DASHED DREAMS (29 page)

“Hi.”

“Hi, back. Jillie, is this seat taken?”

“Sit.”

“You really scared me out on the trail. When I saw you lying on the ground, I thought I’d lost you again.”

“Nah, I’m okay,” Jillie said, looking out towards the pool area, which had been transformed into a wedding chapel. “You know, today should have been our day.”

“I know, and I’m sorry. You have no idea how badly I feel.”

Jillian said, “Let’s make a promise right here and now. We need to quit apologizing to each other.”

“And I promise you I’ll never disappoint you ever again. Tell you what, why don’t we sneak out and spend a couple of days away together?”

“We can’t miss the wedding ceremony. We’re the ‘best’ people.”

They both chuckled.

“Well, what do you say about right after the I do’s?”

Jillie nodded yes.

“Deal. I can’t wait. Let’s not tell anyone we’re going.”

She agreed.

They spent the next couple of hours together talking. They were surprised that the time had passed so quickly when Grace came out to the porch to remind them that it was time to start getting ready.

Emma and Gary’s sunset wedding was magnificent. Grace had thought of everything, right down to the horse-drawn carriage for the bride and groom.

During the ceremony Jillian looked over to the best man and found him staring at her. He smiled and the
rabbit
. She blushed, smiled back, and then quickly focused her attention on the bride and groom.

The indoor riding arena was transformed into a country dance hall. That was Dan’s assignment from Grace and he’d accomplished his task with flying colors. He had a wooden floor built for half of the arena. The tables and chairs were set up, and he’d decorated the head table himself.

After the ceremony, after the wedding pictures were taken, and after the bride and groom had left for the reception via the carriage, the rest of the wedding party and guests walked down to the reception. Jillian and Robert walked hand-in-hand. Jack and Lynda walked a few paces ahead of them, Robert yelled, “Hey, Jack you’re next.”

The ‘best’ couple left soon after arriving at the reception. They weren’t missed until later. But no one was concerned, as the couple needed the time together.

Since Robert was still checked into the hotel in Fort Worth, that’s where they landed. They spent the next few days getting reacquainted, going to the movies, walking, shopping, but most of all, talking. The nights were spent in bed together. The first night, he said, “You know, it’s hard for me to keep my hands off you. I love you and I respect your wishes, but it’s all I can do not to make love to you.”

“Thank you. RJ, I love you. You have no idea how much I love you.”

Each night before bed, they knelt and said their prayers together. They thanked the Lord for each other and as Jillian had every night, prayed for peace in Robert’s life.

Chapter 31

Robert John Montgomery returned to Los Angeles, energized and ready to revive his career. Luckily, he’d had the foresight to keep much of his earnings while on top, as his grandfather said once, “You know, son, you can be standing in the bread line as quickly as you can say I’m on easy street.”

While at Gary’s wedding, Jack told RJ that he’d welcome him back into Tucker’s showroom anytime he was ready. He was ready. Time to get back to work.

RJ had been home only one week after the wedding and the wonderful days spent with Jillie. Early Monday morning, Jack Morgan called, “RJ, this is Jack and I’m kind’a in a predicament. The headliner I had for next weekend cancelled and I was wondering if you could appear in his place? I realize it’s only eleven days’ notice, but I can give you a day or so to make your decision.”

RJ could hardly contain his excitement. “The answer’s yes. I can get the guys together. Does the offer include the house orchestra?”

“You got ‘em.” They’re already on the scheduled.”

“Do you want to be use the Star Suite or are you going to stay at your house? Lynda and I would like to have you and Jillian over for dinner while you’re here. You know, I highly advise married life. I can’t believe how different I feel…my outlook on life and not to mention that now I have someone to tell me when I’m wrong.”

“Oh, the house. But maybe the suite for the days I’m on stage. I’ve been thinking moving up there permanently.”

“Okay, sir, it’s all set. Robert John Montgomery, you’re coming back. Thank you.”

“No, I, thank you. I’ll be up to the house in a couple of days. See you soon. And Jack, thanks again. I’m going to call Jillian right now.”

He called the back line at her office.

“Dr. James.”

“Jillie, I have great news!” His voice was brimming with excitement.

“What?” She became excited just hearing the thrill in his voice.

“I’m appearing at Tucker’s next weekend.”

“Wow, that’s great. Who are you opening for?”

“No, not opening! I’m the headliner. Jack called and his next weekend cancelled and he asked me to step in.”

“Are you ready? Well, I guess that’s a stupid question.”

“I’m coming up to the house. Want come up, Doc?”

“Ah, let me think. I could commute. When are you coming up?”

“In the morning.”

“Robert, I’m so happy for you. See you tomorrow, I’ll be up right after work. Robert, I love you.”

“I love you. Talk to you later.”

The first work day after a weekend was usually a zoo, and this Monday was no different. It was five o’clock and all Jillian wanted was dinner, a bath, and some quiet time. Pulling into the alley, she saw that Emma was home. As soon as she started up her back porch steps, Emma stepped out onto the back porch. “Hey, kiddo. You look tired. Was it a typical Monday?”

Jillian thought: she’s in a bright and cheery mood…and look at that smile. Something’s up.

“Yeah, a real zoo,” Jillian yelled back.

“Do you want to go to Dini’s buffet with Gary and I?”

“I don’t think so. Thanks for asking.”

Emma laughed. “In about thirty minutes. You might change your mind.”

Jillian waved and opened the back door. It was unlocked. Strange, she thought. I locked it this morning. She paused, wondering whether to go in or not. She looked past the mudroom and into the kitchen, but saw nothing out of the ordinary. She quietly walked through the kitchen and into the hallway towards the front door and the stairs. Suddenly, a hand reached and touched her on the shoulder.

“E-ee-eeek!”

RJ stepped out. “What’re you screaming about?”

She slapped at him. “You frightened the wits out of me. I almost wet my pants. Don’t you know that you could give someone a heart attack?”

“I thought you’d be surprised to see me.”

“I am. Just give me a sec to catch my breath. What are you doing here? I just spoke to you a few hours ago. How did…?” She didn’t finish the sentence.

“Remember, I have a plane? And presto I’m here.”

She nodded. He put his arms around her and they welcomed each other.

An excited Robert said, “Hey, I have to give Emma and Gary an answer, whether we’re going to Tahoe this evening or tomorrow?”

“So, Em knew you were in here when I was just talking to her?”

Robert gave Jillian, the
rabbit
.

“What do you mean? We’re going to the lake?”

“Only if you want to. You could pack a few clothes and we could go up tonight.”

“How long are you planning on staying there?”

“Forever. I’ve decided to change my permanent residence to Lake Tahoe. I have a moving company coming to pack the day after tomorrow. Marcella’s agreed to move up, too. So, whatcha think? Are we going to invite them up?”

Jillian’s heart jumped with anticipation, as they’d be much closer. “Marcella?”

“Remember, she’s my housekeeper, cook, and all-round great gal. She’s been with me for over five years. When I asked her she said with all her kids married and living all around the country, she’d move with me. Remember, the servant’s rooms off the kitchen?”

Jillian nodded yes, then said, “Let’s have Emma and Gary come up tomorrow. We have tonight to ourselves?”

“Done. I’ll run over and let them know, while you pack.”

Packing was the last thing Jillian wanted to do now. She smiled and started up the stairs, as RJ headed out the back door to Emma’s.

It was almost half-light when they arrived at the Tahoe house. Robert hurriedly unloaded the car. “Let’s go out onto the dock and watch the sunset.” He took her hand and they sat on the wooden bench at the end of the dock, looking west towards the California side of Lake Tahoe. The sky was brilliant with cinnamon-colored ribbons of color throughout the blue-gray mixture of clouds. The sun quickly set behind the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Robert slipped down off the bench and onto one knee in front of Jillian.

“YES!” she shouted.

“Yes, what? I haven’t said anything yet. Give me a chance.”

She was quiet but smiling.

“Jillian James, I don’t want to waste anymore time. I’ve cost us too much time already. Will you marry me?”

He looked at her. She hadn’t said anything because her eyes filled with tears and tears that ran down her face.

“Oh, darlin’, don’t cry. I want you to be happy.” Robert whispered.

She sobbed, “These are tears of joy, tears of happiness, tears for us. I’d be honored to be your wife. YES! YES!” Jillian noticed there were tears on Robert’s face as well.

Robert put his arm around Jillie’s waist and they stood watching the darkness creep across the sky.

Walking back to the house, Jillian said, “Tomorrow?”

“Well, I was thinking next weekend. Jack offered Tucker’s yacht, if we want to be married on the lake. Also, he said Tucker’s would give us a reception. How does that sound? That way, we’re giving our family and friends some ten days’ notice.”

“YES!”

“Is that all you’re going to say?”

“Do Gary and Emma know? I’d guess Lynda knows.”

“Yes, I talked to Gary about tonight. They’re coming up tomorrow night after work to spend next week with us. You know what? I’m famished. Let’s go into to town and have dinner… your choice.”

“Let me think… how about the Chart House?”

“Done.” He called and made reservations.

On their way out to dinner the gate guard stopped them, emerging from the guardhouse carrying a small silver gift bag.

“Miss James, someone left this off at the gate for you.”

“Thank you. RJ, I wonder who this is from?…I’ll bet Lynda and Jack.”

“Wouldn’t have a clue. Maybe from one of your fans.” He saluted the guard and rolled up window.

They turned onto Highway 50 heading towards South Shore. Jillian didn’t open the sealed bag right away, but just fiddled with the handles, and looking for any writing on the outside of the gift bag.

“Are you going to open it or worry it to death?”

“I thought I’d open it when we get to the Chart House. Should I open it now?”

“Whenever, it’s addressed too you.”

After they made the turn onto Kingsbury Grade, Robert asked Jillie to help him watch for the driveway, since the Chart House driveway was sometimes hard to see until you were right upon it.

Once inside and seated at their table, Jillian noticed that several people had recognized her escort but no one approached their table.

“Here goes,” she said as she began to pick the tape that sealed the bag. She reached in and pulled out a blue velvet box. She looked at Robert. He was smiling.

In all her excitement she’d forgotten that he hadn’t given her a ring. She opened the box and tears filled her eyes. The ring was the same one he’d given her several months ago - - a large solitaire princess-cut diamond set in platinum. She sat the box down on the table, shook her head, and said, “Robert John Montgomery, you’re full of surprises. Thank you. I love you.”

He picked the ring out of the box. “Well, let’s see if it still fits.” He slipped the ring on her finger. “Perfect.”

Jillian looked at her newly adorned finger and smiled at Robert.

The waiter realized earlier what was taking place at their booth and had held off coming to their booth. He now returned with a bottle of champagne and two glasses. Jillian saw what the waiter had at the exact time RJ saw what he was carrying. She held her breath. The waiter leaned over and whispered close to RJ’s face. “Sir, it’s non-alcoholic… compliments of the Chart House. Shall I pour? And are you ready to order?”

“Thank you, please do. Yes, we are. I think my lady will have the sautéed scallops and the salad bar. And I’ll have the rib eye, rare and the salad bar, also.”

“Please help yourself to the salad bar. Congratulations.”

The next morning, Tuesday, Jillian returned to Yerington to see her morning patients. All the girls in the office took notice of her ring, questions about when and where. “Yes, we’re getting married. No, I don’t know when. The ceremony will be private, but you’ll will be invited to the reception.”

At noon, Jillian headed over to Emma’s shop for lunch. “Em, would you do me a favor?”

“Sure, anything.”

She was looking down, fidgeting with the large stone ring. “Would you please be my matron of honor next Saturday?” She held up her left hand.

Emma screamed, “Are you joking? Yes. WOW! Does Lynda know?”

“No, I wanted you to be the first to know. I don’t even think that RJ’s told Gary yet. All I know is that it’s spectacular.”