‘So, I’m hoping that you can bring the ring with you to Cipriani’s tomorrow, and give it to me on the sly?’
While it was cutting things close, it was the perfect opportunity for Greg to ensure he had his grandmother’s ring in time for Christmas morning.
‘I’m sorry … I know you asked me for it before, but it completely slipped my mind … ’ Jeff said with a hint of tension in his voice, and Greg immediately felt terrible that his request was so self-serving, given everything that his dad was going through. And here he was making all this fuss about proposing.
‘Dad, I’m so sorry. Of course I know you have better things to be doing. I apologise. I was only thinking of myself.’
Jeff chuckled into the phone. ‘Nah, you’re OK, and like I said, things are OK, I’m OK. But let’s not talk about that now. Anyway, I know how it is when you are planning to propose; it’s kind of all-consuming. I’m guessing you figured out exactly how you’re going to do it?’
‘Absolutely. I contacted my buddy at theTimes, and we worked out a plan.’ Relieved that his father’s tone sounded brighter, Greg explained how he’d arranged for the proposal to be worked into the newspaper on Christmas morning.
‘Well now … ’ Jeff laughed, but Greg felt it was somewhat forced. ‘That’s quite a grand gesture.’
He smiled. ‘I suppose Karen’s kind of a grand gesture sort of girl.’
‘I suppose.’
Greg’s forehead creased with concern. ‘Do you think it’s too much, Dad? You sound worried.’
Jeff took a deep breath on the other end. ‘Well, no, I’m not worried. I just have to give you credit. You’re a brave man for being so public.’
‘I’m not being public,’ Greg commented a little defensively, thinking his plan through again. ‘Nobody but Karen will understand what it means.’ He paused for a moment, worried about his father’s subdued reaction. ‘What is it, Dad? Do you think she might say no? I wouldn’t have thought all this out or planned things if I thought she wouldn’t accept.’
‘No, no, Greg. I don’t think she’s going to say no, that’s not what I meant. I suppose …well, I don’t know what I mean. Maybe I was just thinking about your Mom and when I proposed. I’m sorry, I shouldn’t compare. I think the idea is great. It’s unique.’
Greg thought back to how Jeff had asked Cristina to marry him. He had opted for the simple idea of getting down on one knee in Central Park, no bells and whistles. His parents’ relationship had been very much a great love story, and the simplicity of the act seemed to complement them and who they were. Instead of detracting from the power of their feelings for each other, the privacy of the moment was just right.
Greg suddenly worried that he was doing the wrong thing.
He swallowed hard. ‘You promise you don’t think it’s too much?’
‘No Greg, no. I’m sure it will be perfect. Don’t worry about that,’ Jeff said. ‘It will be like something out of the movies.’
Greg felt himself relax ever so slightly. ‘I guess I’m just nervous.’
‘You wouldn’t be human if you weren’t nervous about asking a woman to marry you. And where is Karen tonight? I’m assuming she’s not home at the moment if you’re talking freely about rings and proposals.’
Greg pushed his worry aside and embarked on a new line of conversation. ‘I just got off the phone with her actually, she has a meeting.’
‘Quite the spitfire she is, isn’t she? Working two days before Christmas, when everyone else in New York is knee-deep in festivities. She has quite the work ethic.’
Greg heard the smile in his dad’s voice. ‘She does,’ he confirmed. ‘I’m proud of her. She is doing so well. She deserves her success.’
‘As do you, Greg. Don’t forget about what you’re doing either. It’s important, and remember that I’m proud of you, too.’
Greg felt his hands shake ever so slightly. He certainly felt appreciative of his father’s praise, but knew that he would feel better when he actually sold something and made Karen feel confident about his choice.
‘Thanks, Dad, I appreciate it. And I’ll see you tomorrow, OK? Just don’t forget about the ring.’
‘I won’t. Looking forward to seeing you, and Karen too.’
Greg ended the call and couldn’t help but feel sad for his father. For too long now, his dad had tried putting on a brave face, but he knew that the holidays must be hitting home for him. There was no denying that the apartment was big when you were rattling around in it by yourself.. Greg missed the way things used to be, his mother’s bright smile when he walked through the door, her laugh as she described something funny. He could only imagine how it must feel for Jeff who had to face the situation day after day, and try and find the strength to get through it. Greg felt a lump in his throat. His father was a hell of a lot braver than he was.
41
The following morning – the day before Christmas Eve – dawned clear and bright in Manhattan. Jeff Matthews lay in the large king-sized bed with his eyes closed, enjoying the last few moments of that state that was somewhere in between the dream world of sleep and wakefulness.
He was still in a place where dreams were reality and the harshness of daylight was nothing but a small blur on an otherwise clear horizon. He automatically reached to the other side of the bed, intent on pulling his lovely wife close to him for a kiss and a snuggle. But as he stretched his arm out, he was only greeted with empty space and cold sheets. It was then that he remembered that his wife was no longer beside him.
