Page 20 of Robert

“How long would we have to stay?”

“How does a week sound?”

She nodded. “I suppose we could do a week. What about the sleeping arrangements?”

“Three bedrooms and two baths.”

“Then it’s perfect.”

She was not going to think about being alone with him in a cabin in the middle of nowhere. She just had to get through today, before thinking of the rest of the week. She had work she could take with her. A proposal for the homeless shelter and the children’s home that was in such a deplorable condition.

She also had that clinic and the suggestions by the doctors working there and what was needed. Perhaps she should hit up Robert for the ventilation machine and the extra beds. Firming her lips, she headed downstairs.

*****

The ceremony was short and sweet and had her mother beaming. It was so realistic that she was almost convinced that it was a real wedding. Deidre had taken a three sixty degree turn over her ‘son-in-law’ and had gone all out with the decorations.

The ceremony was done outdoors in the enchanting gazebo and had ribbons streaming from the various slats. Tons of flowers decorated the interior and a carpet had been laid for the bride to walk towards her groom.

Michael had dressed the part, wearing a black robe over his faded denims and crisp cotton shirt. He had brushed back his shoulder-length wheat blonde hair from his face and had on a pair of horn-rimmed glasses. He looked so different that she scarcely recognized him.

He had taken her aside and confided that he was trying out for a part in a period piece and decided that this was perfect as a dress rehearsal.

“Don’t worry, darling, your secret is safe with me,” he assured her with a smile.

Catherine wasn’t smiling as she stood with Brian and watched the ceremony.

“Now it’s time to kiss your bride,” Michael said with a flourish at the end of the exchange of rings and the rather long and fervent prayer that blessed the couple’s union.

“Oh!” Sonya whispered, staring at Robert in consternation. He had bought her a very expensive sets of rings that she had protested was not necessary.

“I think it is.”

“I will make certain to give it back to you, when this is all over.”

For some reason, he had looked very displeased at that.

“Shall we?” He asked now, a smile lurking on his lips. Taking her hands, he pulled her in. Framing her face between his hands, he tilted her face up, his expression inscrutable. Bringing her hands up, she curled her fingers into tight fists and closed her eyes.

Lowering his head, Robert forced himself to use control and barely brushed his lips on hers, before stepping back. His heart was pounding, and he could feel the sweat pooling at his armpits. Taking her hand, he tucked it through his arm and faced their family.

Telling herself that it was not disappointment she was feeling because of the way he kissed her, or the trembly feeling in pit of her stomach was due to nervousness and stress over the unusual situation, she gripped his arm and set about behaving like a new bride.

*****

“We are going in a helicopter?” Sonya stared at the transportation doubtfully. He had refused to tell her anything other than allowing her to grab her suitcase from her car as well as the briefcase filled with paperwork and her laptop.

“Don’t tell me you have never been in one.”

“No. I prefer large commercial airlines,” she told him firmly.

“Come on, live a little.” With an engaging smile, he took her hand and the made their way towards it. To her further surprise, the pilot hopped out and after helping her up, Robert went around to take the controls.

“What are you doing?” She shouted as the blades started whirling.

“I am taking us to the cabin.” He handed her a set of headphones. “Put these on.”

“Robert…”

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