The Plans

"David, I truly wish you a good life. I hope you will find a woman who loves you as you deserve, but that woman can't be me. I'm sorry." Charlotte felt sad for him but knew it couldn't be helped.

Gordon said nothing but guided Charlotte to turn around and head back. David said nothing as they walked away, but it killed him to see Charlotte in the arms of another man.

After a few minutes of silence, Charlotte looked to Gordon.

"Are you okay?" She asked.

"Why wouldn't I be?" Gordon's voice was cool and he clenched his jaw.

"Because you are speaking to me like the day you first met me in that freezing voice." Charlotte said in a matter-of-fact tone.

"I don't like how he looked at you. And I definitely didn't want him confessing his love to you!" Gordon's voice had reached freezing.

"Dear Husband, are you jealous?" Charlotte asked.

"Why shouldn't I be?" He growled.

"I just want you to know that you have nothing to worry about. You're the only man I want. In fact, I want you right now." She breathed the last part into his ear while her fingertips trailed down his firm chest, down past his belt until she touched...

Gordon groaned and pulled her closer. He kissed her with reckless abandon. Charlotte's hands continued to stroke and squeeze while Gordon moaned.

"What am I going to do with you?" He panted.

"I can think of several things." Charlotte answered.

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"The two of you do know that the walls in this house are paper thin, right?" Cora grumbled as she sat down to breakfast with Charlotte and Gordon.

"Sorry." Charlotte blushed.

"I just happen to really love your sister." Gordon said with a straight face.

"I though so, since you screamed her name more than once, among other things." Cora shot back.

Gordon chocked on his tea.

Charlotte giggled. "Just wait until she's married to Andrew, she'll be screaming his name too."

"I will do no such thing." Cora said emphatically.

Charlotte and Gordon exchanged knowing looks.

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Charlotte had asked Gordon that her mother and sister live with them for the time being.

"If she really does only have a few months, I'd like to be near her." Charlotte said. Gordon agreed. He had multiple reasons why he didn't want to live with anyone except Charlotte, but he knew his wife deeply loved her mother, so he was willing to make a sacrifice for her sake.

Gordon had a suite of rooms prepared for Mary and Cora and arranged their belongings to be brought there.

Their first days there were very busy. They had to register Cora in her new school. Gordon made sure it was the best in the area. They also set up appointments for Mary with the best oncologist in Beijing.

Gordon had been afraid Charlotte would have less time for him, but it seemed Andrew was very excited to prove himself as a future son-in-law, and spent many days helping them become established in their new surroundings.

One evening a few weeks later, Gordon's parents and grandmother met with Gordon, Charlotte, Mary and Cora at an upscale restaurant to discuss the wedding.

They all agreed to move the ceremony up to accommodate Mary's prognosis.

It seemed Mary's doctor from the village had been correct. The doctor in Beijing could only recommend palliative care.

It had been a hard blow for the two sisters to take. They were determined to make their mother's last days happy ones.

Charlotte took her mother with her to pick a wedding dress, along with Cora, Anna, Grandma Stella, and Rachel.

Gordon booked the wedding venue and hired catering. It would be a quickly planned but beautiful wedding.