Chapter Seven
Russ fingered the tiny box in his suit pocket, flipping it over and running his fingernail along the hinge. Nerves were something totally new and foreign to him – simply not allowed in his chosen career – but tonight he was definitely feeling them...in spades. Was he doing the right thing? His heart knew for certain that he was, but the Intelligence expert in him kept shuffling through the facts, searching for loopholes, problems....escape clauses.
He loved Peggy...and had no doubt that she loved him. For more than two months now, they'd spent virtually every free waking moment together (and, much more recently, the non-waking moments, as well). Still, it was a huge step – the biggest one of his life and one that (for most of his life) he'd thought he would never take. Until recently, Russ had been sure he'd follow in Oscar's footsteps, career-wise....and romance-wise (or lack thereof), too.
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Christine smiled warmly at Oscar, wishing she could read his mind – or at least that his emotions weren't always held so carefully, so close to the vest. She could feel herself falling hard for this man, but her heart had been stolen – and broken – by a bureaucrat before, and not even an upper echelon man like Oscar Goldman. She'd been preparing herself all week for the cold, bureaucratic kiss-off...but it hadn't come. He wasn't using her, because he'd remained a perfect gentleman, never attempting more than a good night kiss. But those good night kisses were growing longer at the end of their dates and Christine's passion was about to reach its combustion point.
The question was....would she be reaching that point all alone....?
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In the manner of a talented Intelligence man, Russ had taken care of every detail. A huge bouquet of red roses adorned the table in the private side room of their favorite restaurant. The candles were lit just prior to their arrival and a platter of Peggy's favorite Oysters Rockefeller magically appeared at the table along with a bottle of fine vintage wine. Between the appetizer and the next course, a violinist began to play softly, just outside the curtained partition, and Russ got down on one knee.
"It's only been two months," he began, "but that's long enough for me to know that you are the other half of my soul. You've brought out a side of me that I never even dreamed was there...and I don't ever want to lose you. I love you with all my heart, Margaret Callahan....will you -"
"Yes!" Peggy bubbled, before he'd even finished. "Yes, I will!"
"...marry me?" he finished, giddy with happiness.
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"I don't see why I have to be 'tuned down', Jaime complained, pouting.
Steve sighed. "Sweetheart, Rudy told you why, but just think about it. I don't know a lot about this stuff yet, but I do know labor can get pretty wild."
"That's an understatement."
"Right. So do you really want your legs at full bionic strength? I know I don't! I mean, what if you get mad and decide to kick me?"
"Point taken," Jaime admitted. "I'll let them do it – but I'm not gonna like it!"
"It won't be forever, just a few months," Steve reminded her. This called for immediate distraction. "Want some ice cream? I'll get you a bowl," Steve offered, heading for the kitchen.
"Put some maple syrup on it, will ya?"
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It was their fifth date, and Oscar had been looking forward to it all day. Christine was so easy to be with, so comfortable to talk to....so why was he having so much trouble telling her about his growing feelings for her? He realized the reason – for the first time since he was very young, Oscar Goldman would be laid bare (metaphorically speaking) – his very soul open for someone else to view. He only hoped she would be gentle when he opened his heart....
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