Magnolia Blossoms (19 page)

Once at my garage apartment, I invite him upstairs as I change into something appropriate, and he marvels at the transformation. I shrug. “I guess I figured it was time to grow up. I was destroyed when Nick betrayed me, but I finally realized that it was a good thing because it made me confront reality. I’ve spent most of my life avoiding pain and confrontation, but now I know that it’s necessary for growth. I’d stagnated living in my fantasy world, and though I thought I was happy, it’s only because I didn’t know what true happiness feels like. Everything about that old world was false. False expectations, false emotions, false maturity…”

“Sounds like you’ve done a lot of soul searching.”

“I have,” I admit, walking over to the bed he’s sitting on so I can lace my fingers with his. “I know I have a long way to go, but I’m not scared of the journey. I look forward to it.”

He pulls me close for a kiss, and before I know it, we’re entwined in the throes of passion. I have only the slightest discomfort this time, and I now understand why sex is so enjoyable. We shower and dress, and after a meal at a small mom and pop establishment, Jace drives us to the funeral home. I sense his dread and reach for his hand. He gives it a squeeze to show his appreciation.

The arrangements don’t take long to make, and being that there is no family needing to come in from out of town and a minimal number of friends who will likely attend, Jace insists on a brief, graveside service that will take place the following day.

I offer to give him some alone time, but he asks me to stay the night with him again. After a quick trip back to my apartment so I can pack an overnight bag, we spend the remainder of the evening talking about anything and everything.

He tells me more about Johnny and how his wife left him as soon as she found out he was sick. They had no children, and Jace wouldn’t even begin to know where to find her if he wanted to. His low opinion of her seems justified to me. He shows me pictures of him and Johnny, some at games, some from their big vacation, and I’m amazed at how much they look alike. One of my favorites is of Johnny with a shaved head sitting in a hospital bed. Jace, in his paramedic uniform, is sitting next to him, each grinning broadly while holding a sign that says, “Kicking cancer’s ass,” and giving a thumbs up.

Jace also tells me about the car accident that killed his parents and how it was the driving force behind his career choice. It happened when he was sixteen, and Johnny was a twenty-year-old college student. They lived off Johnny’s student loan money and whatever he made waiting tables at a local restaurant. Jace offered to drop out of school so he could work, too, but Johnny would have none of that. He rode Jace hard, demanding good grades, hard work, and discipline.

His brother had a successful career as a sportscaster for a local television station, but he took a medical retirement not long after being diagnosed. It suddenly makes sense why sports are so important to them, and why Jace worked his ass off to get his brother to as many games as possible.

He’s sitting on the sofa, and I’m lying with my head in his lap as we talk about me and my transformation. I finally get the chance to thank him for taking the Nick situation into his hands. Jace smiles when he recalls the event. “Yeah, I’m not going to lie. It felt good giving him what he deserved. I’m pretty sure he cried.”

I giggle while lazily stroking his fingers with mine. “I still don’t know what happened. Big Daddy said you beat the crap out of him, but that’s all I know.”

“After you left my apartment, I thought about what you told me. It dominated my thoughts the entire time I worked my shift. By the time I got off, I’d stewed on it so much that I was downright livid. Fate intervened, and our paths crossed. I confronted him, and he was shocked at first and tried denying everything. He had no clue you’d overhead the conversation, but when I started spitting his words back at him, he grew defensive. He made some derogatory comments which I won’t repeat. The next thing I know, he’s on the ground, and I’m on top of him pounding the hell out of his face. The cops came, carted him to the hospital, and took me to jail. That’s when I called your dad. He met me down there, and after I filled him in on the whole story, he had a conference with the chief.

Nick was a hair away from being fired anyway. Evidently, he’d been wreaking a lot of havoc at the department, and they’d been waiting for an excuse to let him go. We all sat down and met together, Nick included, and once your dad told him that he was going to make sure the trial would be well publicized, Nick got nervous and dropped all charges. Imagine the blow his reputation of being a bad ass would take if it got out that he was nothing more than a whiney ass bitch who cried while a paramedic beat the shit out of him.”

I stop fidgeting with his fingers and move to sit in his lap where I rest my head against his chest. “Thank you for taking care of me,” I say, planting soft kisses along his neck. He lifts my chin so that I’m looking in his eyes.

“Thank you for taking care of
me
,” he says just before leading me to the bedroom. I’m happy to see him relax once we’re beside each other, and even happier once he drifts to sleep.

Even though the day promises to be a difficult one, Jace looks much better when he wakes up this morning. The graveside service is slated for ten, so after a quick breakfast of oatmeal, toast, and coffee, Jace and I remain silent as we dress for the upcoming event. I opt for a simple black frock, and when he Jace emerges from the bathroom, he’s dressed entirely in black, as well. Reluctantly, he gets behind the wheel of his truck. After a few minutes of quiet reflection, he starts the truck and slowly drives to Johnny’s final resting place.

It’s not until he turns the corner to enter the gates of the cemetery that he finally speaks. “What in the…” Vehicles line the path for as far as the eye can see, and a nice sized crowd is standing around Johnny’s gravesite. A rainbow of flowers adorns row after row of funeral stands, while baskets filled with gorgeous arrangements are scattered all around the ground. Many of the guests are people wearing uniforms like Jace’s, obviously his coworkers present to offer support. Others are in various states of dress, some in jeans and others in suits and ties.

Jace stares in disbelief at the sight before us, and I notice tears welled in the corners of his eyes. “I didn’t expect…” He’s obviously choked up. “I just need a second,” he requests.

“Of course,” I say, opening the door of his truck.

“No,” he says, stopping me. “I just need a second before going over there. I wasn’t expecting this. I really thought it would just be you and me here.”

“You and your brother have obviously impacted many peoples’ lives.”

After exhaling a deep breath, Jace and I leave the truck, and hand in hand we slowly make our way to the grave site. After the brief service, I’m introduced to a steady stream of people: paramedics, supervisors, athletes, news anchors, college classmates, high school classmates, childhood friends—there is no way for me to keep them all straight. The one person I do know, Honey, looks amazing in a blue and white dress suit. I excuse myself from Jace’s side to meet up with her. She gives me a huge hug.

“You have no idea how much I’ve been missing you,” she proclaims. “Look at you. You’re gorgeous, and even though the situation is a sad one, I can tell from the glint in your eyes that you’ve found happiness and have had at least one orgasm, if I had to bet.”

“Honey!” I snap. Tugging at her sleeve, I move us further from the crowd. “Is it that obvious?” I ask.

“To me it is. I’m happy for you, Maggie. That last guy was nothing but bad news. I tried warning you about him, but sometimes in life, we need to make our mistakes to grow from them. This guy, Jace, he’s the real deal. I’m a good judge of character, and he’s a winner. Speaking of winners, Jerry, come meet Maggie,” Honey calls to a middle-aged man with a slight spare tire and handsome face. I recognize him, but for the life of me, I can’t place where I know him from.

He’s very polite, conveying his condolences for me to pass onto Jace, before he walks off to mingle with some of the crowd. “He’s my nose doc,” Honey explains, and now I know why his face is familiar to me. I’d seen him at one of Honey’s appointments. “His wife left him two years ago, so I offered to work out a special payment plan with him, if you know what I mean. He accepted, and he’s been all over me ever since. Turns out, he’s not a cheesy perv or anything; he’s just a lonely guy with no free time for dating around. Things have been kinda tight, but I retired from hookin’. Jerry gave me a job at his office doing the filing and helping out with the phones and such. Living the legit life ain’t so bad,” she says with a smile. I give her a huge hug.

“That’s the best news, Honey. I wish you all the best because you definitely deserve it.”

“Thanks, darlin’. Looks like it’s a new beginning for the both of us.”

“Yeah, it sure does,” I say, offering a supportive smile to Jace. He gives me a slight hand wave, which I return.

Nearly an hour passes before everyone finishes paying their respects. Once we’re alone, I head back to the truck to give Jace some alone time before his brother is interred. I’m lost in a daydream when he joins me. “I’m sorry I startled you,” Jace apologizes. “What’s going through that head of yours to have you so distracted?”

“A little bit of everything,” I answer. Jace laughs at me. “How are you?”

“I’m okay. I miss him, but I feel really good that so many people turned up to pay their last respects.”

“Where do we go from here?” I ask. “Would you like to be alone? I’ll understand if you do.”

“No, I’m still not ready to let you go. I’ve been alone for too long now. I have two weeks of vacation that the company’s making me take. I’m going to get away for a little while, rent a cabin in the mountains. I’d like for you to come with me, Mags. I want to hear more of your stories, learn more about you, and wake up with you in my arms each morning. What do you say?”

“I’ve never been out of Louisiana. It will be another first for me. Yes, I’d love to go with you.”

Jace smiles broadly, and as he eases the truck out of the cemetery gates, I can’t help but think of how much I would’ve liked to have known Johnny if he was even half as wonderful as Jace.

********

The ride to the mountains is spent in quiet reflection, but once we get there, Jace is like a kid. Poor thing had been so consumed by work and grief that he hadn’t been able to cut loose and have fun. He drags me to every show, every attraction, the theme park, and even the arcade, where I find out that my questionable driving skills are actually an asset. I smoke him on the go-cart track! We sneak kisses inside the blacklight putt-putt golf course and make love in the woods near a roaring stream. Everything is perfect until I get sick two days before we’re supposed to leave.

The room is dark except for the soft glow coming from the fireplace. I’m on the sofa violently shivering while cocooned in a blanket. Jace returns from town after an impromptu trip to the grocery store for medication and the ingredients for chicken noodle soup. He kisses my forehead when he brings me a bottle of water and a couple of pills.

“You don’t feel as warm. Looks like your fever is trying to break. That’s a good thing,” Jace comments.

“I’m so sorry I ruined your vacation by getting sick,” I apologize.

“Baby, don’t. It’s not your fault. I hate that you’re feeling this way. At least the vomiting has stopped.”

“Yeah, I’m sorry for that, too. I tried to make it to the bathroom.”

“I admit it wasn’t much fun hosing puke out of my suitcase, but it’s not the first time I’ve had to clean it up. Just part of the job.”

“But that’s the point. You’re not supposed to be working; you’re supposed to be having fun.”

“Stop. There’s nowhere I’d rather be right now. You rest. I’ll be in the kitchen fixing the soup. Let me know if you need anything.”

I sneeze, and it feels like my head is going to pop. Closing my eyes, I work to hold back my groan and end up falling asleep. I have no idea how much time has passed when Jace sits next to me with a steaming bowl of chicken noodle soup. I’m not able to taste much, but I know it’s delicious.

Before I ask for a second bowl, I make a quick trip to the restroom, where I’m dismayed by my appearance. My nose is red and crusty, my hair sticks out in a million different directions, my eyes are puffy, and my skin is pasty and pale. No amount of makeup or primping is going to fix this mess. Sighing with defeat, I shuffle my way back to the sofa where I cover my entire body with the blanket, head included.

“Is something wrong?” Jace calls from the recliner.

“Why didn’t you tell me I look like crap?” I ask.

“Most people look like crap when they’re sick. They don’t want or need confirmation.”

“Good point,” I say, pulling the cover back far enough to expose my head. “Did I thank you for taking care of me?”

Jace laughs. “You did.”

“Good, because I really appreciate it.” And with that final sentiment, I’m out for the rest of the night.

Jace is standing over me the next morning, a large glass of orange juice in his hand. “How are you feeling?” he asks.

“Much better,” I answer, sitting up so I can take a long gulp of the icy cold juice.

“Good. We have some things to discuss,” he says with a serious tone that leaves me nervous.

“Is something wrong?” I ask.

“No. Nothing’s wrong, but this is our last day in the mountains. We return to reality tomorrow. That means I’ll be going back to work, and though I’ll be working less now, things won’t be like they are now.”

I hang my head. “I guess I didn’t think that far ahead. You’re right. We’ve spent nearly every minute together since… Going back to the real world is going to suck. Hey! I know! Maybe I can become a paramedic, and we can work together!” I say happily.

“Do you remember how we met?” he asks with an amused tone. “You smashed your face when you passed out at the sight of blood. You’ve done it twice that I know of. I’m sorry, darling, but I don’t think a job in the medical field is in the cards for you.”

“Yeah, true,” I mutter.

“This might sound crazy, but it’s a solution to consider…”

“What’s that?” I ask curiously.

“We could get married.”

I spit orange juice everywhere. “What?” I ask, wiping my mouth with my sleeve.

“Forget it,” Jace says. “It was just a wild idea that I should’ve kept to myself.”

“Are you kidding me? If you are, it’s mean.”

“I wouldn’t joke about something so serious. Maybe this will prove my sincerity?” He drops to his knees in front of me, and a black velvet box is in his hand when he opens it. My breath catches in my chest.

“Jace, is this for real? I’m sick and hideous, and this is the last thing I ever expected…”

He opens the box, and I’m awed by the brilliant sparkle of the dazzling ring inside. “It’s real, Mags. I’ve been with lots of women… Wait, that’s probably not the best way to start a proposal, and I only say it so you can know that I’ve been out there, and I’m certain that what we have is special. I know without a doubt that being with you is what I want, but you need to feel the same. Don’t even think of accepting this ring until you’re sure…”

“I’m sure,” I interrupt.

“Mags, I’m serious. I want you to take your time and…”

“Yes. I love you, and I want to be with you, always. Those daydreams you caught me having, they’ve all been about you and our life together. It didn’t seem possible to me, like a fantasy that never had a chance of coming true, but here it is. It’s happening to me.” I giggle. “I’ve wanted this since you came into my life, and that desire has only grown stronger. Jace, I don’t need time. I need you.”

“I’m glad I took that little detour to the jewelry store yesterday,” Jace remarks as he places the ring on my finger. I can’t seem to stop smiling, or staring at my beautiful new accessory.

“You bought this yesterday?” I ask. “Why? What made you decide to get it?”

“Several things. First, you being sick. As I was driving to the store, I realized that taking care of you makes me happy. Being with you makes me happy. Loving you makes me happy. It’s what I’ve been searching for, but never could find—happiness. So, I drive to one of the scenic overlooks and have a little heart to heart with Johnny. He loved to give me a hard time. Like one day I asked him what his favorite color is, and he says, ‘titian.’ ‘Really?’ I ask, and he says, ‘No dumbass. What color do you always see me wearing? What color is my house?’ ‘Gray,’ I answer. ‘There you go. See, you knew the answer all along because it was right in front of your face. Now quit wasting my time with stupid shit you already know the answers to.’” Jace smiles. “It might sound harsh, but he didn’t say it to be mean. He said it because he loved harassing me. Well, anyway, that’s what kept running through my head when I sat near the stream. ‘Sometimes the answers are right in front of your eyes.’ I look across the way, and guess what I see—a magnolia tree. It’s as if it was an affirmation that I was doing the right thing. Then there was a jewelry store right across the highway from the grocery store, its parking lot lined with magnolia trees. You see, I made the decision, but I kept getting these little signs that gave me extra courage.”

“Courage? Why did you need courage?”

“What if you didn’t want to marry me?”

“You seriously worried about that?” I ask.

“Well, yes,” he says.

“I don’t think you have to worry about me ever telling you no.”

“Oh, really?” he asks with a playful glint in his eye. “I
really
like hearing that.” He lifts me into his arms so he can carry me into the bedroom.

“Jace, I’m sick and hideous.”

“Are you about to tell me the ‘n’ word?” he taunts, while straddling me. He’s grinning broadly while slowly unbuttoning the top to my pajamas.

“I guess not,” I say with a giggle.

“Good, because I don’t think it would matter at this point,” he jokes.