Finding Libbie (9 page)

And now her dream of marrying Jack was coming true.

Jack hid the empty bottle of champagne behind the bench and put the glasses in the bushes to retrieve later. He turned to Libbie with a grin on his face. “Should we go back into the gym?” he asked.

Gazing at him, standing there in his tux, so cute and sweet, Libbie made a decision that she’d been putting off long enough. “No. Let’s go somewhere alone.”

Jack smiled and reached for her hand. She took it, and they walked around the gym to the parking lot and got into his truck. Jack drove to the spot beside the lake that they loved best, where they could see the moon reflected off the water. It was peaceful there, and no one was around.

“Are you happy, Libbie?” Jack asked, placing his arm around her and drawing her near.

“Yes,” she said softly. She looked up into his eyes. “I can’t wait until we’re married and we can be together all the time.”

“Me, too.” He dropped his lips to hers and their tongues met and danced. Jack pulled her closer, exploring her body with his hands. She loved his touch, and she responded by running her hands inside his jacket, feeling his back muscles grow taut under her fingertips. She lay back on the seat and Jack moved over her. He kissed her slowly down her neck until he touched the sweet spot at the base of her throat and shivers ran up Libbie’s spine. She wanted more, so much more.

The champagne had made her feel warm and tingly all over, but she wasn’t at all drunk. She knew exactly what she was doing, and what she wanted. She pulled away, and Jack instantly thought she meant for him to stop.

“I’m sorry, Libbie,” he said, breathing heavily. “I should take you home.”

As he sat up and straightened his jacket, Libbie placed a hand on his arm. Jack looked at her, his eyes questioning.

“I don’t want to go home yet,” she said softly. She reached up behind his neck and pulled him to her, kissing him. But Jack pulled back.

“We really should stop, sweetie. I love kissing you, but it’s getting harder and harder to stop at just kissing.”

“Then don’t stop.”

Jack hesitated as he searched her eyes. “Are you sure?”

Libbie nodded. “Yes. I want you to make love to me, Jack.”

Jack stared at her, his eyes reflecting his love for her. “I want to. Oh God, do I want to. But not in the front seat of a truck. We’ve waited so long. We can wait a little longer. Our first time should be special.”

Libbie smiled up at Jack. “I know a place where we can go.”

Libbie gave Jack directions, and he drove the truck along the north end of the lake past all the larger homes until they came to a secluded spot with a small, dark cabin.

“Where are we?” he asked, as he parked behind the garage near the road so no one would see his truck.

“This is my uncle’s cabin. He’s my mother’s brother. He lives down in Minneapolis and rarely comes up here to use it.”

They stepped out of the truck, and Jack came around to hold Libbie’s hand as they walked to the door.

“How will we get in?” Jack asked.

“There should be a key up on the door frame.”

Jack reached up and, after getting a handful of dust, found the key. He opened the door and they walked inside. It was pitch-black inside with the shutters covering the windows. “I can’t see a thing.”

Libbie felt around and found a flashlight by the door. She snapped it on and it glowed dimly. “There’s an oil lamp on the table. There must be matches around here somewhere.” She went into the tiny kitchen and found a book of matches in a drawer by the stove, then handed them to Jack. He took the glass chimney off the oil lamp and lit it. The lamp gave off a warm, yellow glow.

“Don’t they have electricity?” he asked, glancing around.

“No, he never hooked up to it when they ran it around the lake. There’s a generator outside, but if we start that someone might hear it.”

Jack nodded. He walked over to another oil lamp on an end table in the living room and lit it, too. “These will do,” he said.

The cabin was small. The living space, dining area, and kitchen were all in one large room, and there were two small bedrooms and a tiny bathroom. There was a woodstove in the corner for heat. It was clean, except for a layer of dust, and it looked cozy. Libbie went over to the sofa and pushed the small coffee table aside.

“What are you doing?” Jack asked.

“The sofa opens up into a bed,” Libbie said. “I don’t want to disturb the bedrooms. I doubt this is used much. Come help me.” She took off the two cushions, and Jack pulled the sofa bed out. The springs creaked, but it opened up and sat firmly on the floor. Sheets were already covering the mattress.

“Well, it’s not the Ritz, but I guess it’ll do,” Jack teased. Libbie laughed nervously. He looked at her and their eyes met. Then he walked over and took her hands in his.

“Are you sure, Libbie? We can wait.”

“I’m sure. I love you, Jack. I want to make love to you.” She turned slowly. “Will you unzip me?”

Jack came up behind her and gently unzipped her dress down to the middle of her back. Without turning, Libbie slipped the dress off her shoulders and let it drop to the floor. Underneath, she wore a white satin slip. Jack placed his hands on her waist, kissing her bare shoulder. Shivers of excitement danced through Libbie.

Jack removed his jacket, tie, and cummerbund and laid them carefully over a chair. Libbie turned to face him, and he came to her and pulled her into his arms. Once they kissed, the nervousness subsided, and Libbie no longer felt self-conscious. This was Jack, the man she loved, the man she was going to marry. She trusted him completely.

He pulled away and lifted Libbie’s slip over her head. Underneath, all she wore was a bra and panties. His sharp intake of breath made her look up into his eyes, which were dark with desire. He drew her to him, slowly exploring her body with his hands.

“You’re so beautiful,” he whispered in her ear.

Her own desire growing, Libbie unbuttoned his shirt and pushed it away. He wore a T-shirt underneath, and she pulled it up so he’d take it off, too. They’d seen each other like this before many times, in their bathing suits. But this was different. Tonight, they held each other close, feeling the sensation of their bodies melding together. Libbie had never felt this beautiful before, or this desired. She loved the feel of being in Jack’s arms, against his warm skin.

Backing away, Libbie lifted her arms and pulled out the pins that held up her hair. Jack sat on the bed watching her, his breathing deepening. Once the pins were out, she brushed her fingers through her hair and shook it loose. Jack reached out and drew her to him, kissing her flat stomach while caressing her with his hands. Pulling her down beside him, they lay on the bed, holding each other close.

“Libbie,” Jack whispered, as she lay naked in his arms. He rose above her and she reached up and caressed his cheek.

“I love you, Jack,” she said. And when they finally came together, Libbie knew that she’d love Jack for the rest of her life.

CHAPTER NINE

Jack lay curled up beside Libbie, still mesmerized by how deep his feelings ran for her. After they’d made love, he’d grabbed the afghan that was folded up over a chair and covered them against the chill in the cabin. The oil lamps flickered and gave the room a warm glow, but it was nothing like the warmth he felt inside.

He’d known that he loved Libbie for a very long time, and tonight had only made their connection stronger.

He lifted himself up on one elbow and bent to kiss her gently on the cheek. “Are you okay?” he asked, worried that she didn’t feel the same way he did.

Libbie rolled over and snuggled up beside him. “Yeah. I was just thinking.”

“About what?”

She grinned. “About why we waited so long to do this. If I had known how amazing it would be, I would have seduced you a long time ago.”

Jack laughed heartily. “Well, I hear it gets better as time goes on,” he said. “With lots of practice.”

Libbie giggled. “You’re just saying that so I’ll always say yes.”

He ran his fingers through her silky hair, pushing it behind her small ear, and then dropped a kiss on her forehead. “I hope you’ll always say yes,” he said softly. “I love you so much, Libbie. I’ve loved you for so long that tonight is a dream come true. I’m afraid I’ll wake up and it will be just that—a dream.”

Libbie cupped his face in her hand. “My sweet, romantic Jack. It’s real. All of it. And I can’t wait to spend the rest of my life with you.”

He kissed her tenderly and then sighed.

“What’s wrong? Are you tired of me already?” she teased.

“Never. But it’s really late. I should take you home.”

Libbie sighed then, too, and nodded. After one last kiss, they got up and dressed. Jack zipped up her dress and she smoothed it out as best she could.

“What about your hair?” Jack asked, growing nervous. “What if your parents are waiting up and see that it’s down?”

“Don’t worry, they won’t be up. They go to the early church service on Sunday. Besides, if they are up, I’ll just say I took it down at the party. They’ll never question it.”

Jack nodded. Once they were ready, they pulled the sheets off the bed and closed it up. “What about these?”

Libbie thought a moment. “I’ll hide them in here and come back during the day and wash them. If anyone asks why I’m here, I’ll just say I’m cleaning up the cabin for my uncle. No one will think twice about that.”

“Hmm. You’re pretty good at this sneaking around thing. Should I be worried?” Jack asked, grinning.

Libbie shook her head. “With my parents, I had to learn to sneak around a little. They’re always so worried about what everyone thinks. But I’ll never lie to you, Jack. I want our marriage to be honest from the start. I hate having secrets.”

“Me, too,” Jack said.

They closed up the cabin and left. On the drive to Libbie’s house, Jack said, “I think you should hide the engagement ring until we can talk to your parents together. I want to be there when you tell them. I have a feeling it won’t be easy.”

“Okay. Maybe you can come over tomorrow night after dinner and we can tell them then. I don’t want to wait too long.”

“The sooner the better,” Jack said. He pulled up in front of her house and walked her to the door. It was dark inside except for a light on in the entryway.

“See? They’re in bed,” Libbie said.

Jack reached for Libbie and held her close. “Tonight was amazing. Every minute of it. I love you so much, Libbie.” He kissed her, then reluctantly stepped away to leave.

Libbie grabbed his hand and pulled him close one last time. “I love you, too. Don’t ever forget that. No matter what happens. Okay?”

Jack nodded. “Goodnight, Libbie.”

“Goodnight, Jack.”

He walked back to his truck and watched as she entered the house and closed the door. Then he turned his truck around and headed home, still unable to believe that he was soon going to have Libbie beside him forever.

“You’re what!” Abigail screeched from across the dining room table. Jack and Libbie sat at the other end, holding hands. Gwen and Walter were there, too, with little Lynn in her high chair, happily eating her apple pie as if nothing was happening around her.

“Now, Abbie, stay calm,” Randall said soothingly.

“We’re engaged, Mother,” Libbie said softly. As planned, Jack had come over after dinner for dessert to announce their engagement. He’d dressed in a button-up shirt, slacks, and dress shoes, as if he were going to church. Libbie had found it endearing that he’d made the effort to look nice, but she knew it wouldn’t make a difference to her mother.

“No! Absolutely not,” Abigail said, her face turning red. “I do not approve of you marrying this boy. It was one thing for you to date him, it’s quite another for you two to get married. I forbid it!”

Randall reached over and placed his hand over Abigail’s. “Abbie, please. Let’s all discuss this calmly.”

Abigail turned burning eyes on her husband. “
You
said this was just a childish crush. You assured me that it wouldn’t last. But look at what’s happened now. We should have stopped this a year ago. Can you honestly tell me you want our daughter to marry
him
?”

“Mother! Don’t talk about Jack like that. I love him. I want to spend the rest of my life with him.”

Gwen had been sitting there quietly, watching the scene play out. But at Libbie’s words, she snorted. “Love? Really, Libbie? You’re not old enough to understand what a big commitment marriage is. How can you possibly know that you love this boy?”

Libbie glared at her sister. “Who are you to talk? You weren’t much older than I am when you got married. At least I’m not pregnant and don’t
have
to get married.”

“Libbie!” Abigail said, looking aghast. “Don’t you dare talk to your sister that way. At least she married a man of means.”

Libbie was so angry, hot tears formed in her eyes. She fought to hold them back, not wanting her mother and sister to know how badly they were hurting her. She felt Jack squeeze her hand, and it gave her strength.

“Ladies, please,” Randall said more forcefully. “Enough. We will discuss this in a dignified manner.” Everyone around the table quieted. Randall composed himself and turned to Jack. “Tell me, son. What are your plans for the future? How do you propose to support our Libbie?”

Jack sat up straighter. “I’ve already completed a year at the local trade school for mechanical training. I have one more year of school, and then I will be able to get a good job as a mechanic. I’ve already spoken to the head mechanic at the Ford dealership here in town, and he said he’d be interested in hiring me when I’m finished with school. Until then, I’ll work at my uncle’s garage and with my dad.”

“Mechanic,” Abigail said with disdain. “A dirty, low-paying job. You’ll never support Libbie in the way she is accustomed.”

“Maybe not at first, ma’am,” Jack said, turning to Abigail. “But I’ll be trained in both regular engines and diesel. I’ll earn more than a regular garage mechanic when I’m done with school. Eventually, Libbie and I should have a good life.”

“Eventually,” Gwen interjected. “But what about now? What about a year from now, and the year after that? I suppose you’ll expect our parents to give you money in order to put a roof over your heads and food on your table?”

Libbie was about to lash out at her sister when she felt Jack squeeze her hand. She turned and saw the determined look on his face and the hard set of his jaw.

“I don’t expect handouts from anyone,” he told her decisively. “I will take care of Libbie without help from any of you.”

Libbie beamed up at Jack, so proud of his being able to stand up to her family.

“Well, you are a determined young man,” Randall said, a small smile on his face.

Jack turned to Libbie’s father. “I love your daughter, sir. And I respect her and only want the best for her. I will do whatever I have to to take care of her. She will always be safe with me, I promise you.”

Randall nodded. “Well said.”

Abigail stood, throwing down her napkin. She glared at Jack. “I don’t care what you say. You are not good enough to marry my daughter, and I will not let you.” With that, she stormed out of the room.

Gwen set her lips in a fine line, glaring at Libbie. “See what you’ve done? You’ve upset Mother—again.” She also left the table and followed the path her mother had taken.

Randall sighed and Walter kept silent, wiping the pie crumbs from his daughter’s face.

“Don’t worry about your mother,” Randall said, giving Libbie a weak smile. “She will come around. She always does.” He stood up and extended his hand to Jack.

Jack stood quickly and shook his hand.

“I’ll hold you to your promise, son,” Randall said, but his expression was kind. Then he walked over to Libbie and gave her a kiss on the cheek. “Congratulations on your engagement, dear. I’m sorry the news wasn’t as well accepted as it should have been.”

“Thank you, Daddy.”

Randall left the room, also heading upstairs to Abigail.

Jack and Libbie turned and looked at each other. They sighed in unison.

“Never a dull moment in this family, eh?” Walter said with a grin.

Both Jack and Libbie turned and stared at him in surprise. Then Libbie couldn’t help it—she broke out laughing, and so, finally, did Jack.

After the disastrous announcement at Libbie’s house, Jack drove her out to the farm to announce their engagement to his family. Unlike the Wilkenses, however, Jack’s family was delighted to hear that Libbie would soon join their family.

“Congratulations, sweetie,” Bev said to Libbie, giving her a warm hug. “I’m so happy for you both.” She gave Jack a hug, too. “I’m thrilled to have Libbie as a daughter.”

Norm also hugged both Libbie and his son. “Such a wonderful surprise,” he said.

“And you’ll be my sister!” Jan squealed, hugging Libbie tightly. “I’ve always wanted a sister.”

“Will you live with us?” Ray asked. “Are you going to be sharing our room with us?”

Everyone laughed as Jack explained that after they were married they’d have a place of their own. Ray seemed to like that idea better. “Then I get a room to myself,” he said cheerfully. “That’s even better.”

“Let’s celebrate,” Bev said. “I have a chocolate cake in the kitchen. Jan, come help me serve it, okay?”

“That sounds delicious,” Libbie said. She squeezed Jack’s hand. “I love your family,” she whispered to him before heading into the kitchen to help. After what she’d just gone through with her family, Libbie appreciated Jack’s loving family that much more.

Bev asked for all the details of how Jack had proposed and Libbie told them, leaving out the part about the champagne, as they all ate their cake.

“That’s so sweet,” Bev said. “I didn’t know my Jack was such a romantic.”

Jack reddened and everyone laughed.

“Have you picked a date?” Jan wanted to know. “Will it be a big wedding? Can I be a bridesmaid?”

“Jan, dear. Give them some time. They just got engaged,” Bev said, laughing.

Jack and Libbie looked at each other. Libbie knew he was thinking the same thing as she was. They had a lot of planning to do. And after her mother’s reaction, there might not be a big wedding.

“We’ll have to wait and see,” Libbie told Jan. “We haven’t talked about the wedding yet.”

They left shortly after that, with Bev telling Libbie to come out to the farm as often as she wanted that summer. There was only a week left of school and then graduation. After that, except for marrying Jack, Libbie really had no other plans.

On the drive back to Libbie’s house, they started discussing their future.

“I guess we should think about a wedding date,” Jack said.

Libbie was sitting close to Jack and turned to him. “I want to get married as soon as possible. After last night, I can’t stand the thought of us being separated for long.”

Jack smiled down at her. “Me, either. Last night was incredible. I can’t wait until we can be together every night.”

“Then let’s get married this summer, Jack. Please? I don’t care if I have a big wedding or even if my mother approves of us. I just want to be with you.”

Jack pulled the truck over at their favorite spot by the lake and parked. He turned to Libbie and took her hands in his. “I want to be with you, too, Libbie, but we have to think about our future. I should finish my second year of school before we get married. There’s really no way I can pay for school and support us if we get married this summer. But if we wait, then I can get a better job and we can start our lives right.”