DISCLAIMER: I do not own any of the characters in this story, other than the obvious ones. I have never, nor plan to ever, make any money off of these writings. I write purely for my own pleasure.
PAIRING: AJ/F, Rick/Same F
RATING: PG-13
WARNINGS: Language, and alluding to adult situations.
SUMMARY: A beautiful lady enters the brother’s lives. What will happen when they both fall for the same lady? And how far will a brother go to see the other one happy?
FEEDBACK: Please no flaming feedback. This is my first fanfic that I’ve posted. Be gentle with me! rwooten@mindspring.com.
ROXANNE
BY: Robbie Wooten
*************
She was beautiful. The most beautiful woman he had ever seen! And, he was in love with her. There was only one problem.....so was his brother!
Rick sat down hard on the sofa. What was he going to do? He wanted to be around her, yet he couldn’t be. With AJ there all the time, he was sure to see the passion that he felt for her.
Closing his eyes, he smiled as he remembered the day they had met beautiful Roxanne Slaton.
***********
Rick, I realize that you had other plans for this afternoon, but I set up this appointment before you mentioned your fishing trip!
“AJ, you are always doing this to me! One of these days!” Rick threw himself down on the sofa in he and his brother’s PI office and angrily threw his booted feet up on the desk.
“Calm down Rick! I promise it won’t take long!”
“What is it this time?” He looked rather disgusted.
“A gentleman called over a month ago asking for our services. Seems a “BIG” man from England is coming here to do some business dealings. We’re to show him around and keep an eye on him while he’s here.”
“Let me get this straight now. You want me to give up my fishing trip AND BUFFY, for some biggie from England? Someone who possibly has more money than he knows what to do with?” Rick’s voice was getting louder by the second.
“Buffy? I should have known, there was a lady involved! If I can call her that!” He sent his brother one of his looks. Rick was known for the company he kept. “Who knows, it could be worth while!”
“So could Buffy!”
“Oh come on Rick. There’s plenty of time for the Buffy’s of the world!”
“And just what do you mean by that?” He threw his feet back into the floor and stood up, looking ready for a fight.
“Oh you know what I mean. You can go off for a weekend with her any time. I’m sure she’ll be available any time you call! Especially, if you have money to spend on her. And we both know how you like to spend money!” Rick scowled towards AJ. “Well, big brother, you have to make it before you can spend it!”
He stood looking at AJ for a second. He knew he was right. He also knew that he couldn’t walk away from him. They were in this business together...as partners. “Oh, okay. Let’s go!”
****************
They watched as the private plane taxied down the runway and came to a stop. Then they both stepped forth to greet the new comer.
“Mr. Slaton, I’m AJ Simon and this is my brother Rick. We’re here to show you around the city and make your stay in San Diego as comfortable as possible.”
“How nice. But I was under the impression that you were to be body guards.”
“Well, we would much rather be known as your new friends here. Bodyguards are such a cold term. Plus it would only draw more attention to you if we looked that part.”
“I see. Well, whatever you feel is best. I’m sure that my daughter will love being able to do some sight seeing while we’re here!” He looked around for her, but she hadn’t gotten off the plane as of yet. “Roxanne, let’s go!”
AJ and Rick both looked at one another as she appeared on the plane steps. She was tall, with legs that seemed to go on forever. Her hair and eyes were dark and she looked to be about 22 or 23. Rick was in love at first glance. Grinning, he whispered from behind his sunglasses to his brother; “You were right. This could be very interesting!”
AJ gave him a dirty look, as they stepped forth once more to greet her. Roxanne smiled in response. Her first thoughts after introductions were how different the brothers were. She greeted them both warmly. Then taking an arm each, they headed for the waiting limo.
Both Rick and AJ were having the same thoughts. It was what one wanted to call love at first sight. As they dressed for the evening out with Mr. Slaton and his daughter, the brothers bickered back and forth with one another. Some how, they both knew they were about to compete with one another for this lovely lady's affections.
AJ was the ladies man of the two, though Rick never had any problems with the members of the opposite sex. They just had their sights set on different types of women. Until now, that is. Usually what turned AJ’s head, wasn’t worth a second glance from Rick. The same with AJ. The ladies that Rick found attractive, usually turned him off! Why then, all of a sudden, after all these years, were they falling for the same woman? It gave them both a funny feeling. But neither realized that although they were looking at the same woman, they were seeing her two very different ways!
The first night out in California was an exciting one for Roxanne. She knew that she was going to like both AJ and Rick an awful lot.
Mr. Slaton didn’t miss the looks that both gentlemen were passing in the direction of his daughter. He was so happy to see her smiling, he didn’t care at the moment. It had been such a short time since his wife’s death. Roxanne was still hurting from it and he had been worried about her. That was the real reason that he had insisted that she come along on this trip with him to San Diego. If she’d stayed behind, all she would have done was think about her mother.
There was a frown on her father’s face, and Roxanne slipped an arm through his. They were at an elegant party put on by the company that he had come to do business with.
“Father, are you not feeling well? You’re frowning! You shouldn’t be frowning at such a wonderful affair such as this!”
“What? Oh Roxanne, I’m sorry. I was off on other things.”
“Business?”
“Uh, yes...business! Where are your two suitors?”
“Oh father really! They aren’t suitors!”
“Could have fooled me! You hadn’t known them five minutes and it was apparent either of them would give you the world!”
“Father!”
“It’s true! Being a young man once myself, I can read a young man’s mind!”
She smiled. “They’re both really sweet. Not sure I could choose between them, or would want to for that matter!”
“You may have to!”
Just then, both appeared, each carrying two drinks. From then on, Roxanne was watchful of the two. Though she really couldn’t see what her father had mentioned. Then again, maybe she wasn’t supposed to.
************
The next evening, AJ called to ask Roxanne out.
“But what of Father?”
“He and Rick will have dinner together. He’ll have plenty of company. Rick can keep him on his toes with all his fishing and hunting stories!”
Roxanne laughed. “Okay, you twisted my arm! I’d love to!”
Rick wasn’t thrilled in the least about the idea.
“You get the gem, I get the stone?”
“Sorry brother! I asked her first!”
“I know someone had to do the dirty work, right? So you’re sacrificing yourself!”
“Sounds good! I’m sure Mr. Slaton will be wonderful company. He appears to be a nice sort of man!”
Rick mimicked his brother as AJ left the house. His jacket thrown carelessly over his shoulder, whistling a tune. Rick sent him a dirty look. Well, tonight would do it. Tomorrow she would be AJ’s girl!
**********
Roxanne had a wonderful time, she had to admit. But something was missing. AJ was the perfect gentleman, just as she had expected. But things weren’t as easy going as they had been other nights. It took her half the night to realize what was missing. His dry wit, cool remarks, those blue green eyes taking her in completely. She shook her head slightly.
AJ saw it and worriedly asked: “Problems?”
“No, nothing.” While the entire time she was thinking...Rick! That was what was missing!
“You’re awfully quiet. Something I said?”
“No, of course not. I get into quiet moods a lot. To often really. Like when I start thinking about mother. We just lost her a few months back. I feel I dwell on those thoughts to often!”
“No, don’t feel that way. Rick and I lost our dad when we were both young. I spend many hours remembering our short time together. Guess he’s the real reason Rick and I are detectives. We sort of followed in his footsteps.”
“I wish that Father and I were closer. He wasn’t at home much when my mother was alive, and I was growing up. His work always took him away. Mother was all I had. Since she died, we’ve tried to have a closer relationship, but it will never be like it was between my mother and I. It’s always so formal and stiff between us. He’s a big business man in England. I was always taught that you never did anything that would cause trouble for him.”
“I’m sure he loves you, in his own ways.”
“Oh I know he does. It’s just never going to be a relationship that I’m sure you had with your father.” She sighed, then changed the subject. “Detective work is rather dangerous, isn’t it?”
“To an extent. I look after Rick and he looks after me!”
“You and your brother are close aren’t you?”
“Very close, though we are totally opposite.”
“So I’ve noticed. I’ve often wished I’d been lucky enough to have a brother or sister! But it wasn’t to be.”
“Well if you had him or her, you wouldn’t want them!”
“Now that’s only your opinion!” She laughed.
“True! Though I must admit Rick is nice to have around most times. Except when he horns in on things.”
“Such as?”
“Ladies, using my car, kidding me about my style of dress, making me think Mom loves him more just because he’s oldest. Need I go on?”
“But that’s what they’re for, or so I’ve been told!”
AJ laughed. “Tell you what. Since you like the idea so much, I’ll let you borrow a brother some time. Ten to one you wouldn’t keep him long!”
She laughed. “You’re on!” Neither of them knowing how wrong that statement would end up being.
Smiling in her direction again, he changed the subject. “Care to dance?”
While on the dance floor, AJ leaned down to softly kiss her lips. It was then that the enchanting affair began. From that night on, AJ and Roxanne were never far apart.
***********
Weeks passed and Mr. Slaton was finishing up his business dealings with the American company. He knew that it was time he and his daughter were getting back home. But there was this funny feeling that he was going to have a hard time getting Roxanne to go.
************
Though Rick saw that he’d lost his chance with Roxanne, his feelings for and towards her didn’t just turn themselves off. He would watch her when she wasn’t looking. It didn’t give him a fantastic feeling to see his brother kissing her, or holding her body next to his. But, he was slowly getting used to it.
But there were times, he wasn’t sure if he were just wanting it to happen and it was his imagination, but Roxanne seemed to give him what he called “come on” looks. She acted content with AJ, and Rick had to admit that he hadn’t seen AJ this happy in quiet awhile. But those looks that he got now and then gave him some sort of hope, no matter how small it was!
************
Many nights, Roxanne lay awake thinking about the two men in her life. They were so different. AJ was always dressed fit to kill, in his three-piece suits. He was always polite and such a gentleman. Then on the other hand, there was Rick. Always dressed in jeans, army jacket, never without his cowboy hat. He was rough, always coming back at her with a snappy remark. He could turn her head so easily.
Then once more there was AJ. He was really more her style. Always prim and proper. He fit into the mold that she had been in all her life. She had never been on a casual date before in England. It was always the most expensive places. That was AJ. He was never on the casual side. She knew they fit well together and she felt very close to him. But sometimes when she closed her eyes to sleep, her dreams were of Rick, and those times scared her!
Roxanne smiled as she recalled the shortened version of her name that Rick had given her. Living as she had all her years, she’d never had a nickname of any sort. All she was called was Roxanne. There was no place for informal names. It was just not the proper thing to do. But one afternoon, Rick had laughingly called her Roxie.
“What did you just call me?”
“Roxie! Don’t tell me you’ve never been called that!”
“No! Never! It was never proper to use shortened names in England!”
Rick couldn’t believe his ears. Looking around, seeing that AJ was no where in sight, he did something that he’d wanted to do for a long time. He stepped closer to her, and leaned near to whisper in her ear. “I like the Roxie in you much more than the Roxanne!”
His lips were so close to hers and she wanted to kiss him so badly! But she knew it would be wrong. Her hand reached up, lightly caressing his cheek.
“You’re so special Rick, but....”
“But you’re in love with my brother!”
She’d turned away when she saw the hurt in his eyes. He walked a short ways from her, gripping the rail of the deck with both hands. “Look Roxie, I’m sorry. I’m trying to accept the fact that you love my brother. It isn’t an easy thing to do!” AJ had appeared about then and Rick had walked away, his hands stuck deep in his pockets, a rejected slump to his shoulders.
“Rick let’s go!”
Rick ignored him.
“What’s his problem?”
“Oh we just had words. He’ll be okay!”
“Words? Did he get out of hand with you?” AJ turned in his direction. “If he did, I’ll...”
“No, no AJ.” She turned him to face her. “Nothing like that. It’s a problem that he needs to work out on his own. We didn’t have that kind of words.”
From that point on, Rick wasn’t around often. He came in every now and then, since he shared a place with AJ, and he would run into Roxanne then. But that was all. Roxanne wasn’t sure how she felt any more. Rick had made it very clear to her just how he felt!
Mr. Slaton also realized how close Roxanne an Andrew had become. He also knew that Andrew was in love with his daughter. Getting her to go home wasn’t going to be easy!
*************
AJ picked Roxanne up at exactly 6:30. Tonight they were going back to his place for dinner. Roxanne was nervous about the entire thing. She knew that she cared a lot for AJ, but through the entire month and ½ that they had been in the states, she’d never been this alone with him. There was always someone else around. But tonight it would be just them. She kept telling herself that things would go smoothly, but half of herself wasn’t listening.
Rick was once again having dinner with the stone! Once more, here he was over dressed, at least by his standards.
“Rick, why so silent tonight?”
“Uh, sorry. Minds on other things.” He was silent a few more minutes, then looked up. “Are you about to finish your business dealings here in the states?”
“As a matter of fact, I am. I did just that this afternoon.”
“Then you’ll be leaving soon?”
“Afraid so. I’ve got to figure out how to get Roxanne to go back with me. It won’t be easy to get her away from Andrew!”
Rick smiled at the use of his brother’s full first name. “You’re right. It seems the two of them are a matched pair.”
“You don’t sound too happy with the arrangements!”
“Of course I am!”
Mr. Slaton watched as Rick took offense at his words, while all the while reading the love for his daughter in his eyes.
“I want my brother to be happy. Roxanne’s a beautiful woman. AJ really cares for her.”
*************
AJ prepared a pretty big meal for the two of them, though Roxanne wasn’t hungry in the least. After they had cleaned the kitchen and stacked the dishwasher, Roxanne moved into the living room where she stood looking out of the sliding glass doors. AJ slipped up behind her, putting his arms around her waist, pulling her back against his chest.
“Roxanne, are you not feeling well?” She turned slowly in his arms and looked up into his eyes. “You hardly touched your meal. Or was it my cooking?” She looked down. “Come now, tell me the truth. Was my cooking that bad?”
“No, no AJ it wasn’t your cooking. It was fantastic.”
“Then what is the problem?”
“Oh AJ, it’s crazy!”
“Let me be the judge of that.”
She looked down again, then almost whispered. “AJ, us, here alone like we are. I’m, I’m very nervous!”
“Roxanne, no one says anything has to happen between us. I could take you back to the motel if you’d like. Though I don’t think it’s what you really want. Is it?”
Slowly his lips caressed hers, and the tension drained away. He didn’t mean to take advantage of her. But she was so beautiful and he wanted her so badly. “We’ve been seeing one another almost two months now.” His lips touched hers again. “But if this isn’t what you want...” Again his lips found hers. This time her arms slowly wound themselves around his neck. Her body pressed softly into his. “Oh Roxanne, I do want you. But if you aren’t ready for this.....” Looking up, AJ could see the fires that his kisses had lite.
“AJ, I’m..I’ve never....”
“Shhhh.” He placed fingers over her lips. “If you want me, that’s all that matters!”
Picking her up he carried her towards his bedroom. He let her body travel down the length of his until she stood in front of him on the floor. Roxanne shuddered inwardly from the pleasure of it.
AJ slipped the dress from her shoulders, and his lips touched her skin. Soon the dress lay forgotten in the floor. Unsure if she should or not, Roxanne slowly fingered the buttons of his shirt until they were undone. As if another being had taken hold of her, she suddenly forgot her fears of being inexperienced. Her lips traveled down the center of AJ’s chest and he drew in a sharp breath.
Before she realized it, she was in the air an AJ had carried her to his bed. There he made slow, unhurried love to her. Pulling passion from every part of her body. When it was over, she lay spent, breathing in the manly scent that belonged to AJ alone.
“Wasn’t so bad, was it?”
Roxanne smiled. “No, it was beautiful.”
“Roxanne, I love you. When your dad leaves for England, stay here with me. I want to marry you!”
“AJ....marry me?”
“Yes. Marry me!”
“I’m so stunned. I never expected you to want to marry me.”
“I think I fell in love with you the minute I saw you step off that plane. I don’t want you to leave me.” He kissed her again. “Please say yes.”
Roxanne was silent for some moments. Was she ready to marry? Most importantly, was she ready to marry AJ?
“I care a lot about you. I have to admit I love it here with you and Rick. How could any girl in her right mind say no?”
AJ smiled, kissing her again. That lead to their making love once again. Afterwards, holding one another, they fell asleep.
Rick came in near 1:30 that morning. He’d stopped in the motel bar for a few drinks. Opening the door, he was surprised to see Roxanne’s purse still on the sofa. Softly he called out “AJ?” No answer. Moving towards his bedroom, he noticed that AJ’s light was still on, and his door was cracked. Moving to the door, he pushed it open a little more, calling out once again. There was still no answer. He knew full well what he was going to see. Roxanne an AJ were curled around one another, sleeping soundly. His heart ached. What he wouldn’t give to be in his brother’s place....holding her! Pulling himself together, he pounded on the door, which he had closed. “AJ! AJ! Hate to break up whatever in there, but it’s going on 2 AM. Mr. Slaton will be worried about Roxanne!”
AJ sat up and looked at his bedside clock. He’d better get her back. “Roxanne, it’s time to go.”
“I know. I heard!” She stretched and he pulled her up from the bed into his arms. He really loved this lady.
They showered and redressed with one another’s help. Roxanne smiled kissing AJ’s lips. And because it seemed the right thing to say, she whispered, “I love you.”
He smiled. “We’ll talk to your father in the morning. It’s too late to do it tonight.”
**************
Roxanne went straight to bed once she reached the motel. Falling asleep was easy. She dreamed of AJ off and on through out the night. Next morning, she was awakened from a sound sleep by her father.
“Roxanne, you were out rather late this morning weren’t you?”
“Sorry Father. AJ and I lost track of time.”
He smiled slightly. Then he tried to appear angry. “I see. Still don’t you think 2:45 in the morning is just a tad late?”
“Sorry Father!” She looked down a little worried at his tone of voice. He wasn’t usually like this. But then again, she wasn’t usually out late either.
“Roxanne we need to talk before you get dressed.”
She had started to get up and was reaching for her robe. Her hand fell to her side. “Yes Father?”
“We need to be getting back home. My business dealings were completed yesterday. I’ll have the plane readied for leaving tomorrow morning.”
“I was sure it was coming. I’m not going back with you!”
“What? Young woman, you’ll not stay here alone!”
“I’m staying with AJ and Rick!”
“Daughter, that’s even worse than staying alone! Living with two men! And not even married to either of them!”
“Father, AJ asked me to marry him last night!”
Mr. Slaton stopped short. Marry? His daughter married? He was silent way to long. Now he was going to be without her as well as his wife?
“Father, did you hear me?”
“Yes, yes, I heard you daughter! Andrew wants to marry you. I had a feeling that was coming!”
“Aren’t you happy for me?”
“Yes, of course I am!” He managed a smile for her as he snapped out of his uneasy feelings. Now wasn’t the time to tell her what he’d read in Rick’s eyes the night before. “Andrew is a very nice young man. But shouldn’t you come back with me until you two are married?”
“Father, I don’t wish to leave AJ. Besides, there isn’t anything there for me any more.”
“Well, we’ll see. I’ll expect a conference with your young man this afternoon!”
“Of course Father!”
*************
AJ woke to a beautiful, cloudless day. Climbing from the bed, he went in search of his brother to tell him that he’d be needing a best man! Rick was sitting at the table drinking coffee.
“Little brother keeping a late night last night weren’t you?”
AJ grinned. “We fell asleep I guess. Big brother, I need a favor.”
“Okay, name it.” Rick looked his way. He was expecting him to be asked to go to the office and hold down the fort for the day, or to pick up his dry cleaning, anything but what came out of AJ’s mouth next.
“I need a best man!”
“A best man!?” Rick looked startled.
“Yeah, for a wedding!”
“I know what a best man is for!” His tone of voice made AJ look his way with concern. But he didn’t see anything unusual.
Rick’s heart was sinking. “You’re getting married?”
“Yeah, I know Mr. Slaton is getting ready to leave and I couldn’t let her walk out of my life!”
“AJ, I don’t know. You’ve only known her a little over two months!”
“I know, but I feel positive about our relationship. Will you do it?”
“Uh, yeah sure! If that’s what you want!”
“Thanks. Got to get dressed. I have a lot to do today. Gotta talk to Mr. Slaton, take Roxanne to see Mom, pick up my dry cleaning.....oh can you hold down the office today for me?”
Rick nodded and waved AJ on his way. He went off still talking about things that he had to do. Rick fingered his coffee cup. Well, he’d lost out for good, AGAIN!
***************
Rick rose from the sofa. Running a hand through his hair. Thinking of Roxie wasn’t going to help his problems.
It had been almost two months since Mr. Slaton had returned to England, and Roxie had moved in. She and his brother had been making wedding plans and it was making him crazy! He couldn’t help but wonder if Roxie was as happy as she wanted everyone to think she was.
He and Roxie still picked on one another every time they were together. Rick was always making harmless suggestions towards, and to her. Or were they harmless? He had a feeling Roxie was beginning to wonder what it would be like to take him up on a few of his suggestions! He knew that he would love to try!
Roxanne watched Rick from the corner of her eye. She wished that he would stop this sweet torture, but knew that if he did, she’d be very unhappy. He would always tough her when he was near and she was beginning to wish that he would do more than just suggest things! Then she would think of AJ and the guilty feelings would flow.
***************
AJ met Rick at the office one morning with a frown etched on his face.
“Rick, Mom asked me to do some things for her. It’s gonna take me out of town for nearly two weeks. Nothing serious, just tying up some loose ends. But while I’m gone, would you stay close to Roxanne? She isn’t acting right and I’m afraid to leave her alone. Would you make a point to be there? I mean, I know how you are to go off for a few days at a time without much notice and all!”
“AJ, of course I’ll be there to keep her company! I wouldn’t run off without telling you where I was going!” Rick seemed a little upset that AJ would suggest such a thing.
AJ gave him one of those looks. “Well you have been known to do things like that!”
“I have not!”
“Yes you have. But that isn’t the point right now. The point is, I need you to be here for Roxanne. I’m worried about her.”
“Ah, don’t worry so much. It’s probably just the bride jitters. After all, your wedding is in three weeks!”
“Maybe so. I’m leaving this afternoon. See you when I get back.”
*****************
“Roxanne, are you sure you’ll be okay? I’m not so sure about Rick being around if you need him.”
“I’ll be fine AJ. Rick will be here. He’ll take good care of me. Besides your Mom will always be near. I guess it’s just the nerves. After all, brides are entitled to them!”
He smiled as he pulled her close. “All right. I love you.”
Kissing her, he was gone. She watched his plane until it had disappeared. Then she headed for home. She had two weeks alone and she was going to relax and not worry about anything. But that wasn’t the way it was to be......
****************
Rick arrived home near 6PM. The smells that greeted him upon entering the kitchen made his mouth water. “Ummm, that smells delicious!” He leaned over the stove and lifted the lid off one of the pots.
Roxanne smiled his way. “I’m glad you think it smells so good! Your dinner will be ready in about ten minutes!”
“I’m starved!”
“Good. Then go wash up.” He leaned near to kiss her cheek and quickly hurried off to do as he was told. She laughed and was amazed at how carefree she suddenly felt.
Their dinner was easy going. Rick didn’t notice anything wrong with Roxie’s actions. Then again, nothing could possibly be wrong with this sexy lady! AJ had to be worried over nothing.
After they had eaten, Rick helped to fill the dishwasher. “That was a great meal Roxie! Thank you.”
She smiled. “You are most welcome Rick!” Putting down the dish towel, she turned to him, slipping her arms around his waist. “And thank you for agreeing to stay with me while AJ is away!”
“Sure anything for a future, uh....sister-n-law!”
Her smile faltered for a moment. Rick was suddenly uneasy. He wanted this woman in his arms so badly. More than he ever had. Against his better judgement, listening to only his heart, he pulled her closer, his body brushing against hers. That was all it took. Their lips were together and it was all Roxanne could do to breathe!
“Rick I......”
He silenced her with another kiss. “Roxie, oh Roxie..I want...oh hell, I want something I can’t have!” He released her and moved to the window. Roxanne followed.
“Rick don't!” She turned him to face her. Lightly she caressed his cheek. “Don’t take all the weight on your shoulders! You aren’t the only one who wants. We need to face this together!”
Once more he was kissing her. “Roxie, I want to make love to you! Will you let me? I gotta know what it’s like to hold you in my arms.”
She answered him with only one word. “Please.”
Things happened almost to quickly for them. Rick carried her to his bedroom. He almost tore the clothes from her body in his haste to gaze at her beautiful form. She was just as quickly helping him disrobe. Slowly she slid her hands up his chest.
Taking her in his arms again, they sank to the bed. He wanted desperately to be a part of her. Neither thought of right or wrong, as they went at one another, with almost unbridled passion.
Roxanne an AJ had made love many times after their first night, but she’d never felt this bold with him. Where Rick was concerned, she’d pulled out all the stops!
After it was over, Rick held her close. In only moments, it seemed, she was covering his body with warm, wet kisses. She just couldn’t seem to get enough of this man. She’d gone from being a virgin lover with AJ to a woman who knew exactly what she wanted. And that something was Rick Simon!
Most of the night was spent loving one another. Near dawn they fell into exhausted sleep.
Sounds of the outside world woke Rick. For a moment he wondered about the soft, warm body that was beside his own. Then he remembered. Pain filled his heart. He’d taken his brother’s woman to bed.....his bed! Now what? He couldn’t say he’d hated a second of it! He didn’t know that she had awakened until she whispered “Hi” in his ear. He jumped.
“Morning.” It was a stiff hello, and for a moment, Roxanne thought that she’d done something to anger him. Then she realized that his mind wasn’t on her.
“Rick, what is it?”
He turned to face her. “Roxie, I’m so in love with you I can’t think straight! But you couldn’t begin to know how sorry I am that this happened between us! I take all the blame for it! I persuaded you to go to bed with me! The last thing I wanted was to hurt AJ!”
Roxanne frowned at the mention of AJ’s name. She felt guilty. But she couldn’t deny that she hadn’t wanted to be in Rick’s arms, just as much as he’d wanted to be in hers!
“Rick, don’t! It may have been wrong, but you know already that I wanted you just as much!”
“Maybe so. But this can’t happen again!’ Getting up, he headed for the shower. Afterwards, he left the house without saying anything else to her.
Roxanne wondered around in a daze most of the day. Her heart wanted to sing out happiness, but then she would wonder what she really felt for AJ. By late evening, she was worried sick about Rick. Where had he gone? By 12 AM, she had given up completely and gone to bed. Dinner had ruined on the stove waiting on him. He hadn’t showed. She was just falling into a troubled sleep when a pounding on AJ’s door roused her.
A little apprehensively, she checked to see who it was. Upon realizing it was Rick, she jerked the door opened so quickly he nearly fell inside. He was so drunk, he could hardly stand up straight. She knew it before he even opened his mouth. He smelled like a brewery. She had to sober him up. She put on a pot of coffee and sat him down at the kitchen table. Looking at his slumped figure, she wondered how in the world he’d driven home safely.
Rick mumbled through the next few hours as Roxie tried to sober him up by pouring a full pot of coffee down him. Afterwards she half drug him down the hall to the bathroom. As she started the shower, and began to disrobe him, Rick jerked away growling at her. “I can do it myself!” Rather hurt, she turned away and headed back to her bedroom.
Rick stood for a long time under the spray of the shower. Why, why had he been so foolish as to drink all day? It hadn’t helped one thing! If he didn’t feel bad enough right now, he would feel ten times worse in the morning! Finally washing, he climbed out to wrap a towel around his waist.
Silently he moved to stand in the doorway of Roxie’s room. She was so beautiful. He couldn’t turn off his feelings for her. He’d found that out today. He’d tried his best to drink her out of his mind, his heart, his life. But it was no use.
Roxie felt someone’s presence and turned to see him standing there. “Rick, what is it? You okay?”
There was such emotion in his voice. “Roxie, please love me!”
Her heart leapt into her throat. Lifting the sheet, she invited him to join her. He slipped in beside her and their bodies met and melted together. The rest of the wee hours of the morning were their own.
As the sun peeked in their window, Rick fell into exhausted sleep. Roxie slipped silently out of bed to close the curtains. Afterwards, she rejoined him to fall finally into a peaceful slumber.
Near 4:30 that afternoon, the phone woke her. Rick stirred, but didn’t wake as she reached for it by the bed. “Hello?”
“Roxanne, are you okay?”
“Hi Mrs. Simon! Yes, I’m fine.”
Cecilia was silent a moment. “Did I wake you? You sound as if you were sleeping.”
“Uh, yeah. I decided a nap would do me a world of good.”
Just then Rick moved to her and started kissing her bare back. Getting closer to her neck, he spoke rather loudly. “Put that phone down and come back to bed! You can talk later!”
Roxanne pushed him away softly and motioned for him to be silent. Rick realized then whoever was on the phone had probably heard him. He hoped it wasn’t AJ!
“Roxanne, is that Rick there with you?”
Roxanne swallowed quickly, sending Rick a worried look. Okay, so they’d been caught. “Yes Mrs. Simon. He’s keeping me company while AJ is away.”
“Yes, I know dear.” Cecilia smiled. It sounded as if her little plan had worked. “Well, I’m glad he’s there. I called to see if you two would come to dinner this evening. It will be ready at 6. See you both then!” At that she hung up, not giving Roxanne time to say a thing!
“Mrs. Simon.....” Roxanne looked at the phone for a moment, then replaced the receiver. She turned to Rick. He grinned sheepishly.
“Sorry. I wasn’t thinking. I got carried away!”
“She heard you. But didn’t seem to think anything was strange. We’re invited to dinner. It’s at 6.”
“Guess we should go or she’ll be upset. I’ll have to be on my best behavior in front of her. Mom will be able to spot something right off!”
“Then we both better behave! That won’t be the easiest thing to do!” Roxie sat up and started to leave the bed. “We better get a move on. It’s nearly 5 now.”
“Roxie, wait.” Rick sat up too quickly and his head felt as if it were going to split wide open. Holding it, he lay back on the pillow. “Ohhhh, what a night!”
“Serves you right!” She smiled as he groaned again.
“I guess it will.” He grinned then just as quickly frowned again. Even that hurt! Lying by his side once more, she started to caress his temples. As he relaxed, he started to talk. “I’m sorry Roxie. Sorry about yesterday. I never should have gotten drunk, or come in on you in that condition. I tried my best to drink you out of my life, out of my heart. But it’s no use. You’re there to stay! I’m in love with you, with someone that I can never have! Maybe it’s wrong, but, I want to spend these next two weeks, what’s left of them, with you. Really get to know you inside and out. Give you my all. Because once AJ comes back, I realize that you’ll go back to being his. But I’ll always love you!”
“I know Rick. I feel the same way. I don’t want to think about AJ for the next week or so. I know it isn’t right, but I have to do this. Do this before I marry AJ. Other wise I’m going to always wonder about the “what ifs”! Besides I can’t think of anyone I’d rather have keeping me company. You are one more sexy man!”
Leaning near, she kissed him. Rick closed his eyes and hugged her tightly to himself. He never wanted to let go of this lady! But he knew that he would eventually have to. For now he thanked whoever was responsible for what little time he had with her.
Near 6:30 they pulled into his Mother’s drive.
“It’s about time you two showed up! I was just about to call and see what was keeping you!”
“Sorry Mom. We got a late start.”
“When I called you were still asleep! I guess you went back to sleep?” She looked at them with that knowing look. Roxanne blushed slightly, hopefully Mrs. Simon didn’t notice it.
“Yeah, well, we had a bad night last night. We both needed some sleep.”
“Bad night? Something wrong?”
Rick looked sheepishly at his mother, knowing that he was about to get a chewing out over this one!
“I sort of babysat Rick last night. He had a little too much to drink and I spent most of the morning trying to sober him up!”
“Young man! I am ashamed of you! AJ left you to watch over Roxanne. This is how you do it? Going out and getting drunk? That’s something you haven’t done in a while! What came over you?”
“I don’t know. But it’s over and I’m not planning on letting it happen again any time soon!”
“Well, maybe Roxanne should stay here with me until AJ gets back if you can’t do any better than that! After all you promised you would be there.”
Both of them answered with a loud “NO!” Looking towards Roxanne, Rick realized that they probably shouldn’t have just done that. He quickly tried to cover it up with....”I mean,” his voice had toned down. “She’ll be safe in my arms....uh....I mean hands!!”
It was all Roxanne could do to keep a straight face. Rick went on as if nothing had been said. She had a feeling that Mrs. Simon knew exactly what had been happening between them.
“After the hang over I had this morning, there is no way I’m going to go bar hopping again for a long time!”
Mrs. Simon smiled. Well, well. Looked like things were going just the way she planned!
Their dinner was enjoyable, though Rick and Roxanne were hard pressed to keep their minds on the conversation with Mrs. Simon. Roxanne truly enjoyed being there. Once she and AJ were married, she knew that she would be very close to Mrs. Simon. Since her own mother was gone, she might just fill in the gaps. At the thought of AJ, Roxanne had a full burst of guilt. But she tried to push it aside. She had to do this. She had to get Rick out of her system!
Rick tried not to gaze at Roxie too often, but it was hard. He couldn’t help himself! She was beautiful and he was in love with her!
What neither of them saw, because they were to busy trying not to look suspicious, was the way his Mom watched them both. She stood by the window as they left, smiling to herself. Her plan had worked it seemed. She hadn’t missed anything between them all evening. Nor had she missed the blush that had quickly covered Roxanne’s face when she had mentioned their being asleep when she had called. She had plainly heard Rick’s voice over the phone and had known what must have been going on! Rick was in love! From all indications, so was Roxanne. But not with her younger son, AJ. She didn’t want to see her youngest get hurt, but she didn’t want to see Roxanne make the biggest mistake of her life either. If things went well an AJ didn’t catch on, they should have plenty of time to discover one another. Better now than later!
***************
The almost two weeks that they shared was wonderful for the both of them. Rick introduced Roxie to things she had never done in England. Country music, (several concerts), camping out in the wide-open spaces and lastly fishing.
One of her fondest memories would always be their fishing trip to a nearby lake. It was so perfect, so peaceful. Roxie felt so comfortable there, so alive! Rick had brought his boat and after rigging up her rod, he’d gone to the other side of the boat to prepare his own for fishing.
Roxie looked up at a beautiful cloudless sky and then towards Rick. It was no use. She was weighing things in her mind, but it was really no use! He’d been moving around in front of her for thirty minutes or more with his shirt undone. Then finally he’d taken it off. His body seemed to be calling to her. Sitting there holding that fishing rod was not what she wanted to be doing!
Getting up, she reeled in her line, then moved towards Rick. He was really concentrating on what he was doing. She started out rubbing his shoulders, then nuzzled his neck and ear. Looking up he whispered, “Would you cut that out?” Persistent, she continued, not caring what he thought! “Lady, how do you expect me to catch a fish with you over here distracting my train of thought?”
In answer, she leaned nearer and kissed a path down over his shoulder and chest, coming to rest on his nipple, which she playfully took inside her mouth. “Dog gone it woman!” Throwing down the rod, he grabbed her, pulling her into his lap. They were passionately kissing one another when they both heard the “zing” of the reel and the sliding of something across the boat deck. Roxanne looked up just in time to see his rod start over the side of the boat.
“Rick, your rod!”
Grabbing at it, he leaned just a little to far, and toppled in headfirst! Laughing so hard she could hardly speak, she watched as a hand appeared on the side of the boat. Then the other. He looked so pitiful soaked. His cowboy hat was done for. Roxie couldn’t contain her laughter any longer. Nearly rolling, she helped him back into the boat.
“You little Minx! Stop laughing at me!”
“Did you get the fish?”
“NO! Of course not!” He looked at little upset for all of two seconds.
“Well, who needs a fish when you can have me?” Forgetting about the fact that he was soaked, she moved her bathing suit clad body over to press into his.
“Umm, not a bad thought!” Picking her up, he sloshed down the steps to the cabin. Fishing forgotten for the moment! Their loving was perfect. It would always be that way.
******************
It was the night before AJ was to return home. As usual, Rick and Roxie had spent the evening with a quiet meal and then a lot of loving. Rick was asleep and Roxie slipped out of the house walking along the waters edge. She was to troubled to sleep.
Tomorrow. Tomorrow was the day. The day that they had to face AJ again. All the wedding invitations had been sent out, and gifts had already started to arrive. Her father would be there in just three short days. But Roxie hadn’t even thought about her wedding. It hadn’t even crossed her mind!
AJ was such a loving man, and so much like herself! Maybe that was it. Maybe he was too much like her. Rick was exactly opposite and she loved every minute she’d spent with him! They never had a boring moment together! It was spontaneous, and she lived for that. The same ole dull hum drum life wasn’t what she wanted. Her life had been missing so much before Rick had come into it. He provided her with an outlet. She really didn’t wish to give it up. Which meant that she wasn’t ready to give up all that she’d found these last two weeks, to live the rest of her life as she always had! She loved AJ, but not the kind of love she felt for Rick. But she couldn’t change her plans to wed AJ. Too much was at stake. Too many people would be hurt. Plus her Father...she couldn’t do this to him. She didn’t want to make him look like a fool.
***************
AJ was troubled too. There was suddenly a lot of uneasy feelings about his up coming marriage. Here he was in a strange town, been there for two weeks and didn’t even know what he had come for! His Mom had sent him to tie up some loose ends. Or so she’d said. So far all he’d seen were a bunch of lawyers who either didn’t know anything about his Mom’s affairs or weren’t interested in learning about them. He had finished up several land deals for her, but that was it! He’d run into a friend of the family who kept telling AJ that his Mom didn’t have any loose ends to tie up! To top it all off, he’d phoned Roxanne nearly every day that he’d been away and was yet to actually talk with her! He’d become so worried about her that he’d finally called his Mom. She’d been reassuring, but not very willing to give him much info about Roxanne’s last two weeks. She seemed uneasy about being questioned about Rick and Roxanne. He also took that time to confront her about the things that he was supposed to be doing for her.
Cecilia had never expected him to run into her old friend. She hoped that she’d covered her tracks good enough. She knew that if AJ returned too early, it would ruin everything.
***************
Roxanne had returned to the house and found Rick gone. On his pillow, she found a note.
“Roxie...I realize you are as troubled, if not more so than I am. I can’t face AJ right now. I also realize that you need to be alone to get your thoughts together. I’m not sorry for the time we’ve spent together. I meant it when I told you I loved you! Tell AJ I couldn’t stand it another minute and had to get out for awhile. I’ll be back for the wedding. I love you. Rick”
She crumpled the note up and threw it at the trashcan. It missed and landed on the floor by the dresser. Sort of glad that she had a little more time alone, she crawled back into bed. Sleep wasn’t fast in coming. The sheets held the smell of Rick’s after-shave, and when she did finally sleep, it was of him she dreamed.
***************
Next afternoon, Roxanne had the fidgets. Jumping into AJ’s car, she drove to Mrs. Simon’s.
“Roxanne, come in dear.” She could tell by the look on her face that things weren’t exactly right. “Is something wrong?”
“No, just lonely. Rick left early this morning for a fishing trip and I have no idea what time AJ is returning!”
He smiled at the sight of her. “I’m here Roxanne!”
Roxanne smiled widely in surprise. She hurried across the floor where they embraced one another an AJ kissed her quickly.
“I missed you!”
“Have a good trip?”
“Fair. How bout you? Rick take good care of you?”
“Of course. I spent the last two weeks getting to know your brother!”
AJ felt a little jealous at that remark. There was a funny feeling he had reason to be that way, but he pushed the thought and feeling away. After all, he had asked Rick to stay with her. “Come on. I’m anxious to get home!”
Their next few days were quiet. But AJ felt there was something missing that had been there before. Roxanne tried to act as if things were okay. But sometimes she felt she could scream! She was in love with Rick Simon...really in love with the man. AJ was loveable and kind, but he just wasn’t Rick! But she’d give her promise to AJ and she wouldn’t go back on that promise, no matter what! If she didn’t go through with this, it would disgrace her father. She never wanted that to happen. Hopefully she would come to love AJ.
Cecilia insisted that Roxanne stay with her the night before the wedding. She still clung to the old fashioned ideas that the bride wasn’t supposed to see the groom until the big moment at the wedding. Roxanne arrived near noon. Cecilia was waiting on her.
“Dear, we need to talk!”
“Okay Mrs. Simon.”
“First off, it’s time you called me Mom, or at the very least Cecilia!” She patted the sofa beside her.
“Okay, Mom.” Roxanne smiled her way. But the smile didn’t reach her eyes.
“I realize you feel you must go through with this wedding. Your heritage won’t let you do anything different. But I know you are unhappy!”
Roxanne’s mouth opened in surprise. “Mom, of course I’ll go through with this wedding. I love AJ!”
“Don’t try to pull the wool over my eyes young lady! I know better! You can’t tell me you didn’t just spend two weeks falling in love with my oldest son! I’m the reason you had those two weeks! I sent AJ out of town for that reason! I knew that Rick was interested in you and I could see the same interest in your eyes!”
“But the things that he was doing for you while he was away?” She didn’t want to believe what she was hearing.
“Everyone gave him the run around...well almost everyone. He did finish up two land deals for me that had been hanging for years. But there weren’t any loose ends for him to tie up for me. I’d already seen the way Rick looked at you. I knew that you had to find out for yourself. Rick loves you! I know he left because he didn’t know what else to do! He has a habit of going off by himself when he has a problem. He’s gone until he finds the answer. But this time I don’t think he will be able to stay gone long enough! The answer is you, Roxanne. He left because he knew that being with you was wrong, but only because you belong to AJ. He’ll be back tonight for the rehearsal. How will you face him? If you love Rick, like I’m positive you do, then you’ll call off this wedding!”
“I can’t do that! It would disgrace my Father! He’s a big man in England. If I back out of this wedding, it will hurt him. There are people flying in for this wedding that carry a lot of weight. I would never disgrace him! I’ll marry AJ and make the best of the future with him!”
“Roxanne, don’t do this! You’ll hurt AJ even more if you wait until after the marriage to let your feelings for Rick out!”
“I’m sorry Mom! I’m marrying AJ tomorrow!”
She left in tears. She was unsure if they were tears of anger or tears of desperation. It was time to meet her father’s plane. She couldn’t think about this any more.
Mr. Slaton stepped off the plane to confront a daughter with red eyes. “Daughter, are you okay?”
“Yes Father!”
“You’re sure?”
She nodded as she hugged him. “I’ve missed you.”
They headed for Mrs. Simon’s. The wedding rehearsal was only a few hours away. Mr. Slaton was concerned about his daughter. True, they had never been that close, but he loved her. She was all he had left. His business life had taken him away from his daughter and his wife too many times. Now his wife was gone and Roxanne was all he had. He’d tried to be a regular father to her, but he just didn’t know how! He had never had a regular life! He wanted her to be happy. There was a smile on her face, but he knew it wasn’t genuine. There were tears in her eyes. They weren’t tears of happiness!!
**************
Rick pulled up in his brother’s drive. AJ came out to greet him. “Catch anything?”
“Just a sun burn! How’d your trip go? Get your things done?”
“Yeah. Hey Rick, you’ll think I’m crazy, but I think Mom sent me out of town to get me outta the way!” AJ had spent the last two days trying to make sense out of everything.
“Outta the way? Way of what? Are you crazy?”
“Told you so! Really Rick! I spend nearly two weeks in a strange town and I did nothing except finish up some land deals for her that had been hanging for several years! There were no loose ends! Nothing! Not one thing for me to take care of!”
“Maybe she figured you needed a vacation!”
“Rick be serious!”
“I am little brother!”
“And I tried calling Roxanne almost every day! Where was she?”
Rick could tell that he was trying to pick him for some information. “Out and about with me! You did tell me to keep her company...didn’t you?”
“But every day?”
“Look AJ. We have a rehearsal is less than thirty minutes! Whatever is on your mind can wait. I did what I was asked to do while you were away. I kept Roxie company! As far as Mom and her affairs, private affairs I might add, I wasn’t let in on anything to begin with. So that is something you have to take up with her. I could care less about them! Your wedding is tomorrow! We’ll discuss this after you come back from your honeymoon!” Rick walked by him, his hands full, in a rush. He was in a hurry to get cleaned up. He wanted to see Roxie, even though he knew he had to stay away from her!
**************
The rehearsal went well. Roxanne tried not to look at Rick, but her eyes were drawn to him. As were his to her. Rick had known a lot of ladies in his time, but none of them stirred him like this one did! Of all of them, Roxie out shown everyone! What he wouldn’t give for her to be walking down the aisle to his arms tomorrow! But she wasn’t! He turned and left the church. He could stand it no longer!
Mr. Slaton confronted his daughter on the way back to Mrs. Simon’s. “Why daughter? Why are you marrying a man that you do not love?”
“Do not love? Of course I love AJ!”
“No you do not!! I could see it written all over your face! You are in love with Richard!! Not Andrew!! And if you marry the wrong man, it will never work!”
“Yes it will! I’ll make it work! I’ll work at it until I make myself love AJ!”
“Roxanne, don’t do this to yourself...to Andrew! You don’t make yourself love someone! Love doesn’t happen that way!”
“Father, I will not disgrace you! I know there are a lot of important people coming tomorrow. Coming because of who you are! I made a promise to AJ and I won’t go back on that promise!”
“Daughter, please don’t make this mistake! Please wait and marry the right man!”
Roxanne left the house as quickly as they arrived. They had argued all the way back from the church. It was no use. Everyone knew....everyone knew her secret...everyone that is, but AJ!
***************
Rick had gone back to the house, but had left almost as quickly as he’d walked into the living. There were too many memories in the house. He went to his boat, and tried to get some rest. Lord knows he hadn’t had any for the last few days! He could do nothing but think about her! He just hoped that he could pull off the wedding without AJ seeing the want in his eyes. It wasn’t the easiest thing to cover up!
It was no use. He couldn’t sleep. He glanced at the clock by the bed. It was nearly 1 AM. Getting up he went up on deck. A movement caught his eyes and he immediately reached for his gun under his left arm. But it wasn’t there. His heart was beating a mile a minute as he realized that someone was sitting on the rail of his boat.
Roxanne didn’t know where she was going until she ended up on the street that Rick an AJ lived on. She knew that she didn’t want to see AJ, she needed to see Rick. But she couldn’t figure out how to let him know that she was there without alerting AJ to the fact as well. So, she had been sitting on the rail of his boat for nearly an hour looking towards the dark house. Willing him to come out, when Rick had come up the steps from below deck.
“God woman! Why don’t you give me a heart attack! You better be glad I didn’t have my gun on me! What are you doing here?” He stood looking at her for only a short moment before he crossed the space between them and pulled her into his arms.
“I couldn’t sleep. I’ve been sitting here trying to come up with a way to let you know I was out here and not let AJ know it too! I had to see you one last time! Oh god Rick, what am I going to do!”
Her tears wet his shirt and he held her even closer. His heart was breaking. But what could he do? Tomorrow she became his brother’s. It wasn’t meant for the two of them to be.
***************
Something woke AJ from a sound sleep. He looked around the room, but nothing seemed unusual. Sitting up, he ran a hand through his hair. Must just be jitters about tomorrow. Getting up he headed for the kitchen. He needed something to drink. Passing the sliding glass door he glanced out towards Rick’s boat. Standing on deck, he saw Rick embracing Roxanne. He moved to the kitchen got a glass of milk. Taking a swallow, he stopped what he was doing, and went back to the glass doors. Had he seen what he thought he had? The boat was dark, and there wasn’t anyone on it’s deck. He must have been dreaming! He finished drinking the glass of milk and headed back to bed. He must really be nervous about tomorrow!
****************
Rick had taken Roxie below deck and they had sat cuddled together on the bed. Her tears had quieted, but he still held her close. “Roxie, I wish that things could have been different. I would give anything to change them. But you’ve told AJ that you’ll marry him. I know that you don’t want to go back on that promise. I can understand why you feel the way you do. I don’t want to hurt AJ either. I want to see him happy. I know he’ll be good to you. He loves you. There’s no doubt there. I’m just going to have to learn to control my feelings for you. I can’t hold you in my arms any more after tonight, or kiss your sweet lips. I’ll always love you Roxie!”
Neither of them spoke another word as Rick kissed her again and the passion lit their fires for one another. Roxanne gave her all to this man. This would be the last time that she was ever in Rick’s arms. She wouldn’t change things and she knew that Rick understood why.
The sky was beginning to lighten when Roxanne left Rick’s arms. He stood on the deck of the boat and watched her walk away from him. In several hours he would see her again dressed in white. He knew that she would be a beautiful bride.....AJ’s beautiful bride.
*****************
That morning as AJ was dressing, he dropped his tie tack. He seemed to be all thumbs this morning! Leaning down by the dresser, he found a crumpled piece of paper. Picking it up, he unfolded it and read his brother’s handwriting. A frown etched its way across his face. His suspicions had been correct. His brother was in love with Roxanne. That was what had been wrong since he had returned. Roxanne was in love with Rick, not him! Since his return, they hadn’t made love, or shared any close moments. Roxanne would have given away her feelings if they had. It was funny, in a way. He felt relieved. He loved Roxanne, but while he’d been away, he’d done a lot of soul searching. He couldn’t put a finger on it, but had known that something didn’t fit. And last night, he had seen them on the deck of the boat. She must have spent what she thought to be her last night with his brother! This had to have been what didn’t fit. He’d been wondering why Rick left the rehearsal so quickly, and why he hadn’t been back to the house since. Roxanne would have gone through with the wedding because that was what was expected of her. It wasn’t too late to set things straight. He put the tie tack in and headed for the church. He had something he had to fix.
*****************
Roxanne had slipped back into Mrs. Simon’s house with no trouble. It was quiet, so she knew that everyone was still asleep. She ran a tub full of water and sat for a long time thinking what a mess she had gotten herself into. A knock sounded on the bathroom door, and Mrs. Simon had entered. She smiled her way. “I’m glad to see that Rick had the good sense to send you back home in time to get dressed for your wedding!”
Roxanne looked startled. “How’d you know?”
“A mother always knows! I do wish that you would reconsider this. But you’re as stubborn as my oldest son! I know that you won’t. I just hope that you and Rick know what you’re doing! When you finish with your bath, I’ll fix your hair. Breakfast in thirty minutes!” At that she left the room.
*****************
Rick had been at the church for two hours. He’d watched Roxie come in to dress, followed closely by his Mom.
A knock sounded loudly on the door and Mrs. Simon leaned over and opened it. Mr. Slaton was standing in the doorway. “May I have a few moments alone with my daughter?”
“Of course.” She glanced at Roxanne and then headed out to check on Rick. She went off in search of him.
“Roxanne, please...”
“Father, we’ve been through this before! There are two many of your higher up friends here for me to call this off! It would be a disgrace and I can’t do that!”
“Daughter, I don’t care if you disgrace me! I would much rather see you happy than sad! I’m so afraid if you go through with this that is how you will end up! You are all I have left. People will forget my disgrace! I am glad to see that you care for me, for my feelings! But, what of your feelings? Does your happiness not mean anything to you!?”
“Father, I’ll work it out! I care a great deal for AJ. We’ll make it.”
Mr. Slaton sighed. He knew that he was fighting a loosing battle. So he left the room. Perhaps he should find Richard.
AJ had been waiting for Rick to arrive. He hadn’t shown up. He knew that he would eventually be there since he was the best man. But he also knew that big brother wasn’t going to show until the very last minute! His mind had been going nonstop since finding the note. He thought back over all the little things that had happened between Rick and Roxanne. He had just not chosen to see the love that Rick held for her. His fascination for Roxanne had been so strong, he’d failed to see something that he should. Maybe he never really loved her. If it had only been fascination that he felt for her, it had gotten in the way of everything else. He had to find Rick before the wedding. He wanted Rick to be happy! If he married Roxanne, he knew none of them would be happy!
****************
Roxanne had just stepped into her dress and was having a little trouble zipping it up when the door opened. Rick slipped inside quickly. He’d debated on seeing her once more alone. Though he felt he shouldn’t, he couldn’t resist. He wanted to taste those sweet lips one more time!
“Mom, that you?” She turned and saw Rick and her knees went weak.
Roxie, I had to come see you one more time.” She smiled his way, moving closer. Just her nearness made him weak with desire. Pulling her into his arms, he held her tightly. “You’re a beautiful bride. I knew you would be though. I wish you could be mine!”
Rick’s back was to the door, and Roxie didn’t notice it open slowly. AJ slipped into the room. He’d waited as long as he dared and had finally gone looking for Rick. He’d turned the corner just as Rick had slipped into the room to see Roxanne.
“Roxanne, I know that Mom has been on your case. She just told me about it. I’m sorry. Maybe I should have never agreed to stay with you while AJ was away. Then again, it was bound to happen between us sooner or later. Mom just helped it along! Oh woman, I love you so!” His lips covered hers. The power of that kiss enfolded her and she wanted to melt into a puddle at his feet.
“I love you too Rick. I care for AJ, but I will never love him as much as I love you! Some how I’ll make this all work though!”
AJ had heard all he needed to hear. He pulled open the door to make it appear that he had just entered the room. Rick let go of her and turned quickly to face his brother.
“Little brother, it’s not what it looks like.” Rick’s heart was pounding. He didn’t know if it were from the kisses they’d just shared or from what he was afraid was coming next. “I was just, uh, getting in my kiss for the bride early! That’s it! If I wait on all those other people out there, I’ll never get to kiss the bride!”
AJ smiled. He sort of felt sorry as he saw the panic in Rick’s eyes at being caught holding Roxanne in his arms. “You’ll get to kiss her right after he says ‘kiss the bride’! Husband’s get the first kiss you know!”
“Say what?” Rick looked his way startled. He must have lost his mind!
“Look you two. I know! I know you love one another! I’ll step out and Rick can take my place!”
“AJ, are you nuts? You really are crazy aren’t you!”
“Stop the act Rick! I know! I found the note that you wrote to her the night before I came back. I also saw the two of you last night on the deck of your boat. I just overheard you both tell one another how you felt!”
Roxanne looked down. “AJ, I...” She moved over and reached out to caress his cheek.
“No Roxanne. It’s better this way. I’ll hurt for awhile, but I’ll live. Rick needs you much worse than I do! Go love him and give him your all! Just like you would have given me, even though you didn’t love me! I understand!” He turned and headed for the door.
“But AJ, what about the .....”
“Don’t worry about anything. You’re wasting time. The wedding is in less than five minutes!” He left the room and Rick stood there stunned.
The clock struck 2:00, and Roxanne looked up at him. Swiftly he crossed the room to her. “Roxie, did you truly mean it when you told me you loved me?”
“Oh yes Rick! So much!!”
“Then let’s do it. Let’s make it legal! Will you marry me?”
She smiled. “You know I will!”
******************
They parted by the door. Rick went to stand by AJ and the minister who had already been informed of what was going on. Roxie went in search of her father.
Looking down, he was surprised to see her smiling. Not a smile with tears....a genuine smile. Something had changed. “Things okay daughter?”
“Oh yes Father! I am about to become Mrs. Richard Simon!”
He was shocked by her words. But he knew this was right. Richard and his daughter were meant to be together. It was true happiness he was seeing in her eyes.
****************
There were a lot of strange looks being exchanged from the guests as the ceremony took place. But everyone could tell, that the couple in front of them, speaking their vows, was truly in love. Even AJ felt it. This was right. This was what was supposed to be. A man would do anything for his brother...no matter what!
Rick smiled as he leaned down to kiss the bride. Yes, for once, he got the girl!!
THE END
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