Twice in a Lifetime (Love Found) Read online

  At her gasp his smile faltered and his heart slammed against his ribs. He held out the small velvet box, sitting expectantly in one hand.

  “I can’t imagine a day without you, babe—your joy, your sweetness. His free hand reclaimed her face, his thumb sweeping the dusting of freckles over her cheek. Your curls, your dimple.” His smile widened, the tension gone as her smile bloomed, his fingers threading through her hair, watching her eyes brighten and her dimple emerge.

  “My life began when I met you, and I want to continue it with you.” He popped opened the hinge, showed her the contents and smiled at her gasp. “To make a family with you. To make plans for the future. To grow old with you.

  “I promise I’ll always be here for you, I’ll make you happy. Please Allie, say you’ll marry me.”

  Tears welled in the corner of her eyes, then overflowed as Ben plucked the ring from the box. Wearing a soggy grin she nodded, then cupped one hand on either side of his face, raining kisses on him.

  “It was my mom’s.” He took her left hand in his and brought it to his lips. Kissed each of her knuckles and then slipped the ring on.

  The nerves he’d fought only minutes ago were back and they brought friends. The fierce hammer of his heartbeat, the passionate song of blood roaring through his system had his head swimming.

  She lifted her left hand, laid it back on his cheek and his breathing steadied. He let her pull him close and rejoiced as she murmured into his ear.

  “That was absolutely… charming.”

  Jake peeled himself away from the blonde clinging to him like ivy—Bambi, she said her name was—and stepped away from the littered hi-top to answer the jangling ring of his new cellular phone.

  “Hey, Jake, it’s me.”

  “You ready to join the party or what?” His gaze wandered back to his table. Bambi openly scanned the room, hunting new prey with hopeful eyes. Nope, definitely not a keeper.

  “Not tonight, man. Me and Allie, we’ve got our own party going on.”

  Through the line he could hear it - Ben was in a good mood about something.

  “Yeah, what you guys up to?”

  “Making plans for the future. Her parents are on board. My dad knows all about it and he’s thrilled. That just leaves you.”

  In the background Allie was talking, too. Something about inviting Jake to dinner. He would show, sure. But why did they have to ask now? “What’s the big deal, B?”

  Jake waited a beat and then heard the grin in Ben’s voice. “It’s just… hey buddy, I need to call in a favor.”

  Jake smiled in satisfaction as Bambi left his table, lurched to the dance floor and latched on to some sucker as drunk as she was. “Oh yeah, what now? You can’t borrow my truck.” Although the way his night was headed, he’d be riding home in a cab. He cast an eye over the crowded bar, landed on long copper curls and his heart stopped just long enough that he almost missed Ben’s next comment.

  “No, I don’t need your truck. I just need your sorry ass. I want you to be my best man.”

  With a hand that suddenly felt weak, Jake held the phone against his ear, and his heart plummeted.

  “Jake, you there? I’m getting married. Are you surprised?”

  Surprised? No, not surprised. Shocked. That almost covered it. And envious. What kind of dick did that make him? What could he possibly say?

  But Ben was waiting for something—anything. And he’d better somehow manage to sound happy. “Of course I will, Ben. Congratulations, to both of you.”

  “Good, because you promised me anything.”

  Ben laughed, but Jake could only manage a strangled chuckle.

  “Besides, you got me into this.”

  Right. He finished his conversation, said goodbye and clicked off. Shoved his cell phone into a pocket as he stood in the middle of the teeming club, the graduation weekend crowd crushing him.

  “Shit.”

  Ben sat behind a second-hand card table, their living room transformed into a makeshift office. So far the summer was a whirlwind of activity. He tilted the folding chair back on two legs and idly followed a crack in the ceiling, his mind stuck on replay. The things a sleep-tousled Allie did to him in her bed just hours ago—hell, the things he did to her—wreaked havoc on his concentration. Good thing they decided to establish the temporary office at their apartment instead of hers. Fewer distractions. He smiled in private amusement. They were already making good business decisions.

  “Your dad is making good progress on all the paperwork—corporate papers and tax licenses, shit like that.”

  He dragged his perpetually horny ass back into the conversation—Jake was probably talking about something important.

  “But digs are a little cramped here. We need a place to set up shop.”

  “I’ve been looking at locations with the realtor for two weeks now.” His reminder was accompanied by a slow nod. “We’ve found a couple that would probably work. I have another appointment day after tomorrow. We’ll find something soon.”

  Two days later he slammed into the apartment late in the afternoon, a legal-sized folder in his hand, a grin overtaking his face. “I think I found it.”

  Jake turned to him with a raised eyebrow. “It?”

  “An office, dumbass. You want to see?” He waved the manila folder like a victory flag. “I have the lease right here.”

  Jake took the folder from him. “More good news—he held up his hand for a high five—the Peterson job came through.”

  Ben slapped his hand and grinned again. “’Bout time you did something around here.” He paced the room while Jake studied the paperwork—reviewing each and every damn clause of the three year lease like the girl he was.

  Ben piled out of Jake’s old truck at the proposed office site and examined the area—the building that would house their fledgling company, the yard surrounded by chain link to store building materials and equipment. They walked off dimensions, jotted down notes.

  “Yeah, this will do.” A satisfied smile lit Jake’s eyes and Ben suffered a solid whack to the middle of his shoulder blades.

  The whack he returned gave him his own satisfaction. “Then let’s go celebrate.”

  He held open the sturdy wooden door for Jake and followed him into the franchise steak house, gave his name to the teenage girl behind the podium. Several minutes later he and Jake followed her to a table in the middle of the room.

  “How’s Allie?”

  He winked. “Oh, she’s good. Really good.”

  Jake’s eyes skimmed the room, then fell back on him with a semblance of a grin. “Not only are you a prick, but you’re a smug prick. You’re whipped and you know it.”

  He opened his mouth to argue, then widened his eyes and chuckled instead. “I called her to meet us here.”

  Jake’s grin died as his eyes bored into Ben. “Take good care of that girl. She’s special.”

  “What? You my big brother now?”

  “Nope. But you hurt her, I’m gonna kick the shit out of you.”

  “Message received. Now fuck off.” He glanced around the room, spied Allie heading their way. Perfect timing. He stood, kissed her cheek as she arrived, held out her chair.

  “Whipped.” Jake mouthed the word from across the table.

  “Thanks for inviting me.” A waitress lowered her tray and set two tall glasses of iced tea on the table. She ordered one for herself, then picked up Ben’s and drank thirstily.

  “So, Allie. Wedding plans, huh?”

  Ben snorted. “Please. Don’t get her started.”

  “Like I give a skinny rat’s ass what you want.” Jake sneered playfully and turned back to the girl seated across the table.

  Allie laughed, her hand engulfed in Ben’s wide palm on the table. “I haven’t really done anything yet. Kindergarten is over next week, then I can concentrate on wedding plans. We did decide to have the ceremony at my parents’ church in Scottsdale, though. In the early evening.”

  Ben turned his
gaze on Jake. “We done yet, Martha Stewart? We’re borrowing Will’s boat this Saturday, do some skiing. Want to come along?”

  “Burgers, beer and Allie in a skimpy little two-piece? Hell yeah, I’m in.”

  Jake just laughed at his hard look. Maybe they should talk about weddings after all.

  She had less than three months until their wedding date and a suitable place for a reception was proving hard to come by. Allie picked up the remote and turned off the news. “Ben, what do you think about this place?” She waved a fist full of brochures, collected from the possible venues she toured. “Reese and I checked it out today and it might do. They have a pretty patio in back.”

  Ben ignored the pamphlet. “Allie, it’ll still be over a hundred degrees even at six o’clock. Do you really think outdoors is an option?”

  They were planning their wedding for the middle of August because neither of them could wait longer than that. And she wanted to write Mrs. Tate on the blackboard the first day of school.

  She held up another brochure. “I know it’s late, I know you’re tired. But pay attention. What about this place?”

  Ben glanced up briefly and she started in on her sales pitch. “It’s a little over the budget, but it has this big sweeping staircase that would be great for photos.”

  “You decide, Al. Whatever you want is fine.”

  She hit him with a throw pillow. “Don’t be that guy, Ben.”

  His eyelids crept open. “What guy?”

  “The guy that doesn’t help with any of the decisions. This is our wedding. I need your input.”

  “All right then, we’ll have it at my dad’s house.”

  Allie plopped down beside him and grabbed his arm, pamphlets scattering on the sofa. “When did that become an option?”

  “He only mentioned it today. I haven’t had a chance to tell you.”

  “Ben, it’s perfect. It’s a big house with a great staircase, beautiful landscaping for photographs. It’s a little far, but so what. You sure it’s okay?”

  “Perfectly okay.” His eyes drifted shut.

  The next Saturday Allie, with the help of Reese and her mom, went searching for the perfect gown. After only three shops they met with success.

  It was all shimmery satin and delicate lace. Sleeveless with a high, sculpted neckline. Seed pearls and sparkling crystals adorned the fitted bodice. Standing on the dais, admiring her reflection in the triple mirror, tears of joy clouded her vision.

  Katie Harper walked over with a veil in her hand. Stepped up beside her daughter and slipped the combs into her hair, smoothing the lace-edged netting over her shoulders and down her back. “You’re an angel, the most beautiful bride ever.” With a soft look on her delicately lined face she spoke tenderly. “Is this the one?”

  With a smile whispering in her eyes, Allie answered. “Oh yes, we found the dress.”

  On Tuesday she shopped again with her mom and Reese, this time for flowers.

  “Here sweetie, this is like the picture you showed me last week.” Reese held up a sample bouquet the floral designer assembled ahead of time. Pink tea roses and white gardenias. “Do you still like this?”

  She really did.

  On a roll, Allie shopped for a cake. A bell chimed as she entered the shop alone and meandered through the bakery. A middle aged woman entered from the back, several years’ worth of crullers and fresh sourdough plastered to her hips.

  Martha Connor, the shop owner, was clearly knowledgeable, but after thirty minutes of looking through sample books, Allie was overwhelmed.

  So many decisions to make over cake? What flavor to choose? Buttercream or whipped frosting? Filling or no filling? Flowers or no flowers?

  “So what do you think, Ben?” She stacked the last dinner plate in the dishwasher. “Chocolate, vanilla or red velvet?”

  “What the hell’s red velvet?” Ben was distracted—Red Sox on the tube and blueprints spread across the table. “Sounds like drapes. In a whorehouse.”

  She slammed the dishwasher closed. “Like it sounds, Ben. Red. Tastes like cake. Pay attention. Which would you rather have?”

  “I really don’t care, Allie. Pick one.”

  Tossing the kitchen towel on the counter, she steamed out of the room. “Fine.”

  They were planning a simple wedding—fewer than a hundred people—but she was only doing this once, everything should be lovely. Reese and her mom were making it very easy and the invitations were already in the mail.

  “Ben, we need to go to the courthouse for a marriage license.” She mentioned this as she dropped pasta into a pot of boiling water. Reese was at dinner with a new boyfriend and they had the apartment to themselves. “Can you take off work and meet me?”

  Ben set the newspaper aside. “Sure, babe. Let me know when and I’ll be there.”

  That was easy.

  “How about your tux? Have you and Jake gotten fitted?”

  Eyes wide, his look was sharp and cautious, a deer caught in the headlights. “Tux?”

  She’d mentioned the black tuxedo to him several times in the past two weeks. She didn’t bother to rein in her temper as she glared. “Yes, Ben. Tuxedo. The suit you’re going to wear to your wedding. I’ve asked you several times to get measured so you get the right size.” Her frustration boiled over like the fettuccini on the red-hot burner. “Can you do that please? That one thing?”

  “C’mon, Al. I’ve done more than one thing. It’s all we talk about anymore. All you do. Everything’s this for the wedding, that for the wedding. I can’t wait till it’s over.”

  Oh, really? On a huff, she let the bite of each word sting. “I’m sorry if this is tiresome for you Ben, but there are more details than you can imagine in putting a wedding together.”

  Ben closed his eyes and dropped his chin to his chest, then scraped back his chair, sauntered toward her, took her in his arms. His eyes were hooded and a smile lifted one corner of his mouth. “Allie, honey? Will you be there?”

  Had he lost his ever-loving mind? “Of course I’ll be there.”

  “Good. That’s all I need. I love you. I don’t care about the writing on the invitations as long as they say Allie is going to marry Ben. I don’t care about flowers, or cake. I don’t really care about the dress you’re wearing.”

  Then he paused for a beat with a long thoughtful gaze and his smile turned wicked. “Although.” He drew the word out in that way he had. “I do care about what’s under the dress. Make it sexy, okay?” Toning the smile down again, he went on. “You could wear silk or a gunny sack. I. Don’t. Care. I don’t care if there are only three people there.”

  He paused again, long enough to tighten his arms around her, each word emphasized with a kiss. “What I care about is you, and me, and the preacher. Saying you will be mine forever. That I get to love you every day for the rest of my life. Now do you understand?”

  Ah, hell, how sweet could one guy be?

  She could only nod.

  Finally—at last—their wedding day was here. Standing at the head of the aisle, dressed in white satin and lace from the skin out, her eyes wandered the sanctuary. She gazed at her groom and his best man, both tugging bow ties and shuffling their feet. But they were stationed beside the minister in perfectly fitted black tuxedos. She tugged her father’s hand. “Look, Daddy, he’s almost as handsome as you.”

  Will turned a watery smile her way, squeezed her hand. “You’ll always be my little girl, Alexandra Jane. But nothing makes me happier than the love I see when he looks at you.”

  Waiting for the music to change, her eyes misted over. Her heart was full, as full as the small church bursting with family, with friends. On cue she took her first step, glided down the aisle to the man she chose to love for always.

  Through a cloud of gossamer the preacher said his words, “Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today…” Reese held her bouquet while Jake handed Ben his mother’s wedding band. He lifted her veil, sealed their vows with a lusty kiss. And
grinning foolishly at one another, she scampered beside her husband back down the aisle, a brand new bride.

  Standing in the receiving line, their future was full of promise; their lives were full of hope. They’d settle into a home of their own—a cramped two bedroom apartment near her school that they’d put a deposit on last month.

  As she accepted congratulations and blessings, standing shoulder to shoulder with the man of her dreams in the evening light, surrounded by loved ones, it was only right she should dream about the future with Ben. Ben, who loved her, who laughed with her. Who teased her about her dimple. She laughed, brushed bird seed from his shoulder, then leaned into his kiss.

  She would run with him in the mornings, cook dinner with him at night, and draw him a map to the laundry hamper. And one day, in the same way she prepared for the school year to begin, for a room full of eager young children to grace her life, she would dream about a family of their own.

  “Reminds me of the old days.” Ben paused to stretch his back. Loading tools at the end of the day was heavy work. He pulled a bandanna from his back pocket and lifted his ragged ball cap, wiping sweat from his tanned forehead. “Working like slaves for old man Billings.”

  Jake tossed a couple of two-by-fours into the bed of the truck. “Business is good. You complaining?”

  “Hell no.” He coiled the extension cord, looping it around his forearm and securing the end before tossing it into the truck. “We need to get this company in the black as quickly as possible.”

  “We’re getting there.” Jake motioned for him to help lift the table saw and together they muscled it onto the tailgate. Jake gave it a healthy shove until it was in the bed. “Permits will be ready for that bigass house in Scottsdale next week, the one in Chandler the first of the month. I’ve got a handful of remodels on the line, too.”

  He nodded. He’d seen the proposals, the contracts. They’d be busy for a while. They unloaded their tools back at the yard and said goodnight. The next day would come early.

  The door opened to the sounds of Allie puttering in the kitchen. He kicked his boots off, left them by the door and padded that way. “Mmm, hello.” After a slow, welcoming kiss he lifted lids, investigating. “Smells good. How was your day today?”