Destiny and a Bottle of Merlot (22 page)

“I’d like to make a toast to us. We’ve both come a long way in the last few months. We’re different now, better, and a lot happier than before. I owe my changes to you, Sasha, and I want to thank you for opening my eyes. To us.”

They clinked their glasses together and sipped the wine. Josh leaned in and kissed Sasha softly. She set her glass down and responded, kissing him deeply.

“Let’s open our gifts before we forget to. You have a way of distracting me.”

“Okay, I’ll get yours,” Sasha reached down under the Christmas tree. A solitary gift remained there, as if it were waiting patiently to be claimed. She handed the box to him. “I can finally give this to you. I was afraid I’d end up donating it to Aaron or Max,” she teased.

“Don’t you dare. You aren’t getting rid of me that easily.” Josh opened the box and separated the tissue to find a beautiful, tan cashmere sweater from Barney’s. “Wow. This is gorgeous, Sasha. May I?” Josh stood and put the sweater on over his dress shirt. “It fits perfectly. Thank you, honey. It’s wonderful. Now, my turn.” Josh retrieved the box from the dining room table he brought in earlier. A wide grin spread across his face as he handed it to Sasha. “I hope you like it.”

She gingerly unwrapped the box and lifted the lid. Inside was a smaller box and an envelope. “Oh, I get it. You were trying to fool me with the big box, right? I’m on to you, mister,” she said, laughing. She opened the velvet smaller box to find a string of Tahitian black cultured pearls. Sasha gasped at their beauty. “Oh my God, Josh, they’re absolutely beautiful. I can’t believe you bought these for me. Please, take the necklace off I’m wearing and put this one on me.”

Sasha slipped her Jimmy Choos off so she could run to the first floor bathroom and take a look in the mirror.

Josh heard her squeal, and chuckled to himself.
I guess I did good.
“Honey, come out here. You still have to open the envelope.”

“Okay, I’m just so overwhelmed.” Sasha sat down and took a sip of wine. She tore open the envelope to see a $500 gift card inside for The Wine Barrel.

“Josh, this is too much.”

“Sasha, there was a thought process that went into this. Let me explain. You’ve been through a lot, changing your looks and identity. I don’t want you to forget the Sasha you were for twenty-seven years. You grew up to be a glamorous, high fashion model. That was part of you. I want you to have beautiful jewelry, and I know you have plenty of diamonds. The reason I bought the pearls was because you’re transitioning into someone else. Just like these pearls did, starting from a grain of sand. They began as a tiny piece of grit, nondescript, without substance. Over time, they changed and emerged as a perfect, delicate pearl with real beauty and depth. Plus, pearls have an understated elegance, so you can wear them more often than diamonds. The pearls are for Sasha, because Sasha likes jewelry. The gift card is for Martha, and you can buy whatever you want for your vineyard with it.”

“Thank you, Josh. The sentiment is so sweet. I love the gifts, and you. Come with me,” she said, playfully. “Don’t forget the wine.” Sasha led Josh upstairs to her bedroom. She surprised him with the king sized bed she had delivered just a few days ago.

“Whoa… no more twin bed? I thought you liked snuggling with me.”

“I do, but I always felt like I was going to fall out of bed. This give us options, dear Josh. We can be much more adventurous on a larger bed.” She smirked at him, seductively unzipped her dress and let it fall to the floor. She jumped on the bed giggling, and dove under the blankets.

“You little tease,” he said, as he dove in after her.

Josh woke and reached for Sasha across the sprawling bed. He patted the sheets, but no one was there. It was hard to open his eyes. They weren’t ready to face the morning yet. He rubbed them, coaxing them to open. He squinted, and finally saw her. She stood like a goddess in front of the French doors leading to the balcony, unaware he was watching. The long silk robe she wore draped to the ground. She held a cup of coffee between her hands, warming them as she watched the sun rise to light the morning sky.

“Hey, beautiful,” he whispered, mesmerized by the strong, but vulnerable woman she was. “What has you up so early?”

She turned and smiled. “Every morning there’s an amazing production, a spectacle really, and how many people actually look forward to it, or anticipate the beauty of it? The sun gives the day meaning, and it’s a free show, every day, no matter what. Would you like some coffee, Josh?”

“Sure. It smells great. That little coffee maker and the mini-fridge are pretty convenient. We never have to get up,” he teased.

“Yeah, but I bet Kismet would have something to say about that.”

Kismet yawned, did a few turns to find that perfect spot again, and curled up in a ball on her bed.

Josh patted the empty space next to him. “Come here and sit with me. We can watch the sun rise together with our coffee. I’ll admit, this is a pretty sweet bed. You did good, babe.”

“Thanks.” Sasha gave Josh a good morning kiss and settled back in under the blankets. They had several feet of space on either side of them.

“I dreamed about little Josh last night. Weird, huh?”

“I don’t know. Was there a lesson to be learned in the dream?”

“Probably. The guilt is getting to me, I guess. He’s just a kid, and can’t make decisions of his own. Whatever is thrown at him is kind of what he’s stuck with.”

“Was having kids ever on your ‘to do’ list?”

“Not really. I never gave it much thought one way or another. Do people really plan having kids, or is it just a natural progression after they get married?”

“Mia’s the one you should ask. That was exactly what she thought when she married Jack. It was cruel of him to tell her after they were married that he never intended to have kids with her. It crushed her heart and soul. She wanted a family more than anything.”

“Do you think Aaron wants kids?”

“Of course he does. He never wanted anyone but Mia. His whole life, he only wanted Mia. Isn’t that romantic? It almost makes me cry. Those two will be the best parents in the world.”

“What about you, honey? Do you want a family?”

“I don’t think Sasha did, but I know Martha does,” she said, smiling at Josh. “What if little Josh is your son?”

A long pause filled the space between the question and Josh’s answer. “Six months ago, I would have fought it tooth and nail. But now, if he is, I’d be a proud dad and step up. We’d spend time together. I’ll admit, I’d be pissed that I missed the first nine years of his life. But in hindsight, what kind of dad would I have been? The truth is, if I could do it right the first time, my kids with be with you, and only you. I want us to have a family together, Sasha. I guess meeting little Josh woke me up. Having a family really gives a person something to live for, and other people to be responsible to. It would be nice to have a wife and kids to come home to every night.”

“Do you think I’m wife material?”

“Honey, you’re wife, mother, seductress, goddess and damn it, I’ve died and gone to heaven material, all rolled into one.”

“You’re sweet and funny.” Sasha took Josh’s hand and kissed each finger. “Did I tell you the soil test came back as acceptable to grow Concord grapes?”

“No. I guess we didn’t talk much last week. Anyway, that’s great news. I guess we better study up on the whole process. I know your dad will help you, but we do need to get the ball rolling. As soon as spring comes we need to till up the ground around the concrete slab. It’s going to be exciting.”

“That’s for sure. We’ve got a lot to do with the house and the wedding garden. I should say I’ve got a lot to do.”

“No you shouldn’t. You were right the first time. We have a lot to do, but the library comes first. There’s nothing we can do outside until spring anyway.”

“Can we go to Home Depot today and pick out paint for the library?”

“Sure, babe, but breakfast first. I’ll make you a deal. I’ll walk the pooch if you start the bacon.”

“Deal, but I need some more of you before we go downstairs.”

Sasha set the coffee cups on the nightstand. She straddled Josh and bent down to kiss him. Her full, warm breasts lay on his chest. She kissed him deeply, swirling her tongue in his hot mouth. He moaned and slid her robe off, exposing her naked body. Josh flipped Sasha over and straddled her. He caressed her breasts between his hands and licked her nipples, causing small shockwaves to surge throughout her body. Sasha spread her legs so Josh could enter her hot, wet spot. She couldn’t wait to feel him inside her again. He obliged, and filled her deeply. A cry of ecstasy sounded as she pulled him closer. They rocked back and forth until they both exploded in hot, frenzied satisfaction. They lay side by side, spent and happy. Kismet began to whine. Eight o’clock was her time to go outside, and she was more than ready.

“Okay, okay I get the message. Women… I swear,” Josh teased as Sasha gave him a slap on the butt. “Ouch, that hurt. Give it a kiss… please?” His eyes twinkled playfully with hers.

“Big baby. Go walk the mutt. I’ll start breakfast. You have to promise to wash my back when we shower later.” Sasha slipped on her robe, tied the belt and threw a pillow at Josh.

“With pleasure, my love.”

Sasha’s phone rang as she placed the strips of bacon across the hot griddle. She wiped her greasy fingers on a paper towel and answered. “Hey, Tina, what’s up?”

“Yum… I smell bacon. I’ll be right over,” Tina joked.

“It’s uncanny how you know those things, girl. You’re totally freaking me out,” Sasha said.

“So anyway, what’s going on for New Year’s Eve? Nobody has mentioned anything to me.”

“Me either, but I can find out.” Sasha jabbed at the bacon with a fork.

“Well, I want to have a party. I never host parties, and it’s my turn. Will you guys come?”

“Of course, it will be a blast. Count us in. Are you going to call everyone or should I?”

“Naw… I’ll take care of it. Go fry your bacon. Out.”

“Out.” Sasha loved having this group of friends. They were like sisters, and she felt very blessed.

Josh walked in with Kismet. “What’s with the smile?” he asked.

“Nothing really. Tina invited us to her place for New Year’s Eve. I said okay. I’m just happy, that’s all. Life is good.”

Josh snuggled up to Sasha’s back and kissed her neck. He distracted her long enough to reach around and steal a piece of bacon off the griddle.

“Hey!”

“Damn that’s hot,” he cried out, as he tossed the bacon onto the counter.

Sasha laughed out loud. “Serves you right, bacon thief. Breakfast will be ready in ten minutes. How do you want your eggs?”

“Over easy, ma’am.” He picked up the cooled bacon from the counter and popped it into his mouth. He kissed her. She licked the bacon grease from his lips.

After breakfast, they lingered in the hot shower together enjoying the pulsing jets against their skin.

“Suds me up, you promised.”

“My pleasure.” Josh lathered Sasha’s back. He caressed her shoulders, squeezing the knots out of them. He stroked her neck. His hands slid up and down her beautiful, slippery body.

“That feels so good, Josh. I hope you’ll do that forever.”

The New Year’s Eve party would start in a few hours. Everyone wanted to stay close to home with the weather forecast predicting five inches of new snow. Tina loved the idea of hosting her first party with the entire group of friends. She bought party favors earlier in the day. An assortment of hats, streamers, noisemakers and a few fireworks were dumped out on the kitchen table so she could arrange things properly. The staircase banister had dozens of helium balloons tied to it, and confetti found itself sprinkled across the dining room table. Tina bought six bottles of champagne and a mixed case of wine. Aaron promised to make bar-be-cue ribs at home on the grill. They would need warming up later in Tina’s oven. Potato salad, plus vegetable and cheese platters were Vic and Max’s responsibility. Mario offered to bring a case of beer. Sasha and Josh volunteered to bring the snacks, and Karen was in charge of the desserts and a fresh bag of coffee.

Tina sent a group text to everyone. “Just in case the weather is too bad tonight to go home, or everyone is too drunk, pack an overnight bag. The more the merrier, but Vic’s making breakfast!” She laughed and hit ‘send.’

Mario showed up at Vic’s house early-afternoon. He didn’t want to risk driving the two hour distance in bad weather. Potato peels flew as Vic prepared the potato salad, and Max shopped for vegetables and assorted cheeses.

“Hey, bro,” Vic said, as she puckered up for a big kiss. “Put the beer in the garage. It’ll stay plenty cold out there. How was the drive?”

“The roads were okay, just a lot of cars today. I’m glad I got an early start.”

Max walked in with arm loads of groceries. He leaned in and kissed Vic as she worked. “Damn, the grocery store is nuts already. Hey, Mario. Good to see you, man. Grab a knife. You can help get these cold cuts ready for later.”

The party began at six. Everyone arrived on time. The snow began to accumulate, and the forecast changed for the worst. Max and Mario were staying in Tarrytown no matter what. The latest predictions estimated 8-10 inches of snow. Nobody at Tina’s house cared. They were enjoying themselves in the safety of Tina’s welcoming home. Even Reggie and Kismet joined in on the festivities.

Huge quantities of food filled the dining room table, and glowing candles accented the room. A chilled bucket of champagne was ready to be poured. Before anyone could dig into the delicious looking ribs and potato salad, they each had to go around the table and make a toast. Later, they would play games and reveal their New Year’s resolutions. The toasts were made to good health, good food and good sex. Laugher rang out and glasses clinked together.

The ladies cleaned up the kitchen while the guys moved furniture to the outer edges of the living room to create an open space. Tina turned on sultry blues to get the vibe going. The first game was about to begin. Tina explained that she would stand in the middle of the room holding four long ribbons at their center. Four people would be on either end of the ribbons. Tina wanted the men on one side and the women on the other. Everyone had to grab a ribbon by the end and hold it. When Tina let go, whoever was holding the same ribbon by the ends, had to dance with each other. The music genre would be in a hat. When it was the couples turn to dance, they had to pick the music type out of the hat, and dance for the entire song. Everyone booed and laughed at the silly game but agreed to do it. It was going to be a night of many games and a lot of drinking. When everyone was coupled up, it was Mia and Max, Aaron and Sasha, Karen and Mario and Vic and Josh.