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Following her mother’s advice, she donned her new brownish bronze dress. With its boat neck, bishop sleeves, the belted dress that skimmed her mid-thighs enhanced her figure. She took longer than usual to brush her hair, apply her makeup, and rub scented lotion over her neck. She completed her outfit with high-heeled boots.
A glance at the mirror made her smile.Dressed for the kill.We’ll see.
Tim’s reaction surpassed her expectations. When she stepped into the family room and announced, “I’m ready. We can go,” he lifted his head.
His jaw sagged and his compelling eyes riveted her to the spot. Then he grinned from ear to ear. “You’re so beautiful.”
She felt like returning the compliment. He was so damn attractive in navy pants, matching blazer, and collared button down shirt. “Thank you.” Her heart fluttered in her chest, and she released a sigh of relief. Step number one had been achieved, a homerun.
“Teresa already left. I’ll take care of the children. No need to wrinkle your dress.”
Tim packed the kids into her van, and she sat next to him in the front. Her step number two was to let him take care of the children today, make him realize they loved him and needed him.
Russell received them in the vast living room. The children intimidated by the sumptuous décor and duly warned by their mother to behave, sat next to each other on the couch. Tim gathered the twins on his lap and gave them each a set of keys to play with. Fascinated by their new toys, they played quietly.
“Before we eat the excellent dinner prepared by your mother, I want to share some news,” Russell started.
“Where’s Mom?” Erin asked. “Maybe I should go and help her in the kitchen.”
“She’s not in the kitchen. She’s upstairs changing.”
“Changing?” Erin frowned and glanced at Tim, out of habit.
“You’ll see. I wanted her very elegant.”
In fact, when Teresa stepped into the room, all eyes focused on her.
“Granny, you’re so pretty,” Becky squealed.
“Yes, she is.” Russell jumped to his feet, walked to her and kissed her cheek. “Come dear. Have a seat.” He sat next to her.
Erin couldn’t believe her eyes. Had her mother visited a beauty salon just before coming? In a dark green chiffon ensemble Erin had never seen, a tight skirt and a long sleeve, round neck shift, Teresa radiated beauty and elegance.
“As I said I have important news to share. Two days ago, I had a long talk with Teresa and we agreed on several issues, so now, with her family gathered, I will do the right thing.”
Erin and Tim exchanged a glance. Impressed to be admitted into the adults’ presence for so long, the children remained quiet.
Russell held Teresa’s hand in his, “My dear Teresa, I love you, and I know you love me. Will you marry me?”
“Yes, Russell. I love you, too. I’ll be so happy to marry you.”
“All right, Granny. Just like in the movies.” David jumped to his feet, all excited.
“Wait. I’m not done.” Russell dug out a velvet box and opened it, revealing a sparkling diamond surrounded by smaller ones, and slipped it onto her finger. He bent and kissed her.
Giggling the children clapped hands.
“Oh Mom, that’s wonderful. Congratulations.” Erin stood and hugged her mother. “I’m so happy for you both.” She turned to Russell and hugged him.
Setting the twins on the floor, Tim followed her to congratulate the happy couple.
“Tim, I count on you to write a prenup form as soon as possible, my children’s condition.”
Shocked, Erin blinked. Apparently, Russell didn’t trust his fiancée unconditionally.
“I’ll do that tomorrow.” Tim nodded. “It’s a pretty standard procedure for a second marriage. The assets you have from before the wedding remain yours exclusively and are passed on to your children by inheritance. Whatever you gain after the wedding would go to your wife, and we have to decide how you want it distributed after your death.”
“Now let’s talk about our wedding, not our death,” Teresa protested. “We are getting married the first Sunday of December to celebrate Christmas together.”
