10 Chapter 10

When Afton returned with the ice bucket, she found that her family had left her alone with Mac Barrett. "Well, I see the rest of the party-goers have deserted us."

"Actually, I think it's cozier this way, don't you?"

"Yes, of course." With her back to her guest, Afton added a couple of ice cubes to a highball glass and then poured in equal shots of Benedictine and brandy. She hadn't planned to join him, but then decided a celebratory drink might be in order. When she finished, Afton placed both glasses on a small china tray and then turned to her guest.

She found that Mac had since shed his coat and now sat relaxed against the back cushions of the sofa. She placed the tray on the coffee table between them and then handed him one of the glasses.

"Thanks." Mac reached over to accept his drink. "I'm glad you're going to join me." Their fingers touched for a moment.

"Why not?" Smiling, Afton took her drink and sat on the ottoman opposite her guest. "It's a special night, not just because it's Christmas, but because it's also the eve of your upcoming nuptials."

He grinned, the glass raised in his hand. "Yep. Regine and I decided earlier this evening. After all, we've been a couple for almost two years now and so why not take the plunge? It's the inevitable outcome of any long-term relationship, don't you think?"

"I suppose so... for most people." As she spoke, Afton absently swirled the lush amber liquor in her glass. The trio of ice cubes clinked together.

"Well, Regine and I aren't like most people but we do have the same tastes and goals. We both enjoy the fine arts, jazz and light rock music, classic movies, good food and fine wines. We also feel comfortable career-wise and plan to continue with our present jobs. Regine's a fashion coordinator for a retail clothing chain if you didn't know."

"No, I didn't."

"And we both have stock portfolios and retirement funds. It always pays to look towards the future, not necessarily the short-term future but the long-term, when it's time to retire and you don't have to sacrifice any of those things you worked so hard to attain, those little comforts in life." Mac paused to clear his throat and then take a sip of his drink. "Excuse me. I have a little bit of a tickle in my throat."

He cleared it again as Hexaba strolled by and paused to sniff his pant leg. When she felt satisfied, she made her way across the carpet and over to the Christmas tree. "I see you have a cat," Mac stated the obvious. "I like cats but I'm allergic to them." For emphasis, he sneezed before he could retrieve his handkerchief from the breast pocket of his suit jacket.

"Oh, here." Afton jumped up to retrieve a box of tissues she had on the nearby side table. She returned and set the box on the coffee table.

"Sorry about that." He took a tissue and blew his nose. "Like I said, I'm allergic to the dear things. What's your cat's name?"

"Hexaba." Afton told him as she returned to her seat.

"Hex-a-what?" Mac frowned.

"Hexaba. It's the name of a sorceress."

"Okay. Unusual but fitting, I suppose."

"Oh, yes." If he only knew!

He relaxed again. "Now, where was I? Oh, yes, about Regine and me. We make a fine team. We know what to expect and have no illusions. After all we're both mature adults and understand that a good, solid relationship is built on hard work and mutual respect, not steeped in silly romantic ideas. Well yes, there's love, of course... "

As Mac continued to speak, Hexaba jumped into her mistress's lap. Afton stroked the cat's rich fur and placed her chin on Hexie's head. Soon, both pairs of eyes brightened and shimmered with mesmerizing intensity. Afton began to hum, nothing recognizable as a song, just a low, easy cadence.

"Regine calls it sensible love, the kind that comes without any fancy or immature illusions. We make an excellent fit together, like a pair of shoes just broken into, comfortable and sturdy. You see, it's good to know someone inside and out before you commit totally."

The humming continued, now accompanied by Hexie's audible purrs.

"I didn't want to wait, you see, until the New Year. Why wait? Marriage in the old year is just as new and exciting."

Mac realized he had been babbling on about Regine and marriage while his gaze traveled and fixed on Afton and her cat, their eyes like twin pools of liquid green mist. His mind began to slip into some warm, fuzzy place where the softness of the humming and purring caressed his senses and brought up a warm, effervescent feeling as if he bathed in champagne bubbles. He started to see Afton in an entirely new light, not just within the emerald aura that surrounded her, but of something sparkling and fine throughout. Suddenly, he felt as if he couldn't exist without her. Emotions that simmered on the edge now burst forth in happy, rainbow colors. He felt the twitter and the punch of instant, irresistible attraction.

"I, er... I-" Rising from the sofa, he slowly approached her like a man not quite awake but existing within a layer of hazy, rosy consciousness.

Suddenly, the humming and purring stopped. When Hexaba slipped off her mistress's lap, Afton rose and slunk purposely like the cat to meet Mac halfway, next the fireplace where a fire had magically started. It crackled with warmth and painted the new lovers in a golden glow.