24.12 The Ball

Reed eyed Mary with those shiny sapphires. They were narrow and fixed on her with his head cocked slightly to the side. Whatever came from his mouth would be clever enough to either make her laugh or make a mad dash for the bedroom. He had such a way with words. No wonder he excelled in politics.

“You’re mighty comfortable in my house, Mary Jones,” he said more like an accusation.

She grinned. “Is there a problem, sir?”

A smirk crawled from the corner of his mouth as his eyes narrowed even more. “No. Just saying.”

She shrugged. “Well … Perhaps you should be a less gracious host.”

Mary loved making Reed laugh. He was so even keeled, but when he laughed, he did it heartily. And loud. His entire body got involved as howls erupted from the depths of his gut, his leg kicked and arms folded themselves around his torso. For the few seconds it lasted, he was a different man she loved to see.

“A host? Is that what I am?” The laughter continued. “Gracious host. Oh, Mary.” He attempted to catch his breath. “I should get a shirt that says, Her Gracious Host. That was a good one!”

That weekend was the beginning of the series of weekends Mary had to work. She accepted his offer to stay with him to maximize their quality time. But, Saturday was the mayor’s ball, and he canceled all events sponsored by city hall so the employees could attend. Mary went to Reed’s house anyway so they could go together.

When she finished her salad, and attempted to wash the dishes, Reed intercepted her. “Seeing as how you are a guest, and I am a gracious host, leave that to me.”

“Oh! Thank you, kind sir. If I didn’t know better, I’d think you were working toward a big tip later.”

He feigned shock. “Mary Jones! Your coquetry game is getting strong. You been studying?”

She snaked her arms around his neck and nodded. “With my favorite study partner.”

He snorted. “I better be your only study partner.”

She pecked his lips. “You’re the only llama on my farm.”

He chuckled and tore away from her. “I don’t know, Mary. You might have a funny bone in there somewhere. Phoenix could have gotten it from you! Come on. We have to get dressed.”

She waggled her eyebrows.

His cheeks flushed. “Uhhh, I’ll go to another room. You’re too playful right now.”

She poked out her lip. “You’re no fun.”

“Quite the contrary.”

He winked and disappeared. Life was so good.

---

En route to the venue, and even while waiting to enter, Reed’s eyes felt like a shadow on her. Hopefully the gown didn’t call too much attention toward her. It was more revealing than gowns she usually wore, but it was oh so gorgeous and she had to have it.

She’d seen him in tuxes many times, but there was something about him that night which made him more dapper than ever. Was it the smile that could not be erased? The place they reached in their relationship? Whatever it was, she too had trouble looking away from him.

Inside, Francesco stood near the door, and the two friends greeted each other warmly. Their relationship was rare in their circles. They were not afraid to show how much they cared for each other despite how inappropriate people thought it was.

Mariah was nowhere in sight. Hopefully she decided to arrive with her parents. Watcher forbid things didn’t work out between them.

Mary strolled around the venue while the two friends caught up. As much as they danced present day and in their youth, she had never been to that ballroom. It was the best one she’d been to by far and held up to its name, Glitz & Glamor.

The guests trickled in little by little. Some faces she recognized while most were complete strangers. There was a stark contrast between the guests, however. Picking out the Newcrest and Brindleton Bay elite was so easy with their expensive, sparkly gowns and three-piece tuxes. The disparity troubled her. She used to be one of those women prancing around with her nose in the air. Did her new-ish wealth make her a snob again? Could she sit happily in the middle of the spectrum?

Oh, how proud Asia must be to know her son was the entertainer at such a public event. The first phrase which came to mind was important event, but there was nothing important about dancing around a high brow venue in a gown that cost a small fortune. What did the citizens gain from it? How much did it cost them? What did the attendees gain apart from bragging rights? None of it mattered.

The Pancakeses finally arrived fashionably late, she was certain. If she acted quickly and danced to another corner of the room, Eliza wouldn’t see her. But, she wasn’t the enemy. In fact, she was an ally. It didn’t change the fact that Mary felt anxious around her knowing what she knew about her family. She did an excellent job of proving her trustworthiness, but their history was still fresh on her mind. Instead, she flashed The Mary™ and gave her a quick nod.

Reed’s eyes twinkled all night. He made her feel like rare treasure he wanted to show everyone while keeping it to himself. She hoped she never tired of being found favorable.

“You are the most beautiful woman in the room, Mary Jones.”

“I’m the luckiest man in here.”

She blushed. “Oh, I don’t know about that.”

“I do.” He spun her around and dipped her low again; he had the best moves. “You’re so stunning, I could marry you right now.”

Her breath caught in her throat. “What?”

He pulled her closer. “There’s an arch right outside. I don’t want to be without you anymore. Will you marry me, Mary Jones?”

A strange sensation coursed through her body: an odd mix of anger, embarrassment, and joy. Mary spent half her adult life in a loveless marriage but had only now received a proposal. Every time her understanding of what it meant to be loved and wanted grew, Reed did something wonderful and erased everything she ever learned. 

“You’re serious.”

“I have always been serious about you, Mary.”

There were few truer statements. Marriage alone was a serious entity. Doing it on the fly gave her pause. But, Reed wasn’t someone she met yesterday. There were zero reasons to say no. A long time ago, she decided he was the one. Phoenix encouraged it. Asia too. Marrying Reed was not an impromptu decision at all.

“Yes. I’ll marry you.”

The salty sea air tangled with the fragrant cherry blossoms and evergreens creating a unique scent that was completely Brindleton Bay. What a strange thing for cities to be known by their smells. A balmy breeze flowed across water and blew through everything in its path. Mary drew closer to Reed and grabbed his arm.

“You need my coat?”

She grinned. “I’m fine.”

The closer they got to the arch, the more excited they got. Reed experienced the joys of two becoming one for the first time. Though she had done it before, she was more excited than ever. This time, she married on her own volition for love and partnership. No one stood behind the curtain forcing their hands.

They took their places grinning nervously. Mary always assumed people were nervous because of the dozens of eyes watching their very intimate moment. Only the Watcher’s eyes saw them. Nervousness came from the weight of the commitment: For better or worse, rich or poor, sick or well. This was it. No turning back. She would not do this a third time.

“Mary … I want to be the one who makes you smile. The one you lean on in times of trouble. I will be everything you always wanted in a husband because you deserve all that and more. I pledge to honor, protect, cherish, and serve you for the rest of our lives.”

The words threatened to bottleneck, but this was not the time. If there were ever a moment to state her truth, it was then. “I thought I loved someone once. But, you taught me what true love is. I can honestly say I have loved no one the way I love you. I’ve never felt so free! You waited so long to share your life with someone … So long for me. I’m not quite sure I deserve such a happy ending, but I’m grateful for a second chance. You have always been in my heart, Reed, and I trust you more than I ever thought I could trust. I promise to always be someone worthy of your trust and love.”

“I love you, Mary.”

“And, I love you.”

Just like that, they were married at last. Excitement bubbled up inside her like a volcano priming to erupt. She almost knocked him off his feet as her body collided with his for the kiss.

This kiss … It meant everything, and she wanted it to last forever. Never again would she face the world alone. No more second guessing herself and holding back her feelings. Life would not be without challenges, but the journey would be so much easier with someone to share the load.

When they came out of the embrace, Reed held her waist and admired her with those blue crystal balls. “You’re all mine now, Mary Jones.”

She smiled and shook her head.

Reed chuckled nervously. “You’re not?”

He gave her the opportunity to do something else she’d never done, and her heart swelled in love for this man. If there ever was a nail to drive into the coffin which held the ghosts of her past, this was it.

“Mary Keller.”

The End

Thank you all SO MUCH for your support! Please enjoy these photos as we say goodbye to these families. The story is over, but we’re not done! Stay tuned for instructions on Sunday. 😉