Strapless
"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.
Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts,
always hopes, always perseveres."
1 Corinthians 13:4-7, The Holy Bible
Chapter 1
"[W]hen you realize you want to spend the rest of your life with somebody, you want the rest of your life to start as soon as possible."
When Harry Met Sally, Nora Ephron
At Lenox Square Mall, I see someone up ahead that looks vaguely like Ryan. Then again, I see his face in every man I pass these days, or so it seems.
As I get closer, I see that the man's resemblance to Ryan is uncanny. But it can't be him. Ryan has no reason to be in Atlanta ever again. His movie finished filming long ago and I, well, I'm not a part of his life now.
Passing by the bench that the familiar-looking guy is sitting on, I hear a guy call out.
"Carly!"
It IS him. I'd know that voice anywhere. I whirl around.
"Ryan! Hi, what are you doing here?"
"I was at Hartsfield and decided to come here during my layover. It's... it's special to me."
"The mall? Why?"
"Because I was sitting right here on this same bench when you collapsed. That's when I fell, too. Carly, there's no one else. There's never been anyone else since I met you. But what are you doing here? It's a work day."
I look up into his chocolate brown eyes incredulously. Does he honestly mean that in all the months since we broke up that he hasn't dated anyone else?
Suddenly, a memory of the last time he and I were both at the mall rushes to me. I DO remember seeing him that day. How could I have missed him?
Snapping out of it, I reply, "It's Cassidy's birthday this weekend, and I had to buy her a gift. I don't know why I keep coming here for presents for her, but..." I say, laughing, and he joins in, knowing fully well about my luck in finding Cassidy's graduation gift.
"Ryan, I..."
"No, let me speak, please. I let you do all the talking when we fought. I didn't say enough. And I know now that by not saying enough, even though you didn't want me to, I was letting you down. I should have fought for you, for us."
"Ryan, I'm sorry. It was me. It was my fault. you were trying to tell me there was no one else then, but I wouldn't listen. I was so hurt, but I realized later that by not trusting you, and trusting what we had, I was hurting you, too."
"Carly, you were right to be hurt. I DID lie to you. But I never cheated."
"I know, I do know that now. I just couldn't see how to trust you."
"Could you trust me now?"
"Sure, but..."
"Carly, I never stopped loving you. I'm hoping you feel the same way."
"Ryan, I..." I start to say.
"Carly, may I make a promise to you, as Ryan Spalding? Can I promise that for the rest of my life, I'll love you
and never give you another reason not to trust me?"
"Yes, Ryan, I'd like that."
"Then please, will you wear this ring again? I've been carrying it around for too long. It belongs to you. Like my heart, it's always been yours."
He pulls out the aquamarine ring set in diamonds, the one with the inscription promising his whole heart for his whole life.
"Carly Sparks, I know this was just supposed to be a promise ring, but will you marry me?"
"Yes, Ryan, yes!"
Chapter 2
"Grow old along with me; the best is yet to be."
Robert Browning
I throw myself into Ryan's arms, and he picks me up and swings me around. A crowd has gathered and begins to clap. Several flashes go off, and I realize that people are snapping pictures.
Moments later, Ryan's phone chirps with alerts that THE Ryan Spalding is now engaged, with pictures to prove it.
Well, THAT didn't take long!
Ryan sets me on the ground, ignoring his phone and what we both know it says. He takes my face in both of his hands and kisses me, firmly and with great passion.
Letting me go, Ryan turns to face the ever-larger crowd. "That's right, ladies. Ryan Spalding is OFF the market! I love this girl and I am going to make her my wife. Now, if you'll excuse us, we have a wedding to plan!"
Ryan gathers me up into his arms and carries me out of the mall to my car.
"Ryan," I say once he's settled into the driver's seat, "I still don't have a gift for Cassidy's birthday!"
"Why don't we give her some paint supplies? What does she need?"
"Truth be told, I'm not sure. Maybe a portable easel kit?"
"Perfect, I'll make some calls. When do you have to be down in Macon?"
"Dinner is at eight, so... four hours? Can you get an easel in two hours?"
"Absolutely. Now, I think we have some catching up to do. Shall we go back to your place?"
"Okay, but you're not allowed in the bedroom," I say shyly, "not yet."
"I understand, Carly. I know you've accepted my proposal, but I realize we have some catching up to do before we can be intimate again."
He leans over to give me a kiss, then starts up the car and drives us back to my condo. During the ride, he places a few phone calls to track down a portable easel kit.
Once at my place, he pulls the car into my spot, then gets out and runs to the passenger side. He opens my door, then picks me up out of my seat and carries me to the door. I unlock the door and let us inside. Ryan sets me on my feet, then pulls me into a tight embrace.
"Carly, don't ever leave me again! I have been lost without you, just a shell of myself." He pulls back to look at me, and I see the heartbreak that is evident in his eyes.
"I know, Ryan. I'm so sorry, so sorry that I didn't trust you. I love you. I never stopped loving you." I break down into sobs, burying my face in his chest. He holds me tightly, until I finally cough, my asthma getting the best of me.
"Shh, baby, it's okay. You have nothing to feel sorry about. You were hurt, and you had every right to be. But if you trust me now, if you still love me, then the past is the past. But you're my present, my future."
He continues to hold me as the emotions of the last several months wash over me. I cry until I feel empty, unable to produce another tear, and still he holds me, supporting my weight as I slump from the force of my pain bubbling over. I finally let go of all of the
pain, all of the distrust, that welled up inside me for far too long.
Ryan's chest rumbles to life as he begins to speak, though not to me.
"Father God, thank You for delaying my flight and bringing me back to that mall where I could see Carly again. Thank You for bringing her into my life. Thank You for the blessings you've bestowed upon me, despite my faults and flaws. I ask Your continued blessing on our life together as we begin a new chapter together. I ask for guidance in our lives, so that we may serve You and please You, Lord God. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen."
I look up at Ryan, shocked at his prayer. I can tell that he's not putting me on, but that he truly believes in the power of God and prayer.
"Ryan..." I start to speak, but I don't know quite what to say.
"Carly, I was selfish. I didn't think about you or anyone else, just myself. But I went into a church and realized that I was living a lie. I never allowed God into my life, but I know now that God brought you to me and that in order for your to forgive me, for me to have the RIGHT to ask you to forgive me, I needed to learn to forgive myself and I needed to ask for God's forgiveness. I owe Him everything, because He gave me you. You're all I want in this world, but it's only now that I feel like I really deserve you."
I look up at him, surprised by his words, but not at all surprised by God's power and grace.
Chapter 3
"Life is the first gift, love is the second, and understanding the
third.”
Marge Piercy
Just then, there's a knock at the door. Ryan crosses the room and opens the door to reveal a young man holding what appears to be a wooden briefcase.
"Oh, hey, Sam, thanks for tracking this down. Carly, this is Sam. Sam, Carly."
"Hi, umm, Carly, I've heard a lot about you." Sam blushes, and a shy grin lights up his face.
"Hi, Sam. Is this Cassidy's gift?" I ask.
Ryan answers for him, "Should be. Let's check it out."
He takes the case from Sam, then takes it back to the coffee table. He opens it, revealing an easel and compartments for paint, brushes and paper.
"Oh, Sam," I exclaim, "it's perfect!"
He blushes again, a deeper shade this time, then stammers, "Oh, umm, uhh, sure thing, Carly."
"Dude, chill out. She's just a girl. You HAVE talked to girls before, right?" Ryan asks.
"Ryan, leave him alone!" I say.
"He seems nice and found this great easel for Cassidy, and with time to spare, no less."
Ryan goes over to Sam and claps him on the back.
"Sorry, man, didn't mean to give you a hard time. Thank you for getting this to us so quickly."
Sam mutters something that sounds like "No problem" then turns and almost bolts through the open door.
"So," Ryan says jovially, "ready to go to Macon?"
"You're going with me?!" I screech.
"I was planning on it. Why? Don't you want me to go?"
"Uhh, yeah, but I thought you had a plane to catch."
"I was going to see my folks to ask their advice on how to win you back, but that appears to be a moot point now." His eyes sparkle and a wide grin lights up his features.
"Ohh, well, okay," I stammer.
"Is this an overnight trip?" he asks.
"Umm, yes," I say, "Friday through Sunday."
"Well, I've got my bag already packed, but it's in the back of the Jeep. Is your stuff ready?"
"It is. I just have to grab my toiletries and change clothes."
"Can I watch?" he asks, grinning.
"No! You stay out here. I'll... be right back!"
I run into the bedroom and shed my clothes, piece by piece. Going to my walk-in closet, I pull on a pair of ragged jeans, a lavender t-shirt and my oldest pair of running shoes. Most people dress up to see their family for a special occasion, but I've heard to dress down.
I pick up my briefcase and overnight bags, then rejoin Ryan in the living room where I find him reading an architecture coffee table book.
"Well, you look... comfortable," he says when he finally looks up at me. "What's with the outfit?"
"My parents seem to react better to me when I look more approachable. I guess this is my way of not trying to appear like I think I'm better than them. Besides, Cassidy will probably be
dressed in something covered in paint, and I don't want to distract from the birthday girl."
"Makes sense. Am I dressed okay? Or do you even want me to go? I might be a distraction, just by being there."
"Of course I want you to be there! I really think I'll need the reinforcements. Christmas was... difficult. Plus, maybe they'll act better if there's a guest."
"Gotcha, well, let's go get my bag. I'll get Sam to get my Jeep dropped off here, if that's okay. Either I can stay on the couch while I'm in town, or I can get a hotel room, whichever you prefer."
"The couch will be fine. It's pretty comfy, actually."
Chapter 4
"The family - that dear octopus from whose tentacles we never quite escape, nor, in our inmost hearts, ever quite wish to."
Dodie Smith
After picking up Ryan's bag and call Sam to make arrangements for the Jeep, Ryan and I begin the drive down I-75 to Macon.
We get off at the Arkwright Exit, then travel the few short miles to my parents' house in the Forest Hills area. It's not as big as Ryan's parents' house, but it's comfortable and has a large rec room in the finished basement.
Cassidy and her boyfriend are outside pulling shopping bags from her SUV. In comparison, my Mini Cooper looks like a toy next to her car, but I love my car and wouldn't trade it for a gas guzzler any day.
I climb out of the car first and greet Cassidy.
"Hey, birthday girl! How have you been?" I ask.
"Good," she says, guarded.
"Who's in the car?" she questions.
"That is..." I hesitate, not wanting this trip to be about me and my... engagement to Ryan. "Ryan," I say finally. She e-mailed back and forth with him when I was in the hospital, so hopefully I won't have to explain the nature of our relationship during this trip.
"Oh, your friend. Glad he was there that day!" she exclaims, heading toward the passenger side door.
Ryan gets out of the car, pulling out our bags and the gift bag containing Cassidy's gift. As he straightens up to face Cassidy, I hear her gasp.
"OH MY GOSH! Ryan Spalding is your friend Ryan?!" she shouts. "Is he my birthday gift?" Her boyfriend turns to go inside, clearly displeased with Cassidy's words.
"Uhh, no, I got you a gift. Actually, Ryan helped me with it," I say as Ryan hands over the gift bag.
"Ryan Spalding bought me a birthday present?! I have GOT to call Lainey and tell her! We have to throw a real party while y'all are here, not just the usual lame family dinner!"
She runs inside, dialing her phone as she goes. Ryan laughs, picking up our bags and following Cassidy inside.
With a sigh, I trail behind Ryan, dreading this trip. At least Cassidy isn't upset that Ryan is here, but star-struck fan wasn't exactly what I'd hoped for in bringing Ryan with me.
My mom is standing just inside the doorway as I enter, Ryan holding the screen door for me.
"Mom, it's good to see you," I say cautiously.
"Carly, come in. You brought a date?"
"Mom, this is Ryan, my..." What?
My what? I don't' know what to say, but then again, I didn't exactly hide the large ring on my left ring finger.
"Hi, Mrs. Sparks, Ryan Spalding> I'm a friend of Carly's." He smiles broadly.
"Well, come on in. Close the door. Can I get y'all something to drink?" she asks.
"Diet Coke for me. Ryan?"
"Sweet tea, if you've got it," he says kindly.
"Have we met, Ryan?" my mom asks.
"No, ma'am, I don't believe I've ever had the pleasure. I'm from Colorado and I met Carly while I was working in Atlanta. I've never made it down to Macon before."
"Oh, okay. I just thought I'd seen you somewhere before," she says. "Anyone know what Cassidy was going on about when she came through here? She was on the phone, instead of attending to
our guest."
"Well, Mom," I start to say, "she was excited about her gift and to meet Ryan. They talked a little when I had that asthma attack last May."
"Okay. But why was she so excited?"
"Mrs. Sparks, I'm an actor. I think Cassidy recognized me," Ryan says.
"That's where I know you from! You were in that movie we just rented from Netflix! Carly, go get your father, and tell him to dress up. We need to go somewhere nice for Cassidy's birthday!"
Oh, no, not her, too! My mom, normally a homebody, is star struck by my fiancé!
Chapter 5
"Family is just accident.... They don't mean to get on your nerves.
They don't even mean to be your family, they just are."
Marsha Norman
I head for the hallway to my parents' office, but before I can get out of the room, my mom shrieks.
"Carly Sparks, WHAT is that on your finger?"
"Nail polish," I say innocently.
"That ring! Is that what I THINK it is?!"
Ryan comes to my rescue, speaking before I get a chance.
"That is a promise ring I gave to Carly," he says.
Oh, good, he didn't say...
"But I have asked her to marry me, and she has said yes, making me the happiest man on the Earth."
He did NOT just spill the beans!
I thought... I thought we were keeping this under wraps! I shoot him a dirty look, but he just smiles back.
"Carly, how could you have not told me you were seeing someone, let alone engaged?! Why am I hearing about this just now, and from a total stranger to me?"
"Sorry, Mom, it's just that... Ryan and I..."
"What Carly is trying to say," Ryan butts in, "is that I've been out of the state for a few months on my last project."
At this, my mom seems temporarily pacified. The sound of a ringing phone breaks the silence.
Ryan pulls out his cell and answers "Hello?" I can hear the muffled sound of a woman's voice coming through the phone, but I can't make out what she's saying.
"Sorry, Mom, we were going to call you soon, but we're down in Macon telling Carly's folks now. Can I call you back later? I'll tell you all about it, I promise."
After a few moments, he hangs up, and then turns back to my mom, a smile on his face.
"Mom says 'hey' to you both. She sends her best and hopes we can all get together soon so she can meet you, Mrs. Sparks." Oh, goodie, THAT will be FUN! Right. Maybe we can throw a big, loud
engagement party so there won't really be an opportunity for everyone to exchange stories.
I head down the hallway to find my dad, who is grading essays in his office.
"Dad?" I say, knocking on the open door. "I'm home."
"Carly! You're here a little early! And did I hear a guy's voice? Didn't sound like Cassidy's boyfriend."
"Yes, Dad, I brought someone down with me."
"A date, or a boyfriend?"
"A... well, you'll find out later anyways," I say tentatively, "fiancé."
"Are you pregnant?!"
"No, Dad!" I exclaim, blushing furiously. "I'm NOT pregnant!"
"Then why haven't I met this young man who has proposed to you? Why didn't he ask for your hand in marriage?"
My dad is starting to get angry and his voice is rising in both pitch and intensity.
"Dad, he probably wanted to make sure I would say yes before finding out if YOU would!"
Now it's my voice that's raised.
"Go get him. NOW!" Dad says, his voice no nonsense. Yikes! I remember that voice. It usually preceded someone (Cassidy) getting grounded for some heinous offense, like wrecking the car or breaking curfew.
I retreat to the living room and explain the situation to Ryan.
"It's okay, babe," he says reassuringly, "it'll be fine."
He follows me down the hallway.
I knock on the door again, then announce, "Dad? This is Ryan Spalding. Ryan, my dad, John Sparks."
Ryan steps forward, his right hand outstretched. My dad ignores it and asks, "Why didn't you come to me, man to man, and ask for my girl's hand in marriage?"
"Dad!" I yell, "Be nice!"
"Sir, my apologies. I just got back to Georgia and I got so excited to see Carly that I couldn't help myself. I love your daughter, Mr. Sparks, but I'm sorry, I can't ask for your permission to marry her."
My dad sputters as he begins to protest Ryan's words.
"I won't ask for your permission because if you said no, you'd break her heart, if she had to choose between us. but she loves me, too, and she's said yes. So I hope you'll respect her wishes, and give us your blessing."
My dad sits there, stunned. He's not exactly used to people standing up to him. Even Cassidy's boyfriend answers in one word responses, and they've been dating for YEARS.
Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts,
always hopes, always perseveres."
1 Corinthians 13:4-7, The Holy Bible
Chapter 1
"[W]hen you realize you want to spend the rest of your life with somebody, you want the rest of your life to start as soon as possible."
When Harry Met Sally, Nora Ephron
At Lenox Square Mall, I see someone up ahead that looks vaguely like Ryan. Then again, I see his face in every man I pass these days, or so it seems.
As I get closer, I see that the man's resemblance to Ryan is uncanny. But it can't be him. Ryan has no reason to be in Atlanta ever again. His movie finished filming long ago and I, well, I'm not a part of his life now.
Passing by the bench that the familiar-looking guy is sitting on, I hear a guy call out.
"Carly!"
It IS him. I'd know that voice anywhere. I whirl around.
"Ryan! Hi, what are you doing here?"
"I was at Hartsfield and decided to come here during my layover. It's... it's special to me."
"The mall? Why?"
"Because I was sitting right here on this same bench when you collapsed. That's when I fell, too. Carly, there's no one else. There's never been anyone else since I met you. But what are you doing here? It's a work day."
I look up into his chocolate brown eyes incredulously. Does he honestly mean that in all the months since we broke up that he hasn't dated anyone else?
Suddenly, a memory of the last time he and I were both at the mall rushes to me. I DO remember seeing him that day. How could I have missed him?
Snapping out of it, I reply, "It's Cassidy's birthday this weekend, and I had to buy her a gift. I don't know why I keep coming here for presents for her, but..." I say, laughing, and he joins in, knowing fully well about my luck in finding Cassidy's graduation gift.
"Ryan, I..."
"No, let me speak, please. I let you do all the talking when we fought. I didn't say enough. And I know now that by not saying enough, even though you didn't want me to, I was letting you down. I should have fought for you, for us."
"Ryan, I'm sorry. It was me. It was my fault. you were trying to tell me there was no one else then, but I wouldn't listen. I was so hurt, but I realized later that by not trusting you, and trusting what we had, I was hurting you, too."
"Carly, you were right to be hurt. I DID lie to you. But I never cheated."
"I know, I do know that now. I just couldn't see how to trust you."
"Could you trust me now?"
"Sure, but..."
"Carly, I never stopped loving you. I'm hoping you feel the same way."
"Ryan, I..." I start to say.
"Carly, may I make a promise to you, as Ryan Spalding? Can I promise that for the rest of my life, I'll love you
and never give you another reason not to trust me?"
"Yes, Ryan, I'd like that."
"Then please, will you wear this ring again? I've been carrying it around for too long. It belongs to you. Like my heart, it's always been yours."
He pulls out the aquamarine ring set in diamonds, the one with the inscription promising his whole heart for his whole life.
"Carly Sparks, I know this was just supposed to be a promise ring, but will you marry me?"
"Yes, Ryan, yes!"
Chapter 2
"Grow old along with me; the best is yet to be."
Robert Browning
I throw myself into Ryan's arms, and he picks me up and swings me around. A crowd has gathered and begins to clap. Several flashes go off, and I realize that people are snapping pictures.
Moments later, Ryan's phone chirps with alerts that THE Ryan Spalding is now engaged, with pictures to prove it.
Well, THAT didn't take long!
Ryan sets me on the ground, ignoring his phone and what we both know it says. He takes my face in both of his hands and kisses me, firmly and with great passion.
Letting me go, Ryan turns to face the ever-larger crowd. "That's right, ladies. Ryan Spalding is OFF the market! I love this girl and I am going to make her my wife. Now, if you'll excuse us, we have a wedding to plan!"
Ryan gathers me up into his arms and carries me out of the mall to my car.
"Ryan," I say once he's settled into the driver's seat, "I still don't have a gift for Cassidy's birthday!"
"Why don't we give her some paint supplies? What does she need?"
"Truth be told, I'm not sure. Maybe a portable easel kit?"
"Perfect, I'll make some calls. When do you have to be down in Macon?"
"Dinner is at eight, so... four hours? Can you get an easel in two hours?"
"Absolutely. Now, I think we have some catching up to do. Shall we go back to your place?"
"Okay, but you're not allowed in the bedroom," I say shyly, "not yet."
"I understand, Carly. I know you've accepted my proposal, but I realize we have some catching up to do before we can be intimate again."
He leans over to give me a kiss, then starts up the car and drives us back to my condo. During the ride, he places a few phone calls to track down a portable easel kit.
Once at my place, he pulls the car into my spot, then gets out and runs to the passenger side. He opens my door, then picks me up out of my seat and carries me to the door. I unlock the door and let us inside. Ryan sets me on my feet, then pulls me into a tight embrace.
"Carly, don't ever leave me again! I have been lost without you, just a shell of myself." He pulls back to look at me, and I see the heartbreak that is evident in his eyes.
"I know, Ryan. I'm so sorry, so sorry that I didn't trust you. I love you. I never stopped loving you." I break down into sobs, burying my face in his chest. He holds me tightly, until I finally cough, my asthma getting the best of me.
"Shh, baby, it's okay. You have nothing to feel sorry about. You were hurt, and you had every right to be. But if you trust me now, if you still love me, then the past is the past. But you're my present, my future."
He continues to hold me as the emotions of the last several months wash over me. I cry until I feel empty, unable to produce another tear, and still he holds me, supporting my weight as I slump from the force of my pain bubbling over. I finally let go of all of the
pain, all of the distrust, that welled up inside me for far too long.
Ryan's chest rumbles to life as he begins to speak, though not to me.
"Father God, thank You for delaying my flight and bringing me back to that mall where I could see Carly again. Thank You for bringing her into my life. Thank You for the blessings you've bestowed upon me, despite my faults and flaws. I ask Your continued blessing on our life together as we begin a new chapter together. I ask for guidance in our lives, so that we may serve You and please You, Lord God. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen."
I look up at Ryan, shocked at his prayer. I can tell that he's not putting me on, but that he truly believes in the power of God and prayer.
"Ryan..." I start to speak, but I don't know quite what to say.
"Carly, I was selfish. I didn't think about you or anyone else, just myself. But I went into a church and realized that I was living a lie. I never allowed God into my life, but I know now that God brought you to me and that in order for your to forgive me, for me to have the RIGHT to ask you to forgive me, I needed to learn to forgive myself and I needed to ask for God's forgiveness. I owe Him everything, because He gave me you. You're all I want in this world, but it's only now that I feel like I really deserve you."
I look up at him, surprised by his words, but not at all surprised by God's power and grace.
Chapter 3
"Life is the first gift, love is the second, and understanding the
third.”
Marge Piercy
Just then, there's a knock at the door. Ryan crosses the room and opens the door to reveal a young man holding what appears to be a wooden briefcase.
"Oh, hey, Sam, thanks for tracking this down. Carly, this is Sam. Sam, Carly."
"Hi, umm, Carly, I've heard a lot about you." Sam blushes, and a shy grin lights up his face.
"Hi, Sam. Is this Cassidy's gift?" I ask.
Ryan answers for him, "Should be. Let's check it out."
He takes the case from Sam, then takes it back to the coffee table. He opens it, revealing an easel and compartments for paint, brushes and paper.
"Oh, Sam," I exclaim, "it's perfect!"
He blushes again, a deeper shade this time, then stammers, "Oh, umm, uhh, sure thing, Carly."
"Dude, chill out. She's just a girl. You HAVE talked to girls before, right?" Ryan asks.
"Ryan, leave him alone!" I say.
"He seems nice and found this great easel for Cassidy, and with time to spare, no less."
Ryan goes over to Sam and claps him on the back.
"Sorry, man, didn't mean to give you a hard time. Thank you for getting this to us so quickly."
Sam mutters something that sounds like "No problem" then turns and almost bolts through the open door.
"So," Ryan says jovially, "ready to go to Macon?"
"You're going with me?!" I screech.
"I was planning on it. Why? Don't you want me to go?"
"Uhh, yeah, but I thought you had a plane to catch."
"I was going to see my folks to ask their advice on how to win you back, but that appears to be a moot point now." His eyes sparkle and a wide grin lights up his features.
"Ohh, well, okay," I stammer.
"Is this an overnight trip?" he asks.
"Umm, yes," I say, "Friday through Sunday."
"Well, I've got my bag already packed, but it's in the back of the Jeep. Is your stuff ready?"
"It is. I just have to grab my toiletries and change clothes."
"Can I watch?" he asks, grinning.
"No! You stay out here. I'll... be right back!"
I run into the bedroom and shed my clothes, piece by piece. Going to my walk-in closet, I pull on a pair of ragged jeans, a lavender t-shirt and my oldest pair of running shoes. Most people dress up to see their family for a special occasion, but I've heard to dress down.
I pick up my briefcase and overnight bags, then rejoin Ryan in the living room where I find him reading an architecture coffee table book.
"Well, you look... comfortable," he says when he finally looks up at me. "What's with the outfit?"
"My parents seem to react better to me when I look more approachable. I guess this is my way of not trying to appear like I think I'm better than them. Besides, Cassidy will probably be
dressed in something covered in paint, and I don't want to distract from the birthday girl."
"Makes sense. Am I dressed okay? Or do you even want me to go? I might be a distraction, just by being there."
"Of course I want you to be there! I really think I'll need the reinforcements. Christmas was... difficult. Plus, maybe they'll act better if there's a guest."
"Gotcha, well, let's go get my bag. I'll get Sam to get my Jeep dropped off here, if that's okay. Either I can stay on the couch while I'm in town, or I can get a hotel room, whichever you prefer."
"The couch will be fine. It's pretty comfy, actually."
Chapter 4
"The family - that dear octopus from whose tentacles we never quite escape, nor, in our inmost hearts, ever quite wish to."
Dodie Smith
After picking up Ryan's bag and call Sam to make arrangements for the Jeep, Ryan and I begin the drive down I-75 to Macon.
We get off at the Arkwright Exit, then travel the few short miles to my parents' house in the Forest Hills area. It's not as big as Ryan's parents' house, but it's comfortable and has a large rec room in the finished basement.
Cassidy and her boyfriend are outside pulling shopping bags from her SUV. In comparison, my Mini Cooper looks like a toy next to her car, but I love my car and wouldn't trade it for a gas guzzler any day.
I climb out of the car first and greet Cassidy.
"Hey, birthday girl! How have you been?" I ask.
"Good," she says, guarded.
"Who's in the car?" she questions.
"That is..." I hesitate, not wanting this trip to be about me and my... engagement to Ryan. "Ryan," I say finally. She e-mailed back and forth with him when I was in the hospital, so hopefully I won't have to explain the nature of our relationship during this trip.
"Oh, your friend. Glad he was there that day!" she exclaims, heading toward the passenger side door.
Ryan gets out of the car, pulling out our bags and the gift bag containing Cassidy's gift. As he straightens up to face Cassidy, I hear her gasp.
"OH MY GOSH! Ryan Spalding is your friend Ryan?!" she shouts. "Is he my birthday gift?" Her boyfriend turns to go inside, clearly displeased with Cassidy's words.
"Uhh, no, I got you a gift. Actually, Ryan helped me with it," I say as Ryan hands over the gift bag.
"Ryan Spalding bought me a birthday present?! I have GOT to call Lainey and tell her! We have to throw a real party while y'all are here, not just the usual lame family dinner!"
She runs inside, dialing her phone as she goes. Ryan laughs, picking up our bags and following Cassidy inside.
With a sigh, I trail behind Ryan, dreading this trip. At least Cassidy isn't upset that Ryan is here, but star-struck fan wasn't exactly what I'd hoped for in bringing Ryan with me.
My mom is standing just inside the doorway as I enter, Ryan holding the screen door for me.
"Mom, it's good to see you," I say cautiously.
"Carly, come in. You brought a date?"
"Mom, this is Ryan, my..." What?
My what? I don't' know what to say, but then again, I didn't exactly hide the large ring on my left ring finger.
"Hi, Mrs. Sparks, Ryan Spalding> I'm a friend of Carly's." He smiles broadly.
"Well, come on in. Close the door. Can I get y'all something to drink?" she asks.
"Diet Coke for me. Ryan?"
"Sweet tea, if you've got it," he says kindly.
"Have we met, Ryan?" my mom asks.
"No, ma'am, I don't believe I've ever had the pleasure. I'm from Colorado and I met Carly while I was working in Atlanta. I've never made it down to Macon before."
"Oh, okay. I just thought I'd seen you somewhere before," she says. "Anyone know what Cassidy was going on about when she came through here? She was on the phone, instead of attending to
our guest."
"Well, Mom," I start to say, "she was excited about her gift and to meet Ryan. They talked a little when I had that asthma attack last May."
"Okay. But why was she so excited?"
"Mrs. Sparks, I'm an actor. I think Cassidy recognized me," Ryan says.
"That's where I know you from! You were in that movie we just rented from Netflix! Carly, go get your father, and tell him to dress up. We need to go somewhere nice for Cassidy's birthday!"
Oh, no, not her, too! My mom, normally a homebody, is star struck by my fiancé!
Chapter 5
"Family is just accident.... They don't mean to get on your nerves.
They don't even mean to be your family, they just are."
Marsha Norman
I head for the hallway to my parents' office, but before I can get out of the room, my mom shrieks.
"Carly Sparks, WHAT is that on your finger?"
"Nail polish," I say innocently.
"That ring! Is that what I THINK it is?!"
Ryan comes to my rescue, speaking before I get a chance.
"That is a promise ring I gave to Carly," he says.
Oh, good, he didn't say...
"But I have asked her to marry me, and she has said yes, making me the happiest man on the Earth."
He did NOT just spill the beans!
I thought... I thought we were keeping this under wraps! I shoot him a dirty look, but he just smiles back.
"Carly, how could you have not told me you were seeing someone, let alone engaged?! Why am I hearing about this just now, and from a total stranger to me?"
"Sorry, Mom, it's just that... Ryan and I..."
"What Carly is trying to say," Ryan butts in, "is that I've been out of the state for a few months on my last project."
At this, my mom seems temporarily pacified. The sound of a ringing phone breaks the silence.
Ryan pulls out his cell and answers "Hello?" I can hear the muffled sound of a woman's voice coming through the phone, but I can't make out what she's saying.
"Sorry, Mom, we were going to call you soon, but we're down in Macon telling Carly's folks now. Can I call you back later? I'll tell you all about it, I promise."
After a few moments, he hangs up, and then turns back to my mom, a smile on his face.
"Mom says 'hey' to you both. She sends her best and hopes we can all get together soon so she can meet you, Mrs. Sparks." Oh, goodie, THAT will be FUN! Right. Maybe we can throw a big, loud
engagement party so there won't really be an opportunity for everyone to exchange stories.
I head down the hallway to find my dad, who is grading essays in his office.
"Dad?" I say, knocking on the open door. "I'm home."
"Carly! You're here a little early! And did I hear a guy's voice? Didn't sound like Cassidy's boyfriend."
"Yes, Dad, I brought someone down with me."
"A date, or a boyfriend?"
"A... well, you'll find out later anyways," I say tentatively, "fiancé."
"Are you pregnant?!"
"No, Dad!" I exclaim, blushing furiously. "I'm NOT pregnant!"
"Then why haven't I met this young man who has proposed to you? Why didn't he ask for your hand in marriage?"
My dad is starting to get angry and his voice is rising in both pitch and intensity.
"Dad, he probably wanted to make sure I would say yes before finding out if YOU would!"
Now it's my voice that's raised.
"Go get him. NOW!" Dad says, his voice no nonsense. Yikes! I remember that voice. It usually preceded someone (Cassidy) getting grounded for some heinous offense, like wrecking the car or breaking curfew.
I retreat to the living room and explain the situation to Ryan.
"It's okay, babe," he says reassuringly, "it'll be fine."
He follows me down the hallway.
I knock on the door again, then announce, "Dad? This is Ryan Spalding. Ryan, my dad, John Sparks."
Ryan steps forward, his right hand outstretched. My dad ignores it and asks, "Why didn't you come to me, man to man, and ask for my girl's hand in marriage?"
"Dad!" I yell, "Be nice!"
"Sir, my apologies. I just got back to Georgia and I got so excited to see Carly that I couldn't help myself. I love your daughter, Mr. Sparks, but I'm sorry, I can't ask for your permission to marry her."
My dad sputters as he begins to protest Ryan's words.
"I won't ask for your permission because if you said no, you'd break her heart, if she had to choose between us. but she loves me, too, and she's said yes. So I hope you'll respect her wishes, and give us your blessing."
My dad sits there, stunned. He's not exactly used to people standing up to him. Even Cassidy's boyfriend answers in one word responses, and they've been dating for YEARS.