Chapter 4

Abigail was busy most of the workday Monday, but she and Braden joined the skeleton work crew for a group lunch at Millie and Moe's Diner which was enjoyable.

"See you tomorrow," Abigail said to Braden on her way out at the end of the day.

"10:00," Braden acknowledged with a smile.

He didn't want to get ahead of himself, but Braden had a feeling it was going to be an interesting New Year's Eve and, if hope and change really were real, a Happy New Year's as well.

He arrived at Abigail's promptly at 10:00 on New Year's Eve morning.

"Would you like to go for a ride?" He asked Abigail as soon as she opened the apartment door.

"Sure," she grinned, happy that Braden was taking charge for a change.

He drove them to Sun Rise Lake which was about fifteen miles to the south of the city. Abigail was aware of it, but she had never been there before.

Braden parked the car in the public parking area near the closed town beach and they took a walk in the brisk last day of December weather. He talked about the Sun Rise School for Boys where his son had gone and motioned toward the Mt. Griffin look out in the distance.

"The Tower offers a fantastic view of the Blue River, the lake, and the valley."

"That sounds lovely," Abigail said in response.

It was a bit too cold for a long walk, so they returned to the car and Braden drove around the Lake Shore Road and pulled onto a dirt road that ran pass some cottages and cabins. He stopped the car in front of an empty lot.

"How'd you know about this spot?" Abigail asked with interest as she glanced at the scenery, including the lake beyond.

"We bought this lot about fifteen years ago as an investment," Braden revealed. "We hoped to save enough to build on it, but then Kathy got sick, and we never got around to it."

"Well, maybe it still can happen," Abigail said with encouragement.

"I'm hoping," Braden said.

He took her up to the top of Mt. Griffin to take in the view from the lookout tower which Abigail enjoyed immensely.

On the drive back to Miller City, they stopped for lunch at Groucho's on Route 64, a neat diner with all sorts of celebrity collector items, photographs, and artifacts throughout the place, and a menu full of humorously named dishes.

"I used to bring the kids here when they were younger," Braden said. "It was one of our fun places."

"This is a pretty interesting New Year's Eve meal," Abigail remarked as they ate their lunch.

"Oh, did I wreck things for tonight?" Braden worried.

"It's mostly going to be appetizers and hors d'oeuvres at the implied semi-mandatory Franklin and Gleason party," she smiled. "Don't worry about it."

When they left Groucho's, Abigail asked if they could stop at an art exhibit at the Miller City Library which Braden found to be interesting with a theme of future hope and new beginnings.

"That was a good way to spend New Year's Eve," Braden said when he drove Abigail to her apartment.

"Come back and get me around nine for the implied semi-mandatory Franklin and Gleason party," she told him.

"You don't mind being seen together?" He asked.

"Why would I?" She laughed.

Braden went home, showered and put on his best suit which he hadn't had an occasion to wear in years. When he arrived at Abigail's at nine, she opened the door wearing a sleek black dress that was sealed to her body and Braden couldn't help but gawk at her, causing her to laugh once again.

The implied semi-mandatory Franklin and Gleason party was held in a ballroom in one of the luxury downtown hotels, Franklin and Gleason holding court with their spouses and Braden did his best to stay by Abigail's side as they mingled, conversed with co-workers, clients, and family members, drank champagne, and ate the appetizers and hors d'oeuvres.

The group joined in the countdown to the New Year's which was playing from New York on the big screen televisions and when it hit midnight, Abigail gave Braden a kiss and yelled "Happy New Year!" although she was drowned out by everybody else.

"Okay, the mandatory part is over, let's get out of here," Abigail said at about thirty-four seconds into the New Year.

Braden drove her home and she invited him inside for a night cap.

"Anything feel different now that it's the new year?" Abigail asked as she poured them some more champagne from a bottle she had in the refrigerator.

"Yes," Braden admitted as he admired her beauty.

They sat together on the couch, Abigail placing her head on Braden's shoulder while she put her hand on his knee. Braden could almost look down the front of her stylish lowcut dress.

"Would you like to spend the night?" Abigail asked.

Braden smiled. "That would be a great way to start the New Year."

"Yes, it would," she agreed, standing and pulling him from the couch.

She walked him to the bed on the far side of the open room and they both undressed without speaking. Abigail slid onto the bed and Braden admired her naked beauty before meeting her in the center of the bed.

Abigail happily kissed him and, when they finally started making love, it didn't take her long to start shaking and quivering as an intense orgasm overtook her. Braden looked at her with amazement as he continued ramming until he ejaculated and collapsed on top of her.

Both were exhausted and spent, but extremely happy.

"Happy New Year, Braden," Abigail said, cuddling against him.

They woke up at about the same time in the morning, embracing and kissing like an old married couple instead of being together for the first time. They showered together and then found a restaurant for brunch.

Afterward, Braden stopped at the bakery and bought donuts, bringing them to Sophie's house and introducing Abigail to her family as they watched the Rose Bowl Parade on the television.

"Happy New Year, Dad," Sophie said when he and Abigail left the house.

They returned to Abigail's apartment and watched the New Year college football games for the rest of the day, ordering Chinese delivery for the night game.

"This apartment is too small for us," Abigail said when the last game was over.

"I guess we'll have to find a bigger one together," Braden replied.

"For the New Year," Abigail agreed.