“If I didn’t get off that plane… I can’t think how close I came to death. I was supposed to be on that doomed flight. Coming back to you saved my life. My love for you saved my life.”
“I should’ve stopped you from leaving. If we were on better terms, you would’ve never left.”
“We can’t change what happen. But sometimes…”
“What, hon?”
“I feel guilty that I lived. I’ve been sitting back and taking the time to process all of this. And it’s really been eating me up. Why did I live when others died?”
“This is a common emotional reaction called “survivor guilt.” Rather than focus on the burden of guilt, just remember that you, me, your friends, and your family have been given a gift…”
“…the gift of my survival,” Marj finished.
“Yes. And I’m here to talk to anytime you feel like talking. Don’t hold in the feelings. Just talk to me. Because I’m not only your lover and husband but your best friend. And I love you with all my heart.”
She hugged him, and he embraced her tightly.
Chapter 17
Are you ready?” Brandon asked.
“Yes.”
“Okay. Close your eyes.”
“I can do that.”
He started to pull her hand. “Wait. Marj, you’re peeking. Do I have to get a blindfold?”
“Only if you’re in the mood for Fifty Shades of Gray sex.”
He laughed. She loved his deep laugh.
“Don’t tempt me,” he said. “Because that’s getting me so turned on.”
“We could always skip dinner.”
“No, I worked hard on this. And I did it all myself. No help. I did all the decorating and cooking.”
“What are we having?”
“Spaghetti. It’s easy to cook.”
“Okay, I promise to behave.”
She had worn a red dress and put her hair up in an elegant bun. Brandon wore a tailored black suit. Marj couldn’t help but notice how it showcased his wide chest and broad shoulders. He was tall and lean, gorgeously sculpted, with the most handsome features. She gazed into his eyes and thought she was the luckiest woman alive. Marrying this handsome stranger in Vegas was the best thing to have ever happened to her. She longed to feel his strong, powerful arms wrap around her, and his lush lips pressed against hers.
Brandon led her outside to the backyard and Marj gasped. He had strung up twinkling white lights everywhere. There was a cozy table set up with candles, flowers, wine, wine glasses, and a lace table cloth. She glanced up at the sky and saw it was a clear sky boasting millions of glittering stars.
“Cates, this is beyond romantic,” she squealed.
“So you like it?”
“Like it? I love it! You did a fantastic job! I’m impressed, honey.”
“Thanks. I really wanted to make it special.”
She wrapped her arms around him as his lips softly kissed hers.
The place was so romantic. Brandon had done a wonderful job. She couldn’t help but stare at the pretty twinkling lights all around them.
“How is dinner?” he asked.
“Fabulous, honey.”
“Liar!”
They both burst out in laughter.
The spaghetti was a little chewy, and the rolls were a tad overcooked and crunchy, and the salad had only lettuce. But it was delicious because he had worked so hard on it and cooked it.
“I can order out,” he said.
“No, this is wonderful. You did this for me. And I’m loving everything. Being here with you right now, it’s the only place I want to be.”
“You’re so sweet. And I promise next time not to cook the noodles in the coffee maker.”
“Wait. Is that even possible?”
“Sure. Fill up the coffee pot with hot water and throw noodles in. Just leave out the beans. Because the noodles won’t fare so well.”
She held back a laugh. “And that’s, um, how you cooked this?”
He laughed. “Gotcha!”
She grinned.
“I cooked it in a big pot,” he said. “Maria actually got the pot out for me. She’s a great cook and I was almost tempted to let her help, but I refrained. I promised you I’d do this all myself.”
“I’m so proud of you.”
“Thanks. I’m just happy I didn’t burn the house down.”
“You are definitely investing time into this marriage.”
“I even bought the groceries myself. See the lengths I’ll go through for you.”
“And I love you so much. Thank you, honey.”
He poured some Flowers Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir into her glass. “You’re welcome, babe.”
The wine was elegant and tasted like candied cherry and raspberry. It was lush and round on the palate.”