Say Goodbye to Yesterday
Dragonlots aka Dana Bell
Chapter 5
A week of being cooped up with the kids and Race couldn't wait to get them outside after the storm passed. Jonny, Jessie and Hadji pulled on their coats, hats and gloves, hurrying outside as if afraid their reprieve would be cancelled. Immediately a snow ball fight started and he watched from the porch as they laughed and seemed more like young children than teenagers.
"Looks like they're having fun." Marari joined him. She looked warm in her long coat with a colorful scarf tied around her head.
"They are," he agreed.
"I hear we're due for more snow."
He nodded. "This is lull before the next system goes through."
"Have you ever been snowed in?" She didn't sound concerned, only curious.
"Now and again. We keep the pantry well stocked and have a generator."
"Smart."
"Seen Dr. Quest this morning?" He'd checked the doc's room and knew his bed hadn't been slept in.
"I haven't."
"Guess I should have checked his office." At least he knew where his employer hadn't spent the night.
"From the look of the kitchen, I'd say the kids ate cereal for breakfast."
He felt guilty about the mess they'd left. "I'll have them clean it up after they come in."
"I noticed you have a crockpot. How does stew sound for dinner?"
"Good." He glanced at the door noticing it had opened. Dr. Quest exited, bundled up and pulling on his gloves. "Morning, Doc."
"Morning, Race, Marari."
She smiled at Dr. Quest. "Morning."
A snowball flew past Race and landed on the Doc's coat. All activity stopped in the yard. The Doc glanced at the white stuff, brushed it off, and grinned. "You shouldn't have done that." Kneeling down he made his own and let it go with great accuracy. It nailed Jonny.
"Oh, no you don't." Suddenly all three ganged up on Dr. Quest.
"I think he needs some help." Marari made a small batch and joined the fight.
Race figured why not and joined in on the fun.
The fight lasted several minutes until they were all laughing and trying to brush the cold wet off their coats.
"Inside everyone," Race ordered. "Get dried off and go sit by the fireplace."
The temperature had dropped and he could see the gray clouds building. Looked like the next storm had arrived early and best place for them would be inside. The kids reluctantly headed for the door, while Dr. Quest stayed outside, Marari with him.
Race figured he'd check the generator just in case the power went out. It didn't happen often, but he knew from experience, it could.
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
Benton couldn't remember the last time he'd been involved in a snowball fight. In fact, he couldn't recall if he had ever joined Jonny and Rachelle outside after a snowstorm, even to build a snowman or make snow angels.
"You okay, Benton?" Marari placed her hand on his arm. "You should come inside. It's getting colder."
"I took Jonny on missions with me when he was younger." He hadn't actually answered her question.
"You still do from what I understand. He's very lucky to have you for a father."
He shook his head. "I let the boys use whatever equipment they wanted to go exploring, but I don't think I ever joined them for a snow ball fight. Work took priority."
Marari faced him. "I've never seen two boys so happy and for the most part well behaved. They know you love them and you've done more than most fathers. You spent time with them." She motioned to the messy yard. "They didn't hesitate to add you to their game."
He glanced up and saw Race nod, before the other man disappeared inside. "I feel guilty about…" Benton had no idea about what.
"You had a snowball fight with them today. So it was first. Who cares? Did you have fun?"
"I did."
"Then stop feeling guilty." Her fingers brushed his reddish brown beard. "You have some snow caught."
He took her hand, removed her glove, and kissed her palm. A blush spread on her face. "Benton, my hand please."
Greatly daring, he pulled her into his arms. "Maybe I don't want to let you go."
He heard her breath catch and before she could escape, he dared to kiss her. He felt her tense, before relaxing. Keeping it short, he released her, hoping he hadn't scared her off.
Marari took a step back, her golden brown eyes searching his face. "It's getting cold." She headed for the door.
With a sigh, he followed her, hoping his kiss hadn't been a mistake.
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
"I found the Christmas decorations," Jonny called down the attic steps.
"You did?" Benton reached up for the large box. He set it on the hardwood floor. "How much more is up there?"
"Not sure." He heard his son rummaging around the room. "A few more."
"Need help?" Hadji asked. He'd slipped into the narrow hallway.
"Should have designed this area to be a bit larger." Another box appeared, he grabbed it and put it down. "Hadji, why don't you start taking these down to the living room."
"Okay, Dr. Quest." He grabbed one and left.
Several boxes later they had them all piled around the couches, but with a clear path to where the Christmas tree would be placed. He loved putting it right in front of the full length window so the lights could be seen whenever they arrived home.
"What a mess." Marari stood in the doorway.
"Organized mess," Benton corrected her, putting a box of old fashioned ornaments near where the tree would stand.
He heard a soft laugh. "I know what it's like when I'm home. Boxes everywhere until the decorating is done, then neatly put away until after New Year's."
"Pretty much." Earlier they'd found the outdoor lights. They rested in the main hall near the door.
"When will Race be back?" Jonny asked, as he pushed one box to the side.
"Tomorrow sometime." Race and Jessie had gone to Bangor to do some shopping and pick up some specific items he'd ordered.
"At least the snow has stopped," Hadji said. "It will still be a white Christmas."
"I lived in some places where we'd be lucky if it did," Marari shared. "Need help?"
"I think we have it done." He brushed his hands together trying to remove dust. "I heard your phone ring earlier. Everything all right?"
"Just Mac checking in to make sure everything was okay. He'd heard about our back to back storms." She sat down on the couch. "I reassured him all was well and I'd survived this type of weather before."
"Sounds like he was concerned about you." Benton sat down next to her.
"Mac is protective. I figured that out real quick when I worked with his team."
The boys had set up the chess board and stared intently at the pieces, watching each move made by their opponent. He enjoyed watching them play and wondered which one of them would win the round.
"I told you that you were a good father."
"What?" He looked at the woman beside him.
"Look at how happy they are." She pointed a Jonny and Hadji.
For the first time he really looked at the boys, not just what they were doing. Hadji's darker face reflected a type of inner peace. Jonny's had a mix of joy and sadness, yet not as much as it had just after his mother's death. The time immediately afterward had been a dark time for them both. Jonny had blamed him for his mother's death and had turned to Race as if he were the boy's father.
Benton had to admit, in some ways Race was as much a father to the boys as he himself was. Maybe more so because he often acted not just as a body guard, but also a teacher, babysitter and friend to both boys. Jonny longer than Hadji.
"Jonny was ten when we adopted Hadji, then eleven," he shared with Marari.
"I'd guessed they were close in age."
"Rachelle was delighted when we came back from India with another member for our family."
He'd expected her to be angry at his decision and making it without consulting her. She'd surprised him by accepting the boy as if the whole thing had been her idea. Indirectly it had. How often had he heard her say Jonny needed a brother?
"I'm guessing Race is their legal guardian?"
He nodded. "Had my lawyer arrange that soon after my wife died. I wanted them to have someone who loved and cared about them. I know Race does."
"How'd I-1 take that?"
"Not well." They'd been furious. So much so that it had led to a conflict. Race stood on the verge of quitting and coming to work for him directly. "He also found out he had a daughter."
Jessie and her mother Jade had been used as weapons to manipulate events by Dr. Zin. In the end they'd ended his plans and hopefully, they'd never see the man again.
"Interesting turn of events."
"I'd share more, but I think you should ask Race."
"His story, not yours." Marari settled her head on his shoulder. She felt right there and it un-nerved him how fast he was beginning to care deeply for this woman.
He kissed her forehead. "I'm glad you're here."
She smiled up at him, her eyes shining. "So am I."
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
Family traditions were strange things. Her own family had hung thirteen balls, exactly, on the tree every year, with the biggest brightest star on the top that blinked randomly on and off. Neither had any idea where the tradition had come from, yet it branched back many generations.
Amused, Marari watched the Quest family settle their large artificial tree into its place of honor by moving it a bit one direction and the other until it got put in the exact 'right' spot.
Jonny opened the nearest box and pulled out an ornament, blinking as he did so. His hand shook slightly he handed it to his father. "Mom always hung the first one." Her heart hurt for the boy. The first Christmas after the death of a loved one was always the most difficult.
Benton's face looked a little lost and he hesitated as if he didn't know what to do. He handed it back to Jonny. "Why don't you do for her."
Jonny solemnly nodded and took it, examining the tree for just the right spot. "How's that?"
"Perfect," his father assured him.
The decorating began full force, with Bandit darting under the tree and barking. Marari slipped out to answer her vibrating phone. "Hello, Tony."
"So, Dr. Quest put a ring on your finger yet?"
"Tony," she shook her head. "I barely I know the man."
"You're spending the holidays." His tone held a slight suggestive note.
"And the guest room here is very nice." She hoped she put an end to any further comments in the same vain. "What do you want?"
"You haven't answered my invitation yet."
"I thought Pepper was in charge RSVP's."
"For the most part." She could almost hear him shift in his chair. "So, are you coming?"
"I'm not coming alone and I haven't asked him yet."
"I'll put you down as maybe."
"Tony." She sighed. The man was impossible.
"Step on your last nerve yet."
"Not yet. How's the new contract?" Maybe a change of subject would help, although she doubted it.
"You'll find out when you get your monthly statement. I know you're trying to change the subject."
"You're right." She glanced behind her to see Benton coming toward her. "Look, Tony, I'll let you know."
"I know you will." He hung up.
"Tony Stark? What does he want?" Benton Quest frowned. For the first time she noticed the trace of white starting in his reddish brown hair around is ears. Made him look very distinguished.
"Just an answer to a question."
"Did you ever date him?" Did she pick up a hint of jealousy?
"No. He's just an annoying business partner." She put her phone back into her jean pocket. "How's it going in there?"
He laughed. "The kids are having fun."
"I think maybe some popcorn and hot chocolate might be in order." She headed for the kitchen. "Want to help?"
With a grin he joined her. "Thought you'd never ask."
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
Three weeks before Christmas, Collinsport had their huge craft fair. Marari smiled at Benton as he wandered by her side, gazing at the various handmade treasures. The booth they stood at contained bright scarves and the one next to it some of the most beautiful jewelry she'd ever seen.
"They do this every year?" he asked.
"Even when it snows." She picked out a scarf, paid for it and tucked it into the canvas bag she carried.
"Like last week." He nodded toward the huge mounds piled around the square. "Wonder how long it took them to clear this space."
"Wouldn't even want to speculate." She watched Jessie as the girl picked up a beaded necklace with a carved stone.
"That would look lovely on you," Mrs. Perkins, who ran the booth, told her. The older woman wore a thick coat and a hood over her graying hair.
"No thanks." She carefully put it back and hurried to where her father and the boys were looking a table full of metal scraps, bits and bobs, and other things.
"How are you today, Mrs. Perkins," Marari greeted.
"Not too bad." Her aging eyes caught the man by her side. "And who's this?"
"Meet Dr. Benton Quest," Marari introduced her companion. "This is Mrs. Molly Perkins."
"Great pleasure, sir. I hear we owe you a debt of gratitude."
Benton looked a bit uncomfortable. "Just doing what I think is right."
"Of course." Molly turned her attention back to Marari. "See anything you like, dearie?"
She picked up the necklace Jessie had admired. "I'll take this."
"You have good taste." She put it in a box and handed it over. "Make a right nice gift."
"I couldn't agree more." Marari tucked her hand around Benton's arm.
"That's for Jessie."
"You're learning." She led him over to join Race and kids.
"Hey, Dad," Jonny greeted. "Look at this stuff!"
"What do you have in mind to do with it?" Benton grinned, like a child on Christmas morning. Marari though it endearing.
"I could build a robot for the Science Fair next year."
"That's a good idea. Let's see what we can find."
They spent the next half hour sorting through the pieces allowing Marari to wander several booths, picking gifts out for Hadji, Jonny, Race and Benton. She'd watched each of them and knew what they'd lingered over with a wistful expression on their face.
Her shopping done, she returned to find them with a box full of stuff and laughing.
"I'd say it's time for a trip to the car," Race said, leading the way down the path to the parking lot normally used for the Collins family cannery.
"When did the Collins settle here?" Jonny asked as they loaded the back of the van.
"Sixteen hundreds," Marari answered, putting her bag in what she hoped would be a safe spot. "They established a fishing business and later this cannery. Made the family very rich before they started branching out sometime around seventeen fifty or so."
"A family that old," Hadji mused. "Might have been involved in the Revolutionary War."
"They were." She'd heard Barnabas talk about his old friends and their dreams for a new country. At times, she wondered what they'd think of how it had evolved and if it was still their dream or had become something they never wanted.
Race glanced at the sky and she followed his gaze. Gray clouds stacked up and no doubt they'd hit snow before they got home.
"We should go," the bodyguard said.
"I agree." Benton motioned everyone into the van.
They piled in and drove the narrow curved road, with the angry waves hitting the sides so hard, water splashed up and Race had to use the windshield wipers to clear it away.
"How about some Christmas music," Marari suggested sensing the tension build as the snow got worse and made it harder to see.
"Good idea," Race started to reach for the radio.
"I'll do it, Dad," Jessie volunteered, finding a station playing carols.
Marari reached for Benton's hand, and he whispered. "Good suggestion."
The kids started singing along and before they knew it they pulled up to the house. They piled out in the garage, unloading their treasures and rushing inside. The door closed and it felt almost like being trapped someplace dark, frightening, and oddly familiar.
Marari shook herself and went inside. Time to wrap some presents.
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
How did Christmas Eve arrived so quickly, Benton wondered as he dressed for church. He put on his dark suit finishing the outfit with a Santa tie the boys had given him last year. His eyes drifted to the gold wedding band he still wore. Taking a deep breath, he removed it, placing it top of his dresser. His finger felt bare, but he suspected it wouldn't be for long.
Leaving his room he joined his sons as they headed down the stairs. Race and Jessie waited for them and he turned his eyes to the stairs as Marari descended, looking beautiful in a simple blue dress with a string of pearls around her neck with matching earrings.
He gulped, his heart rate increasing. His feet moved to the bottom and he extended his hand. "You look beautiful." Her fingers slipped into his and for a brief moment, they were the only two people in the world.
Race cleared his throat. "We don't want to be late."
"Of course." They moved to the door, putting on their coats and moving out into the frigid night.
His old friend had already pulled the van around. He motioned for Jessie to sit up front with her father and sat in the center with Marari. The boys had landed in the back.
There wasn't much traffic on the road. He imagined most had arrived earlier in the day or would the next for family gatherings as the trees and the dark ocean passed.
"I'm going to drop everyone at the door and park the car." Race's words broke into his thoughts.
Benton shook his head and noticed they'd arrived. Their church sat just outside town. The parking lot was filling fast and many people had already headed inside. As they walked inside, Marari's hand rested on his arm and he smiled, despite the few jealous looks tossed in his direction by various single women.
In their normal pew, he took a deep breath, smelling pine mixed with the scent of melting wax. Christmas carols filled the air and he sat back, completely content with his life, although briefly he felt Rachelle's loss.
"You all right?" Marari asked.
"Fine."
Her expression told him she knew better. How had she learned to read him so quickly? Her hand found his and he squeezed it.
During the service he was pleasantly surprised to discover Marari had a pleasant singing voice. He listened to her as the congregation sang of the birth of the baby come to save the world and the events of a night that happened so long ago.
Pastor Harris presented his normal and familiar short sermon and they headed out. It took some time as the pastor liked to greet everyone personally.
"Hello, Dr. Quest," the preacher greeted. "And who is this lovely lady?"
"Marari Collins Pryor," she introduced herself. "I enjoyed the service."
"As in the Collinsport Collins?"
"Distant cousin." She extended her hand. "Pleasure to meet you."
"And you." They shook before his attention reverted to Benton. He didn't miss the pastor's surprised expression and suspected he'd noticed the missing wedding band. With a chuckle he said, "After all my attempts to introduce you to various available ladies, you managed to find one on your own."
"We met by chance." He wondered if his face was as red as he felt it was.
"At a scientific conference," Marari added. Gently she took his arm. "Race is waiting in the car." She pointed to the van.
"I'm sure it will be an interesting story," Pastor Harris said, with a knowing grin. His attention moved to the next person in line.
Grateful to escape, Benton escorted her to the van noticing everyone else had already taken their seats.
"Took you long enough," Race teased.
"You know how Pastor Harris likes to greet everyone."
"Right." Race guided the vehicle onto the highway. "I didn't miss the looks you two got."
"Race," he warned.
"What the doc hasn't told you, Marari, is that Pastor Harris had been trying to play match maker."
"Didn't have much success did he?" She smiled. "I've always believed in devine appointments."
"What's that?" Jonny asked.
His father explained. "That's when God arranges a meeting we think is by chance but really isn't."
"That doesn't make sense."
"It will when you're older," Marari assured his son.
Jonny shrugged. "If you say so."
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
After they'd returned the family had enjoyed a light dinner of sandwiches and Christmas cookies. Then the children had gone to bed. She'd tried to sleep and found her mind wouldn't cooperate. Too many troublesome thoughts whirled through her mind. She hoped a cup of tea would help.
"Can't sleep?" Benton asked. He entered the kitchen, his bathrobe partially open revealing red and green checked pajamas.
"Happens." The water boiled and she turned off the stove. "Want a cup?"
"That would be nice." He sat down at the island. "What's on your mind?"
"How would you feel about attending a New Year's party at Tony Stark's?"
"He's not my favorite person."
"Mine either, but I do like the man, despite his abrasive personality." She placed the tea pot on the marble surface and filled two cups, one of which she gave to Benton. "I talked to Pepper earlier. Seems Bruce Wayne will also be there, along with anyone who is anyone."
Benton groaned. "I avoid those parties when I can."
"I understand. Cousin Barnabas will probably be putting in an appearance." She sat down and took a sip of her tea. "I told Tony I wasn't coming alone."
"And if I said no?"
She reached across the cool surface and took his hand. "What would it take to convince you?"
Conflicting emotions raced across his face, before he glanced down. "I take it the party is in New York?"
"It is." She waited.
He took a deep breath before his eyes met hers. "We could spend a few days in city together."
"Is that a yes?"
Benton nodded. "It is."
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
Christmas morning the children were up early. Race joined them as they looked through the goodies in their stockings. He and Benton had filled them before they'd retired for the evening. When they'd been children candy and toys had been sufficient. As they'd gotten older, they'd had to get more creative and this year they had fruit and some special surprises Marari had picked up at a craft show in Collinsport.
Jessie's eyes had widened when she'd seen the necklace and a few tears had escaped. She'd immediately had him help with the clasp so she could wear it.
"Morning," Dr. Quest greeted handing Race a cup of coffee.
"Thanks." Race took a sip, the hot brew helping to clear his foggy brain.
Marari appeared, a cup of what he guessed was tea in her hand. "Merry Christmas!" Like the rest, she had a robe on and still wore her pajamas.
Bandit barked, running up to say hello.
"Hi to you too, Bandit," she greeted. He ran back to join Jonny, his shor t tail wagging.
Dr. Quest moved to her side, his arm slipping around her. Race looked away, trying not to smile. He heard the doc's next question.
"You never said what you wanted for Christmas."
"I've already gotten it. A family Christmas."
Race glanced back surprised and noticed the same look on Dr. Quest's face.
"That's all you wanted?"
"I'm not hard to please, Benton." She gave him a quick kiss.
"None of that mushy stuff." Jonny darted across the room and pulled his father to the tree. "Come on, Dad."
Marari shook her head and sat on a couch.
An hour later, all presents had been opened. Everyone dashed to their rooms to get dressed and later gathered in the kitchen for breakfast. Race could tell Marari had cooked again and suspected the kids had helped. They carried various platters and bowls to the table, proud looks reflected on their faces.
"Your children have turned into really good cooks," Marari complimented, taking a chair next to Dr. Quest.
"Thank you for teaching them."
"It was my pleasure."
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
"You have to leave, Dad?" Jonny asked, as he lounged on Benton's bed.
"It's only for a few days, Jonny." He tucked a few comfortable sweaters into his suitcase along with some jeans and dress pants. Only one suit would be needed for the party. "Race will be here."
"Wasn't worried about that." Jonny frowned. "When you get back, is Marari staying?"
Benton paused, trying to decide how best to answer his son's question. "I believe she's going back to Collinsport."
"Do you like her?"
"Very much." How much he wasn't sure yet. "Jonny," He sat down next to the boy. "I've already talked to Hadji." Luckily it hadn't been a difficult discussion. Hadji had been very supportive. His son, he wasn't sure about. "How would you feel about her becoming a part of our family?"
Jonny sat up and seemed to think about it. He wore his usual dark top and jeans, yet seemed a bit more grown up and not quite a normal twelve year old boy. "I'm not sure. I mean I like her and all."
He waited.
"Do you want her to become part of our family?"
"I'm thinking about it." He had since he'd removed his wedding band.
"I…guess it would be okay." His son hugged him. "Does Marari know yet?"
"No." He hoped he would ask her sometime during their time in the city. "So it's okay with you."
"Yeah."
Jonny needed a mother and so did Hadji. They both got along with Marari and she with them. Teaching them to cook had been a huge surprise and the gifts she'd gotten them proved she cared enough to find things they'd like. He had no doubt she'd make a great mom.
He just hoped Bandit didn't make life too difficult for Prim.
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
"I haven't been to New York in a long time," Marari commented as the city appeared below them.
Benton glanced over at her from behind the plane's controls. The flight from Rockport to New York City was only a couple of hours. They'd be landing in a few minutes at Tony Stark's personal airport. "You haven't?"
"Been to DC many times. Cousin Barnabas has his own pilot for his jet, so does Julian."
Both men were important in her life and he knew that. No doubt she'd flown with them many times. "Both Race and I have our license. Jonny and Jesse both will before long."
"Lucky kids." She sat back in her seat, checking her seat belt. "Bet it comes in handy."
"It does." Saved time waiting for someone else to fly them where they needed to go.
"Think I read something in Race's file about him being a combat pilot."
Marari didn't talk much about what she'd learned about his family for conference security. "That's correct."
"Nice to see he kept flying."
His had to keep his attention on landing. After identifying his plane, he received instructions to land and followed them, stopping the plane a few feet from the hanger. "Ready?"
"Absolutely." Marari released the seat belt and joined him in gathering their luggage and exiting the plane. "Looks like Tony sent a welcoming commity."
A black limo waited with a smiling strawberry blond waiting for them. She wore a business suit and looked quite professional. "Hello, Marari." She greeted his companion with a hug.
"Hi, Pepper. May I introduce Dr. Benton Quest."
"Nice to meet you." She shook his hand with a firm grip. "Marari has told me a great deal about you. I'm Pepper Potts."
"Pleasure to meet you." He knew the woman by reputation and the fact she was mentoring Candice who now served as the CEO of both LilMorCol and Quest Enterprises.
"Please," Pepper motioned them into the limo. She entered, sitting across from them. "How was your flight?"
"I'm getting spoiled," Marari said. "I don't remember the last time I actually flew on a commercial plane."
"I know how you feel." Pepper smiled. "If there is anything I can do to make your stay more enjoyable, please let me know."
"Don't you have a company to run?" Marari asked.
"Old habits die hard." Her phone rang. "If you'll excuse me for a moment."
Benton tuned out the conversation. "How long have you known her?"
"Awhile. I tend to make good lasting friends."
"So I see."
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
Benton had rented a suite and they'd settled in to each of their rooms. Marari was used to sharing a common space with her cousin or Julian and Lillie, so it didn't bother her. Hanging up her clothes, she went to see what they had.
Benton stood on the balcony and she joined him. "Penny for your thoughts."
"Only a penny?" He smiled teasingly at her.
"Fine a quarter then." She shivered. "Should have grabbed my coat."
"Come here." She moved closer and he put his arm around her. "Better?"
"A little." Her eyes traveled over the city. "Nothing like what I grew up with."
"You don't talk about that much."
"For good reason." With effort she blocked the memories. She'd never shared that part of her life with anyone, not even her deceased husband. "What do you have planned for our time here?"
"Whatever we want."
"Spontaneous, huh? That's not like you."
"I'm full of surprises."
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
New Year's Eve arrived after a hectic couple of days. They'd gone ice skating, toured the United Nations building, and done some shopping. Benton had deliberately taken Marari shopping in an exclusive boutique for a dress. She's protested, but he'd insisted. Out of revenge she'd refused to let him see what she'd picked until tonight.
Nervously he stood in the living room area, adjusting his tie for the umpteenth time while he waited. After a few more minutes she stepped out and he gasped.
She'd chosen a stunning green and blue floor length dress, clinging to her body that left little to imagination what her figure looked like. Around her neck glittered a sapphire necklace, that her fingers lightly touched. Dangling earrings matched perfectly. "They were a Christmas gift from Barnabas."
It took him a moment to find his voice. "Your cousin is generous."
"He can be."
"You look…stunning."
"I feel overdressed."
He shook his head. "I doubt it, considering who is going to be at this party."
"You really didn't have to buy the dress."
"I wanted to."
She looked down shyly. "Thank you."
All he wanted to do was crush her to him and kiss her so deeply she'd beg for more. He took a very deep breath knowing he couldn't give in to his desire. "We'd better go."
She nodded and he helped her with her coat. Once they got downstairs a limo waited taking them to the tower where the party was being held. At the door, a smiling woman checked in their coats and they took the elevator up the floor filled with men in expensive suits and women in dresses ranging from suggestive to dignified modest.
"Maybe I'm not overdressed," she murmured in his ear.
"Told you." He gently took her hand and placed it around his arm. The looks being tossed in Marari's direction, made him very uneasy.
"There you are," Tony greeted as he intercepted them halfway across the room. He wore a white suite with an orange shirt partially unbuttoned and no tie. "You look amazing, Marari."
"Thank you, Tony." She gave the billionaire a kiss on the cheek. "Where's Pepper?"
"Ah," he turned and pointed. "Over there holding court."
"If you're smart, you'll hold onto her. She's a rare jewel."
"Don't I know it." He started to move away. "Oh, save me a dance for later."
"Only if you remain sober."
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
Bruce Wayne claimed Marari for a dance later in the evening. She didn't mind, she expected it. Benton hadn't looked happy, but she'd left him in Pepper's company.
"He's been jealously protecting you all night," Bruce told her as they moved across the floor.
"I know."
"You're a lucky woman."
"I never thought to meet someone after my husband died."
"Just proves that something good can happen."
"What about you, Bruce?"
His expression tightened. "I have my own destiny."
She nodded, not exactly sure what he meant. "You've done a lot of good."
"I hope so." The song ended and he returned her to Benton. "Thank you for the dance," he told her, giving her hand a kiss.
"Anytime, Bruce."
"You two seemed to be having a serious talk." Benton took her hand.
"No more than normal."
"How about some air?"
"Great idea."
He led her through the crowd to a long balcony. The cool air felt wonderful after the stuffy hot and perfume laden room. The view, however, was amazing and she moved to look out over the brightly lit city.
"Hard to believe after all that's happened, that the city looks so spectacular." She looked at Benton. "What's on your mind?"
"I was going to wait, but-". He pulled a small box out of a pocket.
She had no doubt what it contained and waited to see if he confirmed her suspicions.
"Marari, I love you." He swallowed and she waited. His fingers opened the box and he turned it to face her. "Will you marry me?"
She didn't even hesitate. "Yes."
He took out the ring and placed it on her finger. Under the light she could see it held a sapphire and two emeralds. Blue and green, two of her favorite colors. "I love you, too."
They sealed their engagement with a kiss.