Disclaimer: This is a work of fiction, and it was created solely by me as the author. Any similarities to characters, businesses, places, or things are all happenstance, though my appreciation to those who have
inspired
my works is immense.
Author's Note:
I'm so very sorry that part 2 took so long to get out. There were obviously technical difficulties out of my control. I'm hoping this quicker release helps to keep you motivated to keep on reading.
This is the third part in a series about the Nickels family. I believe many of you have come to love Bekah, Dave, Joe, Nancy, Bob, and Nana. (Who doesn't love a spunky, lovable, doting Nana?!) My stories are STORIES, so many details make for fun, exciting, and interesting plot lines. Remaining calm in awaiting the next installment may be necessary, but I assure you, it'll be worth it. Questions and comments are welcome. Please take the time to rate this story also. I hope everyone will be kind.
Recap:
Bekah shook her head. "Surely I'm dreaming," she said aloud and shook her head again. "Abandoned on my honeymoon," she told the empty foyer. "Unbelievable." She walked up the stairs calmly and entered the room.
Dreams: Bekah 03
Meanwhile, Dave drove back to Nana's house. He banged on the door, opened it, and called out for her. She was a night owl normally, though around the holidays, she tired out easily.
"In here, David," she called to him, and when he entered, Nana was sitting in her chair watching the end of one of her shows. She paused it and looked at him when he entered. She looked beyond him, and when Bekah didn't come around the corner, she gave him a very knowing look and shook her head. "David Michael, what did you do?"
"Why do you think..."
"Because you're a man. There, I'm finally saying it. What did you do?"
"Nana, she asked her
father
to pay for my college."
"What? Hold on, David. Let me turn this off. I need the story from the beginning please. That does not sound like the Bekah we know and especially who I saw after reading the letter."
"We went to dinner and were talking about our joint account. When I mentioned that I still have to pay school fees, she dropped this bomb about a letter she'd written to Emma and Harold, which she didn't tell me about, by the way. She actually thanked Harold for still paying for her education and then went on to tell him that she looked forward to watching me earn my degree in eight years. As a response to the letter (there was no personal touch as expected), Harold's attorney asked for my educational information so that Harold could pay for all of it. Could she have asked in a more obvious way? I mean, I'm humiliated, Nana!"
"First of all, from what I'm hearing, she didn't ask for the money. You need to stop saying that. I want you to step back and think about your wife. Would Bekah ever ask that of Harold?" When Dave didn't respond, Nana continued. "Second, it sounds like you are having quite a pride issue. You are too proud to take money being offered to you. It's a lot, sure, but Harold will feel no effect from it. Consider it a scholarship. I cannot figure out why you are so upset. And enough to leave your bride... where? Back at your honeymoon suite?" Dave nodded.
"David, it would make sense for you to feel upset if she went to Harold to ask for money because you were having a hard time paying for college. You know in your heart that she didn't mean for it to seem like she was asking for money when she shared that she was looking forward to watching you achieve your goals. She was probably subconsciously rubbing it in that she's so surrounded by love, a love they never gave or knew."
"But Nana, how can I take that money?"
"According to the document, it won't even go to you. The lawyer gives your information to the school, whichever school you are in whether it is a community, four-year, or graduate, and when they need your money for tuition or student fees, he handles that. Bekah told me about it once. It's quite simple. And you just worry about doing well in all your classes.
"Sweetheart, I just gave you the talk. I sat at that kitchen table and gave you the talk every married couple needs to hear. And it went in one ear and out the other, just like it did with your grandpa and me, and with your own parents, because you think you're different, and it won't affect you. 'Money and sex,' David. It hits fast and in different ways for every couple, but it's inevitable. We give you this advice because we probably didn't follow it ourselves and hope that you will. And then you end up at your Nana's house two days into your honeymoon."
Dave groaned. "Oh, man. I totally messed this up."
"Oh, hush. You didn't mess it up. You just got an opportunity to prove what a great husband you're going to be. Go make things right. And... Dave? Heed another warning. Women don't like it if you've messed up and think you can just walk in and kiss or make love to her to make it all go away. Talk to her. Explain and apologize. Then do all the kissing and making love. Make-up sex is a very powerful tool!"
Dave got up and walked toward the door. Nana got up and followed him. "Dave, do you know how I know it'll be alright? I know because your dad walked into our house the day after their honeymoon was over and told your grandpa and me that the
marriage
was over. And it was about the silliest of spats. Your grandpa handled that one, and obviously they worked through it. And honey, yours truly walked back into my parents' house on the first
day
of our honeymoon and demanded to be allowed to move back in. We all have our issues, sweetheart. Learn from this and make the best of it. I love you. Drive safely." Nana blew him a kiss and shut the door.
Dave drove back to their street and saw that the lights were still on in his house. He parked the car in the driveway and texted to be sure it was OK to stop by. Dad responded that they were just heading to bed, but to come over. When he walked in, Dave put up his hand and told his mom before she could ask anything, "I'm fixing it." He grabbed the letter Bekah had told him about which was still on the counter and waved good-bye.
He heard Mom ask," What in the world?" right before he shut the door. He was relieved that Bekah hadn't told them anything. The question was: What had Bekah done while he was away?
Dave left her car in their driveway and ran across the street. He unlocked the door and walked in quietly. He locked it again and made his way up to the room without the lights on. He could see reflections of dancing light and wondered if that was the twinkling strands having that effect on the walls.
When he walked in, he was stopped in his tracks. There were candles on the dressers and side tables and in the bathroom. He walked up to the bed where he found her thong and the matching bra. He guessed she was in the hot tub. As he got nearer, he heard the jets. He got out of his clothes and set them in the place where their dirty clothes had been. He walked into the bathroom and quietly climbed into the tub. Bekah had her eyes closed and seemed to be oblivious to his presence.
"Don't think you're getting anything
