Chapter XXVI
A Night To Remember
~ * * * ~
|
It was Valentine's Day evening and Max and Madra had been invited to the
Jamison's home by Leila and Mike. They were told it was going to be a very
special party. It was also Max and Madra's third anniversary. Max had bought
Madra a stunning diamond bracelet, which she wanted to wear that evening.
They thought of declining so they could spend some time by themselves, but
Mike had insisted that they come. Madra had chosen an Italian lace dress for the evening in honor of
Valentine's day. When she emerged from the dressing room, she found Max
lounging on the bed. She walked over to him and he gave her a low whistle
saying, "My God, Madra, you look amazing!" She gave him a smile and walked over to the bed. "I love you so much,
Max. You are always so good to me! And, I absolutely love this bracelet!" "You make that easy for me, my dear. I can't believe it's been three
years! It feels like only yesterday that you became my bride....but then,
again, I feel as if we've been together all our lives. Come, darling, come
sit on the bed with me," he beckoned, patting the bed next to him. She hesitated for a moment and said, "Oh, Max dear, perhaps we should get
going....we don't want to be late." He grabbed her hand then and said, "We
have plenty of time, darling, please sit....I think we need to talk." |
| Madra sat on the edge of the bed and stroked Max' face saying, "What is
it, darling, are you feeling alright?" Max put his hand on her knee and said, "Madra, I'm just fine! That's
it, he said, I am fine. But, are you?" "Me?!" she replied. "Max, there's nothing wrong with me." "That's not what I meant, darling," he began. "I'm worried that you don't
feel the same about me since I had my heart attack. Darling, are you still
attracted to me?" Madra was incredulous! "Max! How could you ask such a thing?! Of course,
I am still attracted to you! I love you, Max ~ more than I can ever say!" Max was hesitant, but then he said, "Madra, I've been home for two weeks
and I feel as if you have been avoiding me. Everytime I try to find time for
us to be alone, or even try to kiss you, you seem to pull away from me." "Oh, Max, I'm so sorry, I never meant to give you that impression. I love you deeply, darling, but, I'm afraid....." she began. |
|
|
"Afraid?" he began, "afraid that I'll have another heart attack?
Darling, my doctor said I was fine! Actually, he said I am in excellent
shape and that I should exercise and resume ALL my normal activities!" With that he pulled her into his arms and began kissing her ~ soft,
sweet long kisses. He could feel her respond to him. He unbuttoned the strap
to the top of her gown and kissed her neck, while she unbuttoned his shirt. "Oh, darling," he whispered in her ear, "I love you so much. I can't tell
you how long I have waiting for this moment...dreaming about the time when
you would be back in my arms again! It was that thought that kept me going
that entire time ~ being back in your arms, together again, as we always
belong. Happy anniversary my darling......" "Oh Max, Max....." she began. "Shhhh...." Max replied, and he silenced her with a kiss. |
| It seemed as if the world disappeared ~ there was nothing left but
themselves, locked together in a lover's embrace. Afterwards, they lay in each other's arms, happy and content. Max
kissed Madra's forhead and said, "Darling, that was amazing! And, I want to
thank you for allowing me to feel like a man again. This is truly a night to
remember!" "Oh, Max, you are the most virile, sexy, handsome man I have ever met!
Don't you ever doubt that ~ or my feelings for you!" she replied. "However,
I think we had better get moving if we are going to be at the Jamison's on
time!" |
|
~ * * * ~
When they arrived at the Jamison's, they found everyone gathered in the living room. A very nervous Mike was pacing back and forth. Max and Madra greeted him and Max commented that if he didn't stop pacing, he was going to wear a hole in the carpet. That seemed to ease the tension and Mike let out a laugh. Mike told Madra how beautiful she looked that evening and Madra blushed and thanked him. When they were all gathered together, Mike introduced Max and Madra to his sister, Sabrina, and his dog, Flame. Madra seemed a little uncomfortable in the dog's presence, but quickly sensed that the dog was well-behaved so she relaxed a little. |
A huge smile crossed Mike's face at the sight of her. He couldn't believe
that this beautiful vision had agreed to marry him! Behind him, he could
hear Leila's mother softly weeping tears of joy. Leila walked in, hugged her mother and told her she loved her. She
whispered in the mother's ear, "Mom, I hope you're not angry with us for
deciding to get married this way." Mrs. Jamison replied softly, "Of course
not, sweetheart, I am so happy for you. It's just perfect...perfect," and
she took Leila's hand and placed it in Mike's saying, "This is such a happy
day for me ~ a night to remember!" Mike took Leila's arm and she looked up and smiled sweetly at him. She
looked so lovely, he thought. And after tonight, we'll always be together! The minister, who had been waiting in the other room so as to not give away the surprise, entered and the ceremony began. |
Mike surprised everyone by announcing that he and Leila had invited them all there that evening to witness their wedding. After everyone recovered from the initial shock, there were happy congratulations and cheers from everyone. Max patted Mike on the shoulder and congratulated him. Mike told Max that he had intended for Jax to be his best man, but
since the honeymooners had decided to extend their honeymoon another few
weeks, would Max do the honor of filling in for him. Max told him that he
would be honored! At that moment, the doors to the large room opened and Leila appeared in
the doorway. A hush came over the room and Leila entered.
|
When the minister pronounced them husband and wife, and told Mike to kiss
his bride, the room exploded with applause and cheers of good luck! Mike kissed Leila for the first time as her husband and took in the sweet
smell of her perfume. He would forever be reminded of her whenever he
smelled the sweet smell of gardinia from that day on. Mike's collie, Flame, started barking, nuzzling against Leila's leg.
Leila and Mike laughed and Mike said, "She wants a kiss, too!" With that
everyone laughed! |
The ceremony was simple yet beautiful. Leila and Mike had chosen to each
say their own vows, pledging their love and respect for each other. Their vows were tender and touching and there wasn't a dry eye in the
room.
|
|
The champage was opened and everyone was toasting the bride and groom.
Yes, thought Mike, this is a night to remember! In the midst of celebration and happiness, the doorbell rang and they
could hear a commotion occurring in the foyer. Apparently, the butler was
trying to restrain someone from entering without much success. The large doors to the main room where everyone was gathered opened, and
several policmen barged their way in. Rebecca stepped forward demanding to know the meaning behind their
actions. "Rebecca Jamison?" one of the officers said. "Yes, I am Rebecca Jamison," she replied. "You are under arrest for the murder of Olivia Grant." the officer began
and began reading her rights while handcuffing her. |
