Ch 23

Mark wasn't prepared for the stop they made on the way to the restaurant. His heart filled with a slow aching pain when Paul announced that the house they stopped out was his and Lisa's. It was his gift to her to prove his love and commitment to their future. Mark swallowed hard unable to watch as Paul led Lisa through the picket fence to the front door of the Victorian style home.

"Did I miss something I thought you didn't say yes to his marriage proposal," John jumped out of the truck following them while the others stayed behind.

"She hasn't said yes yet but she will," Paul spoke before she could.

"And what if she says no?" John asked knowing there was no way Lisa would marry Paul.

"I'm not even humoring that question. I'm only concentrating on the positive," Paul grinned opening the front door to the house gently pushing Lisa inside. "Welcome home angel."

Welcome to my gilded cage is what he really means, she thought looking around at the empty rooms. This is just a place where he thinks I will be his adoring wife meeting his every need, she thought trying not to let him see her true feelings. She watched as Paul opened up the drapes filling the house with light.

"You're too quiet what's wrong?" Paul stared at her.

"It's just overwhelming. You should have told me about this before you bought this. Did you forget that I grew up and still call Jersey my home?" Lisa rested her hands on her hips.

"We can always buy a house there too. I really want our kids to grow up here," Paul firmly said.

"Kids?" Lisa shook her head. "You're moving too fast. Let's just concentrate on fixing this broken relationship for now. I am still miles and miles away from walking down that aisle with you." Lisa gave him a cold stare before walking out of the house slamming the door. She made it to the gate when Paul grabbed her from behind.

"Fine I'm moving too fast then just forget about this place," Paul stared into her eyes. "I don't want to fight with you the night before I leave for rehab. I truly am sorry for pushing you."

"Ok Paul," she didn't want to fight with him either.

"I'm going to lock up then we will head to the restaurant," Paul lightly touched her arm as she nodded ok. She watched him walk back into the house before going to the truck where Mark, Adam, and Glen were sitting.

"Mark, I'm sorry I…" she started to explain when Mark reached his hand out gently placing two fingers across his lips stopping her.

"We will talk about this later. I know he took you by surprise. He isn't going to scare me off from you that easily," Mark smiled at her.

"I hope he doesn't scare you off," she found the comfort she needed in his eyes. Mark took the chance lightly caressing her hand. "He isn't done tonight there is more up his sleeve tonight."

"I'm sure there is but I'm not worried," Mark looked past her seeing John and Paul coming out of the house. "I think we are leaving."

"I will find a way to have some time alone with you tonight," Lisa whispered smiling at him before heading over to the other truck.

"Looks like you have captured Lisa's heart," Adam spoke up from the back seat.

"She has mine too," Mark deeply sighed watching her try to act like she was alright around Paul. He closed his eyes silently hoping tonight they would find what they needed to set her free from Paul.


Mark couldn't stop stealing glances at Lisa during dinner. She sat quietly next to Paul listening to him and the others talk about work. She occasionally would give Mark a small smile or wink to reassure him that she was okay. She excused herself to go to the ladies room. Mark waited a few minutes then excused himself from the table while Paul was ordering another round of drinks. He didn't care what Paul thought he only was worried about having a minute alone with Lisa. A big smile formed on his face when he came around the corner seeing her waiting for him.

"I was hoping you would come after me," she smiled pulling him down the hall to the outside deck of the restaurant. Lisa surveyed the deck finding a partially secluded spot where they could be together and still have enough warning if Paul came looking for her.

"I'll take any chance I can get to have a few minutes alone with you," he wrapped his arms around her kissing her cheek.

"I know I should feel terrible for being in your arms right now while Paul is in there but I don't," Lisa caressed Mark's arms savoring the warm feelings rushing through her body.

"Just follow your heart and don't try to reason with it," Mark pulled her closer not wanting to let her go again.

"Mark, I really hope you know I have no plans to marry Paul. I don't care what he buys or says I have no future with him," Lisa looked up into his eyes.

"Who is your future with?" Mark ran his fingers lightly along cheek.

"I want it to be with you," Lisa said softly. Mark felt his heart quicken hearing her words. He leaned down kissing her passionately.

"We will have a future together I promise," Mark broke their kiss staring intently into her eyes. Lisa smiled happily cuddling close to him as they shared a few more stolen minutes together.


Paul had gone out the front of the restaurant sneaking around to the deck. He quietly moved underneath of it listening to Lisa's and Mark's whole conversation.

"Mark, you shouldn't make promises you can't keep," Paul said under his breathe. "Her future is with me. I think its time to take my girl on a trip down memory lane and drive Mark out of her life once and for all. Angel, you should know better than to try to be with him behind my back now you're going to feel pain but it will be for your own good." Paul snickered before quickly heading back into the restaurant to set up his plan.