Page 43 of Stuck With My Christmas Crush

“Yes please,” Charlie says quietly turning her face up to mine. I bend down to gently place my lips on hers which are soft and warm and feel exactly as I hoped they would.

But an unexpected jolt, like an electric shock, shoots from my lips to my toes and fingertips and back again causing me to break away and say, “Whoa!”

Somewhere in the background, Lou and Calvin whistle and cheer.

Chapter 22

Charlie

It’s New Year’s Eve. Lou, Calvin, and I have just arrived at the Mansion Hotel. It’s the first time since Christmas Day that I’ve seen Jason. We’ve called each other, but we’ve both been too busy to meet up. I’m aching to see him and so excited. Not only about seeing Jason again but to be here with Lou and Calvin and to discuss plans for the future of this grand old historic house.

Rocko bounds to the gate when the van pulls up outside, closely followed by Jason who waves and smiles as he strides down the sweep of the driveway.

“Welcome!” he says unhooking the chain and opening the gates for us. Calvin drives through and parks next to Jason’s Chevy.

Even before Calvin has cut the engine, I jump out and run back to throw my arms around my hunky hero. Jason bends to wrap me in a bear hug. Then he scoops me off my feet and we kiss madly, deeply, with wild passion until Lou and Calvin remind us that we have company. They shout and wave from the van as Rocko circles looking for a way in.

“Don’t be scared,” says Jason still holding me tightly with both arms. “Rocko’s a big softy.”

Calvin and Lou gingerly climb out of the van to make friends with Jason’s massive dog. Rocko leans against their legs and nuzzles his face in their hands.

“Some guard dog, huh?” says Lou looking relieved.

“Come on,” says Jason. “I’ll show you the monstrous money pit.”

“Or the potential goldmine?” I add laughing as our feet crunch on the gravel path toward the main entrance.

“It’s certainly impressive from the outside,” says Calvin looking up at the rows of elegant windows above.

“Wait until you get inside,” I say smiling. “But I’m not going to say any more about it. I’ll just let the house speak for itself.”

Jason turns the handle and pushes open the front door. We gather in the hallway under the multi-tiered chandelier, which still sparkles beneath a layer of dust. Lou and Calvin instinctively gaze up to admire it suspended from the decorative ceiling high over our heads.

“This is definitely the statement welcome,” Calvin says admiring the dimensions of the hall. “Full of wow factor, alright. An amazing space. I can already imagine the photos on the website. We’ll have bookings coming out of our ears in no time.”

“I love the old-fashioned reception desk,” says Lou walking closer to admire the polished carved mahogany. “Look at the keys hanging up and the cubby holes for each room. It’s this kind of authentic detail you can’t recreate.”

“The main living room is right here,” says Jason, still holding my hand, as he leads us through the double door to the living room and the wall of windows and glass doors that open onto the terrace.

“It’s huge,” says Lou. “And I love the high ceiling. Gosh. I wouldn’t change anything about this space. It’s the perfect party room. What do you think, Cal?”

“Absolutely. I’m blown away. My head is so full of ideas about what we can do here.” Calvin walks to the window and looks out at the gardens. “I mean. Jason. Before we even begin to market this as a venue, there’s a whole heap of red tape and certifications we’ll need to address.” He paces as he says, “We’ll need to create a timeframe and list all the things that need to be signed off before we can accept bookings.” Calvin walks around checking items off on his fingers. “Fire department. Liquor license. Registration for the number of guests we can accommodate. The kitchen needs to be certified too, if food is prepared on the premises. But honestly, it’s all doable, as long as the basic structure of the building is solid. So, a structural report is probably the first thing on the list.”

We’re quiet for a moment, as each of us is lost in our own thoughts. The wild ideas and practical realities settle into a cohesive form. There’s no doubt about the effort and work in bringing the utilities up to an acceptable standard. But the important element we all agree on is keeping the feel of the grand old house: the history and stories of the people who lived here are as important as the bricks and mortar.

Jason opens one of the glass doors out onto the paved terrace. Wizened brown sticks are all that are left of plants in Grecian-type urns placed at pleasing intervals along the edge. Steps lead down to an overgrown lawn and rectangularpond reflecting an ornamental archway that promises to be covered in climbing roses during the summer months.

“There’s a fountain in the middle but I’m not sure it works,” says Jason almost apologetically. “I haven’t tried it.”

“That would be very cool,” says Lou with infectious exuberance. “Imagine a fountain as a backdrop to your wedding photos. People would line up for that, wouldn’t they?” She grins at me, then Jason. Then she looks at Calvin, who is suddenly serious. “Cal? Are you okay?”

Calvin doesn’t answer straight off. He walks a few paces to the end of the terrace, then turns and walks back patting down the sides of his jacket. Then he gently takes Lou’s hand, and breathing deeply, kneels down in front of her.

“Louise Bethany. You are the best thing in my life.” Calvin reaches his free hand into his pocket. “I’ve been waiting for the right moment to ask.” He pulls out a ring. “And I’m pretty sure that this is it.” He smiles up at Lou who looks as if she might cry. “Lou. You are my world. Please. Please marry me.”

Lou is stunned. Tears well up in her eyes, but she smiles and holds out her left hand, fingers outstretched.

“Yes. Calvin Adam. Yes. I’ll marry you. I would be honored to be your wife.”

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