“I’m good now, Roz. Thanks for listening.”
“Anytime. Just invite me to the wedding.”
“Invite you? I want you to be my maid of honor.”
Konrad rose. “So, you and Falco are getting married?”
“Don’t say anything about it to anyone, okay? I think he should know before anyone else does.”
Merry had parked her car in the alley and stepped through the back door just as Ralph and Dottie wheeled their suitcases off the elevator.
“Hi Dottie, Ralph, are you going somewhere?”
“Yes. Jason is sending us on a scouting mission,” Ralph said.
Dottie’s uncharacteristically sweet expression said she was happy about it.
“Oh? What kind of scouting mission?”
“I don’t know if we’re supposed to tell you or not. He might be saving it for a surprise.” Ralph winked.
She squinted. “Hmm… Now the curiosity will drive me crazy. Is Jason home?”
“I think so. He made all the arrangements this morning.” Ralph checked his watch. “We’d better get going. Don’t want to miss our flight.”
“Let me hold the door for you.” Merry hurried back and opened the door she had just come through.
As the couple rolled and hefted their suitcases outside anddown the steps, Ralph said, “Thanks. We’ll see you in a couple of weeks.”
“Have a good time.” Merry had never seen Dottie so quiet—or Ralph so happy. Something weird had to be going on.
She had planned to see Jason anyway to give him the news of her decision. He’d probably be over the moon.Should I change into sexy underwear? Nah. If we’re going to be married, he may as well get used to seeing the regular stuff.
She proceeded straight to the elevator, used her keycard, and punched thePbutton for his penthouse. Suddenly she couldn’t wait to tell him. Had the elevator always taken this long to reach the top floor?
Her mind raced with all the details they’d have to arrange. Pick a date. Apply for a marriage license. Arrange for a church or chapel, find a minister or Justice of the Peace, or maybe a cruise ship captain? By the time she reached his place, she had ruled out the cruise ship idea. Their privacy could be invaded if he was recognized, and she wanted him all to herself.
The elevator doors slid open, and she strode into the apartment. Not seeing him, she called out, “Where’s my gorgeous lover?”
A grunt echoed from the exercise room.Oh good. He’s here!
She rushed toward the noise and burst into the room. A guy she didn’t recognize stood behind Jason as he lay on the exercise bench, pressing a barbell over his head.
“Oh, sorry to interrupt,” she said.
Jason grinned. “Grab this thing, will you, Henry?”
The other guy helped him set the weighted steel bar into the holder. He sat up without using his hands.
“Merry, this is a buddy of mine, Henry Gilson. Henry, this is my girlfriend, Merry.”
“Correction,” Merry said with a smile. “I’m his fiancée.” She flashed the beautiful ring she had finally put on her finger.
Jason’s eyes opened wider. He leapt off the bench, crossed to her, and kissed her, soundly. Gazing into her eyes, he said, “That’s the answer I was waiting to hear.”
Henry extended his hand. “Congratulations.” After he shook both their hands, he said, “I’d better get going. It sounds like you two have something to celebrate.”
Jason held Merry close. “We sure do. Thanks for coming over at the last minute, man. I was getting flabby.”
