Milo...Business

      By Pattie Lawler

 

Milo looked at the several messages and sat back with a sigh. It was the time of year, he reminded himself. Business was always hectic on the farms just before spring planting, and this year was no different than the last fifteen; with one small exception. His gaze returned to the jewelry box on the pen stand.

            Tonight he was going to claim Albany for good and all.

They had reservations at the Mermaid, Fanny was at Owswell and Simon and Jason had the night off. But the messages summoned him to Fairbanks, and he knew he had to go. Unconsciously, his hand rose to scrub his eyes as he reviewed his schedule.

June, and the end of Albany’s contractual obligations, couldn’t come soon enough.

He had offered to buy her out of her contract, but she flatly refused. “They’re all the family I have, Milo, and I would never hurt them like that. No. You’ve waited thirty-four years for me: three more months won’t kill you.”

“I lack your confidence.”

Albany had rewarded him handsomely for the compliment, and the recollection made him pinch the bridge of his nose harder. “God, this sucks.”

“Anything I can do?” Simon asked from the door.

Milo looked up and laughed. “Thank you, but no. Just the usual problems at the farm, and all I can think about is Albany.”

“She’d be happy to hear that. Is it anything that can wait ‘til next week?”

“It’s going to. I’m not proposing tonight and flying home tomorrow! I’ll leave Sunday morning, and Jerry will have to wait, end of story. Did a package arrive from Ira yet?”

Simon produced a small, wrapped box from his pocket. “It’s why I’m here.” He held it out as he crossed the room. “Anything good?”

Milo took the box, sitting back as he unwrapped it. “I had him track down another stone cut from the one in Albany’s ring. He made it into a pendant for Fanny.”

“Nice.”

“Joe’s arranged for the photographer the week after next and promises that the daffodils will cooperate.” He opened the box and smiled at the necklace, turning it for Simon to admire. “Anything from Reynolds?”

“Not yet, but in the meantime, Wrathe’s investigating the skin club.”

Milo nodded, snapping the box closed and placing it beside the ring box. “Where is Jason going to be living?”

“On my floor. We’re doing the guest room over.”

“Are you okay with that? I have no problem getting him his own place.”

“No. I’d like the company. And this way we’re always aware of where the other is.”

“Well, if and when that changes, just say so.”

“Thanks, boss.”

“And so…I don’t have a reason to worry when I leave, right?”

“If you have any concerns, tell me now.”

“Right answer. No. I’m good. And probably just looking for any little excuse to stay.”

The phone rang, interrupting them, and Simon waved good-bye as Milo sat forward, looking at the caller ID. With a wave in reply, he snatched up the phone. Sinking back into his chair with a contented smile, he made his tone gently scolding. “You should be in bed.”

            “I can’t sleep.”

            His gaze flicked to the clock on his desk. “It’s after two, Fan.”

            “I know.” The line fell silent for a moment before she whispered, “I miss you.”

            He chuckled. “That didn’t hurt, did it?” He listened to her laughter, and his smile grew. “I miss you, too. I wanted to call you, but assumed you were asleep.”

            “Call me for what?”

            “Two things. First, to let you know I’ll be home Sunday night. Do you think you can hold out ‘til then?”

            “I’ll try.”

            He sobered as he whispered, “Me too.” They sat in silence for another moment, and Milo tried to breathe around the familiar pressure on his heart. Sitting up, he pulled the laptop closer. “Play a game with me?”

            “Okay.”

            Her eagerness put the smile back on his face as they connected to the network. He watched her open a game, and they chatted while it loaded.

            “Albany’s not coming with you, is she?”

            “Albany and I agreed that we need to get back into our normal schedules, so no. She has voice training every day and three performances next week.”

            “You know, someone’s gonna stealing her out from under you if you don’t hurry up and get married.”

            Milo laughed aloud. “It’s not like I’m not trying! I’ve done everything I can, believe me. Which is the other thing I wanted to tell you; I got the ring.”

            “Finally!”

            “Yes, yes.”

The colorful game pieces fell into place, and her curser moved over them. Content to watch, he sat in silence for three levels of play before she spoke again.

            “Uncle Milo?”

            “Um?”

            “Things are changing, aren’t they?”

            “Yes, Fanny. But don’t worry. Nothing between us will ever change, I promise.”

            “Yes, but you and Albany will have kids, and I’ll be an aunt.”

            He laughed. “A cousin.”

            She laughed in turn. “I meant cousin.”

            He needlessly pointed at the screen before reaching for his mouse and clicking a game piece. “Do this one,” he murmured. “Start high—”

            “And work down,” she finished for him. “I know. You always say that.”

            “And what else do I say?”

            “Listen to people with your mouth shut and ears open.”

            Milo laughed to hear her mimic his voice. “Do I really whine like that?”

            “Yes,” she growled, but he could hear her teasing tone. She cleared another two levels before he spoke.

            “And why should you listen to people?”

            She heaved a sigh. “Because people love to talk about themselves. Ask them about their hobbies and you’ll never lack a topic.”

            “Ah, Fanny,” he chuckled. “You’re too funny. And now tell me something, please. Do you like Albany?”

            “Not as much as you.”

            “Yes, yes. You know what I mean.”

            “Yes, I do, and yes, I do. I think she’s very kind.”

            “Kind? Hmm...you’re right, she is. I hadn’t thought about that. And will you like having her as an aunt?”

            “As long as she makes you happy.”

            “Fanny. No one can make another person happy.”

            “You make me happy.”

            “Thank you, but you’re happy on your own. I might add to your happiness, but that’s different.”

            “I don’t think so.”

            He moved the curser again, pointing and she dutifully followed.

            “Uncle Milo?”

            “Um?”

            “I know this sounds silly, but I think you did a really good job raising me.”

            Milo swallowed twice before he found his voice. “Thank you. But I have to say, I had quality product to work with.”

            She laughed, and they were silent as the game levels changed.

            “Have you proposed yet?”

            “Yet today? Several times!”

            “You know what I mean!”        

            “Yes, I do. I’m teasing.” He sighed, pointing at another game piece. “I’ll ask her again tonight and give her the ring. With luck, it’ll be a done deal by the time you wake up.”

            “How does the ring look?”

            “Incredible. She’ll love it.”

            “I’m sure she will. She loves you, ya know.”

            “You think so?”

            “Yup. I can see if in her eyes when she looks at you. She gets all gooey.”

            “Gooey, huh?”

            “Really gooey.”

            “I have to go to the farm on Monday. Would you like to join me?”

            “Can we take the Shelby?”

            “Just let Joe know to get it out of the garage, okay?” He watched as she used her last life and heard her yawn. “Why don’t you try sleeping again?”

            “What are you going to do?”

            “Go pick up Albany, then dinner, then the ring.”

            “Cool. Give her a kiss for me.”

            “I will. Sleep well, okay?”

            “Um. I love you.”

            “I love you, too, Fanny. A lot. I’ll see you Sunday.” His gaze returned to the two jewelry boxes as he set the phone down. He rose, grabbed the ring box, and put it into his pocket. Pushing the intercom, he summoned the limo.

 <0> 

            Albany presented him with her back as he reached for take the coat off her shoulders. She pulled a hanger from the closet and turned back, continuing the conversation begun in the limo as she hung their coats.

“So why don’t you own a private jet?”

“I did, for awhile. And didn’t I think I was cool. But the thing is, it’s a massive black hole into which you can throw a lot of cash for very little return on investment. You have to stable it, feed it, have a pilot and crew and still sit in the queue on the runway for permission to take off. It’s not like you get a private runway. I probably put up with that nonsense for two years before I sold it. I think Joe threw a party the day it went.”

She laughed as she crossed the foyer and went down the stairs into the living room. He wasn’t surprised that she made a beeline for the fireplace. He reached into the elevator and turned the key to lock it in place. Drawing the ring from its box, he slipped it into his shirt pocket before joining her.

“Thank you for dinner,” she said as he knelt beside her. “I’d like to cook for you and Fanny the next time we have a chance. I make killer ribs. Does she like ribs?”

“Loves ‘em.”

“And you?”

“I love you. Whatever you make, I’ll love.”

She laughed and reached to unbutton his jacket. “You say that now.”

Milo watched her face as she undressed him. Her gaze followed her hands, and a smile played on her lips. He could almost imagine that she was enjoying the task for the first time, her delight was so obvious. The pressure in his chest grew until he had to remind himself to breathe. She put a chilled hand on his shoulder, gently insisting he sit. When he was arranged to her liking, she took each hand in turn, drew off his gloves, and showered his skin with kisses.

“You’re very kind,” he whispered when she finally tossed the gloves and jacket onto the couch.

“Me?” On her knees, she walked to the fireplace and reached for the matches. “I don’t think anyone’s ever said that to me before.”

“Fanny says you are, and I agree with her.”

“Well, I think you’re both sweet to say so.” She lit the fire, throwing the spent match into the blaze, and turned back, sinking down where she was.

Milo took a moment to admire the sheen of firelight on her hair before joining her. Wrapping his arms around her, he pulled her against his chest. “May I ask a favor, Albany?”

She pressed against him. “I’m full of lobster, which means I’m in a generous mood. Ask away.”

“Will you be my wife?”

“Well...I’ll need to know what the pay’s like, the health insurance and any tuition reimbursement. And you’ll have to agree to be my husband, don’t forget. I think that’s fair, don’t you?”

He drew the ring from his pocket and held it where she could see.

She gasped, then cooed. “Oh, Milo! It’s magnificent.”

Turning it around, he titled the band until the firelight picked out the engraving. Albany bent, reading the words and hastily covered her mouth as a sob escaped her lips. Milo threw his arms around her, crushing her to his chest and raining kisses on her head. He could hear her whispering his name, over and over as he rocked her.

“Will you marry me, Albany? Will you, please?”

Albany nodded against his neck, sniffing back her tears. Milo caught her hand and she spread her fingers. They both watched as he slid the ring into place, and when their eyes met, her tears began anew.

“I love you,” she sobbed. “I love you so much, Milo Scarlet.”

“Enough to marry me?”

“Yes, Milo. Yes.”

 

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