Harvest of Love

Chapter 18

              The next couple of days go by without any excitement. I'd occasionally see Rebecca come and go, but only from the distance of my cabin window. I never once saw her give any attention toward my direction. She hasn't even made a visit to see Clem. He has been awfully quiet, too, making no comment whatsoever in regard to Rebecca. When I asked if he was going to the engagement party, he simply stated that he wasn't invited and abruptly left out of the room. It hit me then how hard this must be on him. The rightful grandfather is unable to take part in his only grandchild's wedding because no one knows he is Rebecca's grandparent. I'm sure work hands wouldn't customarily be invited to the owners' black tie affairs. I'm only getting in as MaryBeth's plus one.

              So to prove that I can clean up as well as anybody, I decide to go get a professional shave and haircut on Saturday morning. Afterward, I head to the local tailor and purchase a new suit, tie, and shoes. Luckily, the suit fits without requiring adjustments. I was admonished by the tailor for waiting until the day of to go suit shopping, saying I should be grateful that I'm of average size, so there was actually something available. By the time I make it back home, it is early evening, and MaryBeth's car is parked close to the main house. After a light snack, I shower and take my time getting ready. I splash on some cologne, an impulse splurge with the suit, and head out the door. I take one last look at my reflection in the window to straighten my black tie. I no longer show any signs of the injuries I suffered, for which I'm grateful. Not too shabby, I think, as I look at myself. I see a strong looking young man in his prime, which contradicts the way I have always felt about myself. I take a deep breath to shake off any nerves and then start to make my way to the party.

             I hear a string orchestra playing softly as I approach. I'm ushered inside with the mention of MaryBeth's name. The butler escorts me to what used to be the dining room, but all the furniture has been removed and partition doors are opened to allow the living area to be used as well to make one nicely sized ballroom. The outside decor is repeated inside as well, an elegant and classy Christmas theme of red, gold, and twinkling lights. My eyes immediately scan the room for her. I should be looking for MaryBeth, but it is Rebecca, I seek. I search half the room before I make contact with her big brown doe eyes. We stare at each other and everything, and everyone seems to fade in the periphery. She has a wine glass poised to her lips as if she was about to take a sip, but froze at the sight of me. It feels like we are the only two people in the room. In this sea of faces, she is my beacon. The spell is broken when someone draws her back into a conversation she must have been participating in before we found each other.

"My . . . don't you look handsome."

I turn to see MaryBeth at my side. She, too, is gorgeous in a bluish-white fitted gown that shimmers in the low lighting.

"Hi," I answer with a smile of appreciation.

"Who knew you could clean up so well?" she teases as she hooks her arm around mine.

"Believe me, no one will notice when I'm next to you."

"Thank you," she says, and a faint blush colors her cheeks. "Have you seen Rebecca, though? She absolutely glows in her dress."

           I turned to glance back in her direction, and MaryBeth couldn't be more accurate. Rebecca's wearing a satin cream colored dress with a white lace overlay that's accented with gold thread woven into it. It's beautiful in its simplicity, long sleeves, a fitted bodice, and waist that flows down to the floor, but it's the boat neckline that catches my eye. It shows off her delicate collarbones and long slender neck. At the base of her throat is a simple gold necklace with a single pearl, and she's wearing matching teardrop pearl earrings. Words escape me to describe her beauty. Remembering who I'm with, I turn back to MaryBeth.