Chapter 49
49
M arco pulled into the parking lot and put his vehicle in park. He turned to Theresa, "Are you ready?"
She took a deep breath. "Yeah."
"Good."
He hurried around the car and opened her door. As soon as she stepped out, he took her hand and together they walked into the counselor's office.
The receptionist greeted them. "Hello. How may I help you?"
He smiled. "Marco Karason and Theresa Miklovic here to see Devin Krill."
"Certainly. Please take a seat and he'll be with you shortly."
He still held Theresa's hand as he led her to the loveseat near the window. They sat together. He watched a dog playing outside and Theresa watched the television hanging in the corner of the waiting room.
"Oh my God," she gasped.
He looked at the television to see what was happening and the scroller at the bottom of the screen said, "Shooter John Benson accused of two murders and money laundering."
He pulled his phone from his pocket and checked the news stations he watched. The first article was the same as the headline. He tapped it to open the story and began reading. Theresa did the same on her phone.
His contact had set the wheels in motion after their conference call last week. The most damming evidence came first because it was difficult to refute the timelines from his telephone being next to Keely's telephone, at Keely's house, at the same time the coroner had estimated the time she died.
The article delved lightly into the charges and the picture to go with the article was of Shooter Benson in handcuffs being led from his home. The article ended with, "Vice President Benson could not be reached for comment."
Theresa turned to look at him, her mouth slightly open, her eyes rounded. "I didn't expect it to happen this fast."
"He knows the faster they move the less time they have to concoct lies and make up fake bullshit to refute the evidence. If they've arrested him, they're doing a thorough search of his home, office, and vehicle. They won't have time to destroy any of it."
She nodded her head slowly and the receptionist announced, "Devin is ready to see you."
Marco stood and took Theresa's hand once more and they followed the receptionist through a door and down a short hallway to Devin's office. Marco stood back and let Theresa in the office first. Devin was welcoming as they entered, shaking their hands enthusiastically with exhuberant greetings.
Devin motioned to a sofa that matched the one in the waiting area and took a seat across from it as he and Theresa sat.
The meeting was productive, they spoke about their respective PTSD attacks, how they personally handled them, and what they'd need from the other for support when having an attack. The nice thing is they both understood the affliction.
On the way home, Marco stopped at the Sandbar. "I'd like to have a light lunch here if you don't mind."
She chuckled. "On your day off you want to go to work?"
"Yes, please. Are you scared?"
"No, not really."
"Okay. We don't have to linger, just order something for lunch and eat. We can leave right away if you feel exposed."
She grinned. "I'm not afraid to tell you when I need to leave."
He nodded and exited the vehicle. They entered the Sandbar together. The crowd was light, it was two in the afternoon, so lunch was over. One of the new servers, Gavin, greeted them at the door.
"Hey, Marco. Nice to see you."
"Hi, Gavin. This is Theresa."
"Nice to meet you, Theresa. Boy everyone here sure misses you."
Theresa smiled. "Thank you. It's nice to meet you."
Margo came from the office and hugged Theresa. "It's so good to see you."
Theresa hugged Margo in return. "It's good to see you too, Margo. How is everything going?"
"Not as smooth without you here, believe me. But we're managing."
Theresa smiled. "Aww, thank you."
Gavin pulled two menus from the rack on the side of the receptionist stand and asked, "Would you like to eat outside or inside?"
He grinned. "Outside, please. Actually, upstairs."
"It's the best place to eat here."
Margo smiled as they followed Gavin upstairs. He held his hand at the small of Theresa's back as they ascended the stairs, his heart was full and he was so damned excited for this next chapter in their lives.
Gavin seated them at the middle table on the upper deck. It faced the water and the view was incredible. He laid the menus on the table and asked, "Can I get you something to drink?"
Marco looked at Theresa and grinned. "Order what you want."
"I'd like a glass of wine, please. A Moscato."
"Excellent. And for you, Marco?"
"I'll have a beer please."
Gavin nodded and walked away.
Theresa stared out at the water, her posture was relaxed and her smile was radiant. "All the time I worked here, I never got to enjoy a meal up here with this view."
"I know what you mean. It's something special up here. Jace had a vision and he's done well with it."
"Yeah."
Marco reached into his pocket and pulled a little package from inside. It was wrapped in pink tissue paper and he'd carried it for the past two days waiting for the right time.
"Theresa." She turned to look into his eyes. "I love you."
She smiled and chuckled. "I love you too."
He nodded and swallowed. "Will you marry me?"
Her eyes rounded and as she stared into his eyes, hers watered and a tear slid down her cheek. "Yes."
It was simple and perfect. His fingers shook as he opened the tissue paper to reveal a perfect one-carat round diamond on a gold band. Theresa sniffed as he held her left hand and slipped the ring on her finger. She stared at her hand adorned with the beautiful ring on it. He'd known from the beginning he'd put on her finger. It seemed to fit her, as she seldom wore jewelry. This one sparkled and didn't compete with anything else.
She stood and he did the same. They met in front of the table and wrapped their arms around each other. He kissed her lips and held her close. He could feel her body shaking. "I'm so happy, Marco."
"I am too, Baby."
He looked up to see Margo, Jace, and Gavin watching them. He grinned. "She said yes."
They clapped and Margo rushed forward to hug Theresa. After the congratulations were exchanged, they resumed their seats at the table and Theresa shook her head. "Why here?"
"It's where we met. It's where I watched you from afar wishing we were together. It's where you first agreed to let me help you and our lives together began."
She nodded and tears slipped down her cheeks. "You're amazing."
He grinned. He'd spend his life being amazing for her.