Life 9
Martin
I looked up at Ruth who seemed shocked and had tears in her eyes.
She nodded and then replied "Yes" very softly before I leaped up to kiss her on the lips.
When I pulled away she leaned closer and started kissing me once more.
Finally I moved slightly and she giggled happily before turning serious "I don't want a long engagement"
"Me too" I agreed
"And I want to get married in Glen Oak"
"Okay"
"In two weeks"
"Two weeks" I asked as I ran my fingers through my hair.
"Yes, that coincides with my contract ending and then I can negotiate it to be able to record at home in Glen Oak"
"Do you really want to live there? I was planning on selling my house"
"Yes I want to live to live in Glen Oak"
"Are you okay with me selling the house and finding somewhere else to live?"
"Sure" she replied as she held out her left hand and admirably looked at her finger.
"Do you want to call anyone?" I asked as I placed my arm around her shoulder and she leaned on my chest.
"No I want to tell them in person. I'm going to sing at our high school next week, so then"
"Okay" I agreed as she looked at me and said "Are you going to stay until then?"
"No. I'm going to go home tomorrow and start looking at houses and realtors, etc"
"Well don't ruin the surprise. Tell them nothing" she demanded as I chuckled a little and then stopped when I caught her glaring at me.
"I promise" She smiled once more and then asked "Hey Martin?"
"Hmm?"
"How upset are you about Thomas?"
"I'm not upset per say. I'm disappointed and angry and I feel foolish but despite all those feelings I'm sad as well. How angry can I be when they are all dead?" and as the words came from my mouth, I realized that I would finally be able to grieve and I did as the tears started falling and Ruth wordlessly held me offering me her love, warmth, and comfort.
The next morning I woke up with a stiff neck and sore arm. As I turned my head I realized that Ruth had fallen asleep on my arm.
I smiled as I held her closer. I couldn't believe that in two weeks she would become mine in body and soul.
Ruth stirred slightly as she opened one eye and then beamed at me as she said "I can't wait to wake up to you every morning"
"Me too" I replied as she stood up and stretched. I couldn't help but stare at her as she stopped and blushed "What?"
"Nothing" I replied self-conscious that she had caught me ogling her.
Luckily I had learn through the years on how to be a patient man, but even I knew my limit and the sooner I left Ruth, the easier it would be wait until after the wedding.
"So what's for breakfast?" she asked turning to me.
"Do you want to go out or stay in?" I asked as I got up as well.
"Out. We can get bagels and coffee at the corner"
"Okay I'm going to take a shower" I said as she nodded and walked into her bedroom to shower as well.
Twenty minutes later, I threw on jeans and a long sleeve shirt as I walked back into the living room looking for my baseball cap.
Ruth walked in wearing jeans and a ruffled white shirt and her hair was tied back in a ponytail with my hat on.
"I was looking for that" I complained as Ruth looked at me and replied "Were you? It looks better on me, don't you agree?"
I looked at her, contemplating it for a moment before sighing "I guess so."
Ruth playfully slapped my arm before I pulled her to me and kissed her on the lips. Before we pulled apart, we heard Mac say "This early in the morning, do you ever stop?"
"Do you ever knock?" I shot back annoyed as Ruth laughed and said "Good Morning Mac. How was the date?"
"Pretty good" he replied smiling and asking "So what are we doing for breakfast?"
"Coffee and bagels" Ruth replied smiling as we moved towards the door.
"Well she's mighty chipper" Mac replied in a low tone to me as we followed. I merely nodded we stepped outside.
When we got to the bagel store, Ruth found a table and Mac and I went to the counter to order.
"So you really had a great time?" I asked Mac as he nodded and ask "How about you two? Did you have that talk?"
"Yes" I replied softly before divulging "I found out Thomas on Friday that Thomas was not my child"
"How" Mac asked horrified.
"A letter that Sandy wrote. She must have mailed it the day I flew here, six months ago"
"Wow man. I'm sorry. What would you have done if the accident hadn't happened?"
"Nothing. What could I do? Thomas already knew me as his dad. Would it have been fair to him because his mother made a mistake?"
"Well I suppose you are right, but do you see it as a mistake?"
"Yes a horrible one, but we are all human. We all make mistakes"
"How the hell can you be so calm? She messed up six years of your life. You could have been married with kids to Ruth! You could have gone pro!"
"I still have time for that" I quickly replied.
"Well not pro man" Mac quickly interjected as I laughed.
We bought the bagels and coffee and were talking when halfway through breakfast Mac stopped, looked at Ruth's hand and grabbed it "When did this happen?" he demanded.
"Last night" Ruth replied smiling as Mac got up pulling her to her feet and giving her a hug.
He then looked at me, slapping me on the back "Congratulations you sly dog"
"Thank you" I replied as Ruth said "It's in two weeks"
"Two weeks?" Mac repeated in disbelief "but who is going to plan it? You're still recording"
"I know. Martin is going home tomorrow and he is going to do everything"
"Everything?" I repeated in disbelief before confessing "I envisioned booking the church and ordering the flowers"
"Nope. The only thing you won't have to worry about is my dress and the honeymoon"
"Well it sounds as though you are going to need some help" Mac thoughtfully suggested as Ruth beamed at him and exclaimed "Thank you for agreeing to help" and she gave him a hug and tiptoed to kiss his cheek, as Mac stuttered "I didn't….I mean… Okay what do you need me to do?"
I laughed out loud as Mac looked at me with a frown. I smiled back and suggested "Maybe you could order the flowers"
"Great idea, I can definitely do that" Mac said feeling better.
"Martin, when you book the church just let Lucy know that I'm getting married but don't tell her that you are the groom"
"Okay" I replied smiling as I took her hand and gave it a gentle squeeze. I didn't have the heart to tell her that once her entire family knew she would be getting married, they would automatically assume it was to me and wouldn't be too surprised.
The next morning, I woke up early since I had to be at the airport by 7:00 a.m.I was surprised to see that Ruth was awake and had breakfast ready.
"Since when do you get up so early?" I questioned as she stuck her tongue out and said "I wanted to make sure I was able to say bye without an audience"
"Oh" I replied as she walked up and kissed me softly on the lips. I murmured in agreement as I pulled her closer to reciprocate and Mac walked in and said "Thank goodness you are leaving today!"
"Morning to you as well" I replied as Ruth pulled away from me to give Mac a kiss on his cheek and said "Are you all packed?"
"Yes. I'll call you when I land"
"Okay, I'll see you next week. I love you"
"Love you too" I replied smiling as I kissed her one last time and followed Mac out who said to Ruthie "I'll see you later for dinner"
"You're taking me to a restaurant" she called out as we left.
"Your girl is sort of demanding" Mac said to me as we got into his car.
"Yes she is" I responded smiling.
When I landed at the airport I was surprised to see Mr. Camden waiting for me.
"Mr. Camden! I didn't know you were coming"
Eric smiled as he gave Martin a hug "You know you can call me Eric or Dad if everything went as you planned?"
"It did" I replied smiling broadly as Eric gave me another hug and I warned him "Ruth wants to keep it a surprise until she comes home next week"
"My lips are sealed"
"There's one more thing"
"What's that?"
"She wants to get married within the next two weeks"
"And you agreed?"
"Well it's kind of hard for me to deny her much of anything" I sheepishly confessed as Eric laughed and muttered "Young love" before stating "I think we may be able to pull it off then" and with that we walked out the airport smiling.