Part 597

Becca climbed the stairs warily, still not having a clue as to what was going on. Everything so far had thrown her a curve, and the cold must have seeped into her brain, too, because she just didn’t get it. Passing the master bedroom, she couldn’t resist peeking in, and it was just as beautiful as the downstairs. But, Nick had said the second door, so she turned to the other side of the stairs and kept walking. The door was closed, and she pushed it open slowly, sighing as she looked around. Smaller than the master bedroom, it was no less beautiful, and the carpenters must have worked overtime to get everything finished so quickly. A brightly wrapped box on the bed caught her eye, and she picked up the cream colored envelope that was tucked beneath the wide satin ribbons.

Her name was written there, in Nick’s broad pen strokes. Sliding her finger beneath the flap, she opened it and pulled out the note within.

Dear Becca,

Baby, where do I start? It seems like we’re always on the run, doesn’t it. Town to town, bus after bus. Everything has been so screwed up, and I know how disappointed you are to be stuck here instead of at home with your own things and all that. I know you were angry with me, too, and I’m really sorry. I didn’t mean to keep anything from you but I knew you were going to be so disappointed and I just couldn’t stand to hurt you. Again. It seems like no matter what I do, I always mange to screw something up, but baby I only want you to be happy. That’s all I’ve ever wanted.

Becca wiped away the tears that had spilled over and gently ran her fingertips over the words Nick had written, laughing through the tears as she continued to read.

And I’m sorry I made you cry (I know you are!) but I wanted to do something special, something to try and make up for how bad you’ve been feeling. I hope you enjoy what I have planned for tonight. I guess you’re cold, so go look in the bathroom. Go on, I’ll wait.

Becca laughed again, seeing that there were no more words written on the first page of paper. The old fashioned bathroom was small, but the focal point was the claw foot bathtub that was nearly overflowing with lightly scented bubbles. Steam was rising from its depths and it looked terribly inviting. Looking back to the paper in her hand, she turned to the second page.

Get undressed and enjoy a nice warm soak. I promise I’ll leave you alone. (I’m gritting my teeth here Bec, but I can do this. Ugh.) Anyway, I won’t bother you. There’s a timer over on the shelf. Set it for twenty minutes. When it goes off, open the box I left you out on the bed, put on what’s in it and join me downstairs.

I love you Bec.

Love always,
Nick

“Oh Nick,” Becca sighed. “What have you done?” Pressing his letter to her heart she looked around. Through the window she could still see the rain falling, but it was getting dark, and it was chilly. She found the timer, and right next to it a tray of chunky candles. Lighting them all, she dropped her clothes to the floor and set the timer. The water was hot as she stepped in, and the bubbles brushed her chin they were so deep. She closed her eyes and let the warmth wash away the last of the chill that seemed to go bone deep. It seemed only moments later that the bell rang and she was so relaxed that she almost couldn’t move. Pulling the plug with her toes, she continued to play with the bubbles as they swirled down the drain. As the last of them made their way down, Becca turned the water on long enough to rinse the bubbles from her rosy skin before climbing out and reaching for the oversized towel Nick had left on the rack. Having never before been anywhere near a tub like this, she completely misjudged the distance to the ground and nearly fell. Giggling she shook her head at the romantic picture that would have made. Standing naked, the chilly fall air made her shiver and she quickly dried off, wrapping the towel tightly around herself as she padded out into the bedroom.

It was … warm? She hadn’t noticed it before, but there was a free-standing fireplace in the corner which was throwing off a cozy warmth and glow into the bedroom. It hadn’t been lighted before, which meant that Nick must have come in while she was in the tub. What more could he possibly have planned?

Tucking the ends of her towel in between her breasts, she reached for the package. Lifting it in her hands, it was almost weightless. Never one to waste much time over opening a present, she shook it once for good measure, and then with a giggle placed it back down on the bed. Deftly untying the ribbons, she pulled off the top of the box, parted the pale pink tissue paper, and-

“Oh my.” Lifting the silky fabric in her fingers, she sighed, then held it to her cheek, rubbing her face against the cool material. “This is beautiful,” she whispered to the empty room. Lifting Nick’s letter to read it once more, she saw what he had written.

“Open the box I left you out on the bed, put on what’s in it and join me downstairs.”

Dropping her damp towel to the floor, she complied. Once attired, she slowly ran her hands over the silk, setting every nerve on edge in anticipation of another, larger set of hands doing the same. Her heart beat quickly, and yet she was afraid. Afraid to anticipate what the night held for fear of being disappointed yet again.

“One way to find out,” she murmured.

Part 598       Index