Enchanted (33 page)

Kathleen pulled her hair off her neck and stood before Mac. “Will you put it on?”

He brushed away a stray strand of Kathleen’s hair, kissing her neck as he lay the necklace against her skin. The fragrance of her perfume filled his senses, along with the lingering scents of cinnamon and spice, peppermint and pine. His fingers shook as he fastened the catch and watched it twinkle, even in his shadow. He rested his hands on her shoulders, leaned over, and whispered in her ear. “They’re beautiful, and so are you.”

“Thank you, my beast,” she breathed, so only he could hear.

The limousine waited at the curb, the driver holding the door for the stunning couple and the little girl. Julie chattered away about the day she had shared with Mac, and although they listened, Kathleen and Mac appeared to be lost in each other’s eyes. They sat across from each other, afraid to touch, afraid of all the emotion they kept bottled inside.

The limousine stopped, and Mac stepped out first, wanting to see Kathleen’s expression when she saw their destination. Her face lit up from the thousands of white twinkling lights outlining the yacht anchored in the harbor, and those lights reflected in her eyes. She looked at Mac and beamed; that smile he hadn’t seen in days had returned. Oh, how he had missed that smile.

He escorted his favorite ladies to the boat, to the table set for three. The centerpiece of red roses contained three tall white candles, their flames flickering in the light breeze. A white baby grand stood in the comer, the pianist in white tie and tails lightly playing
“
Some Enchanted Evening
”
as the waiter seated them.

Kathleen smiled.
“This is
perfect
.”

“Only the best for you and Julie.” He nodded to the waiter. Another waiter pushed out a tray of covered sterling silver platters. “And only your favorite foods for dinner.”

The waiter uncovered the trays, revealing the same foods Kathleen had ordered at the Plaza—fettuccine Alfredo, lobster, shrimp, even chocolate éclairs.

The waiter filled their plates, then stood away, allowing them privacy.

“I’m waiting,” Mac stated.

“For what?”

“Aren’t you the least bit interested in telling me about your lunch at the White House?”

Her face nearly burst with excitement. “It was wonderful. She was so gracious and kind, and intelligent She said she had always wanted to be a journalist and asked if she could write a story for
Success
. Of course I said yes, and I’m going to edit it for her.”

“Sounds like you hit it off.”

“I can’t even begin to tell you how good I felt in her company.”

“I can tell. It’s written on your face. I saw it the moment we walked through your door tonight.”

“That wasn’t just the First Lady’s influence.”

“No?”

“Of course not. I was excited about seeing you, too.”

“Why, thank you. I’m glad I rate right up there with the First Lady.”

She laughed. “You know what she suggested?”

“What?”

“She said she absolutely loves decorating for Christmas, and asked if I’d like to do a special feature on Christmas at the White House.”

“And I suppose you’ve already got a plan in mind.”

“I’ve already got staff working on it. I can’t slack off on an opportunity like this.”

Mac smiled indulgently. He, too, had long ago had his day at the White House, but he wouldn’t mention it. This was her day to revel in the glory. Kathleen described everything in detail while he listened to every word, but every once in a while he couldn’t help but wonder why the First Lady had suggested a Christmas theme. It seemed as though Christmas constantly crept into every aspect of his life. He had even spent time with Grace discussing the office Christmas party and giving in to her pleas that he play Santa.

They ate and laughed and sang for hours. Mac swept Julie up into his arms and danced her around the deck, and Kathleen stood back and nearly cried. Never had she known such joy. Watching Mac and Julie together brought a lump to her throat, the emotion was so overwhelming.

The evening ended all too soon
. B
y midnight they had tucked Julie into bed, and Mac leaned against the doorjamb, wishing he could stay, but knowing it wouldn’t happen.

“If you want to sleep in late tomorrow, I’ll explain to the boss.”

She laughed and combed her hand through her hair. “Can’t. We’ve moved up the release date on
Success
to Friday.”

“It’s gone that well?”

“Yes. Of course, if you spent any time at the office, you’d know.”

“I’ve had much more fun with Julie. But Kath, I’d really like to spend some time alone with you. Tomorrow, maybe?”

“No . . .”

“I know. Too much work. So, when?”

“Friday night?”

“Perfect. My place at eight, and I’ll fix dinner. Do you think you could get someone to watch Julie all night?”

“And just what do you have in mind?”

“No definite plans. I just want nature to run its course, without any interference.”

oOo

Kathleen stood at Mac’s door, afraid to knock. She felt the same way she had felt ten years ago when she had stood at his office door for the first time. She wanted to see him, yet she was afraid she would turn to mush once she looked into his eyes.

She raised her fist, knocking lightly. The door opened and he stood before her, looking absolutely wonderful in a charcoal suit she wanted to remove, piece by piece.

He took her hand and pulled her inside, closing the door behind them. He hadn’t seen her in three days, but it felt like years. He hadn’t really kissed her in five days, but he hadn’t forgotten the feel, the taste, the sensations that coursed through his body. He felt all that and more now, just looking at her. She wore a black silk sheath, short and strapless, quite similar to the white dress she had worn at the Plaza. Above-the-elbow black gloves, three-inch black heels, and, of course, her pearl necklace and bracelet.

“I know this phrase is getting rather worn out, but you look beautiful.”

“Only for you.”

He sighed, trying to keep his distance, his composure. It wasn’t time to take her into his arms. He wanted to, but the time had to be perfect. This woman he loved more than life itself managed to be sensuous without even trying. She’d been that way in blue jeans. She’d been that way naked in his arms. And she was that way dressed like a million
bucks
.

“Is something wrong?”
Kathleen asked.

“Wrong? No. Let me show you around.”

He clutched her hand and led her into the living room. Her breath caught. She had expected something contemporary, a man’s room. Instead, she saw their cottage. The gramophone. The rocking horse. She closed her eyes and opened them again, but it was all still there, just as she remembered. She picked up a picture frame and looked at the photo.

“That’s me and my mom and dad,” Mac said. “Julie found it in a photo album. It’s funny how you put things like that away and forget about them.” She picked up another, of Mac and Julie at the zoo. “We took that one yesterday. I still need one of you and me.”

“Oh, Mac, it’s all so wonderful. I didn’t expect you to live in a place like this.”

“It hasn’t always been this way. Julie and I picked out everything on one of our excursions. That kid has great taste.”

“Did she pick out the rocking horse?” she asked, walking to its side and lovingly touching the painted wood.

“No. That was my idea. She hasn’t even seen it yet.” He took her hand. “I invited you to dinner. You’re hungry, I hope.”

“Always.”

“Good.” He pulled her into the dining room, lit by a hundred candles. He watched her face, her smile illuminated by the fire’s glow. The table was intimately set for just the two of them, white linen and lace, white bone china, delicate crystal stemware, sparkling sterling silver.

He pulled out her chair and pushed it in as she sat down. On her plate lay a single white rose and an envelope embossed with a gold M. She picked up the rose, closed her eyes, and inhaled its wonderful fragrance. She looked into his eyes, and no words of thanks were necessary. Their exchange said more than any words.

“Shall I open this now?”

He nodded and walked to his chair while she pulled out the card. Congratulations on your
Success
. May all your future endeavors be such crowning achievements. All my love, Mac.

“It is a success, isn’t it?” She beamed.

“Yes.”

“You’re not upset? I mean, now you owe me a promotion.”

“No, I’m not upset. And, yes, I’m going to give you a promotion.”

“But—”

“Oh, hell.” He got up from the table and threw his napkin back down in his plate.

Kathleen’s eyes widened. “What’s wrong?”

“Nothing, but I’m not hungry, not now, anyway.” He took her hand and pulled her up out of the chair. “Come here.”

“Where are we going?”

“To the living room. We have to talk.” He led her to the couch and asked her to sit, then got down on bended knee before her. “Kathleen Flannigan?”

“Yes,” she gulped.

“I’ve had more than my share of success in my lifetime. Everything I touch turn
s
to gold. I suppose you’ve heard that rumor? Well, it’s pretty much true. But I haven’t been lucky in love, until I met you. You’ve turned my whole life around. You haven’t asked me for anything. You’ve given me your love, and all I’ve done is ask things from you in return.”

“Only one thing, and I’ve decided you’re right.”

He frowned. “What are you talking about?”

“I’ve decided to quit McKenna Publishing. I want to get married and live at McKenna House, and do charity work and eat watercress sandwiches.”

“No, you don’t,” he quickly fired back.

“But I want you.”

“I’m yours, but on my terms.”

“Which are?”

“First, I’m retiring.”

Kathleen frowned.
“You’re what?”

“Retiring. I’ve had it up to here”—he waved his hand over the top of his head—“with going to work every day. I can do the stuff I need to do from home. I have accountants and attorneys and vice presidents who can run things quite well. I’m perfectly happy being chairman of the board. I don’t need to run the show, too.”

“And what do you plan to do while you’re retired? You’ll hate sitting around with nothing to do.”

“I don’t plan on just sitting around. Now, if you laugh, I won’t go on with the rest of my plan.”

“I won’t laugh.”

“I’m going to buy a ranch in Montana and be a part-time cowboy.”

“Sounds like a wonderful idea to me. But Montana’s a long way from New York.”

“I plan to stay here part time, too. In this apartment, and at McKenna House.”

“What about me and Julie? Do we fit into this picture somewhere?”

“You’re the biggest part of the picture. But let’s start with Julie. She’s going to have a full-time father. You know, carpools, room mother, that sort of thing.”

She couldn’t help herself, she had to laugh.

He grinned. “You think it’s funny?”

“I think it’s wonderful. But are you sure?”

“I
’ve
loved every moment I
’ve
spent with that child. I know it won’t always be perfect, but it’s what I want. It means more to me than running a company.”

“Okay. But where do I come in?”

“Where you’ve wanted to be for ten years. Since I’m retiring, McKenna Publishing needs a new president.”

She didn’t laugh this time, she just sat there staring, her mouth open, her eyes wide.

He pulled out a long velvet box and handed it to her. “Open it.”

She lifted the lid. Before her in the box lay an etched gold-plated door plaque.
Kathleen Flannigan
-
O’Brien—President
. Her eyes filled with tears as she tilted her head up to look at Mac.

“You don’t like it?”

She was speechless. Her tears said everything and more than her words could. She reached out her hands to his face and pulled him to her, kissing his lips. “This is the most wonderful present I’ve ever received.”

“Probably the most expensive, too.”

“Oh, Mac.”

“I love it when you say ‘O
h, Mac.’ But, sweetheart, there’s a few conditions attached to this promotion.”

She looked at him, waiting to hear the conditions.

“I’d like you to work halfway normal hours so you can spend your evenings with me and Julie.”

She nodded. “I can do that.”

“If you have to take any trips, I’m going with you. I have no intention of waking up in the morning without you beside me.”