Page 49 of Beneath the Dawn

CHAPTER 21

“I still can’t believe you returned from London an engaged woman.”

Marti threw her head back and laughed. She had called Kara and her parents to give them the good news the day after Dante had proposed, a little over two weeks ago. “Believe it, Kara.”

“I bet your ring is gorgeous. I’m dying to see it.”

“It is beautiful and it’s special because it was his mom’s. Dante said it’s a symbol of the love that was shared by his parents and now by us.”

“That’s so romantic.”

“I can’t wait for you to get reacquainted with Dante, Kara.”

“I can’t wait, either. Virgil wanted me to tell you that he’s happy for you, too.”

“Thank him for me.” To this day, Marti figured Kara didn’t know that when Virgil heard that she was moving away from Charlotte, he had paid her a visit.

She and Virgil had cleared the air about a lot of things, and he assured her that after Kara told him what had happened to her, he understood why she’d done what she had, and that he had forgiven her. She had thanked him and explained that she needed a fresh start, so she was leaving Charlotte. She had apologized again for all she had done and thanked him for making her sister happy. He had told her if she ever needed anything, to let him know. She had appreciated him for that.

“Have the two of you set a date?” Kara asked, breaking into her thoughts.

“Not yet. Dante is flying in this weekend, and we will decide then. We don’t want a long engagement.”

“I hope you will at least give me a chance to have my baby so I can be a part of the wedding.”

Marti laughed. “I will grant you that. I’m thinking about a Thanksgiving wedding.”

“That soon?”

“Why not? It’s two months from now, so we have time to make plans. And your baby is due next weekend, so you have no excuse not to be a part of the wedding. Just make sure my nephew is on time. By the way, have you guys decided on a name yet?”

“Yes. Our son will be named after his grandfathers. His name will be Matthew Byron Bougard. But don’t say anything. It’s a secret. We haven’t told them yet.”

“I think that’s wonderful.”

“We do, too.”

“Well, l need to end this call so I can get things ready for Dante’s visit this weekend. I’m excited.”

“I can hear it in your voice. I am so happy for you.”

“Thanks. Goodbye, Kara.”

“Goodbye, Marti.”

When Marti hung up the phone, a feeling of total joy spread through her. She couldn’t wait to see Dante again. She’d only been home a little more than two weeks, and although she talked to him every single day, she missed him like crazy. Evidently, he was missing her, too, since when he called on yesterday, he asked if he could visit this weekend. Of course, she told him yes!

Deciding that he didn’t want to spend any more time on the Oregon coast without her, within days of her leaving, Dante had arranged for their ‘private oasis’ to be relocated off the beach to an area at the back of his house. Then he had packed up and left Wild Rose Point as well. He’d been anxious to let those he considered family in Sedona Valley and San Francisco know of his wedding plans. He also wanted to share the news with his family in Italy.

Just then a text came in. She looked down and saw it was from Dante. Couldn’t wait for the weekend. Just landed. Should arrive at your place in twenty minutes.

Marti shrieked with excitement. Dante was in Billings! She rushed into her bedroom, preparing to give her fiancé a special greeting when he arrived.

***

Butterflies went off in Marti’s stomach the moment she heard the doorbell. She glanced down at herself, satisfied with what she had decided to wear. Namely, a flesh-tone cover-up with nothing underneath. She wanted to look seductive, hot, and ready.

When she got halfway to the door, she called out to ask, “Who is it?”