Robin's Reward (Bonita Creek Trilogy Book 1) (22 page)

Jeff gently slid the ring onto Robin’s finger, which he noticed was steady and true. “You’re welcome. I’ll always be good to you and our children. I’ll
never
abandon you. I hope you were absolutely positive when you said ‘yes’ to my proposal because now you’re stuck with me forever.”

“It’s all good,” she replied before placing the most loving kiss ever on her future husband’s waiting lips.

Chapter 27

While they drove east back home later, they began chatting about their ideas
and dreams for their wedding.

“Penny will be my maid of honor. She’s always been like a sister to me,” Robin proclaimed proudly.

“I figured she’d be your first choice for the role.”

“I’d like Jorie to be my bridesmaid and our soloist. She’ll bless us with her beautiful voice. Unfortunately, at my previous wedding I had absolutely no input about anything because ‘you-know-who’ and his mother took over.”

“I thought we agreed not to let what happened previously influence
our
relationship.”

“Sorry. I need to retrain my mind beginning right this minute.”

“I’ll help you with the planning for our wedding; but you can have things at our wedding and reception just as you wish.” He reached over to squeeze her hand.

“I appreciate it. You’re the best.”

“You’ve got it all mixed up. I’m not the best man—I’m the groom. It’d be for the best if you remembered it, please.”

She giggled. “As if I’d forget so soon who just made the most romantic proposal ever.”

“Have you thought about who you’d like to escort you down the aisle at the ceremony?”

“My Grandpa John walked me down the aisle the first time. This time I think my escort’s identity will remain a closely-guarded secret until the last possible moment,” she said with a sassy grin.

“I like this mysterious side of you. It’s so un-librarian-like.”

As she signed contentedly, Robin felt an unfamiliar surge of joy pulse through her heart and mind.
Thank you for this greatest of blessings, Lord.

~*~

By the time they reached home, they’d decided on a June wedding at the Dahlia Garden. Pastor White would officiate. After the ceremony the bride and groom and their guests would celebrate with music and casual summer fare. They would toast with sparkling cider and enjoy a special wedding cake crafted by the best bakery in the area.

“I want our wedding day to be a day we’ll always treasure,” Robin said.

“It’ll definitely be the most important event in my life up to this point.”

“Even more important than getting your driver’s license or your high school diploma?”

“Well, my first driver’s license
was
pretty important . . .”

They both chuckled. Several minutes passed in silence. Jeff sensed Robin was mulling something over in her mind before speaking.

“Are we planning to keep our engagement a secret, or may I call Penny tonight?”

“No more secrets. I’d like to call my folks and Doug tonight. No one else knew about my plans for proposing.”

“What about Jorie?”

“I only asked her to prepare the picnic food and set up the table for me. I didn’t say why. Is there any reason we need to keep our engagement a secret?”

“No.”

“Because the way I’m feeling right now, I’d like to go to the highest peak on the Bonita Creek Trail and shout at the top of my lungs, ‘Robin Lynnette Bennett has agreed to be my ever-loving wife and the mother of my children!’ What do you think?” Jeff teased.

“I think you may be slightly crazy, and I know for certain I’m crazy in love with you.”

“I want to share my business plans with you. This is a surprise—not a secret.”

“Let’s hear it,” Robin said.

Jeff revealed his plans for opening his own financial services office in Bonita Creek. He told Robin about the renovated office space he’d rented and promised to show her the photos of his offices the realtor had sent. Robin knew about the building and offices and only had good things to say. He explained his plans to grow his business by offering traditional accounting services, forensic accounting analysis for estates, and criminal investigations involving identity theft, fraud, and embezzlement.

“How exciting. I’m happy for you, Jeff.”

“You’re not mad I didn’t talk it over with you beforehand?”

“No, why should I be? It’s your career, and you should set up your business where and how you want to. Don’t you agree?”

“Yeah, but—”

“Besides, it shows you made a commitment to building a life here in my hometown before you even proposed.”

“You are? But I thought you’d—”

“You’ve gained my trust, Jeff.  You don’t need to be on pins and needles about the trust issue anymore.”

He sighed deeply and tried to focus on his driving.
Things are falling into place, Clarke. Finally.

~*~

They decided to call the Clarkes from Robin’s cottage so the other could hear the conversation. Because of the time difference, Jeff called his parents right when they arrived at home.

“Hi, Dad, is Mom around? . . . Good, I’d like to talk to you both. Can you ask her to get on the extension, please? . . . Yes, I’ll wait.” He sent a lopsided grin to his bride-to-be as he waited patiently for his mother to pick up the bedroom phone.

“Hi, Mom . . . No, nothing’s wrong. It’s all good, as they say here in California. I just have some fantastic news I wanted to share with you both tonight . . . No, I didn’t get a promotion at work . . . No, I didn’t buy a new car . . . Well, if you’ll be patient I’ll tell you what it is right now.”

Robin could hear Jeff’s mother’s voice arguing she
was
patient. Jeff rolled his eyes dramatically as his mother continued on for a few more seconds.

“Are you ready now? . . . I asked Robin to marry me and she accepted. We’re planning a June wedding here in California.”

Jeff’s mother said in a voice filled with disappointment, “But we haven’t even met her yet. How could you possibly propose before we even have a chance to meet her, Jeffrey?”

His father spoke. “Candace, Jeff is nearly thirty years old. I don’t think he needs our permission to decide who he wants to marry. Son, congratulations. This is the best news I’ve heard in a long, long time. May I speak to your bride before we hang up?”

“Thanks, Dad. Robin’s right here, so I’ll let you speak to her in a moment. Mom and Dad, we feel the Lord is leading us together. I know we’ll spend a happy life together as husband and wife. We want to raise a family together and create many happy memories for you as grandparents, too.”

“In that case, I wish you both the best, son,” his mother added somewhat reluctantly.

“We’ll be in California with bells on for your wedding,” his father added. “Pamela will want to come along, too. Now, may I speak to my future daughter-in-law, please?”

“He wants to speak to you,” Jeff said as he handed over the telephone.

“Hi, Mr. Clarke, I’m Robin.”

“Well, congratulations. We can’t wait to meet you and add you to the Clarke family officially next June. Oh, and please call me Jerry. My wife wants to say a few words to you also, don’t you, dear?”

“Yes, all right. Hi, Robin. Best wishes on your engagement. Jeff has told us so much about you, but I must admit I wasn’t expecting him to propose so soon. Are you surprised, too?”

“Yes, I was astonished when he proposed. However, I believe the Lord will bless this marriage. I’m ‘over the moon’ with happiness about our engagement, Mrs. Clarke.”

His mother laughed softly. “I’m just a little over fifty, so I’m not ready to be a stodgy old mother-in-law. Please call me Candace.”

“Thank you, Candace.”

“I know you’ve lost your parents and grandparents. If you need any help planning the wedding or reception, please feel free to call me. In the future, if you ever need some female advice about marriage or child-rearing or anything at all, you can call or write to me and I’d be glad to help in any way I can. I’d like us to become close, Robin.”

Tears sprung up in Robin’s eyes and she barely got her response past the lump in her throat.

“Your offer is very gracious, Candace. I’m grateful for your kindness. Right now I’m just trying to get familiar with the idea of being married to your exceptional son. However, I’m sure I’ll be calling you in the future when the need arises.” She passed the receiver back to her fiancé.

“I’m back on the line, Mom and Dad,” he alerted.

“Are you going to call Doug tonight?” his mother inquired.

“Yes, I’m going to ask him to be my best man.”

“His parents will be so pleased about your marriage and his being your best man,” Candace gushed.

Jeff’s father broke into the conversation. “I’m sure you two lovebirds have more important things to do than talk to the old folks tonight, so we’ll disconnect now. We love you, Jeff, and we know we’ll love Robin, too. Call us again soon to tell us when you’re back in Illinois. Let us know if you two need anything.”

“Thanks. Robin
is
great. You’re going to love her.”

“We’re happy for you both. Good night, son.”

After turning off his phone, Jeff turned to Robin. “Our announcement went over well.”

“Were you concerned it wouldn’t go well?”

“Uh, well, my mother has been known to act a little strange when she’s given news she’s been unprepared for. I think it stems from the shock of Gregory’s death.”

“Sad, but understandable. She really warmed up to me quickly, though. Your dad seems nice and outgoing.”

“I’m told I inherited my charm and wit from his side of the family.”

“Really? You’re charming and witty? I hadn’t noticed.”

“Here, I’ll prove it.” He pulled Robin into a feverish embrace and kissed her responsive lips.

When he raised his head he murmured, “It’s going to be hard to go back to Illinois since we’re engaged. I don’t want to be separated from you for even a moment more than necessary.”

Sudden tears rushed to her eyes, and she nodded. “We’ll just have to figure out a way to deal with being apart for extended periods of time until we’re married next summer.”

~*~

The pair decided to call their cousins later. They wanted to savor their time together and cement the image of their engagement day in their minds. They listened to some quiet music and chatted for the next couple of hours. As the time approached for him to leave Robin, she slipped into his welcoming arms and hugged him tightly around his waist. The steady, reliable beat of his heart comforted her. He’d worked hard to make his proposal extraordinary, and it had its desired effect of making her feel treasured and loved unconditionally.

Gazing up into his face Robin spoke passionately. “You’ve made me the happiest woman on earth today. I love you with all of my heart, and I can’t wait to see where this journey takes us. Thank you for making your proposal so unique and special. I absolutely love my ring.”

She stood on her toes to place an emotion-filled kiss on her fiancé’s waiting lips. Wrapping her arms around his neck she pulled him ever closer, afraid of missing even a whisper of time.

“I’m afraid if I don’t say goodnight now I’ll never leave. Enjoy your conversation with Penny. I’ll see you for breakfast tomorrow around seven-thirty. Do you want to eat in town?”

“No, let’s eat here. I’ll fix your favorites.”

“Sounds good to me. Goodnight.”

Chapter 28

A groggy Penny looked at her alarm clock before answering the telephone.
Who would be calling her after midnight and why? Hopefully it wasn’t another family tragedy she’d be expected to become hopelessly drawn into against her better judgment.

“Hello?”

“Hi, Penny. It’s Robbie. Did I interrupt anything?” Penny heard excitement in Robin’s voice.

“Only my beauty sleep. Is anything wrong?”

“No, everything’s wonderful. Guess why I’m calling?”

Penny sat straight up in bed. “Did Jeff Clarke finally wise up and ask you to marry him?”

“Yes, how did you guess?”

“Well, I hoped you weren’t calling me at midnight to tell me you bought a new dress or found a new flower seed. Congratulations. You deserve to marry a great guy like Jeff. I’m happy for both of you. Now, tell all. Spill it, girlfriend.”

“Thanks, Penny. Sorry I woke you up—I didn’t realize how late it was. Why don’t you try to get some sleep, and we’ll talk again tomorrow?”

“Not a chance. I’m wide awake now, so start talkin’, Miss Future Mrs. Clarke.”

“First off, I wanted to do this in person but I’m too excited to wait until I see you. Penny, will you be my maid of honor?”

“Absolutely, yes. I’d be honored.”

“You’re my best friend and as close as a sister to me. I have another question to ask you. I can’t imagine being married in anything other than one of your magnificent couture creations. Will you design and make my wedding dress, please?”

“It would be my pleasure. It’ll be my wedding gift to you both.”

“I’m going to ask Jorie to be my bridesmaid. Would it be possible for you to—”

“I’d love to design and make my dress and Jorie’s dress, too. That
is
what you were going to say next, isn’t it?”

“Yes. I want you to coordinate decorations for the wedding and reception, too, if you’re up to it.”

“I am. Working together will be fun. Now tell me about Jeff’s proposal. Was it really romantic?”

“Yes, you could say it was super romantic.”

“Was it like in all those inspirational romance novels I love to read? A unique setting, stunning ring, magical words, sweet kisses . . .”

“Exactly.”

Robin heard her cousin sigh dreamily in response. Robin relayed the details of the proposal before saying goodnight.

Jeff said while he’d stressed to Jorie the purpose of the picnic was important, he hadn’t revealed his plans to propose. Robin wanted to call Jorie to announce the engagement and ask her to be her bridesmaid and the soloist at the wedding. Deciding it was too late to call Jorie now, Robin decided to make the call the first thing the next morning. She smiled as she realized it already
was
the next morning. Her life had taken on a positive hue because her attitude had been colored with Jeff’s love and devotion.

It took a couple more hours of quiet reflection and prayer before Robin settled down enough to get some sleep. As she laid her head on her pillow she sighed deeply and smiled. She looked at her engagement ring in the moonlight. Finally she nestled down in her covers and drifted off into a restful sleep. Her dreams were filled with a certain handsome hero standing before a backdrop of the Pacific Ocean, holding his arms and heart open to Robin.

~*~

Robin awoke to the sound of her phone ringing around eight o’clock. “Hello,” she said sleepily.

“Did you change your mind about marrying me already?”

Robin smiled. “No, why do you ask?”

“I’ve been knocking on your front door for the past half hour.” She could hear the humor in his voice. “I thought you were supposed to fix me a homemade breakfast, woman. Now, pay up.”

“Good morning, fiancé. In all the excitement I forgot to set my alarm clock. I’ll get dressed and let you in a few minutes. I’m sorry.”

“I was teasing. Take as long as you like. I’ll sit out here with Miss Praise and enjoy this fine morning in your front garden.”

About fifteen minutes later, she found Jeff dozing in a patio chair on her front porch. Miss Praise rested comfortably at his feet. He looked boyish with his eyes closed and a sweet grin on his lips. She leaned over to kiss him and was startled when he grabbed her and pulled her into his lap.

“I can’t wait to wake up next to you each morning,” he said.

He nuzzled her neck and kissed her before helping her out of the chair. She led the way through the cottage to her kitchen and asked what he felt like eating for breakfast.

“How about some fried eggs, cooked hard, wheat toast, and maybe a bowl of fresh fruit if you have it?”

“Coming right up.”

She turned toward the refrigerator and set to work. “I called Penny last night. She’s going to design and make my wedding dress, Jorie’s dress, and her maid of honor’s dress. She’ll also design and make all of the decorations for the wedding and reception. Just wait until you see Penny’s work. She’s incredible!”

“Do you think I could talk her into making my outfit, too?”

“No. You’ll be wearing a tuxedo, if I have my way.”

“Tuxedo? I thought I could get by with a new pair of jeans and a starched shirt.”

“I don’t think so. You’ll be the best looking groom ever, and you
will
be wearing a tuxedo.”

“I reckon it’s a small concession to make for the greatest prize of all.”

“Prize?”

“The prize of winning your heart forever.”

“You’re a true romantic at heart, aren’t you? You earned another kiss.” She stood on her toes to place a quick kiss on his smiling lips.

“I like this reward system of yours. Let me think of another compliment so I can earn another kiss.”

“You’re incorrigible.”

“Now you sound like my mother or grandmother when I was in big trouble.”

“Your incorrigibility is one of my favorite things about you.”

“I wish I didn’t have to go back to Illinois until my contract with Brownstein ends on the final day of March.”

“I’ll miss you, but I understand. You wouldn’t feel right about leaving a job undone. You’ll move to Bonita Creek in early March, and we’ll have three-plus months to plan our wedding. It’ll all work out the way it’s supposed to work out. God’s taken care of everything so far, hasn’t He?”

“I wish we didn’t have to wait until March to see each other every day. I treasure the time I get to spend with you.”

“You’ve earned another reward.”

~*~

As they cleaned up the kitchen, Jeff suggested she try to catch Jorie before she left for her shift at La Reyna Café. They’d already decided on two of the songs for their wedding ceremony, “The Wedding Song,” by Noel Paul Stookey and the traditional “The Lord’s Prayer.”

Jorie answered on the first ring. “Jorie, this is Robin. I have the most fantastic news.”

“Hi. I was hoping it was you. Did you enjoy the picnic?”

“It was unbelievable. Thanks for the delicious food and table setup. It’s a day I’ll never forget. It’s why I wanted to call you this morning. Do you have a minute to talk?”

“I don’t have to leave for work for another forty-five minutes. What’s up?”

“We’re engaged. Jeff proposed at the Dahlia Garden yesterday.”

Jorie squealed. “Congratulations to you both. I knew the picnic was for something big. I thought maybe it would be the first time he told you he loved you. A wedding proposal is even better.”

“I’ll tell him. I’d like you to be my bridesmaid. I’d be honored to have you stand up with me when I marry this guy.”

“I’m touched. Of course I’ll be your bridesmaid.”

“Thanks, Jorie. The other thing is we’d both like to have you sing at our wedding ceremony. Will you please bless us all with your beautiful voice and sing two or three songs?”

“I’d consider it a privilege. Thanks for asking me. It’ll be my wedding gift to you both.”

~*~

They decided to walk over to their church to tell Pastor White their good news.

“Do you think he’ll be surprised about our engagement?”

Jeff threw back his head and laughed. “The man is smart like a fox. He’s been able to read me like a book from the moment I got to town. No, I think he’ll be the least surprised of anyone. He probably knew what ring I’d pick out before I ever even saw it.”

“Yes, he is a wise and loving soul. I don’t know what I’d have done without him during my break-up with Thomas. I learned so much about forgiveness and love through his counsel.”

Jeff squeezed Robin’s hand as they entered the church office. Before they could ask to speak to the pastor without an appointment, his office door flew open. They heard his jolly laughter before he stepped inside the church office.

“Well, good morning, you two. Why am I not surprised to see you two lovebirds holding hands and smiling like Cheshire cats? Come into my office.”

The pastor stepped aside to allow them to pass through the doorway. He leaned toward his secretary and said, “Please hold all of my calls until we’re finished, Olive. Thank you.”

As he firmly closed his door the pastor turned to them. “Now what is the meaning of this unscheduled visit?” His eyes were twinkling with merriment and a hint of mischief as he gazed at the young couple.

Jeff spoke first. “We’re here to share our wonderful news with you. Robin has accepted my proposal of marriage. We’ve set a tentative wedding date for June.”

“Robin, is this true? Have you agreed to take on this rascal as a husband?”

“It’s true, Pastor. I took mercy on him and accepted his humble offer of marriage.”

“I see. I can’t say I’m at all surprised by this development. I’ve always had a good feeling about you two, and I’ve prayed for you both from the moment God put the thought in my mind you might have a future together. Congratulations! Marian will be so happy for you, Robin. We’ve both come to love you like one of our granddaughters. May I hug the bride?”

Robin stepped into his warm embrace. “Thank you for all you did to help me heal from the loss of my first marriage so I could find love again. You guided me back to the light with patience, wisdom, and understanding,” she mumbled tearfully.

The pastor set her back from him and squeezed her shoulders. “It was my honor and pleasure to serve as God’s instrument in your healing process. Now you can look at Jeff’s proposal as your reward for overcoming the treacherous challenge and difficult transition in your life. This reward is God’s gift of a new chapter in your life filled with a new, true love. Thank you for coming to share your good news in person. Would you like to me to announce your engagement at the end of the church service this coming Sunday?”

Robin and Jeff’s eyes met in agreement. “I think we’d both like you to have the honor of sharing it with the congregation,” Jeff said.

“Will you please officiate at our wedding ceremony? It would mean the world to us,” Robin said.

The pastor bowed his head in agreement. “Let’s pray before you two leave.”

The trio bowed their heads, “Father, thank you for being a powerful and guiding spirit in our lives. Bless this couple as they plan their special day and as they grow together in your love and light. Amen.”

~*~

The following Sunday morning the happy couple’s engagement was announced to rousing applause and a few whistles at the social hour after church. They received many words of congratulations and a few hugs and handshakes as well. Robin was astonished when Thomas Bennett’s parents, Fred and Arlene, walked directly over to them to congratulate them. Then Fred asked for a private word with Robin.

“Excuse me for a few minutes,” Robin said to Jeff.

Jeff gave her hand a squeeze and the trio walked toward the sanctuary. Once they entered the sanctuary, Arlene began weeping.

“I’m so glad for you and Jeff. I want you to know Fred and I wish you many years of happiness together.”