I wouldn't have missed this for anything. Buddy and the Admiral coddled me the entire way. I had room to walk around and space to elevate my legs. I'm just a little tired now. Thank you for having us here."
I turned to Bud last. I didn't know how to thank him. Without his help I don't think this mission would have had the outcome it did. He was the lynchpin for all of us.
"Bud, I don't know what to say, you held us together. You are the best I have ever worked with, don't let the Navy tell you can't offer them anything." Now he was the one looking embarrassed. I shook his hand and placed my left hand on his shoulder. I looked him in the eyes and simply told him, "Thank you."
"Clay, you are very welcome. Your words mean a lot to me. I want to talk more later, but let's talk about this engagement." He gave me his typical goofy smile and I couldn't help but smile in return. He was right we were going to talk later.
"OK, everyone. Your rooms are ready. We are all on the same floor, so if we are going to maintain this surprise you'll have to stick close to your rooms after six. We will be out of the debriefings around that time. Tracy and the hotel have everything organized. Meet her in the lobby at about seven-thirty. Sarah and I will join you at eight and the party will begin.
"Clay, aren't you going to greet your Mother?" I was stunned. When I called her early Thursday morning, Frederick, her major domo informed that she was in Florida visiting friends. When I contacted them, I was told that they were cruising off shore. I figured that I would call her when Sarah said yes.
I went to her and hugged her tightly. I know there were happy tears in my eyes. The fact that she was here meant everything to me. "How did you find out? I tried to get you."
"Frederick tracked me down a few hours after you called. He told me everything. I contacted AJ, and made arrangements fly out with them. Bud reserved the extra room. Et voila, I am here."
She gently touched my face and asked, "How are you really darling, your face is so bruised?"
"I'm actually doing quite well." The swelling was down significantly, and the bruising was a lovely green-yellow color.
"I've only got a few more minutes until I have to get back. Let me get you checked in."
"Clay, you have had enough to do, we can check ourselves in." AJ took charge naturally, and I left him to what he does best.
"I'll see you all at eight. Thank you for coming. Sarah will be ecstatic."
I left them, grabbed a sandwich and rejoined my interviewer. By the time six o'clock came around I was ready to pound on the guy. The last hour I barely paid attention to him. I was thinking about the proposal. I finally walked out on him and met my co-conspirators and future fiancée as planned.
"Are you guys as wrung out as I am?" Harm whined for us all. We all laughed and agreed that this was the most tiring debriefing we had undergone.
Jim spoke up. "Let's party tonight, get dressed up and do the town. This is over and we are officially on leave. There is a good nightclub right here in the resort. It's on the beach and I am ready to dance. Ladies did you pack dancing shoes?"
Sarah and Tracy gave identical looks of dismay. Tracy asked, "Do you think our sundresses would be OK? It's all we have, and the hotel shop doesn't really have anything more than that."
Ramon said, "Tracy, you and Sarah looked lovely last night, your dresses will be fine." He winked at Harm and I when the ladies weren't looking.
With that settled we agreed to meet up in the nightclub at eight. The ride on the elevator was quiet. We were all occupied with our own thoughts. I was still trying to figure out how to propose.
When we walked into our suite I convinced Sarah to go draw a bath while I made a phone call to Langley. When she entered the bath I removed the dress, shoes and undergarments and laid them across the bed. When I followed her into the bath she was in the shower shaving her legs, so I decided to shave myself. When I was done I stripped and we both relaxed in the tub. Once again the room was filled with the scent of lemons. Even with that inducement we just let the jets relax the tension from our muscles. I gently held her in my arms and occasionally kissed her neck and shoulders. Sarah leaned forward several times and added more hot water. After forty-five minutes I told her we were pruny enough and we had to get dressed. I dried her off and gently massaged her shoulders. She wrapped herself in a bath sheet and began applying her makeup and doing her hair. She sighed when she was done.
"I just wish I had something other than a sundress to wear tonight. I know we looked good last night, but I'd like to have something special."
"Don't you have another sundress, just wear that one." She gave me the 'you poor stupid man look.'
I gave her a hug and said, "Let's go get dressed. I would dance with you in this towel if you ask nicely." She tapped me on the butt and walked into the bedroom.
I stood in the doorway waiting for her reaction to the clothing. She let out a very feminine squeal and ran to me.
"You bought these yesterday, didn't you. You went shopping with the Three Amigos? You have got to tell me about that. I don't think Harm knows how to shop. What.."
"Sarah, I'll tell you while you get dressed." I told her about the shopping trip except for the jewelry. I watched her as put on the strapless bra and matching panties. She was still babbling about the clothing as she put on the garter belt and stockings. She laughed about Harm's difficulty in buying for Tracy.
By this time I had on my slacks and shirt. I bent to put on my shoes, when I looked up she had the dress on. She was magnificent, the dress only added to her natural beauty. It was form fitting with spaghetti straps and a deeply scooped neckline; the hem was embroidered with a darker emerald.
I walked over to her pausing long enough to pick up the jewelry case from the dresser where I had placed it earlier.
"I think you need something to wear with that." I opened the case and took out the necklace and placed it around the neck. The single pendant emerald nestled between her breasts. I next took out the earrings and put them on her ears. The entire time she was looking at my face with tears rolling down her face. She hadn't noticed the ring yet. Well this was it. I lifted her chin and looked into her eyes.
"Sarah, I want you to know that I love you with every fiber of my being. You complete me, you make me whole. I always felt that I would be alone in my life. Then I met a dark eyed beauty and fell in love. It has taken me too long, much too long to take the chance at love, so will you take that chance with me? Will you be my wife?"
My heart was beating so hard it was about to burst out of my chest, and then she nodded. My entire world coalesced in that moment. My future was there in front of me. I picked up her left hand and placed the ring on her finger. We embraced and sealed our engagement with a kiss that left us breathless.
She placed her hand on my cheek and spoke softly, "Clay, I love you. I began to love you when you gave me your trust. It's grown and I expect it to keep growing until we are both old and gray. Thank you for loving me." Now I had tears on my face. We both smiled and kissed again. I didn't want to let her go, but there was a crowd waiting for us downstairs.
"Are you ready to go face the well wishers?" I whispered in her ear.
"They knew you were going to propose?"
"Yes. I didn't intend on bringing the posse when I purchased your ring, but it worked out that way. But at least Tracy has something nice to wear also. I'm glad she was here; she helped me plan tonight's festivities."
"Let me repair my makeup and we can go. I want to see what Harm picked out for her." When I shook my head, she questioned, "You picked out her dress?"
"No, I gave the sales woman the basics and she picked out the dress. I picked out your dress. You are the only one I will be shopping for so don't get that look in your eyes."
"Just make sure that you do. I keep what is mine, so you should consider yourself kept."
"Hmm, I could be a kept man. Are you going to keep me naked in your lair?" I burst out laughing at her expression.
"Come on Princess Charming, I want to show you off to our friends. But I don't share, so don't accept dances from strange men." With that I kissed her on her nose and escorted her downstairs.
They were waiting like vultures when we met up. Tracy gave me a nod on the sly. Everything was in place.
Harm was the first to offer congratulations. He shook my hand and asked permission to kiss Sarah. I nodded.
"Mac, I could not be happier for you. He loves you and I know he will take care of you. May your life with Clay give you every happiness."
She whispered something to him and they hugged. Just two weeks ago I would have been jealous of their closeness. Now, I could acknowledge their deep friendship and know that she had enough love to share with us both.
I accepted Tracy's hug and congratulations. Ramon and Jim offered their congratulations with hugs and handshakes. Sarah was crying again.
"I've cried more in the last week, than I have cried in the last year. Thank you for sharing this time with us. Now let's go dance. Tracy and I are dressed for a night on the town."
We walked out to the nightclub, arms around each other. Soft music drifted across the sand dunes to the walkway from the hotel, small lights lit our way, creating a romantic setting. Sarah and I paused every few feet to softly kiss. This allowed the others to make it inside well before we did.
I let Sarah enter before me, my hand at the small of her back. We were greeted by a yell of "Surprise."
TBC
Author: Sheila
Category: Romance
Pairing: Clay/Sarah
Rating: R
Disclaimer: As If
Spoilers: Up through 'Need to Know'
Summary: Clay and Sarah come together during an investigation
Clay's POV
When I whispered in Sarah's ear on the way in to dinner the scent of lemon tickled my nose. I had joked with her earlier about associating lemons with sex, and it was proving to be true. She turned me on by just looking at her. When we sat I pulled her chair as close as possible and place my arm about her shoulders and removed it only to eat. Sarah had asked for iced tea, when it was served she looked at me as she squeezed the lemon between her fingers. As Harm and I were talking about his tendency to have his planes crash I was running my hand through the hair at the nape of her neck and to the sensative spot behind her ear. She must have liked the touch because she started squirming.
"Are you all right?" I didn't remove or stop moving my fingers.
She gave me a mild glare, "Yes, no problem."
Conversation continued on. We had all been the topic of one Ramon's stories and I took mine with as much grace and laughter as the others. When I had first met Rabb and Mac I could have never imagined my self in this setting. My line of work didn't allow for many friendships to develop much less be maintained. I had changed, for the better. Ideas about more changes were flitting around my mind as we continued to talk. Then a hand began caressing my knee and moving up my thigh and it was all I could do not to move. I removed my hand from neck and she patted my knee.
A few minutes later the game of 'footsie' began again. We alternated touches until we left to avoid embarrassing ourselves. We just made it to the room before we made love wildly.
"You know I am going to retaliate for all the teasing at dinner?" She said with an evil grin.
I was exhausted, neither of us had much sleep in the last several days. Moving only my eyes I looked up at her. I definitely knew I was going to have to pay for all of my teasing.
"Are you going to retaliate now, or are you going to lie in wait and get me when I least expect it?"
"What do you think? As soon as I can move you don't stand a chance."
"What about a nap? I'll let you retaliate all you want when we've rested up. I'll need all my strength to withstand your evil plans."
"As our friend Bud would say, 'Resistance is futile'!"
At that comment I sighed. I was definitely in for it. I moved my head enough and lightly kissed her. Sleep overtook us both.
I woke to her retaliation that any man would appreciate. We both enjoyed her version very much, and I didn't fight her in the least.
"Thank you for offering no resistance." She nipped and kissed all over my face.
"I didn't think I had a choice." I said around her kisses.
She giggled and snuggled to my side. "I want to sleep some more. What time do our debriefings start?"
"Ten. What time is it now?"
"Zero one thirty hours."
"How about we sleep until seven and meet the others at eight-thirty for breakfast?"
"Sounds like a plan. Sweet dreams." She turned to her side and I curled around her and she fell asleep again.
I stayed awake thinking about how I was going to propose. I had never asked anyone to marry me before. I had never thought to get married. I had been in love before, but not like this. Sarah filled the empty places in my soul. And children would complete us both.
Plans for tomorrow were in place. The items I purchased were now in Ramon's room. He would make arrangements for them to be brought to our suite. After the debriefing we would adjoin here where I would present her with the ring. But what would I say. 'Will you marry me' is so old, so is 'will you be my wife', I hope it will come to me. I closed my eyes and gave into sleep.
Sarah's POV
I woke slowly. I had dreamed about children, ones with green eyes and dark hair. Clay's hand was resting on my abdomen as if protecting a life nestled there. I didn't think I was pregnant, the time was slightly off, but possible. I have always wanted children and this was the man who would give them to me.
I wondered about marriage. I had waited for Harm, but I wasn't going to wait for Clay. If he didn't ask I was going to. I had absolutely no doubts to his answer if I asked. I would give him a month, then all bets were off, and then I would pop the question. I wonder how men plan to propose or if they just wing it?
I turned in his arms and looked at his face, he was still deeply asleep, possibly dreaming as I had.
I got out of bed and went to the bathroom to relieve myself. I was brushing my teeth when he stumbled in. His hair was sticking up everywhere, much like mine had been. He gave me a smile and went into the enclosed toilet. When he came out he also brushed his teeth.
When he was finished he walked over to me and gathered me in his arms, "You know it's only six, don't you?" He looked so adorable sleepy.
"Yes, but I had to pee, and here we are. Do you want to shower? We have time for some hot sex without getting sweaty." I waggled my eyebrows at him and he responded with a chuckle.
"I think we could manage that. No acrobatics, I don't think my arm is up to much."
"We can keep it simple, but satisfying, I would think." I gave him my version of his smirk.
He bowed and opened the shower door, "After you mademoiselle."
He showed me how acrobatics weren't necessary for fullfillment so strong that we slumped to the floor of the stall.
When I came more or less to my senses I was sitting in Clay's lap with my head laid back on his shoulder. His arm was around me and his head was lying on my shoulder.
"If we don't stand up we're going to drown," I joked
"I may never move again. Lord, woman, what you do to me." He stood and helped me up.
"I am going to remodel my bath. I have a shower and a tub, but we need ones identical to these." I agreed with him as I grabbed the poof and poured on the lemon liquid soap and washed both of us. He leaned against the shower wall with a silly grin on his face as I washed him.
We dried each other and dressed in shorts and tees. He suggested a walk on beach until we had to meet the group for breakfast. When we got to the beach the sun was just coming up. Clay stood behind me his arms wrapped around my waist and his chin resting on my shoulder. We gently swayed with the trade winds and watched the sun slowly rise from the horizon. We were both at peace, totally sated, and enjoying just being together.
We turned and walked up the beach, speaking of small things, getting to know each other better. After a mile, we turned and retraced out steps. We met the others in the restaurant. They had ordered coffee, but were waiting for us to order. Once the order was placed, we began discussing the mission. We had avoided talking about it last night, needing to be free of the stress. Today was soon enough to talk about it.
After breakfast we all left to get dressed for the meeting. Clay and I put on our uniforms, he in his three-piece suit and me in Marine green.
We met with the joint task force members, and separated to be debriefed. During a break I noticed Clay talking to someone across the large lobby. The person was hidden behind a column. That was the closest I got to him all day. I know debriefing is necessary but this one lasted all day. My interrogator and I shared a whopping thirty-minute lunch, and then went back to it. We finally wrapped everything up at 1800 hours. I was hoarse from all the talking. The FBI agent that interviewed me was nice enough, and complemented me on my recall of events. He told me that if this came to trial that I would have to testify. I told him as long as it wasn't tomorrow, that I would be glad to help put Jarot and company away. He thanked me and I left.
Clay's POV
Our walk on the beach was peaceful. We shared some more of ourselves, that by themselves were inconsequential, but together let us know each other better. After breakfast with our team, we dressed and met with the task force. We were separated for the debriefings, which was SOP. A National Security Agency representative interviewed me. He had studied the preliminary report that Tracy and I had sent to Chegwidden. He was interested how I came to my conclusions. The information I had collected in Suriname seemed pretty slim for me to have connected the dots. How do you explain hunches and leaps of faith? I explained as best I could.
When we broke for lunch I spotted Chegwidden and company. I told the NSA guy that I had to meet up with someone and to eat without me and that I would get back with him within an hour. This was not SOP, and he balked, but I insisted in my most arrogant and pain in the ass tone. He finally gave in, but told me not to talk with the others. What did he think we had been doing for the last few days, maintaining a vow of silence? I shook my head and walked over to my guests.
AJ saw me coming and told the others. They turned to look at me. I had forgotten what the bruising on my face looked like. The women made sympathetic noises, embarrassing me somewhat.
"Webb it's good to see you in one piece, how are the others?" AJ didn't beat around the bush.
"Everyone is fine, they are still being debriefed. I'm on a lunch break now."
AJ introduced me to Meredith. She seemed to be a nice woman and you could tell that AJ felt something quite deep about her. I hugged and kissed Marita then Tessa. I whispered to Tessa that I loved the clothing she had picked out for Sarah. She told me any excuse to shop was fine with her.
Harriet was beautiful at seven months pregnant. I imagined Sarah that way and smiled inwardly.
"Harriet, thank you for coming. I didn't know if you could make it. I wouldn't want to endanger you in any way."
"Don't worry Mr. Webb I wouldn't have missed this for anything. Buddy and the Admiral coddled me the entire way. I had room to walk around and space to elevate my legs. I'm just a little tired now. Thank you for having us here."
I turned to Bud last. I didn't know how to thank him. Without his help I don't think this mission would have had the outcome it did. He was the lynchpin for all of us.
"Bud, I don't know what to say, you held us together. You are the best I have ever worked with, don't let the Navy tell you can't offer them anything." Now he was the one looking embarrassed. I shook his hand and placed my left hand on his shoulder. I looked him in the eyes and simply told him, "Thank you."
"Clay, you are very welcome. Your words mean a lot to me. I want to talk more later, but let's talk about this engagement." He gave me his typical goofy smile and I couldn't help but smile in return. He was right we were going to talk later.
"OK, everyone. Your rooms are ready. We are all on the same floor, so if we are going to maintain this surprise you'll have to stick close to your rooms after six. We will be out of the debriefings around that time. Tracy and the hotel have everything organized. Meet her in the lobby at about seven-thirty. Sarah and I will join you at eight and the party will begin.
"Clay, aren't you going to greet your Mother?" I was stunned. When I called her early Thursday morning, Frederick, her major domo informed that she was in Florida visiting friends. When I contacted them, I was told that they were cruising off shore. I figured that I would call her when Sarah said yes.
I went to her and hugged her tightly. I know there were happy tears in my eyes. The fact that she was here meant everything to me. "How did you find out? I tried to get you."
"Frederick tracked me down a few hours after you called. He told me everything. I contacted AJ, and made arrangements fly out with them. Bud reserved the extra room. Et voila, I am here."
She gently touched my face and asked, "How are you really darling, your face is so bruised?"
"I'm actually doing quite well." The swelling was down significantly, and the bruising was a lovely green-yellow color.
"I've only got a few more minutes until I have to get back. Let me get you checked in."
"Clay, you have had enough to do, we can check ourselves in." AJ took charge naturally, and I left him to what he does best.
"I'll see you all at eight. Thank you for coming. Sarah will be ecstatic."
I left them, grabbed a sandwich and rejoined my interviewer. By the time six o'clock came around I was ready to pound on the guy. The last hour I barely paid attention to him. I was thinking about the proposal. I finally walked out on him and met my co-conspirators and future fiancée as planned.
"Are you guys as wrung out as I am?" Harm whined for us all. We all laughed and agreed that this was the most tiring debriefing we had undergone.
Jim spoke up. "Let's party tonight, get dressed up and do the town. This is over and we are officially on leave. There is a good nightclub right here in the resort. It's on the beach and I am ready to dance. Ladies did you pack dancing shoes?"
Sarah and Tracy gave identical looks of dismay. Tracy asked, "Do you think our sundresses would be OK? It's all we have, and the hotel shop doesn't really have anything more than that."
Ramon said, "Tracy, you and Sarah looked lovely last night, your dresses will be fine." He winked at Harm and I when the ladies weren't looking.
With that settled we agreed to meet up in the nightclub at eight. The ride on the elevator was quiet. We were all occupied with our own thoughts. I was still trying to figure out how to propose.
When we walked into our suite I convinced Sarah to go draw a bath while I made a phone call to Langley. When she entered the bath I removed the dress, shoes and undergarments and laid them across the bed. When I followed her into the bath she was in the shower shaving her legs, so I decided to shave myself. When I was done I stripped and we both relaxed in the tub. Once again the room was filled with the scent of lemons. Even with that inducement we just let the jets relax the tension from our muscles. I gently held her in my arms and occasionally kissed her neck and shoulders. Sarah leaned forward several times and added more hot water. After forty-five minutes I told her we were pruny enough and we had to get dressed. I dried her off and gently massaged her shoulders. She wrapped herself in a bath sheet and began applying her makeup and doing her hair. She sighed when she was done.
"I just wish I had something other than a sundress to wear tonight. I know we looked good last night, but I'd like to have something special."
"Don't you have another sundress, just wear that one." She gave me the 'you poor stupid man look.'
I gave her a hug and said, "Let's go get dressed. I would dance with you in this towel if you ask nicely." She tapped me on the butt and walked into the bedroom.
I stood in the doorway waiting for her reaction to the clothing. She let out a very feminine squeal and ran to me.
"You bought these yesterday, didn't you. You went shopping with the Three Amigos? You have got to tell me about that. I don't think Harm knows how to shop. What.."
"Sarah, I'll tell you while you get dressed." I told her about the shopping trip except for the jewelry. I watched her as put on the strapless bra and matching panties. She was still babbling about the clothing as she put on the garter belt and stockings. She laughed about Harm's difficulty in buying for Tracy.
By this time I had on my slacks and shirt. I bent to put on my shoes, when I looked up she had the dress on. She was magnificent, the dress only added to her natural beauty. It was form fitting with spaghetti straps and a deeply scooped neckline; the hem was embroidered with a darker emerald.
I walked over to her pausing long enough to pick up the jewelry case from the dresser where I had placed it earlier.
"I think you need something to wear with that." I opened the case and took out the necklace and placed it around the neck. The single pendant emerald nestled between her breasts. I next took out the earrings and put them on her ears. The entire time she was looking at my face with tears rolling down her face. She hadn't noticed the ring yet. Well this was it. I lifted her chin and looked into her eyes.
"Sarah, I want you to know that I love you with every fiber of my being. You complete me, you make me whole. I always felt that I would be alone in my life. Then I met a dark eyed beauty and fell in love. It has taken me too long, much too long to take the chance at love, so will you take that chance with me? Will you be my wife?"
My heart was beating so hard it was about to burst out of my chest, and then she nodded. My entire world coalesced in that moment. My future was there in front of me. I picked up her left hand and placed the ring on her finger. We embraced and sealed our engagement with a kiss that left us breathless.
She placed her hand on my cheek and spoke softly, "Clay, I love you. I began to love you when you gave me your trust. It's grown and I expect it to keep growing until we are both old and gray. Thank you for loving me." Now I had tears on my face. We both smiled and kissed again. I didn't want to let her go, but there was a crowd waiting for us downstairs.
"Are you ready to go face the well wishers?" I whispered in her ear.
"They knew you were going to propose?"
"Yes. I didn't intend on bringing the posse when I purchased your ring, but it worked out that way. But at least Tracy has something nice to wear also. I'm glad she was here; she helped me plan tonight's festivities."
"Let me repair my makeup and we can go. I want to see what Harm picked out for her." When I shook my head, she questioned, "You picked out her dress?"
"No, I gave the sales woman the basics and she picked out the dress. I picked out your dress. You are the only one I will be shopping for so don't get that look in your eyes."
"Just make sure that you do. I keep what is mine, so you should consider yourself kept."
"Hmm, I could be a kept man. Are you going to keep me naked in your lair?" I burst out laughing at her expression.
"Come on Princess Charming, I want to show you off to our friends. But I don't share, so don't accept dances from strange men." With that I kissed her on her nose and escorted her downstairs.
They were waiting like vultures when we met up. Tracy gave me a nod on the sly. Everything was in place.
Harm was the first to offer congratulations. He shook my hand and asked permission to kiss Sarah. I nodded.
"Mac, I could not be happier for you. He loves you and I know he will take care of you. May your life with Clay give you every happiness."
She whispered something to him and they hugged. Just two weeks ago I would have been jealous of their closeness. Now, I could acknowledge their deep friendship and know that she had enough love to share with us both.
I accepted Tracy's hug and congratulations. Ramon and Jim offered their congratulations with hugs and handshakes. Sarah was crying again.
"I've cried more in the last week, than I have cried in the last year. Thank you for sharing this time with us. Now let's go dance. Tracy and I are dressed for a night on the town."
We walked out to the nightclub, arms around each other. Soft music drifted across the sand dunes to the walkway from the hotel, small lights lit our way, creating a romantic setting. Sarah and I paused every few feet to softly kiss. This allowed the others to make it inside well before we did.
I let Sarah enter before me, my hand at the small of her back. We were greeted by a yell of "Surprise."
TBC