Carol Higgins Clark Boxed Set - Volume 1: This eBook collection contains Zapped, Cursed, and Wrecked. (66 page)

When Jack returned, they read the papers, then went for a long walk on the beach. It felt great to be out in the sunshine. They ran into Dan and were introduced to his boss who’d come down for the day. They’d been strolling along, deep in discussion, obviously enjoying themselves.

At 5:30 they left the house. Jack was wearing a jacket and tie, Regan a cocktail dress.

The restaurant was elegant but stuffy. Everyone spoke in hushed serious tones. The floorboards creaked as they followed the hostess to their table. But the food was delicious. They refused dessert.

“We have to go home and have that wedding cake or my mother will be very disappointed,” Regan said.

Driving home, as they were passing Ginny and Fran’s house, Jack said, “Regan, I think we have the whole block to ourselves. Dan and Dorie left.”

“Unbelievable.”

Jack parked the car, and they got out.

“Will you look at that full moon?” Jack asked as he came around to take Regan’s hand. They were standing at the back of the car. “It’s such a beautiful night. I think I’d like to ask my wife to dance with me in the moonlight. It is our first anniversary, after all.” He looked down at her.

Regan smiled. “Let’s dance.”

He led her to the end of the driveway, took her in his arms, and they started slow dancing. “My love,” Jack sang, “there’s only you in my life . . .” Regan joined him in song. They laughed at how bad they sounded but it didn’t stop them. “My Endless Love” was followed by “Just the Way You Look Tonight” and “Till There Was You” . . .

“Okay,” Jack finally said. “I’ve made a decision. Every year on our anniversary, I’m going to carry you over the threshold.” He scooped Regan up and then
twirled her around. They were both giddy. As he started up the walk, Regan tapped him on the shoulder. Jack stopped and looked down. “Pardon me, boy?” she sang. “Is that the Chattanooga choo choo?”

“Oooh, oooh, oooh” Jack sang. “Dah, dah, dah, dah.” He twirled her around again. “Is that the Chattanooga choo choo?” he sang as he carried her up the steps.

He put the key in the door, pushed it open, and carried Regan over the threshold. “Alone at last!” he cried, then flicked on the light.

“Surprise!”
Ginny, Fran, Kit, Pippy, Ellen, Nora, Luke, Eileen, Dennis, Adele and Jimmy, Skip, Lila, Fern, Dorie, Dan, Mickey McPhee, Devon and his cast were standing in the living room.

Ginny came running over. “I wanted to go out there and cut in. I hope you don’t mind, but we all wanted to celebrate with you tonight. What a crazy weekend it’s been! We figured you wouldn’t mind one more surprise. You have so many people who love you!”

Regan and Jack were smiling as he put her down.

“We don’t mind, do we Regan?”

“No. I don’t think Devon will ever hire us to be in any of his musicals . . .”

“You have potential!” Devon assured them.

Everyone laughed.

While they were laughing, Ginny whispered to Regan. “Adele comes back from the dead and lands a man one-two-three.” She rolled her eyes. “What am I doing wrong?”

“A few lessons is all it takes,” Devon continued.

“I must say,” Jack said. “We
never
suspected this.”

“Not in the least,” Regan agreed.

Kit handed them glasses of champagne. Under her breath she said, “Ginny’s idea.”

“It’s fine,” Regan said.

Adele Hopkins raised her glass. “Regan and Jack. Thank you for giving me my life back. In more ways than one.” Jimmy’s arm was around Adele. He kissed her on the top of her head. They looked like they belonged together.

Regan and Jack held up their glasses. “We couldn’t be happier for you,” Regan said.

“Hear, hear,” Devon cried.

The crowd echoed his words and sipped their Champagne.

Ellen came forward holding a gift box. “Thank you both,” she said. “If not for you, I wouldn’t be here. I made you a pillow embroidered with a sentiment that I thought would be perfect for your anniversary. I know it’s what everyone in this room wishes for you.” She pulled the top off the box and held it out for them to see.

Regan smiled. “That is perfect.”

“Thank you, Ellen,” Jack said, then looked down at Regan. “It’s my fondest hope.”

“Mine too.” Regan turned and gazed back at the words:

MAY YOU GROW OLD ON ONE PILLOW