Chapter 18
Meg sat on the sofa carefully resting her head on John's shoulder though the rest of her weight was against the chair it was perfectly comfortable and she felt as though they had been together for ages not for just over a day. The banter during the meal along with John's gently teasing of Jackie as she checked everything was all right for a second time before she left with Simon and Paul, showed her that his moods were only temporary and accepted by both of them.
Shep lay on the half rug in front of the fire sleepily watching them as they listened to a CD John had flicked on. It changed from ones she had not heard before to one they knew very well, and both sat in memories as they listened, when it finished and another gentle ballad came on he broke their silence. "I know we've agreed to let things in our past go for the moment but I know how you feel about marriage and that's one thing I cannot do…"
"I know," she said gently shifting round so she could talk to him better without losing too much contact and he would not have to twist to see her and carried on. "You would not feel it was right and I accept that. One day we will and until then living with you will be fine. I told you before we had our service I only wanted to do it once … as far as I'm concerned this is the right thing to do."
He looked at her knowing her past and said concerned. "It goes against everything you and your family have been brought up with and believe in."
She smiled thinking about the words she had thrown at her father and then compared it with her feelings about today and yesterday and her future. She lost the smile for a moment but her voice was loving as she spoke. "I know that once we exchanged vows that day you never took your ring off till it was taken from you by your brother. You never lost that strong inner core I love. I took my rings off and was willing to walk away from you." She felt his touch of love and reassurance as she carried on. "I know we had lies thrown at us from many directions …You were willing to standby what you thought was right for Maria and myself … I wish I had had your inner strength but I didn't then …I hope to prove I'm stronger now I know the truth … and that is I do love you … always will. … The certificate and blessing is not important because I'm sure God understands our reasons … and surely our coming together again like this must mean something.
He smiled but his voice was a little unsure as he spoke. "I'm not the same person as you know from this afternoon... and that was mild partly because Simon was there to stop it. … Sometimes I can't stop it. … You might not feel you can take it. … There will be no pressure for you to stay if you find it too much … I need to know … …that you can if needs be walk away from me and be safe and happy."
Meg had not expected that and thought for a moment realising how vulnerable he could feel even here and answered truthfully. "I cannot begin understand how you managed to cope with the past year, today I saw frustration at what has happened to you flare up and I wanted to hug and love you not walk away. … I think you know that. … If it will make you feel easier I will be independent in work and financially but we will be joined in love and if we should have children they will have my name but your love. I know that we need time. … Remember in the past when it was just the two of us against the world we came through with love … it was when other people came between us that we failed. … We don't have that anymore … we have friends who want us to be together in spite of everything as we will build on that."
He could hear and feel the warmth and love in her words and nodded and smiled saying gently "Thank you."
She smiled and added cheekily. "Now we can scream at each other in peace."
He laughed then asked "Tell me about Sunset Sisters I mean you and your sister were a bit…"
Meg gently laughed at his loss of words and remembered the last time he seen them together. - Sara had been dumped by Casey and she had ended up in Casey's arms because of what she had seen in Casita, they would sort that out another time. It was true they were not getting along and said in a soft serious tone. "Well we never threw the furniture at each other … but we didn't talk much either… When we were kids we used to play shops and enjoyed it also I suppose seeing Mum and Dad doing it and enjoying it at the Shock Wave sort of like seeded the idea in both of us. Sara came into some money and I had the money from Lib Corp. we both needed something to do. She was bored at the Shock Wave and amazingly we had the same idea and unknown to each other ended up looking at the same empty shop at the same time."
She laughed at the memory and said. "Poor Casey found himself in the middle of it and a bunch of flowers but somehow it broke the ice for them. Sara and I argued over who should get the shop I went to Mum in the Shock Wave in a huff and Mum suggested we work together rather than against each other … I think we would have got our heads knocked together if we hadn't.
She eyed him at his soft chuckle and carried on. "Anyway we decided to try it together and roped Casey and Dad to help with the decorating etc and from there we started to bond again. The three of us … on the night Michael proposed to Vanessa. Michael had a surprise party set up in the park. I know it was illegal but no one stopped it. Casey helped Michael set up the lights and speaker centre for the music and Sara was with Vanessa and the others. Toasts were made and Sara and Casey got talking and dancing like a lot of others that night … and they really found out they loved each other regardless of the past. Sara and I get on well we still have arguments though … that will never stop but she has settled down a bit … well had to now she is expecting." She added with a chuckle.
John smiled and said "I'm glad Michael and Vanessa finally got together" then added softly to himself. "I would have liked to have seen that and the wedding."
She wondered what to say everything sounded to trite, could never take the pain away and to say they missed him would be a lie, they thought he was there with his family … she shifted and put her hand on his arm and said softly. "I know … they are happy Michael works in the hospital as a therapist now and Vanessa has had a few stories printed in the other papers. Her parents are back together again because Tyus helped find a cure for her mother's illness. He walked Vanessa down the aisle because her father was stuck abroad by a snow storm but the parents met up afterwards and went to Venice with them different hotels of course." She came to a stop knowing that was what they'd dreamed of.
He saw her concern, confusion and wanted to take her pain away. He had come to terms with the things his brother had done and the things he would never be able to do … their honeymoon was one of them and said gently. "I'm sorry it makes it difficult for you … that will never be ours but I'm glad they managed it. … … I understand you and the others did not miss me … … I hope you'll tell me about their wedding and Bette's but another day and without feeling guilty."
She nodded smiling amazed how he tried to put other peoples feeling first and knew she might be able to do it.
John asked. "After Sara and Casey got back together again did you stay at Surf Central long? Meg hesitated and he carried on gently. "Tell me. … My brother told me lies and the papers take too long to read I need to know to ground myself." He gave a gentle smile "I feel a bit like a kid who has been away, come back and found something different in the room and wants to know the background to it all. … I know I can't change things … we both have to live with that … Mandy's told you my story which is boring … I pissed the jailers off a few times and after a while even the spiders packed up and left."
She giggled feeling a bit better, realising like him she could not change the past and he had to know how she saw things and started gently. "Okay … I knew Casey and I could only be friends, I also knew how my sister felt about that friendship. So they needed some space even before they got together …of course once they started dating they would start feeling sorry for me. You know ... the sudden silences between as I walked in the room or no cuddling on the sofa or the hesitation about staying over. Nor I didn't want the hesitation about going out with them or feeling like the odd one out." She sighed remembering the next bit and made sure she got the wording right as she added. "Then I got the letter from your brother … I knew I needed to be alone, stand up for myself I suppose."
Watching her, John gently touched her cheek and said softly. "Remember this is in the past we have each other now. … Was it that bad? … The letter."
She looked at him feeling his love and his touch revelling in the fact he was there and answered truthfully. "Yes and no … I had left you before the Seattle trip because I thought you should be with your family so the letter made sense and was cold enough to stop me from worrying him so in that respect it was good. Part of me now wishes I had your letter first then and I could have changed things, but I know I could have made things worse ... you and or I could have been killed before anyone believed me. I've got them back at base we can discuss it another time. There is something I want you to know though."
John gave a small nod staying silent as she took a deep breath let it out gently before admitting. "When I left you a small part of me hoped you would come and run off with me, yet at the same time part of me knew you would not. Not only because it was not the right thing to do it would have killed our love. You needed to stand by your wife and then come to me at the right time facing my father as an equal and knowing there would be no strings attached to our love."
She saw a slight smile pass his across his face and she realised he had actually thought of doing it but had reframed, and heard his gentle words. "Your right it would have been wrong. I love you too much to do it and I respect your father's love for you."
She nodded and then gave a little laugh which had a hint of sadness. "In trying to protect me he lost my love and respect but that will come back especially now." her tone changed as she carried on. "My apartment seems to be a gold mine; it's a luxury one fully furnished, the people who were going to buy furnished it before pulling out of the deal. … In with Derek's letter was the key and deeds to the Casita, he said, as it was in my name I could do what I wanted with it. I knew I could never go back there, just kept the good memories.
After reading the letter I walked the streets and found the apartment … was shown round it and fell in love with it. There was a smaller one but I never saw that … three bedrooms miles too big I know but I loved the feel of it." She saw his look that she would hate losing it and added quickly. "But it's just the right size for Sara and swings in the garden for the kids … the man who showed me round accepted the deeds as payment. I moved in immediately … I assumed I would be told when I would have to start paying rent not just essentials, when I asked because I was leaving I was told it was okay the apartment was mine and they would charge the going rate to first my tenants. According to Sara she is paying just the essentials and yet I still get a payment from the apartment. … Simon and George who first had it paid the same."
John looked puzzled and asked. "When Jack and I scanned the Internet I saw you had moved but never managed to place your address … is it a new one then?"
"Yes, it was finished and opened in September '99 they built some detached houses later and Ricardo and Gabi are in one. It's on the edge of town used to be a factory come warehouse site, I think one of the names put forward by the owner was Clear View but the council decided on Mall Apartments and Mall Drive for the houses I rather liked Clear View. I mean it does not say what the Clear View is of …
She stopped surprised by his gentle laugh and comment. "I'd forgotten all about that … Clear View was the name of our house in England and a comment I made to a friend when we looked over the property." She looked at him totally perplexed and he traced the outline of her hand with his finger for a moment then continued. "In a roundabout way you could say I own the land the apartments and houses are on. … Just before I married Maria I made a really good deal on a business sale just a bit further down the coast … had an extra million dollars to play with."
Meg laughed at the way he talked about a million dollars as though it was just pocket money or a small tip nothing much at all.
He smiled at her laugh and carried on with a slight sigh. "Well, it was a bit of a nuisance you see I had no idea what I wanted to do with it. Didn't want to think about it either I was two days away from marrying Maria. … I never told her about it perhaps I didn't want to admit I had just got rid of a million dollars. … … So I found myself sitting outside the bank manager's office waiting to see him … sort of dump it in an account and figure out later, it was in cash as the rest was in written transfers into other businesses and accounts. I suppose I could have given it to the cashier to count but there was a queue and I thought the manger might like to count it give him something to do."
He gave a slight smile at her look and he carried on. "Beside me was a little old lady, who told me her life story how since her husband's death she needed to change some payments. I idly thought of giving her some but knowing my luck she would have called the police – I hate fuss - so I stayed silent. She stopped talking as well as the conversation coming through the closed door of the Manager's office was more interesting. Then it went silent and suddenly the door opened and a man in his late thirties early forties came out, stormed out. You could almost see the steaming coming out of the man's ears he was so angry. Fraction of a second later came the manager who switched on a smile as soon as he saw me and totally ignoring the lady beside me.
I could see she didn't think she had a chance after that exhibition especially as he started to talk to me … I quickly and nicely pointed out that the lady came first, that she had just lost her husband and needed his help. And explained that I would be back in three quarters of an hour was willing to wait if necessary till he had done what she wanted and added a cup of tea for the pair of them would be nice. He grudgingly took the hint and escorted the lady into the office and I scooted out after the man … I spotted him in the cafe next door drowning his sorrows in a cup of coffee. … Guess the manger's still waiting … Actually he got replaced when his boss found out he just lost a million-dollar deal.
Meg laughed and managed to get out. "A little birdie told him."
John grinned. "Oh yeah a six foot birdie. … Anyway from the exchange through the door I knew the man wanted a loan … I had money and curiosity so I introduced myself and told him I was interested in new schemes, after he got over the shock he explained he had just been made redundant in another state. That his wife's father was willing to let them share his house in Sunset Beach while he bought a firm and warehouse with a view to letting the site rundown naturally, then clean it up and build on it."
He saw the light in her eyes and answered her unasked question. "Yes that's where the apartments are now. He was going to retain all the staff and retrain them; he was in chemical waste and knew this site needed special attention. You see no one knew how to clean the site up so the owners could not sell it for building land he had knowledge and an idea how to do it … first he would start up a 'cleaning up' business and make money while getting everything right then do the site. …I thought what the hell I wanted the money to go to a good cause … he sounded genuine and it was a good idea. … I would not feel it if it failed so I gave him his chance. He was not too sure whether to trust me or not but decided it was too good a chance to miss."
He chuckled. "Made his own fortune didn't he … one of the top commercial cleaning companies for factories sites etc. … Back then though we talked and worked out how he could safeguard his family and start the business using both lots of money. We went to another bank, which I knew would be interested in new ventures and set up a new business in his name. We then bought the firm and warehouse using my name as guarantee only; it's amazing what a name can do. Couple of phone calls and yes sir, no sir, pieces of paper signed and it was done." He said with a smile remembering the buzz it gave him it had been the first time he realised he had influence in the place he lived.
"His name is on the deeds etc, he knew I was just getting married so I told him it was a wedding gift in reverse jokingly added if by the time it was built I or close friends needed a roof over our heads we would know where to come. … I kept a casual eye on him … he was a good boss and his idea worked so I forgot about it got on with my life with Maria. Guess he kept an eye on me and thought helping you would be a good way to pay back the gift. He would know I wouldn't want it broadcast everything was done legally by the way. So I expect the money you are getting back is the value of the Casita and he's just charging basic expenses, which is fair enough. Sara and Casey will never be put out on the street no matter what happens. Ricardo's most probably getting the same deal after all he's family … well sort of."
He hesitated for a moment. "I honestly don't know if I told Derek about it, things about our exchanges are hazy … I shut down for a while … but if I did, Derek must have written it off as well. … After all he could not very well demand the million with interest back now could he. … Probably enjoyed the joke of supporting you without your knowledge … he did have a thing about you … perhaps it is better you are out of it."
Meg shivered but smiled because it was so like him to take a chance on someone on a whim. "Perhaps that's why I loved it so much I could feel some of your goodness."
That made him chuckle and there was a gentle knock on the apartment door.
They both knew their time was up before Meg got up to answer the door they kissed, a light but loving kiss.
On opening the door Meg found herself presented with a box of chocolates by Paul and a quiet "Notice they send the guest in first," as he came in and was followed by Jackie and Simon, who both gave innocent smiles.
Simon walked Shep while Jackie and Paul chatted about the evening and got a drink for them all, after they had finished Jackie gently reminded them it was time to go. Meg had expected to stay with John till he slept but was surprised by his cooling mood since the group's return and the refusal when she asked to stay; even the goodnight kiss seemed slightly cold.
She went thoughtfully to her room and found she did not want to sleep or even read a book she wanted company not necessarily to talk just to be with someone while he was put to sleep. She shivered at the thought and decided to go over to the hotel to find the others or guests to talk to. Paul had left as soon as Jackie had started to hint about the time so she knew he would be around somewhere and there was always Mandy and Jack.
She followed the path not really looking around her and wandered into the conservatory registered where she was and stopped to look out the windows. The darkness and the lights in and across the valley fascinated her. After a short while she felt someone beside her and looked round Paul nodded and sat on the seat beside her so she sat down as well.
Guessing the reason she was here Paul said gently. "He always used to put things in compartments that is what he's doing now, as Mandy said she's his past Jackie is now and you are his future. Think about it we've dropped into his life and shaken things up …and memories have fallen out. … He most probably associates drugs with Seattle and arriving here … he does not want you in the middle of it. … Although there's no doubt he had you in his mind all the time."
"But I am in the middle of it and I want to be with him, help prove that it is all right."
"He needs to see you look at him as he is now. … Not second guessing his actions or words."
Meg ran her fingers through her hair, as she sorted the reason out. "No pity for the past. … He showed his frustration before you came back from the computer club and was ashamed of it. … But we sorted that out this evening … accepting the past cannot be changed."
"Some things might have been sorted but not all of it Meg … he needs to be able to put it away in the compartment by himself. He does not want to wonder if you are worrying about his past all the time. He's still getting used to the idea of you and me being here and of course the fact he may well walk again. Not long ago he thought he would not see the winter … a lot to come to terms with … perhaps he will accept you tomorrow or Monday night perhaps not … Don't fight him on it … he needs his independence … it's part of him and he's still getting it back after losing it completely … and no one can understand how that feels."
Meg thought for a moment then nodded understanding and accepting it and felt Paul's reassuring hand on her shoulder.
Remembering his earlier phone conversation Paul carried on. "When I talked to Val earlier she told me her firm did some of the hotel as well as the apartment and she'd thought of having our wedding and reception here … the Church is old and beautiful like the house … I mean the view from here is fantastic day or night. But I don't think it would be fair on you and John, I know he would not come too many people. I've told her I would explain when we get back on Tuesday. She knows something is going on because I've told her to keep our where we are private, which she will do. Her home Church is beautiful and no doubt we can find an expensive hotel will a view of the valley … She'll just have to … Oh Meg I'm sorry I just thought you were married about now."
Meg gave a gentle laugh. "Yes beginning of October, it's okay and you're right he wouldn't come but we'd like to do something as a foursome … as for us … we've decided we can live together. Hi Jackie, everything all right?"
Jackie had quietly come in to join them had a rueful look on her face and explained. "Yes Simon's dealing with him tonight. I was kicked out and told to pick the pieces up later, his words not Simons." With a slight grin she carried on. "I expect John will be all right in the morning if not we will stick him out in the garden where you saw him yesterday. Meg if you like you can look in on him when he is asleep and I check to see if Simon is in one piece."
Paul and Meg laughed as Jackie carried on. "Sorry I disturbed you, I didn't realise you were married Meg."
"To John for about an hour then Maria caught the flowers at the reception and everything went pear shaped."
"I'm sorry no wonder he nearly blew this afternoon. I assumed it was just the fact he was being restricted sort of one step forward two back." Jackie explained.
Meg sighed. "It's everything really there are so many memories of things going wrong that anything could be a trigger especially now I'm here. But as Paul said I should no second guess him." She saw they were intrigued, Paul knew Maria had appeared at the wedding and Jackie reminded her of Sara when she had just found a early birthday or Christmas present with her name on and knew she could not open it just yet. She would always go back and handle it or eye till she was told she could open early just for the peace and quiet.
Meg stayed silent looking at the view as she thought about their wedding day and she found the pain had gone, she was with him now. She looked at them with a smile and said with a gentle sigh before telling her tale. "The wedding that had everything anyone could have wanted did wonders for Bette's column. … But first you should know we've decided I'm going back with Paul on Tuesday come back Wednesday night or Thursday morning, live together but be independent in case I have to move on. It would seem like tempting fate to marry him as John anyway … as for our wedding well as I said it had everything." She paused for a moment wondering where to begin there were so many places.
Jackie thought her silence was over names and said gently. "No ones around if you want to call him by his real name."
Meg shook her head with a smile. "No it seems wrong to use that name now … he's chosen John … deep down he has not changed and I walked out the church as his wife and it felt so good, so right. … We had a roller coaster ride romance even before the wedding. When I accepted his second proposal he did a wonderful thing he promised me a pearl a week till we were married … he missed a few because of the first kidnapping and earthquake, … one night when I walked down the stairs in Ocean Drive I found on each stair a small box attached to a red rose bud in the box was a pearl to make up for the ones he missed. …Later he had them strung as a double necklace with a clasp. He was always full of lovely surprises … anyway although we were living together I stayed round my parents the night before our wedding … in spite of tradition he came round that morning and gave them to me unfortunately as he put them round my neck the string broke.
Mum and Dad who just came back from town with Carmen in tow came in … she had met them on the doorstep … John and I were on our knees picking the pearls up. That woman certainly knew how to unsettle us … she spouted forth about bad omens Dad and John tried to calm her in the end John left with her no doubt they had words. Dad promised to get the pearls restrung before the service, which he did. Of course I understand now why she was being awkward but then we just took it as Carmen being the distraught mother of a lost daughter … I found out afterwards John was unsettled by a lot of near misses regarding Maria in the days before the wedding and on the morning itself, he is such a private person he kept them to himself."
She could not help a grin a she added. "I suppose saying something would have sent a bad message to my Dad and he was hot and cold about our relationship as it was. As for me I was so nervous and yet on cloud nine … I mean to say it was a big event and my dream coming true … I had a lovely dress, a tall dark handsome, rich groom and lots of friends and family around me … … unknown to me just before he was due in the chapel John came across Tim and Annie, another couple of baddies … my ex boyfriend and John's female stalker, they were on his old boat the Mariah where he thought Maria had been seen earlier. Annie was dressed in white …and gave him a shock … you see Maria had a special white dress she liked to wear. … Hindsight can be the devil sometimes I just wonder how much she and her mother knew at the time. Guess we will never know can't ask her. … As for Annie and Tim they kept her identity secret before the wedding."
She paused for a moment then carried on. "At the Mission we were in our designated rooms getting ready time passed easily for me with friends and family reassuring me but Casey was having kittens in case John did not turn up, he knew something was making John edgy he told Sara who tried to hide it. … He did turn up just a tad late … so I popped in to see him he was standing in front of the mirror so I told him not to look at me … but I could look at him and tried to reassure him. I thought he was nervous because he knew that marriages could be broken whereas I still had the innocence of a dream. We only said a few words but I knew he would be all right, after all Dad as promised had given me the pearls as well as his blessing so I knew nothing could go wrong."
She could not help the smile that flashed a cross her face and warned her watchers that the best was yet to come. "Dad lowered the veil and we went towards the door from the moment we entered the chapel and we walked down the aisle to the time he lifted my veil I don't think I took my eyes off John or really realised I was walking towards him certainly didn't hear the music … hardly heard Dad's words before he went to sit with Mum."
Meg didn't know her voice went soft and loving as she carried on. "Then the bride and groom turned to face each other and held hands … looking into his face … his eyes … everything stopped, I don't know where I went … it was soft, warm secure and very cosy and I didn't want to leave ever ... nor did he I could feel it."
She gave a warm gentle chuckle. "Poor old Father Antonio had to cough to get us back to earth … Oh Antonio is not old either … younger brother to Maria and Ricardo though he's always gave us his support … everyone fidgeted … we didn't care … okay we were sort of embarrassed to be caught out. … So Antonio started the service it was a normal service not high catholic mass. We said a poem to each other just a few lines but it meant a lot to us then Mum brought the house to tears as she recited from Corinthians about love and hope then."
She gave a sigh with a slight giggle. "Antonio started his piece and you know the part of the service where he asks the congregation if anyone knows a reason why these two should not be wed say so or forever shut up and everyone gets tense as soon as he says it half hoping for the cat to be let out of the bag yet knowing nothing will happen it will all be all right." She carried on with hardly a pause for the nods they gave. "Well it wasn't … Carmen stood up and started ranting … both Ricardo and John were quietly furious … they raised their voices but she carried on I shouted back at her that it was none of her business and Ricardo tried to calm her but she pulled a gun out of her bag and waved it at us."
She grinned at their expressions and Jackie's gasp and carried on. "Oh yes the wedding to remember, I did say it had everything … well no one died at least … John stood in front of me and Casey in front of Sara, I know John meant well but he's six foot and I wanted to see what was going on so I stood sort of to one side and behind him. …Others in the seats ducked but still looked no doubt. … My heart was in my mouth but Ricardo disarmed her and found the gun was empty. The relief was indescribable I know John didn't want Ricardo hurt in spite of their past. Ricardo and Antonio escorted Carmen out … she carried on yelling that our lives could be in danger especially mine. … … Everyone milled around reassuring everyone and Antonio came back apologised but no one blamed him things settled down and the service started up again.
He got as far as saying our names so we could say our intentions when the chapel door opened again, John was the first to look round perhaps he saw something on Antonio face or perhaps it was the scraping noise and saw Tim and Annie in the door way my mind just spiralled downwards I could feel John was so … hell I don't think there is a word for it. Furious was an understatement by miles but he just calmly said 'excuse me' and walked towards to door. I can still hear Gregory and Casey calling his name knowing damn well it was useless and I felt scared that he would hurt them, stupid really because I could have throttled them quite happily if John had not moved.
Gregory told Antonio to keep the music going I half wondered whether it was to drown out the yells, after all we knew about John's brother and how dangerous he could be and they both had tempers and Tim and Annie well were a sore spot with him. … It also felt as if everyone was waiting for the quiet twin to erupt. We all waited for the big bang and nothing happened, Casey had gone out to see what was going on and friends tried to calm me I wanted to go with Casey make sure John was all right as well as having Carmen's words ringing in my ears. … It only took a couple of minutes if that before John walked back in calmly closing the door, then stood for a second and we locked eyes as he walked up the aisle towards me and Father Antonio. They were dark and unreadable eyes so I asked him what Tim wanted and he said softly 'something he could not have'.
I knew better than to ask what had happened obviously Tim had not hit him as there was not a mark on him, we reassured each other and agreed to continue but he stopped the service a moment later and told me he could not go through with it. Casey had come back in but I didn't really notice … talk about sinking feeling ... lift down the shaft and sunk without trace I think ... air completely gone … I was so scared I could feel tears as I told him I loved him and asked him why."
She could not help but smile the expressions on their faces was priceless, her voice was incredibly gentle loving as she carried on. "He then held my hands and stopped the world again by telling me how much he loved me and how I made him feel. Then he said the words and slipped the ring on my finger, I still don't really know what I said to him it came from my heart as his words came from his and then I slipped the ring on his finger. With a great sigh of relief Antonio finished the service and I kissed my husband and everyone cheered and clapped and on that cloud nine I left the chapel with my husband. We stole a quiet moment and a kiss before leaving the Mission for the reception."
She paused remembering that moment then with a little shake of her head and unthinkingly ran her hand though her hair as she carried on. "What we didn't know was that Annie and Tim had arranged to collect Maria from the hospital clinic to go to the service, she was known by the name of Dana not Maria. But she had run off and they had been trying to find her and that was why they were late and had been at the boat. She had been there apparently not long before John. They claim they were going to stop the service but John had knocked Tim out before he could explain … Tim could never say anything straight out no doubt had a dig at John and Annie was not much help either. She always claimed Maria was her friend and yet she had kept her identity hidden for several weeks. Casey picked Tim off the floor and put him by the confessionals in Annie's care so we would have a clear passage out of the Mission.
As for Maria I knew her as Dana, who I befriended at the clinic during the earthquake - a young lady with no memory and a friend of Tim who was there after a fall but that's another part of our twisted story. Ironically enough Maria was in fact in the Mission and could have come into the wedding at any time only she was trapped in the ladies. … John told me the door had opened at the very beginning of the service perhaps that was her and something happened we don't know she never said. In a strange way I'm glad she didn't at least I walked out thinking I was John's wife and that was a tremendous feeling."
She giggled then sighed knowing it was only three quarters of the story. "The meet and greet at the reception was good then a storm blew up …you know rain, wind, thunder and lightening …out of nowhere … I wonder was HE trying to warn us as well … I do know it set the scene for later. … Our home tradition is the bride dances with her father then the husband cuts in very politely of course and father hands the bride over so they can finish the dance and then it's open to everyone. As Dad and I danced he told me to be happy and knew I would be because I love John, it was the first time I heard him really mean it then he handed me over to my husband and we took the first step in the dance and yep the thunder rumbled and lighting crashed and the power went out."
At the shakes of their heads she conceded. "Only for a couple of moments though … John held and reassured me it was all right then it came on and we finished the dance while the storm raged on in the background, we had photos, cutting the cake, drink and speeches then I was to throw the flowers and we would leave our guests to the food while we flew to Venice for our honeymoon. Mum and friends gathered up the single ladies and I turned and threw the flowers …
Through out the reception I had been worried that Dana had not turned up she had no memory of her past and John had not met her …mentioned it during our photos … I suppose the photographer still has them … you know I never thought about that, John must have dealt with it all afterwards … Unknown to me Tim and Annie turned up and were in an alcove they must have been so pleased with themselves. … For my part I was looking away from everyone as I threw the flowers over my shoulder and there was a rustle of dresses as the women jostled to catch them. I was silently hoping Sara would catch it so I spun round to see who had and saw Dana holding them looking so lost and all around was a shocked silence. She was dressed in white and soaked to the skin and people who knew the history of my husband were wondering if his dead wife had just come back to haunt him on his wedding day.
For me for at that moment I was so pleased my friend had finally turned up then I realised the silence it was not a happy silence but a shocked silence and Bette whispered in my ear it was Maria. Shock does not describe the feeling I felt stunned … gutted.
I don't know how John managed to stay on his feet or even move to catch Maria as she fainted, Antonio and Ricardo were also at her side … I do know words were spoken and John shouted something about Maria being his wife. That cut through everything and everyone but he was in shock and too many memories … luckily Tyus a friend is a Doctor and with Casey's help Maria was taken to a separate room. After that for the next couple of hours we comforted each other and family comforted me … the worst part was we had to see Maria and talk to her without hinting we knew who she was or what was to happen.
The reception was of course cancelled people who were not close went home … Carmen was called in and I am sure now twisted the knife so that John knew that his duty lay with Maria and not with me. … Trouble was even then people were hinting that John would chose Maria not me and he was trying to tell me he loved me and everything would be all right in the end. … But it didn't help … all I knew was his wife was back and she was his first love and therefore in my mind his only love. … Instead I should have remembered the service, his words and that beautiful feeling of walking out as his wife and stood by him then as he tried to stand by me."
She gave a sad smile accepting it was all in the past and carried on. "Arrangements were made to take Maria back to the clinic where she had been staying and my family picked us up and took us home to Ocean Drive, our home, the home he built for Maria ... so many memories for him and for me.
The family and Casey didn't really want to leave us … Dad was already getting edgy about my future but Mum sensed we needed to be alone … it was our problem. … I was still in my wedding dress and he was in his suit no energy to change … I asked him what was going to happen he said he did not know but he loved me always would. He went to lock up and I went upstairs to change I think we both wanted to hide in sleep hope we would wake up married and in Venice.
I stood in front of the mirror trying to take off my necklace and felt his hands gently help mine … we did not say anything as I put them down on the side he was going to pick them up to put them away but I stopped him … I felt numb I don't know what he felt but he took me over to the bed and we sat on it. Still silent I rested against him; he against the pillows and board … I remember that warm and cosy feeling trying to get in … it must have done because I slept.
The next day I found out John was still married to Maria and the doctor wanted Maria to stay with us because she knew us both and was one step away from going catatonic … I agreed he was hesitant, I should have listened to his hesitation."
She shook her head gently and smiled then looked out at the view allowing her memories to settle and then time to understand and said quietly almost to herself. "When I go back to Sunset Beach I'm going to get my pearls from Charles and bring them home where they belong, I don't need a ring the pearls will be fine."
Paul put his arm on her shoulder and said gently. "As you said it had everything including the meaning of love for the both of you … that has not been broken. Who is Charles?"
"John's lawyer … Damn! … I can't get them someone is bound to talk."
"Not this time but another time perhaps, what about when your sister has her babies, Robert might be able to help, let's see how things are going first. Now I think it's time for bed and remember the good times Meg."
She put her hand on his and smiled "Yes I will … thank you goodnight."
Jackie said gently "Glad mine was a quiet one." and as Paul got up to leave added. "Breakfast in my apartment if you like, they'll send it over for you just tell the girl on the desk what you want."
"Umm sounds good … you Meg."
"Yes about eight."
Paul nodded and left, Meg got up and as she passed Jackie, Jackie hugged her and said, "He should be asleep now, we'll look in and then you can see him after breakfast."
oxoxo
Meg stood quietly at the side of the bed looking at the sleeping figure he looked so comfortable, like the night before pillows supporting him just the special clip to his finger to let them know how he was sleeping and the blankets on the sofa just in case. Shep was watching her so she knew she would not be able to kiss John good night so she did the next best thing and blew him a kiss and turned back to her room.
She showered and changed then climbed into bed and thought back through the day wondering what tomorrow would bring and answered her own question as she thought of the email she had sent to Robert and drifted into sleep.