Last chapter! I am sincerely grateful to all those who have continued to read this, even with the sporadic updates. Originally a one-shot, but I was inspired by reviewers to continue on. Thank you and happy reading.
Chapter XIII
"Mr. Meade!"
Betty hated to call him that, but it was the only way to get his attention sometimes.
She glared at him, and in response, an equally pair of bemused brown eyes gazed back on her.
The young woman fought to maintain her sternness. It was like he knew that expression would make her soften! "Don't look at me like that. This is a very special occasion, and we are going to be scrutinized by every single person in that room." She leaned closer until her nose bumped against his, "So, this means, we are going to be on our best behavior."
The pretty Latina paced around the room with crossed arms, her fashionable dress swirling around her knees delicately. Talking always seemed to help in these situations. Whether if it was for her sake and his, Betty was never sure.
"This is going to be a very important night, but do you know what one of my most memorable nights was? It was when we were trying to get The Book finalized for publication on the same night we managed to get everyone to attend one of Papi's dinners."
Everyone just seemed to be drawn to one another...
UBUBUBUBUB
"Yes Hilda, it didn't turn out too badly. Luckily we had a backup copy of The Book on one of the drives. Daniel and I will be home in about 20 minutes."
Something stirred within her about saying such a domestic statement about her and the handsome editor-in-chief. Oh she knew he was a head turner, with his endearing smile, bright eyes, and boyish dimples. She'd seen him clothed in everything from svelte Armani suits to dressed down in ratty t-shirts and jeans. He was devilishly attractive no matter what he wore, and he knew it too. She, like hundreds of other women who encountered him, had always had a slight crush on him. This, of course, was firmly demolished from his inital treatment of her, but slowly over the years, that thing with feathers began to flutter in her heart.
So why was he spending so much time with her, Ugly Betty?
She knew that with the responsibility of The Book, the pair had many late nights working on the latest issue of MODE magazine, and that involved impromptu dinners. One night, Betty took him out for beer and pizza in one of the many Ray's littered around New York City. Daniel, in turn, took her to eat sushi, and quietly whispered in her ear which to avoid and what wasabi actually was. It was certainly a much better experience than the last time she had tried the unique delicacy with Henry, or maybe it was because of a certain bachelor being so near in proximity to her?
Betty shook her errant thoughts out of her head, and walked back into Daniel's office to inform him that their families knew they were done putting out the latest fire with the magazine. She loved her family, crazy as they could be, and she was growing to love the Meades. Surprisingly, the elite family had been welcoming her into their personal and professional lives more and more. Betty had had several lunches with Claire privately, and even been loaned out to be Alexis' assistant while Daniel was out of town checking up on MODE's UK branch. She smiled with a metal filled mouth. Alexis was prepared to double her salary in order to keep her, but Betty would never leave Daniel. He needed her too much.
She needed him just as much too.
Without Daniel, Betty had fallen into Wilhelmina's clutches. She shuddered to think how manipulative that witch was, and her family wasn't the one that Wilhelmina had a personal vendetta against! To think how long the Meades had to endure her. It was another reason the Queens bred girl would never abandon them.
As she reached Daniel's office, her breath caught in her throat. With a swish of her dark hair, Betty could see that her employer had settled his long frame back against his leather desk chair dead asleep to the world. His deep breaths were an indication of how easily he could sleep almost anywhere, a most useful trait to a jealous Betty. The poor girl either had to have a bed, or be very ill (as evidenced by falling asleep on Claire once, oh the horror!).
Why was he being so attentive to her? Ever since Father's Day, he had been most interested in her day-to-day life. Besides giving her coffee in the mornings, just the way she liked it, he asked about her day, if she was happy with what she was doing. He preempted many of Amanda and Marc's pranks on her, even managing to pull a few on them. Daniel had glared at Gio every moment the sandwich boy was here, and finally just ordered a new catering service despite the many protests by the MODE employees.
"We needed a cheaper catering company. Besides, we spoil them too much Betty."
No, no. If anyone was being spoiled it was her, and she couldn't help but loved being treated this way. After so long taking care of everyone else, it was nice being pampered. Plus, coming from Daniel, his actions were sweet, even his clumsy ones. They sometimes reminded Betty of when a young boy courted his crush. Betty froze in mid thought. He was courting her, wasn't he?
Oh my gosh. Oh my gosh. Oh my gosh.
Did she have any of the "symptoms" of loving him back though? No butterflies in her stomach, no sweaty palms, no increased heart rate. Could she love him back?
Perhaps a sign was needed.
Inching forward, she stood barely a hand's width away from him. With him slumbering in his chair, their usual height difference disappeared. When they were walking together, she often found herself having to crane her neck to look upon him. He appeared so calm and relaxed now. No worry lines on his forehead, no frown on his face, only a restful peace. The scent of his cologne lingered pleasantly in her nose.
Betty Suarez acted quickly before she lost her nerve. She took the metaphorical (and literal) leap, and pressed her lips against his slightly parted ones.
It was soft, warm, and so very, very wonderful.
She jerked back stifling a gasp with both hands. There weren't butterflies, but a veritable herd of horses thundering inside her. Her heart felt as if it was beating a mile a minute, and yup, that was definitely sweaty hands. She'd have to warn Daniel if he ever wanted to hold her hand...
Wait a minute! What was she thinking? She and Daniel were never going to happen. He would be the laughingstock of the corporation, and think of what the media would say when they found out! Daniel and the Ugly One. Betty rushed downstairs to make sure the town car would be arriving, never noticing a pair of brown eyes watching her go.
D&B D&B D&B D&B D&B
"Daniel, the car will be here in five..."
With a squeak her words were cut off as a tall, lean body pressed her against the wall.
"Daniel!" Betty spluttered. "What are you doing?"
He trapped her against the smooth surface, pinning her with strong arms on either side of her waist. She raised small hands flat against his chest in alarm. Whether to stop him or pull him closer, she couldn't quite make up her mind.
"Betty," he murmured. "If you're going to kiss me, make sure I'm awake next time."
Daniel wasn't sleeping? He was awake the whole time?!
"Are you awake now?"
Betty groaned as the words escaped her mouth. Her mind felt as if it had been reduced to mush, his nearness was so intoxicating. She couldn't think straight, and obviously it made her say crazy things. It made her want crazy things, like for him to kiss her.
Daniel eyebrows shot up, seemingly reading her thoughts, and he leaned even closer his mouth nearly brushing against hers with every softly spoken word.
"Yes, I'm awake now," he affirmed with a small smirk. He stopped, letting the small distance between them be her decision. He had made his intentions very clear. Hilda herself had told him that Betty knew about his little acts of devotion, but it wasn't until this very moment that the spectacled girl had realized just how serious his intentions were.
His beautiful assistant flexed her fingertips against his chest, no doubt feeling his heart beating rapidly. Betty weighed the pros and cons mentally, but all thoughts faded away from the searching look in his eyes.
Just go for it, Betty! Hilda's words echoed back to her as she slowly closed the gap between her and Daniel, obliterating the notion that they were just friends. They hadn't been "just friends" for a while now. Each knew their most intimate secrets, their innermost thoughts and feelings. It was time to make it official.
A sharp ringing of a cell phone jerked them both apart. Daniel sighed as he answered. His eyes conveyed, 'This isn't over' as he spoke thanking the driver, informing him they'd be right down. He shrugged on his wool coat, and with a firm hand on the small of her back, he led them downstairs.
D&B D&B D&B D&B D&B
"Ay! Betty and Daniel are here!"
Hilda Suarez enthusiastically greeted the late arrivals, while Ignacio followed at a more sedate pace. Daniel pecked his sister Alexis on the cheek, and warmly hugged his mother as she left the kitchen.
Claire Meade gave him a probing look as she held onto one of his larger hands. He was practically vibrating with excitement.
Dinner went well, and Ignacio's cooking was proclaimed the best they've ever tasted. Sipping their after dinner coffees, everyone spoke gaily, and tried not to attack the younger couple with questions. Things were not quite settled yet, therefore any action on their part could wreck the whole affair. Betty had scurried as far away from Daniel as she could, immediately chatting with Justin, while Daniel seemed quiet as he ate, but there were unobstructed looks that passed between them.
Justin had been merrily regaling the crowd with another one of his antics at school, when all of a sudden he paused, "Where's Daniel and Aunt Betty?"
All of the remaining adults peered around the room. Indeed, the pair had disappeared. The group shrugged and hoped they would come back, eventually with good news.
UBUBUBUBUB
A soft noise made Betty stop in her storytelling, and with a practiced ease, the pretty Latina ran a slim finger down his cheek, calming him with a soft touch. She smiled quietly and looked down into the most beautiful eyes she had ever seen. Girls were already flocking to him just like before with the rest of the male Meades in his bloodline.
"Oh, you're going to be a heart-throb, aren't you?" She stuck out her tongue at him, making him laugh. "Now where was I?"
UBUBUBUBUB
Daniel had to only give her a look, and Betty could read his intentions as clear as daylight. They would be hard pressed to know what they had for dinner, though they tried to be good company. It was very difficult for the two of them, knowing what was waiting to be discussed in a quiet moment. They slipped away from their relatives as the happy bunch talked candidly. It was one big happy family, just what they always hoped for.
Leaving the Suarezes and Meades in good hands, Daniel slipped on Betty's jacket by the front doorway. Lifting her long hair outside her collar, the young man took the opportunity to run a hand across the back of her neck tantalizingly. She shivered at the sensation, and pinched herself to check if this was a dream.
Daniel's smile definitely confirmed it wasn't.
The young man hailed a cab and gave an address. Betty wrinkled her nose in confusion. It wasn't Daniel's apartment, and sounded not at all familiar to her. He grabbed her hand escorting her into the waiting vehicle. Throughout the ride, they didn't say a word, but Daniel had never released her hand either. She squeezed it feeling him respond in return. At least he didn't mind her clammy hands.
The driver dropped them off at their destination, giving them an odd look, but was granted a hefty tip by the youngest Mr. Meade. They walked for a few minutes, their hands still entwined. Upon reaching their goal, Betty glanced around in disbelief.
He remembered. He actually remembered.
"It's our place."
Daniel bashfully grinned in response. "How could I forget?"
It had been the spot where Betty had given up Henry, and Daniel had buried his addictions, all those years ago. Though it had ended badly in both of their situations, it was the place of their first soul-baring moment. Maybe it would also be the second too.
Betty gazed fondly at the city skyline. It twinkled brightly with its city lights, a wonderful place filled with wonderful people, most of all the man beside her. A chill wind swept through the area, and she rubbed her arms. The dark haired woman was startled as she felt herself suddenly being engulfed in warmth.
"Daniel!"
"What?" He gave her an impish look with his arms wrapped around her, trapping her in a backwards embrace. "You're cold, plus it gives me an excuse to do this." He rested his head against her dark curls, and took the opportunity to inhale the smell of her scented shampoo.
Betty couldn't help but blush wildly.
"Daniel," she protested. "I appreciate all the things you've done for me, but..." She paused glad that she wasn't facing him. It was difficult to bring the words to mind, especially ones so important as these. "But why? You could have your pick of any girl, but you chose me, Daniel. Is this a bet or are you on those pills again?"
She was questioning his erratic behavior. Well, there was only one reason for that, and he wasn't letting go of it anytime soon.
"No, Betty. This isn't a bet, and I'm not hopped up on drugs. You ask 'why me?' but in fact I should be saying that to you. Why would you ever want to be with me? I'm always a screw-up." He felt her hand reach down to press against his reassuringly. He was never one in her eyes.
"You're wonderful and beautiful Betty, and if it takes me a lifetime to convince you of that, I'll gladly spend that time to change your mind." He paused, whispering so softly as if he didn't deserve to say the words, "I love you."
Betty smiled with delight. She was full of her father's delicious home cooking, The Book was completed, and now the man of her dreams just told her he loved her. What could more could she wish for?
"It won't take a lifetime, Daniel."
She turned around in his arms, and met his ecstatic smile. It took little time to close the slight distance between them as Betty, again, took the initiative and kissed her boss. No, not her boss. This wasn't the playboy, the rich editor-in-chief, it was just Daniel, her Daniel. She felt him smile beneath her lips as they continued their pleasant actions.
The duo pulled back from each other, just slightly, comfortably remaining in a close embrace. Betty slowly slid slim fingertips up to measure the pace of Daniel's rapidly beating heart. To think that she was the cause if it, it boggled the mind. Her paramour merely marveled at the fact that this was actually happening.
"Now am I dreaming?"
Betty pinched him slightly on the cheek. Just enough to hint of pain, but gently stood on tip-toe to kiss it away. He blushed fiercely, and the Latina was delighted to fluster him as much as he had been torturing her for the past several months.
An exquisite torture, of course.
They talked softly of the matters lovers do when they finally come to light, until realizing the lateness of the hour, the pair proceeded to meander back to call a cab back to the Suarez residence, where their loved ones waited for their welcomed joy.
UBUBUBUBUB
"And that, my love, was one of my most memorable nights. The other one, of course, you were present for."
The woman pressed a gentle kiss against a smooth forehead, rejoicing in the miracle before her.
"Betty? Are you guys ready yet?"
"Daniel!"
With a joyful exclamation, she accepted his greeting and his kiss. After all this time, she still found the experience to be an unexpected pleasure. A soft gurgle interrupted their tender moment.
"And how's my little guy?"
Daniel took away the baby within his wife's arms with practiced ease, and placated the mewling infant. His son, his wonderful firstborn son. The child had his coloring, but inherited his mother's tenacity and spirit.
"Hey now, MODE is putting on an event for your presentation into the world, and you're supposed to be perfect."
Another wave of his arms was a signal of his son's agitation.
"But nobody's perfect. Just know that I love you no matter what happens," Daniel closed his eyes, and pressed his forehead against his child's soft one. He wouldn't make the same mistakes as his father. Whatever his son wanted to do, whatever he wanted to become, the MODE editor-in-chief would support wholeheartedly.
With his father's strength and breath upon his face, the babe settled into picture perfect calmness. Betty took the opportunity to straighten his bowtie. Where the intrepid Scottish seamstress had gotten one in her baby's size, the woman would never know.
Daniel took in Betty Suarez-Meade's full appearance. She was radiant clothed in an elegant dress, braces gone, and a pair of chic glasses adorning her face. She was beautiful but still quirky in her own way. The now slightly older man counted his lucky stars that he could awaken to her every morning, and she was the last image he saw every night.
Their coworkers and the fashion industry in general were astonished by their courtship, and even more by their quick engagement.
When interviewed by Pierre St. Suzuki, Claire Meade could only shrug smugly, "Why waste another minute?"
And now, proof of their union, currently nestled in his proud father's arm, was going to be presented formally to the public at tonight's soiree. The crème-de-la-crème of society would be attending, but the two only cared about their immediate families.
Their families who helped them through troubled times, who loved and supported through every endeavor, and who they cared for in return.
The beaming mother gathered their things, "Let's go, mi amor."
Daniel Meade kissed her deeply, more in love with her than when he first met her.
Together, the blissful couple departed the room. Betty closed the door, leaving only the room bathed in the sound of silence.
The End.
Again, much love and appreciation to you wonderful readers.
Grignard