Skinner & Thorne: The Wedding Gift
Directly continued from Skinner: London
By Atonia Walpole
Part 1 – Hang Time:
Terry leaned back in his chair in the kitchen. It was Sunday night and he’d been home from Miami for about four hours. Toni had made him a sandwich, which is all he wanted, and a cup of coffee. She’d explained about Max and what she’d done.
He had an amused look in his eyes. “So you thought the best way to save yourself was to get Max married to Connie, is that it?”
“No, no, not at all. Max needs it, Terry. He really does. He needs grounding.”
“Hmm, well, I don’t think, honey, that this is going to change a whole lot between the two of you. That’s what you’re hoping for, isn’t it? Look, I told Max to keep you company while I was gone. Did I make a mistake?”
Toni sat down with a cup of coffee. “I think you might have. Not that I would go with him but…”
“What are you trying to tell me, Toni, that all this time I’ve been worried about him and it’s you I should be worried about?”
“Not in that way, Terry. Nothing can ever break the bond we have. No one can do that. I don’t trust myself with Max and it’s not fair to him or to you or to me.”
“Or to Connie.”
“Or Connie. That’s why I called her to come, to do for him what I couldn’t. I just hope I haven’t pushed her into something she’s not ready for.”
“Oh, I think she’s ready for it.” Terry took a drink from his cup. “I had a long talk with her when we were in France. I spent a month with them, you know. She was on the fence, so to speak, but all of her objections couldn’t hold water. She recognized that fact and loves him enough to put up with you in his life. That takes a special kind of love, Toni.”
“I’m everybody’s problem.” She ran her hand over her head.
“You’re nobody’s problem but mine and I kinda like it.”
“You don’t…you don’t like me being unfaithful to you.”
“Is that what you call it? I don’t think you’ve ever been ‘unfaithful’ to me. You were always coming to me from Max, twenty-four hours between us. Did it ever occur to you that fire needs oxygen to burn? Toni, you don’t have to explain or worry about Max as far as I’m concerned. Whatever is going on in your little head has nothing to do with us. I imagine Max gets awfully tired of the conflicting signals you keep putting out.”
“Terry, we’re not at the House of Four Seasons anymore, not any of us. I thought it would be different. I chose you and I honestly never expected to see any of them ever again. That wasn’t easy for me to do. I didn’t know they would all still be a part of our lives. I thought you and I would live a normal life together out here in the real world.”
“Honey, we aren’t normal. Life is not going to be normal for us. You married all four of us, sure it was magic, but it was for eternity. Whether you realize it or not you’re still bound by that. You still love Max as much as you always did. I know that, but I also know you love me more. How do you think it is for him? He’s still bonded to you and loves you as he always has. I understand all this and it doesn’t hurt me, Toni, so stop feeling guilty and thinking you have to deny him.”
“Don’t you just want to put me over your knee and spank me sometimes?”
“Sometimes I do. You are so stubborn and hard headed and spend so much time worrying over things that don’t require your worry time”
“You know if I’d taken Max out he would not have been so accommodating with me where you’re concerned.”
“I don’t consider it being accommodating. I’m a realist and I know if you tell someone they can’t have a chocolate that all they are going to think about and want is a chocolate.”
“So you put the chocolate on the table and tell me I can have it if I want it?”
“Exactly.” Amusement was back in his eyes.
“You are too smart, Terry.” Toni narrowed her eyes.
“All you have to do is realize that I put it there for you to have, no guilt associations. It’s yours.”
“Terry, are you still drinking coffee, because I want to go up the steps with you and give you a week’s worth of loving.”
“No.”
“What do you mean no?”
“No, this chocolate is in my pocket and I think I’ll make you wait until I’m ready to give it to you.”
“Hmm, you want to take me there and not let me have it, take me to the edge until you’re ready?” Toni got up and went around the table and kissed him, probing his mouth with her tongue and she pulled away. “I hope it melts in your pocket.” She went upstairs to get ready for him.
Max finished his week of work at the bank on Friday. He’d surpassed the goal he’d set for the money he made for John. He ended the week on a high note for the bank and for himself by pushing it to the limit without going illegal, which would have brought the spotlight on him and he did not want that. There was still work to be done with the cash he’d made, but he had the next week to do that. He took Connie out to dinner and they made plans for Saturday and Sunday.
Saturday found them ring shopping. As they looked over trays of rings and Connie tried on this one and that, he was remembering the ring he produced at the House of Four Seasons for Toni when he’d essentially married her, bound her to him for eternity. He’d given her an eternity ring and it saddened him for a moment realizing she’d left it behind at the house. It had been a circle of diamonds, quite a nice ring. The occasion had been their first anniversary, four summers together. His mind was off on the dance floor Toni had conjured up when he felt a tug at his sleeve.
“Max, darling come back to earth. I said what do you think of this one?”
Max took the ring, a three diamond band, but the stones were brilliant. “I like it. Is this the one?”
“I think so. It just feels right on my finger.” She smiled and looked at him.
“Then you will have it. We’ll get it sized and pick it up later.” Max took care of the transaction.
They wandered up the street and entered a toy store. “Something for Jacky?” Connie asked.
“Jacky, yes, and John’s three. We’ll have to ship their gifts.” Max picked up toys and played with them, a half smile on his face. He found the aisle where the little boy toys were displayed and had a ball picking out things for John’s boys, mostly expensive electronic games that seemed to be the thing nowadays. Connie found some cute things for Claire, and Max found some educational toys for Jacky. He had a soft spot for Jacky, maybe because he was Toni’s.
They arranged for the store to ship the gifts for John’s children and he carried the bags containing Jacky’s Christmas presents.
“Do you want to go ahead and finish shopping today since you’re seemingly on a roll?”
“Um, no, there are some gifts that require a little thought.”
Connie noticed he seemed a bit distracted and suggested they call it a day and go home. They stopped in their neighborhood and picked up Chinese takeaway for dinner then went to Max’s flat.
They were eating dinner when Connie said, “I suppose Terry is getting ready to fly home tomorrow.”
“Um, yeah, he should be here around 3:00 I think.”
“Max, is something bothering you?”
“Me, no, I’m fine.” He shoved a forkful into his mouth.
Connie knew better. “You can talk to me you know…about anything.”
“I know. Really there’s nothing.”
“Are you having second thoughts about this wedding? Really, love, we can put it off. It’s not like we have to do something right away.”
“It’s not like I’m having second thoughts…just thoughts.” He smiled slightly.
Connie put her fork down. “Max Skinner, you are going to talk to me and tell me what is on your mind tonight.”
“You may not want to hear it.” He gave up all pretense of eating and picked up his wine glass.
“Yes, I do, whatever it is.”
“I suppose this whole thing of getting married has unlocked some memories. I’ve been awash in them today.”
“Memories of your marriage to Toni? Terry explained that to me.”
“Yes. I’m not sure you know what you’re getting into with me. I, um…you know…Connie, I can never be wholly yours. I don’t know if it’s fair to ask this of you.”
“I know who and what you are, darling, and I still love you. I understand, Max. You’ve never been anything but honest with me. I love you wholly and what you have for me is enough. I’m not asking you to give up anything. I want to add to your life because I love you, Max.”
“I love you, Connie, and you do add, more than add, to my life. It may not be easy for you. I can be terribly callous at times. Bear with me?”
Connie went around the table, took his face in her hands and kissed him. “You’re easy to bear, Max, and easy to love. No more dark thoughts. Let’s just play it by ear. There’s no rush now. We’ve registered and bought a ring. That doesn’t mean we have to get married right away…if you need time, love, you have it.”
“I’m not sure what I need, maybe a good kick in the pants.”
Connie smiled to herself. She had an idea what he needed but it would have to wait until Monday. “I’m not sure I want to kick your pants, especially with you in them. Why don’t you take them off and I’ll give it a go.”
Part 2- Gifting:
Toni rushed from the taxi. She’d taken the underground into the city. She still couldn’t understand why Connie had insisted they meet at Max’s flat, and even had a precise time to be there. Shopping was shopping. One didn’t go by timetables. She rode the elevator to their floor and rang the bell.
“Toni?”
“Max? Where’s Connie?”
“Come in. Um, she’s checked herself into a day spa. Said she needed the works or something. What are you doing here? Not that I mind.”
Toni was confused. “Connie distinctly told me to be here at 10:00. We were supposed to go find you something for Christmas.”
Max was at a loss. “Wrong day?”
“She called me early this morning.” Toni walked downstairs with him to the lounge and put her bag down. “Is there something going on I need to know about, Max?”
“Um, no, I don’t think so…”
“I thought you were going to get married today. Terry’s going to come home early.”
“Oh, well, I’m not sure…today.”
“Has something happened?”
“Uh, no.”
“Would you tell me if it had?”
“I, uh, think it’s just a case of cold feet. I’m afraid I’m about to make a mistake, not for me but for her.”
“Connie’s got cold feet?”
“Um, no, mine are, um, cold.”
“Max, you haven’t…screwed this up, have you? Oh, no, I should never have called her.” Toni bit her lip.
“I haven’t as far as she’s concerned. What do you mean called her? What did you do?”
Toni sat down on the sofa. “I thought you needed her with you here in London and I called her to come. I did it as much for myself as for you.”
“I did need her here. You always know, don’t you…what I need.”
“Not always, obviously.”
He sat beside her. “I knew you had something to do with all this. Why do you want me married, because that’s what it looks like to me.”
Toni played with her hands. “Well, I thought it would be good for you. You would be married, and maybe...”
“That’s not going to work you know. I told her I would never be wholly hers and that’s because I’m yours, Toni. I don’t care how many marriages there are between us, that fact will never change.”
“I know that, Max. I just want to see you happy and settled. That Sunday afternoon at my house I saw in you the desire for a warm home and family around you. I can’t do that but Connie can and she will because she loves you.” He was way too close. “...Almost as much as I do.” Her arms went around his neck.
“I was doing fine until we were looking at rings. I remembered the night I gave you a ring, the night I married you at the House. There’s no such thing as a magical divorce, Toni…I feel like some polygamist. I can’t be what she wants.” He buried his face in her neck.
“You are what she wants. You already are, Max. You don’t have to be anything. What you and I have is separate from anything else and I’ve come to realize it will always be there. I’ve fought it and wrapped myself in guilt and I’m not doing that anymore.”
“So I’m not just your brother-in-law after all?” He pulled away slightly and looked at her.
“That was silly of me, wasn’t it?” She smiled, “You’re my bit of chocolate.”
Later, after having her chocolate, Toni lay in his arms. “How cold are your feet now, Max?”
“Umm, nothing is cold right now.” He nuzzled her neck. “I think I can do it.”
“I am so glad.” She ran her fingers through his hair. “I love you so much I want you to have what I have.”
Max raised up on his arm. “You know, I like chocolate, too. Sometimes I get a craving for it.”
“It’s okay to indulge your cravings once in awhile. Max, don’t ever doubt yourself with Connie. You are a whole man. There’s so much about you to love. Give her the chance to find it all.”
“I think she set us up today.”
“I’m sure she did, a nice gift for me.” Toni kissed him and sat up. “The registrar’s office is open until 4:30 and Terry is picking me up here at 3:30 so you’ve got a decision to make.”
Max looked up at her. “I’ve already made it.”
“You’re getting married.”
“I need to call her and tell her.”
Toni smiled. “I’m going to take a shower and get dressed while you do that. I don’t think you’ll regret it.”
“Neither do I,” he smiled and sat up in the bed, reaching for his phone.
There were three hours to kill. Toni changed the sheets on the bed and picked out what Max should wear for his wedding. He’d showered and wandered around in sweat pants and a tee shirt. He ordered lunch in. Toni called and talked to Anna about Jacky, and she called Terry to let him know it was still on. He was going to pick up Connie at the spa since he had use of a car and driver, and meet them at the registrar’s office.
“He knows you’ve spent the day with me.” Max was trying to button up his shirt and Toni came over to help.
“Yes, he does. You’ve made a mess of this. Your buttons and holes are not coming out right. Are you nervous, Max?”
“A little. Aren’t you supposed to be nervous when you get married?”
Toni smiled, finishing up his shirt. “I wasn’t, but then I had a rather unusual wedding aboard the Surprise. I was more concerned the good and right Reverend was going to make it through the ceremony before the wind took the ship out to sea.”
“This must seem rather tame.” Max was tying his tie.
“But no less special. You should have seen Terry. They had him decked out in an officer’s uniform complete with sword. He looked rather dashing.” She straightened his tie.
“I’m glad he lost the sword.” Max slipped his jacket on.
“We talked about you last night. He has no problem with you. You look nice.” She tilted her head and touched his cheek.
“I’m ready now, thanks to you.”
“I only helped you dress. You’ve done this on your own, Max.”
“I know what you’ve done, what you gave me today, and I love you for it.”
Toni kissed him. “We’d better get going. You’ve got to find a taxi.”
Terry and Connie were already there when Max and Toni came through the door. Instead of going to Max, Connie went to Toni and hugged her.
“I knew you could do it, Toni.”
“You could have just asked instead of all the subterfuge,” she grinned. “He’s ready, Connie.”
Terry put his hand on Max’s shoulder. “Chin up, mate. You’re doing fine.”
“Right, um, about today.”
“A little wedding gift. It worked, didn’t it…I think they’re ready for you, Max.”
Max looked around and took Connie’s hand and Toni and Terry followed them in for the brief ceremony.
Afterward they left and went to a nice place for drinks, champagne toasts and snacky things. There was much laughter and many kisses. It was over, it was done, and Max could relax now.
Terry stepped outside on the balcony to smoke and Max came out, bumming a cigarette.
“Hey, you’ve done it, mate, joined the ranks.”
“Yeah, I never thought I would, Terry. I just never thought I’d marry.”
“Doesn’t pay to think sometimes. You never know what’s coming next.” Terry sipped his champagne and looked out over the River Thames. “You couldn’t have found a better mate and I mean that, Max, Toni aside.”
“I know that she’s very special. She’d have to be to put up with me.”
“True. Got any special plans for tonight or just going home and shag?”
“A nice dinner. I’ve got a table booked, hotel room…bridal suite,” he half-grinned.
“Ahh, thoughtful. Toni and I spent our wedding night at the House of Four Seasons. She’s leasing it out now. Or it's leasing it’s self out, however that works. What are you doing for Christmas?”
Max sipped his champagne. “Just the two of us. We’ll stay through the New Year and then back to La Siroque.”
“We’re heading out for Virginia. Dino’s coming up but we’ll be back for New Year’s Eve. Maybe we can get together.”
“I’d like that,” Max smiled, meeting his brother’s eyes. “Give us a call when you get back.”
“I thought we might have to come looking for you two,” Connie smiled when they sat back down at the table.
“Just chatting,” Max answered.
“I’ve had all the bubbly I can stand. What do you think, Terry, shall we leave these two newlyweds alone and go find a bite to eat somewhere?” Toni suggested.
“Sounds good to me, luv. I’m ready for a real drink anyway.”
“I’ll have you know this is very good champagne!” Max raised a brow.
“It is as far as champagne goes,” Terry grinned, “but that’s not saying much.”
“Thank you both for everything today.” Connie kissed Terry and reached around him, squeezing Toni’s hand.
Max stood up and took Toni’s hands. “Thank you, Toni, for seeing me through.” He kissed her softly on the lips.
“Go be a good husband. I know you can be.” She squeezed his hands and turned while Terry slipped her coat over her shoulders.
Terry shook his hand. “Have a good night,” he winked.
“Anything in particular you have a taste for tonight, chocolate?”
Toni stopped on the street and gave Terry a crooked grin. “I’m thinking something a little more substantial, like a good steak.”
“Good choice.” He put his arm around her and hugged her.
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