Trixie tiptoed up behind Jim. He was bent over the desk in his office, looking intently at the blueprints for the stables. She was right behind him, taking a moment to appreciate the view. Then she took her fingertips and tickled his ribs.
Jim spun around in surprise.
“Holy-!”
“Hi, sweetie.” She said looking incredibly angelic.
“Hi yourself. Did you have to scare the pants off me?”
Trixie raised an eyebrow and pursing her lips, did a slow scan down to his feet and back up to look into his face again.
“I wish.” She smiled.
“Shush, you!” Jim playfully swatted her hip. “I’m hard at work!” He joked.
“Yes, you looked it.” Trixie looked down, and studied the papers. Frowning, she looked up at Jim.
“What is it?”
Jim laughed softly.
“That my dear, are the plans for the stables for the school.
“Oooh!” Trixie immediately sat down and took a closer look.
Jim watched her look them over and grinned.
“Do they meet your approval?”
“How many horses can you have?” She asked.
“We’ll have the space for 25. There is room, if we choose to add on later. As of right now, we are starting with about 10 horses.”
Trixie nodded, looking at the plans again. Suddenly, she looked up as if something had just occurred to her.
“The hammering isn’t so loud today.” She observed.
“No, they finally finished the other offices.”
They were in Jim’s office at TAA, or Ten Acres Academy. While his office was finished, and he utilized it, the other staff member’s offices and the reception area hadn’t been finished yet. So when Trixie would visit Jim at the school, it was rather noisy.
“Oh, I hired a Math instructor today.”
“Really? Who?”
“Do you remember Robert Townsend, from Harvard? I think you met him when you came to visit me.”
Trixie remembered, and smiled, “That will be nice. You were friends with him, weren’t you?”
“We had a lot of classes together, we used to out for coffee and then head to the library to study.”
Trixie shifted in her chair, “So have you found your assistant yet?”
Jim grinned.
“I had an applicant. She is fresh from college, and looking for experience.”
“Oh, well that’s good isn’t it? Then you can train her.”
Jim chuckled.
“I think she was looking for another kind of ‘experience’, than what I could offer.” He waggled his eyebrows for effect.
Trixie eyes bulged, and her jaw dropped in shock.
“You have got to be kidding me! She was-?”
“Yep! She sat on my desk, not so discreetly, flashing her assets.”
Trixie stared at Jim in shock. Then she jumped up, and started pacing in her anger.
“How dare she?! What kind of person applies for a job at a boy’s school and proceeds to throw herself at her possible boss?! What kind of person does that? And what did she expect to happen? You’d throw her on the desk and have at it?”
“Trixie.”
“Of all the crude, and lewd and, and- well, I think it’s just terrible! Didn’t she know you’re taken?”
“Trix.”
“What?!” Trixie spun around and looked at Jim.
Jim stood up and walked toward her. He put his hands on her shoulders and looked down into her beautiful blue eyes.
“I love you.”
“I love you, too. But-”
Jim slowly lowered his head to kiss her lips. Bending further, he wrapped his arms around her waist and lifted her to his level, continuing to kiss her.
Trixie hands found their way to his hair and her legs came up to wrap around his waist.
He broke away from her lips, and moved them toward the desk.
“She’s nobody- she was clueless.” Jim kissed down Trixie chin and neck. She cocked her head to give him access.
“And besides, she couldn’t have known, I – *kiss*-was-*kiss*-saving the desk-*kiss, kiss* for you!”
He set her down on top of the desk and she giggled.
“Mr. Frayne! I didn’t know you had this in you!”
Jim pulled back to grin at Trixie.
“I don’t- at least now anyway! Your father is on his way over with bank papers to sign to transfer money for the construction of the stables.”
Trixie squeaked and jumped off the desk.
“Jim Frayne! I can’t believe you did that!” She sounded shocked, but her eyes twinkled and let Jim know that she wasn’t really u
She stood in front of him and reached to pull his head down for another kiss. But Trixie wouldn’t let him go after the kiss. She deepened it, and let her hands explore his body, and when she heard the outer doors open, telling her that her father had arrived, she let him go. Jim was panting slightly, and sank to the edge of his desk.
“Baby- you can-” A light knock signaled Peter Belden had reached Jim’s office.
Jim jumped up and sat down behind his desk, trying to glare at her.
“Would like me to open the door for my father?” she asked him sweetly.
Jim all but growled his yes.
Trixie’s hand had reached for the door knob and Jim said, “Trix, revenge is saccharin sweet! Remember that!”
Trixie grinned at him over her shoulder.
“I’m counting on it, sweetheart.” She said with a sing song voice.
“Hi Dad.” Trixie stood on her toes to kiss her father’s cheek.
“Hi Princess. I didn’t know you were going to be here today.”
Peter looked across to Jim sitting at the desk.
“Hi Jim.
“Hi Mr. Belden, thanks for bringing the papers out here.”
“It’s not a problem; it’s my way home, after all.”
“Well, I’ll let you two talk your business. See you later, Jim and Dad, I guess I’ll see you at home soon.”
Peter nodded and waited until Trixie had shut the door again.
“Did you bring it?” Jim asked, standing, now that the ‘crisis’ was over.
Peter walked toward him, and set the folder containing the papers on the desk. Peter reached into his pocket and withdrew a small jewelry box. He opened it to show Jim the ring nestled inside.
It was Trixie’s ring, the diamond solitaire that Jim had given her when he left all those years ago.
“So, this is it, this will be her engagement ring?”
“I debated. I got her another one, but wasn’t sure what she would want. I think by the time I am giving it to her, I will have decided which is to be her ring.”
Peter grinned, “Well, I hope so! Or she’ll be coming home with 2 rings.”
Jim chuckled.
“I would give them both to her, if that’s what she wanted.”
Peter nodded knowingly.
“We do have to sign those papers, and then I will get out of your hair. You have a special date to get ready for. Where are you taking her?”
“For dinner, we are going to the Country Club. Then, I thought to take her where it all started. And I’m hoping she says yes.”
Peter saw that Jim was a little nervous about it, and instead of laughing, he looked at him intently.
“She will say yes, Jim. My daughter has been head over heels in love you for a long time.” Peter had visions of a time long ago. Trixie rushing up to his car when he got home, telling him about ‘the most wonderful boy.’
They signed the papers, and shook hands. Peter wished him luck and he left Jim alone in his office.
Jim gathered the blueprints and papers and put them away, and after a final pat to his jacket pocket, he went to check on the work crew once before he went home to get ready for his date with Trixie.
Trixie stood looking into her closet. She moved a few hangers, and still stood there staring.
“Are you hoping the closet fairy will drop an outfit into your hands?” Her mother teased from the doorway.
Trixie smiled at her.
“If it would only be so simple!” she said wistfully.
“Didn’t you get a new skirt the other day?”
“Yes, it’s black. I can wear anything with it, but I just don’t know.”
Helen stepped into her daughter’s room.
“Ok, let’s see what you have.”
By the time Jim arrived to pick her up, Trixie was decked out and ready to go.
She decided to wear the new black skirt with the slit up the side, but topped it with a spaghetti strapped, sequin top. In the light, the sequins sparkled into different colors. She slipped into her black heels and grabbed her purse.
She moved down the stairs at a sedate pace. She didn’t want to trip or anything.
Jim’s smile lit his face when he saw her coming down.
“Hi beautiful.” His eyes showed their admiration for her.
“Hello, handsome.” Trixie tilted her head back for a kiss.
Her parents discreetly left the room, and Trixie was oblivious to the tears in her mother’s eyes.
Jim held open her car door, and allowed her to get in. Trixie sat back in her seat, and waited for Jim to get in.
“How was the rest of your day?” Trixie asked.
“Good. I finished my business with your father, and then called it quits in my office. I checked out the progress of the builders.”
“It’s almost finished. Then you can finally see your dream materialize.”
“It’s hard to believe. All of the planning has come full circle. I fell excited, relieved and nervous all at the same time.” He laughed.
They had a lovely dinner of prime rib. Jim led her to the dance floor for an after dinner dance.
Jim couldn’t help but marvel in how perfectly she fit in his arms. His chin touched her forehead. He could smell her shampoo, and curbed the craving to bury his face in her curls.
They danced in silence and when the song ended, Trixie leaned back far enough to see his face. Softly smiling, she kissed his lips, running a hand up and down his back.
“Let’s get out of here, ok?” Jim said looking down at her.
Trixie nodded. Jim grasping her hand led her to their table to get her purse.
They left the Country Club. Jim drove in silence, Trixie
enjoyed the beautiful evening. It was a gorgeous fall night, not chilly at all,
and a sky full of stars. She frowned when she noticed he was driving onto
“Are we going home?”
“Nope.”
Jim drove into the Ten Acres Academy driveway. Trixie’s curiosity was peaked.
“Why are we here? Did you forget something?”
“Nope.”
After that answer came again, she gave him a pointed look. Jim grinned and got out and went to open her door.
“Patience, Trix. The mystery will be solved soon.”
It was dark now, and Jim took her hand. He reached into the glove box to grab a flashlight before shutting her car door.
They walked onto the property. The school loomed in the darkness. The ground where the stable would go was staked. Jim walked past all of this. He led Trixie further onto the property.
“Jim, as much as I am thrilled about being alone with you in the dark, why are we out here in the dark?”
Trixie couldn’t see his smile. Suddenly, he shut off his flashlight.
“What in the world?”
Jim didn’t answer her, but led her a few steps further, then stopped. Trixie gasped at the sight before her.
There were a dozen candles set up on what looked like a picnic site. There was a blanket spread out and a bucket with champagne chilling. The candles made enough light that she could finally see his face.
“What is this?” she asked softly.
“Do you know where we are?” Jim asked.
“Ten Acres.”
“Yes, but the exact place?”
Trixie looked around.
“We’re standing where the old mansion stood.”
The ruins had been cleared and the land filled in before the school construction had begun.
“I brought you here, because this is where we met.”
Trixie leaned her head back to look into his eyes. He kissed her lightly and led her to the blanket. They knelt down on the blanket and he poured them each a glass of champagne.
He handed her, hers, and held his with a shaking hand. He hoped it was dark enough that she wouldn’t see it.
“Jim?”
Jim shook his head, “Let me say this, please.”
Trixie settled herself into a more comfortable position. Inside, she was quaking with curiosity and nervousness. Jim looked so serious.
“Trixie, you came along in my life when I was scared and lonely. I had lost everyone I loved. I was beaten, literally, by Jonesy. And you, Shamus, were a force to be reckoned with. You became my best friend. You gave me a new family. And the best group of friends I could ever ask for. Without you, I can guarantee this school wouldn’t be happening today. I would have been a runaway and who knows what would have happened to me.”
Jim paused, looking at Trixie. She was biting her lip waiting for him to continue. She couldn’t have spoken past the lump in her throat if she wanted to.
She set her glass down before her shaking hands sent it flying.
“I fell head over heels in love with you. It might come as a surprise, but I think I fell for you that first day.”
Jim paused to set his glass next to hers on the ground and to reach out to hold both of her hands in his.
“I will always remember the first time you told me you loved me. It thrills me just as much to hear you say it today. Our first kiss, our first date and every other ‘first’ we shared together, they meant everything to me because it was between us.”
Trixie blinked the tears that suddenly formed, back.
“There is nothing I would rather do in my life than love you. I want to be with you in good times and bad. I want to laugh with you and cry with you. I want to hold you and love you for the rest of my life.”
Trixie gasped, and covered her mouth with her hands. Jim reached into his pocket and drew out a box.
“Trixie Belden, will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?”
Trixie stared at the open box in awe. There was the ring he gave her long ago, the diamond solitaire.
She took a stabilizing breath before she reached out a shaking hand.
“I think you have it wrong. I am the one who would be honored.”
Jim looked at her. The tears running down her cheeks sparkled in the candle light.
He gulped, “Is that a yes?”
“Yes! Yes!! Yes!!!” she shouted louder with each yes.
They were both laughing and crying as he put the ring on her finger, then kissed it before gathering her into his arms. He kissed her hair, cheeks, eyes, and finally her mouth. All the while whispering he loved her.
“I love you!” Trixie chanted in return. They fell back onto the blanket.
Lying on his side, propping his head on his hand, he looked down at her. Jim reached out his other hand to lay it on her stomach, rubbing lightly.
“I love you so much, Trixie. You’ve made me happier than I have ever been in my entire life.”
Trixie caressed his cheek with the back of her hand.
“No, Jim. You’re the one who made me happy.”
Trixie spared a glance around their picnic site, and couldn’t help it- she giggled.
“What?”
“I can’t believe Mr. Woodsman, would light all of these candles out here! Weren’t you afraid of starting a fire?”
Jim grinned.
“Yes, which is why, Honey and Brian were here to get this ready for me. They didn’t light the candles until they saw our light coming. And there are a couple of buckets of water off to the side over there.
Trixie laughed. She stopped suddenly, when her ring caught the reflecting candle light. Jim saw her looking at it.
“Is it alright?”
“What? Of course it is.”
“Well, I was undecided what I was going to do. I bought you another ring too. But I decided to go with the old one. I think I gave it to you all those years ago, to hold onto until this day was possible.”
“I think that too. I love this ring. It’s special.”
Jim sat up and pulled her up next to him.
“Come on- everyone is waiting to here the news.”
Trixie stood up, and pulled up the blanket as Jim carefully distinguished the candles. He stacked the candles and the champagne bottle and glasses into a box near by.
“I’ll get that tomorrow.”
Happily they walked hand in hand to Jim’s car.
Trixie sighed in utter contentment as she sat back in her seat.
“Life can’t get any better! Your school is coming together, and almost finished. Honey and I are searching for office space right now in order to open the Belden-Wheeler Detective Agency. Oh- I guess that’s going to be Frayne-Wheeler now.” She smiled.
“You guess?” Jim teased.
“No, I know it is!”
Jim turned from the road into the Manor House drive.
“Trixie, you can keep your maiden name if you really want to.”
“No! I am going to love to be Trixie Frayne.” Trixie settled her head back onto the seat, sighing dreamily.
“That has a nice ring to it, doesn’t it?” Jim asked, smiling.
“Yes it does! Oh Jim!” she sat up straighter in her seat. “Look at everyone’s cars. They are all here.”
“I know. They told me they wouldn’t miss this for anything.”
Jim parked his car and got out to open Trixie’s door.
They walked into the Manor House to a full blown Bob White and extended family, party.
Honey squealed when she saw them enter the family room.
Running to their side, she hugged Jim, then Trixie. Whispering in Trixie’s ear, “Now we are going to sisters for real.”
“I know. Honey, I can’t wait.”
Their exchange was interrupted by the onslaught of congratulations from family and friends.
Finally, the dull roar of well wishing and ring admiring died down. Matthew Wheeler clanged the side of his glass with a spoon, to get everyone’s attention.
“I hope everyone has a glass of champagne, if not they’d better get one!”
Matt and Maddie stood next to Jim and Peter and Helen stood on the other side of Trixie.
Matt cleared his throat.
“I can’t say this occasion came as a surprise. I think Maddie and I can honestly say that we knew it would happen eventually. And we couldn’t be more thrilled than to have Trixie become a member of our family. Well, officially, anyway.
Trixie, you’ve meant the world to all of us. I already think of you as a daughter, and I will be proud to call you my daughter in law. I wish you and Jim a long, happy life together.”
Matt raised his glass and everyone drank to the happy couple. Jim looked down at Trixie and her cheeks pinkened. He kissed her forehead and they looked to her parents.
Peter and Helen moved forward. Helen had her arm around Peter’s waist as he cleared his throat.
“Helen and I too, knew this day would come. From the moment Trixie proclaimed Jim “the most wonderful boy”, I knew that he had captured my little girl’s heart. We’ve watched their relationship grow and their love bloom. Helen and I wish you both a life filled with boundless joys. May you be blessed with your own family, as we were blessed with ours. Look back at your yesterdays fondly, remember them with love and laughter. And look forward to all of your tomorrows, as they will be spent together. Jim and Trixie- we love you both!”
Trixie tried to blink back the tears, but finally gave up and they ran down her cheeks. She moved into her father’s embrace and he hugged her tightly.
“I love you Daddy.”
Then she hugged her mother, while Jim shook hands with his future father in law.
“Thank you all! Trixie and I love you and thank you for your love and support. We’ll need your advice too, with all of the plans to be made.”
“Jim, dear, have you set the date?” Maddie asked.
Jim looked to Trixie, and she answered, “Not yet. But we will soon. You all will be the first to hear!”
They ate and drank more into the night. Finally, the party died down and Jim went to take Trixie home.
“Let’s walk.” She said, “It’s a gorgeous night.”
“You got it!” He took her hand in his and they walked slowly down toward Crabapple Farm.
Trixie inhaled deeply. The fall night was gorgeous.
“What are you thinking?” Jim asked, after they had walked in silence a ways.
“I’m thinking, how good it feels to be me!” Trixie giggled.
“I’m sure glad you’re you.” Jim laughed.
“I’m so lucky. Honey and I are starting the agency. Your school is almost finished. And I am going to marry the most perfect man.”
“Anyone I know?” Jim grunted when Trixie elbowed him in the ribs.
“You, silly! You’re not backing out now. I have the ring!” She teased. She wiggled her hand in front of his face and the diamond reflected the moonlight.
Jim sobered and stopped walking. He pulled her into his arms.
“I’m not going anywhere, Trix, you’re just going to have to marry me.” Jim slowly lowered his head to kiss her.
Just before their lips met, she whispered, “Promise?”
Jim nodded and pressed his lips to hers. Trixie’s hands made there way up to his shoulders and held him tightly to her.
They kissed for a long while, standing there in the moonlight. Then they reluctantly parted and walked the rest of the way into the driveway at Crabapple Farm.
Trixie stood up on the porch, looking at Jim. The step had put her at eye level with him.
She reached out and pulled him closer for another final good night kiss. His hands rested comfortably on her hips and he could have stayed there all night. That is of course, if her parents weren’t there inside.
Jim pulled back to look into her eyes.
“I love you. I’ll see you tomorrow. Sweet dreams.”
“They always are, when they’re of you. I love you!”
Trixie watched Jim walk into the darkness. She stood there long after he disappeared. She looked up into the sky. And grinned.
“Thank you for listening! I hope that ‘our tomorrows’ are half as happy as our todays!”
Trixie turned and let herself into the house, shutting the door quietly behind her.
| Original Universe | Fears of Tomorrow |