Four Shades of Recovery: Boxed Set (21 page)

MEGAN’S POV

I’ve completed my columns for the day and am now on Skype with Dr. Ginger explaining my feelings about Matt. She’s very pleased at my emotional resolution. I’m in Matt’s study but he’s still at the office working on the real estate development plans that he’s forged with Kingsfield and the local land developer.

I feel confident and energized as we speak. “I finally realized that what I feel for Matt means that I love him. I want to make him happy. It’s no longer about me and protecting my vulnerable side.”

“You’ve been on an emotional roller coaster for the last several weeks, Megan,” she observes. “First, your reconciliation with Matt, then your visit from Michael, and finally, Abby’s accident and coma.”

“I don’t think I could have handled Michael and Abby without Matt’s protection and support,” I admit with relief. “Paul’s presence helped me deal with Abby’s hospitalization, too. I think that facing those traumas really helped me to grow. I can handle crises better now that I’ve faced them down.”

“What crosses my mind is the notion that you might be feeling grateful for Matt’s assistance because you were so vulnerable.”

I think about the implications of her observation. “You’re asking if I might be confusing feeling grateful for Matt’s help with the feeling of truly loving him for himself,” I surmise.

“Think about it Megan,” she urges me.

I spend a few moments processing the possibilities. “I certainly appreciate the fact that Matt’s wealth and skill in marshaling any number of resources will make my life easier. But, it’s more than that.”

“Tell me more,” she encourages. Her earnest expression brings out my best thoughts.

“First, I feel more confident about managing my own emotions,” I state with composure.

“That aspect of your healing is what I’ve been waiting to hear you own,” she adds with a smile.

I beam with pride. “Second, I can’t imagine being in this world without him as my companion in life. I want to help Matt and to give him a purpose.” I finally get what a seismic change in my worldview occurred the other night.

“Are you realizing that your focus has begun to shift from yourself to Matt?” she’s become animated now.

My sense of conviction is strong. “Yeah, I feel a distinct shift in my perspective. Matt’s welfare and well-being fill my thoughts on a daily basis. I already know that he feels the same way about me and has for more than a year. It’s taken me a while to recognize my own changing perspective.”

“Then I’m quite thrilled for you, Megan. Your shift in view signals a profound change in your personal development. You’ve taken the next step toward becoming a mature young woman. You’re finally ready to share yourself with another on an intimate level.”

“I still wonder about our next steps together as a couple. I think if Matt had his way, we’d be running off to marry in Las Vegas next weekend.”

“Matt’s eagerness might be related to his own anxieties about your labile tendencies. I want to encourage you to think about having at least a six month engagement,” she advises and then smiles with delight at my situation.

“He hasn’t popped the question yet, Dr. Ginger, but I know it’s coming. However, I agree with you that a longer period of engagement would be fine with me,” I add with conviction.

“Tell me why a long engagement appeals to you, Megan,” she urges. Dr. Ginger looks carefully into my eyes as she raises the issue.

“I want to make sure that I’m not going to change my mind once the situation with Michael Kingsfield vanishes from our lives,” I admit although I can’t imagine any sort of change along those lines. Matt will make a wonderful and caring husband. I am ready to give him my full support and love.

“I think you’re quite right to give it some time,” she agrees. Then she raises a second issue. “Have you thought about the issue of children?”

“I’ve been on birth control pills for years so there’s almost a zero chance of an unwanted pregnancy.”

“If you’re ready to make a lifelong commitment to Matt, you need to think about your relationship over time. Remember, his family may expect grandchildren,” she reminds me.

“We haven’t discussed babies. I think I  want to have a child someday. But, I just really want to wait until I’m at least 30 years old. Also, I’ve never heard Matt mention them. I suspect he doesn’t want children – at least for the foreseeable future.”

“Why do you want to delay childbearing until the age of 30?”

“I need to feel more established in my career and I want to relish my time with Matt. I want to give him more of what he needs.”

Dr. Ginger nods with an indication that I ought to continue my train of thought.

“There’s no doubt he’s more mature than me both emotionally and in terms of age. It’s simply taken us so long to reach the point where both of us feel committed to one another’s welfare.”

“You make a good point, Megan. There’s no need to rush with the children. You know, of course, that while children can be wonderful, they also lead to a drop in marital satisfaction.”

“Yeah, I’ve seen the info on the U-shaped curve in a couple’s relationship when kids are added to the mix. It’s up before children arrive and then rises again when they leave home.”

“What will you do if Matt insists on a quickie wedding? Or, what if he wants a child in your home before he’s 30 years old?” Dr. Ginger probes.

I scoff at the unlikely possibility that Matt would insist on children. “I’ll hold firm with the thought that I need to feel completely confident about my commitment to his happiness and our union. Scout’s honor,” I assure her and myself.

At that juncture, we move on to other topics and end our session on the hour. I feel encouraged about my resolution with Matt. I hum as I consider the future. Abby completes her rehab work this week and may even move back to Miami after she’s been given her release.

MATT’S POV

I’ve just been debriefed by Jared. He’s followed Michael and Marissa to Maui and gave glowing reports about their growing affection for one another. My plans for diversion have worked. Michael’s been falling all over himself for Marissa. Rush even had a good time and came back with a tan. I let him take his wife as a means of blending in at the Four Seasons. That scored him a few points in the sack.

Michael took Marissa on a long hike, then they went snorkeling with turtles followed by whale watching and hanging out on the beach. Marissa’s bathing suits grew skimpier by the day, according to my security man. I refuse to look at their photos. I take that as a sign of Michael and Marissa’s growing intimacy with one another. The sooner they’re out of my life, the better.

Besides, I’ve got other issues to focus upon.  My primary concern at the moment involves asking Megan to marry me in a classy way. I want the proposal to be unique. I’ve thought about taking her to Las Vegas for a long weekend and then asking for her commitment at the top of the faux Eiffel Tower, but that’s just too tacky for me.  Since Kingsfield’s choice for romance involves Hawaii, I’d want to avoid reminding Megan of any pleasant memories she may have harbored for Michael in that place.

The venue I have in mind reflects the beauty of the Pacific Northwest. I’ve had my assistant at work research my idea and it looks promising. Now I need to convince Megan to take a weekend away with me. She’s been spending most of her free time visiting Abby on weekends. Thankfully, Abby feels well enough to return to her life in Florida by next week. That’s when I’ll make my move. I arrive at our condo just as Megan completes her on-line therapy session with Dr. Ginger.

When I open the door to my penthouse, Megan comes at once to greet me. Her eyes sparkle with enthusiasm and affection. Nothing makes me happier than holding Megan in my arms after a long day away. She’s all the reward I need after a day of hustling in the world of high tech and real estate deals. I look deeply into her fathomless blue eyes and see the spark of desire grow as I move in for a brief kiss. She’s always so ready for me. Her response pleases me more than anything else I’ve done today.

“Megan, baby, how would you like to take a long weekend away with me after Abby returns to Miami?” I ask in what I hope is an inviting manner.

“That sounds like a plan, baby. I hope we’ll be near a spa as I could use a good massage and soak,” she agrees readily.

The thought of Megan getting a massage from anyone but me makes my green eyed monster awaken. I envision us soaking together in a romantic Jacuzzi tub with candles and then giving her overheated body a massage followed by our usual workout. The weekend getaway starts taking on real momentum as we speak.

“Can I guess where we’re going for a weekend getaway? I need to know in order to dress correctly,” she teases.

“You’re always so curious, Megan,” I comment, “but I won’t reveal the location beforehand. I want to surprise you baby.”

She makes a face at me and sticks out her tongue. I love playful Megan.

The week flies by and I check the weather to insure that our trip will go off without a hitch. Abby gets her clearance to return to Miami. I arrange for her to return home with my corporate pilot and jet immediately. We even drive her to the airport.

“Thank you, Matt,” Abby says haltingly. “I’m so happy to be returning to my own private condo.”

“We’ll miss you mom. I know how much you enjoy your independence and your job, though,” Megan sobs. I stop my car outside the private landing strip and pull up to the company plane that is now fueled and ready.

Abby nods her head in agreement. “There’s nothing I want more than to get out of that rehab center and bed. I’m bored without my real estate work and my space.”

“Don’t forget about possibly selling your award winning condos in Portland next year,” I urge her. “Remember what we told you about the plan for building the same schema along the water front in this city?”

“Maybe Megan can do that,” Abby notes, “I miss the humid and sultry climate of Florida.”

“I’m done with real estate, mother,” Megan assures her, “maybe you can act as a consultant for the work here.”

“When that time comes, let me know!” she claims as we carry her bags to the portable stairway. We hug and kiss Abby farewell. Then she’s off to pursue the rest of her life. Megan turns to me with relief.

“I’m glad to see Abby become independent again, Matt. She’s been so crabby during rehab,” she shares with a giggle.

“Hey, it’s almost time for our romantic getaway!” I remind her.

Megan’s eyes light up with excitement. “Will we need to travel very far?”

“No, we won’t travel all that far,” I assure her.

The day of our weekend adventure arrives clear and bright. I encourage Megan to pack both casual and dress up attire as she would for our time in Portland. Then I put our luggage in the Porsche and head toward Seattle. I’ve had my yacht moved to the pier in downtown Seattle for this trip. Megan turns to me with a squeal of delight when we finally reach the Seattle Yacht Club and my boat appears on the horizon. Our last time on the yacht was memorable in more than one way. My assistant, Jeb, greets us as we climb aboard the sailboat. He’ll be providing security as well as help with the rigging.