Happy Tuesday!!  Linking up for the #Blogbattle

#BlogBattle is a weekly short story challenge using a single word for inspiration.  Hosted by the talented Rachael Ritchey.  This weeks word:  Spaghetti

This is a continuation of my previous story, A Day in the Loop.

Special Sauce

It’s been several months since I first met Aidan Anderson.  We’ve spent our days and nights talking, texting and Skyping.  Several times we had made plans to get together again, but for one reason or another, they fell through.  But it seems finally this time things will go as planned.

I am on my way to the airport and I will soon be on a plane heading to Minnesota, and Aidan!!  We must be getting close to my drop off area, because my mom has begun her litany of all the things I should and shouldn’t do while on the plane and staying with the Anderson’s…like I’m 12.  I gather my things and respond to her with an automatic, “yes mom.”

The flight was smooth, and without any delays.  I find my luggage easily in the terminal, and only walk a few feet before I look up and see him walking towards me.  Wow!! He looks good, I can’t get my feet to move, all I can do is just stand here with the biggest smile on my face, and my heart racing like I just ran a marathon.  He closes the gap between us with just a few long strides.  I drop my bags as his arms wrap around my waist and lift me off my feet in a welcoming hug.  I wrap my arms around his neck and bury my face in the crook of his neck; I didn’t want to let go.  When he finally puts me down and steps back from me, I look up at him and say, “Hi.”

“Hi Stephanie” he says with a wink and a smile as he gathers up my bags.

Aidan’s parents have a large summer home on the lake surrounded by a great deal of land.  I will be staying in the guesthouse.  We have just enough time to get there, and for me to unpack a few things and change before the family gathering.  It was something they did every year with their extended family at the end of the summer.

The food was good, the weather was beautiful, and his family was wonderful, welcoming me with open arms.  As the sun begins to set over the lake, Aidan’s mom and dad asks everyone to gather near the shoreline.  His sister and Aunt begin to hand everyone a marker and what looks like a folded up piece of blue paper.  Aidan’s mom clears her throat and says, “As you all know, this was Aaron’s favorite time of year.  How he loved to be with all of his family for some good fun, good laughs, and of course all the good food.  We know he is here with each of us in our hearts, but I want to honor his memory today.  In your hand is a sky lantern, I would like everyone to write on it; either the thing you remember most about him or even something you’d like to say to him.  We will then light the lanterns and let them drift into the heavens.”

As I was finishing up my note for Aaron, Aidan’s mom walks over to me and hands me a green lantern saying, “This one is for Jillian.” She lovingly squeezes my arm as she hands it to me, my own heartache reflected in her eyes.

Aidan and I light our lanterns last.  The sight of amber lights softly glowing against the inky sky as the lanterns languidly float up to the heavens is absolutely breathtaking.  Aidan knowing exactly how I am feeling, stands behind me, wraps his arms around my middle, and allows me to lean into him.  I lay my head back against his chest, he rests his chin on my shoulder, as we draw strength from each other, and let love overtake our sorrow.  I know at this moment, this is where I want to be…in Aidan’s arms.

As we walk hand in hand back to the guesthouse, I say, “This was a perfect evening, I can’t imagine anything better than this.”

“Oh, just you wait.” He replies with a mischievous grin as he squeezes my hand.

*~*

I have plans to spend the day shopping with Aidan’s mom and sister.  He mentions that he has something special planned for this evening, and asks that I return to the guesthouse by  6 p.m.

After a fun filled day.  I open the door to the guesthouse and immediately I inhale the most delicious aroma coming from the kitchen.  There is quiet music playing throughout the house, the table is set for two, with candles, a white linen tablecloth,  and napkins, fine china, and a bottle of wine chilling on ice.  As I walk into the kitchen, I see Aidan stirring something in a pot on the stove with one hand, and a bottle of wine in the other.

“I hope that isn’t the good stuff.”  I say with a smile as I lean on the door frame.

“Oh this?” he says with a laugh as he looks down at it then sets the bottle on the counter top.  “Don’t you watch the Food Network?  One must have wine, when one cooks.”

“I didn’t know you could cook.”  I replied as I walk over and give him kiss, which I am instructed to do from his apron.

“I’m a man of many talents.” He says with a wink.  “Actually, this is a very special spaghetti sauce, passed down from generation to generation.  The recipe is not even written down. My mom gave me all the ingredients already measured out and told me how to put it together.  Have a seat, everything is ready.”

We sit down and he plates the food and pours us each a glass of wine.  I take my first bite and my taste buds are assaulted with a barrage of flavors.  I chew slowly to savor every bite.  When I can finally speak, I say, “Aidan!! This is the best spaghetti I ever tasted.”

“Thank you.  My mom and grandma always say the sauce is pieno di amore, or that it’s filled with love.  They believe that when you share the sauce with someone, the two of you are destined to be together.  My great-grandmother made it for my great-grandfather, my grandmother for my grandfather, and my mother for my father.”  He said with a shrug.

“So what do you believe Aidan?” I ask as I take a sip of wine, not taking my eyes off of him.

He returns my gaze, “I believe…that it’s the best spaghetti I ever tasted.” He says then devours a forkful.

“I’m serious, Aidan.” I say laughing as I give his shoulder a nudge.

He quietly laughs and grabs my fingers and holds my hand.  Brushing his thumb over my knuckles he says, “I don’t need any special sauce to know that we are destined to be together.  I knew it the minute I looked into your eyes, and each day after that as I got to know what an incredible, smart, funny, passionate, beautiful woman you truly are.”  Then he takes my hand and kisses my palm, not once taking his eyes off me.

Oh yeah…that is definitely some special sauce.

© 2015 Carrie Ann