Mrs right zakrzewski ant.., p.3
Mrs. Right (Zakrzewski Anthologies), page 3
“Thanks,” he says, whipping a rag from over his shoulder and checking on something in the oven. “It’s a hodge podge menu based on what I had around here, but it’ll work. You can go, Ryan. We got this.”
I nod but need to confirm, “Do you need a hand with the transport?”
Jackson closes the oven door and whips his rag in my direction. “Get going.” He chases me out of the kitchen. “My cousin Jason will be here in fifteen to help me pack up, transport, and set up. We’ve done this a hundred times. Go, don’t you have another stop to make yourself?”
I nod, he’s right. Jackson has done events like this a thousand times. He ran catering for the entire set of the movie production Forever when they shot the film out at Lake Hope. As insane as my last-minute request is, he’s seen worse. He can do this in his sleep. I squeeze my phone and head out. One more stop to make and then off to dinner.
I step out into the biting wind and find the roads are getting worse by the second. It’s the reason I’ve called this last-minute audible. I can’t have the girls out in this weather much longer. I cross my fingers and hope I’ve acted quick enough. I mutter under my breath as I stomp through the snow to my car, “Please stop snowing, please stop snowing.”
Chapter Eight
CANDICE
Dana pulls the car up to McSorley’s, the neighborhood bar. We take a shared exhale, happy to be back in Destiny Falls and civilization. I understand now why Ryan recruited my besties; he would be too concerned with me running all around town in this weather alone. Me too.
“You mentioned just two more stops,” Mia says, slipping on her gloves. “I pray the last clue is here in town. I don’t think it’ll be wise to venture back out onto the unplowed roads outside of town.”
I nibble on my lower lip. Even if the last clue is here in town, I still need to get back to the lake house. I say a brief prayer.
“Back to the scene of the crime.” Dana’s joke pulls me back to the task at hand. The mention of the trophy clue is easy enough to figure out. Every Halloween, McSorley’s hosts a costume contest. Dana and Mia were with me here at McSorley’s that night. The night Ryan showed me how invested he was in our relationship. When he revealed the extent of the planning and energy he would devote to make a simple day special.
“I still can’t believe Ryan has done it again,” Dana says with the sound of awe in her voice. A sound that makes me swoon and clutch my chest. She’s right.
By nature, I’m a strategist, a planner, a person who devotes hours and hours to study and organize. Meticulously plotting each task and then executing them to perfection. It’s what I do every day with my financial clients. But Ryan has always been the romantic. Turning normal everyday moments into incredibly thoughtful, unforgettable treasures. Our past is already littered with them.
We push through the doorway and enter. It’s the middle of the afternoon on Valentine’s Day, and the bar is pretty quiet. Red and white streamers dot the windows, heart-shaped mylar balloons float above the nearly empty bar. A young couple huddles in one of the booths in the rear, whispering quietly to one another. Our presence is ignored.
It doesn’t take me long to find what I’m seeking. Behind the bar on a shelf next to the register is the trophy. Our trophy.
The golden cup has a small box decorated in the same red wrapping paper as the gift found at Roscoe’s. A note card is attached.
“Hey gals, it’s been a minute since I’ve seen any of you around here,” Nathan, the bartender, says. He paces the length of the bar toward us. He whips the bar rag over his shoulder, glances behind him at the trophy, before turning and pressing his hands to the bar’s edge. “I got specific instructions to get each of you something warm to drink—on the house.”
“Ryan?” I ask and answer at the same time.
Nathan’s quick smile is all the verification I need. “Besides the usual coffee, tea, and hot chocolate, we have a hot apple cider and a special hot toddy today. What’ll you have?”
Mia slips onto a stool and leans forward, pressing a quick peck to Nathan’s cheek. “It’s freezing outside. That hot toddy sounds amazing.”
“Same,” I say, whipping off my mittens I slipped on even though we only had to walk from the curb.
“I’ll do the cider,” Dana orders, always the most health conscious of us. She points to the trophy behind the bar. “We came for that.”
Nathan looks over his shoulder for a second before smirking, “Did you now?”
“But you already knew that, didn’t you?” I sass. “Ryan arranged all of this, the drinks, the trophy, everything. How long ago did he plan this with you?” A smile pulls on my lips as I think of the coordination of all these clues.
The duffel bag back on campus would have been easy. The wooded area is just on the opposite side of the campus where he works. But Roscoe’s would have taken some effort and coordinating this at McSorley’s without it leaking out in the gossip mill would have taken a herculean effort.
Two toddies appear on the top of the bar as he walks a few steps away and fills a mug with cider. “You’ll have to ask him, but the first Valentine’s Day as husband and wife is special. Happy to play a small part.”
A blush races across my face. I’m a married woman, yet Ryan still makes me blush in public as if we’re still teenagers dating. “Thank you,” I whisper and give him a kiss on the cheek.
Nathan turns and grabs the trophy, lifting it and placing it in front of me on the bar. “We only provide this type of service to McSorley’s favorite couple.”
“Hey!! Dana and I are standing right here,” Mia jokes.
I laugh as their whispers fade to the background. My focus is on the trophy. Halloween Costume Contest Winner - Couples Category. Ryan had flooded the bar that night with all of his teammates from the volleyball team and their dates. Every one of them dressed in costumes, but none as couples. He singlehandedly thinned out the competition for us. I dressed as Peppermint Patty and he, Franklin, from the Peanuts. We faced an unexpected couple for the contest but prevailed.
It wasn’t the victory that made that night special. It was a combination of being out in public with all of our friends, an almost public declaration to the world that Ryan and I were a couple. It was also the night I knew I was in love with Ryan Parker. The admission at the time scaring the daylights out of me.
My fingers find the edge of the note, and I flip it open.
Hey Love,
You and I together, the perfect pair. Whether in costumes or in our birthday suits. The Peanuts have always held a special place in my family’s heart, and nothing made me prouder than the night we dressed as these characters and conquered the world together. It may have seemed like a silly fun night at the time, but it was the night I knew you’d always be a part of me. We have so many special moments in our blessed lives, and I can’t wait for what comes next.
I hope you’ve worked up a good appetite. Only one more stop. It’s the place we finally kissed, the place we declared our love for one another. The place I knew for sure that one day, you and I would be married.
See you shortly.
Love,
Ryan
I press the note to my chest and take a long exhale. I close my eyes to hold back the joyful tears. The girls must take notice as I feel two sets of warm arms wrap around my shoulders.
I enjoy the embrace for three beats before opening my eyes and whispering, “We have one last stop to make.”
Chapter Nine
RYAN
It’s just as I feared. I stare down at my phone, the text from our neighbors at Lake Hope. The town has closed the main road to the lake. The only road. It won’t reopen until tomorrow at the earliest.
The only way to the homes is via boats but with the lake half-iced over, that’s a treacherous and unnecessary risk.
We won’t be able to celebrate our first Valentine’s Day in our lake home. Candice’s request for a quiet dinner is no longer a possibility. Thank goodness I acted soon enough and pivoted to this over-the-top plan.
It’s not what we initially wanted but somehow, it still feels right. That statement reflects our relationship. Both of us thinking we know what we want at the start but then having life get in our way and having to pivot. If I think about it, it makes sense. It’s a reflection of our relationship and journey.
Three years apart didn’t stop us. This puny snowstorm doesn’t stand a chance.
I scan the five different text threads I have going. Checking in on the progress of all the moving parts to our latest adventure.
The last text causes my heart to race, the text from Jackson. Dana is leaving the bar now and headed to the hall. Jason and I are five minutes out with the food. This truck has never smelled more delicious. It’s going to be close, but I think it’s going to work.
- Jackson
I clear the last of the snow from my windshield and hop into the driver’s seat. I pull out from the parking spot and steal a glance at the outfits I’ve just collected from the dry cleaner laying across the backseat.
This is all coming together.
Chapter Ten
CANDICE
“He’s cheated, and I’m not even mad at him,” I whisper as we pull up to the front of the Crystal Palace Hall in Destiny Falls. A tuxedoed valet stands next to a four-foot sign with my name on it. We had promised each other no gifts, just experiences, yet the backseat of my car is filled with gifts.
Technically, he says he didn’t spend any money on gifts, but the sign with my name on it wasn’t printed on his office printer, and I’m sure whatever awaits me inside has a price tag associated with it.
I hear a ripping sound, and I turn to see Dana tearing at the wrapping paper of the duffel bag gift from our first stop. “What are you doing?”
“Ryan can’t be the only one with surprises. All day, he’s had you one step behind. I think it’s time you turned the tables. Let’s see what’s inside.”
Before I can react, she’s lifting the lid off the box. It only takes me a second to peek inside the box to know what it is. My lucky dress. The one I wear on special occasions. Special occasions with Ryan.
The stunning cream-colored gown was a gift from Ryan senior year in college. He had signed the contract with the Italian volleyball team and had to report right after our school’s championship game. He would miss graduation and the parties but wanted to have one final dance with me. He whisked me off to an empty classroom, surprising me with the dress and a private dance.
“Oh my,” Mia says, knowing the significance of the dress. “This man doesn’t miss a thing.” Underneath the dress are my favorite pair of shoes. It’s the only designer pair I own. I’ve never been the type to spend frivolously on fashion, but these shoes. The way they make me feel, the way Ryan’s eyes smolder and track me whenever I wear them, is priceless.
I feel heat rushing to my chest with just the thought of wearing this outfit to our private dinner. I’m not sure it will stay on for long.
“Let’s go!” I scream, sensing the end is near. I can’t wait to wrap my arms around Ryan and tell him how much I love him.
The three of us enter the main lobby, and a well-dressed attendant approach. “Good evening, Candice. Welcome back to the Crystal Palace. My name is Audrey, and I will be your hostess for the evening. I have a note for you and some very specific instructions.” She gives me a short warm smile before turning. “Mia and Dana, please grab a seat in the lobby, and I’ll be back for you.”
“What?” I say and reach for Dana. They’ve been with me every step of the way. They have to see this through to the end by my side.
“It’s okay, Candice. We’ll be right here,” Mia says, placing her hands on Dana’s shoulders and directing her toward one of the lobby couches.
“She’s in good hands,” Audrey says toward them and directs me down a small corridor. She directs her next comment to me. Her gaze lands on the three gifts I’ve collected. “I see you’ve already opened the dress.”
My heart races as if I’ve spoiled a surprise.
“It’s all good; he was hoping you had. We’re headed to the bridal suite.”
My mouth hangs open with the mention of the bridal suite. I helped Ryan’s dad manage his finances and retire early. At his retirement party, Ryan and I made out in the bridal suite. It was the place we both finally declared our love for one another. I can’t think of a more perfect place to celebrate Valentine’s Day. The final clue must be waiting for me there.
“But first, we’re going to make a pit stop,” Audrey says, turning down another hall which I recognize. Back when we planned the party, Ryan and I did a walk through with the then manager of the facility, our good friend Catherine. Her office was down this corridor. Catherine has since moved back to her hometown in Arizona and now owns her own catering hall. “I understand you are good friends with Catherine?”
I nod. “Yeah. She’s doing great in Arizona.”
“Well, when she heard what Ryan is planning, she insisted I bring you to her old office to change outfits. We keep a stack of makeup and other products here for those last-minute touchups required of bridal parties. We also have a private stash of perfumes and colognes.” Audrey directs me to the office and leads me to a dresser. A cornucopia of materials in every skin tone and color cover nearly every inch of the surface.
Off to the left, segmented from the others, I spot a collection of familiar labels. My favorite foundation, lip gloss, concealer, and highlighter. These can’t be a coincidence. “Ryan?” I whisper as my chest fills with a pride that my husband has thought of everything.
Audrey gives me a short nod. “I talked to the owner of the hall. He’s been doing this for over forty years, and he’s never heard of anyone doing something like this for their wife. You have a special man, Candice. Nicely done.”
Words I tell myself every day. I bite my lip and suppress the millionth smile of the day. “I know.”
“He’s waiting for you in the bridal suite,” she lets slip.
My heartbeat kicks up a beat. “Wait, what? Ryan is here?” I stammer, not believing what I’m hearing. I run through the list of clues to see if I missed something. The forest, Roscoe’s, McSorley’s, and here. Four clues. I thought I was here to collect the last clue before meeting Ryan at home for our dinner. Why is he here?
Audrey gives me a knowing smile. “Yeah. He said he couldn’t think of Valentine’s Day without starting the night in that room with you. Catherine may or may not have shared with me what happened between the two of you in that room.” Her wink lets me know Catherine gave her the full unedited version. Not the PG-13 version we normally share.
Once again, I lose a battle to suppress a blush. I lower my chin to my chest and give a bashful nod to Audrey. She pulls the door closed behind her, and I’m left alone with my special dress, enough makeup supplies to stock a Sephora counter, and the man of my dreams waiting for me.
Today is the best day.
Chapter Eleven
RYAN
Aaron stares down at his phone, nods, and repeats the text. “Here.” One word that tells me my plan has worked to perfection. Aaron has been keeping tabs on the girls’ movement via Mia. Mia and Candice have a long history. Mia has been with Candice through every step of our relationship, for the highs, the lows, and the long three years we were separated. I know their friendship means the world to Candice, and I couldn’t think of a better person for her to share the day with. One day, Mia will officially become my sister-in-law, but she’s already family to me.
Aaron adjusts my bowtie for the tenth time as I steal another glance in the mirror. We’re standing in the bridal suite on the second floor of the Crystal Palace Hall. Aaron presses his back to mine and compares outfits. We’re both dressed in tuxedos from our past.
“I wear it better.” He laughs and gives me a shoulder bump.
“In your dream.” I turn and shove him toward the door. “Now, get out of here before Candice arrives. Take the back staircase. I don’t want you running into her and ruining the surprise.”
Aaron stumbles toward the door and turns to face me. “You done good, bro. Mom would approve.”
My gaze lifts toward the ceiling with the thought of Mom. Our parents gave us both a front seat to the greatest love story ever made every single day. She’s been gone for years, but she’s always with us. “Thanks. I’ll see you downstairs.”
I watch the door close, and my mind drifts to the first time I met Candice. In a way, it was because of my mom. I had been a high-flying, self-absorbed star volleyball player. My future focused on travel, money, and good times. Then my mom became ill. I realized I could do better, be a better person. Be the type of man she would be proud of. After the funeral, I returned to school and added a second major—economics. It was my junior year and the additional coursework on top of my volleyball schedule required help. That help came in the form of recruiting Candice as my tutor.
The soft knock on the door pulls me back to the present. I’m still standing three feet from the door. I take a deep breath, “Come in.”
The door swings open slowly, and Candice peeks in, eyes wide. After the day she’s had, she’s not sure what to expect. When her eyes spot me, they soften. A beautiful smile spreads across her face. “Ryan,” she says my name as if she can’t believe I’m here.
“My love.” I stride toward her as she steps into the room, the door closing behind her. She’s a vision of beauty. I stride toward her and press my lips to hers. It’s one of my most favorite things to do in the world. No matter how many kisses we share, I can never get enough.
