Chapter XIII: A Monumental Night Part III
Spice Meter: 4 flames
My beautiful readers, today This Author does not feel like rambling much, so let's just continue where we left off last time, alright? Sit tight, adjust your glasses (if you wear them), and read on!
After leaving Boettcher Concert Hall, Joe and Vivianne picked up the desserts they ordered at Rioja. The drive back to the ranch was spent in comfortable silence, the oldies radio station filling the car with music. While they were humming along to "Just the Two of Us", Moonrise Ranch came into view. Joe parked in front of the house and saw Sam had indeed left the outside firepit burning. They both got out of the car and headed towards the house.
Michel, Vivianne's golden retriever, was guarding the front porch. He barked when he saw her, and immediately stood beside her in a protective stance. "Michel, you goof, this is Joseph, he's a good guy. Let's behave, ok?" She scratched his head lovingly. Joe let Michel sniff him, because he was sensible enough to understand Vivianne's dog had to assess whoever was with his mama.
"Would it be too forward to say I don't want the evening to end?" Joe asked, a hopeful smile on his face.
"I don't think it is because I might feel the same way," Vivianne responded, trying to be flirtatious, but subtle. Was that even possible? "We still have dessert to eat and I can open a bottle of champagne. We should toast Ollie's magnificent performance this evening," she said, suddenly feeling a rush of nervous energy.
"That sounds wonderful," Joe replied. He followed Vivianne while she led the way towards the firepit area. It overlooked the ranch and the view was simply stunning. Adirondack chairs were arranged in a half-circle, along with a comfortably sized lounge sofa and coordinating love seat. She sat on the sofa, indicating that was the best spot, and asked Joe to join her.
"This is quite the set-up," Joe pointed out, as he took a seat. Michel, who decided to grace them with his company, plopped his head on Joe's lap. He laughed. "I guess Michel likes me."
"I think it's well known that dogs are excellent judges of character," Vivianne said, as she sat facing Joe. She bent her arm over the back of the sofa, leaning her head on her hand. With a soft tone of voice she said, "Michel's confirming what I already know."
Joe and Vivianne's gazes held and they took a moment to soak in how easy it was to be with each other. Changing the subject, she said reflectively, "This is my favorite spot on the entire property. It's cozy and you can appreciate the ranch in all its glory… it's a pity this space can't be used year-round, mainly due to the harsh winters we endure."
"If you could use it year-round, it'd probably lose its charm along the way. There's something to be said for anticipation… makes you value whatever it is a whole lot more just because you're not able to enjoy it at a moment's notice."
Joe's words were full of wisdom, Vivianne thought, realizing he was right. Pleasure was found first in anticipation. She smiled and shook her head in wonderment, realizing where her thoughts were going. However, she brought herself back to the present and offered him champagne along with dessert. She didn't forget they still had to toast her grandson's success, not to mention their lovely date.
"To a beautiful evening, Joseph. It has been a while since I had an outing such as this," Vivianne said softly, as they clinked their glasses together.
His eyes softening and boring deep into hers, he regaled her with an endearing half-smile. "That makes two of us." Joe looked down, gathering his thoughts. After a couple of seconds, he finally asked, "Have you dated at all since your husband passed?"
There was a long, drawn-out silence, and Joe thought he might have overstepped. "I don't want you to answer anything that makes you uncomfortable, Vivianne. Please forget I asked."
"I'm not uncomfortable. The question just took me a bit by surprise. I just feel like I'm 18 again, navigating the world of dating and relationships…but in the body of a 58-year-old. Dating can be overwhelming at any time, but after a certain age, it can be even more so."
What a blunder, Joe thought. He took her hands in his and rubbed her knuckles gently. "You don't have to answer. Please forgive me for overstepping."
"You haven't, Joseph. There's nothing to forgive," she smiled, but there was a trace of melancholy in her voice. Her eyes glimmered with tears that threatened to spill over. She took a deep breath. "The truth is I haven't dated at all since Leo passed away. The pain was all-consuming… and dealing with that grief, well, I wouldn't wish it on anyone. However, I had to find a way to put myself back together. There was Juliette and Ollie…he was so small, just a baby, and they needed me."
"Vivianne, you don't have to explain…" Listening to her was gut-wrenching for Joe. He truly wished he could absorb all that pain. She was so good, so lovely, such a gem of a woman, she didn't deserve the pain she'd had to endure.
"Please, let me finish." She could feel the tears burning her throat, but the need to bare her heart to Joe was immense. He nodded, his eyes holding hers, letting her continue.
"I am so thankful to Samuel and his family. They not only took care of the property, but they also took care of me and my own. I wouldn't have survived without them." Vivianne remembered how Natalie, Sam's wife, had found her one time sitting in the shower, sobbing with such anguish, she'd almost called an ambulance. She owed that woman her life, so desperate had she been without Leo. Natalie was the one who led her to Happy Paws because she knew Vivianne found solace in taking care of animals. "When the opportunity to work as a vet once again came up, I took it. I found peace in treating other people's pets when they got sick. I had so much on my plate. There just wasn't time for dating and, even if I had considered it, I just didn't have the desire to do so."
Joe had a hard time absorbing everything she'd just said, even though he recognized he was the one who brought up the subject. He could kick himself for doing so, but at the same time he appreciated her candor.
It was the point of no return… there was no denying he was head over heels in love with Vivianne. "I am so sorry my question brought forth so many difficult memories, my darling." Joe said, his voice deep with emotion.
Vivianne had been gazing down at her lap, fearing to look Joe in the eye. If she did, he would see everything she felt for him in them. When she heard him call her darling, her lashes lifted, summoning the courage to hold his gaze. "What did you call me?"
Joe's heart thudded in a rapid staccato. Did that just slip out? Was this yet another gaffe?
"Joseph, I'm sorry, but I have to do this…" She inched closer to him and laid her hands on his shoulders. Sliding her hands up his neck, she drew him close and pressed her lips to his. Vivianne lit a fire in him Joe couldn't ignore. He held her between his arms, relishing the feel of her slender form. While he lost himself in their kiss, Joe could only hope she returned his feelings.
Vivianne pulled back and Joe felt bereft. She had something to share with him, but she decided to keep it close to her heart for the moment. The atmosphere had completely changed, but instead of acknowledging it, they chose to focus on the champagne and dessert.
"Joseph, would it be inappropriate to ask you the same thing? Have you dated over the years? I can't imagine a man such as yourself alone for so long." She looked at him with such a tender expression, even if he had thought her presumptuous, he would answer her questions anyway.
"It took me quite a while to get over Moira, and then there was the anguish over losing Oliver. It might sound cliché, but I felt like I didn't deserve to be loved. I dated a few women and they might have thought we were involved…but it was just my way of seeking some comfort while I was hurting so much."
It was such a difficult conversation, but the more they bared their souls, the deeper they fell into love. Always perceptive, Vivianne pointed out, "I'm sure you needed to mend fences with Oliver and heal that relationship with him before you felt worthy of a romantic relationship."
"You got it in one, dearest Vivianne." Joe grew silent, and he felt he needed a minute to continue with what he had to say next. He took a couple of bites from the mango tart, just to bide himself some time. He noticed Vivianne was fiddling with her champagne flute. She didn't seem distraught, but certainly she was pondering something.
She beat him to the punch when she said, "It seems like you're deep in contemplation, Joseph."
"You could say that…" He put aside his need to ask her what was on her mind to share what was on his. "I've been meaning to talk to you about something. I just hope I express myself correctly."
Vivianne felt her pulse racing, the blood in her veins rushing hot and cold, anticipating his words. She waited for Joe to continue.
"Do you see a future with me, Vivianne?" Joe asked, looking at her expectantly.
"What do you mean exactly?" Vivianne's heart started to swell with hope, but she felt like she had to be a tiny bit cautious, hence the question.
Nervously, Joe's words rushed out of his mouth. "I'm halfway in love with you already," he said as his lips twisted in a wry smile. "If you don't want a relationship with me, I don't want to put myself through the heartache."
Vivianne could only focus on one thing. "You're halfway in love with me?" she asked hopefully.
Joe smiled at her tenderly, his eyes filled with yearning. "That was just a turn of phrase, darling. The truth is I'm head over heels in love with you."
Vivianne put her champagne flute on a nearby table and sat closer to Joe. She took his face between her hands and her hazel eyes looked deeply into his. "I am so in love with you, Joseph Henry O'Toole. I never thought I'd love again, but here we are."
Overcome with her declaration, Joe kissed her. It was a kiss like they hadn't experienced in their lifetimes. Their bodies started to remember what felt long forgotten, as they expressed feelings through tender touches, wandering hands, and soft lips. It was a never-ending embrace, full of passion, hope, and an overall gentleness that tugged at their hearts.
It felt like an amazing new beginning and Joe said so as he held her close.
"It is indeed, Joseph. I knew, from the dahlias you gave me when you picked me up, that's what you intended this evening to be."
"I'm such a fortunate man… to have earned the attention of an intelligent, charming, elegant, sensitive, and beautiful woman such as yourself. Yes, it's a new beginning," he said, as he took her lips with his once again, their displays of affection quickly turning so passionate they couldn't help but lose themselves in the moment.
A rumble of thunder was heard in the distance. Could a storm be brewing?
"Joseph, please stay," Vivianne said breathily.
Joe's eyes, intensified by desire and her suggestive proposal, turned a dark midnight blue.
"It sounds like there might be a storm soon… I would be too worried if you drove back to your place," Vivianne added, not wanting to ask him again to stay, but implying it with her words and longing look.
"I wouldn't want to presume… and what about Juliette…Ollie, and even Sam?"
"It's just me and Michel, Joseph. Juliette has her own apartment downtown and Sam's house is half a mile away," she smiled, the hand on his shoulder traveling up to Joe's neck, pulling him close. "Will you stay?" she asked once more.
The storm was closer than anyone could've thought. Before they knew it, fat raindrops started to fall, drenching them as they hurried to seek shelter inside the house. Vivianne got a couple of towels to dry off. Joe gently wrapped one of the towels around her and rubbed her arms. She couldn't tell if the goosebumps were from the cold or the heat from his hands through the terrycloth fabric.
Responding to the yearning look in her eyes, Joe's lips plundered Vivianne's in an intoxicating kiss. Hands wandered, as they caressed, and felt, and touched, prompting feelings that had been dormant for far too long. She flourished under his gentle touch, and both reveled in their newfound love. Their only witnesses that evening were the brilliant stars and stormy clouds of a cool Denver night. Vivianne didn't get a direct reply to her question. However, she didn't need one. The answer was in his kiss.
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Vivianne looked up dreamily as Joe cuddled her close. She had forgotten what it was to feel such male strength and warmth within the soft cocoon of a bed. He dropped a kiss on her forehead, and Vivianne felt so cherished her heart almost couldn't take it. "Aren't you glad you stayed?" she asked.
"I think you know the answer to that question." Both chuckled softly, thinking just how blessed they felt at that moment. Joe played with Vivianne's blonde mane, the soft tresses spilling through his fingers. They were so comfortable with each other; it would be easy to get used to this. "Darling, I was wondering, why did you apologize before kissing me earlier on this evening?"
Vivianne felt deep inside this was the moment to tell him. Her voice breaking slightly, she said, "Because you called me darling."
At his confused look she said, "It was a good thing, Joseph. I do believe it was heaven sent." He looked at her inquiringly, letting her know he needed more of an explanation. "Someone told me once to stay with the man who calls you darling." A lone tear trickled down Vivianne's cheek, contrasting with her beautiful smile. Joe rubbed it away lovingly with his thumb.
"It was Leo, wasn't it? He also called you darling."
"You're too perceptive for your own good," Vivianne said softly, letting Joe know without any further words he was right. Her gaze was soft, yet luminous, as her hazel eyes bore deep into his brilliant blue ones.
Joe almost felt his heart run away from his chest, so in love was he with this amazing woman. "I love you," he said gruffly.
"I love you too, Joseph."
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It was a mad dash to Denver Mercy after getting the phone call that Joe was in the hospital. Shane couldn't control the stream of tears falling down her face, and Oliver was simply stricken that something could've happened to his father. Oliver had hardly finished parking Shane's Audi SUV when she jumped out and sprinted towards the ER, desperate to see Joe and find out how he was doing. Obviously, no one would give her any information since she wasn't precisely next-of-kin. When Oliver finally joined her at the nurse's station, she immediately told the nurses her husband was Joseph O'Toole's son.
"Shane! Oliver! Oh, my goodness, you're finally here!" Vivianne cried out, falling into Shane's arms in heart-wrenching sobs.
"Oliver, did you find out anything?" Shane asked, as she held on to Vivianne, trying to keep it together for her husband's sake. She knew the situation was difficult enough for Oliver without having to deal with two weepy women.
"The nurse went to check. She said she'd be back shortly. Vivianne, please tell us what happened."
"We were at the ranch, and…" She didn't have time to continue because precisely at that moment, Joe was wheeled out from the ER.
"Dad!" Shane rushed to his side, crouching down to hug him. It was reassuring, feeling his warmth and strength. "You can't scare us like this again! You must live to be a 100!"
Joe chuckled softly, patting Shane's back. "Don't worry, sweetheart. I'm fine."
"Dad, what in the world happened? How are you? How do you feel?" Oliver was overcome to the point of tears. Of course, he was happy his father seemed okay, but the rollercoaster ride of emotions was too much for him.
Joe and Vivianne looked at each other. Were his father's eyes twinkling? Oliver thought, perplexed for sure. Shane emitted some sort of sound from her throat. Was it a sob? Was it an attempt to stifle a laugh? What on earth was going on?
Vivianne placed a hand on Joe's shoulder. He gently laid his hand on hers as he said, "Kids, it was a monumental night. Let's leave it at that!"
Shane finally let all her pent-up nervous energy spring free, laughing through her tears, fully knowing what Joe meant! Vivianne lightly punched Joe's shoulder, her cascade of hair hiding the flush creeping up her neck. As for Oliver, he kept trying to form words, but promptly shut his mouth. Something told him that he must exercise the virtue of keeping silent on this occasion!
Dearest reader, This Author is not one for saying such things, but on this occasion I must: I told you so! Papa Joe is fine! He will live to be 100. It just can't be otherwise.
Joe did give Vivianne a bit of a scare, though. My sleuths tell me he felt ill Sunday morning, and after complaining of chest pains, Vivianne rushed him to the hospital. She might have overreacted…the PTSD of when she lost her husband kicked into overdrive. Thankfully for Joe it was just a bout of indigestion! This Author can commiserate… since I can't tolerate spirits nor sweets after a certain hour. (Am I aging myself here…? God forbid!)
On a final note… don't you just adore Joe and Vivianne? This Author thinks they make a brilliant couple. They give me the warm fuzzies. In the beginning, I just thought about Joe finding someone worthy, but now… well, I love Vivianne as much as I love him. I just wonder, like Shane, if along the way there might be another ugly green tie moment.
Oh dear, be still MY heart!