The Promise

By Denise

Saturday morning when I came down the stairs I noticed the door to his office was open, so I peeked in. He was sitting behind his desk talking on the telephone. He looked up at me as if he was caught doing something wrong. He quickly hung up the phone and said, "Well…good morning."

"What are you doing?"

"Just…a...talking to someone."

"Why are you so tense?"

"Am I? I didn't expect you to be up so early."

"It's not early." I looked at the clock. "It was almost 9."

"Yes, I guess it is," he nervously laughed.

I was hungry, so I left his office and went to the kitchen to find something to eat. I had expected to find Nadine or Roxanne there but then I remembered they were given the weekend off. So I looked through the refrigerator to see what I could make for breakfast. When I was about to close the door I heard, "What are you looking for?"

I felt like I had jumped out of my skin as I turned around and hit him on the arm. "Why did you have to scare me like that?"

"I'm sorry, I couldn't resist," he laughed. "So, what were you looking for?"

"Food!"

"How about if we go out and I will buy you lunch, okay?"

"Sure," I shrugged my shoulders.

So, we headed downtown. He found a place to park then walked a short distance and then stopped in front of a jewelry shop.

"Before we go have lunch we need to go in here first," he said as he opened the door and I went in. I saw several cases full of all types of beautiful jewelry. I couldn't resist looking at all of those sparkling things inside the case.

Then a man came out from behind a curtain and asked, "May I help you, sir?"

"Yes, I would like to look at your rings."

"Right over here," the man said.

Antonio touched my arm to get my attention and then went over to a case along the wall.

"What were you looking for?" the man asked.

"An engagement ring," Antonio said.

My heart stopped when I knew why we were here. I couldn't believe this was really going to happen. The man pulled out several trays from the glass case and sat them on the counter. I looked closely at each one of the gold rings I didn't know there were so many to choose from.

"Cassandra, which one do you like?" Antonio asked.

I didn't know what to say. "I'll let you pick it out. They are all so beautiful."

"I want to make sure you like it."

"I will love whatever you choose." I then went back over to the case with the necklaces.

Then I felt Antonio's hand rubbing my back. "Is there something you like in there?"

"I like the one with the blue stone."

Then the man came over to where we were and Antonio told him that we wanted the sapphire necklace.

"Will this be all, sir?" the man asked.

"Yes."

I looked up at Antonio and said, "I'll wait for you outside."

A few minutes later he came out of the shop and then asked, "Are you ready to go have some lunch?"

"Yes."

"Good and then after lunch I will take you to a dress shop."

"What for?"

"We have been invited to go to a party this evening at my bosses home and it is formal."

***

We arrived home and got ready for the party. I put on the silk crape dress he bought for me today as he put on a black tux with a bow tie. He looked stunning as I stopped what I was doing and watched him get ready. He then left the room as I finished. When I came down the stairs Antonio was sitting on the divan waiting for me. He stood up to greet me and I sighed deeply as I looked him over. He handed me a velvet blue box, I opened it and found the sapphire necklace inside. I gently pulled it out of the box and he hung it around my neck. Then he handed me the second box that had my engagement ring inside it. I didn't know which one he chose so when opened the box I saw the diamond and I started to cry. It was so beautiful and it was mine! He took my hand and slid the ring onto my finger. I looked closely at it; I loved the way it sparkled.

***

The party was held at Mr. Richards' home over in Cherry Creek. Mr. Richards lived in the rich part of town. When we walked in I was surprised to see the people who I met at the bank a few days ago. We were offered champagne. I had never had champagne before I loved the way it tickled my nose. I stayed with Antonio most of the evening as he mingled around with his friends. Then I went on my own and joined in on some girl talk. I got to know his secretary and his coworkers they were all wishing me good luck, I guessed because they noticed my ring. Then I heard someone trying to get everyone's attention. It was his boss, Mr. Richards.

"May I have your attention?" Mr. Richards requested. "I just want to make a toast for the future. As we all know…Antonio Cardenas is about to get married to his beautiful fiancée Cassandra."

I listened as I made my way back to Antonio. "What is this all about?" I asked.

Then I heard, "Antonio, why don't you come up here and say a few words?" Mr. Richards asked.

Antonio took my hand into his and headed up to where his boss was standing. I was embarrassed as we stood before his friends. He looked like a politician as he spoke to his friends.

"I want to thank you all for being here tonight," Antonio said.

"When is the wedding?" someone asked.

"I really can't say…but it will be soon." He smiled as he looked at me.

"Kiss her," someone yelled. So he did, but the kiss was short and sweet.

"That's it?" someone asked.

"We want a real kiss."

He then pulled me into his arms. I sighed as our lips met. He gave me a deep sensual kiss as cheers were coming from his friends. When he pulled away I saw in his eyes that it was time to leave. We said our goodbyes as everyone wished us good luck.

On the way home I asked, "Do they know something that I don't?"

"Yes."

"Why don't you tell me?"

"It's a surprise and if I told you now then it wouldn't be."

"Thanks for tonight, I had a wonderful time."

"You're welcome."

***

When I woke the next morning I found Antonio still sleeping next to me. His back was towards me and so I began outlining his muscles with my fingers. I moved the sheet back as I caressed his firm butt and then went between his legs. He moaned softly as I moved closer pressing my chest against his back as my arm went around him touching his chest and then down to his stomach while I kissed his neck and shoulders. I moved my hand further down caressing the inside of his thigh and then touching his cock. He moved his leg to allow me better access. I moved away so I could roll him over onto his back as he opened his eyes. "Are you having fun?" He asked with a huge smile on his face.

"Oh yes!" I gently kissed his lips.

"So, what do you want?"

"Nothing. This is the first morning I have found you still here next to me, so I was just enjoying having you here."

"Well, it is Sunday and I usually don't get up early."

"This is Sunday, isn't it?"

"Yes."

"Wow…I can't believe it has only been a week since we first made love, it seems like months ago."

"I know it seems much longer for me too."

"What are we going to do today?"

He looked at the clock and then sat up. "I have to out for a while."

"Why?"

"I have an appointment." He said as went over to the dresser and then the closet to find something to wear.

"Can I come?"

"No," he said, as he got dressed.

"Why?"

He was finally dressed and then sat down onto the bed again as he softly kissed my lips and then said, "I won't be long." He kissed me again and then went out the door.

I got up out of bed and went over to the window watching him as he walked to his car. I wonder what he is up to; maybe it has something to do with the engagement ring. I went over to the dresser picking it up and placed it on my finger. Then I got dressed and went downstairs.

I wanted to do something special by making him supper. So I went to the kitchen and checked out what was in the cupboards and the freezer. I found beef and chicken wrapped in plastic. I guess that is what I get for living in the city, prepackaged meats. So I took a package of chicken out of the freezer to let it thaw. Then I heard that ringing noise coming from the telephone so I answered it, "Hello."

"Cassandra!" a voice said.

"Brendan?" I asked.

"Yes Cassie, it's me."

"How are you?"

"Fine, doing just fine."

"How is everyone else?"

"Great…a…I need to talk to Antonio."

"He isn't here right now."

"Wait…I will be right back." He returned a few minutes later. "I have to go…talk to you later."

"Okay, goodbye." That sure was strange? I said to myself as I sat the receiver back into its holder. I wonder why he wanted to talk to Antonio?

I was out on the front porch when Antonio came home. He sat down next to me on the porch swing. "Where have you been?" I asked.

"I told you…I had an appointment."

"Well, my brother called while you were out."

"Brendan?"

"Yes, he wanted to talk to you."

"Thanks I will go call him right now." He went into the house.

I wish I knew why he was acting this way, he seemed nervous. I went back into the house to see if the chicken had thawed enough so I could cook it. I started peeling some potatoes when he came in to see what I was doing. He stood there against the counter watching me, not saying a word. I looked over at him and his eyes were so intense as he looked at me. "Are you okay?" I finally asked.

"No. I just have a lot on my mind."

"Do you want to talk about it?"

"Maybe later." He then quickly left the room.

Supper was finally ready, so I went to look for him and found him sitting in the living room reading the newspaper. "Supper is ready." I said as he glanced up at me. He then grabbed my arm and pulled me down onto his lap. His hand went under my skirt as he claimed and devoured my mouth, as his hand massaged my clitoris causing an intense orgasm that swept through me. I got up off of him to remove his pants and found his cock was in need of my attention. So I got on my knees and stroked him with my hand as he groaned. I took his cock into my mouth, enjoying the essence of him as I licked, sucked and stroked until he cried out in agony as the white creamy stuff shot out of his throbbing cock.

After I cleaned him up I went back into the kitchen and then I heard a "Wow" coming from the dining room as I carried the platter of fried chicken into the room. "You made all this?"

"Yes." I looked at the table with pride. "I wanted to show you that you don't need Nadine anymore."

"I know, but I will keep her around anyway."

"Why?"

"I don't want you to do this all the time. I want you to spend your time with me not doing housework."

When dinner was finished he went into the living room as I cleared the table and took things back into the kitchen. 'Now it was time…to wash dishes.' I sighed as I filled the sink up with water.

Antonio came into the kitchen and asked, "What are you doing?"

I looked at him. "I have to clean up."

"Leave it…Nadine can do it tomorrow."

"No, I can't leave her my mess to clean up."

"I know, but I want you to spend the evening with me, not washing dishes."

"All right." I dried off my hands on a towel. "What do you want to do?"

"Let's go for a drive?" he suggested.

So we got into the car and started driving, not saying a word. I just watched the city change and then got out into farm country. I saw a sign that said "Lakewood city limits" he stopped at a diner and we went in then shared a milk shake.

He took my hand as we went for a walk and found a park. We came across a playground we each took a swing and played around as if we were kids. Since I didn't have these things in Meredith, when I was a kid, so this was a new experience, trying out all of the playground equipment.

We then continued our walk and came to a bridge that went over a pond. He then noticed the ducks and the baby ducklings swimming around. He put his arm around me as we watched the ducks in silence. I looked up at him wondering why he was so quiet and then I kissed his check. He then looked at me kissing my lips and said, "Let's go home."

***

"Cassie wake up," Antonio said as he shook my arm.

I opened my eyes and he was sitting on the bed next to me, dressed and ready for work. "What's wrong?"

"Nothing. I just wanted to give you a hug and a kiss before I leave."

So I sat up as he took me into his arms and held me tight. He then gave me a long deep heartfelt kiss. When he drew back I could see sadness in his eyes as I did last night.

"Why are you so sad?" I asked.

"I'm fine," he kissed me again.

"Okay?"

He then left me alone to think about what just happened. Why was he so sad? He kissed me like he was saying goodbye. I laid my head back down onto the pillow I wasn't ready to get up yet. I enjoyed not having to get up so early so I went back to sleep. I woke to a pounding on the door. "Who is it?" I yelled.

"Miss Anderson, you have a visitor."

I looked at the clock and it was a few minutes past nine when I got out of bed and put a robe on so I could answer the door. "Nadine, who's here?"

"He wouldn't tell me."

"He? Let me put some clothes on and I will be right down."

She left me alone. I wonder who would know where I lived? So I got dressed and then hurried down the stairs to see who was here. When I walked into the living room I saw Brendan standing by the window. "Brendan!" I screamed.

"Hello, Cassie."

I gave him a hug and a kiss on the cheek. "What are you doing here?"

"I wanted to see how you were doing."

"Well…I am doing great! See my ring…I am engaged to be married!"

"That's wonderful news." He hugged me.

"Have you had breakfast?"

"No. Cassie we need to talk."

"About what?"

"It's Dad."

"What happened?"

"He's been sick."

"What is he going to die, or something?"

"He has been in the hospital for a few days."

"The hospital? What should I do?"

"I think it would be a good idea if you came home for a few days."

"Yes…but I can't just leave…I need to tell Antonio that I am leaving." I went into his office so I could use the telephone. I was shaking as I lifted the receiver.

"Operator."

"I need to call the Colorado National Bank."

"One moment please."

Then I heard another woman say. "Good morning, Colorado National Bank."

"Hi, I need to speak to Mr. Cardenas."

"Yes, I will connect you."

"Thank you." I waited for a few minutes and then a familiar voice answered.

"Hello, this is Mr. Cardenas."

"Hi."

Good morning, what can I do for you?"

"Would you come home? I need to see you."

"Why? What is wrong?"

"Brendan is here and he wants me to go home with him. I guess my dad is sick."

"Yes I know."

"You know? Why didn't you tell me?"

"Brendan wanted to tell you himself."

"Oh…is this why you were so sad this morning?"

"Yes, I knew he was going to take you away for awhile."

"So, are you coming home?"

"No, sweetheart, I have too much work that needs to be done. Call me when you get there and have a safe trip."

"All right." I softly said as my eyes filled with tears.

"I love you."

"Yes I know…Goodbye."

"Are you okay?" Brendan asked as he came into the room.

I looked up at Brendan. "No." I wiped the tears from my eyes and then went up stairs to pack for the trip home. I then told Nadine that I was leaving for a few days and then we were on our way.

***

We arrived in Meredith 8 hours later; I couldn't believe it had only been 5 days since I left here…it seemed longer than that. I guess it's because of all the wonderful things that happened to me the past few days.

My family was out on the porch when we arrived. I gave everyone a hug it was good to see my family again. Then my dad came out of the house and asked, "What are you doing here?"

"Brendan told me you were sick."

"I have had a bad cold, but it's nothing serious."

"Oh." I looked at Brendan. "I'm glad you are feeling better."

"It's great to see you. So, how's your friend?" Mom asked.

"Wonderful! He gave me this on Saturday." I held out my hand to show off my ring.

"Cassandra!" Leslie screamed.

"I'm engaged. To be married," I said as I watched Brendan walk away.

"Oh that is so pretty!" Diana said.

"Thanks…I'll be right back." I followed Brendan to the barn and into his office. "Brendan what is going on?"

"Nothing." He sat down in his chair.

"Why did you drag me here if dad wasn't sick?"

"I had to find a way to get you home."

"Brendan you lied to me!"

"Yes, I know."

"Why?"

"Cassie, you will find out in a few days."

"Brendan!"

"I can't tell you."

"Fine!" I stormed out the door and back towards the house.

***

Tuesday morning I decided to ride into town so I could call Antonio, before he went to work. Since I now know that this town has only two telephones, so I went to see if I use Mr. Parker's telephone. I picked up the receiver and a voice came on the line as it did in Denver.

"Operator," she said.

"I would like to call a Mr. Cardenas, in Denver."

"What's the first name?"

"Antonio."

"And the number?"

I read it off the piece of paper I had written the number on.

"One moment please," she said.

Then a woman answered, "Mr. Cardenas residence."

"Nadine?" I asked.

"No this is Roxanne."

"Roxanne, is Antonio at home?"

"Can I ask who is calling?"

"This is Cassandra."

"Oh!" There was a moment of silence. "I think that was a terrible thing you did…running off with that man."

"What?"

"You heard me…I saw what you did. Antonio will be mine now and…"

"Roxanne!" I screamed. "I want to talk to Antonio, now!"

"All right…just a minute."

Then I heard, "Hello."

I took a deep breath and then said, "Hi."

"Well, good morning, sweetheart."

"I miss you."

"Hang on a minute." He was gone a few seconds. "Sorry, I had to tell Roxanne to get off the telephone."

"She just accused me of running away with another man."

"She did?" he laughed. "How's your dad?"

"He's fine…Brendan lied to me!"

"Cassie, please don't be angry with me, but I lied to you too."

"What?" I yelled as I looked around the store people were staring at me. "Why?"

"Cassie, you will find out on Thursday."

"Thursday? That's two days away…why not now?"

"Cassie, you will understand when I will see you this weekend."

"Here or there?"

"I am coming to Meredith for weekend."

'You are coming here?" Now I was really confused. "I want to know what is going on!" I began to cry.

"I can't tell you. I don't want to spoil the surprise."

"All right." I spoke softly trying to hold back my tears. "I have to go."

"Goodbye Cassie, I will see you soon."

"Goodbye." I said as I hung up the receiver and then thanked Mr. Parker for allowing me to use the telephone and then I left the store. I started to walk back to where my horse was tied when I heard someone call my name. I looked around and saw Brett.

"Cassie, what are you doing here?"

I took a deep breath. "I really don't know."

"Did you split up with your friend?"

"No." I showed Brett my ring. "Antonio and I are engaged. To be married."

"So, is he here?"

"He's back in Denver."

"How do you like the city?"

"I love it!"

"That's good."

"I have to get back to the ranch. So, goodbye Brett."

"Goodbye Cassie."

***

Thursday evening I was sitting in the living room when Brendan came into the house with a large box for me. I opened it as everyone watched me and I saw this white dress. "What is this for?" I asked as I carefully pulled it out of the box.

"What do you think it is for?" Mom asked.

"Well…it looks like a wedding dress." Then my eyes got big when I realized what I just said. "Am I getting married? Is that what the secret is?"

'Yes, Cassie," Brendan smiled.

"When?"

"This coming Saturday."

"Brendan, then you were in town last Sunday?"

"Yes. Antonio and I have been planning your wedding."

"I can't believe this!" I screamed. "What time is he arriving tomorrow?"

"Antonio should be on the afternoon train, but I am suppose to keep you here until Saturday."

"Why can't I see him?"

"He told me that he doesn't want to see you until you walk down the aisle."

"Oh. So, who is giving me away?"

"I am," he said with pride.

"But what about Dad?"

"I don't know if he will attend."

"Will everyone be there?"

"Yes, I have taken care of everything," Mom said.

I hugged Mom and Brendan. "Thank you."