The Best is Yet to Come

Thirty Nine: Emma

I don't think anything could have prepared me for what I saw when I stepped out of the car.

Noah held the door open for me and offered me his hand while I tried to maneuver out of the back seat without accidentally flashing anyone. After wrestling with the fabric around my thighs and shimmying across the leather seat, I take Noah's hand in mine and step out onto the cobblestone drive.

My mouth goes a little dry when I take in the sight before me. I knew Noah had mentioned that his family had money but he never did specify just how much; not that it was any my business. But with a glance at "one of his houses", I quickly realized I was way off in my assumptions.

The Dean Ivy Cottage looked like someone copied and pasted it out of a magazine. It was not a house; Noah was being modest. It was a mansion. A very big, beautiful, "how the fuck could anyone afford this", mansion.

Along the cobblestone drive was a line of tall, perfectly manicured hedges leading right up to the sides of the house. The car we arrived in was parked next to an enormous marble fountain, which to my delight was occupied by several swimming ducks.

The building itself was made of stone. It was three stories high and had many white trimmed windows. Twinkly lights were spiraled around two colossal pillars framing the marble steps. Directly  above the wrought iron front door, and lining most of the second story, was a beautiful balcony with an intricate iron railing. More white light lined the edges of the balcony - clearly Mrs. Dean went all out. There were many people up there already, watching us with colorful drinks in their hands.

I close my mouth, realizing it was hanging open. When I turn to look at Noah, he's smiling, pleased by my reaction.

"This is... uhm... wow." Is all I can manage to say.

Noah chuckles, "I'm glad you like it. It's one of my favorites, too." 

I have to force myself not to shake my head in disbelief. I desperately wanted to know just how many homes the Dean family owned but I was afraid to ask. I didn't need another reason to second guess my being here.

Linking our fingers together, Noah leads me to the front door. At the foot of the marble steps stood a middle aged man in a black suit holding a clipboard. He gives Noah a smile and says, "Welcome, Mr. Dean. Enjoy the event." Noah nods his head and gives the man a friendly grin.

I look over at Noah, "Do you know him?"

"Percy often assists my mother at her events. He's been with the family for decades." He tells me.

"How many events does your mother hold?" I ask.

"Too many." Noah's smile fades with his words. Clearly I'd hit a sensitive topic.

At the great double doors, two more men in suits pull on the massive iron handles. With his hand resting on my lower back, Noah leads me over the threshold.

The first thing I notice is the enormous staircase to my left, leading into the center of the foyer. The second thing I notice is an immense glass chandelier. Thousands of fist sized teardrops hang from the ceiling. They glimmer and shine in the light, giving the appearance of the room being showered with diamonds.

The foyer was crowded with guests. Men and women, all dressed elegantly, were crowded together in conversation. I could see many servers, all dressed in white, weaving through the crowds, balancing silver platters that held colorful drinks and appetizers.

"Noah!" I hear a woman call from my right. Noah and I both turn to the sound and out of the crowd comes Candle Lady, looking regal in a deep plum gown. I look down at my own dress in distaste. Of course we would be wearing the same color ...

Her face is lit up in a joyous smile, her arms open as she walks towards her son. Noah lets go of my hand to walk over to her, enveloping her small frame with his arms. They share a hug for a few moments before exchanging a few words that I can't make out. Noah whispers something in Evelyn's ear before turning towards me, motioning for me to join them. Her eyes search in my direction, clearly looking for me.

As soon as our gaze meets, her eyes harden and her smile freezes on her face. Shit. She remembers me.

I walk over to the pair, my blood running cold. Noah must sense the apprehension on my face because he reaches for me with an encouraging smile. Evelyn's gaze burns through me, her eyes darting to our hands as Noah takes mine and pulls me to his side.

I honestly didn't think she would remember our short encounter at Glory's, let alone recognize what I looked like but I was wrong. So wrong. I could tell she was trying not to give anything away but her lips were tight, almost white from the pressure, when Noah introduces us.

"Mother, I would like you to meet my date this evening, Ms. Emma Quinn." Beaming at me, he adds, "Emma, this is my mom, Mrs. Evelyn Dean."

I swallow the lump in my throat and try not to panic as I place on my most convincing smile and hold out my hand for her to shake. Evelyn looks down at my outstretched hand and my heart skips a beat. Hesitantly and looking like she licked a lemon, she takes my hand limply with her cold fingers.

"A pleasure." She drawls. She was pretending she didn't recognize me but we both knew better.

Focusing her attention back to her son, she smiles, "Noah, Darling, I need to finish greeting the guests but we will catch up later. I'll see you at dinner." Without another word or glance at me, she turns and walks into the crowd.

I'm a little taken aback at her lack of tact, but not surprised. Noah doesn't seem to notice. He turns towards me, resting his hands on my waist. Automatically, I wrap my arms around his neck in response and his brown eyes melt into mine.

"I'm so happy you're here with me." He says, and places a kiss on the top of my head.

I'm touched by his words and decide I could tell him about my history with Evelyn later. There was no need for me to ruin the moment. I feel a burst of warmth shoot through my heart as I think more about my earlier revelation and how excited I was to tell him about it.

With my palm cupping his neck, I pull him down for a kiss, gently swiping my lips across his. He hums in satisfaction and lightly caresses my cheek with his thumb.

"On second thought, I think we should leave." Noah says behind a smile and I can't help but mimic his grin.

"Settle down." I tell him, and feeling hot myself, I pull away. "You have to show me around. This house is absolutely beautiful."