The Billionaire’s Housekeeper

George gave her the flowers and lowered his face to hers. He planted a kiss on both of her cheeks; gently moving her face when he kissed her. He pulled her chin up for their eyes to meet, and he kissed her on the lips. The kiss was warm and inviting. There was a surge of energy and longing within Rita that she hadn’t felt for many years.

“I’m here,” she called out.

“I’m sorry to wake you, but the Minister will be here at 10. I thought you ought to get ready,” George said. Rita nodded, forgetting that he wasn’t in the room to see her.

“Yes, I’ll be right out.”

Rita realized that she had no idea what to wear. If this was a wedding then she wanted to at least look decent for it. She tore out of bed, almost tripping on the blankets and went into the bathroom to brush her teeth. She took the quickest shower of her life and put on a clean white bathrobe.

It was almost like George was psychic, because he knocked on the guestroom door just then.

“Are you decent?” he asked through the door. Rita didn’t quite know how to answer that. Did he expect her to be dressed?

“I think I am. I’m only in a robe though,” she admitted.

“Would it be alright if I came in?” George asked.

Rita moved over to the door and unlocked it. She held it ajar in case she was supposed to be ready. George wasn’t alone. There were 2 women and a man standing a bit behind George.

“Rita, this is Cassandra, Meryl, and Luke. They’ll be helping you get dressed today.”

Rita didn’t know what to say. Meryl had a hanger with a long black bag attached to it. Rita could only assume that was to be her dress. Cassandra and Luke both had black trunks that they kept on wheels with them.

“Oh,” was all Rita could think to say. She opened the door and let them in.

“George was right,” Cassandra said when George had closed the door behind him, “you are absolutely stunning. I don’t even know why I’m here.”

Cassandra was plump and cheerful. Luke was quieter, but he was already undoing Rita’s hair and playing around with it. Her hair was very curly and he hmmm’d ever so often trying to find what to do with it.

“No time!” Meryl said. She sounded impatient, but it was more panic than anger.

“Ever thought of cutting your hair, sugar?” Luke asked. Rita had never thought about it. She wanted to try something bold and different.

“No, but I trust your judgment,” Rita said. Luke got started right away. He was an artist with his scissors and brush. He cut Rita’s hair into a short bob and used a hair dryer. Cassandra got to her makeup right away and Meryl sat patiently on the bed waiting for everyone to be finished.

When Cassandra had put the final touches of make up on Rita, Meryl unzipped the black bag. Rita was mesmerized. The dress was short and off-white. It was a corset top adorned with feathers; with a hint of modesty about it by the lace that covered her chest and went up her neck. It tapered out from her waist and puffed out. There were bright red shoes with small feathers on the heels as well.

Rita was so excited to see how she looked. She was considering going to the mirror, but Meryl shrieked “No time!” again, and they were all out the door. Luke had put on a small hat and netted veil over Rita’s face.

When they were downstairs they all gave her a hug and ushered her to the lanai where Jose would be waiting for her. She stepped out and gasped. There were a few chairs outside with a few guests. She didn’t recognize anyone except…

Anne Ainsworth. George’s mother was there! Jose stood at the foot of the stairs with a bouquet in his hand.

“You look gorgeous. Love the cut,” he whispered to her and gave her the flowers. No one had seen that she was there, but the music started suddenly. The few guests rose and turned around to see her. Anne gave her a huge smile and clapped silently.

Rita and Jose walked down the aisle until she could finally see Mr. Ainsworth. He had his back turned to her, but when he knew she was close enough, he turned around.

George’s knees almost buckled when he saw her, and Rita was the same. Maybe it had been her dream from the night before, but now all she could do was think about the man in front of her; the man looking at her like she was the only woman in the world.

Jose kissed her cheek and then moved her closer towards George Ainsworth, her future husband.