Take a Chance (9 page)

Willow

Making my way downstairs to the kitchen I hear Asher, Amelia, and Ava talking. “There she is. Here’s some coffee, sweetheart, and I made you some eggs and bacon.”

“Thank you
, it smells yummy.” Amelia and Ava smile and make room for me at the bar, so I’m sitting next to Asher.

“So
, Willow, are you ready to hit the mall and have some girl time? I made us appointments for mani/pedi’s, and then it’s off to lunch, followed by a full day of shopping,” Ava says, as she eye’s me with a wink.

“That sounds like a busy day
but someone has to do it, right?” I say, and Ava and Amelia both laugh.

I can hear Asher
whispering to Amelia, “If it looks like it’s too much for her, you need to bring her home, alright?”

“Asher, stop worrying
about me. I’m fine. You gals ready to get this party started?”

The
mani/pedi’s were heavenly. Sitting in a vibrating chair, while someone rubs your feet and calf muscles is well, just heavenly. I left the spa with pretty pink French manicured fingers and toes, unsure of what color my dress will be. I thought it was a safe neutral choice for any dress color. Gossiping with the girls was so much fun. Lunch was filled with laughter and more stories, some of Asher as a kid. Listening to the girls tell stories was such a riot, the five of them really are close, and I can see the love written all over their faces.

Shopping was another story though. Every dress I tried on didn’t make me feel comfortable enough. After hours of shopping
, I still had not found anything. Feeling depressed and tired, Ava walks up with a beautiful pink satin gown.

“
What do you think about this one? I think this one might work. It’s off the shoulders but in a straight line across the upper chest. I think everything will be covered with this one.”

Taking the dress from Ava, I go to try it on
. It is beautiful, it has long sleeves, and is floor length, with a slit up to the middle of my thigh. It is slightly off the shoulders but high enough and straight across my chest that it does cover everything. With tears in my eyes, I say, “This is it, this is the one, it’s beautiful. Oh Ava, I love it.”

“
It’s beautiful on you. Now let’s accessorize! Hurry up and change, we need shoes, a hand bag, and under garments!” I quickly change and Amelia pulls my hand to head toward the shoe department.

After a few more hours of shopping with the girls, I am just exhausted.
I leave with a gown, shoes, a hand bag, and under garments for tonight. A casual outfit for tomorrow and there must be a few extra things in there as well. I think the girls went a little crazy, because there are entirely too many bags for just those few things. We finally head back to Asher’s.

Plopping on his couch, I just need to close my eyes for a minute. Ava a
nd Amelia bring in all the bags, and before I know it, I’m being lifted in Asher’s arms, and I’m being carried to bed.

“Shh, you can rest for a littl
e while. I’ll wake you up with plenty of time to get ready. You sleep.”

Curling up in Asher’s
comfortable bed, Lucy joins me for a nap. I wake with a smile as Asher moves my hair out of my face and places a warm kiss on my cheek.

“Wake up
, sweetheart. You should get ready for tonight.” Rolling over I wrap my arms around his neck and kiss him on the lips.

“Did you have fun with the girls today? They wouldn’t stop talking my ear off after I brought you to bed.”

“Um hmm, I did. Who knew having sisters was so much fun? I mean, I didn’t mean they were my real sisters, I didn’t mean to imply that we were married or anything.”

“Sweetheart, I know what you mean,
its fine I like that you think of them as your sisters. Now, you better get out of bed and start getting ready, we need to leave in an hour and a half.”

“I can tell you grew up with sisters, thank you for giving m
e plenty of time to get ready.”

After getting out of
the shower, a knock at the door surprises me. “Willow, it’s me Amelia, I thought you could use some help getting ready. I can curl your hair and do your makeup if you like.”

Opening t
he door wrapped in a towel I sigh with relief. “You are a godsend. I was freaking out about how to do my hair and make-up. I’ve never been to anything like this. I am your blank slate, make me beautiful.”

“You are
already beautiful, but growing up with my mom and a sister, we did each other’s hair and make-up all the time. It’s my pleasure to help you.”

After only half an hour
, Amelia is done. She’s curled my hair in soft waves, and my make-up is smoky and gorgeous. Looking at myself in the mirror, I am stunned, I hardly recognize myself.

“There you go, now go put on that sexy lingerie and that gown, lets knock the socks of
f Asher!”

After getting dressed
Amelia places the necklace Asher gave me around my neck and the bracelet around my wrist. Standing back, she says, “You are stunning, Willow, just beautiful!”

“Amelia, thank you so much for today. For the spa, lunch, shopping
, and helping me get ready. I never had a sister, but if I did, I would wish she were just like you and Ava.”

With tears in her eyes, she grabs my hand and squeezes. “Willow, it’s been a hard three years since Olivia’s been gone. I
see the way Asher looks at you, and I see the love in his eyes. I was so afraid for him, he was so depressed after she died, we all were. I never thought he could find someone to make him smile again. I’m so happy for the two of you. I couldn’t have wished for a better person for him.”

My eyes fill with tears
as she says, “Oh no you don’t. No crying, you better stop that or Asher will kill me if he thinks I’ve upset you.”

“What do you mean you upset her…
?” Asher walks in and stops when he sees us standing there holding hands.

“You look beautiful
,” he says and Amelia lets go of my hands, moving to the side so Asher can take the whole look in.

“I didn’t
upset her, we were just talking,” Amelia insists.

“She’s crying though
. Willow, is everything alright?”

“Yes, yes I’m fine.
We were just having a girly moment.”

“Are you sure?
Because I can still take her down if you want me to,” Asher teases.

“You do that and I’m telling M
om!” Amelia shouts.

“Bring it on sis, bring it on.”

“Alright you two, I think we need to get going. We don’t want to be late.”

“Amelia, thank you for helping Willow get ready, these are for you.”
Reaching just outside the bedroom door in the hallway, he hands Amelia orange roses.

“And these are for you
.” He hands me a bouquet of pink roses.

“They’
re beautiful, pink is my favorite color. How fitting between breast cancer pink, the jewelry and the gown and now the roses, everything is pink.”

“We should go
. Simon is waiting downstairs for us.”

Asher

Seeing Willow standing in my
bedroom looking so beautiful took my breath away. I couldn’t help but think she looked like she belonged there in my room, in my house. She is such a beautiful woman inside and out. Escorting her outside helping her in the car, she sits close holding my hand.

“You look handsome tonight
, and I have to say I’ve seen you in a three-piece suit every day at work. I’ve seen you in jeans and a T-shirt. I’ve even seen you in nothing but boxers, but you in that tux. I think that might be my favorite. I’m going to have to keep a close eye on you tonight and fight off all the single ladies, probably even some married ones. Hmm, on second thought you in just boxers that might be my favorite, but no one else gets to see you in that.”

“No, no they don’t and thank you, but I’m afraid I’ll
be the one to keep a close eye on you. You look absolutely beautiful tonight.”

“I never did ask, wh
at is the benefit for tonight?”

“Actually, I can’t believe I didn’t tell you, it’s for cancer research.”

“Oh. How fitting.”

Pulling up in f
ront of the hotel, Simon opens my door. I walk around and reach in for Willow’s hand. We walk hand in hand into the banquet room. Large round tables are set with fine china. Music plays softly in the back ground. I check the list for our table number, and lead Willow to our seat. The tables fill in quickly, and dinner is served.

The main speaker gets up and does his presentation. Willow sits by me listening to the man talk a
bout his cancer and his fifteen-year remission. Wiping a tear with the back of her hand, I grab her other hand and give it a squeeze. She smiles and goes back to listening to the man, as he finishes his speech. After dessert, we are requested to go into the ballroom for dancing and an open bar. Taking Willow’s hand, we head to the dance floor, holding each other close.

After several songs
, we head over to the bar for a soda. I can tell the man behind us is drunk and should definitely not be getting another drink. He bumps into Willow causing her to stumble. Grabbing onto her arm to steady her, the man slurs, “Ssorry didn’t see ya there.”

Willow turns around
and tells the man, “Don’t worry it’s alright.” He takes one look at her, and his eyes go to her chest, from dancing her dress shifted and the very top of her port is showing.

He stumbles again and slurs
, “Maan I didn’t knoww this wuz brring a cancer patient date night. Whered yyou gett her? Ssshe’s a pretty one. Is there a cancer farmmm round here? Wwhere can I gget mee one of them?”

Without even thinking, my hand balls into a fist
, and I punch him in the nose. Blood squirts out all over and onto Willow’s pink gown, she jumps and gasps. She’s trying to wipe the blood off her dress, smearing it in in the process. The man falls to the floor holding his nose, “Wwhaat the hell wuz that for?”

Reaching
down I pick him up off the floor, so I can hit him again, but Willow touches my shoulder and in a soft voice, she says, “Asher, no it’s ok.”

Anger
is pouring off of me in waves, visions of the drunk driver in court that killed Olivia plays in my mind and I just want to beat the shit out of this man. But at Willow’s touch I stop. Looking in her eyes, she shakes her head. I take her hand and lead her out of the ballroom.

“Willow, are you
OK? I’m so sorry about that, did he hurt you?”

“Honey
, I’m fine. Your hand, let me see your hand.”

“My hand is fine. Did he hurt you? The blood?”

“Honey, it’s not mine, it’s all his. I’m fine. I’m worried about you though.”

“You’re sure it’s not yours, he bumped into you pretty good.”

“Asher, I am completely fine. I think we should just go home now.”

Taking her hand in mine, I call Simon
and ask him to pull the car around. Waiting at the front of the hotel, Willow lets go of my hand and wraps her arm around my waist. I put my arm around her shoulder and hug her tight.

Getting in the car
, I apologize for ruining the night. “I’m sorry for ruining this evening.”

“Don’t be silly it was one of the best days of my life.”

“But that man and your dress, it’s ruined.”

“I’m not
worried about that man. In fact, thank you for protecting me, it was noble. And the dress can be taken to the cleaners, it’s not ruined. I’m a little concerned about you though.”

“My hand is fine.”

“I’m not just talking about your hand. The man was drunk. I saw the look in your eyes. This was more than just what he said about me. This was about Olivia, wasn’t it?”

“For a few seconds,
yes it was. Those days in court seeing the man that took Olivia’s life, I was helpless and I just wanted to kill him. I wanted him to hurt as much as I was. Seeing this guy drunk, thinking he hurt you, just sent me over the edge. I’m sorry if I scared you.”

She takes my hand in hers. “Thank you for
sharing that with me. You didn’t scare me either.”

Looking at her beautiful face, the moment is right
. “Willow, I love you.”

A
smile forms on her perfect lips, and a single tear rolls down her cheek. She leans in and places her hand on my cheek. “I love you too.” Closing the distance, she kisses me with love and passion.

Willow

Asher telling me he loves me is the happiest moment in my life. All these years I have never found a man that loves me. Now when I thought my life couldn’t get any worse, out of nowhere Asher shows up and puts the pieces all back together. I have the kindest, sweetest, honest man ever. And he loves me.

Taking his hand
, I lead him into his bedroom. Slipping off his jacket, letting it fall to the floor. I un-hook his bow tie and un-clip his cuff links. Dropping them by his feet, I lean in and kiss his lips. I slowly un-tuck his shirt, and then unbutton each button of his dress shirt, slipping it off his shoulders, I let it fall on top of his jacket. He takes off his shoes, deepening the kiss opening, I open mouth to allow his tongue to sweep in.

Breaking the kiss he whispers
, “Willow, are you sure about this?”

“I’ve never been
surer.” Turning me around, he slowly unzips my gown letting it fall, pooling around my feet, revealing my pink lace panties and strapless bra. Turning around I face him.

“Willow
, you are so beautiful.”

Unbuckling his belt, I unzip his pants and
push them to the floor. Reaching behind his head, he grabs his T-shirt with one hand and pulls it over his head. He’s standing only in his boxer briefs and socks. Stepping closer he trails sweet kisses down my neck to my chest. Reaching around my back, he unclasps my bra, slowly removing it. Standing before him in just my panties and shoes, I feel too exposed. His eyes slowly move from mine down my neck to my port, he places a soft kiss next to it murmuring, “So beautiful.” Trailing further, he kisses the scars on my left breast. “Just beautiful.” Finding each one and kissing them softly. Never would I have thought it would be like this. He’s so gentle, making me feel loved and cherished.

Taking my nipple in his mouth
, I gasp at the feeling. He moves over to the other breast and delivers the same loving treatment. Walking me back further toward the bed, the back of my legs hit the mattress and he gently lowers me, kissing down my stomach. Removing his socks and his boxers, he returns to bed and lays down beside me holding the back of my head while slowly, tenderly kissing my lips.

“Willow
, you are so beautiful, I love you.”

“I love you too.”

Rolling on top of him, my hair cascades down either side of his face. His hands go to my hips, removing my panties then my shoes. Reaching over in the night stand, he finds a condom and tears it open with his teeth. Rolling it onto his erection, he slowly and lovingly enters me. Giving me a minute to adjust, and get comfortable with his size, he begins to slowly move in and out. Wrapping my legs around him, he lays me on my back while he kisses me with such love, tears roll down me temples.

“Don’t cry
, sweetheart, I love you.”

Our bodies move in
perfect rhythm, so in tune with each other’s needs.  I can feel the tingle low in my belly as a powerful orgasm shudders through my body. Riding out my orgasm, he thrusts two more times so tenderly, then he stills rooted deep, he comes with his own release, whispering my name.

“Willow, I love you.”

“I love you too, Asher.”

Removing the condom, he kisses my forehead and goes into the bathroom.
Coming back with a warm washcloth, he gently cleans me. With a kiss on the cheek, he takes the washcloth back to the bathroom. Returning to bed, he wraps me tight in his arms. Lucy jumps on the bed curling into a ball at my feet. Falling asleep in Asher’s arms I am feeling completely loved, scars and all.

Waking the next morning
the warm sun shining on my face, lying in our usual ‘morning position,’ I gently kiss his chest and breathe in the scent that is all Asher. Smiling, I trace small circles on his belly with my finger. He squeezes me tight.

“G
ood morning, sweetheart,” he says.

“Sorry
, did I wake you? I just couldn’t help myself.”

“Yes, but what a way to wake up holding you in my arms.” Looking up at him, he bends down and kisses me sweetl
y on the lips.

“Asher, can I ask you something?”

“You can ask me anything, I will always answer honestly.”

“Las
t night, were you, well did it…”

“Look at me, the answer is no, it didn’t. You are beautiful, every part of you. Scars and all. There is not one part of your body that I don’t love.
Don’t ever be embarrassed about any part of your body in front of me. Nothing could ever change how much I love you.”

Putting my head back down on his chest so he can’t see the tears forming in my eyes, I squeeze him and tell him
, “I love you too, Asher. Thank you for making me feel safe and comfortable.”

Asher

She was
n’t pulling anything over on me because I could feel the wet tears on my chest. I knew she was crying, but I knew they were just overwhelming emotions of love. Not sad tears, so I let her cry on my chest, stroking her beautiful red hair. After I knew she was done, I kissed the top of her head, and went in the bathroom and started the shower. Without a word, I grabbed her hand and led her into the steaming shower. Grabbing her shampoo, I gently massaged her head, washing her hair. I lather up her body wash in my hands and I gently wash her, letting the warm water rinse her clean. Placing the softest kisses on her scars on her left breast, she runs her fingers through my hair. Her head falls back in the water, as I trail kisses up her throat to her lips. She moans softly sending goose bumps down my arms.

“I don’t have any con
doms in the shower sweetheart.”

“It’s
alright, I’m on the pill. I don’t even know why I still take it. I can’t get pregnant anyway because of the chemo.”

Pulling away to look in her eyes,
I search her face. What does she mean she can’t get pregnant? She’s never said anything about this before, she’s so young. I need to talk more about this with her, but this isn’t the right time. Placing my hands on either side of her face, I kiss her on the lips. Positioning her against the tiled wall of the shower, gently wrapping her legs around my hips, I slowly enter her.

The
feeling of being bare inside her is amazing. Speeding up the motion, I feel her insides clenching around me with her release, sending me into my own release moments later. Placing her feet back down I wash her again, then myself.

Wrapping her in a warm towel
, she heads to her bag and gets dressed. Walking in the closet, I get dressed myself. Kissing her on the top of her head, I say, “Take your time, I’ll feed Lucy and make us breakfast.”

Twenty minutes later she comes down in jeans and a pink cashmere sweater, wearing her necklace and bracelet. “You look beautiful sweetheart, is that an outfit you picked out with the girls?”

“Why yes it is, and thank you again for the shopping spree. Although, I think the girls went a little crazy and bought more than just last night’s outfit and this one for dinner with your parents.”

“I told them to, I knew you wouldn’t have left here without arguing about it, so I just asked them to get anything you wanted
,” I say, tossing her a wink and a smile.

“You’
re probably right. I haven’t looked through all the bags yet, but I’m pretty sure I didn’t buy the perfume and the other outfits I saw in there.”

“Good, I love to spoil you
,” I say, kissing her on top of her head. “Breakfast is ready, I made pancakes and sausage.” Setting the plate in front of her, I take my seat and watch as she digs in.

“What time is dinner at your parents?”
she asks.

“Six, I thought w
e could go to Pike Place Market first. You said you haven’t been anywhere in town. How does that sound?”

“Oh, fun I read the original Starbucks is there
, and they do some sort of fish throwing thing.”

“
Yes, that’s the Pike Place Fish Market. They toss customer’s fish purchases over your head. It’s actually fun to watch.”

Finishing up breakfast, I have Simon take us to the Market, thinking it’s easier to drop us off and pick us up as we
need. We spend hours exploring and shopping, it was fun to spend a carefree day with Willow, now it’s time to head over to my parent’s house for dinner.

Sitting in the driveway of my parent
’s house, I take Willow’s hand and kiss her knuckles.

“They’
re going to love you, just like I do.” Simon opens the door. I step out, and then offer her my hand, helping her from the car. She grabs the pie we purchased at the market and insisted we bring to dinner. Walking up to the porch, with one last reassuring squeeze, I say, “I love you.”

“I love you too.”
Before my knuckles land on the door, my mother pulls the door open, pushing me out of the way and wraps Willow in a hug. I guess my brothers and sisters are already here and have been doing some talking. Taking the pie from Willow, Mom takes her hand and hauls her in the house leaving me standing in the doorway.

“Good to see you too
, Mom.”

“Oh hush, close the door, its cold outside.”

Walking over to Willow, I take her hand and take back possession of my girlfriend, I say, “Willow this is my mom Samantha and my dad Samuel.” Her hand flies to her mouth covering a giggle.

“You’re Sam and Sam,” s
he giggles.

“I like her
son, not afraid to speak her mind, this one.” Dad winks at me.

Aiden, Adrian, Amelia and Ava are all standing in the kitchen and welcome Willow into their conversation. Dinner is
wonderful and everyone is laughing and having a good time, talking about old times. Aiden starts to tell a story, “Remember the time Asher and Olivia …”

Instantly
, his face falls, snapping his head to Willow. Everyone stops mid conversation and stares between Willow and me. Willow smiles and says, “Please go ahead, I love hearing stories about Asher and Olivia, he’s told me so much about her. Memories of Olivia should be shared, not hidden because of me.”

Looking at Willow, I didn’t think it was possible to love her any
more than I already do, but she keeps proving time and time again that she’s the woman I can see spending the rest of my life with. My mom smiles warmly at Willow then at me, with tears in her eyes, she excuses herself from the table.

Excusing myself from the table,
I follow her into the kitchen. She is standing at the sink looking out the window with her back turned to me.

“Mom
, are you OK?” Turning around, she has tears running down her face. Wrapping her in a hug, I say, “Mom, what’s wrong?”

“Asher, I know you told me about her
, and your brothers and sisters have said the most wonderful things about Willow, now I see it with my own eyes. I was so worried after Olivia died, that it destroyed you. I have prayed and prayed that God would send someone into your life. Seeing the two of you together, I know my prayers have been answered, I’m just so happy for you, that’s all.”

“Mom, I am happy, truly happy.
I love her.”

“She’s alright though, right?”

“Everything is pointing in the right direction. She has some testing coming up this week, but everything is looking good.”

“We better get back out there before they all come in here, let’s get this pie dished
up and get back to our family,” she says with a teary smile.

The co
mment about it being our family didn’t escape me, and I’m sure my mom said it like she meant it. She just met Willow, but she already thinks of her like a daughter.