OPERATION: BIRTHDAY!
Phoebe's POV:
"I can tell you are watching me" I smile as I finally open my eyes and see Craig looking at me. I have just awoken from the most glorious afternoon nap. It is Sunday afternoon, and I feel gloomy that our magnificent and active weekend will end tomorrow. However I am looking forward to seeing Carrie.
"I like watching you sleep. You are so at peace when you are at sleep." Craig lovingly brushes the hair from my face with his hands and kisses me
"It has been a fantastic weekend. It is almost a shame that it needs to end tomorrow afternoon. I would have my CPO lock you in here forever with me if it wasn't for Carrie and the fact that I love her so much."
"Trust me Phoebe; you wouldn't need to lock me in. I would be more than willing"
"If you would relocate to my house on the sound, it can be arranged" I suggest playfully and then realize what I just said. Craig is looking at me seriously trying to gauge if I meant it or not.
"Are you asking me to move in with you?" Craig probes.
"Maybe, but I need to consider Carrie. Can we wait awhile and see how things go? "I request.
"Of course. I don't want to rush anything. Oh, by the way, I meant to ask, but you fell asleep so quickly, how was Carrie on the phone?"
"She was great. Carrie is enjoying the weekend with Macie, Ted and Lily. Ruby and Eli were going over and taking them to the movies this afternoon. I promised her I would pick her up from school tomorrow and take her out for a mommy and daughter dinner"
"Carrie is a brilliant kid" Craig responds sincerely.
"Yeah I know. I got lucky." I slowly sit up and then at the digital clock next to me. "Wow, it's already five thirty. I should organize dinner. What do you want to eat?"
"Phoebe I don't want you to cook. You have cooked every meal since you surprised me Thursday evening. This is our last night together of our spontaneous weekend, so while you were sleeping I made some plans of my own, which I want to put into operation right now" Craig expression gives away how excited he is, and I can't help but be drawn in.
"Okay. Where do you want me?" I whisper into his ear.
"Well Ms Phoebe, I want you in many places, but right now I will settle for the bathroom." I stand up and in one swift move, Craig tugs at the helm of my solitary shirt I wore to bed and pulls it over my head, leaving me totally naked. "I don't think I will ever get tired of looking at you."
I smile shyly while getting to work to helping Craig get undressed. He takes my hand and leads me into the bathroom that is glowing in the light of candles and a sweet Jasmine scent. The bubble bath is already filled, and I can't wait to get in.
"You've been busy." I turn to face Craig, and he takes my face in his hands and together we commence to kiss each other thoroughly, deeply, exploring each others mouths. He carefully helps me into the bath, before getting in behind me. The water is hot and is what I need.
I feel Craig's hands slide down my neck and shoulders, gently massaging me, before moving down my body, briefly touching the swell of my breasts and then down my ribs.
"Time for you to get clean," Craig then scoops handfuls of water up and let them cascade down over my shoulders, leaving trails over my breasts. I can already feel his excitement pressing against my lower back. Playfully I press back against him, making him groan softly.
"Oh Phoebe". Craig leans forward a little and starts to kiss and nibble the nape of my neck while his hands slide down to cup my breasts as his thumbs brush over my nipples. Resting against him I slide my hands up and down his inner thighs, caressing him, tickling him. I lose track of time, but I am increasingly aware that we are both growing more and more excited.
Craig hands slide down my stomach, dipping briefly into my navel and then cupping my sex. Without even realizing it, my hips thrust toward him, making the water splash over the sides of the tub. He softly rubs my most sensitive spot with the pad of his finger, making it hard. My head falls back against his shoulder as his careful attention was bringing me closer. My breathing becomes heavy, and my nails start to dig into Craig's upper thigh as I reach my peak. I am trembling all over, letting out a glorious long moan. I can tell that Craig was grinning proudly of his achievement as his hands caress my arms.
"I never thought I would be able to feel like this again. After Josh passed away, I never thought I would feel so happy, with another guy. But here you are and here I am, feeling like this. It is as if I have won the lottery twice."
"I want you to get out of the bath" Craig then says. Whoa... Now that is a change of pace. "There is something I want to tell you, but I don't want to do it here. I prefer to do it properly."
Confusion hits me and quickly change alone in the bedroom. Where has Craig gone? I have no idea what to wear, but decide to put on a knee length dress, the only one that I bought with me this weekend. I walk out into the main room, and the lights have been dimmed, and there are literally hundred little electric candles everywhere. I look in the corner of the room, where I find Craig looking ever so handsome, dressed in dark pants and a white shirt, holding two glasses. Shit! He genuinely did plan all this out. I am so glad that I decided to wear a dress now.
Slowly he walks to me and passes me one of the glasses. We don't take our eyes off each other nor do we exchange any words, while we both drink our champagne.
"Dance with me?" Craig requests and I nod. He steps back to his iPod, and a familiar moody fills the room. It only takes me a moment to recognize the smooth voice of Michael Bubble singing an old song 'Can't Help Falling in Love with you"
Craig places his left hand on my lower back to keep me close and grips my other hand. Slowly and to the beat of the music, we dance together and listen to the music.
Wise men say only fools rush in
But I can't help falling in love with you
Shall I stay would it be a sin
If I can't help falling in love with you
Like a river flows
Surely to the sea
Darling, so it goes
Some things are meant to be
Take my hand
Take my whole life too
For I can't help falling in love with you
Some things are meant to be
Take my hand
Take my whole, my whole life too
For I can't help falling in love with you
For I can't help falling in love with you
When the music finally comes to and end, Craig lifts my chin, so I am looking up into his eyes.
"Phoebe, I have fallen in love with you. I love you" Craig then leans down and kisses me softly. My heart is beating fast as I take in his admission. I run the tips of my fingers down his cheek and trace the shape of his lip.
"I love you too" I finally disclose what I have known for a little while now. A few tears make a quick escape, and I feel relief. This is what Josh would want, and most of all it is what I want now.
# # # #
Carrie's POV:
"That should just about do it, now if you just add some music to the background; I would say that you fulfilled all your assignment requirements." Craig comments as he examines the work I have completed on my laptop. "I have to admit that I am surprised that your school is even offering digital media as a subject, even its simplest form, at your age."
Craig has just spent the last thirty minutes helping me with my assignment that I need to have completed by Friday while my mother is answering some work emails at the table with us. Since it is a weekday our housekeeper, Mary, is cooking dinner and setting up the table on the other side of the table that the three of us are not using. I don't know if anyone else has noticed, but Mary has been smiling each time she looks over at us.
"Digital Media was an optional subject, and I was late logging into the school serve to make my selection. It was either this or Mrs Hall's dance class from a thousand years ago!" I explain seriously, but my mother and Craig just laugh.
"I could have taken a different optional subject if only Mom had agreed to ring my school and made a special request. It would have made this semester at school, so much easier!" I comment looking at my mother. I begged mom for days, though she refused.
"Carrie, sweetheart, you need to learn that you have to take responsibility for yourself. If I had called your school, it would have been too easy for you!" My mother reminds me for the hundredth time.
"Sophia and Layla's mom rang the school for them and got their subject choice changed. They both also selected their optional subject after I did!" I remind my mother.
"Carrie, you know I don't care what your friend's mothers have or haven't done. You needed to take responsibility and next time you won't be late with your subject choice!" My mother looks at me sternly, and I know to drop the subject.
"I know, I know. Lesson learnt" I comment resigned.
"Dinner will be ready in ten minutes" Mary notifies us.
"Do you two mind if I go and make a couple of quick calls before we have dinner?" My mother asks.
"No, that's fine." Craig tells mom, and I nod. Mom has been extremely busy lately with a company in Toronto that she wants to purchase. I don't know exactly what is going on, but it has to do with a lot of people's jobs, poor management and there are problems everywhere.
"Craig thanks for your help tonight" I save my schoolwork and then shut down my laptop, content that I have finished.
"Not a problem. It's a terrific thing that I work in the IT, and I was hoping you would help me with something" Craig requests.
"What is it?" My grandfather constantly tells me not to agree to anything until I know what the other person wants from me.
"It's your mother's birthday next Wednesday, and since the usual big Grey family birthday dinner isn't until the weekend, I thought that maybe we could do something memorable for your mom. Just the three of us, but I want to surprise her" Craig informs me.
"That sounds great. What do you have in mind?"
"First I need you to come shopping with me on Saturday." Craig looks almost embarrassed.
"Okay but mom is extremely smart at working things out, so she can't know that we are going shopping. We'll need some help to get her out of the way, and I know the two people that can help us with that. What time on Saturday?"
"10am" Craig states.
"Okay we will be ready."
# # # #
I'm sitting at my mom's bed on Saturday morning anxiously waiting for her to be ready to leave. It is almost ten in the morning, and she is still brushing her hair and getting ready in her bathroom. Seriously she is going to a day spa, where she will be covered in mud and face cream! Why all this attention to getting herself ready.
"Mom hurry up, grandma is going to be here soon, and I bet Ruby and Aunt Lily are already at the day spa waiting. You are wasting time!" I am so excited to go out and see what Craig want to buy for my mom. I only need Mom out of the house ASAP! Craig and I can't leave until she is out of the house.
"Carrie Grace Harris, mind your manners" My mother scolds, exiting her bathroom and finally ready.
"Sorry," I say remorseful.
"Are you sure you don't want to come with us?" My mother invites.
"I would rather not. It takes too long! Anyway Craig is going stay here to keep an eye on me, and we are going to play Nintendo."
"Alright, but I don't want you spending hours on the console!"
"I won't" I promise.
We both walk downstairs to find Craig, my grandfather and grandmother. Craig told me that he was going to tell my grandparents of our plans. Even thought this was his idea, he doesn't like the idea of lying to my mother. Craig is worried if something was to happen, and mom come home early to discover me not here she would be scared. This way at least my grandparents knows what is happening and would be able to put mom's mind at rest
"Dad, what are you doing here? " My mother asks what I am thinking as we greet them politely.
"I just came to see you both briefly and drop you mom off. I am actually on my way to meet up with Ted and Eli." I giggle a little which gets everyone's attention, so I stop immediately. I know my grandfather is actually checking up on us. Seriously Grandpa worries too much!
My mother and Grandmother finally leave, leaving me with Craig, and my grandfather who is yet to depart.
"Carrie, your grandmother and I still want to take you out to buy your present for your mother, if that's okay." He asks me and Craig.
"Okay" My grandparents have been taking me out to buy my mother's birthday and Christmas gift from me, ever since my father passed away.
"Craig, look after my granddaughter today and make sure you both are close to Annabel." Annabel is one of the few female CPO's that is employed by my family and is always allocated to me when I am going out without one of my family members and their CPO.
"Will do Christian" My grandfather kiss me goodbye and then shakes Craig's hand. We watch him leave, before getting into our Audi SUV with security and head into the city.
"Where are we going first?" I query.
"We are going shopping for clothes. Girls clothes." Craig looks uncomfortable. "I have never bought a piece of girls clothing. That is why I need your help" He admits.
"Did you ever buy clothes for your ex wife when you two were married?" I question. I remember that my dad use to buy some clothing for my mother and the other male members of my family buy clothes for their girlfriend's and wife's.
"No. We didn't have that type of relationship. We kind of lived separate lives"
"I don't understand. How do you live separate lives when you are married? Did you both live in separate houses?" I inquire. How can you be married but live separately?
"No, we lived in the same house, and to be honest I don't understand it either now" Craig looks down at me and shrugs, but then smiles.
"Why do you want to buy clothes for mom if you have never done it before? Also, you do realize that mom has lots of clothes, don't you?"
"I know, but I want to buy some because I haven't ever done it for another woman and it is something I consider..." Craig is about to say something but stops and thinks about what to say next. "... Personal." I look up and nod, but I don't know what he means.
We enter a few boutiques that my mom often shops at, of course with Annabel close by. Craig really has no little idea clue about women's clothes. Craig pulls out a couple of dresses and items that my mother would never wear. He holds each item up, and I shake my head. I have shaken my head so much that it's getting sore.
"Okay Carrie, then what do you suggest then?" Craig asks, almost ready to give up.
"Stop over thinking it. Just look around and think if it something mom would like to wear." I suggest.
"What about this one? I think this dress would look fabulous on your mother" Craig holds up a dress that is exactly what my mother would love to wear.
"I like it." We exit the clothes store with one item of clothing. I can't believe it took over two hours to purchase it.
"It's past midday. I just need to drop into the jewellery shop and then why don't we get some lunch" Craig recommends looking at his watch.
"Okay," I say cautiously and stop walking. Jewellery shop?
"You okay?" Craig asks
"Yeah, just hungry" I partially lie. Is Craig going to buy what I think he is? He and mom haven't been together that long;nonetheless, I know they like each other a lot. Craig spends so much time at our house now, and sleeps there on the weekends and even during the week sometimes. It would be terrific if he was around all the time.
Craig walks up to the lady behind the counter and passes her a slip of paper. She promptly goes to the back of the store.
"I think you are going to like what I have bought for your mother." Craig says as he bends down and whispers into my ear. I get excited when the assistant places a little box in front of us. I hold my breath as he opens it, but frown when I see the contents.
"Don't you like them Carrie?" Craig looks at me concerned.
"No, they are beautiful." Inside the box is a pair of earrings. The diamonds are lined up to represent leaves and little stems whilst the pearls look like little buds.
"Would you like me to wrap it up for you?" The assistant offers.
"Yes please" Craig passes her his credit card and then looks down at me again.
"Are you going to tell me what you are thinking, Carrie?"
"It's nothing..." Craig's eyes narrow and he doesn't stop looking at me.
"Tell me Carrie. Please"
"Fine" I relent. "It is just that I wasn't expecting you to buy mom a pair of earrings."
"What were you expecting then? Craig probes. I shrug my shoulders not wanting to disclose my thoughts, and then he realizes what I meant.
"Oh... well Carrie... umm" Craig is lost for words, but is quickly saved by the assistant, who passed Craig back his card and the warped up gift.
"Carrie, let's go have something to eat and talk. You can chose where we go for lunch." I select the first diner we find. I know he is going to ask me to tell him the truth, and I wish he wouldn't.
"Can I order whatever I want?" I ask.
"Absolutely" We both order a burger, fries, thought I order a milk shake and Craig orders a coffee.
"So Carrie, I want to talk about your reaction at the jewellery shop. "
"Do we have to?" I plead, now sitting up straight.
"Yes, we do. What did you originally think I had bought your mother?"
"A ring," I say timidly.
"Like an engagement ring?" Craig clarifies.
"Maybe" I say, but the truth is it was what I was expecting when he told me we needed to go to a jewellery store and the small box came out.
"Would you be happy if I asked your mother to marry me?" Craig looks at me inquisitively.
"Yes," I say nodding. "Are you asking for my approval, because I think you're supposed to ask my grandfather?"
"I know, and yes I am kind of asking for your blessing to ask your mom one day, maybe. You are so special to your mother, and you're special to me also. Neither of us would want to see you unhappy. Now can you keep an even bigger secret?" Craig asks, and I nod.
"I want to ask your mother, but it is too early right now. I rushed into a marriage before. My ex-wife, Bronwyn and I had only been together for a few months when I proposed. We got married quickly and we should have waited. I don't want to ruin what I have with your mother, by rushing into an engagement too early. Do you understand?"
"I think so. Did you love your ex wife?"
"I did"
"The same way you love my mom?" I ask.
"No,"
"Good. You make my mom happy" I tell Craig.
"How do you know?"
"That is simple, Mom sings in the shower again. She used to do it all the time, but stopped when my dad died. Mom hasn't sung for years, and she started again after she went away for that weekend, about three weeks ago "Craig then has a large smile on his face.
"Thank you for telling me that. It means a lot to me." Craig is smiling like he is on cloud nine.
"Carrie, If I one day was lucky enough to marry your mom, I want you to know that it would make me extremely happy to be a dad to you. I know that I can never replace your father, and I wouldn't want to. Your dad was a brilliant man, and he loved you so much. I would just like the chance to be there for you. Always"
"I would like that too, and my dad would have liked that also. He told me"
"When did you dad tell you that?" Craig queries. I have never told anyone this before, and I guess it is okay to tell Craig.
"Just before my dad died, I got to say goodbye to him at the hospital. He and I spoke alone, and he made me promise several things. I have thought of them as secrets that only he and I knew about. One of them was that if mom met someone in the future that she genuinely liked and so did I, that it would be okay if I thought of him a father figure. He didn't want me to forget him, and I never will. Dad never wanted me to miss out on anything, especially when it is something I could have" Craig then leans over and kisses me on the forehead.
"I wish I had known him better" Craig states.
"You both would have been good friends until he worked out that you probably liked mom, then he would have beaten you up" I tell him, making us both laugh a little.
"Craig, if you were to ask my mother to marry you, I do have one big request," I say seriously
"What's that?" Craig looks at me seriously.
"I don't want to wash dishes by hand" I tell him as serious as he just was.
"Good, because neither do I" Craig admits and we both look at each other and burst into laughter.
# # # #
Phoebes POV:
"Phoebe, stop!" Ted calls out as I am about to get into the elevator to go home. I turn around, and there is my brother who has been stuck in a meeting all day, with a bunch of flowers.
"Happy birthday, little sister! I know it isn't the robe I promised you, but since your birthday dinner isn't until this Saturday evening, I thought I would give it to you then. Much more fun to do it in public" Ted taunts,
"Thank you. It is good to know that I always have my loving brother to make me feel good and thank you for the flowers" I kiss my brother on the cheek, and see my nephew, and Ted son, Eli come towards us.
"Aunt Phoebe, I just heard what my dad said, and don't worry. Mom said she would make dad sleep in the spare room for a month if he even dared give you a robe" Eli says in my defense.
"Are you going out tonight for your birthday with Craig and Carrie?"
"No." In fact, I haven't heard from Craig all day except an email to wish me happy birthday. The thought is depressing actually. "Carrie is home, and she just rang me to tell me she isn't feeling well. I am going to and take care of her" I tell them both, but wish I hadn't as they might start to worry.
"Do you want me to come with you?" Eli offers.
"No, I am sure it is fine. I will ring if I need help. I will see you both tomorrow" I finally get into the elevator and pull out my cell phone. There is nothing from Craig. I try ringing him, but I only get his voice mail. I sigh and make my way home. I don't want to admit it, but I am actually genuinely upset. He sent me an email, so he knows it is my birthday.
I walk into the house and drop my bag, keys and jacket on the little table as I call out to my daughter "Carrie. I'm home."
When I look up, I see Craig. He is leaning against the wall, looking rather young, in a pair of dark jeans and a white shirt. His brown hair is brushed back and in his hand is a long stemmed red rose.
"Hey. I just tried to ring you" I tell him a little off put.
"I know I am sorry. We have wanted to surprise you for your birthday, so radio silence has been crucial" Craig confesses. He swiftly moves towards me, wrapping his hands around my waist and gives me the most passionate and emotionally driven kiss we have ever exchanged. My legs almost turn to jelly
"Happy birthday" Craig whispers into my ear and passes me the rose
"Thanks" I manage to say.
"I hope you're not mad at me, I have been planning tonight with Carrie"
"I was mad, but not anymore." I admit.
"Hey mom. Happy Birthday" Carrie walks towards us and hugs us both.
"So I guess you're not unwell" I point out to my daughter.
"No, I am not sick. I was just trying to make sure you got home in time for your birthday dinner. I didn't want you to get caught up at work." Carrie admits. I kiss my daughter and smile at her. I don't approve of her lying to me, but she had admirable intentions.
"Do I have a few minutes to get changed?" I request.
"Yes." Carrie tells me but then nods conspiratorially to Craig. I look at my daughter, but she then just smiles.
"I am going to finish setting the table" Carrie makes a quick getaway and I know something is up. I look at Craig, but he isn't giving anything away. He takes my hand and leads me upstairs to what appears to be my bedroom.
"I have something for you" He tells me seductively
"Craig we don't have time for that right now." I tell him teasingly.
"What on earth are you insinuating Ms Phoebe." Craig says formally opening my door. On my bed are two boxes. "I wanted to give you your birthday presents now"
I bite my lip excited. Craig hands me the bigger box first, and inside there is a stunning silver dress. It must have taken him so long to find this dress. It is gorgeous. "It's perfect.
"Can I put it on you?" Craig ask
"Please"
I quickly remove my work clothes and allow Craig to slide the dress over me and do the zip up. "I know that I just did the zip up on this dress, but I intend to unzip you out of it tonight"
"I will count it as part of my birthday gift" I tell him mischievously.
"There is also one more gift that you need to open" Craig passes me a little jewellery box and smiles. I look at him cautiously; oh no it's too early. I hold my breath and open the box to find a pair of gorgeous diamond and pearl earrings.
"Wow, they are beautiful" I smile. I am relieved but also a little disappointed. What an usual feeling!
"Do you honestly like them?" Craig asked.
"Of course I do."
"Good! Carrie wasn't sure at first" Craig comments in mysteriously.
"What do you mean?" I ask to have him elaborate on his point.
"I will tell you later." Craig says as I slip them on.
Craig and I walk out to the dining room where Carrie has just finished setting the table. "You look really pretty in that dress, Mom."
"Thanks angel and thank you for helping to do all this for me" I reach over and hug my daughter who is growing up to fast. "I love you so much Carrie"
"Love you too mom" she replies and I notice her looking at my earrings.
"Do you like the earrings?" I ask
"Yeah, they look fabulous on you. At first I wasn't all that keen on them, I wanted Craig to give you a ring, but they look fabulous. Dinner is ready. Should we eat?" I stand there shocked over my daughters little speech. I look over to Craig, who is smiling, desperately trying not to laugh. Instead, he just shrugs his shoulders.
"Yes, let's eat." I confirm.
"Craig and I have been cooking for over an hour" Carrie tells me.
"But we aren't doing the dishes by hand" Craig comments looking at Carrie and they both laugh.
"I feel as if I am missing something. What else have you two been doing?" I ask.
"Lots" Carrie says laughing, then making Craig, and I join in.
Authors Note: I hope you like this happy chapter. I got some drama coming up next. Review if you wish.