Author: Lisbeth
Disclaimer: I do not own these characters
Feedback: It makes my day.
Rating: R
E-Mail: strangefruitgirl@hotmail.com
Even though the house had two bedrooms, August had always used the second room as a spare room for furniture and other things that he didn’t really know what to do with.
“You know, we really should clean out that room.” Grace said as the two added her books to his already huge collection.
“I know. I imagine the dust bunnies have taken over. Some of that stuff I would like to give to the local homeless shelter.”
“That’s a good idea. About how long do you think it would take to clean it up, walls and everything.”
“I would say a few good hours, but nothing we couldn’t handle. It wouldn’t hurt if we just redid the entire room; you know, paint it and everything. Our first big project.”
“What kind of room would you want to make it into?”
“Well, a library wouldn’t be a bad idea, considering that I think our books total almost in the hundreds.”
“One hundred and twenty-two to be exact.” Grace said. “It would make a nice reading room, or office even, being that you will be busy with your writing career and grading papers and what not.”
“Just as long as it doesn’t have that stuffy feel to it. I wouldn’t want to feel like I was in some episode of Masterpiece Theater or something.”
“I don’t know, you might look good with a pipe in your mouth.”
“Very funny.” August said as he lightly hit a book against Grace’s shoulder.
With the passage of time came spring and all of the changes that the season brings. Grace had started the spring semester with full force, taking in sixteen credit hours at the university. Her classes were five days a week, much to her dislike, while August returned to teaching. He didn’t like leaving his pursuit of a PhD undone, but the pull of teaching had won out the battle in the end. He started off as a teaching assistant to a woman who was going to retire that summer. The next fall, he would take her place.
Even though Lily was a little shocked at the fact that her daughter was moving in with August so soon, she still offered to help her daughter pack up her things when the time came. Jake harbored a little resentment at the idea, but he still knew that it was Grace’s decision, not his. He would admit to anyone, that he had warmed up to his daughters significant other, but he still found it difficult to take in at times. Jake’s main concern was that Grace was indeed happy – and she was.
“What time do you want to get up tomorrow?” Grace asked as she set the alarm clock.
“Oh, I guess 6:30 would be good. You’re going to walk tomorrow right?”
“Yes.”
“I think I may go with you.”
“I’ll warn you – I walk fast, and I don’t wait behind for stragglers.” Grace said as she continued to mess around with the clock.
“I’ll take my chances.” August said as he crawled into bed.
Grace walked into the bathroom to brush her teeth. A minute later she walked out of the bathroom and walked towards the bed. She wasn’t really paying attention, but something immediately caught her eye as soon as she reached the bed. On her pillow rested a black velvet box. An immediate shock came to her.
“What’s that?” Grace said deadpan as she kept her strong gaze on the box.
“I don’t know?” August tried to say innocently. “Why don’t you open it up and see.”
“I………….don’t know if I want to.” Grace said. “God, that didn’t sound right. I’m sorry. I just made a complete jackass out of myself.”
“Just open it.” August said smiling.
Grace reached for the box and opened to find an amber ring sitting in it.
“I saw it in a shop window a few weeks ago. I wasn’t too sure if you would like it, but I thought that I would just give it a shot and see.”
“It’s beautiful – really beautiful.”
“It’s not an engagement ring – more like a commitment ring. I just didn’t expect the reaction you had at first. I’ll take some of the blame for the suddenness of it though.”
“I’m sorry if it came out wrong. I honestly thought that it was “the” ring for a few seconds.”
“I know you’re not ready for that Grace – we’re not ready for that, at least, not yet. I fully intend on giving you “the” ring one day though.”
“Thank you.” Grace whispered as she took the ring out of the box and observed it more carefully. There was an inscription. Grace read it to herself. “Love A.D.”
“I didn’t know what else to put on there, so I just went for the minimalist approach.” August said as he approached her.
“I love it.” Grace said.
“Amber always reminded me of you. It is something so natural, pure, almost untainted. It never really needs much to make it stand out on its own.” August told Grace as she smiled at him. “Well in this case, a lovely woman’s finger will do just fine.”
Grace’s eyes were beginning to well up with tears as she tried to think of something to say. She always came up empty though, but she could only smile at him. She could only hope that he could somehow read her thoughts in her eyes. And odd as it was, he knew.
“Sshhhhh. I know.” August said as he placed his fingertip on her lips. She responded back by kissing the finger.
“I love you.” Grace said looking at August.
“Let me put in on for you.” August said as she handed the ring to him. He slipped the ring on her wedding band finger.
“I always heard it was bad luck to wear rings on this finger.” Grace said.
“Well, this one will bring us good luck. I love you so much; I hope you know that.” August replied as he kissed her.
Grace kissed him back and crawled into bed with August. “How could I not.” Grace said as she lie next to him. It felt weird to have a ring on that particular finger, but she was beginning to love the feeling it gave her.
Karen Sammler’s wedding to Henry Higgins was going to begin in a matter of time. The Delroy’s backyard was prepared and ready to host the event. Karen and Henry had chosen simple flower arrangements that consisted of white roses and lilies of the valley. Karen originally wanted her daughter to be the maid of honor, but Jessie insisted that it be Judy.
The wedding dress was a simple white sleeveless linen dress that fell slightly past her knees. Karen always intended for the wedding to be a small and simple ceremony for close friends and family. Judy’s dress was lavender and closely modeled after Karen’s dress. Her hair was pinned up and the bouquet of choice was small one consisting of white roses.