December, Current Year…
'Holly Reade murmured "Good morning" to her husband Fletcher Reade whose ear was pressed firmly to her midsection.
"Shh" was his stage whispered response.
"Excuse me? Is there a reason you are listening to the sounds of digestion?"
"I said shh, Red"
"Fletcher…"
"Alright, Mommy, if you insist on knowing. Baby Red and I are trying to have a conversation here."
Holly smiled, combing her fingers through her husband's hair. "Oh really, and what mysteries of life are our unborn child sharing with you today?"
"Ah well, my dear, it wasn't so much her as me doing the majority of the talking. I was telling her that we have a huge doctor's appointment today." Holly could feel that he was now tracing her now obvious swell with his fingers. "I told her how much we love her, and that we can't wait for Dr. Sedgwick to give us a clean bill of health today."
"Right, that." Holly's tone was somber.
"Alright Red, time for you and me to have a conversation. What is going on in that beautiful head of yours?"
"Nothing." She lied as she pulled her bottom lip between her teeth.
"Nonsense" Fletcher scooted himself upward, He wrapped her in his arms, allowing her head to rest on his bare chest. "What is it?"
"Oh Fletcher" She sighed dramatically. "It's just that, well, I'm a little old to be having babies."
Fletcher froze "Babies, as more than one, did Dr. Sedgwick tell you there is another crumb grabber in there? Perhaps hiding behind the original on the sonogram?" He knew there wasn't, but he was attempting to make Holly laugh.
She bat at him playfully. "God forbid."
"I think it could be fun. One to dress in tiny little football uniforms, and one to dress like a princess. I can see it now, it would be like having the doublemint twins"
"No, it would not. It would be double the trouble Fletcher. Two car seats, two cribs, two sets of braces, two college tuition payments. Worse, we could end up with two girls. Both of whom channel a teenaged Blake. No, one is enough, more than enough at this late date. Besides, Dr. Sedgwick would have told us if it were twins, which by the way if she had, I'd be waking up in a padded cell instead of with you."
"Would it really be so bad?" He kissed her on the top of her head. "We could have Baby Red, and Baby Red Sox. One for me, and one for you. His and hers." He grinned.
"Right, because our world hasn't been turned upside down enough by this late in life event. Lets up the ante wishing for twins. No, I'm quite content with one healthy baby."
"Alright, alright, I'm only kidding."
"I know you are honey. I'm sorry, I'm just nervous. The baby aside, our being together at all is proof of how life can change on a dime."
"Yes, you're right it can, and it does and it has, but wasn't it you who reminded me of what a miracle this has all been?"
Holly sighed again. "I did, and it is, but Fletcher we need to be realistic here. I had those tests for a reason, at your behest I might add."
He laid a finger on her lips. "I know, and I am being realistic, Red. Our baby, our singular baby, is going to be a wonderful addition to our family, and look, she is already performing miracles."
Holly looked at him quizically. "Miracles? So she is already for sainthood in her Daddys eyes? Do tell Fletch"
"Well, she is responsible for your mother coming back to Springfield full time and Blake is learning how to knit, and Ben…well, Ben will get used to her in time and she already has me wrapped around her little finger. I also know that she is going to be born with ten little fingers and ten little toes and is going to be perfectly healthy."
"You know Fletch, your perfectly healthy little girl could really be a perfectly healthy little boy you know."
"Our baby is a she, trust me. Now why don't you let me help you relax. We have some time until we are due at Cedars."
"Help me relax huh, and just how do you propose to do that?"
"Oh my dear, give me a minute and I will work my magic. Baby Red, close your eyes and cover your ears. This part of the program you won't want to see or hear."
"A minute?" She grinned "Oh honey, I'm going to need slightly more than that." She pulled him into her.
Hours later the pair quietly walked into Margaret Sedjwicks office. "Hello, we're here for the results of our amniocentesis. Lindsey-Reade, Holly" She shared needlessly as the office was empty.
"Dr. Sedgwick has been delayed. She is in delivery, but asked us to have you wait. She will be down as soon as possible"
Holly nodded. Fletcher guided her to a bank of chairs along the wall. When they were seated he lifted her hand to his lips. "Remember what I said" He whispered. She gave a weak smile, but did not show any more.
Soon, Dr. Sedgwick arrived. "Holly, I'm sorry I was late." She began. "Why don't you two come on back to my office and we'll talk"
Fletcher stood, extending a hand to his wife. "Ready?" He asked the obvious.
The pair followed Dr. Sedgwick to the inner sanctum of her private office. Holly's eyes darted around the unfamiliar room. Instead of images of growing fetuses on the wall Margaret had decorated with paintings that looked like they had been created by a toddler. On the credenza behind her desk smiling faces of what were likely her family stared back at her.
Holly startled when the door latched.
"I'm sorry I was late, I had a delivery that took longer than we anticipated. Why don't you two have a seat there? I want to go over the rest of your test results and then we can discuss them."
Holly studied the doctor's countenance as she reviewed the non descript file in front of her. She watched as Margarets blue eyes darted from word to word, and page to page before closing it and laying her hands on top of it, perhaps to contain the news inside. When she looked up her eyes gave away nothing. If it was good news they didn't smile, and if bad they didn't weep.
"Before we begin I want you both to know that this particular prenatal test has over a 99 percent accuracy rate. By the end of this appointment you will know all there is to know genetically." This time she smiled. Fletcher grasped Holly's hand. "Now, before we begin, I always like to ask if the parents have any questions before I begin?"
"Just one, is our baby healthy?" Fletcher asked.
Margaret nodded, though it was almost imperceptible. "Fletcher, no test can guarantee health. What this test determines is if there are any genetic abnormalities. Even a perfectly typical child can be born with health issues that will affect their daily life. IWhile a child born with a genetic issue could go on to lead a perfectly typical life. This test does not prognose, it can only diagnose. thought I explained that to you when Holly underwent the procedure."
Fletcher's cheeks flushed pink. "I fainted, remember?"
"Yes, I do, Remind me of that in a few months, Alright, Holly, how about you? Any questions before I begin?"
Holly who had been staring at the floor suddenly looked up, she hadn't heard a word either the doctor or Fletcher had said. She felt flushed, ill, as if she were going to be sick. "I need to be excused for a moment." She announced as if she were in school.
Fletcher bolted upright, reaching out for her. "Red, are you alright?" His face wore concern.
"I just need a minute. Margaret, where is the ladies room?"
Dr. Sedgwick pointed with two outstretched fingers. "Through there, down the hall, second door on the right. There is a call button in there if you need me."
Holly left her purse behind as she raced through the door. She could hear Fletcher questioning the doctor before it closed behind her. All she heard was "Probably a nervous reaction." Holly followed the hallway to the end, passing the second, third, and fourth doors. She made a turn at the small nurses station that would normally house Dr. Sedgwick's assistants if it were a clinic day to the end of the corridor. She pushed open a door that read EXIT, which led to an outdoor sidewalk. She breathed in the cold air, causing her to cough, though she remained undeterred,
Her pace quickened every time she heard footsteps behind her. On several occasions she thought about turning back and rejoining Fletcher, but continued to put one foot in front of the other, finally stopping at the edge of a park that had a makeshift Christmas tree lot. She felt a tear encroach in her line of vision as she watched a father trying to coax his toddler to approach the display of Santa with his reindeer for a coveted photograph when she felt a hand on her shoulder. Without looking she turned, and wrapped her arms around the figure.
"Im sorry, I shouldn't have run out like that" She said through more profuse tears.
"Holly?" The voice said.
Holly's head snapped upward, her grip broken. "Roger, how dare you. What are you doing here?" She wiped her eyes.
"I'm here to buy a tree for WSPR, it's for charity…..Holly, what's wrong, you're upset" He stated the obvious.
"Leave me alone, Roger." She spat angrily.
Doing quite the opposite, he reached out and wiped a tear from her cheek. She recoiled. "Don't touch me, what gives you the right to touch me?" She yelled, causing those in the tree lot to momentarily stare at the pair.
"Holly, keep your voice down, people are staring"
"I don't care, Roger, let them stare." She was defiant.
Roger reached out and grabbed Holly by her upper arms, infuriating her further. She began to pummel her fists off his chest.
"Get off of me, what gives you the right to touch me? I banished you from my life, remember? I will scream bloody murder if you don't let go of me!"
"Lower your voice" He warned "My God Holly, what has happened to you? A year ago we were to be married, and now you are making me out to be public enemy number one. We shared a bed, we share a daughter in case you have forgotten, and if it weren't for my tunnel vision we would be sharing a life right now." Slowly, and not completely against her will he ushered her to a bench nearby where he firmly placed her in a seated position. Seeing the tears in her eyes, he pulled his handkerchief out and handed it to her. "There, there, blow your nose, wipe your eyes." He thought for a moment, Where is Fletcher? Did he do this? Did he hurt you? I swear, I will kill him if he laid a hand on you."
Between sobs Holly assured him that it wasn't Fletcher.
"Alright, if it's not that ink covered paper jokey then what, whom?" He studied her from head to toe, stopping at her mid section on the way back. "Oh Holly…" His voice lowered. A knot formed in his throat. "You came from Cedars didn't you? You've lost the baby, haven't you?"
Holly balled the handkerchief he had given her and twisted it tightly. "You'd love that wouldn't you." She threw the wadded fabric at him.
"What? Holly, no, I am worried about you, that's all. If it's not Fletcher and it's not the baby then who has you so upset? Perhaps if you tell me I can fix it for you."
"It's you Roger, you're bothering her. I have only stumbled upon you and recognized that. In fact, I bet anyone in a three block radius recognizes that. You can't ever just leave her alone can you? " The voice was Fletchers. Holly lunged into his arms. He kissed her temple and held her.
"What is with the two of you?" Roger asked, shaking his head. "I ran into Holly here, I could see she was upset. I was just trying to help but the two of you acted like I was caught in the act of stealing candy from a baby or evicting an old widowed woman from her home."
"You've been known to do worse Roger." Fletcher sneered. "Regardless Roger, Holly is my wife, not yours. If she needs a shoulder to cry on it will be mine, not yours. So again, I suggest you leave."
"That's rich Reade, I mean, after all had your shoulder not been so available to Holly last year, she would have been my wife now. Hell, she may even be carrying my baby right now instead of yours. Have you ever thought about that?"
"Enough!" Holly yelled. "Roger, you lost any claim on me. Fletcher is my husband, and I love him. Thank you for coming after me. I should have never left. I'm sorry"
Fletcher wrapped her in his arms again. "It's alright. I understand. Listen, Dr. Sedgwick is waiting. Let's go back." Fletcher felt Holly's head nod in the affirmative. As he began to lead her away he stopped and turned towards Roger. "If I ever see you near my wife again, I will make you wish you were never born."
Roger watched as the pair exited the park, he hated that Fletcher had taken the love of his life away from him, but knew he only had himself to blame. If only there was a way to turn back time. He pulled the handkerchief Holly had used from his pocket and brought it to his own cheek. He could smell her perfume on it. He inhaled deeply and landed heavily on the bench he had shared with her. "It's too late Fletcher," He murmured. Roger sat, not feeling the cold or hearing the voices of the people around him." He closed his eyes allowing himself to be taken back to that fateful night.
"Roger," She said breathlessly as she came through the door.
He stood at the table, matchbook in his hand. 'Hello, Holly, 'he grinned. She looked beautiful. A black wrap dress under a black wool coat, a scarf hanging loosely around her neck.
"I'm sorry I'm late" She said, hanging onto the mantle as she kicked off her black heels. "I'm going to need an hour to get freshened up"
Tossing the match book onto the table Roger pressed his hands together and laid his chin on top of his fingers. "You're a vision. Why don't you come and sit, I will get you a drink"
Holly went to the love seat, tucking her feet under her as she sat. "I'm sorry if I ruined anything you had planned. Dinner smells wonderful"
"You've ruined nothing Holly. In fact, I'm glad you home. I've been waiting for tonight for a life time it seems."
Holly heard the pop of a champagne cork. Roger in turn carried the dark green bottle and two crystal glasses to the living room. He filled them expertly, handing one to Holly. "Shall we toast?"
"To the rest of our lives as Mr. and Mrs. Thorpe '' He clinked his glass off of hers. He was ready to add to his toast when the phone rang. His face wore an annoyed look. "Hello" He growled into the mouthpiece.
"Roger, it's Alexandra" Across town, Alexandra Spaulding sat at her makeup table, twisting the telephone cord around her pinky finger. "Roger, are you there?"
He laid his champagne glass on the table and gave the "one minute" sign to Holly. "Yes, I'm here, what can I do for you?"
"I need you to come to the house, immediately. I'm ready to sign."
"Really, that does sound serious, but don't you think it could wait until morning?"
"I might lose my nerve."
"We can't have that now can we?" He flicked his wrist and checked the time on his watch.
"I promise Roger, if you come right now, you won't be sorry."
"Alright, if you think it can't wait I will be there in about twenty minutes."
Roger hung up the phone and turned towards Holly. "An emergency huh" She asked dubiously.
"Yes, that was Gilly. Apparently there is a problem at WSPR. You heard me, I asked if it could wait, but…" he shrugged.
"I understand. It can't be helped. You go. I will keep our dinner warm for you." Her hair picked up the flickering of the candles, highlighting a few stray strands. "Be careful, it's starting to snow" She told him as he took his coat off of the back of the couch.
Roger made it as far as the door. The knob felt cool under his touch. He laid his head against the wooden frame. "Holly" He said softly. "I wouldn't go if it weren't absolutely necessary."
"I know, but it's an emergency. I know how those can be. Being the boss can be demanding. So go, do what you have to do, I will be waiting when you get back" She had closed the space between them, and had entwined her arms under his, and around his chest. "I love you, but be careful, I don't want you driving into a ditch because your rushing back to me."
"I promise I wont" He mumbled. He took her still naked left hand in his. "Holly, tonight, we are going to have everything we ever dreamed of and more."
"Oh Roger, that is where you fail to know me at all. I only ever dream of you. Now go. The sooner you leave the sooner you will be back."
He kissed her fingers again before opening the door. He felt her let go and heard her stocking feet padding away towards the kitchen. He pulled the door open and stood, allowing cold and snow to blow inward. The contrast not lost on him. Out there in the world it was bleak, and barren, cold and wintery. Yet inside, just feet away was warmth and the promise of forever. He didn't need Spaulding if he had Holly. He only wanted it because those were the only two loves of his life, her and power. He had her, and he did yield power at WSPR. Did he really need more? Did he need to lie to her to get it?
Finally noticing him standing in the door she asked "What are you doing? You're letting all the snow in and the heat out. So, I'm going to tell you what I used to tell Blake. In or out. Pick one"
He turned and shut the door, locking it behind him. "I already did. I'll pick you." Roger closed the space between them and wrapped his arms around her. He never took his lips off of her warm skin. Even as he shuffled out of his overcoat he kissed her.
"Roger? Picked me? What's going on with you? What's come over you? Gilly must be beside herself waiting for you."
"I'm not going anywhere Holly" He continued his seduction, to which she was responding. She threw her arms around his neck as he reached around and lowered her zipper. "I want to make love to you" He whispered as her dress became a puddle of fabric on the floor.
"What about Gilly? What about the emergency?"
"Shh, it can wait" he told her. Gently he picked her up like she was a rag doll and carried her to the couch.
"Roger…" She moaned as his fingers explored her goose flesh peppered skin.
"Are you cold?"
She shook her head, no.
"Good, good" He quietly said as he continued to explore her. He knew all of the curves, and mysteries of her body yet he explored her as if it were the first time. Before entering her he locked his brown eyes with her. "I love you" He told her over and over again. He called out her name as he reached his climax before collapsing on top of her. His eyes fluttered sleepily as Holly ruffled his hair with her hands.
"Not that I'm complaining, but what was that about?" Holly asked him.
Roger's eyes snapped open. "I need to tell you something." His tone was ominous.
Holly pulled from under him, sitting up straight, covering herself with the throw that was on the back of the couch. "Why do I think I'm not going to like it?" Her voice still husky.
"You're probably not Holly, but I want to be completely honest with you."
"You haven't been?" She threw her hands up in the air. "I knew it was too good to be true.. Go ahead, tell me. Who is she?"
"Alexandra"
Holly laughed heartily, but the look on Roger's face made her stop abruptly. "Roger, please tell me you're kidding." He shook his head negatively.
" Alexandra Spaulding?, Alexandra, as in your ex-wife Alexandra? How could you? Damn it Roger. I trusted you." He opened his mouth as if to speak but she stopped him. "No, not this time Roger. Against the advice of everyone else; my mother, Ed, even Fletcher, I decided to give you another chance. Oh boy am I an idiot."
It was Rogers' turn to start laughing. "Oh honey, I could have turned into an arch angel and they would have warned you off of me., but it's not what you think. I'm not romantically involved with Alexandra, in fact, if I had it my way I wouldn't be involved with her at all, but I have no choice. Honestly, Hol, you are the only one I want to share my bed or my life with. I promise you that."
Holly reached out and lay a hand on Roger's cheek. "Then what is Roger? I know you're hiding something. This romp on the couch proved it. Damn it, why do you always do this Roger? Why do I? "
He took her wrist, once again laying it on his lips. "You're right, there is something Holly." He inhaled deeply. His finger wagged towards the phone. "That phone call, it wasn't Gilly. It was Alexandra."
Holly pulled her hand away from Roger with force. "You were going to leave me tonight to see Alexandra, and you tell me there is nothing going on. Come off of it Roger." She attempted to escape him, but he grabbed her, preventing her escape. She stood naked in front of him.
"God you are as exquisite now as you were when you were nineteen years old."
"Do not try to seduce me again Roger, it won't work."
Roger put his hands up "I'm not trying to seduce you, I'm just….oh forget it. Holly, listen to me. I'm trying to tell you, I'm trying to be honest with you, but damn it, you are just so beautiful you make me forget myself." He picked the throw up from the floor and took it to her. He was surprised when she allowed him to wrap it around her.
"Alright, now that you're not distracted by my Venus De Milo physique, tell me what you've been up to with the queen herself, Alexandra."
Roger twisted his lips. "Alright." He sighed. "As I've already said, that was Alexandra on the phone, but I promise if you hear me out, you will realize it's not what you think."
"Stop stalling Roger, just tell me." She was becoming angry.
"You know how much I want Spaulding, but Holly, I want you more. Remember that when I tell you the rest."
"Roger, you are trying my ever thinning patience"
"I'm sorry Holly."
"Roger, you've done a lot of apologizing, but not a lot of explaining, now either tell me what is going on or you can just leave."
"I don't want to leave Holly, that's just it, I chose not to leave"
Her eyes flashed with anger. "That's it, Roger, I'm done. Just go. Go to Alexandra if you're not going to tell me what's going on."
"Alright, alright. Holly, I wanted Spaulding." His hands formed fists that shuttered against the air. "When Vanessa and Chrissy signed their rights to Alan's assets away I was trapped. I have one chance to get the presidency of Spaulding back. So I started working Alexandra. She kept putting me off, and putting me off. Then for some reason tonight she decided that she was going to sign over Alan's assets to me. Oh Holly, I hate to admit it, but that was an aphrodisiac like no other to me."
"Lovely. Here I just compared myself to a statue, and you're telling me that a glass and steel building is what turns you on. Fantastic."
He wanted to go to her, to hold her, to convince her, but he was afraid if he moved that she'd evaporate in front of him. "No Holly I'm telling you the exact opposite. Yes, I was turned on by the idea of power, but if I lost you in the process then the victory would be hollow. When I was standing in that doorway I knew I had a choice to make, and Holly I chose you. I will always choose you."
She studied his face, his eyes, his demeanor. There was no anger in his voice, just contrition. Now the choice was hers. Did she believe him? As she was pondering this the telephone rang.
"Leave it" He begged, but she answered.
"Hello."
"Holly, it's Alexandra, is Roger there?"
Holly held the phone out towards him "It's Alexandra." The look in her eye made Roger recoil, but Holly jut the phone towards him again. "Take it" She commanded.
With one hand Roger reached out and took the phone. With the other he wrapped it around the back of his neck.
"What?" He growled.
"Roger, it's Alex, but you already knew that. I was just wondering when you were. I called you a while ago. These papers aren't going to sign themselves you know."
Roger looked at Holly as he spoke. "Alexandra, there has been a change in plans."
"Oh really? And what that might be, Roger dear?"
"I'm getting married Alexandra."
"Married, Roger? What are you talking about?"
"I'm talking about choosing love over business, Alexandra. I'm talking about making love instead of money."
"You could do both, you know."
"With whom Alexandra, you? No, I don't think so. See tonight I almost made a mistake that I would never be able to recover from. You see, I almost left Holly here at home, drinking champagne, eating warm oysters, and cold steak while I held your hand if that's what you really had in mind."
"Roger, you're making a mistake!" She interupted.
"You're not hearing me. Let me make myself crystal clear. I'm choosing Holly. I'm choosing the love of my life for the first time in my life. You can keep Spaulding. I don't want it, I don't need it. I already have everything I've ever wanted in my life and I will be damned if I screw it up again."
"You will regret this Roger. Mark my words, you're going to regret betraying me!" Alexandra screamed.
"I will take my chances Alexandra" Roger hung up the phone without another word. His back was to Holly, but she could see his shoulders were slumped. "I know what you're going to say."
"Really?"
"Yes, I do, but to save you the trouble I will give you the cliff note version. I've disappointed you yet again. I betrayed your trust, and you can't find a way to forgive me again. I will pack a bag to get me through the next few day and will be moved out completely by the end of the holidays."
"That's the Cliff note version huh? Well you might want to get your money back. Now let the teacher give you the unabridged version." She dropped the blanket that had been around her shoulders. Roger's eyes grew wide as she sashayed over to him.
"Holly?"
It was her turn to mute him. She laid a finger across his lips while pushing her body into his. "I am disappointed, Roger, but not for the reason you think. I'm disappointed that our dinner is ruined, and I'm hungry."
Roger smiled under her finger but quickly allowed it to fall. He didn't want to appear too eager.
"I'm also disappointed that you haven't popped the question yet."
Roger reached up and grabbed her wrists, holding them gently. He pulled her into him and ground his now freed lips into hers. "Oh Holly" he moaned. "I thought I lost you. How can you forgive me again?" He asked as he peppered her with kisses.
She pulled back slightly. "That's just it Roger, I won't do it again." She was suddenly serious. "I will not play second fiddle to any woman, any power play, or any job. Do you understand me? I will be home by 6 every evening unless I have notified you in advance. I will have brought us the most amazing take out when I walk through the door. I mean it Roger. I will not accept anything less.
"I'm sorry, but I can't do it Holly." He pulled back leaving Holly confused. He went to his now discarded suit jacket and began rifling through the pockets. "Oh come on, where are you?"
"Roger?" Holly thought she had played her hand badly.
He picked up his suit pants, Grinning widely when his fingers touched the velvet covered box. "There we go" He said to the air. He put a hand behind his back, and reached out with the other one. "I'd get down on one knee, but I'd never get up again. Do you mind if we sit?"
Holly nodded. She suddenly felt self conscious, and breathless at the same time.
With their knees touching Roger opened the box showing a Verragio three stone, scrolled engagement ring in white gold. Holly's hands flew to her mouth. Even Dietrich, her last husband, hadn't presented her with a ring as exquisite. Seeing this Roger silently relished the moment.
"Holly Norris Bauer Thorpe Lindsey…"
"You forgot my middle name in there, Roger," She said dryly."
"Oh right, Holly Margaret Norris…"
"Don't you dare, I mean it. Or you will be packing that bag" She threatened.
"Alright, alright you win. Holly, I love you and can't imagine spending the rest of my life without you in it. Will you please do me the honor of marrying me?"
Spontaneous tears sprung to her eyes. Suddenly she couldn't find her voice. Instead she simply nodded. The ring was a perfect fit as it slid onto her finger. The facets danced in the remaining candle light. Tears fell from her eyes, but her voice remained buried causing Roger to laugh heartily.
"In order to seal the deal I need to hear you say yes. Otherwise, it's not binding."
"Yes!" Holly exclaimed.
The following morning as the pair lay in post coital bliss Holly couldn't help admire her ring.
"Roger"
"Hmm?"
"Let's get married."
He rolled over balancing himself on an elbow. "Correct me if I'm wrong, but didn't we decide to do that last night? After all there is a very exquisite ring on a very prominent finger there my dear."
"I know, but Roger, I'm being serious" She mirrored his posture, coming up on her elbow so that they were practically nose to nose. "Lets pack a bag and run off and get married."
"Honey, as excited as I am to be the mister to your missus, we can't just run off and get married."
"Why not? Give me one good reason"
"Well, off the top of my head there is one. Our daughter, Blake. Don't you think she will be slightly offended if her parents abscond in the middle of the night without so much as a moment's notice?"
"I will call her from the airport. We can have a party when we get back."
Roger laughed. "Right, a party for three, maybe four if that ambulance chaser husband of hers comes too."
"We could invite other people," Holly offered.
"Right, as if they would come." He averted his eyes. "Actually Holly, have you thought this through? Your social life is going to take a downward turn when you become Mrs. Roger Thorpe. Are you prepared for that?"
"To quote Dr. Suess, those who mind don't matter, and those who matter don't mind. So do me a favor and stop stalling, let's get dressed, and let's go get married."
"You really want this? You can't think of any reason why we shouldn't wait? You don't think we should call Chrissy? Or maybe, and this is a reach, but maybe we should try to get your mother used to the idea? Anything?"
"Maybe you're right." She teased. "December is awfully full. I mean, there is my birthday, and that's a pretty big deal. Oh and Christmas. Can we really run off and get married a few days before Santa comes? Oh and of course who can forget New Years Eve. Are you sure you want to kiss your wife instead of your girlfriend on New Year's Eve?"
Roger bound out of bed. He disappeared inside of their shared closet. "You need to call Chrissy" He called from the confines of the closet. "Tell her that this was all your idea." Suddenly he appeared in the doorway holding a dark suit in one hand, and a cream colored skirt suit in the other. He tossed them on the end of the bed before disappearing again. When he returned holding basic toiletries he cocked his head "Come on Hol, what are you waiting for? We have a lot to do if we're going to be married today." He tossed the cordless phone towards here before exiting the room again.
Giddily Holly grabbed the phone and dialed a number by heart.
"Hello" Answered the groggy voice.
"Blake." Holly greeted.
Across town, Blake pushed herself upward in bed. She looked to her left and spied her still sleeping husband at her side. "Mom, is everything alright?" She asked so as to not wake Ross. "Did you and Daddy have a fight?"
"Honey, I'm sorry to call you so early but there is something you need to know"
Blake heavily exhaled. "What now, Mother? What has Daddy done now?" She felt Ross stir beside her.
"He asked me to marry him." Holly grinned.
"Oh my God Mom!"
"What, what's happened to Holly? What has Roger done now?" Ross asked, coming fully awake beside her. He felt the top of the night stand in the hopes of finding his glasses.
"Shh" Blake said. "Mom, this is exciting, I want to know everything."
Ross, finding his glasses, knit his eyebrows. "Is Holly alright?" He asked, almost certain that she was.
Blake held the phone against her chest. "She's better than alright, Ross. Daddy asked her to marry him."
Ross threw his legs over the edge of the bed. "Fabulous." His voice dripped with sarcasm. "When will she ever learn? Let's hope it's a long engagement."
"Go make some coffee Ross." Blake replaced the head set to her ear. "Mom, are you still there?"
At her house Holly was still in her own bed, listening to the sounds of Roger puttering around in the living room. "Yes darling, I'm still here. I take it Ross is less than thrilled."
"Don't give him another thought Mom. Have you thought about a date?"
"Well, that's part of the reason why I'm calling so early." She paused. "You're dad and I are eloping. We could be married as soon as tonight."
Unseen by Holly, Blake's eyes got wide. "Eloping? Mom? What's the rush? Is Daddy afraid you will change your mind? Oh Mom, don't let him rush you"
"Blake, darling, I'm the one who suggested it, not him. Now listen, I have to go. You were right about one thing, there is a lot to do. I will call you when we get back, I promise. I love you."
"I love you too, Mom." Blake hung up the phone.
Holly dialed another number and waited for the call to connect.
"Springfield Journal, Fletcher Reade here."
Holly plastered a fake smile on her face. "Fletcher, it's Holly."
"Ah, our illustrious publisher, let me guess you over slept and are going to be late."
She could picture him sitting behind his computer, chewing on a pencil. His tattered old reporters hat would be handing off the edge of his monitor, and depending on the story a bottle of scotch would be open if not already half empty. "Actually I won't be in today, Fletcher. Actually, I probably won't be in until after the new year."
Fletcher pulled the pen he was chewing on out of his mouth, and threw it on the desk. "Come on Red, what gives? It's Christmas week, or so Ben tells me. He is actually pretty pissed that we don't have a tree, and if I'm honest I haven't even set foot in the mall to buy him an actual gift. So I suppose it could be the middle of May or something."
One of the things Holly loved about Fletcher was his sense of humor, but she sensed that when she told him why she would be absent that his humor would be short lived. "Fletcher, I'm getting married." There, she said it. "I'm going to need a few days, no I'm going to take the whole week."
Immediately Fletcher started laughing. "Married, oh Red, that's rich. I know you females. Weddings take weeks if not months to plan. So tell me what's really going on, and when I can expect to see your pretty brown eyes staring at me while you wait for me to almost meet my editorial deadline."
"Fletcher, I will be back on the 2nd, but before I get there could you please ask maintenance to change my name plate from Lindsey to Thorpe. I will have the typesetter when I get back, alright?"
Fletcher picked up the bottle of scotch from his desk and swallowed a large mouthful. "Whatever Madam Publisher want's. Look, it's pretty busy around here today. Lots of moving parts to get this paper out. So you go, you get married, and don't worry about the little people you're leaving behind."
"Thanks, Fletcher." Holly said quietly.
When she hung up Roger appeared in the door, freshly showered, wearing a towel around his waist.
"Have you tied up all of your loose ends?"
Holly threw her legs off the edge of the bed and went to him. She entwined her arms in his. "I did. How about you?"
"Not quite. You see, this elopement was your idea, and I still don't know where we are eloping to. I hear there is a package at Viva Las Vegas Wedding Chapel. We could get the Elvis package."
"Hmm, that actually has some promise. We can leave our suits here, and pick you up some blue suede shoes and have your hair combed into a pompadour." Holly teased.
Roger twisted his lip upward, and spoke in his best impression "Only if you promise to tease your hair into a mile high beehive for your hunk a hunk of burning love"
"How about Mexico?" She suggested. "We can go to Alcapulco."
"I love it. Listen, you go get in the shower. I will make the reservations and get us on a plane." He sprung into action.
The next morning the pair woke up to the scent of gardenias and the sounds of the waves crashing on the white sandy beach out of their balcony window. They had to be in Mexico for three business days before they could be married, so they spent their time walking the beach, enjoying the warm water, and enjoying the delicacies that were offered at every meal.
On the third day Roger stood barefoot in that same sand, his pant legs rolled up just past his ankles. It was sunset, the sky was a mixture of yellow, lilac and red as he spied Holly coming towards him wearing a long flowing sundress and wearing a flower in her auburn hair. Roger lay his right hand across his chest at the sight of her. The last "I do" was said as the sun broke the horizon, bathing the beach in muted moon light. The pair, wearing matching wedding bands, walked hand in hand back to the hotel room together.