Page 22 of Mason: His to Convince

Chapter Eight

Snow was falling softly as Rebecca’s carolers made their way to the nursing home. Rebecca listened patiently to Mary's chatter on the ride to Harland Home, the home Mary's husband Bill was in. She was terribly excited.

Bedridden from a stroke and in a great deal of pain it had broken Mary's heart to place him there, but she also knew she couldn't give him the care he needed. Mary visited him every day and kept him up to date on the small town’s goings on. Often she would stay and have her dinner with him and thought nothing of going down to the kitchen and sharing some of his favorite recipes with the staff. Even after 62 years of marriage, one of Mary's top priorities was that Bill eat right.

Arriving at the home, Mary led the way into the building. The residents were assembled in the community room and a special area was cleared for the singers. The students started the program off withAway in a Mangerand then began to pass out gifts as the seniors joined in and sang rousing renditions ofDeck the Halls,Jingle Bells, andSanta Claus is coming to Town. They continued with traditional hymns and took a break to enjoy cookies and punch, visiting with each resident. Seeing the joy on their faces, Rebecca forgot her aching feet.

The ladies were dressed in their best for the occasion, some with ribbons in their hair or other adornments. Rebecca was glad she’d dressed in a festive red dress with a green and red Christmas scarf. The mood was one of celebration and good cheer and when they began to sing again they asked their audience to join in. The closing of their program wasSilent Nightand they dimmed the lights allowing the star on the Christmas tree to glow. The beautiful hymn was sung with reverence and heart and Rebecca's eyes misted, wondering how many of these people were alone in the world, sharing a moment of peace and love with friendly strangers.

The lights came up and the happy carolers trouped out of the room to heartfelt applause, starting down the corridors of the home. They stopped at each occupied room for a few minutes, and Mary spoke to several of her friends, introducing the group in general. Rebecca didn't know how much of their response Mary heard, but her smile went a long way toward making up for her hearing difficulty.

When they reached Bill Havens room, Mary hung back for a moment, squeezing Rebecca's hand. Laying her hand on Rebecca's smooth cheek she gazed wistfully at the soft, glowing skin under it, and then squared her thin shoulders.

“You've done a good thing here, Rebecca,” she told her looking intently into Rebecca's eyes.

Misty green eyes smiled into faded blue and understanding Mary's emotions, Rebecca was not surprised when Mary stayed a little way back in the group. As they sang'Oh Holy Night', her sweet clear voice rang out and Bill Haven's eyes found her without fail. The wrinkled face lit up with love and pride and it was obvious he wasn't seeing a frail, bent, old woman, but the lovely young girl he'd married so many years ago. He was seeing with his heart. When he reached out in her direction, Mary went to him, clasping his large hand in her small one. The lightshining in her eyes as she finished the song brought a lump to Rebecca's throat. This is what forever looks like she thought, for no matter who should go first, their love for each other would live on.

The group filed quietly out giving Mary and Bill a few moments alone. Rebecca quickly wiped away a tear. No one could watch the elderly couple without remembering a loved one of their own but when Mary came out of the room she refused to cave into emotions and led them down the hall singing her own rendition of'Rocking around the Christmas Tree'. Rebecca smiled through her tears and joined in.

Back at the senior center, Rebecca thanked each caroler with a homemade ornament. Transportation arrangements went off without a hitch and she locked up the building after everyone had gone. The sky was clear, stars twinkling brightly, the air crisp. Walking to her car Rebecca was overwhelmed with the beauty of the night. It was a night to be shared and suddenly sadness assailed her. She was as much alone as some of those people, but she didn't have their excuses. The choices she made were her own, not forced on her by poor health and age. No one there had chosen to be alone, but she'd chosen just that for herself. Did she have the courage to change it? She hadn't heard from Mason and Christmas was three days away. The wind suddenly seemed much colder as she hurried to her car.

* * *

Rebecca juggled the bag of groceries in one arm while inserting her key into Mason's door. After spending the day torn by emotions, she finally decided to put things right. She knew she'd not only acted immature, but hastily. Mason was probably the only man on earth who could drive her to distraction, but he was also the only one she loved. Much as she had misgivingsabout marriage she realized that living without him was just as unacceptable and it was time she faced facts.

It was all or nothing with Mace. Yes, she could seduce him into her bed, but Rebecca wanted more. She wanted what Mary and Bill Havens had; wanted to experience the kind of love that overcomes all obstacles and flourishes. A love that defies time. When she saw the love in their shining eyes, Rebecca suddenly and clearly understood that sometimes you took your chances and cherished every moment.

Kicking off her shoes she padded across the deep chocolate colored carpet. She loved Mason’s apartment, the warm tones, and the plush oversized furniture. It was a man's home, comfortable, yet functional and as always, neat as a pin. Going through the dining room and into the kitchen she glanced out the French doors at the twinkling skyline. Maybe after they were married she would give up the house and move in here until they bought a house together. It was time to give up the past and look to the future and living in a home that had known so much sadness was probably not a good thing.

Shaking off her somber mood, Rebecca began to prepare the special meal she'd planned. Putting the bottle of wine in the fridge she then set to work seasoning the small roast she bought. Next she peeled the potatoes and set them in cold water until it was time to add them to the roast. The meal was designed to be a man pleaser with roast beef, potatoes, carrots, onions and crisp hot bread.

After making sure all was progressing in the kitchen, she went back down to her car and grabbed a bag with her clothes and another with a beautiful linen tablecloth. There were also candles and linen napkins. She wanted everything to be perfect.

Returning upstairs she proceeded to set the table, using his good china and crystal, making sure everything was placed just right for an intimate dinner for two. After checking the roast andthe time, she added the vegetables and put the loaf of French bread on a baking sheet.

Picking up her bag and went into the luxuriously appointed master bathroom. Humming quietly she sat her toiletries on the marble counter top and hung up the shimmery crimson dress she’d chosen for the occasion. Adjusting the shower to the right temperature she got in, the warm pulsating spray washing away her tensions. Rebecca began to sing quite loudly. Washing her hair as she continued her feminine ritual she relaxed further, enjoying the acoustics of Mason's bathroom.

Mason let himself in the door of his penthouse apartment about the same time Rebecca was stepping out of the shower. His eyes traveled from the high heels lying on the carpet by the door, to the glittering table in the dining room. The smells coming from the kitchen were wonderful and he felt a pang of regret that all this effort hadn't been for him.

When Nick called to say was coming in for the holidays, Mason figured he meant alone, but when he heard muffled singing coming from the bathroom he decided to grab a change of clothes before high tailing it out of there.

The table was only set for two and this had all the makings of a private romantic dinner. Either he'd brought a woman with him or Nick was a better man than Mace had given him credit for, as he'd only have been in town a few hours. Smiling he quickly crossed to the bedroom door, listening before he knocked softly. It sure hadn't taken Nick long to find some female company.

Rebecca toweled her hair and left the wet curls to dangle down her back. Wrapping the towel around her she peered into the mirror and seeing it was steamed up she decided to use Mason’s bedroom to dress in. Opening the connecting door she padded into the room and went directly to the dresser her feet making no noise on the thick cream carpet. Glancing into themirror she froze. Lying propped up in the king-sized bed was a large naked chest, a hairy masculine chest, attached to an equally masculine face that was smiling in a totally delighted way.

Mortified Rebecca could only stand speechless, staring into the reflection of Mason’s brother Nick. The sudden opening of the door startled her to the point she almost lost her towel and she turned, stunned when Mason strode into the room. Embarrassment seemed to be the prevalent emotion in the quiet room but Nick's obvious amusement came in second.

Mason reeled from the sight that met his eyes. Nick appeared to be naked in his bed, and Rebecca was damn close to it with nothing but a towel wrapped haphazardly around her. It was more than his brain could take in.

His inability to move gave Rebecca the edge and she stumbled back into the bathroom, slamming the door and sagging against it, face buried in her hands, lungs fighting to draw breath. Hearing Mason's roar and Nick's laughter did little to settle her nerves and when Mason’s voice got louder she dropped the towel and swiftly locked the door, seconds before his hand tried the knob.

“What the hell is going on here?” he shouted through the door, causing Rebecca to retreat from it even though it was securely locked.

Nick, it appeared, was content to lounge on the bed and watch the scene playing out before him. He wasn't sure what was happening, but it was damned interesting.

“Rebecca, open the damn door,” Mason continued, not even making an attempt to control his rage.

“I'm not dressed,” she shouted back, hating the way her voice quivered.What the hell was Nick doing in Mason's bed anyway?