Unforgettable (34 page)

“What can I do to help?” Patrick asked as she pulled away to continue searching through his kitchen cabinets.

“Tell me where the baking dish is!”

***

Since she lost her parents and Andy, Breezy had spent every Christmas with Susan…it had become their tradition. They would both pitch in to prepare Christmas dinner and opened their presents afterwards. This year, there was more food than they knew what to do with. So many people had brought covered dishes over to help Breezy through the holidays that it would take them a week to eat it all. Also, Patrick had now joined them to share in the spirit of the holidays and Breezy would be returning to his apartment this evening, rather than to Susan and Tom’s.

Throughout dinner, they laughed and talked happily. Of course, there were moments during the day when Breezy seemed a little sad and they allowed her to feel sad…briefly. It was part of the healing process but she always bounced right back. Frank’s name was never mentioned…not because they were avoiding the subject, but simply because there was too much to be thankful for to bring up something so evil. It was a day for rejoicing and that was exactly what they did.

Tom built a fire in the fireplace and put on Christmas music as they gathered around the Christmas tree to open presents. Among other gifts, Breezy received two new angels and a new water globe from Patrick to restart her collection. Although they didn’t seem to upset her, Patrick decided not to tell her what he’d gone through to make sure he didn’t get one she already had.

Heidi had them all screaming with laughter as she attacked the wrapping paper as it was removed from the presents. She wound up with a big yellow bow stuck to the end of her stubby little tail and chased it for several minutes before she was able to remove it.

At a subtle signal from Patrick, Tom and Susan slipped out of the room without Breezy noticing, taking the dog with them.

When she began to clean up the wrapping paper scattered all over the floor, Patrick grabbed her gently by the hand to stop her.

“There’s one more present down here with your name on it, angel,” he said.

“For me?” she asked, sitting back down in front of the tree. “From whom?”

“Open it and find out,” he replied, handing her a large square box.

“What have you done?” she laughed.

Patrick just smiled and raised an eyebrow at her.

“This isn’t something that’s going to jump out and scare me, is it?” she joked.

Patrick continued smiling and shook his head, although he feared what was in the box would scare her to death.

Breezy opened the package to reveal a smaller box wrapped in Christmas paper.

“Getting tricky on me, huh?” she said, grinning brightly.

Patrick was chewing on his thumb at this point. He hadn’t expected to be this nervous but he wasn’t sure how she’d take his idea, or what her reaction would be. He didn’t know if she’d even realize what the gift meant.

Breezy began unwrapping the box, which was about half the size of the one she’d started out with. Inside was a beautiful, rectangular, hand carved Irish jewel box with a Celtic Heart knot carved into the lid. The box was made to play music whenever it was picked up and was now playing, “When Irish Eyes Are Smiling.” A large, red silk bow tied around the box kept Breezy from opening it.

“It’s beautiful, Patrick! I love this song, too. Thank you so much!” she replied, leaning over to kiss him warmly and thoroughly. They were both breathing a little heavier when she finally pulled back, her eyes glittering at the thought of what she wanted to do to him when they got back to his apartment later that evening.

“That’s not all, angel. Open it,” Patrick said, running his fingers nervously through his tousled black hair.

“There’s no way there’s another box in here,” Breezy gasped, looking at each side of the small box that was little larger than her hand.

She removed the small tag that read, “To my Angel Breezy, with Love, Patrick.” Carefully removing the ribbons, Breezy opened the velvet lined box and stared in awe at the ring nestled inside.

Patrick watched her circumspectly and realized she hadn’t had the slightest idea of what would be in the box. His nerves were now epically off the charts.

“Patrick,” she exclaimed in awe, “this is a Claddagh!”

She was stunned. Surely, being Irish himself, he understood the significance of a Claddagh ring!

Patrick merely gazed at her, pleased that she recognized the ring for what it was, but said nothing.

“It’s a… an Irish wedding band,” she said, finally looking up at him with tears in her eyes.

He saw several emotions flicker across her face, among them amazement, confusion and love, but there was no sign of fear. He reached over and picked up the tag she’d removed from the box a moment ago. Turning it over to the reverse side, he handed it back to her so she could see where he had written the words, “Will you marry me?”

Breezy read the words and began to tremble. She looked up at him again, tears falling freely and unchecked from her glistening blue eyes.

Patrick took the ring from the box and placed it on her finger as he spoke.

“Long ago, a young man was captured and sold into slavery from the fishing village of Claddagh. Many years passed and he wondered if his true love would wait for him. Over the years, he stole tiny bits of gold from his master to make a ring for her. He fashioned a heart for love, a crown for loyalty, and hands as a symbol of friendship. After many years, he finally returned home to Claddagh. Upon his return, to his great joy, he discovered his true love had indeed waited for him. He gave her the ring as a symbol of their love, loyalty and friendship forever. That ring is now known as the Claddagh,” Patrick told her.

“When worn on the right ring finger with the heart, pointing to the fingertip, the wearer is free of any attachment. On the same finger, but the other way around, with the heart pointing away from the fingertip, it suggests someone is romantically involved. But, when the ring is on the left hand wedding ring finger, it means the person is engaged or married,” he continued.

“You told me once that I had lousy timing. But, Breezy, I love you with all my heart and I want to be a part of your life forever. You have to start your life over now anyway…won’t you start it with me? Make me the happiest man on earth and marry me?” Patrick asked, all his love shining right there in his eyes for her to see.

Breezy searched his eyes and face for what seemed like endless moments to Patrick. Suddenly, she threw her arms around his neck and hugged him fiercely, crying uncontrollably. This was like something from one of her childhood fairytale dreams, only this time it was real. This time, she’d found the one true love she’d searched for her whole life and he loved her just as much as she loved him!

They were both on their knees, Patrick holding her tightly. He was a little confused because he wasn’t sure if she was hugging him and telling him “yes,” or if it was an “I’m so sorry, I can’t” hug.

“Will you marry me, angel?” he asked again.

Breezy wiped the tears from her eyes and nodded her head.

“Yes?” he questioned.

“Yes,” she whispered.

Patrick stood up, scooped her off the floor, and swung her around several times, all in one swift movement, making Breezy feel dizzy and lightheaded. She laughed at the excitement and pure joy her answer had given him.

Leaving Heidi in the kitchen, Susan and Tom reentered the room laughing and cheering. Susan’s tears of joy were only outdone by Breezy’s. Kisses, hugs and handshakes were exchanged all around.

After only a few moments of thought, the wedding date was set for March 17th, St. Patrick’s Day.

They immediately began making plans. The four of them gathered around the dining room table with Susan taking notes. After several minutes of discussing ideas, Breezy suddenly began to giggle. It wasn’t long before her laughter grew uncontrollable as tears rolled down her cheeks and still, she kept on laughing.

“You wanna let us in on the joke, kiddo?” Tom asked.

Breezy was literally cackling, holding her stomach and gasping for breath between bouts of laughter.

“Breezy! Really, what in the world is so funny?” Susan asked.

“Oh, my God! Don’t...don’t you get it?” she gasped, trying to catch her breath.

“I think she’s finally lost it, guys,” Patrick laughed. As long as she was laughing, nothing could possibly be all that wrong.

“You don’t... get it...” she managed to reply.

“Get what?” they all asked at the same time.

“Once we’re married...oh, God!” she was out of control again. Nothing could stop her laughter.

Tom, Susan and Patrick glanced at each other, befuddled as to what she found so funny about getting married.

“I’m going...to be Mrs. Day!” Breezy squeaked between fits of giggles.

“And this is funny because...?” Tom asked.

“My name will be...Breezy Spring Day!” she said, completely giving in to the debilitating giggles.

Tom, Susan and Patrick all looked at each other and exploded into fits of laughter.

Chapter 18 “Hell Hath No Fury”

Six Weeks Later

Susan and Breezy sat at Susan’s kitchen table browsing through bridal magazines while Susan’s favorite Adele CD played in the background. It hadn’t taken the four of them long to realize that, if Patrick and Breezy were to be married on St. Patrick’s Day, they were going to have to split up responsibilities in order to put this wedding together on time.

Patrick had wanted to pay for everything. He was prepared to call in the best wedding planners, the best designers, best caterer’s…everything, but Breezy wouldn’t hear of it. She was nothing if not a traditionalist and insisted on planning their wedding with her friends. Susan agreed with Breezy, assuring him they were fully capable of handling all the preparations themselves.

Outgunned and outnumbered, Patrick acceded to her wishes…he knew how to pick his battles. If that’s what his angel wanted, then she could have the wedding just as she wanted it. Nevertheless, he often reminded her that, if it got to be too much, all she had to do was say the word and he’d have an entire team here within 24 hours to do her bidding. Breezy would just smile, kiss his cheek and thank him for the offer.

So, Tom agreed to take care of securing the church, renting the reception hall, and arranging transportation for Patrick and Breezy on the day of the wedding. He also volunteered to hire the entertainment for the reception afterwards.

Susan’s job was to plan the reception, all the decorations for the church and the reception hall, and also to find appropriate apparel for the bridesmaids and ushers.

Patrick took over everything involving the honeymoon, which would remain a secret until after the wedding. It was also his job to make himself readily available, at a moment’s notice, should Breezy or Susan need him for any other wedding issues, and to see to Breezy’s wedding gift, which she also knew nothing about.

Breezy’s sole responsibility was to find, or make, the perfect wedding dress. With only five weeks left, she was starting to get a little stressed.

“I don’t know, Susan. That’s the seventh magazine and I still haven’t seen a really great dress. I’ve gotten some good ideas, but…they just aren’t “it,” ya know?” Breezy grumbled in frustration.

“I know, honey. We’ll find it, though. You didn’t settle for just any guy and you’re not going to settle for just any ol’ dress. If we can’t find one in the next pile of magazines, then we’ll sit down tonight with all these ideas we’ve got and design it ourselves. We won’t stop until it’s perfect, either,” Susan said just as the phone rang.

Just then, Breezy noticed Adele’s lyrics declaring how love sometimes lasts but that it can hurt instead. Her whole body glowed with the conviction that the love she and Patrick shared was most certainly meant to last…and she knew he’d never hurt her.

“I’ll get it, sweetie. I need to stretch my legs anyway,” Breezy said as she stood up from her chair and went into the living room to answer the phone.

While she was talking to Janet, a loud clatter came from the kitchen.

“Susan? You okay?” Breezy hollered, holding her hand over the mouthpiece.

There was no immediate reply, which was not like Susan, then…

“Breezy?”

“Just a minute, Susan. I’m still on the phone. Be right there, hon,” Breezy called back to her.

“Breezy! Come here!”

“Look, Janet. I gotta go…Susan may have just found the dress. I know, right? Okay…yes that’s fine. Sure thing. Bye, hon,” she said and hung up the phone.

“Susan? Did you find it? Did you fin…” Breezy started to say as she headed back to the kitchen.

Thinking of the babies Susan was carrying and the difficulties she’d been having lately, Breezy quickened her pace. The sight that greeted her made her freeze midway through the kitchen entrance, all the blood draining from her face.

“Oh, Breezy! I’m so sorry…”Susan sobbed.

The opening beats of Adele’s “Rolling in the Deep” shook her brain like a time bomb ticking in the distance, only the time bomb was right in front of her.

“Shut up, bitch!” Frank growled menacingly.

The chain lock to the back door and part of the door frame lay on the floor near Susan’s feet. Frank had one arm hooked around her throat while he held a gun to her head with his right hand. She noticed just how bad Frank looked. He’d lost nearly fifty pounds and it made him look sick. His hair was much longer and very dirty, as if he hadn’t bathed in months. His clothes were filthy and stained, but it was his face and his eyes that drew her attention the most. His face was drawn and his cold eyes were sunk deep in his skull, filled with a hatred she couldn’t even begin to fathom. Although Frank was a mere shell of the man he once was, he radiated pure evil and she knew they were in deep trouble.

Carl’s words echoed in Breezy’s mind
…not only arson…two counts of attempted murder…forgery, felony possession of cocaine and…rape and murder…”
If anything happened to Susan because of some jerk-off she’d brought into her life, she wouldn’t be able to live with herself.