Make Me Whole A BWWM Pregnancy Shanade White

MakeMeWhole

BrothersFromMoney3

AcompleteBWWMpregnancystory,broughttoyoubyShanadeWhiteofBWWMClub.

Featuresanotherfreebonusbook.

ElizabethhasjustmovedtoPleasantValley,andthoughtitwouldbeagreatnewstart.

Buttoherhorror,shefindstheresidentsaregettingsickfromtoxicwastebeingdumpedinto

thewatersupply.

ShedoessomediggingandfindsoutTerrellIndustriesareresponsible,andmarchesdownto

theirofficestoslapalawsuitonCEODonovanTerrell.

Heclaimshedoesn’tknowwhatshe’stalkingabout.

Butwhenheseesthetoxicologyresultshedecidestogoundercoverinthetowntofindout

who’sbehinditandclearhiscompany’sname.

Elizabethagreestoposeashisgirlfriend,butsoontheirpretensespillsoverintorealfeelings.

Thingsareheatingupbetweenthem,andsoonthey’refallinginlove.

ButwhenDonovanunearthssecretsinthetownthatcertainpeoplewanttokeepsecret,things

getverydangerous.

Donovandisappears,andElizabethiskidnappedjustaftershefindsoutshe’spregnant.

Howcantheirlove,orthem,eversurvive?

Findoutinthissuspenseful,excitingromancebyShanadeWhiteofBWWMClub.

Suitableforover18sonlyduetosexscenessohotyou’llwantyourownpretendmarriage.

Tip:SearchBWWMClubonAmazontoseemoreofourgreatbooks.

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Hithere.Asaspecialthankyouforbuyingthisebook,foralimitedtimeIwanttosendyou

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Directlink:

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copiedordistributedwithoutwrittenpermissionfromtheabovecopyrightholders.

Contents

FreeBook–MarryingTheCowboy

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Chapter1

Astheelevatorrosetothetopfloor,Donovanfeltthebeginningsofaheadachecomingon.It

hadbeenalongcoupleofweeks,culminatinginasecondweddingforhisbotherSebastianand

hisnewsisterinlawLeslie,aftertheirdesperateflightfromtheRussianmob.Ithadbeen

excitingtobargainwiththefeds,andthecaptureoftwoassassinshadremindedhimhowgood

itfelttobeoutoftheoffice.

Butnow,Terrellindustrieswasdemandinghisattention,playtimewasover,andinabigway.

He’dbeenforcedtocancelorrescheduleallofhisappointmentsforthelastweekandnowhe

wasterriblybehind.Tomakemattersworse,he’dleftthefamilyranchearlythismorning,buta

badaccidenthadmadewhatwasnormallyatwohourtripintoafivehournightmare.

Hisearlystarttothedayhadbeenderailedrightfromthebeginning,hethoughtashestepped

offtheelevator.Sittingdownathisdesk,hewincedatthemultiplepilesofpapersstacked

everywhere.Clutterdrovehimcrazy,helikedeverythingneatandorganized,hisdeskfreeof

anythingbutthebareessentials.

Ringingtolethissecretaryknowhewasthere,hegrabbedthestackofpapersclosesttohim

andbeganreadingthroughthem.Hissecretarycamethroughthedoor,carryingacupofcoffee

andaDanish,shesetthemdownonhisdeskandtookadeepbreath.Itwasneveragoodsign

whenshedidthis,itmeantthatsomethingunpleasantwascoming.

“Yourfirstappointmentishere,she’sbeenwaitingforalmostanhour.”Shesaid,wrinklingher

nose.

“Itakeitshewasn’thappyaboutthewait.”Hesaid,takingasipofhiscoffee.

“She’sbeenpacingforthelasthalfanhour.”

“Itcouldn’tbehelped,besidesIdon’tevenknowwhosheis.Dowedobusinesswithher?I

don’trecognizethename.”Hesaid,lookingathisappointmentschedule.

“No,she’sanattorneyworkingforsomeenvironmentalgroup.”Shereplied,thenosewrinkle

backagain.

“Whyisn’tthelegaldepartmentdealingwithher?Wehaveasysteminplacetodealwiththese

people.”Hesaid,ascowlonhisface.He’dbeenthroughsomanyofthesemeetingssincehe’d

takenoverasCEOthathe’ddevelopedascriptedresponse.

“Sheinsistedonseeingyou,wouldn’tleavemealoneuntilIagreedtogiveherhalfanhourof

yourtime.Sheclaimsthatshe’sfoundevidenceofenvironmentalpollutiononTerrellproperty.”

“That’snothingnew.I’llhearherout,butfirstIneedtoknowwhatallthisstuffisonmydesk.

YouknowhowmuchIhateallthisclutter.”

“Whataboutyourappointment?”

“Shecanwaitforafewminuteswhileyougetmecaughtup.”Donovansaid,againreachingfor

thesamestackofpapers,hisagitationgrowing.

“Okay,butshe’snotgoingtobepleased.”Hisassistantsaid,sittingdowninfrontofthedesk,

knowingthatitwouldbeawhilebeforethey’dbefinished.

*****

Elizabethhadbeenpacingthewaitingroomforalmosthalfanhourwhentheassistantbehind

thedeskjumpedupanddisappearedthroughadoor.Sheemergedcarryingacupofcoffee

andaDanish,thendisappearedbehindanotherdoor,withnotevenawordtoLeslie.

She’dbeenpacingoutofaneedtomove,butnowherstepscarriedherangeraswell.After

waitingformorethananhour,forameetingthathadalreadybeenrescheduledtwice,her

patiencewasbeingstretchedtothebreakingpoint.Theideaofsimplypackingupherthings

andwalkingoutoftheofficeoccurredtoher,butshe’dcomeherewithacleargoalandwasn’t

goingtobackdownnow.

Whenshe’dfirstbeenhandedthecase,she’dalmostrejectedit,alittleresearchhadshowed

thatTerrellindustries,includingthecattleranchthatwaspartoftheirholdings,wasactually

veryenvironmentallyprogressive.She’dbeenimpressedbytheiralmostexclusiveuseofsolar

andwindenergynotonlytopowertheskiresort,butthetownaroundit.

Butonceshe’dlookedattheevidencethetown’speoplehadbroughther,itbecameclearthat

somethingwasgoingon.Thelevelsofcancerandotherpollutantrelatedillnessesinthearea

hadspikedoverthelastyear,farbeyondwhatwasnormal,evenallowingforothervariables.

She’dagreedtolookintotheproblemanddiscoveredthattherewerehighlevelsofseveral

pollutantsinthetown’swatersupply.

Shehadattemptedtocontactthemayorabouttheproblem,buthadbeenstonewalledbyhis

assistantandtoldtocontactTerrellIndustriesdirectly.She’dbeenwarnedthatthiswouldbe

theresponse,butshe’dbeensurprisednonetheless.Normally,electedofficialswerethefirst

tojumponthesideofthevoters,butnotinthiscase.

Soshe’dcontactedTerrellIndustries,onlytobegiventherunaroundbythelegaldepartment.

They’devenmailedheraformletter,explaininghowmuchtheycaredabouttheenvironment.

Finally,afteramonthofdailyphonecalls,she’dbeengrantedameetingwiththeCEO,

DonovanTerrell.Nowarmedwithpagesandpagesofevidence,shewaspreparedtogivehim

anopportunitytoexplainherfindings,beforeshefiledaclassactionlawsuitagainstthe

company.

Theonlyreasonshe’dwastedallthetimeshehadtryingtobringthesituationtotheirattention,

wastheirfantastictrackrecordontheenvironment.Asshe’dbeenputtingthecasetogether,

somethingjusthadn’tseemedrightwiththewholesituation.Itmadenosensethatacompany

whoworkedsohardtoreducetheircarbonfootprintwouldbepollutingthegroundwater.

Butnomatterhowshelookedatit,thewaterwaspolluted,andshewastheonewhohadbeen

taskedwithgettingtheproblemfixedandthetown’speoplehealed.Asshewaited,shebegan

towonderifshe’dbeenwrongaboutthecompany,althoughshe’dmadequiteapestofherself

togetinhere.Shehadn’tmentionedthelawsuitwhenshe’dbeengrantedtheappointment,

hopingtomakethisafriendlymeeting,butnowshewasseriouslyconsideringjustleaving.It

mighthavebeenamistaketoforcethismeeting,sheshouldhavejustfiledthelawsuit.

Asshewaspackingherthings,fedupwithwaiting,thedoortotheinnerofficeopenedandthe

assistantcameout,caringahugestackofpapers.“Mr.Terrellwillseeyounow.”Shesaid,still

offeringnoapologyaboutthewait.

Thisonlyservedtoincreaseherangerandfrustrationsinceshewasonlytryingtobehelpful.

Sheagainconsideredjustwalkingoutoftheroomandgoingstraighttothecourthouse,buther

betterjudgmentoverruledheranger.Gatheringherbriefcaseandpurse,shefollowedthe

assistantintotheofficewhereDonovanTerrellwasseatedbehindthebiggestdeskshehad

everseen.

Picturescouldn’tdothemanjustice,shethoughtashegotupandsteppedoutfrombehindthe

desk.Hewastallerthansheexpectedandmuchbetterlooking,hisdarkhairalittlelongerand

hisblueeyesadeepershadethanshe’dthought.Shefeltanimmediatepangofattraction

whentheireyesmet,hewasdefinitelyallman,tallandhandsome.Heevensmelledlikeaman,

woodsmokecombinedwithsomethingshecouldn’tname.

Herattractionmeltedimmediately,whenthemanbegantotalkhowever.“I’msorryaboutyour

wait,butitcouldn’thavebeenavoided.Ionlyhaveafewminutesavailablesolet’sgetstraight

tothepoint.”Hesaid,notbotheringtoshakeherhandorevenofferherachair,beforehewent

backbehindhisdeskandsatdown.

Donovandidn’treallycarethathe’dbeenrudetothiswoman,he’dbeenannoyedbeforeshe

cameintotheroom,butwhenhe’dseenherhisannoyancehadonlyincreased.He’dexpected

somethingdifferent,that’sforsure.Insteadhe’dbeengreetedbythesightofoneofthemost

attractivewomenhe’dmetinalongtimeandtheinstantpangofdesirehadn’thelpedhismood.

Sheopenedhermouthtoexplainwhyshewasthere,buthedidn’tgiveherthechance.“I’m

fairlysureIknowwhyyou’rehere.Thishappenseveryfewyears,someenvironmentalactivist

findsoutthatwehaveminingpollutiononourlandsanddecidesweneedtobetakentotask

overthesituation.”Hesaid.

“Well,thatiswhyI’mhere,but....”Elizabethstartedtoexplainthesituation,butagainhetook

thelead.

“Icanassureyouweareverywellawareoftheproblemandhavebeenworkingforanumber

ofyearswitheverygovernmentandenvironmentalagencyouttheretosolvetheproblemand

keeppeoplesafe.”Hesaid,pickingupastackofpapersandhandingthemtoElizabeth.

“Iunderstandthatbut....”AgainshewasinterruptedbyDonovan.

“Thisshouldexplaineverythingtoyou.I’vealsoincludedseveralcontactswhowouldbehappy

tospeakwithyouaboutwhatwe’redoingenvironmentally.Iappreciateyourinterest,butIcan

assureyouwe’redoingeverythingwecantoprotecttheplanet.”Donovansaid,gettingupfrom

behindthedesk,signalingthatthemeetingover.

“Mr.Terrell,Ithinkitwouldbeinyourbestinteresttohearmeout.I’vebeenonthiscasefor

severalmonthsnow,andI’veuncoveredsomedisturbingthingsonyourland.”Elizabethsaid,

refusingtobebulliedbythisman.

“Ms.Mathews,youarenotthefirstorthelastactivistwhowillcomethroughthesedoorswith

asimilarclaim.Ifyoudoyourhomework,you’llfindthatthereisnothingtobeconcerned

about.”Hesaid,againtryingtousherhertothedoor.

“I’mbeginningtodoubteverythingI’vereadoutyou,Mr.Terrell.I’monlyheretogiveyoua

chancetohandlethissituationbeforeIfileaclassactionlawsuitaccusingyouandTerrell

IndustriesofknowinglypollutionthegroundwaterinPleasantView.”Shesaid,heranger

suddenlygettingthebetterofher.

“That’sthemostridiculousthingIhaveeverheard,ifyou’ddoneyourhomework,Ms.Mathews,

youwouldfindthatwehavethatwatertestedfrequentlyandIalwaysseethoseresults.”He

said,hisangerbeginningtoshow.

“Peoplearesickinyourperfectlittletown,Mr.Terrell,andthewateristhecause.Butifyou’re

toobusytoseewhatisrightinfrontofyourface,thenI’llseeyouincourt.”Shesaid,shoving

herownsheafofpapersintohishands,asshestormedoutoftheroom.

Donovanstoodinthedoorway,clutchingthepapersshe’dshovedintohisarms,watchingher

stompaway.Onethingwasforsure,ElizabethMathewswasquiteawoman.Besidesher

obviousbeauty,shewastough.Thathadbeenclearwhenshe’dstooduptohim,something

evenmostmenwouldn’tdo.

Toobadshewasusingallofthattofurtheracausethatwasn’tevenarealcause.Heknew

withoutadoubtthatheraccusationshadbeenfalseoratleastmisguided.He’dseentheresults

fromthelastwatertestshimself.Whilethey’dshownsomeevidenceofcontaminantsinthe

water,thelevelshadbeensolowhe’dfinallythoughttheircontainmentissuesweresolved.

CleaningupthemessleftfromyearsofminingontheTerrelllandhadcostmillionsalreadyand

wouldcontinuetobecostlyforyearstocome.Buteveryoneinthefamilyhadagreedthatit

wasmoneywellspent.Thelandhadprovidedthemwithaverycomfortablelivingandithadall

begunwiththosemines.

ThemineshadbeenthebeginningoftheTerrellfortune,whichhadgrowntoincludenearlya

hundredsquaremilesofmountainproperty.Theirancestorhadmadewiseinvestmentswithhis

money,includingtheland,thengottenoutoftheminingbusinessatjusttherighttime.

Afterthesilvercrash,he’dstillbeenaverywealthyman.Eachgenerationafterhimhadadded

tothebusiness,includingtheirfatherwhohadbuilttheskiareaandthetown.Theyhad

continuedtoprosper,butthepollutionhadbeenathornintheirside.Whenhe’dtakenoveras

CEOofTerrellIndustries,he’dbeengiventhetaskofcleaningitup.

He’dconsideredithislife’sworktoseethatthelandtheyalllovedsomuch,wasaspristineas

ithadbeenbeforemininghaddoneitsdamage.Whilehe’dhadagoodeducation,ithadbeen

inbusiness,notinenvironmentalsciencesohe’dspentcountlesshourslearningeverythinghe

neededtoknowaboutcleanupmethodsandcosts.Ithadpaidoffintheend,TerrellIndustries

wasconsideredoneofthemostprogressivecompaniesinthecountry.

WhentheelevatordoorclosedonastillangryElizabethMathews,he’dfinallybeenabletotear

hiseyesawayandclosethedoor.Returningtohisdesk,hesetdownthereportshe’dshoved

intohishandsonherwayout.Hedidn’treallyhavetimeforthis,butithadbeenbroughttohis

attentionandhecouldn’tjustignoreit.Beforehelookedatthereport,alittleinvestigationof

Ms.Mathewswasnecessary.Thatalonemighttellhimiftherewasanytruthtoherclaims.

Whenheputhernameintohiscomputer,alonglistofresultspoppedup.Atfirsthewassure

thattheyweren’tallabouthisMs.Mathews,butashelookedatoneafteranother,herealized

thathisfirstestimationofhercharacterhadbeencorrect.ElizabethMathewswasquitea

woman.

Hewentbacktothefirstresulthe’dfound,abiographyfromtheUnitedNations.Evidently,

ElizabethMathewswasabitofaprodigy,havinggraduatedfromHarvardat18withadegree

inenvironmentalstudies,shegothermastersby20.Afterthatshewentontolawschool,

passedthebarandheadedtoSouthAmericaandtheAmazon.

She’dworkedwithboththeUnitedNationsaswellassomewell-knownenvironmentalgroups

sincethen,makingrealprogressonsavingtherainforest.Alongtheway,she’ddonesome

workwiththepeopleaswell,makinggreatstridesfortheindigenoustribesoftheAmazon.She

hadevenbeennominatedandreceivedquiteafewawards,includingAfricanAmericanwoman

oftheyearinherhometownofMableFalls.

Nowevidently,shewashometomaketroubleforhim.Makingtroubleseemedtobewhatshe

wasgoodat,ifwhathereadwasanyindicationofwhatshecouldaccomplishwhensheset

hermindtoit.Leaningbackinhischair,helookedatthereportagainandhadtoadmitthat

partofhisproblemwasthathe’dfoundherincrediblyattractive.

Withherlongwavyblackhair,skinthecolorofrichcaramels,andlusciouscurves,he’dbeen

immediatelyattractedtoher.But,nowthatheknewwhoandwhatshereallywas,allhefelt

wasalarm.Eventhoughheknewthatheraccusationswereunfounded,shecouldstillmake

troubleforTerrellIndustries.

He’dhopedthathislittleinvestigationwouldshowthatshewasjustanotheroneofthemultitude

ofenvironmentaliststhatlikedtobugthemfromtimetotime.But,nowhe’dhavetomakethe

timetolookatherreport,somethinghedidn’thavetimetodotoday.Withasigh,heputitinhis

briefcasetotakehome,justthekindofbedtimereadingheloved.

*****

AsElizabethwatchedtheelevatordoorsslideshut,shebreathedasighofrelief,Donovan

Terrell’sblueeyeshadwatchedherwalkacrosstheofficelikeshewashisfavoritemeal.She’d

beenabletofeelhiseyesonhertheentiretime,thenwhenshe’dturnedaround,thelookof

puredesireinhiseyeshadmadeherheartflutter.

Itwasridiculous,themanhadbeenextremelyrudetoher,hadneverevengivenherachance

tospeak.Nowhewaslookingatherlikehewantedtodevourher,heprobablyhadn’teven

heardawordshe’dsaid,thereportalreadyinthetrash.

She’dgrownaccustomedtomeninSouthAmericatreatingherthatway,butwassurprisedto

findshewastreatedthesamewayhereinAmerica.Whenshe’dbeenyounger,she’d

understood,butshewas30yearsoldnow,oldenoughtobetakenseriously.Well,Donovan

Terrellhadsevendaysandthenhewouldhavenochoicebuttotakeherseriously.

She’dhopedforadifferentoutcomefromthemeeting,butshewaspreparedtotakethisto

courtifnecessary.Thesuitwasreadytofile,allthepaperworkinorder,includingallthe

signaturessheneeded.Herclientswouldbeupsettohearthatthemeetingwasas

unsuccessfulasitwas,butshe’dgiveMr.Terrellacoupleofdaystoreadherreport,before

shegavethemthebadnews.

RightnowallshewantedtodowasgohometoherlittlehouseinPleasantView,lightafireand

putherfeetup.She’dboughtthehousewhenitbecameclearthatshe’dbespendingsomuch

timeinthelittletown.Itwasaniceplacetoliveandthepeoplewerefriendly,plusherparents

hadboughtpropertythereaftertheyretired.

Shehadbeenlivinginthecity,butthedrivehadbecomesuchachorethatithadmadesense,

nowshewashappythatshehad,evenwiththepollutantsinthewater.Shehadnohealth

concernsforherselforherfamily,theyhadneverdrankthewater.Herlittlehousewasthe

homeshehadn’thadforalongtime.

Afternearlyeightyearsintherainforest,she’dgrownaccustomedtotravelinglight,only

keepingexactlywhatsheneededtosurvive.Nowshefinallyhadaplaceshecouldcallhome,

andshehadnointentionoflettingTerrellIndustriespolluteherhome.She’dmadethechoiceto

makethiscasepersonal,maybenotthebestchoice,allthingsconsidered,butitwasdone.

Gettinginhercar,shedecidedtomakeaquickstopforgroceries,therewasalovelylittle

marketintown,butshe’ddevelopedatasteforBrazilianfoodandonlyspecialtymarkets

carriedsomeofthethingssheneeded.Changinghermindaboutputtingherfeetup,shesenta

texttohermotherandfathertojoinherforaBrazilianfeast.

Herspiritslighter,shestartedthecarandpulledoutofthelot.Oneofthereasonsshe’dcome

homewasthelonelinessthathadstartedtohaunthersofarfromhome.Makingfriendshad

neverbeenaproblemforher,butherjobhadrequiredhertobeconstantlyonthemovemaking

itdifficulttomakelastingconnections.Theabsenceofmostmodernmodesofcommunication

evenmoredifficult.

Now,shehadahome,aplaceshecouldalwaysreturnto.Therewasnodoubtthatshe’dstill

beworkingtoprotecttheenvironment,butnowitwastimetoconcentrateonissuescloserto

home.Somedaysheevenhopedtohaveafamilyofherown,butthatwouldhavetowaituntil

shemettheperfectguy.Thatwasalsopartofthereasonshe’dcomehome,meetingsomeone

whilerunningaroundtheAmazonwasadefiniteimpossibility.

AsshedroveherthoughtsstrayedtoDonovanTerrell,hewasagoodlookingman,andshe’d

beenattractedtohimimmediately.Buthispersonalityhadalottobedesired.Hecouldhave

shownherjustabitofcourtesyearliertoday,thenagainmaybeshe’dexpectedtoomuch.He

probablyhadpublicrelationspeoplewhowrotealltheinformationshe’dbeenreading,pumping

himupintomorethanhereallywas.

Still,she’dbeenintriguedbywhatshe’dread,itwasunusualforabillionairetoshowsuch

concernfortheenvironment.InhistimeasCEO,Donovanhadswitchedtheentiretownto

alternativeformsofenergyaswellasotherinnovations,whichhadearnedhiman

environmentalaward.Hermindjustcouldn’tseemtoconnecteverythingsheknewaboutTerrell

IndustrieswiththeblatantpollutionofthewaterinPleasantView.

Asshepulledintotheparkinglotofthestore,sheresolvedtoputtheentiremessoutofher

mindfortherestofthenight.Therewasnothingshecoulddoaboutittonight,infact,therewas

nothingforhertodountilMr.Terrellcalledherorshefiledthelawsuit.Itmightbegoodtohave

somedowntime,iftheytookthistotrial,shewouldbebusyforalongtimetocome.

Chapter2

Thenextmorning,Donovancalledhisbestfriendandsecondincommand,CharlesBradshaw,

intohisoffice.He’dspentmostofthepreviousnightgoingoverthereportMs.Mathewshad

shovedintohisarmsyesterday.Ifeverythingthatwasinthereportwastrue,hiswholeworld

wasaboutbeturnedupsidedown.

He’dgoneoverthereportstimeandtimeagain,notabletofindanythingrefutable.Thewoman

wassmarthe’dgrantherthat,she’dusedthebestlabs,runthetestsmultipletimes,evenhired

outsidelabstoverifytheresults.Theresultswereshocking,pollutioninthegroundwaterat

suchhighlevels,hewasamazedthatmorepeopleweren’tsick.

Nowthereweretwostacksofpapersonhisdesk,onewasMs.Mathewsreportandtheother

wasthereportshisteamhadgivenhimonlyafewweeksago.He’dspentthelastfewhours

comparingthetwoandtheconclusionhe’dcometowasthatsomethingwasverywrong.So,

he’dcalledCharles,theonepersonheknewhecouldtrust.

Charlescameinthroughhisprivateentrance,theonlyotherpersonallowedtodoso.“What’s

soimportantthatIhadtodropeverythingandcomerushinguphere?”Hesaid,makinghimself

comfortableononeoftheplushcouches.

Donovangotupfromthedesk,grabbingbothsetsofreports,thensetthemdownonthecoffee

tableinfrontofCharles.“Takealookattheseandletmeknowwhatyouthink.I’mgoingtogo

getussomecoffee.”Hesaid,leavingtheroomsohewouldn’thoveroverCharleswhilehewas

reading.

Whenhecameback15minuteslater,Charleshadaworriedlookonhisface.Handinghimthe

coffee,hesatdownandwaitedforCharlestosaysomething.Asthesilencestretchedon,

DonovanknewthatCharleshadcometothesameconclusionhehad.

“So,isitasbadasIthinkitis?”Heasked,nolongerabletostandthetension.

“Itsurelooksthatway.Thesearesomecrazylevelsofpollutants,almostasifsomeonewas

storingtoxicwasteandit’sleakingintothegroundwater.”

“ThatistheonethingIwashopingyouwouldn’tsay.”Donovansaid,gettingupandpacing

aroundtheroom.

“Ican’tthinkofanyotherlogicalexplanation.We’regoingtohavetodoourowntesting.”

Charlessaid,pullingouthisphone.

“Waitasecondbeforeyoucallanyone.Ifthisiswhatwethinkitis,there’ssomethinggoingon.

Someoneisuptonogoodandwedon’twantthemtoknowthatwe’reawarethatsomething’s

goingon.”

“Ididn’tthinkofthat.Whatdoyouthinkisgoingon?”

“Idon’tknowforsure,butthere’snowaywe’vegotthatkindofpollutionwashingdownthe

mountainfromthemines.We’vegottogettothebottomofthisonourown,noonecanknow.”

Donovansaid,worrycreasinghisbrow.

“So,whatareyougoingtodo?”Charlessaid,concernfillinghisvoice.

“Idon’tknow,butI’vegottocallMs.Mathewsandputastoptothatlawsuit,oncethat’sfiled

we’llneverfigureoutwhat’sgoingon.”

“Whatdoyouwantmetodo?”

“Ithinkyoushouldstartcombingthroughthefinancialstoseeifthere’sanythingthere.ThenI

thinkweneedtopayavisittoPleasantView,avisitwiththemayormightjustbeinorder.”

Donovansaid,feelingalittlebetterforhavingsharedhisproblems.

“Yougotit.I’llkeepyouposted.”Charlessaid.

OnceCharlesleft,Donovanreturnedtohisdesk,dreadingthephonecallhewasgoingtohave

tomaketoElizabethMathews.Hewashorrifiedathowhe’dtreatedher,he’dtakenallhis

frustrationoutonherandithadn’tbeenfair.Nowhe’dhavetonotonlyapologize,buttellher

thatshe’dfoundsomethingverydisturbing.

Hehadnointentionoftrustingherresultsalone,he’dhavetofindawaytogetmoresamples

withoutanyoneknowingwhathewasdoing.Itwouldbetricky,buthe’dusehischarmto

convincehertohelphim.Onewayoranother,itwouldbeinherbestinteresttohelphim,andit

mightbetheonlywayhecouldgettothebottomofthis.

Pickingupthephone,hepunchedinElizabethMathew’snumberandlistenedwhileitrang,then

leftamessagewhenhervoicemailpickedup.Frustrated,hepacedtheoffice,untilheknew

thatshewasn’tgoingtofilethatlawsuit,hewasn’tgoingtobeabletorelaxorconcentrateon

anything.Ashepaced,herealizedthatinlessthan24hourshisentireworldhadbeenturned

upsidedown.

Elizabethwassittingonthedeckwrappedupinherfavoriteblanketagainstthechill.Withthe

sunshiningstronglyitwasquitecomfortableoutside,evenwiththethinblanketofsnowthat

hadfallenlastnight.Shewasreadingabook,somethingsherarelyhadtimetodoandsipping

acupofteawhenherphonerang.Lookingatthescreen,sherealizedwithastartthatitwas

DonovanTerrellcallingher.

Withasmilesheletitgotovoicemail,itservedhimrightforthewayhe’dtreatedher.He

deservedtofretforawhile,ifhe’djustlistenedtoherhewouldn’tbeinthesituationhewasin.

Shedebatedhowlongtomakehimwait,wonderingifhewouldactuallycalltwice.Stretching,

shedecidedtofinishthechaptershewasreadingbeforecallinghimback.

Afterfinishingthechaptershereluctantlybookmarkedthepageandsetthebookaside.It

wouldprobablyendupinthepileofbooksshe’dstartedandneverhadtimetofinish,butshe

wasalwayshappierwhenshewasworking,leisuretimehadneverbeensomethingshewas

goodat.Standingupandstretching,shestoodinthewarmsunforafewminutes,eyesclosed

enjoyingthewarmth.

Winterhadn’ttrulysetinyet,butonceitdid,timeoutsidewouldbelimitedduetothecold.Cold

wasnotsomethingshewasusedto,herlifethelastfewyearshadbeenspentintheAmazon

fightingtheheatandhumidity.She’dadjustedtoitafterawhile,nowshe’dhavetoadjusttothe

coldandsnowofColorado’smountains,somethingshewasactuallylookingforwardto.

Bythetimeshemadeitintothehouse,hercellphonewasringingagain,lookingatthescreen

shesmiled.DonovanTerrellagain,hemustbereallyworried.Shedebatedlettingitgotovoice

mailagain,butdecidednottoplaygames.

“Mr.Terrell,I’msurprisedtobehearingfromyou,fromourlastconversationIassumedyou’d

blowoffmyreport.”Shesaid,abitoftriumphinhervoice.Sheknewthathewouldn’tbecalling

unlesshe’dreadit.

“Ms.Mathews,firstIhavetoapologizeformybehavioryesterdaymorning.Ireallyhaveno

excuse,exceptbadmanners.”Hesaid,pouringonthecharm.

Elizabethwasn’tabouttofallforit,she’dgonetoetotoewithmanypowerfulmenoverthe

yearsandhadlearnedtonevershowanyweakness.“Iappreciatethat,butwhatI’mreally

moreconcernedwith,isthesituationinPleasantValley.”

“Yes,astothat.I’dliketomeetwithyouaboutthesituation.I’manxioustotalktoyoumore

aboutyourfindingsandthelawsuit.Canyoucometothecityandmeetwithme?”

“Whenwouldyouliketomeet?”Shesaid,satisfactionwashingoverher.

“Thesoonerthebetter,I’mveryconcernedaboutyourfindings.”Hesaid,hopingshewouldn’t

makehimwait.

“Icanbeinthecitytomorrow.Willthatworkforyou?”

“Yes,I’llrearrangemyschedule.Younamethetime.”

“Icanbethereby11:00.”Shesaid,alreadyplanningwhatshewouldwear.

“That’sgreat.Thankyou.”Hesaid,breathingasighofrelief.

“I’llseeyoutomorrow.Mr.Terrelldon’tthinkthatI’mgoingtoletyououtoftakingresponsibility

forthisproblemandIdon’ttakebribes.”Shesaid,thendisconnectedthecall.

Donovanlookedatthephoneaftershe’dhungup,he’dneverhadanyonehanguponhim

before.Especiallynotawoman,butthenagainElizabethMathewswasnotyourregular

woman.Shewasaforcetobereckonedwith,infact,ifthesituationhadn’tbeensodire,he

mightevenenjoygoingupagainsther.

But,thiswasn’tthetime,heneededherhelp.He’dhavetofindawaytomakeherunderstand

hetoowantedtogettothebottomofthissituation.Thekindofpollutionthatwasshowingupin

thosereportswasbadstuff.Asitstood,itwouldtakeanotherbiginvestmenttoremoveitand

hedidn’tevenknowwhatthesourcewas.Nottomentionthepeoplewhowerealreadysick.

He’dhavetofindawaytohelpthem,buthedidn’twantTerrellIndustriestobeconnectedto

thehelp.HiscousinDaphnemightbejustthepersontohandlethat,shelivedattheranchand

wasfamiliarwiththetownanditsinhabitants.Ms.Mathewsshouldbeabletogivehimalistof

namesforDaphnetoworkwithtodeterminewhatwouldbethebiggesthelp.He’dcallherafter

themeetingtomorrow.

Nowheneededtogettowork,thebiggesthurdle,findingthesourceofthepollutionwouldn’t

beeasy.Ithadtobecomingfromsomewhereabovetheskiarea,anareathatwasremote

andfairlyinaccessible.ThereweremilesandmilesofvirginforestandroughterrainonTerrell

propertywhichabuttedForestServicelandthatwouldneedtobeconsidered.

Itseemedimpossiblethatsomeonecouldbehaulingtoxicwasteupthemountain,butthatwas

theonlyexplanationheandCharlescouldcomeupwithafterhoursandhoursofstudyingevery

kindofmaptheyhad.Hedidn’tevenhavealistofsuspects,butheknewthatithadtobe

someoneinPleasantValley,someonewhoknewtheland.

Asthesethoughtswererunningthroughhishead,Charlescamein.“Well,didyougetaholdof

her?Isshegoingtomeetwithus?”

“Yes,sheagreedtocomeintomorrowmorning.Shewasn’tveryforgivingeither.Ishouldhave

behavedbetter,that’snotgoingtohelpus.”

“Iwouldn’tworrytoomuch,justputonthecharmandshe’llfallinline.”Charlessaid,crossing

theroomandsettingdownthestackofmapshe’dbroughtwithhim.“But,justincasewebetter

bepreparedforthismeeting.”

“Didyougetallthemaps?”Donovanasked,ignoringCharles'scommentaboutturningonthe

charm.He’dtriedthatandbeenmeetwithanicyreply.

“Yes,let’sgettowork.”Charlessaid,unfoldingthefirstmapandtackingittothewall.

*****

AsElizabethmadeherwaydownthemountainshewaslookingforwardtothismeeting,she

wasn’tusuallysopetty,butDonovanTerrellhadmadeherangry.Shehadnoideawhathe

wouldsuggestordemandwhenshegottothemeeting,buthewasinforafightifhetriedto

puttheproblemoffonsomeoneelse.Hedidn’tseemlikethetypetoofferabribe,butshe

knewhowtohandlethatifhedid.

ShearrivedatTerrellIndustriesalittleearly,justenoughtimetogatherherthoughts,butnot

enoughtogetnervous.Onethingshewassureof,shewouldn’tbewaitingforherappointment

withMr.Terrelltoday,andshecertainlywasn’tgoingtoputupwithanyrudenessfromhis

assistant.Shewouldwaitexactlytenminutesandnotaminutemore.Theballwasinhercourt

andshewasgoingtoenjoythis.

Whenshesteppedofftheelevatorintotheplushoffice,theassistantwasnowheretobeseen.

Shewasalittledisappointednottobegivenachancetohavetherudewomanfaunoverher,

insteadofignoringherlikeshedidn’texist.However,onceshe’dtakenalookaroundtheroom,

herspitefulthoughtswerereplacedbyamazement.

Everywallandsurfacewascoveredwithamap,theywerealldifferentinsomeway,buteach

wasofTerrellland.Shewasheadedtowardsthemaps,drawtothem,whenDonovanTerrell

steppedoutofhisoffice.Hewasdressedcasuallyinjeansandateeshirtandlookedas

handsomeasever.

“Ms.Mathews,thankyouforcoming.Iappreciateyougettingheresoquickly.”Hesaid,

crossingtheroomandshakingherhand.

“Itlookslikeyou’vebeenbusy.Ihopethisisn’taimedattryingtoclaimthatthepollutionis

comingfromsomewhereelse.”Shesaid,hisdistinctivescentfillinghernostrils.

“Please,let’ssit.Weneedtotalkaboutwhatyou’vefound.”Hesaid,steeringhertohisoffice.

Shewasamazedtofindthattheonceclean,clutterfreeofficewasfullofbooksandpapers

stackedeverywhere.Notonlywasthedesktopcoveredbutthetrashcanwasoverflowing

withfastfoodwrappersandChinesetakeoutcontainers.ItwasobviousthatDonovanTerrell

hadbeenputtinginalotofhours.Heguidedhernottohisdesk,buttothecozyseatingarea

thatwasfilledwithcomfortablecouchesandafireplaceofallthings.Takingaseat,shesteeled

herselfnottobedistractedbyhersurroundingsorthemaninthem.

“I’vestudiedyourreportsandcomparedthemtomine,andit’sobviousthatsomeonehas

somethingwrong.It’simperativethatwegettothebottomofthisandfast.”Hesaid,handing

herastackofpapers.

“What’sthis,anotherpressrelease?”Shesaid,takingthefolderfromhishands.

“No,thisistheresultsfromthewatertestingwedoourselvesforthelastfiveyears.Noteven

thegovernmenthasseenalloftheseresults.Iwouldappreciateitifyouwouldtakeafew

minutesandlookthroughthem.Ifyouhaveanyquestions,Iwouldbehappytoanswerthem.”

Shelookedatthefileandopenedittothefirstpage,shewassurprisedtofindthatthefolder

includedtestresultsgoingbackalmosttenyears.Additionallysurprisingwasthefactthatmany

ofthetestsshowedlessthanfavorableresults,especiallytheoldesttests.Shesettledbackin

herseat,ifhewasgoingtoopenuphisfilestoher,shewasgoingtotakeadvantageofthe

opportunity.

“CanIgetyousomethingtodrink,coffeeortea?”Heasked.

“Iwouldloveacoffee.”Shesaid,herfullattentiononthewatertests.

“I’llberightback.Takeyourtime,Iwanttoknowwhatyouthinkwhenyou’redone.”

Afterhe’dgivenherthecoffee,heretreatedbacktohisdeskandbegantopourthrougha

stackoffilesonhisdesk.Asshebegantomakesenseofwhatshewasreadingitbecame

veryclearthatsomethingwasverywrongwitheitherhisresultsorhers.But,she’dtakenthe

watersamplesherselfanddeliveredthemtothelabinperson.

Finally,she’dreachedaconclusion.“Someonehasbeenfakingyourwatertestresultsforthe

lasttwoyears.Upuntilthen,fromwhatIcansee,yourwaterqualityhadbeguntoimprove.

WhatI’mreallyalarmedaboutisthefactthatyouneverhadsomeofthetoxinsIfoundinyour

water.What’sgoingonupthere?”

“IreallywishIcouldanswerthat,butIcan’t.WhatIhavediscoveredisthatthetoxinsinthe

waterareoftenfoundwhentoxicwastehasbeenstoredunderground.Especiallyifthereisno

containmentsysteminuse.”Donovansaid,gesturingtothemessinhisoffice.

“Areyoutryingtotellmethatsomeonehasbeenstoringtoxicwasteonyourpropertywithout

yourknowledge?”

“That’sexactlywhatI’mtellingyou.Ihavenoknowledgeofanythingonourlandthatwould

producethesekindsofresults.Whetheryoubelieveitornot,Iwouldneverallowsuchathing.

I’veworkedtoohardtryingtocleanupthelandtojustfillitwithsomethingworse.”

Donovan’sfrustrationwiththewholesituationhadhimupandpacingaroundtheroom.Elizabeth

watchedinfascinationashecrossedfromonesideoftheroomtotheother,thenturnedand

crossedtheroomagain.Ashemovedheremindedherofaliontrappedinthezoo,hismuscles

tenseandrippling.Theamountoffrustrationcontainedinthosemuscleswasclear.

“Mr.Terrell,Idon’tunderstandhowthiscouldbehappeningonyourlandandyoudidn’tknowit

washappening.Thatiswhatyou’retryingtomakemebelieve,amIcorrect?”Shesaid,waiting

forhisreply.

“It’stheonlysolutionIcanthinkof.Otherwiseitjustdoesn’tmakesense.”Hesaid,throwinghis

handsupintheair.“Comelookatthemaps.”

Shereluctantlygotupfromthecouchandfollowedhimintotheotherroom.Hewasstandingin

frontofamapthatwasfullofbrightlycoloredpins.“Thesearethesourcesweusetorunour

watertests,asyoucanseetheyarelocatedallaroundthetownandtheskiresort.WhatI’d

liketoknowisthesourceofyoursamples,it’snotinthereportandIthinkthatmightbethekey

tofindingoutwhat’sgoingoninPleasantValley.”

“Youwantmetohelpyou?”Shesaid,shocked.

“You’retheonlypersonIcanturnto.Ihavenoideawhoisbehindthis,andIcan’triskanyone

elsefindingoutthatIknow.We’llnevercatchthemifitgetsout.Ineedtoknowwherethisis

comingfromandwhowoulddaretopolluteTerrellland.”Hesaid,bothdesperationandanger

inhisvoice.

Elizabethlookedatthemap,consideringherchoices.Shecouldfilethelawsuit,whichwould

getthewastecleanedup,butmightnotleadtothecaptureofthepersonresponsible.The

otheroptionwastohelpDonovanTerrell.Shewasagoodjudgeofcharacterandshewassure

thathewasbeingtruthful,thatcoupledwitheverythingshe’dreadabouthimforcedherto

makeadecisionshewasn’tcrazyabout.

“Whatdoyouneedfromme?”Shefinallyasked.

“IneedtoknowwhereyoutookthosesamplesandI’dliketorunthemagain.”

“Youdon’ttrustmyresults,yetyou’reaskingformyhelp.”

“Ineedtostartfromthebeginning,plusthosetestsweredonealmostamonthago,I’dliketo

seehowbadthewaterisnow.YoumustunderstandthatIcan’tjustgowalkingintotownand

starttakingrandomwatersamples.Thishastobedoneundertheradarandyoucanhelpme

makethathappen.”

“How?”Thiswasbeginningtofeellikeaspynovel.

“Iwanttogoundercover,getthewatersampleswithyou,thentakethemtoanindependentlab

myself.”Hesaid.

“Whatdoyouexpecttofind,differentresults?”Shesaid,stillfeelinginsultedthathefeltthe

needtoquestionherresults.Butontheotherhand,ifshehadbeeninhisshoesshewould

havedonethesamething.

“Honestly,noIdon’t.ButI’mthekindofguywhofollowstheoldsaying,seeingisbelieving.

Beforeyousayno,letmeshowyouwhatI’vefiguredout.”Hegesturedtooneofthemapson

thewallthatshowedwhatsheassumedwerewaterflowpatternsfromthehighpeaksofthe

mountainsabovethetown.

“Okay,I’lllisten.Convinceme.”Shesaid,crossingherarmsoverherchest.Shewasbeginning

toactuallylikethisman.Thathadnotbeenpartoftheplan.“ButIhavetowarnyou,Idon’t

knowthatmuchaboutwatersystemsorrunoffpatterns,myexpertiseliesmoreinrainforest

ecology.”

“You’reanintelligentwomanwithenougheducationtounderstandthis.”Hesaid,beginningto

explainthemapinfrontofthem.“Snowmeltcanbetracedseveralways,butwhatI’vedone

hereisusedifferentcolorstomarkthedrainagefromthehighpeaksabovetheresortdownto

theplains.”Hesaid,tracingtheredlinesonthemap.

Whathadoncelookedlikeamessofcoloredlines,suddenlybegantomakesense.“So,that

meansthatthepollutantscouldbecomingfromanywhereabovethetown.That’salotofspace

tohidesomethingin.Butit’snotveryaccessible,isit?”Sheasked,suddenlyconsciousofhow

muchtallerDonovanwasthenher.

“Ithinkthey’reusingfireroadstotransportthewaste,it’saperfectwaytogetupintothehigh

mountains.Nooneusesthoseroadsbutthere’sacertainamountofupkeepdoneonthemto

keepthempassable.Itwouldbeeasytogetfartherintothebackcountrythen,withfour

wheelers.”

“WellMr.Donovan,I’mafraidyou’veconvincedme.I’llhelpyou,butletmebeveryclear,ifI

findthatyou’reinvolvedinthisinanyway,Iwon’thesitatetonotonlyfilethelawsuitbutbring

intheauthorities.”Shesaid,meetinghiseyesforthefirsttime.

“Ms.Mathewsyouwon’tbesorry.Iwanttofixthisasmuchasyoudo.”Hesaid,hisblueeyes

makingherheartflutterattheintenselookinthem,apartofherwishingthatlookwasforher

andnotapieceofland.

Astheywerestandinginfrontofthemapstryingtofigureoutthemostlikelyplacesomeone

wouldstoretoxicwaste,therewasaknockonthedoor.BeforeDonovancouldansweraman

camethroughadoorinthebackoftheoffice.

“Haveyouconvincedherofourinnocence.”Heasked,challengeinhiswords.

“Yes,she’sagreedtohelp,butIhopeyou’renotinvolvedbecauseshe’salsothreatenedtosick

thelawonusifweare.”Donovansaid,totheman.

“Well,thenI’mgladI’mnottheculprithere.Wedoappreciateyourhelpthough.Don’tmindme,

I’mjustabitupsetthatwe’veletsomeonepollutethelandwe’veworkedsohardtocleanup.

“Ms.MathewsthisisCharlesBradshaw,oneofthefewpeoplearoundhereItrustexplicitly.

He’sgoingtobeourinsidecontactandoureyesandearshere.He’salreadybeenlookingat

thefinancialsofanyoneinthecompanywhocouldbeinvolvedinthis.”

“It’snicetomeetyouMr.Bradshaw.Haveyoudiscoveredanything?”Sheasked.

CharleslookedatDonovanfirst,thensaid.“I’vegotacoupleofpeoplewho’vemadesome

largedepositsintheirbankaccounts,butnothingconcreteyet.Thesecouldbelotsofreason

forthesuddenwealth,soI’llhavetodosomemoredigging.”

“Well,it’sastart,butIdon’twantanynamesuntilyou’resureofyourfindings.Iwanttokeep

anopenmind,butassoonasyouhavesomethingconcreteletmeknow.Ms.Mathewsthereis

onemorepersonIwantyoutomeet,butwecan’thavehimseencominghere.I’vearranged

forhimtomeetusatarestaurantacrosstownforlunch.”

Elizabethconsideredthisforamoment,thensaid.“Okay,butIhopethisissomeoneyou’re

sureaboutbecausethisisadangeroussituationforme.”

“Don’tworrywewon’tletanyonehurtyou.”Donovansaidquickly.

“Iwasn’tworriedaboutviolence,justmyreputation.Youreallythinktherecouldbephysical

harm?”Sheasked,nothavingconsideredthepossibility.

“Well,ifwhatwethinkishappeningthenyes,therecouldbesomephysicaldanger.Icanonly

imaginehowmuchmoneysomeonemightbepayingtodisposeofwhateveritiswe’redealing

with.”

“GuessIbettergetmygunoutofmysafetydepositboxthen.”Shesaid,pickingupherpurse

andheadingtothedoor.“Let’sgo,I’mhungry.”

Bothmenwatchedherwalkovertotheelevatorandpushthebutton.“Youhaveagun?”

Donovanfinallyasked,joiningherattheelevator.

“Doyouknowhowtouseit?”Charleschimedin,standingonherotherside.

“Gentlemen,youdon’tspendasmuchtimeasIhaveintheAmazonwithoutlearninghowto

shootagun.I’malsofairlyaccuratewithablowgunaswell,ifyouhaveone.”Shesaidwitha

smile.

Chapter3

Therewasabsolutesilenceastheyrodetheelevatordowntotheparkinggarage.They’dused

Donovan’sprivateentrance,hopingnottobeseen.Oncetheywereinthecarandontheirway

totherestaurant,DonovanbegantotellElizabethaboutDustin.

“I’veknownhimsinceIwasakid,hismotherandminewerebestfriends.Whenhegraduated

withhisdegreeinecology,itonlyseemednaturaltoputhiminchargeoftheminesandthe

cleanup.Helovesthelandasmuchaswedo,he’sproventobequiteanassetaswellasa

friend.Wecantrusthim,thereisnowayhe’sinvolvedinanythinglikethis.”

“I’mgoingtohavetotrustyouonthis,butIwouldliketoknowhowmanyotherpeopleyou’re

goingtobringintothis.”

“Otherthanmyfamily,thisisit.We’reonourown.”Donovansaidastheypulleduptothe

restaurant.

Whentheywalkedintotherestaurant,Donovanwalkedstraighttoatableintheback.Seated

therewasabigmandressedasifheworkedoutside.Sheassumeditwasthemantheywere

supposedtomeetwhenhegaveDonovanabighug.Asshegotcloserthemanturnedtoher,a

hugesmileonhisface.

“I’vebeensoexcitedeversinceIheardIwasgoingtogettomeetyou.You’reabitofahero

tothoseofuswhoworksohardtoprotecttheplanet.I’mDustinMcIntosh,it’sapleasureto

meetyouandmayIsay,you’rejustasprettyasyourpictures.”Hefinished,pullingouther

chairandhelpinghergetseated.

Elizabethwasalittlespeechless,shewasn’tusedtopeoplerecognizingher,itwasabit

unnerving.“It’snicetomeetyou.Idon’tknowhowmuchofasuperstarIam,Ijustcareabout

ourplanet.”Shesaid,blushingattheattention.

“You’vedonemoretosavetheAmazonthananyoneelse,stooduptosomeveryscarypeople.

Ifwehaveyouonoursidewe’resuretofigurethisout.”Hesaid,beamingather.

“Icertainlyhopeso,thisisaverybadsituation.Therearepeoplesickupthereandmoreto

comeifwedon’tdoanything.”

Theymadesmalltalkuntiltheirfoodwasserved,ElizabethandDustinhittingitoffimmediately.

Donovanletthemtalk,ascowlappearingonhisfaceeverytimeDustinmadeherlaugh.Once

thefoodwasonthetable,Donovanimmediatelybroughttheconversationaroundtothetopic

theywereallmostconcernedwith.

“Ms.MathewsisgoingtohelpmegetanewsetofwatersampleswhichIplantosendtoalab

ontheeastcoast.I’veusedthembefore,theyareverydiscreteandtheywillhavetheresults

tomequickly.”Donovansaid.

“Ifwecanfindapatternofcontaminationinthewellsitmightgiveusanideawherethewaste

hasbeendumped.It’sourbesthope,itwouldtakethewholesummertosearchtheentire

area,andbythenthecontaminationwillbemuchworse.”Michaelsaid.

“I’mgoingtostartdoingsomesearchingclosetotheresort,I’llcomeupwithsomeexcuseto

begoingintobackcountry.”Dustinsaid.

“Good,that’sagoodplacetostart.TheroadbehindtheresortgoesallthewaytothePretty

Girlmine,themostremoteandpollutedofthemines.Therewon’tbemuchevidenceofthe

wasteitself,it’sgoingtobeburiedintheground.Butifsomeone’sbeenusingthatroad,it

shouldbeobvious.”Donovansaid.

“Howdoweknowwhenthewastewasputthere?Itcouldhavebeenyearsago,there’sno

waytoknowforsure.”Elizabethsaid.

“Well,evenifit’sbeenafewyears,theseforestsdon’trecoverthatquicklyfromsomethinglike

this.Ithinkwecanallagreethatwe’retalkingaboutasubstantialamountofwaste.Small

amountswouldn’tcausethekindofwidespreadpollutionthatyou’vefound.”

“OkayIcanseeyourpointandyouallknowthelandbetterthanIdo.Howareyougoingtorun

aroundtowngettingwatersamples?Mr.Terrell,Iassumethatyourfaceisfamiliartothe

peoplewhoworkforyouandliveintown.”

“Thatpartmightbealittletricky,butwiththerightclothesandanewhaircut,mostpeoplewon’t

realizeit’sme.IcameupwithacoverstorybutI’mafraiditinvolvesyouMs.Mathews.”

Elizabethwasn’tsureshelikethewayhesaidthat.“Andwhatwouldthatbe?”

“IfIposeasyourboyfriend,therewillbefewerquestionsandIcangowhereyoudo.Wecan

tellpeoplethatI’vecometovisitfromNewYorkandamhelpingyoucollectsamples.It’sthe

perfectcover,noonewillquestionwhyI’mfollowingyouaroundtown.I’lljusthavetoavoidthe

mayorandtowncouncil,they’drecognizemeimmediately.”

“Nowyounotonlywantmyhelp,butyouwanttocomestayinmyhome?”Sheasked,

wonderingwhatshe’djustgottenherselfinto.

“Itseemslikethebestsolutiontome.”Dustinchimedin.“Iguessweshouldhaveaskedifyou

werealreadyinvolvedwithsomeone.”

“I’mnot,butI’mnotsureaboutthis.IfsomeoneIknowdiscoverswhatI'mdoingbydecidingto

workwithyouinsteadofbringingittothepublic’sattentionmyreputationwillbeshot.”

“We’renotgoingtoletthathappen,ifthisgetsoutwe’lltakefullresponsibility.Wehaveto

catchthepersonwho’sresponsible,ifnottheycouldjustcontinuedoingit,spreadingthe

pollutionevenfarther.”Donovansaid,appealingtotheonefactheknewwouldhookher.

“Allright,butyousleepintheguestbedroom.”Shesaid,knowingthatshewasprobably

makingamistake.DonovanTerrellwasmuchtoogoodlookingandshecouldn’tdenyhowmuch

shewasattractedtohim,andnowhewasgoingtobebyhersidetwentyfourhoursadayfor

thenearfuture.Atleasttheattractionwasonesided,she’dneverbeabletoresistifitwas

mutual.

Overdesert,whichElizabethdecidedshedeserved,theydiscussedthefirststepoftheirplan.

ThefirststepwastosetupDonovan’scover,iftheideathatDonovanwasherboyfriendwas

plantedfirmlyinpeople’sminds,they’dbelesslikelytorecognizehim.

“IthinkweshouldtellpeoplethatwemetinSouthAmerica.Thatyouwereoneofmyresearch

assistants.Youshouldshowupinanoldcarandoldclothes.Don’tcomeupthereinyour

designerjeansandpoloshirts,you’llsickoutlikeasorethumb.”

“YouprobablyknowthetownbetterthanIdo.Itwilltakemeafewhourstogeteverything

ready.Whydon’tyougoonhomeandwaitforme.Itwouldn’thurttogetthestoryoutthere,

thentherewillbefewerquestions.”

“That’sagoodidea.I’llchooseafewofthebetterknowngossipsintownandplantafewideas

intheirminds.Itwillonlytakeamatterofhoursforthewholetowntoknowthatmyboyfriendis

onhisway.”

“Perfect.I’lltakeyoubacktotheoffice.Weneedtohavethemapsandotherinformationwith

usinPleasantValley,maybeyoushouldtakethatstuffwithyou.Idon’twanttoshowupwithit

whenIcome.”Donovansaid,thenturnedtoDustin.“Iwantyoutokeepyoureyesopenaround

theskiareaandventureoutofboundsasmuchasyoucan,youknowwhattolookfor.”

“Ireallythinkthatwhateverisupthereisgoingtobehighup,awayfromtheresort.But,I’ll

keepmyeyesopenandI’lltrytocomeupwithsomeexcusetogouptothemines.There’s

goingtobequiteabitofsnow,butImightstillbeabletofindsomething.”Dustinsaid.

“Goodidea.Charlesyouknowwhatyouneedtodo,ifweneedanythingelse,we’llletyou

know.”Donovansaid,gettingupfromthetable.“Webetterallgetmoving,there’salotofwork

togetdone.Thanksforthehelpyouguys,Ihopewecangettothebottomofthissoon.”

Dustinheadedhomeimmediately,readytoputhispartoftheplanintoaction.Therestheaded

backtoDonovan’soffice,Elizabethpackeduptheresearchmaterialsandheadedbackto

PleasantValley.SheleftDonovanandMichaeldiscussingwhichthriftstoremighthavethebest

selectionofclothesandhowtheycouldgetabeatupcar.

Asshegotintohercar,sherealizedthathermeetingwithMr.Terrellhadgonemuchdifferently

thansheevercouldhaveimagined.SheoughttogetusedtocallinghimDonovan,butstill

couldn’twraphermindaroundthefactthathewasgoingtobeposingasherboyfriend.Not

onlythatbuthewouldbestayingatherhouse.Luckilyshehadanextrabedroom,Donovan

sleepingonthecouchwouldbewaytoouncomfortable.

She’dhavetogohomeandchangetheguestbed,getsomegroceries,andmakesurethe

housewasreadyforcompany.Assillyasitwas,herheartkeptdoingflipflopseverytimeshe

thoughtofDonovaninherhome,sleepinginthenextbedroom.Itwassillytobeactingthisway,

butithadbeenalongtimesinceshe’dbeensoattractedtoaman.

Thefactthathewasgenuinelyconcernedaboutthepollutionandwaswillingtogotoallthis

troubletofindthetruthonlymadeitworse.Nownotonlywasshephysicallyattractedtohim,

shelikedhimasaperson.Withasigh,shepushedthosethoughtsasidetocomeupwithaplan

tospreadthewordabouther“boyfriend”.Sheknewexactlywhotogivetheinformationtoand

infactitmightbefuntoplantafewideasinthewoman’shead.

Therewaslittletrafficonthewaytothemountainswhichwasarelief,she’dbeenwarnedthat

skiseasonwouldmakethemountainhighwaysdifficulttotravelduetotrafficvolume.Whenshe

pulledintohergarage,sheshutthedoorbeforeunpackingthemapsandpapersshe’dbrought

homewithher.Peoplewereusedtoseeingherhaulingfilesandboxesaroundbutshestill

thoughtcautionwasbest.

Assheunpacked,sheconsideredhangingupthemaps,butifshehadavisitortheymightask

questionsthatshedidn’twanttoanswer.Instead,sheputitallintotheguestroomclosetsince

itwasempty.Theycouldaccessesitfromtherewithoutspreadingitalloverthehouse.She

changedthebed,putupcleantowels,thenwenttothekitchentomakeagrocerylist.

Tosowtheseedsofgossip,she’dhavetovisitbothofthegrocerystoresintown.Onetoplant

gossipandonetogetthefoodsheneededandtoassesshowsuccessfulshe’dbeenat

spreadingthestory.Listinhand,shegotbackinthecaranddrovetheshortdistancetothe

firstgrocerystoresheplannedtovisit.Oncethereshegrabbedoneofthelistsshe’dmadeand

walkedthroughthedoorofGrandma’sPantry,relievedtoseetheownersittingonastoolright

whereshealwayswas.

“Hello,Margie.Howareyoutoday?”Elizabethsaid,puttingahugesmileonherface.

“Ican’tcomplain,businesshasbeenalittleslow,butwhatcanyouexpectthesedays.”She

said,gesturingtotheemptystore.

Elizabethknewexactlywhattoexpectwhenshecameinhere.Producethatwasalmostrotten,

meatthathadbeensittingaroundfortoolong,anddustycannedfoodthathadn’tmovedfor

months.Thestoresmelledofdustandoldfood,asmellthatmadeherwanttoturnaroundand

leaverightthen.TheonlyreasonthestorewasstillopenwastheamazingfudgethatMargie

made,ifnotforthat,Elizabethwouldhaveneversteppedfootinthedoor.

“I’msorrytohearthat,butI’mhere.Ineedsomegroceries,I’mhavingcompany.”Elizabeth

said,wanderingintothebackofthestoretogiveMargieafewminutestostewoverher

comment.

Shetuckedafewitemsintoherbasketthenwanderedbackuptothefront.“I’dlovesomeof

yourpeanutbutterfudgeifyouhaveanyleft,it’smyfavorite.”Elizabethsaid,puttingherbasket

onthecounter.

“Ionlyhaveapoundleft,butit’sallyours.Ifyou’rehavingcompany,you’llwanttomakesure

youhaveplentyaround.WhoisluckyenoughtobevisitingPleasantValley?”Margieasked,not

abletocontrolherself.

“Myboyfriend,he’llbehereforamonthatleast.Ihavetostockuponfood,youknowhowmen

eat.”Elizabethsaid.

“Oh,howexciting.Ishethinkingaboutmovinghere?”Margiecontinuedtodig.

“No,heworkswiththesameenvironmentalgroupIusedtoworkfor.He’sjusttakingsometime

off,theymakeyoudothatfromtimetotime.”Elizabethsaidwithashrugofhershoulders.

“Isn’tthatnice.Ihopeyouenjoyyourvisit,itmustbehardtobeseparatedforsolong.”Then

sheactuallypattedElizabeth’shand.

“We’reusedtoit.”Elizabethsaid,wantingtopullherhandaway.Insteadsheadded.“Iwould

lovethatfudgeandthesethingsaswell.”

Margie’smindmusthavebeenbuzzingwiththeinformationshejustlearned,sherangup

Elizabeth’sitemsandrushedheroutofthedoor.“Haveagreatday,IhopeIgettomeetyour

youngman.”

AsElizabethwalkedoutthedoor,sheturnedherheadslightlyandwasn’ttheleastbitsurprised

toseeMargiepickherphoneup.Hermissionaccomplished,sheloadedherpurchasesintothe

car,satisfiedthatbythetimeshereachedtheothermarketintown,thenewsaboutherhouse

guestwouldhavespreadthroughhalfthetown.

SinceshehadnoideawhatDonovanlikedtoeat,shegotawideselectionofbreakfastand

lunchfoods,aswellastheingredientsforacoupleofmeals.Theywouldhavetocomeback

formoresupplieslater,butfornowshe’dhaveenoughfoodtofeedthembothforseveraldays.

ShetookherpurchasestothefrontbeginningtobecomeconcernedthatMargiewaslosingher

touch.Noneofthewomenshemetandchattedwithinthestorehadsaidawordabouther

visitor.Butwhenshegottothefrontofthestore,shesawthatthecashierwasawoman

involvedinthewaterpollutioncase.

Herhusbandwashavingsomehealthproblemsthatweremostlikelylinkedtothewater

pollutionbecausetheirwellshowedsomeofthehighestlevelsofpollution.Thelasttime

Elizabethhadtalkedtoher,she’dbeenpleasedtohearthathewasdoingbetter,buttheyhad

apileofmedicalbillsandnoideahowtopayforthem.

Itwasacommonproblemshe’dfoundwiththetown’speoplewhohadbeenaffectedbythe

waterpollution.Assheapproachedthewoman’scheckoutcounter,sherealizedjusthow

difficultitwasgoingtobenottotellthesepeoplewhatwasgoingon.Theywereallworried

abouthowtheyweregoingtopaytheirbillsandthelawsuitwassupposedtohelpthemwith

thatproblem.

She’dhavetodiscussthatwithDonovan,itwasn’tfairtokeepthesepeoplewaitingwhilethey

investigated.Therehadtobesomethingtheycoulddointhemeantimetohelpthemout.It

wasn’ttheirfaulttheywerevictimsjustasmuchasTerrellIndustrieswas.Besides,aftersome

research,she’dfoundthattheTerrell’swereworthbillions,theycouldaffordtohelpthese

peopleout.

Assheapproachedthewoman,sherecognizedElizabethandmotionedherovertoher

innocent,butElizabethknewthatMargiehaddoneherjob.

“Letmeguess,Margiehasalreadyspreadthenewsaboutmyboyfriendcomingtovisit.”She

said,shakingherheadandlaughing.

“Yougotit.Butseriously,givemethescoop.”

Thrilledthattheplanwasworking,shewashappytogiveoutafewmoredetails.“We’vebeen

datingforacoupleofyears,butit’shardwhenwedon’tseeeachothermuch.”

“Howdidyoumeetthen?”

“WeworkedacasetogetherintheAmazon.Butwehaven’tworkedtogethersincethen.I’mso

excitedtoseehim,it’sbeenmonths.”

“Guesswewon’tbeseeingtoomuchofyouaroundtownthen.”Thewomansaidwithawink.

“Well,Istillhavetowork,butI’llbetakingiteasy.He’sgoingtobehereforawholemonth,

we’llhaveplentyoftimetogether.”Elizabethsaidwithabigsmile.

Asshewalkedtohercarshemarveledathowfastgossipcouldtravelinasmalltown.Thefirst

stepoftheirplanwasinaction,nowshejusthadtoprepareherselfforDonovan’sarrival.It

wasagoodsignthatshe’dthoughtofhimasDonovan,thismightnotbesobadafterall,ifshe

couldjustcontrolherhormonesaroundhim.

Whenshegothomesheunpackedherpurchasesandputapotofchilionthestove,thatway

dinnerwouldbasicallybereadywhenDonovangothere.Lookingattheclockabovethekitchen

sink,sherealizedthatshedidn’thavemuchtimebeforehewouldbehere.Herheartskippeda

beatwhenshethoughtaboutDonovaninherhouse.

Thissillycrushwasgoingtobethedeathofherifshedidn’tgetitundercontrol.Donovan

Terrellwasdefinitelynotthekindofmanshewasusuallyattractedto,infactshe’dnevereven

datedamanwhoworeasuittoworkeveryday,letaloneonewhowasabillionaire.A

billionairewhomadehisfortuneexploitingtheland,andtheTerrellfortunewascertainlybased

onexploitingtheland.

Besidesthatlittlefact,wasthecertaintythatshewouldn’tbegintofitintohisworld.Thesuper

richhadtheirowncircleandshewouldbesadlyoutofplacewiththosekindofpeople.

Elizabethknewthekindofwomenhediddate,societygirlswithperfectbodiesandcarefully

sculptedfaces.Theywouldsmelllikeexpensiveperfumeandspendtheirtimeshoppingand

visitingthespa.

Nomatterhowyoulookedatit,Donovanwasnotthemanforher,toobadherbodydidn’t

seemtoagreewiththatdecision.But,sheremindedherself,thiswasaonesidedattraction,it

waslaughabletothinkthatamanlikeDonovanwouldbeattractedtoher.Shecouldn’tbeginto

competewiththoseskinnywomen,nordidshereallywantto.Shelikedherselfthewayshe

was,anymanwhodidn’tlikethat,wasn’tthemanforher.

She’djusthavetokeepremindingherselfofthatwhileDonovanwashere,itshouldn’tbethat

hard,aslongasshekeptherdistance.Asthesethoughtswererunningaroundinherhead,she

heardavehiclepullupinfrontofherhouse.Herheartbeatbegantoraceasshecrossedthe

kitchenandwentthroughthelivingroomtothefrontdoor.

Chapter4

Openingthedoorshesawabeatupredtruckparkedoutfront,thenDonovanwearingold

jeansandateeshirtsteppedoutofthedoor.Asheunfoldedhimselffromthelittletruck,he

lookedaroundhimselftakinginthepineforestherlittlehousewasnestledin.She’dchosenthis

spotforitsisolation,hernearestneighborwasalmostamiledowntheroad.Herhousewasthe

lastontheroad,givingherthefeelingthatshewasaloneuphere.

Hetookadeepbreathofthepinescentedair,thenstretchedslowly,workingthekinksoutof

hismuscles.Elizabethcouldbarelybreatheasshewatchedhim,fluttersofdesireracingfrom

hermiddleout.Turning,hecaughtherstaringathim,hiseyesmeetinghersacrosstheyard.

Forthebriefestmomentshethoughtthatherattractionwasmirroredinhiseyes,butthenhis

facesplitintoahugegrin.

“Ishouldhaveknownthatyou’dfindthemostisolatedplaceinPleasantValley.It’sagreat

housethough,makesmethinkofhome.”Hesaid,grabbinghisbagandcrossingtheyardto

whereshestood.

“IalwayswantedalogcabininthemountainsandIwasluckyenoughtofindthisone.Ibought

itthedayitwentonthemarket,probablyspenttoomuchbutit’smyfirsthome.”Shesaid,

gesturingforhimtofollowherintothehouse.

“Igrewupinacabinmuchlikethisone.”Hesaid,followingherintothehouse.

“Iverymuchdoubtthatyourhousewasassmallasthisone,butIdon’tneedmuchspace.

Comeon,I’llgiveyouatour,itwon’ttakelong.”Shesaid,leadinghimbacktothebedrooms.

Sheshowedhimhisbedroom,wherehelefthisbag,thenherbedroomacrossthehallandthe

bathroom.“We’llhavetoshare,Ionlyhaveone.”

“Noproblem,Idon’ttakeupmuchspaceinthebathroom.”Hesaid,followingherbackupthe

halltothekitchen.“Somethingsmellsgood,I’mstarving.”

“Imadeusapotofchili,hopeyoulikeit.Istockedthekitchentoday,butifthere’sanythingyou

wantwecanhitthestoreagaintomorrow.”Shesaid,goingtothestoveandstirringthepotof

chili,tryingtocalmherheart.Donovansmelledgoodandlookedgood,itwasgettingharder

andhardertoignorethefeelingshewasstirringdeepinsideher.

“Soundsgreat.I’mnotpicky,butpleasetellmewewon’tgointoMargie’s,thatplaceissad.I

keepthinkingshe’llretiresowecangetsomeonenewinthere,butshe’sshowednosignof

that.”Hesaid,sittingdownatthetable.

“Probablybecausethenshewouldn’tbeinallthegossipintown.”Elizabethadded,laughing.

“Iseeyou’vemether,she’squitethelady,butthatstoreshouldbecloseddown.”

“Butthenwewouldn’thaveherwonderfulfudge.There’sstufftodrinkinthefridgehelp

yourself.”Shesaid,dishinguptwobowlsofchiliandtakingthemtothetable.

“Pleasetellmethat’swhatwe’rehavingfordesert.”

“Peanutbutter.”

“Youreallyknowthewaytoaman’sheart,itdoesn’tgetmuchbetterthanchilifordinnerand

peanutbutterfudgefordesert.”Hesaid,diggingintohischili.

Hiswordsflusteredher,soshetookabiteofherown.Theyfinishedtheirmealinsilence,each

lostintheirownthoughts.Elizabethwastryingdesperatelytocalmherracingdesireallthrough

themeal,withlittlesuccess.Donovantoowaslostinhisthoughts,heshouldhavebeen

worryingaboutthecominginvestigation,butinsteadhewasthinkingaboutElizabeth.

He’dbeenthinkingabouthersincethedaytheymetinhisoffice,theinstantattractionhad

takenhimoffguard.Thenshe’dstooduptohim,increasinghisdesirealmostimmediately.He’d

recentlyrealizedhowtiredhewasofthewomenhefoundhimselfdating,theymighthavebeen

whatsocietydeemedattractive,butfranklyhelikedawomanwithsomecurves.

Thelasttimehe’dbeenonadatewithoneofthosewomen,he’dtakenhertooneofthemost

expensiverestaurantsinthecity,he’dhadlittlechoicereally.Thesillywomanhadallbut

demandedthathetakeherthere,shewentonandonaboutthefooduntilhe’dfinallymadea

reservation.

Butwhenthey’dgottenthere,she’dspentallhertimetryingtomakesureshe’dbeenseen

therediningwithhim.ThefoodhadbeensomekindoffancyFrenchcuisinethathecouldn’t

pronounce.Ithadbeengood,buthisdatehadonlyorderedasalad,thenpickedatit.He’d

ordereddesert,whichshe’dtheneaten,complainingthewholetimeabouthowlongitwould

taketoworkallthecaloriesoffinthegym.

Theentireexperiencehadcuredhimofanydesiretodateanotheroneoftheskinny,self-

absorbedwomenheseemedtoalwaysfindhimselfwith.Elizabethontheotherhand,wasall

woman,andhadthecurvestoproveit.Shewasn’tconcernedwithotherpeopleandbeingseen

intherightplaces.Frankly,itwaslikeabreathoffreshairtobearoundher.

Whenthey’dfinishedeating,heofferedtohelphercleanup,atfirstsherefusedbutthen

relentedwhenheinsisted.Standingtogetheratthesink,theywerebothawareoftheother,

Elizabethevengettinggoosebumpswhenhisarmbrushedhers.Donovandidn’tmissher

reaction,sincehehadonemuchthesame.

Hefeltlikeasillyteenager,hopingthattheirarmswouldbrushagain.Itwasprobablynotthe

bestideatobecomeinvolvedwithElizabeth,consideringthesituation,buthewaspowerlessto

stoptheattractionhefeltforher.Whenthelastdishwascleanandputaway,hedriedhis

handsonatowel,thencrossedthekitchentowhereElizabethwasstandingbythecupboard.

Hesteppeduptoherandsaid.“Iprobablyshouldn’tdothis,butIcan’thelpmyself.”Thenhe

cuppedherfaceinhishandsandkissedhergentlyonthelips.

Itwaslikeafireeruptedinherloinswhenhislipsmethers.Herbreathcameoutinawhoosh

asthedesireracedthroughher.Hepulledbackandlookedinhereyes,desireshininginhis

whentheireyesmet.Shefelttheblushrisingonhercheeks,butwithoutathoughshestoodon

hertiptoesandkissedhimback.

Shehadonlyintendedtogivehimthesamekindofchastekissonthelips,buthetookover,

partingherlipswithhistongueandexploringhermouth.Hisarmscamearoundherandhe

pulledherclose.Partofherknewhowwrongthiswas,butanotherpartofherwasgloryingin

thesensationsofthatkiss.Hisstrongarmsencircledher,bringingnotonlytremorsofdesire,

butasenseofsecurity.

AsDonovandeepenedthekiss,shearchedherbackwantingtogetcloser,hishandsroamed

overherbackinlongsensuousstrokes,shecouldsmellhismuskyscent,andfeelhiserection

againstherleg.Suddenlyrealizingwhattheyweredoing,shepulledbackbreakingthekiss.

“Donovan,Idon’tthinkthisisagoodidea,we’reworkingtogether.”Shesaid,breathingalittle

fasterthanusual.

“Idon’tknowaboutthat,we’resupposedtobeinvolved,justthinkofitasstayingincharacter.”

Hesaid,stillstandingcloseenoughshecouldsmellhim.

“Thereisnooneheretoseeusstayingincharacter.”Shesaid,steppingofftothesideand

retreatingtothelivingroom.“Wehaveworktodo.”

“Okay,butI’mnotdonewiththatconversation.”Hesaid,givingherasteamylookthatmade

herheartsingwithpleasure.

Ittookheramomenttocollectherthoughts,soshejuststoodtherestaringathim.Finally,she

justshookherheadathimandpulledouthernotes.“We’vegotafulldaytomorrow,it’snotjust

amatterofgoingfromplacetoplacetakingsamples.Wehavetospendtimewiththese

people,listentotheirtroubles.Ihavetowarnyouitcanbeemotionallydraining,butit’stheonly

waytodoit.”

“Okay,sohowlongwillittakeustogetthesamplestogether?Afewdays?”Heasked,sitting

downbesideherononeofthecomfycouchesshe’dplacedaroundthefireplace.

“That’saboutright.Howlongwillyourlabtaketoprocessthesamples?”Sheasked,very

awareofhowclosehewassittingtoher.

“Iftheyrushtheresultswecanhavethemin24hours.Butwereallydon’tneedtowaitfor

thoseresultstostartchartingthecontaminatedwells.Wecangetthatprocessstartedright

away.”Hesaid,drapinghisarmacrossthebackofthecouchsothatjustthetipsofhisfingers

couldbrushthebackofherneck.

She’dputherhairupinahighbunwhenshe’dgottenhomeandthefeelingofhisfingers

brushingthatsensitivespotsentshiversupherspine.Tryingtokeepherthoughtsontrackshe

asked.“Howsmallofanareadoyouthinkwe’llbeabletocutitdownto?There’salotof

forestoutthere.”

“Ifwe’reluckyacouplehundredsquaremiles.I’vegotsomegreattopographicalmapsinthe

researchmaterialandtheycanhelpusnarrowitevenfurther.Thatstuffhastobeburied,so

anyrockyorunevengroundcanbeeliminated.”

“I’dreallyliketoknowwhatwe’redealingwith,butthatkindofknowledgeisfarbeyondmy

education.Whatweneedissomeonewhoknowsaboutthisstuffthatwecantrust.”Shesaid,

runningthroughhercontactsinhermind.

“TheonlypeopleIknowwiththatkindofexpertiseallworkforTerrellIndustriesandwecan’t

affordtotellanyoneupherewhatwe’vefound.”

“Imightknowsomeonewecantrust.Itwillbetrickybecausehe’sintheAmazon,but

ProfessorMitchellmightbeabletohelp.He’sbeenworkingtherainforestcausesforthelast

fewyears,butheworkedseveraloftheSuperfundsitesearlyinhiscareer.Ibethe’llbeable

tohelp.”

“Good,knowingwhatwe’redealingwithmightbeabighelp,especiallyifhecangiveusan

ideaofhowmuchtoxicwastewe’vegottoworryabout.Asmallamountmightbeharderto

find,butmucheasiertocleanup,andwewillhavetocleanitup.”

“I’mgladtohearyousaythat.Iknewyouwould,butithelpstohearitoutloud.Whataboutall

thepeoplewhoaresick?Wehavetohelpthemtoo.”

“I’mworkingonthat.GivemeacoupleofdaysandI’llhaveasolutionthatshouldhelp,ifonly

fortheshortterm.Thistownisimportanttome,Ican’thelpbutfeelthatifI’dbeenaround

morethiscouldhavebeenavoided.”

“Idon’tknowifyoucanblameyourself.Someonewantedtomakeabunchofmoneyandfound

away.Haveyouthoughtaboutwhowouldhaveboththeaccesstothelandandthedesireto

sothis.Italmosthastobesomeonefromrighthere.”

“Ithoughtthesamethingandthereareafewpeoplewhocometomind,butIdon’thaveany

concretesuspectsrightnow.”Hesaid,gettingupandpacingaroundtheroom.Hedidfeel

someresponsibility,hecouldn’thelpit.

“Gettingupsetaboutsomethingthat’salreadydoneisn’tgoingtofixtheproblem,youcan’tgo

backandchangethepast,onlyworktochangethefuture.”Shesaid,gettingupandcrossing

theroomtowherehewasstanding.

Puttingherhandonhisarm,shesmiledupathim.“It’slate,weneedsomesleep.Let’scallita

night.Tomorrowyou’llgetagoodlookatthetownandtheproblem.Weneedtoconcentrateon

gettingtothebottomofthisnotfeelingguilty.”

Takingadvantageofthecontact,hepulledherintohisarms.“Bedsoundslikeagoodidea.

Yoursormine.”Hesaid,grinning.

“Both.”Shesaid,grinningback.

“Iwasafraidyouweregoingtosaythat.”Hesaid,takingherhandandwalkinghertoher

bedroomdoor.“Goodnight,sleepwell.”

“Iwill,youtoo.”Shesaid,turningtogointoherroom,butbeforeshecould,hepulledherinto

hisarmsandkissedher.Thistimetherewasnogentlenessinthekiss,itwasallhungerand

passion.Whenhereleasedher,shebarelymanagedtostumbleintoherroom,hislaughter

followingher.

“Seeyouinthemorning,Elizabeth.”Hesaidoverhisshoulderbeforedisappearingintohis

room.

Sheshutherdoorandleanedonit,herfingerscomingtoherlipswhereshecouldstillfeelhis

kiss.Herentirebodywashummingwithdesire,theneedsoacuteshethoughtaboutopening

thedoorandcallinghimbackintoherroom,butsomethingstoppedher.

Thiswasallhappeningtoofast,whatifhewasjustcomingontohertokeepheronhisside?

Shefeltfairlysurethathehadnothingtodowiththepollution,butshedidn’tknowthatforsure.

She’djustmethimafewdaysago,evenasattractiveashewas,shestillfelttheneedtouse

caution.GettinginvolvedwithDonovancouldbeahugemistake,afterthiswasover,ifhewas

innocent,he’dbereturningtohisoldlifeinthecity.

Shecouldn’timaginehowshecouldeverfitintothatlife,andtherewasnodoubtthathislife

wasthere.Withasigh,shegotintobedthosethoughtscompetingwiththedesireDonovan’s

kisseshadawakened.Shelaidinbedforalongtime,tossingandturning,unabletostillthe

feelingsracingthoughherbody.

Finallygivingupshegotoutofbed,putonherslippersandheadedtothekitchen.Itwasa

clearnightandthemoonwasfull,shestoppedinthelivingroomonthewaytolookoutthe

hugebaywindowshe’dhadinstalledwhenshemovedin.Sittingdownonthebuiltinseat,she

pulledherlegsupandstaredoutthewindow.

Thiscouldn’tcontinue,thoughtsofDonovanhadintrudedsofarintothemindshecouldn’tseem

tothinkofanythingelse.Everytimeshetriedtoclearthem,sherememberedhowgoodhe

lookedinhisjeans,orthewonderfulwayhesmelled.Shecouldswearthatshecouldsmellhim

now.

Asifherthoughtshadconjuredhimup,therehewasstandinginthedoorway,watchingher.

Herheartdidtheusualthingwhenshesawhim,dressedonlyinhispajamabottoms,hisfeet

bare.Hecameintotheroomandjoinedheratthewindow,heseemedevenbiggerpoisedover

herwhereshesat.

Shewantedtogetup,getsomecontroloverthesituation,butshecouldn’tseemtomove.“I

guessyoucouldn’tsleepeither.”Hesaid,stilllookingoutthewindow.

“Maybeit’sthefullmoon,theysayitmakespeopledostrangethings.”Shesaid,hervoicevery

quiet.

“Idon’tthinkit’sthefullmoonandwhatI’mfeeling...it’stheleastbitstrange.Tellmeyoudon’t

feelittoo.”Hesaid,pullinghertoherfeet.

Shewassuddenlyveryconsciousofthefactthatshewasonlywearingalongteeshirtandher

summerrobe,whichwasmadeofathinsilk.“Donovan,Idon’t....”Shetrailedoffnotabletolie

tohim,sheknewsheshouldbutcouldn’tfindthewords.

“Elizabeth,eversinceImetyouIhaven’tbeenabletogetyououtofmymind.I’vebeen

thinkingaboutyoualmostnonstopandnotjustbecauseofwhat’sgoingon.Iwishwe’dmet

underdifferentcircumstancesthenmaybeyouwouldbeabletoadmitthatyoufeelthe

attractiontoo.”Hesaid,themoonlightilluminatinghisruggedfeatures.

“Youhavetoforgivemeforbeingsuspicious,butit’shardformetobelievethatyou’re

attractedtome.Youcanhaveanywomanyouwant.Whywouldyouwantme?I’mnothinglike

thewomenyouusuallydate,Ican’tevencompete.”Shesaid,notbreakingeyecontact,but

crossingherarmsoverherchest.

“Don’ttellmeyou'reoneofthosewomenwhobelievethatbecauseyou’renotasize3,you’re

notattractive.Somemenwouldpreferawomanwhoisreal,notsurgicallyalteredorallthe

othertricksthatwomenusetobecomethin.”Hesaid,achallengeinhisvoice.

“No,I’veverywellawarethatthereareplentyofmenwhowouldpreferafullerfiguredwoman.

I’vemetafewmyself,butfromeverythingIsawontheinternet,youseemtoprefertheskinny

blondes.”Shesaid,challenginghimrightback.

“Ifoundoutquiteawhileago,thatthosewomenarenotforme,buttheyseemtofindme.

Everyoneseemstothinkthatbeingsingleisabadthing,includingmyfamily,I’vebeenonmore

blinddatesthanIcaretocount.Thatdoesn’tmeanthatIlikethosewomen,iffactIfindthose

datesnotonlytedious,butanexerciseinfutility.”Hesaid,andforasecondshethoughthewas

goingtostickhistongueoutather.

Theystoodthere,armscrossed,andstaredateachotherforafewminutes,Elizabeth

weighinghiswordsagainstwhatshehadreadontheinternet.Themanstandinginfrontofher

wasnotquitethesamemanshe’dcometoknowthroughherresearch,butthenagainshe

probablywasn’tthesamepersontheinternetportrayedhertobeeither.

Maybehewasbeingtruthful,afteralltherewascertainlyasparkbetweenthem.Itwas

shimmeringintheairaroundthemnow,aneedtheybothfelt,asiftheywerebeingdrawn

together.He’dadmittedthathefeltitaswell,butitwasonethingtosleepwithsomeoneshe

wasdating,itwasevenmorecomplicatedwithDonovan.Combiningbusinessandpleasure

wasneveragoodidea.

Sheopenedhermouthtotellhimthat,butbeforeshecould,he’dpulledherintohisarms.He

pulledherclosethenwhisperedinherear.“Justkeepanopenmind,Iwon’tpushyoutodo

anythingyoudon’twantto,butI’malsonotgoingtogiveup.”

Elizabethcouldsmellhimandthatalonewasenoughtoincreaseherheartrate,thegentle

whisperinherearhadsentgoosebumpsdownherspine,awakeningeverynerveinherbody.

Shesuckedinadeepbreathandbeforeshecouldletitout,hismouthfoundhersinaburning

kiss.

Shefeltherbodyrespond,desireandpleasurespreadingthoughherbodyinanalarmingrush.

HerkneeswentweakforcinghertoleanintoDonovan,whichpressedhishardmuscularbody

againsthers.Withasigh,shegaveintothedemandsofherbodyandwrappedherarms

aroundhim.

Heswungherupandintohisarmsandwalkedovertothecouch,neverstoppingtheonslaught

ofhismouthonhers.HesatdownonthecouchwithElizabethinhislapandslidherrobeoff

hershoulders.Hecontinuedtokissher,gentlynippingherlipswithhisteeth,thensoothingthe

spotwithhistongue.Shewasmakingsmallsoundsinherthroat,awarethatDonovan’stouch

hadthepowertotakehertoheightsshe’dneverexperiencedbefore.

Shebrokethekiss,wantingtosmellthespotonhisneckwhereshecouldseehispulse.She

buriedhernoseinhisneck,thenkissedandlickedthespotuntilDonovanwasgrowling,he

recapturedhermouthinademandingdisplayofdesire.Hishandwhichhadbeenroamingover

herbodyfoundherbreastunderherteeshirtandElizabeth’sworldexplodedinawaveof

sensationlikenothingshe’deverfelt.

Herpantieswereinstantlywetandshecouldfeelhiserectionagainstherhip,shereached

downandgentlystrokeditthoughhispajamapants,promptinghimtofindhernipplewithhis

fingerandthumbandgentlypinchthehardpeak.Unabletobreath,herbodystrainingformore,

Elizabethbrokethekissandthrewherheadbackinpleasure.

Donovanbegantonibbleonherneck,sendingshiversofdesirethroughherandcausingherto

golimpinhislap.Donovanstrippedoffherteeshirt,leavingheronlyinherpanties.Assoonas

herbreastswereexposed,hismouthfoundoneandshenearlyshotoffthecouch,thefeeling

sointenseshecriedout.

Sensingherneed,Donovanslidhishandintoherpantiesandresteditthere,lettingthewarmth

betweenherlegsgrowasshesoughthistouch,squirmingandspreadingherlegs.Sheshould

havebeenembarrassedtobesoopenlygivingherselftohim,butitfeltsoright,shecouldn’t

helpherself.Shewantedhimtotouchher,morethanshe’dwantedanymantotouchher

before.

Donovan’smouthleftherbreastandshewhimperedinfrustration.Hishandnevermovedfrom

whereitwasrestinginherpanties,buthiseyesmethersandtherawdesirewasclearintheir

bluedepths.Shiftinghishandjustalittle,hesmiledwhenshegaspedwithanticipation.

“Iwon’tdoanythingyoudon’twantmeto.”Hesaid,waitingforhertoreply.

“Donovan,ifyoudon’ttouchmenow,IthinkImightdie.”Shesaid,herwordsbarelyawhisper,

spreadingherlegsjustalittlebitmore.

Thatwasalltheinvitationheneeded,capturinghermouthagain,heslidhisfingerbetweenher

slickfoldsandfoundherclit.Hebegantostrokeher,hisfingerslidingacrossthehardnib,

sendingwaveafterwaveofpleasurecoursingthroughherbody.Elizabethwaspanting,unable

tobreatheasthepleasurerushedthroughher.

Shecouldfeelherorgasmbuilding,shockedthatDonovancouldbringhertothepeakwithjust

hismouthandfingers.Inonesmoothmove,hecapturedoneofherbreastsinhismouthand

thrusthisfingerdeepinsideher.Shespreadherlegswiderashisfingerslidinandoutofher,

hismouthworkingmagiconherbreast.

Asherbodybegantocontractwithwaveafterwaveofpleasure,Donovanusedhisthumbto

strokeherhardnib,whilehisfingercontinuedtodriveherhigherandhigher.Thenwithafinal

thrust,hetookherovertheedge,theworldspinningasshespunoutofcontrol.

Asherbodycamedownfromtheheights,shewassuddenlyembarrassed.Sheburiedher

headinhischestandlistenedtohisheartbeating.Hisheartratewasalmostasfastashers.

Pullingherclosehewhisperedinherhair.“Don’tbeembarrassed,thatwaswonderful.”

“I’mnotnormallylikethis.”Shesaid,stillnotabletomeethiseyes.

Hepulledherheadupandlookedintohereyes.“That’sagoodthing,IlikethefactthatIcan

makeyoufeelthatway.Butfornow,Ithinkweshouldgetsomesleep.”

“Imeant....”Shetriedtosay,buthesilencedherwithakiss.Thenhelpedherstandonstill

wobblylegs,wrappedherrobearoundherandpickedupherteeshirt.

Heleftheratherdoor,thenwentintohisroom,takinghershirtwithhim.Inadazeshefound

herbedandwasasleepinminutes,thoughtsofDonovanfillinghermind.Butinsteadofthe

worrythosethoughtshadcausedbefore,thistimetheyputherintoadeepsleep.

Chapter5

Whenthewintersunshinefinallycamepouringintoherroom,sheawokewithastartrealizing

thatshe’doverslept.Comingfullyawakeimmediately,shejumpedoutofbedandrealizedthat

shehadsleptinonlyherpanties.Itonlytookafewsecondsforthememoriesoflastnightto

surfacefully.Suddenlyembarrassed,shegrabbedherrobeoffthefloorwhereshe’ddroppedit

lastnightandquicklyputiton.

Thesmellofcoffeecamewaftingintohernostrilswhenshecrackedthebedroomdooropento

seewhereDonovanwas.Relievedtoseethathisroomwasempty,shemadeadashforthe

bathroom,thenshutthedoorandlockedit.ItwasgoingtobehardenoughtofaceDonovan

thismorning,butashowerandsomeclotheswouldcertainlymakeiteasier.

Showeredandreadyforthedayshejoinedhiminthekitchen,hewasstilldressedinhis

pajamapantsandshefeltthatflutterofdesirewhenshesawhim.“Goodmorning.”Shesaid,

makingabeelineforthecoffeepot.

“Goodmorning.”

“Thanksformakingcoffee.Ididn’tmeantosleepsolate.”

“Well,Ithoughtyoumightneedit.Fromwhatyousaid,todaywillbealongday.”Hesaid,

gettingupandrefillinghiscup.

“Yes,itwillbe.Areyousureyouwanttodothis?It’snotreallynecessary,wehavemytest

results.”Shesaid,joininghimatthetable.

“Atfirstitwasjustmebeingstubborn,butafterwetalkedlastnight,IrealizedthatIneedto

seewhat’shappeningmyself.Thebesthopeoffiguringoutawaytohelpthem,isformeto

seethesituationformyself.Igetthefeelingthatmoneyiswhattheyallneednow.AmIright?”

“AsmuchasIhatetoadmitit,mostofthemcouldusesomefinancialhelp.’

“Themoneyisn’ttheproblem,it’sthemethodofgettingittothemthatworriesme.Ican’tjust

starthandingoutmoney,someonewouldcatchontothatquickly.”

“Thatwouldblowourinvestigation,justsomeonerecognizingyouwill,butifit’simportantto

you,we’llcontinueonwiththeplanasis.HaveyouheardanythingfromCharlesorDustin?”

“No,butIdon’treallyexpecttohearmuchforafewmoredays.Nothingabouthisinvestigation

isgoingtohappenfast,asmuchasIwouldliketohaveitoverfast,Ithinkwe’reinforthelong

haul.Hopeyoudon’tmindhavingmearoundforawhile.”

Hiswordsbroughtablushtohercheeks,shecouldfeeltheheatasitrosefromherneck.To

hideherembarrassmentshejumpedupfromthetableandbegansortingthroughthe

refrigerator.Decidingtoignorethatlastremark,shesaid.“I’vegotlotsoffreshfruitfor

breakfastoreggs.Doyoulikeeggs?”

Donovangotupfromthetable,crossedtheroomtostandbehindher.Whenshepulledher

headoutoftherefrigeratorandstoodup,shewassoclosetohimshecouldsmellhim.Her

heartdiditsusualpitterpatterandaflutterofdesirespreadsoswiftlyshetookadeepbreath.

“Ilikeeggs,butIlikeyouevenmore.Especiallythewayyoutaste.”Hesaid,pullingherintohis

armsandloweringhismouthtohers.

She’dexpectedoneofthosedemandingkissessherememberedsowell,butinsteadhekissed

hergentlybutthoroughly.Herhearthammering,herbodyinstantlyresponding,shekissedhim

back,herembarrassmentsuddenlygone.

“That’sbetter.”Hesaid,lookingintohereyes.“ImeanteverythingIsaidlastnight.Ilikeyou

ElizabethandIreallywanttogettoknowyoubetter,butdon’tthinkthatI’veforgottenwhatit

feltliketohaveyouinmyarmslastnight.”

“Oh,Donovan.It’sjustallsoconfusing.Wehaven’tknoweachotherthatlongandwehaveall

thisotherstuffhappening.Howcanyoubesureit’snotjustthesituation?”

“BecauseItrustmyinstincts,justlikeyoudo.Listentowhatyourheartistellingyouandyou’ll

bejustassureasIam.”

“IwishIcould,butyou’lljusthavetobepatientwithme.Ilikeyoutoo,butit’ssuchabigfeeling

Idon’ttrustit.There’snosuchthingasloveatfirstsight,evenyoushouldbeabletoadmit

that.”Shesaid,shiftinginhisarms,clearlywantinghimtolethergo.

“Ihavetodisagreewiththatstatement,youhaven’tmetmybrothersyetbutthey’vebothfellin

lovefastandhard.Whyshouldwebeanydifferent?”Hesaid,lettinghergo.

“Idon’tknowaboutthem,butIdoknowthatwehaveabusydaytoday.”Elizabethdidn’teven

wanttothinkaboutlove,shewashavingahardenoughtimewrappinghermindaroundthelust

shewasfeeling.

“I’mgoingtogoshowernow,butjustpromisemeyou’llkeepanopenmind.Love'snotthat

hardwhenyoufindtherightpersontolove.”

Watchinghimwalkoutofthekitchen,sheconsideredjusthowfarapartlustandlovereally

were.She’dthoughtsheknewthedifferencebutnow,shejustwasn’tsure,maybetheywere

moreentwinedthanshethought.Afterall,loveinvolvedattraction,andshewascertainly

attractedtoDonovan,buttherehadtobemorethanthat.

Therehadtoberespectandtrust,withoutthosechemistrywasallthatwasleft.Shewasn’t

sureshefeltthoseotherthingsforDonovan,butshewouldbespendingalotoftimewithhim

overthenextfewweeks.Maybethoseemotionswouldgrow,onethingshepromisedherself,

shewasn’tgoingtosleepwithhimuntilshewassureofherfeelings.

ItwouldbedevastatingtoletherselffallinlovewithDonovan,onlytofindthatitwasjustafling

forhim.Hewasn’thidinghisattractiontoher,butheseemedmoreconcernedwithgettingher

inbedthangettingtoknowher.Thataloneshouldhavebeenenoughtosendherrunningfrom

him,butrememberinghowhe’dmadeherfeellastnight,onlymadeherwantmore.

Asshefixedthembothbreakfast,shedecidedthatthiswasasituationthathadnoclear

answer,she’djusthavetotryanddoherbestnottoputherselfinasituationlikeshehadlast

night.Nolatenightwalksaroundthehouseinonlyherrobeandteeshirt,iftheyhadan

encounterliketheyhadlastnight,she’dneverbeabletostop.

Shewasjustputtingtheplatesonthetable,whenDonovancamebackinthekitchen,hisdark

hairslickedback,dressedinjeansandateeshirt.“Breakfastisready,you’llwanttoeatthis.

We’regoingtobeofferedcoffeeandsweetseveryplacewegososomehealthyfoodmight

help.”

“Thanks,Iappreciateit.Idon’tusuallyeatbreakfastbutthislooksgood.”Hesaid,tuckinginto

thefoodonhisplate.“Wheretofirst?”

“Ithoughtwe’dstartwiththeAnderson’s.He’sworkedfortheresortsinceitopenedandshe

usedtoteachattheschool.They’vebothhadsomehealthproblemsfromthewater,butlast

timeItalkedtothem,theywerebothshowingsomeimprovement.”

“That’sasgoodaplaceasanytostart.HaveyoucontactedProfessorMitchell,Iwouldreally

liketoknowwhathehastosayaboutthis.”

“Isenthimanemaillastnight,itwillprobablybeafewdaysbeforehe’llhavetimetosort

throughtheinformationIsenthim,buthesaidthathe’dgetbacktousassoonaspossible.He

mustbegettingtiredoftherainforest,hevolunteeredtocomeoverandhelpus.”

“Wow,that’sabitextreme.ShouldIbejealous?”Donovanasked,withawink.

“MyrelationshipwithProfessorMitchellispurelyprofessional,weonlywentoutonafew

dates.”Shesaid,gettinguptoputtheirdishesinthesink.

“SoIshouldbejealousthen.”Hesaid,comingupbehindherandwrappinghisarmsaroundher

frombehind.

“There’snothingtobejealousof.Nothingevercameofthosedatesexceptagreatfriendship.”

Shesaid,relaxingbackintohisarmsunconsciously.

“Okay,justchecking.Ihavenointentionsofsharingyouwithanyoneelse.”Hesaid,plantinga

kissontopofherhead,thenwalkingaway.

Elizabethdidn’tknowifsheshouldbeflatteredoroffendedthathewasalreadyclaiming

possessionofher,butthenagainitwasanicefeeling.She’dbeenonherownforalongtime,it

mightbenicetobeapartofacouple.She’dalwayswantedalovelikeherparentshad,but

neverdreamedthatshemightactuallyfinditoneday.

Realizingthatonceagainshewasgettingaheadofherself,shefinishedputtingthekitchenin

order,thengatheredherpurseandnotes.Donovanmetheratthefrontdoorandtookherhand

astheywalkedoutofthehouse.Herhandfeltsmallinhislargeoneastheymadetheirwayto

histruck,whichthey’ddecidedtousetoday.

Sheguidedhimthroughthesmallmountaintowntotheareawheremostoftheaffectedpeople

lived.TheypulledupinfrontoftheAnderson’ssmallhousewhichwasbeginningtoshowsigns

ofneglect.Astheygotoutofthecar,Donovanlookedaroundhim,theneighborhoodwaslike

anyyoumightfindacrossAmerica.Theonlydifferencewasthemountainsetting,andthefact

thateachhousehaditsownsolarpanels.

Itwasaniceneighborhood,butashelookedaroundherealizedtheentirestreetwaslookinga

littleworn.Thesolarpanelsonthehousesalllookedasiftheyneededsomerepairs,theheavy

snowsofwinterhavingdonesomedamagetomanyofthem.

“Thesolarpanelslookliketheyneedwork.DotheAnderson’sknowthatalltheyhavetodois

scheduleanappointmentwiththeresortandthey’llsendsomeonetomakeanyrepairs

necessary?”

“Ihonestlydon’tknow,we’vebeenmoreconcernedwiththewaterpollution.I’llfindawayto

askthem.Anythingelseyouwantmetoask?”Shesaid,astheymadetheirwaytothefront

door.

“No,I’llletyoutaketheleadandstayincharacter.”Hesaid,joiningherontheporch.

Elizabethrangthebell,whichwasansweredalmostimmediatelybyawomanwholookedtired

buthappytoseeher.“Elizabeth,it’ssogoodtoseeyou.It’sbeenawhile.Oh,youhave

someonewithyou.Comeinyoutwo.”Shesaid,pullingElizabethintothehouse.

“I’msorryaboutthatMrs.Anderson,I’vebeenworkingonthecase,butIjustneedtogetone

moresetofwatersamples.Youhaven’tbeenusingthewaterhaveyou?”

“No,we’vebeenusingthebottledwateryougotforus,it’sapain,butwehavebothstartedto

feelbettersincewestoppeddrinkingthewellwater.Comeintothelivingroom,Normanwants

toseeyou.I’llgetussomerefreshments.”Shesaid,leadingthemtothebackofthehouseand

aroomwithabeautifulviewofthemountains.

ItwassohotintheroomthatDonovanhadadifficulttimebreathing,butoncehegotalookat

themansittinginthechairbythewindowheunderstoodwhy.Themanlookedterrible,hehad

nocolorinhisfaceandhadclearlylostagreatdealofweight.Oncetheywereseatedandthe

introductionshadbeenmade,Elizabethtookthelead.

“HowareyoufeelingMr.Anderson?”Elizabethasked.

“Well,sincewe’vestoppeddrinkingthewater,IthinkI’mgettingbetter.Thedoctorsseemto

thinkso,butIstillcan’tdothethingsIusedto.”

“I’msorrytohearthat.IsthereanythingIcandotomakethingseasier?Inoticedyoursolar

panelscouldusesomemaintenance.Wouldyoulikemetocallandschedulethatappointment

foryou?”

“No,I’membarrassedtosayso,butwejustdon’thavethemoneyforthemaintenancefee.The

doctor’sbillshavebeeneatingupallourmoney,mostofoursavingsisgone.Wehaveenough

togetby,butnothingmore.”Hesaid,shakinghishead.

“Whenwemovedhere,Ithoughtthiswastheperfectplacetolive.Ididn’tmindbeingforcedto

usesolarpowerorsomeoftheotherrequirements,butnowitfeelslikeTerrellIndustrieshas

abandonedus.”

ElizabethcouldfeelDonovan’smusclestensingupasthemantalked.Sheknewthatthiswas

goingtobehardforhim,itwasnevereasytohearbadthingsaboutsomethingyoulovedand

wereproudof.But,Donovanneededtohearthis,knowingthatwhathethoughtofrealityin

PleasantValleywasmuchdifferentthanthetruth.

“I’mworkingonsomeofthat,thelawsuitshouldhelpwiththosemedicalbillsandsomeofyour

otherexpenses,butit’sgoingtotakesometime.Ifyoucanjusthangonforanothermonthor

so,Ithinkweshouldhavesomekindofsolution.”

“Well,it’snotlikewehaveanychoice.Wecan’tsellthehousethewayitis,wecan’teven

moveawaysinceweownsomanyusertaxestothecity.”

AgainshefeltDonovantensebesideher,shelookedathimtofindapuzzledlookonhisface.

“Mr.Anderson,you’venevertoldmeaboutcitytaxes.”Shesaid,feelingDonovanrelaxnextto

her.

“It’sjustanotherwayforTerrellIndustriestomakemoneyIthink.Wepaytaxesonjustabout

everything,includingthewaterthatwecan’tdrink.Wouldyoubelievetheysayit’sfor

maintenanceonthewells.”Hesaid,withasnort.

ElizabethcouldfeeltheangerradiatingfromDonovananddidn’tknowhowmuchlongershe

couldkeephimquiet.Thankfully,Mrs.Andersoncamebackintothelivingroomwithhotcoffee

andcookies,distractingthemfromtheconversation.

“Hereyougo,hotcoffeeandsomethingsweettokeepyougoing.Imadethemmyselffroman

oldfamilyrecipe.”Shesaid,handingrefreshmentaround.

Theymadesmalltalkforafewminutes,butElizabethknewthatnotonlydidtheyhavealotof

otherpeopletoseethatday,butthatDonovanwasabouttoexplode.Shewasn’tsurewhatthe

sourceofhisdiscomfortwas,butknewthatsheneededtogethimoutofthere.

“Thankyouforthecoffeeandcookies,whichareaboutthebestI’veevertasted,butwehavea

lotofpeopletovisittoday.Couldwegetourwatersamplesnow?”

“Ofcourse,mydear.I’llletyoudoitonyourown.Youknowthehouse,takeyourtime,we’re

notgoinganywhere.”Shesaid,lookinglikegettingcoffeeandcookieshadcompletely

exhaustedher.

Theyfinishedtheircoffee,thengatheredtheirtestingkitandwentintothekitchenfirst.

Donovanwasstillvisiblyupset,butkepthismouthshut,whensheknewhereallywantedto

explode.Theymadequickworkofgettingthesamplestheyneeded,thankedtheAnderson’s

andleft.Onceinthetruck,Donovanwasnolongerabletocontrolhisanger.

“Thatwasmoredifficultthanyouthoughtitwouldbe,wasn’tit?”Elizabethasked,asDonovan

startedthetruck.

“Youhavenoidea.Idon’tthinkI’veeverbeenthisangrybefore.Whatisgoingonuphere?

Noneofthisispartofthevisionthatmygrandfatherhadforthistown.It’snamedPleasant

Valleyforareason.”

Sheremainedsilentashedroveoutofthesubdivisionandontothehighway.Shewantedto

askwherehewasgoing,butfeltthatsilencemightbethebestthingrightnow.Hisjaw

clenched,Donovantookthemonawindingpathofdirtroadsuntiltheyreachedthetopofa

rise,whereheparkedthetruckandturnedofftheengine.

Theviewfromtherisewasspectacular.Lookingoneway,Elizabethcouldseethemountains

andtheirsnowcoveredpeaks.TheviewtheotherwaywasofPleasantValley,thelittletown

lookingpictureperfectfromuphere.Theresortprovidedthebackdrop,itsskislopescovered

inwhite,snowmachinesblastingmoreofthewhitestuff.

Elizabethwassilent,lettingDonovancalmdown,thankfulthathisangerwasn’tdirectedather.

Finallyhebrokethesilence.“Somethingisverywrongintown,thiswholethingisbiggerthan

wethoughtitwas.There’snodoubtinmymindthatsomeoneormoreaccurately,several

someone’sareinvolvedinthis.”

“IthinkI’mmissingsomething.”Elizabethsaid,confused.

“Whenyoumovedintoyourhouse,whatwereyoutoldaboutthesolarpanels?”Heasked,

curioustoknowwhatshe’dbeentold.

“ThattheywererequiredbyTerrellIndustriessotheycouldusetheextrafortheresort.Ithink

theygavemeabookletwithinformationaboutscheduledmaintenancebutIhaven’treally

lookedatit.ThepreviousownerleftthemingoodshapeandI’veonlylivedthereforalittle

while.”

“Iwanttoseethatbookletwhenwegetbacktoyourhouse.Whatisbotheringmeisthatthe

Anderson’ssaidthattheyhadtopayforthemaintenance,it’ssupposedtobefree.Pleasetell

methatyoudidn’tpayextraforthesolar,becauseallthepanelsweresuppliedbytheresortin

exchangeforanyextrapowertheyproduce.”

“HonestlyIdon’tknow.IwantedthehousesoIboughtit,IhadalltheinspectionsdonebutI

wasn’treallyconcernedwiththesolarpanels,theyjustseemedlikeabonus.”Shesaid,still

confused.

“Mygrandfatherwasabitofavisionary,hesawthepotentialofsolarenergylongbeforethe

restoftheworld,certainlylongbeforeanyoneheredid.Hisgoalwhenhebuilttheresortand

townwastohavethemcompletelyindependentfromthemainelectricalgridatsomepoint.”He

said,takingadeepbreath,finallygettingcontrolofhistemper.

“Anyexcesspowerisdivertedtotheresort,whichyoucanimaginehasalargepowerneed.It

tooknearly50yearstoseehisvisioncometrue.We’vespentmillionsofdollarsonresearch

anddevelopmentandproducedsomeofthebestsolarpanelsonthemarket.”

“Iknewaboutyoursuccessesinsolarenergy,butIstilldon’tunderstandwhyyou’resoupset.”

Shesaid,stillpuzzledbyhisanger.

“Thetownisn’tsupposedtopayapennyforthesolarpanels.Wehaveawholedivisionthat

dealswithmaintenanceandreplacementofthesolarpanels,forfree.NowIhearthatthe

residentsarebeingaskedtopayforit.”

TheyweresilentforafewminutesasElizabethprocessthisinformation.“So,someoneis

collectingfeesfromthetown’speopleillegally.”

“Notonlythat,PleasantValleydoesn’thaveanymunicipaltaxes.ButfromwhatIheardpeople

arepayingforthingslikewater,that’snotsupposedtohappeneither.It’slikeeverythingmy

grandfatherstartedhasbeendestroyed.”

“I’msorryDonovan,Ididn’tknowaboutanyofthis.AsanewresidentIjustexpectedtopay

sometaxes,that’showit’sdoneeverywhereelse.”

“Intheearlydays,beforethetowngrew,wedidhavetheresidentspaysometaxes,butonce

theresortwasupandrunningthosefeesweresuspendedandpaidbytheresort.”

“YourgrandfathercreatedalittleutopiainthemiddleoftheColoradomountains.Quitean

accomplishment,exceptthatasusualsomeonefoundawaytoruinagoodthing.”

Donovanslammedhishandontothesteeringwheelinfrustration,makingthewholetruckrock.

“Iamgoingtofindoutwhodidthisandkillthemmyself.Howthehelldidthishappenandonmy

watchtoo.”

Elizabethhadnoanswertohisquestion,soshestayedsilent,lettinghimworkthroughhis

frustration.“Sothischangesthisdoesn’tit?”

“Yeah,itdefinitelymeansthatseveralpeopleareinvolved.Someoneiscollectingtaxesand

fees,thatcan’tbeeasytohide,butI’veseennoevidenceofit.Infactthemayorjustaskedme

formoremoneytomaintainthesolarpanels.Weneedtofollowthemoneytrail,that’show

we’regoingtofindoutwho’sbehindthis.”

“Itseemslogicalthatthebestplacetostartisthemayor.Couldn’thepulloffsomethinglike

this,he’scertainlyinapositiontodoso.”

“Mythoughtsexactly,IneedtotalktoCharles,butfirstIwanttoseesomemoreofthetown.”

Donovansaid,startingthetruckandpullingbackontothedirtroad.

Therestofthedaywasspentvisitingotherpeoplewhohadbeenvictimsofthepollutedwater

andnowitappearedtheunlawfulcollectionoftaxesandfees.EverywhereDonovanlooked

therewasevidenceofthedeclineoftheneighborhoods,withoneexception.Whentheydrove

throughthesubdivisionthatcontainedthemostexpensivehouses,itwasclearthatnotonly

werethepropertiesbetterkept,butthatthesehousesweretheonlyonesthathadthenewest

solarpanelsonthem.

“Everyonewassupposedtohavethesenewpanelsbynow,butmypeopletoldmethatthere

weresomeproblemswiththem,butnowIseetheminuse.Thisjustgetsworseandworse.”

Elizabethhadnoreply,itwasclearthatDonovanwasdevastatedbywhathe’ddiscovered.“I

thinkwe’vehadenoughforoneday,let’sgohome.I’llmakesomedinnerandyoucanmake

somephonecalls.Iknowthishasbeenhard,butatleastnowyouhaveabetterpictureofwhat

we’reupagainst.”Shesaid,puttingherhandonhisarm,hopingtogivehimsomecomfort.

“Andit’snotaprettypicture,isit?Thisismyfault,IthoughtIcouldhandleallthisonmyown,

butobviouslyIcan’t.Ifeelsostupid.”Hesaid.

“We’llfigureitout.Otherthanthewaterpollution,therestisfixable,that’swhatIdobest.”She

said.

Donovanwassilenttherestoftheridehome,butElizabethknewhewasstewinginside.

Hopefully,shethought,talkingtoCharleswouldhelp,actionoftenmadeaproblemseem

smaller.Theminutetheywalkedintothehouse,Donovanwentimmediatelytohisbedroomto

callCharles.

Chapter6

Shecouldhearhisvoicethroughthedoor,butcouldn’tmakeouthisexactwords.Itwasclear

thathewasupsetbecauseseveraltimeshisvoicerose,allowinghertomakeoutafewwords.

Decidingthatthebestthingsshecoulddowasfixthemsomethingtoeat,sheheadedtothe

kitchentoputtogetherasimplemeal.

WhenDonovancameoutofthebedroomitwasclearthathewasstillupset.“Charlesisgoing

tostartdiggingalittledeeper,he’salsogoingtoschedulemaintenanceonyoursolarpanels

andtracethepathofthemoney.Butotherthanthat,Idon’tknowwhatelsetodo.”

“Well,atleastit’sastart.”Shesaid,bringinghimaplateoffood.

“Thanks,butI’mnotveryhungry.”Hesaid,pickingathisfood.

“You’llfeelbettertomorrow.Doyoustillwanttomakethevisitswehavescheduled?Ican

cancelthem.”

“No,Ineedtoknowwhatthesepeopleneedtomakethemmorecomfortable.I’veputDaphne

inchargeoffindingawaytohelpwithoutournamebeinginvolved.Lookslikealotofpeople

aregoingtobewinningsweepstakesandexperiencingbillingmistakes.”

“See,that’sapositivething.You’realreadymakingadifference.”

“Somehowitjustdoesn’tseemlikeenough,thesepeopleshouldn’tevenbeinthispositionto

beginwith.HowdoIfixallthepainandsicknessthey’vealreadyexperienced?”Hesaid,

pushinghisplateaway,thefoodunfinished.

Elizabethknewsheneededtotreadcarefully,butshewasbeginningtogettiredofhisfeeling

sorryforhimselfandthemessthathadbeencreated.

“Iknowit’shardtofindthatpeopleyouthoughtyoucouldtrusthaveviolatedthattrust,butyou

havetomoveforwardoryou’llnevermakeitthroughtomorrow.”

“That’seasyforyoutosay.Youhaven’tjustseenyourwholelife’sworkcrumbledbecauseof

someone’sgreed.”

“Ihardlythinkthesituationisthatbad.Whenthisisallover,youcanputeverythingbackthe

wayit’ssupposedtobe,feelingsorryforyourselfisn’tgoingtohelp.”

“That’swaytooeasyforyoutosay.You’vealwaysbeensuccessful,everytimeyou’vesetout

tostopsomeone,you’vebeensuccessful.”Hesaid,gettingupfromthetableandpacing

aroundthekitchen.

ElizabethwasfedupwithDonovanfeelingsorryforhimself,thiswasn’tabouthim.Itwasabout

thepeoplewhoweresickfromcontaminatedwater.“Whatdoyouknowaboutmylife?Incase

youhaven’tnoticed,thisisn’taboutyou.It’saboutthepeoplewhohavebeenhurt,madesick,

andnowIunderstandpaidmoneytothetowntheyweren’tsupposedto.”

“Iknowthat,but....”Donovantriedtoexplain,butElizabethstalkedoutoftheroom.

Shecamebackafewminuteslater,astackofphotographsinherhand.“Youwanttoseewhat

mylifewaslike?”Shesaid,wavingthepicturesinhisface.“Lookatthis.Thisiswhathappens

whentheycleartherainforest,everythingburnedtotheground.Nevermindthatthesewerethe

huntinggroundsforthenativepopulationofthearea,itwasgoneinamatterofhoursandI

couldn’tdoanythingaboutit.”

Shecontinuedflippingthoughtthephotos,shovingthemathimassheexplainedhowshefailed

ineachandeveryinstance.Whenshe’dgivenhimthelastone,shegotrightinhisfaceand

said,“Stopbabyingyouregoandfeelingsorryforyourself.Youhadahandincreatingthis

mess,butwhatisgoingtocountintheendishowyoudealwithitnow.”Shesaid,herchest

heavingwithangerandfrustration.

DonovanjuststaredatElizabethforaminute,herfacewasflushedandherchestwasrising

andfallingasshefoughtherangerathim.Suddenlyitwasverycleartohimthatshewasright,

hewasmoreconcernedthathe’dletsomeonegetsomethingashugeasthisoveronhim.

Beforehecouldeventhinkaboutwhathewasdoing,hedroppedthepicturesonthetableand

grabbedElizabethandkissedher.Allhisangerandfrustrationpouredoutofhim,transformed

intoapassionthatreverberatedstraightintoherbody.Shekissedhimbackmeetinghistongue

strokeforstroke,unabletodoanythingelse.

WhathadbeenangerandfrustrationhadquicklyturnedtopassionandDonovanwashelpless

tostopitwhenElizabethrespondedthewayshedid.Herarmshadgonearoundhimasshe

triedtogetclosertohim,hersoftcurveswerepressedagainsthim,inflaminghimevenfurther.

Hishandsroamedoverherbodyashebackedheragainstthecounter,effectivelytrappingher

whereshestood.

ElizabethwasconsciousofnothingbutwhatDonovan’shandsandmouthweredoingtoher,

eachnerveinherbodyawareofhishardbodypressedagainsthers.Somepartofherknew

thathewasonlyreleasingallhisangerandfrustration,butshedidn’tcare.Itfeltmuchtoo

goodtoeventhinkaboutstopping.

Whenhishandswenttoherhairandhefounditsecuredtightlyinabun,hepulledthepinsout

andletitfalltohershouldersinawaveoflongblackcurls.Threadinghishandsinthemassof

curlshetippedherheadbackanddeepenedthekiss,shewaspinnedunderhishardbody,only

slightlyawareofthecounterbitingintoherback.

Donovansweptherupintohisarms,andcarriedhertothebedroomandlaidheronthebed,

thenjoinedher.Takingherfaceinhishands,hesaid.“Iwantyou,butonlyifyouwantmetoo.

I’llstopnowifyouwantmetoo,butIcan’tpromisetostoplater.”

Elizabethconsideredhiswordsforonlyasecondbeforereplying.“Iwantyoutoo,butthisis

wrongonsomanylevels.”

Donovancameupononeelbowandlookeddownather,hisotherhandhadbeguntogently

strokeherface,theintenselookinhiseyesmakinggoosebumpseruptonherheatedskin.“If

wehadmetunderdifferentcircumstances,wouldthishavebeenwrong?”

“No.”Shesaid,herbodybeginningtohumashishandworkeditswaylower.

“Thenforgetabouttherestofitandjustthinkaboutyouandme.Thinkaboutthis.”Hesaid,

kissinghergentlyonthelips,remindingherhowwonderfulitfelttobeinhisarms.“There’s

somethinghereElizabeth.Iknowyoucanfeelittoo.”

“Donovan,itscaresmehowmuchIlikeyou.”Shesaidveryquietly.

“Iwon’thurtyouIpromise,I’mjustavulnerableasyouare.Idon’tsleepwithwomenIdon’t

careaboutandIcareaboutyou.Giveusachance.”Hesaid,hiseyestellingherthesame

thing.

Elizabeth’sheartbegantoracefasteratthosewords,ifthere’dbeenanyresistancebefore,it

allmeltedasshelookedintohiseyes.Withoutbreakingeyecontact,shereachedupand

begantounbuttonhisshirt.Helethergetitfullyunbuttonedthenshruggedoutofitandletitfall

ontothefloor.Sheranherhandsoverhishardchest,likingthefeelofthecoursehairthatmet

herfingersassheexplored.

Withagrowlinhisthroat,DonovanrolledthemoveruntilElizabethwasontopofhim,then

pulledherheaddownandkissedher.Hishandsroamedupanddownherback,thenlowerto

grabherbuttwithbothhandsandpulledherhardagainsthiserection.Shesquirmedagainst

him,hiserectionfillinghermindwiththingstocome.

Grabbingeachofherlegs,hepulledheruptostraddlehim,thenreachedforthebuttonsonher

shirt.Asheundideachbutton,herdesireincreased,herbreaststinglinginanticipationofwhat

wastocome.Hernipplehardenedasthecoolairbrushedhershoulders,Donovan’salready

heavybreathingbecameevenheavierashepeeledtheshirtoffhershouldersandunhooked

herbra.

Donovan’seyesheldsuchintensitythatElizabethwantedtocoverherself.She’dneverbeen

thisexposedtoanyman,herothersexualencounterhavingbeeninthedark,usuallyinatentin

somefaroffplace.Butbeforeshecouldbringherarmsupacrossherchest,Donovanpulled

herdowntohimandtookoneofthestiffpeaksinhismouth.

Shegrabbedhisheadashismouthandtonguesentpleasurewashingthoughherinarushthat

tookherbreathaway.Thefeelofhishotmouthonherbreastwasonlyatasteofwhatshe

knewwastocome,butsheneverwantedhimtostop.Shecouldfeelhiserectionbetweenher

legs,apromiseofwhatwastocome.

Whenhe’dfinishedwithonebreastheswitchedtotheother,hishandsfindingtheirwaytothe

waistbandofherpants.Hepulledthemdownoverherhips,thenslidhishandsinsidecupping

herbuttwithbothhands,pushingherhigherontohiserection.Herbodyrespondedbyreleasing

ahotgushofmoisture,soakingherpanties.

Justwhenshewassureshecouldn’ttakemuchmoreteasing,herolledherontoherbackand

foundhermouthwithhis.Thefeelofhisbareskinonherswasmoreintoxicatingthanthepath

hishandwastracingdownherback.Whenhishandsfoundherpantsthistime,hebeganto

pushthemdownherlegs,thenhesatupandpulledthemoffinonesmoothmovement.

Hiseyesroamedfromthetipofhertoesuptomeethereyes,thelookofpuredesireshesaw

thereerasedanyshynessshemighthavehad.Sittingupshereachedforhisbeltand

unbuckleditandsliditoutofhisjeans,thenunbuttonthem,andhelpedhimpullthemoff.She

tookhiminherhandandstrokedhim,lovingthelookofpurepleasurethatwashedoverhis

face.

Hepulledherhandawayandplacedakissonthepalm,thenlaidherdownonthebed.She

startedtoputherarmsaroundhim,buthestoppedherbyputtinghishandonherstomach,his

handhotonherbareskin.Ashishandbegantomoveslowlydownherbodytothejunctureof

herthighs,shefeltherbodybeginningtorespondtohistouch.

Shepartedherlegsforhimashisfingerfoundherclitandbegantorubtheswollenbud.The

feelingwassointense,sheclosedhereyesandarchedherback,herlegsopeningwiderfor

him.Witheachstrokeofhisfingershefeltthepleasurecoilingdeepinsideher,buildinguntilshe

thoughtshewouldscreamwiththesensations.

Shemoanedhisnamequietlyandheansweredherbytakingoneofherswollennipplesinhis

mouthanddrivinghisfingerdeepinsideher.Herhipscameuptomeeteachstrokeofhis

finger,untilshewassureherorgasmwasjustsecondsaway.Butbeforeshecouldreachher

peak,hemovedbetweenherlegs,hispenisbrushingtheswollenfleshashepositionedhimself

toenterher.

Sheopenedhereyesandlookeddirectlyintohisandheenteredherinonestrongthrust.The

worldseemedtoexplodeintofragmentsastheirbodieswerejoinedforthefirsttime.Elizabeth

hadneverexperiencedthefeelingoftwopeopleessentiallybecomingone,butnowshe

understoodwhatitmeanttobejoinedtosomeoneinsuchaway.Inthatonemoment,she’d

ceasedtobejustElizabethandwasnowpartofsomethingbigger.

Donovanmusthavefeltittoobecausehedidn’tmoveforalongminute,seemingtorelishjust

beingburiedsodeeplyinsideofher.Heneverbrokeeyecontactashebegantomoveinside

her,longslowstrokesthatmadehersquirmunderhim,wantingmore.Finally,asherpleasure

begintobuildagain,heincreasedhispace.Slidinghisthrobbingpenisintoandoutofherin

strongsurestrokes.

Shewrappedherlegsaroundhiswaistandheldontohisshouldersaswaveafterwaveof

pleasuresoaredthoughherbody.Theywerelostineachother’seyesasElizabeth’sorgasm

washedoverhercausinghertoraiseherhipsandpullhimfurtherinsideher.Donovanthrust

himselfdeepinsideheroncemore,thenspilledhimselfinsideher,tremblingwiththeforceofhis

orgasm.

Hecollapsedontopofher,hisbreathingragged,thenslidofftoonesideandgatheredher

againsthim.Neitherspokeforalongtimeastheyrecoveredfromwhattheyhadboth

experienced.Elizabethwasinastuporofpleasure,hereyesdriftingshut.Donovantoowas

spentandfeelingsleepy,sittingupslightlyhepulledthecoversoverthem.

“Ifyoudon’tmind,IthinkI’llsleepheretonight.”

“Iwouldn’tdreamoflettingyougonow.”Shesaid,snugglingclosertohim.

Withherheadonhischestshefellasleeplisteningtohisheartbeat,cocoonedinaworldthat

onlycontainedDonovan.Whensheawokeseveralhourslater,stillwrappedinDonovan’sarms,

sherealizedthatthey’dlefteverylightinthehouseon,includingtheoneinthebedroom.

Slippingoutofbed,sheputonherrobeandwentoutintothehousetoturnoffthelights.

Whenshegotbackintothebedroom,Donovanwasawakeandlookingsexyinherbed.She

switchedoffthelightandslippedoutofherrobeandjoinedhiminbedagain.Snugglingupto

him,hisarmwrappedfirmlyaroundher,shemarveledathowafighthadturnedintosomething

sowonderful.

Donovanhadn’tspokenawordasshesettledherselfnexttohim,butonceshewassettled,he

tippedherheadupandkissedhergentlyonthelips.Shewascomingtoappreciatethose

kissesandrealizedthattheycontainedmoreemotionthatthehotdemandingkisseshewas

alsocapableof.

“Weleftallthelightson,Ihadtoturnthemoff.”Shesaid.

“Iguesswewerealittledistracted.”Hesaid,hishandstrokingherthigh.

“Justalittle.”Shesaid.“Butdistractioncanbeagoodthingsometimes.”

“ItmightjustbepossiblethatIneedalittlemoredistraction.”Hesaid,hishandmovingfromher

thightorestbetweenherlegs.

“Whatkindofdistractionwereyouthinkingofthistime,afterallyouaremyguest,it’smyjobto

keepyouhappy.”

“Hmm,maybesomethingalongtheselines.”Hesaid,rollingontopofherandburyinghimself

insideher.

Shegaspedwithpleasureandopenedherlegstohim.“IthinkIcanhandlealittlemore

distractionaswell,whenyouputitthatway.”

*****

ThenextmorningElizabethwoketothesmellofcoffeeandbacon.Sherolledover,notsurefor

aminuteiflastnighthadactuallyhappened.ButseeingtheimprintofDonovan’sheadinthe

pillownexttoher,assuredherithadn’tbeenadream.Shefoughtoffabriefmomentofpanic

whensherealizedwhattheyhaddonelastnight.

Stillnotquitereadytofacehimyet,shestaredattheceiling,thinkingabouthowmuchherlife

hadchangedsinceshemetDonovanTerrell.Whathadstartedouttobeacrusadetosavethe

sickpeopleintownhadturnedintoaloveaffair.Anaffairthatseemedtobecompletelyoutof

hercontrol.Thatwastheonlywayshecoulddescribeherbehaviorlastnight,behaviorthat

wassooutofcharactershedidn’tknowhowtofeelaboutit.

She’dalwaysbeenthetypeofpersonwhohadcompletecontrolofheremotions,aswellas

heractions.Butlastnightshe’dyelledatDonovanwhenallheprobablyneededwassome

understanding.Thenshe’dlethimmakelovetoherallnightlong,creatingaconfusingtangleof

emotionsinhermindthismorning.Shestillhadtokeepaprofessionalperspective,butthat

wasalmostimpossiblewithDonovanmakingherfeellikehedid.

Shedidn’tevenwanttothinkaboutwhatmighthappenifshediscoveredthatheorsomeonein

hisfamilywereinvolvedinthis.Fromwhatshe’dgatheredduringtheirconversationstherewas

notonlyhistwobrothers,butthreecousinswhoweretheownersofthecompany.He’dtalked

themostaboutDaphne,theoldestofhiscousins,butshedidn’tknowanythingabouttheother

two.Donovanhadn’tevenconsideredoneofthem,butinhisshoes,shewouldn’thaveeither.

Itmightbedifficult,butshewouldhavetoaskhimaboutthepossibility,herfirstpriorityhadto

bethetown,notherlovelife.Donovan’sinnocenceseemedincreasinglikelythelongershe

spentwithhimandithadnothingtodowithlastnight.Ifhe’dbeeninvolveditseemedunlikely

thathewouldbepursuingtheproblemasaggressivelyashewas.Unless,hewasjusttryingto

distractherwhileCharlescoveredtheirinvolvementup.

AnotherthinginDonovan’sfavorwasthefactthatwhoeverhaddonethis,haddoneavery

sloppyjobofit.IfDonovanhadbeenbehindthewastedumping,hewouldhavedoneabetter

jobofmakingsureitwascontained.Still,shecouldn’tcompletelyeliminatehimfromthelistof

suspects.

That’swhatmadelastnightevenmoreconfusing.Ifshewassleepingwithamanwhowould

dumptoxicwasteintooneofthemostpristineareasofColorado,thatsaidsomethingabout

herjudgment.She’dalwaysthoughtshewasagoodjudgeofcharacter,butlikemostpeople

she’dbeenwrongbefore.

Shegotoutofbed,finallyabletofacetheday,she’djusthavetoconcentrateonthecase.

Donovanandtheirattractionwouldjusthavetotakesecondseattowhatwasreallyimportant.

Untilthiswasfinished,she’djusthavetocontrolherself,nomoresleepingwithDonovan.Once

they’dsolvedthis,thentheycouldseewhattherewasbetweenthem.Itwastheonlyintelligent

thingtodo.

Allthoseloftythoughtsdisappeared,however,whenshewalkedintothekitchenandsaw

Donovanstandingbythestovedressedonlyinhispajamapants.Itwaschillyinthehouse,

complimentsofacoldfrontthatwaspromisingsnow,butheseemedunawareofthecold.She

watchedthetightcordsofmusclesinhisbackasheflippedsomethingonthestove.Shefelt

thosefirststirringsofdesireandthoughtbacktoherpromisetoherself.

Thiswasgoingtobeharderthanshethought,especiallywhenDonovanlookedasgoodashe

didstandingthereatherstove.Shetookadeepbreathandsaid.“Goodmorning.LookslikeI

oversleptagain.”

“Well,wedidn’tgetmuchsleeplastnight,butIwokeupstarving.Ithoughtwemightwanta

littlemorethanjustcerealthismorning.”Hesaid,turningfromthestove,hiseyesroamingup

anddownherbody.

Fightingtheneedtocrosstheroomandthrowherselfintohisarms,insteadshewenttothe

coffeemakerandpouredherselfacup.Shesatdownatthetable,hopingtoputsomedistance

betweenthem.Itwouldn’ttakemuchforhertoforgetherdeterminationtoseethecase

throughandavoidanentanglementwithDonovan.Iffactshewasalreadytempted.

Donovanwasalittlesurprisedathercoolgreetingthismorning,he’dexpectedhertogreethim

withatleastakiss,butsheseemedtohaverevertedbacktoherprofessionalpersona.He’d

thoughtthatthey’dmadeaconnectionlastnight,butmaybehe’dbeenwrong.Elizabethdidn’t

seemlikethetypeofwomanwhotookwhattheydidlastnightlightly,buthe’dbeenwrong

before.

Hemadethembothaplateandtookthemtothetable,hesatdownacrossfromherand

lookedatherforasecondbeforeasking.“What’swrong?Areyousorryaboutlastnight?”He

asked,takingabiteofhisbreakfast.

“No,I’mnotsorry.Ijust...well,Idon’tknowexactlyhowtoexplainitwithoutmakingyoumad.”

Shesaid,pushingthefoodaroundonherplate.

“Sometimesthebestthingisjusttofaceitheadon.Speakyourmind.”Hesaid,knowingwhat

wascoming.

“Okay,justrememberyouasked.Donovan,yousaythatyou’renotinvolved,andIwilladmit

thatitdoeslookunlikelythatyouare,butIdon’tknowthatforsure.”Shesaid,realizingthatit

feltgoodtovoiceherconcerns.

Donovanwassilentforamoment,consideringherwords.Shewatchedhim,wonderingifhe

wasangry.Finallyhesaid,“IfIwereinyourplace,Iwouldbefeelingthesameway,butI

wouldalsokeepanopenmind.Iguessthat’sallIcanreallyaskofyou.But,rememberthat

actionsspeaklouderthanwords.”

“Whataboutyourfamily,theyhavethesameaccessthatyoudo.Oneofthemcouldbe

involvedandI’msureCharlesisn’tinvestigatingthemaswell.”

“Actually,I’mgladyoubroughtthatup.IdidhaveCharlesdothesameinvestigationintoallof

themaswell.Sofarnothinghadturnedup,butwehavetomakesurewelookateveryone.”

“Oh,wellIguessthat’sgood.ButwhatwouldstopCharlesfromhidinganythingbadhefound?

Thesepeopleareyourfamily,youmightwanttoprotectthem.”Shesaid,feelinglikeshemight

bepushingit.

“Familyornot,whoeverdidthisneedstobecaught.I’vespentmyentireprofessionallife

cleaningupthemessmyfamilymadeallthoseyearsago,I’mnotabouttoletanyonegetaway

withdestroyingallmyhardwork.Ifyouknewmyfamilyyouwouldunderstandthatnoneof

themwouldbeinvolvedinthis.Honestly,wehavemoremoneythananyofuscouldspendina

lifetimeandthat’salwaysthemotivationforsomethinglikethis.”

Elizabethcringedalittleathisanger,butrefusedtobackdown.Finally,Donovanbrokethe

silence.“Ihaveanidea,whydon’tyoucomeuptotheranchandmeetthefamily.Mostofthem

liverightthereontheproperty.Ithinkonceyou’vemetthem,you’llunderstandthatnoneof

themcouldpossiblybeinvolved.”

Elizabethhadn’texpectedthatsuggestionandwasmomentarilyspeechless.Goinguptothe

Terrellranchmightbealittlebitlikegoingintothelion’sden,butthenagainifshecouldjust

convinceherselfthatDonovanwasn’tinvolvedthenthingswouldcertainlybeeasier.

“Iguessthatwouldbeokay.Butwhatareyougoingtotellthemaboutus?”

“Idon’tknow,Iguessthatalldependsonwhetherornotthereissomethingtotellthem.”

“Howaboutifwejustkeepitonaprofessionallevel,thatwaythere’slesstoexplain.”Shesaid,

gettingupfromthetabletoputherdishinthesink.

Itwasn’ttheexactanswerhewashopingfor,butatleastshedidn’tsaythattherewasnothing

betweenthem.Hecouldn’tblameher,they’dmetbecauseshethoughthathiscompanywas

pollutingthegroundwaterinPleasantValley.Notthegreatestwaytostartarelationship,in

factherresistancemadeherevenmoreattractivetohim.

Notbecausehewantedwhathecouldn’thave,butbecauseshewasclearlythinkingthis

through,heprobablywouldhavelostsomerespectforherifshe’dgiveninwithoutsomeproof

ofhisinnocence.Buttherewasnowayhewasgoingtogiveherupnowthathe’dfoundher.

Besidesherobviousintelligence,shemadehimfeellikenootherwomaneverhad.

Hewasdefinitelybeginningtounderstandwhathisbothershadbeentryingtoexplaintohim,

thenightofSebastian’swedding,whenhe’dsuggestedhavinghisbridesignaprenuptial

agreement.HecouldclearlyrememberSebastian’swordsthatnight,he’dsaid,'whenyoufind

therightwomanyou’llknow.It’slikeyou’vebeenunderwaterandthensuddenlyyou’ve

surfaced.Itcanbebothwonderfulandscary,butyou’llknow'.

Sometimeduringthenightlastnight,he’dunderstoodthosewordsbetterthanhecouldever

imaginehewould.HeandElizabethhadfallenasleeptangledineachotherarms,butatsome

pointshe’drolledawayandhe’dwokenupandpulledherbackintohisarms.Shesighedinher

sleepandithadallbeencleartohim.Thiswastheperfectwomanforhim,eventhoughhe

barelyknewher,shewastheone.

“Wecantellthemwhatevermakesyoufeelthemostcomfortable.”Hesaid,comingupbehind

heratthesinkandwrappinghisarmsaroundher.

Sheunconsciouslyleanedbackintohim,thefeelingofhisstrongarmswrappedaroundher

makingherfeelreassuredsomehow.Butthensherememberedherpromise.“Onemorething,

Ithinkitwouldbebestifwedidn’tsleeptogetheruntil...wellforawhile.”

“Ipromisedtogiveyouasmuchspaceasyouneed,butIcan’tpromisenottomakeloveto

youifyouletme.I’magoodman,butresistingyoumightjustprovemydownfall.”Hesaid,

turningheraroundtolookathim.Whentheireyesmet,Elizabethcouldfeelherdesireriseto

thesurfaceagain.

Beforehecouldkissher,shesaid.“Wereallyshouldstartgettingready.Ourfirstappointment

isinanhour.I’llshowerfirst,thenyoucanhavethebathroom.”

“Youknowwecouldsavetimeifwetookashowertogether.”Hesaid,thenadded,“Onlyto

makesurewe’reontime.”Sheshothimadirtylook.

“Nicetry,butIthinkI’lljustshowerbymyself.Thanksfortheofferthough.”

“It’salwaysopen,anytimeyouwant,justsaytheword.YouknowhowmuchIcareaboutthe

environmentandthat’sagoodwaytosavewater.”Hesaid,watchingherwalkoutoftheroom.

Chapter7

Feelingonmoresolidgroundnowthatshe’dvoicedherconcerns,Elizabethtookashowerthen

gotreadyforanotherlongday.Asshewasgettingdressed,shecouldhearDonovansingingin

theshowerandhadtolaugh,she’dneverhadaboyfriendwhosangintheshower.Then

realizedthatshe’dthoughtofhimasherboyfriend,whichwasnotagoodsignifshewasgoing

tosticktoherpromise.

Whenshecameouttothelivingroom,DonovanwasonthephonewithCharlesandhedidn’t

soundhappy.Hehungupbythetimeshe’drefilledhercoffeecupandjoinedhimonthecouch.

Hehadoneofthemapsspreadoutonthecoffeetableandhadbeenmarkingtheplacesthey

hadbeenyesterday.

“Thatdoesn’tsoundlikegoodnews.”Shesaid.

“No,Charleshasduganddug,stillnothingincriminatingonanyonefromPleasantValley.I

guessitwastoomuchtoexpectthatitwouldbethateasy.Buthehaspaidforyoursolarpanel

maintenancesowecanfollowthatmoney.Inthemeantime,he’sgoingtodosomemore

digging.”

“Ithinkfollowingthemoneyisgoingtobeourbesthope.IfitwasmeI’dhidethatmoneywere

noonecouldfindit.Wehavetokeepinmindthatit’sbeginningtolooklikethereismorethan

onepersoninvolved.Onepersonalonecouldn’tpullallofthisoff.”

“Ithinkitmightbetimetostartmakingalistofanyonewhomightbeasuspect.Itmightbea

longlist,butatleastit’ssomeplacetostart.”

“Goodidea,butthat’sgoingtohavetowait,we’vegotappointmentsallmorning.Weshouldbe

donebynoon.”Shesaid,gatheringherthingsandheadingforthedoor.

“I’mrightbehindyou,Ijustneedtograbmycoat.”

Theyspenttherestofthemorningvisitingmoreoftheaffectedpeople,Donovanwasonce

againupsetbytheendofthemorning,butinsteadofmakingitabouthimselfheturnedhis

angertowardtheguiltypeople.Evenmoredeterminedtofindthemandmakesuretheywere

punishedforallthegriefthey’dcaused.

“We’vegotoursamples,nowallweneedtodoisgetthemshipped.”Elizabethsaid,tryingto

breakthesilenceinthetruckastheydroveawayfromthelasthouse.

“Iknowitmayseemparanoid,butI’llliketodriveovertoEagleandmailthesefromtheirpost

office.It’sonlyafewmilesawayandthedriveisnice,itmightbegoodtothinkofsomething

elseforawhile.There’sagreatlittlerestaurantintownthatservesthebeststeaks,wecould

havealatelunch.”

“I’min,butlet’stakeyourcarandI’dlovetochangemyclothes.Iknowit’swrongbutIalways

feeldirtyafteroneofthosemeetings,likesomeofthepollutionhasgottenonme.”

“Soundsgood,IshouldcallDaphneandgiveheranupdate.I’lldothatwhileyouchange,

althoughifyouneedsomehelpI’dbemorethanhappytohelp.”Hesaidwithawickedgrin.

“IthinkIcanmanagemyself.”Shesaid,gettingoutofthetrucksincethey’darrivedather

house.

Theywerebackontheroadinlessthanahalfanhour,bothbundledupagainstthecoldand

snowthathadcomeinthatmorning.Astheydrove,Elizabethrealizedjusthowbeautifulthe

mountainswerenomattertheseason.

“Itreallyisbeautiful.”Shesaid,watchingasthesnowturnedtheworldintoabeautifulperfect

white.“Donovan,evenifwefigureoutwherethewasteis,howarewegoingtofinditthoughall

thissnow?”

“I’vebeenthinkingaboutthattoo,butit’sstillearlyintheseason,thiswillmostlymeltoncethe

suncomesoutagain.That’swhywehavetomakesnowattheresort,ifwedidn’twewouldn’t

beabletoopenuntilthemiddleofNovember.”

“Butfindingitdoesn’tmakeitgone.”

“No,butmaybewe’llbeabletodosomethingtocontainit,plustherewon’tbeanyrunoffonce

winterreallysetsin.That’sanotherreasonIwantedreadingsbeforewinter.”

“Thatmakessense,thismountainenvironmentisdifferentforme.I’veneverlivedanywhere

withcoldandsnow.”

“Howdidyouendupherethen?”Heasked,onlynowrealizinghowlittleheknewabouther.

“Myparentsmovedherefirst,theyhaveaplaceuponMeadowsCreek,it’sonlyafewacres,

buttheyhavehorsesandacoupleofcows.Itshockedmewhentheytoldmewhattheywere

goingtodo,butonceIsawtheplaceIfellinlove.They’veadjustedwellandseemreally

happy.”

“So,thenyoudecidedtomoveheretoo.”

“Yeah,Iwaslookingforsomeplacetocallhome.Itgetsoldnothavingaplacethatbelongs

onlytoyouandPleasantValleyseemedperfect.Ihadplannedtotakesometimeoffandenjoy

myself,learntoskiandtoride,butthen....”Shestoppedembarrassedtotellhimhowshe’d

gotteninvolvedinthewaterpollution.

“Youfoundacausethatneededyou.”Hefinishedforher.“Buthowdidyoufindoutaboutthe

pollution?”

“That’skindofembarrassing.IwaseavesdroppingonaconversationwhenIwasinthelibrary.

Igotcaught,butitwasn’tlongbeforeIwasropedinascouncilfortheaffectedpeople.It’s

whatIdo,howcouldIresist.”Shesaid,withashrugofhershoulders.

“AfterwhatI’veseenoverthelastfewdays,Idon’tthinkanyonewouldhavebeenabletostay

outofit.”Hesaid,takingherhand.

TheyarrivedinEaglejustasthesnowstopped,Elizabethwasshockedtofindthatthesunhad

comeoutalmostassoonasthelastflakehadfallen.Theworldwasnowashockingcrystal

whitesoblindingshehadtoputonsunglasses.

Donovanlaughedwhenshegotoutofthecarandlookedaroundherselfinamazement.

“Snowingoneminuteandthesun’soutthenext.Howdoyouevergetusedtothis?”

“Youlearntoloveit.It’swhatlivinginthemountainsisallabout,extremes.”

Aftertheysawthewatersamplessafelyontheirway,theyfoundthelittlerestaurantDonovan

hadbeenbraggingabout.Itwaslocatedrightinthecenteroftowninoneoftheoldhomesthat

hadbeenbuiltduringthesilverrush,eachroomhadbeenturnedintoalittlediningarea.

Whentheywalkedthroughthedoor,awonderfulsmellgreetedher,acombinationoffresh

breadandcookingmeat.Sheusuallydidn’teatredmeat,itwasn’tthatshedidn’tlikeitbuther

dietintheAmazonhadbeenrestrictedtowhatwasavailableandbeefwasneveronthemenu.

Onceshe’dgottenhome,shefoundherselfeatingmuchasshehadintheAmazon,buttoday

shewouldhaveasteak.

ItwasclearthatDonovanwaswellknowntotheownersoftherestaurant,whogreetedhim

warmlyandseatedthemrightbythefireplace,whichfeltgoodafterthechilloutside.They

weren’tofferedmenus,insteadDonovanorderedforbothofthem,somethingamanhadnever

doneforherbefore.Itwasbothterriblyromanticandslightlydiscerning,especiallybecausehe

gotherorderexactlyright.

Whentheirfoodarrived,thesmellmadehermouthwater,thesteaklookedpictureperfect

sittingrightnexttoabigbakedpotatoswimminginbutter.“I’mgoingtogainfivepoundsifIeat

allofthis.”Shesaid,cuttingintohersteak.

“Don’tworrywecanworkthosecaloriesofflater,I’dbehappytohelp.”

Shewasabouttoreply,butinsteadsheputthebiteofsteakshe’djustcutintohermouth.It

meltedlikebutterandtastedlikenoothersteakshe’devereaten.Theonlysoundshewas

capableofmakingwasasatisfiedgroan.

“That’sthebeststeakI’veevereaten.Whatdidtheydotoit?Idon’tremembersteaktasting

likethat.”

Donovanjustlaughedandateabigbiteofhisownsteak,cheweditandswallowed,alookof

purepleasureonhisface.“Theydoawonderfuljobofcookingthesteak,butthereasonit

tastessogoodisthatthisisTerrellBeef,bornandraisednotfarfromhere.”

“Whydoesittastesomuchbetter?”

“Well,wedon’tuseanyantibioticsorsteroidsonourcattleandtheyspendmostoftheirlives

eitherprotectedfromthewinterorupinthemountainseatinggrass.”

“Idon’tthinkI’lleverbeabletoeatanyotherkindofbeef.”Shesaid.

Theyateinsilenceforawhile,butonceshe’dsatisfiedherhungerandmostofherplatewas

empty,shefinallyengagedDonovaninconversation.Shewasinterestedintheranchandhow

raisingcattlewasaccomplished,Donovanwashappytosharehisknowledgewithher,even

suggestingthatshejointheminthespringwhentheymovedthecattletothehigherelevations.

Itwasapleasantmealandtheglowfromgoodfoodandgoodconversationstayedwiththem

untiltheygotbacktoElizabeth’shouse.Butassoonastheywalkedin,realitycamecrashing

back.

“It’stimewetriedtofigureoutwherethatpollutioniscomingfrom,I’llgetthemaps.”Donovan

said,disappearingintothebackofthehouse.

Hereturnedjustafewminuteslater,hisarmsfullofmapsandpapers,sherushedovertohelp

him.“Ibroughtthemall,sinceIwasn’tsurewhichwewouldneed.ButIthinkweshouldstart

withthemapoftown,plotthecontaminatedwellsandthenworkourwayupwiththedrainage

maps.”

“Thenoncewenarrowitdown,we’llusethetopographicalmapstolocatepossibleplacesthe

wastecouldbeburied.”

“Exactly,nowwherecanwehangalltheseup?”

“Let’smovethecouch,wecanusethatwall.I’mnotexpectinganyvisitors,butifsomeone

doescomebytheywon’tbeabletoseeitfromthedoor.”

“Okay,soundsgood.Howaboutsomecoffee,Icoulduseahitofcaffeine,thisisgoingtobe

tediousandI’msleepyfromallthatfoodatlunch.”

“I’llgomakeit,Ihavetheperfectbeans.SpendingallthoseyearsinSouthAmericahasmade

beabitofcoffeesnob.”Shesaid,headingtothekitchenandhercoffeepress.Donovanwas

abouttogetatasteofrealcoffee,butsheowedhimforthesteakthisafternoonsoitwasonly

fair.

Whenshereturnedafewminuteslaterwithtwoverysmallcupsofcoffee,Donovanraisedhis

eyebrowsthenwatchedasshedranktheentirecupinoneswallow.Hefollowedsuitalookof

distasteonhisface,butthatwasquicklyreplacedwithoneofenjoyment.

“I’veneverbeenafanofespresso,butthatwasreallygood.”Hesaid,handingthecupbackto

her.

“That’snotespresso,it’ssomeofthebestcoffeeyoucanfindinPeru,brewedinthenative

way.But,bewarneditpacksabitofpunchifyou’renotusedtoit.”

“Yeah,IthinkIcanalreadyfeelitcoursingthroughmyveins.Let’sgettowork.”Hesaid,witha

biggrin.

Theyworkedforhours,chartingthepollutionthenpainstakinglytracingthewaterinthewells

intothehighpeaksofthemountains.Severaltimes,theyfoundthemselveslostinthetwisting

pathofwaterdrainage,thentheywouldhavetostopandstartoveragain.Finally,justasthe

sunwassetting,theymanagedtoreducetheirsearchareatofiftysquaremiles,highinthe

mountains.

Inrelieftheybothfloppeddownonthecouch,exhaustedandtheirheadsaching.“Ithinkit’s

timeforalittlebreak,maybesomefood.Itcan’tbegoodthatwedrankfourcupsofcoffeethis

afternoon.”Elizabethsaid.

“Thatsoundslikeagoodidea.Icoulduseabreak,thethoughtoflookingatanothermap

makesmyheadhurt.Howaboutafire?It’sgoingtogetcoldtonight,it’salwayscolderwhen

theskyisclear.”

“Idon’tknowhowmuchwoodthereisinthehouse,butthere’sawholepileoutback,Ijusthad

itdelivered.I’llfindussomethingtoeat,somethinghealthy.”

“Ifyouinsist,butnothingtoocrazy.Idon’tdotofuoranyofthatweirdstuff.”

“Don’tworry,Iwasthinkingaboutabigsalad.Youdoeatvegetablesdon’tyou?”

“Yes,Ieatvegetables.”Hesaid,stickinghistongueoutatherasheputhiscoatandgloveson.

Afterthey’deatenasimpledinnerofsaladandrollsinfrontofthefire,Elizabethwasfeelingfull

andsleepy.DonovanwassprawledonthecouchwithElizabethsittingonthefloorinfrontof

him.He’dpulledthepinsfromherhairandwasabsentmindedlyplayingwithit,runninghis

fingersthroughthesoftcurls,makingherevensleepier.

Itwasnicetosithereinsilencewithsomeoneforachange,herlifehadbeenemptyuntil

Donovancameintoit.Shehadfriendsandherfamily,butsomehowthiswasdifferent,shefelt

completewhenshewaswithDonovan,likenothingcouldtouchher.

Donovanwasthinkingthosesamethoughtsasheplayedwithherhair.WithElizabethhecould

relaxlikehecouldonlydowithhisfamily.Therewasnothingaboutherthatmadehimfeellike

heneededtobeonhisguardlikehedidsomanytimeswhenhewaswithotherwomen.Itwas

refreshingtorealizethatshedidn’texpectanythingfromhim,hiswealthseemedtomean

nothingtoher,unlikeeveryotherwomanhe’ddated.

Theyallstartedoutthesameway,sayingthattheydidn’tcareabitabouthowmanybillionshe

wasworth,butslowlytheywouldbegindemandingmoreandmorefromhim.Theirrequests

coveredtheentirespectrumofgreed,fromthewomanwhowantedhimtopayherspabill,

whichwasn’tasmallthing,totheonewhothoughtheshouldgiveherthedownpaymentona

house.

TheonlythingElizabethwantedfromhim,washonestyandhe’dgiventhattoher.Rousting

himselffromhisthoughts,heremindedherthattheystillhadworktodo.Thenextstepwould

bethehardestofthemall,readingtopographicalmapswasatalentthathedidn’thave,but

hopefullyElizabethwouldhavetheskills.

Astheyworkedthemapsectionbysection,Donovanbegantogetaterriblefeelinginthepitof

hisstomach.Theareatheywereworkingwithwasaroundthemines,specificallythefirstmine

thefamilyhadowned.Itwasthelargest,butalsothehighestonthemountain.Itmadehimsick

tothinkthatsomeonehadpollutedtheveryareahe’dworkedsohardtocleanup.

Whentheywerefinished,hewascertainthattheminewasthelocationofthepollution.Ithad

tobethemine,heknewthatarealikethebackofhishand.Itwasruggedanddifficultto

access,butbecauseofthecleanup,they’dbuiltadecentroadupthereandkeptitwell

maintained.Finally,asElizabethsteppedbackfromthemap,hesharedhissuspicionswithhim.

“Ithinkit’sinthemines.It’stheonlyplaceinthatareathatwouldwork,Ithink.”Hesaid,sinking

ontothecouchandputtinghisheadinhishands.“Ican’tbelieveit.There’saroadupthere,but

theonlyaccessisthroughtheresort.”

“Areyousure?It’snotlikesomeonecouldbringabigloadoftoxicwastethoughttheresortand

noonewouldnotice.SurelyDustinwouldhaveknownifnothingelse.”Shesaid,sittingdown

nexttohimonthecouch.

“No,theycouldn’t.Infactyouhavetohaveasecuritycodetogetthroughthegate.I’vegotto

callDustinandthenweneedtogoupthere.”Hesaid,jumpingtohisfeet.

Elizabethpulledhimbackdownonthecouch.“Wait,callingDustinisfine,butIdon’tknow

aboutrunningupthere.Whatdoyouplantodoonceyou’rethere?Ithinkweshouldwaituntil

weknowwho’stoblame.Ifweshowthemourhandnow,wemightnevercatchthem.”

“It’sjustsofrustrating,especiallynowthatIknowthatthestuffissittinginthemine,leaking

death.We’veputsomuchintothatcleanup,thingsthatcouldmakeadifferencetotheworld.

Nowallthatmightberuinedbutsomeone’sgreed.”

Elizabeth’sheartwentouttoDonovan,therewasn’tmuchshecouldsaytotakeawaythehurt

hewasfeeling.Itwasadevastatingblowtohiswork,she’dseensomeofthethingstheywere

usingtocleanupthearea.Theyputmillionsintothegroundintheformofgenetically

engineeredplantsandtrees,whichfromwhatshe’dreadwereshowingamazingresults.

“Ithinkwe’regettingaheadofourselvesagain.Wedon’tknowforsurethatthewasteisinthe

mine.Let’scallitanight,we’rebothtired.Tomorrowwecanregroupanddecidewhatournext

stepis.”

“Iguessyou’reright.It’sbeenalongday,maybethingswon’tlooksobadinthemorning.”He

said,pullingherupfromthecouch.

Sheexpectedhimtomakeajokeaboutwhichbedtheyweresleepingin,butwasdisappointed

whenhedidn’t.Hesimplytookherhandandwalkedhertoherbedroomdoor.Heplaceda

gentlykissonherlips,thenturnedtogotohisroom.Helookedsosad,shejustcouldn’tbear

tosendhimtobedalone.Tellingherselfthatshewasdoingitforhim,butknowingdeepdown

thatshewantedhimwithher,shecalledhisnamejustasheopenedhisdoor.

Crossingthehall,shetookhimbythehandandledhimbacktoherroom,buthepulledback

beforetheycouldentertheroom.“Elizabeth,areyousurethisiswhatyouwant?”

“Donovan,onethingyouneedtolearnaboutmeisthatIdon’tdoanythingIdon’twanttodo.”

Shesaid,unbuttoninghisshirtandplantingakissonhischest,thenstrippingoffhisshirtand

droppingitonthefloor.

Chapter8

Shepulledhimintotheroom,thenretracedherstepsandshutthedoor.Hewasfacingthe

bed,hisbacktoherwhensheturnedfromshuttingthedoor,shewalkedaroundhimtrailingher

fingersacrosshisbroadback.Shewaspleasedtoseegoosebumpsspringuponhisskinand

thequickintakeofbreathasthosesamehandsfoundhisnipplesandgentlysqueezed.

Hesuckedinhisbreathandreachedforher,butshepulledawayandkneltdownonthefloor

andremovedhisshoes.Assherosefromthefloor,theireyesmet,hisfullofquestions,herfull

ofdesire.Elizabethnoddedherheadslightly,tellinghimthatshewantedhimasmuchashe

wantedher.Hereachedforherandshewentwillingintohisarms,thenhismouthwasonhers,

bothdemandingandgenerous.

Ashekissedher,sheunbuckledhisbeltandpants,whensheloweredhiszipper,hisdesire

wasclear.Hiserectionbrushedagainstherhand,sendingshiversofdesireracingthoughher

body.Breakingthekiss,shepulledhispantsandunderwearoff,lettinghereyesroamover

him,justashe’ddonetoher.Stillfullyclothedsheledhimtothebedandpushedhimdown.

Thenclimbingontopofhim,shestraddledhim,loweredherheadandkissedhim.

Donovankissedher,histongueexploringhermouth,histeethnibblingonherlips,untilshewas

breathless.Hishandswhichhadbeenstrokingherback,foundthebottomofhershirtand

breakingthekiss,hepulleditoverherhead.Hismouthfoundherbreastthoughherbra,

sendingaboltofpleasurethoughher,causinghertoarchherback.

Heunhookedherbra,freeingherswollenbreasts,makinghertremblewithanticipation.

Donovanbentherforwardandpulledoneofherhardnipplesintohismouth,thenteaseditwith

histongueandteeth.Hisotherhandfoundtheotherbreastandkneadedtheswollenfleshuntil

Elizabethcriedoutwithpleasure.

Shecouldfeelhiserectionrubbingagainstherclitthroughherpantsandrockedherhips,

increasingherpleasurewitheachmovement.Donovan,withagrowlinhisthroat,flippedheron

herback,andpulledherpantsandunderwearoffinonemove.Helethiseyesroamoverher,

hisgazeonlyintensifyingherdesire.

Spreadingherlegsforhim,shesenthimapleadinglook,andopenedherarmsaswell.

Donovanpositionedhimselfbetweenherlegs,butinsteadoffillingherwithhisthrobbing

erection,heslidonefingerintoher.Hiseyeslockedonhersheslidhisfingerinsideherover

andoveragain,drivingherthebrinkoforgasm,thenstopping.

Shecouldfeelherjuicesdripping,asDonovantookherhigherandhigher.Finally,heslid

anotherfingerinsideher,stretchingherfurtherandsendingherflyingoverthetop,herorgasm

floodingoverherinwaveafterwaveofpleasure.Donovancoveredherwithhisbodyasher

tremblingbodyrecovered.

Shecouldfeelhiserectionhotandthrobbingrestingagainsthersensitiveflesh,thefeelofthe

heavyweightbetweenherlegsstartedanewwaveofdesireinthepitofherstomach.

Donovan,sensingherdesire,kissedheruntilshewaspanting,thenslidinsideherinonelong

slowstroke.Herbodyrespondedimmediately,everynerveendingalivewithsensation,as

Donovanfilledherhotcore.

Butafteronlyafewstrokeshepulledoutofher,andflippedheroverontoherstomach.She

knewwhathewantedandclimbedontoherhandsandknees,spreadingherlegsashe

positionedhimselfbehindher.Grabbingherhips,hethrustintoherwithaforcethathadher

cryingouthisname.Hewasnolongthegentleloversheknewfromlastnight,insteadhewas

demanding.

Holdingherhips,hepinnedherinplace,slammingintoheroverandover.Elizabethwaswild

withpleasure,thepurestrengthofDonovan’sbodybringinghercloserandclosertoorgasm.

Hecontinuedhisdemandingpace,untilhefeltElizabeth’sbodybegintoshakewithhercoming

peak.Slowinghispace,hebroughtherbackfromtheedge,butimmediatelypulledherup

againsthisbody.

Stillburiedinsideher,hisstokesagainbecamelongandlanguid.“Idon’twantthistoend,this

feelssogood.”Hewhisperedinherear.

Elizabethwaspastwords,herentirebodypoisedonthebrink,allshecoulddowaswhimper

andreacharoundbehindhertograbhisbutt,cuppinghischeeksinherhands,pullinghim

deeperinsideher.Athertouch,Donovanmoanedwithpleasure,thenreachedaroundherand

foundherclit.

Strokingherintimewitheachthrustinsideher,hekissedherneckandusedhisotherhandto

teaseoneofhernipples.Elizabethwaslostinatorrentofsensationthatshewaspowerlessto

control,everynerveendingdemandingsatisfaction.Finally,Donovanpushedherbackdown

andwiththreehardstrokespushedherovertheedge.Herbodycontractinginspasmafter

spasmofpleasureasDonovancriedouthispleasureandemptiedhimselfinsideher.

Theycollapsedonthebedontheirsides,Donovanstillinsideher.“Don’tmoveyet,I’mnot

readytobeseparatedfromyou.”Hesaid,pullingherclose.Elizabethrelaxedintohisarms,

likingthefeelofstillbeingconnectedtohim.

“Anythingyousay,Icouldn’tmoveevenifIwantedto.”Shesaid,turningherheadtolookinto

hiseyes.

Heplantedakissonherlips,thenwrappedhisarmsaroundher.Onceagainthey’dleftevery

lightburningbrightly,butElizabethwasn’tgoingtomove.She’djusthavetogetuplaterand

turnthemoff,shethoughtassleepovertookher.

Thenextmorning,theysharedaquietbreakfast,eachwonderingwhattheirnextstepshould

be.Thewatersampleswouldstilltakesometime,atleastanotherday.Elizabethstillhadn’t

heardanythingbackfromtheprofessorandCharleshadn’tcalledeither.

“Lookslikewe’vehitabitofawall.I’mnotsurewhatournextmoveshouldbe.”Elizabethsaid,

asshewashedtheirbreakfastdishes.

“Well,it’sreallyjustamatterofwaitingatthispoint.Iwasreallyhopingthiswouldbeover

quickly,butthat’snotgoingtohappen.”

“Howmuchlongercanyoubegonefromtheofficebeforepeoplestartwonderingwhereyou

are?”

“Notmuchlonger,infactIwasjustbeginningtothinkitmightbegoodformetomakean

appearance.I’mnotdoingmuchgoodherenow.”

Elizabethdidn’twantDonovantoleave,butknewthatheprobablyhadotherresponsibilities,

besidesitmightbeagoodideatoputsomespacebetweenthetwoofthem.Itseemedthatno

matterwhatshedid,shecouldn’tresisthim.Themoretimeshespentwithhim,themoreshe

wasgrowingtocareabouthim,whichwasamistakeshecouldn’taffordtomake.

CaringaboutDonovanmightcloudherjudgmentwhensheneededaclearhead.She’dfallen

intothattrapyearsagowhenshe’dfirststartedouthercareerinSouthAmerica.Ithad

happenedononeofherfirstcases,she’dbecomeinvolvedwiththesonofamanwhohad

beenrepeatedlydestroyingtherainforestillegally.Ithadendedbadlywhenshe’ddiscovered

whohewasandthathisdadhadsenthimtospyonher.

Ithadbeenadifficultlessontolearnandshe’dpromisedherselfshe’dneverletherheartgetin

thewayofacaseagain.Butnowshefoundherselfinasimilarposition,althoughDonovan

didn’tseemtobehidinganythingfromher,hecouldstillbeinvolvedinthisuglybusiness.

Gettingsomedistancefromhimmightbeawaytocreatesomeseparationagain,itcertainly

couldn’thurt.

“Icankeepaneyeonthingshere,ifsomethingcomesupyouwon’tbethatfaraway.”She

said,astheymadetheirwayintothelivingroom.

“Let’slookatthesemapsagainassoonasyou’rereadyandthenmaybeweshouldmakea

visittotheranch.Atthispointitmightbegoodtobringintherestofthefamily.Iknowyou’re

probablystillconcernedthattheyareinvolvedinsomeway,butIcan’tkeeptheminthedark

fortoomuchlonger.Besides,it’spossiblethatoneofthemmightbeawareofsomethingwe’re

missing.Theyliveuphereafterall.Theyprobablyknowthepeopleupherebetterthananyone

else.”

Elizabethhesitated,shewasnervousaboutmeetinghisfamily,eventhoughshe’dsuggested

thattheykeepitstrictlyprofessional.TheymightnotbeasunderstandingasDonovanwas,

afterallshewasthepersonwhowastryingtoruintheirreputationwithaccusationsof

environmentalpollution.Evenworse,ifoneofthemwasinvolved,tellingthemaboutwhatthey’d

foundwouldonlytipthemofftothedangertheywerein.

Sensingherhesitation,Donovansaid,“Iknowyou’restillnotsureaboutthem,butIthinkthis

mightbethebestwaytoconvinceyouthatthefamilyisn’tinvolved.Plus,Idon’tlikeleavingyou

upherealonewithnoonetobackyouup,thiscouldgetdangerousifitbecomespublic

knowledge.Frankly,I’msurprisedthatithasn’tgottenoutyet.”

“I’vetoldeveryoneinvolvedtokeepittothemselves,theytrustme,that’spartoftheproblem.

I’vemadeacommitmenttothesepeople,theyexpectmetomakethisrightforthem,andI’m

afraidthatgettinginvolvedwithyouandyourfamilymightbetheexactoppositeofwhatthey

wouldexpect.”

“Maybeyoushouldlookatitthisway.Ifyoucaneliminatemyfamily,thenyoucanspendmore

timeconcentratingonsomeoftheotherpeoplewe’vebeensuspiciousof.WhileI’mgone,

CharlesandIaregoingtodoalittlemorediggingonsomeofthepeoplewhoworkforTerrell

Industries.”

“Okay,you’veconvincedme.I’llgowithyoutomeetyourfamily,maybetheycanbesomehelp.

We’vegotnothingelsetodonow,sowhynot.Dotheyknowwe’recoming?”

“No,butI’llcallGarrettandlethimknow.Idon’tthinkSebastianandLesliewillbethere,but

LeslieisnewtothefamilyandSebastianhadbeenlivinginthecityforalongtime.Heplays

footballfortheTigers.”

“I’llgoshowerfirstthen,youcallandsetitup.”Shesaid,headingforthebathroom.

“Wecouldsharethatshower.”Hesaid,inanoffhandway,expectingherusualanswer.

Instead,shestoppedinhertracks,lookedoverhershoulderathim,thensaid.“Okay,butIlike

thewaterhot.”

Donovanwasoffthecouchandpullingherintothebathroombeforeshecouldfinishher

sentence.Itwasprobablyanotherexampleofbadjudgmentonherpart,butthismightbethe

lasttimeshe’dhavetheopportunitytobealonewithDonovanforaverylongtime.

Severalhoursandalotofwettowelslater,satisfied,theylaycurledtogetherinherbed.“I

can’tthinkofamorningI’veenjoyedquitethismuch.”Donovansaid,ashelazilyranhishandup

anddownherhips,sendingshiversofdesireracingthroughher.

“Ican’tbelieveit’salreadylunchtime.”Shesaid,herstomachgrowling.

“Well,yourstomachsaysdifferently.Ithinkitmightbetimeforsomelunch.Let’sgoseewhat

Daphnehasonthemenu.”Hesaid,gettingupfromthebedandholdinghishandouttoher.

“Okay,butshouldn’twecallfirst.”Shesaid,lettinghimhelpherup,thensnugglingclosewhen

hepulledhertohim.

“Nah,she’salwayspreparedforacrowd.Especiallythistimeofyearwhenthecattlearedown

forthewinter.”

“Well,givemeafewminutestoputmyselftogether,I’mnotsurethatshowerhelpedatall.”

Shesaid,tryingtorunherfingersthroughhertangledhair.

“GetdressedandthenI’llbrushthesetanglesoutofyourhair.Iloveyourhair.”Hesaid,kissing

herforehead,thenleavingtogetdressedhimself.

Hewasbackinjustafewminutes,barelygivinghertimetodecidewhattowear.Shecouldn’t

decidebetweenprofessionalandcasual,butfinallyputonjeansandasweater.Ittookanother

thirtyminutesandalotofkissingtogetherhairintothesimplebunshelikedtowear.

Finally,hourslater,theywereonthewaytotheranchtomeethisfamilyandcluetheminon

thesituation.

Astheydrovethroughtown,Elizabethwasmentallygoingovertheinformationtheywouldbe

sharingwithhisfamilyinjustafewminutes.They’dbroughtallthemapsandpaperworkonthe

pollutedwells,aswellasinformationoneachofthehouseholdsthathadbeenaffectedbythe

badwater.Shewasmorenervousthanshe’dbeensittinginhisoffice,butthenshe’donlybeen

facingoneTerrell,notallofthem.

Atleasttheyoungestbrotherwouldn’tbethere,thatwouldmakeonelesspairofeyesstaring

atherasshetoldthemthebadnews.Donovanwouldbetherebackingherup,buthewasone

ofthem,shewastheoutsider.Astheyweremakingtheirwayslowlyacrosstown,sherealized

thattherewerealotmorepeoplearound.

Donovanmusthavenoticedaswellbecausehesaid.“Lookslikeskiseasonisstartingtoget

going.Ijustwishwehadsomesnowontheway.Wecanmakesnow,butit’sjustnotasgood

astherealthing.It’stheendofOctober,weshouldhavemorethanwedo,butthere’sstilla

coupleofweeksbeforethesituationgetsdesperate.”

“I’mreadyforthesnow,itdoesn’tsnowverymuchinNorthCarolina.Everygreatonceina

whilewemighthavegottenacoupleofinches,butitalwaysmeltedjustlikethatsnowdidthe

otherday.”

“Well,Ihopeyouknowwhatyou’vesignedupfor.Oncethesnowgetshereinthewinter,it

doesn’tgoawayuntilspring.You’regoingtohateitbythetimewinterisover.”Hesaid,witha

knowinglook.

“Icanalwaysescapetothecity,Ihearthewintersaren’tassevereonceyougetoutofthe

mountains.”Shesaid,suddenlyrealizingthatDonovanhadturnedontoMeadowsroad.“Hey,I

thoughtweweregoingtotheranch?Myparentsliveuphere.”

“Weare,thisisthewaytotheranch.It’sattheendofthisroad.Whichoneisyourparent’s

property?”Heasked,alreadyprettysurewhichpropertythey’dbought.

“It’sthebluehousewiththeredbarn,rightbytheforestserviceaccessespoint.”Shesaid,

amazingthattheTerrell’sweretheneighborsherparentshadbeentellingherabout.

“Imetyourparentsafewweeksago.Theywereabighelpwiththesituationwehadgoingon

uphere.Aren’ttheygoneforamonthorsomething?”

“Yeah,myaunthadtohavesomesurgerysotheywentbacktospendsometimehelpingher

outandvisitingfamily.”

“Huh,itreallyisasmallworld.”Hesaid,astheypulledintotheyard.

“I’veneverbeenthisfaruptheroad,didn’thaveaneedtoIguess.It’sprobablyagoodthing,I

mighthavebeenevenmorescaredtotalktoyouthanIwas.”Shesaid,notrealizingshe’d

admittedtobeingscaredofhim.

“AmIreallythatscary?”Shuttingoffthecarandturninginhisseattofaceher.

“Well,putyourselfinmyplace.FirstIhadtofighttoothandnailtogetanappointmentwithyou,

thenitwasrescheduledtwice.Addtothatthehourandahalfwaitatyourofficeplusyourrude

assistantandIhadjustaboutdecidedtojustleavewhenyoufinallyagreedtoseeme.”

“ThenIwasnothingbutrudetoyou.IthinkImighthavetoldyoutodoyourhomework.”He

said,cringingandshootingheranapologeticlook.

“Actuallythatwasokay,itmadememadenoughtostanduptoyou.”Shesaid,laughing.

Donovanwatchedherforasecond,thinkingabouthowmuchhe’denjoyedherstandingupto

him.“I’msorryIwassuchajerk,butitwasreallysexywhenyougotmadatme.”Hesaid,

grinningather.

“Well,itallworkedoutintheendIguess.”Shesaid.“Butonlybecauseyouhadenough

intelligencetolookatwhatIleftyou.”

“I’lltakethatasacompliment.Areyouready?”Hesaid,squeezingherhand,thenpullingher

towardhimandkissingher.

“AsreadyasI’lleverbe.”Shesaid,turningtolookatthehouse.Shewassurethatshe’dseen

oneofthecurtainsinoneofthefrontroomsmove,butshewasn’tsure.Hopefullynoonehad

seenthatkiss,itwouldtotallyunderminehercredibilityiftheyhad.

Theyweremetatthefrontdoorbyabeautifulblondewoman,whothrewherarmsaround

Donovanandhuggedhim.ShethengaveElizabethherfullattention,finallythrustingouther

handandintroducingherself.“I’mDaphne,Donovan’scousin.”

Relievedthatsheknewwhothiswomanwas,sheshookherhand.“It’snicetomeetyou.I’m

ElizabethMathews.”

“Comein,you’rejustintimeforlunch.”Daphnesaid,leadingthemintothehouse.

“Youknowme,Icanalwayseat.IwantedtobringElizabethuptomeetyouandletherexplain

what’sbeenhappening.Wecan’tkeeptherestofthefamilyinthedarkanylonger.”

“Good,it’sbeenkillingmetryingtokeepthesecret.Youcameonagoodday,everyoneis

here,evenSebastianandLeslie.”Shesaid,leadingthewaytothebiggestkitchenElizabeth

hadeverseen.

Elizabethwasalittleoverwhelmedatfirst,theremusthavebeentenpeoplesittingtherearound

thetableallofthemlookingatherastheywalkedintotheroom.But,withinsecondsoneofthe

men,whowasclearlyoneofDonovan’sbrothersjumpedtohisfeet,alltheothermenfollowing

suit.

She’dneverexperiencedsuchagreetingbeforeandshecouldfeelherselfblushingtotheroots

ofherhair.Donovansensingherdiscomfort,immediatelybeganintroducinghertoeveryoneat

thetable.Whenhe’dfinished,Daphneinsistedthattheyhavelunchbeforeanybusinesswas

completed.Everyonegaveherastrangelook,butnoonechallengedherdecision.

Theymadesmalltalkduringlunch,butthemaintopicwasthecomingcoldfrontthatwas

supposedtofinallybringthesnowthatwassodesperatelyneeded.“Areyoureadyforthe

snow?”Garrettasked.

“Ithinkso,I’vegotwoodformystove,candles,water,andfoodstoredforanemergency.”She

said,likingGarrettmoreandmoreasthemealprogressed.

Garrett’squestionpromptedeveryonetobegintellingstoriesofpoweroutagesandhugepiles

ofsnow.Bythetimethey’dfinishedlunchshe’dbeencharmedbyhisfamilyandgladly

volunteeredtohelpwiththecleanup.ShewantedtogiveDonovanafewminutesalonewithhis

brothers,beforetheytalkedtothemaboutthepollution.

Shewasalsocuriousabouttheothertwoblackwomenintheroom,ithadbecomeapparent

overthemealthattheywereinvolvedwithDonovan’sbrothersandshewonderedhowthathad

cometobe.Therewasnowayshewasgoingtoask,butitseemedstrangetoherthatboth

brothershadpickedblackwomenastheirsignificantothers.

Afterthey’dfinishedthedishes,Daphnegotthemallacupofcoffeeandtheyjoinedthemenin

thelivingroom.Whenhesawher,DonovanpulledElizabethaside.“Areyouready?I’vegotthe

mapshungupinthediningroom,there’splentyofspaceinthereandweneveruseit.”

“AsreadyasI’lleverbe.ThisisprobablythehardestjuryI’veeverfaced.”Shesaid,witha

smile.

“Don’tworrytheywon’tstoneyouoranything.Justlaythefactsoutandseewhattheysay.If

youwanttoknowifanyoneisinvolved,thatwillbetheperfecttimetogetareaction.Noone

butDaphneknowswhat’scoming,thisisgoingtobeacompletesurprise.”

“Great,ifthatwassupposedtomakemefeelbetter,itdoesn’t.”

Donovangaveheraquickkiss,thenwentofftogettherestofthefamily.Oncetheywereall

seatedinthediningroom,Elizabethclearedherthroatandlaunchedintothestoryofhowshe’d

cometobeapartofPleasantValley.Shethenexplainedabouteavesdroppinginthelibraryand

becominginvolvedwiththeailingtown’speople.

Whenshehandedoutherreportonthewaterpollution,everyonereadthroughthereportsin

silence.Butbeforelong,onevoiceafteranotherwasshoutingquestionsather.Donovan

silencedthemall,thenaskedhertoexplainagain.Aftershefinishedthistime,therewastotal

silenceintheroomasthenewssunkin.

“So,wehavepollutedwellsintown,anumberofsickpeople,andsomeoneinthecompany

whoisthecauseofitall?”Garrettalwaysthefirsttogetrighttothepoint,summarized.

“Yes,andbeforeyouask.DonovanandIsentinanewsetofsamplesyesterday,weshould

havetheresultsinafewhours.Weusedadifferentlabandmailedthemfromanothertown.”

“Whatdoyouneedfromus?Doyouneedtogoupthereandremoveit?”Sebastianwantedto

know.

“Atthispoint,Ithinkweshouldwaitformoreinformationaboutwherethemoneyforthesolar

panelsisbeingdiverted.”Donovanjumpedin,knowingElizabethneededsomehelpatthis

point.IfGarrettgotitinhisheadtogoupthere,nothingwouldstophim.

“Thebestwaytocatchthesepeople,istoeithercatchtheminactionortiethemtoitwith

evidence.We’rejustnotthereyet,Charlesisfollowingthemoney,that’sourbesthopeatthis

point.Whenweneedyou,we’llletyouknow.”Donovansaid,joiningElizabethatthemaps.

“Youmusthavesomeoneinmindthough.”Daphnesaid,herangerclearinhervoice.“There

aren’tthatmanypeoplewhowouldknowaboutthemineandtheroadupthere.Ibetit’sthe

mayor,he’sbeenapaininourbuttssincehewaselected.”

“He’satthetopofourlistforseveralreasons.”Elizabethsaid.

“Itwouldn’tsurprisemetofindthathe’sbehindit.Rememberhowmadhewasacoupleof

yearsagowhenwewouldn’tlethimbuildthatsuperstoreeastoftown?”Mary,oneofDaphne’s

sisterssaid.

“Ithoughthewasgoingtohaveastrokewhentheboardvotedhimdown.Hewassosureof

himselfthathe’dalreadystartedclearingtheland,landthatdidn’tevenbelongtohim.Ever

sincethen,he’sbeentryingonethingafteranothertomakehisfortune,mostofthemnotvery

legal.”Daphneadded.

“Don’tevengetmestartedonthatwifeofhiseither.Shesitsdownatcityhallbehindthatdesk

likesheownsthetown,sheevenrefusedtoletmeseethemayoronce.Iwassomad,Iabout

smackedher.”Marysaid.

“There’snodoubtthatthosetwowouldjustassoonwekeptournosesoutoftownbusiness.

It’salmostlikethey’veforgottenthatweactuallyownthattown.Besides,it’snotlikethey

haven’tdonewellforthemselves.Thatfancyhouseisbiggerthanthisone.”Garrettsaid,

obviousdisdaininhisvoice.

Theycontinuedtothrownamesaround,Elizabethtakingnotesaseachnamewasmentioned.

She’dhavesometimeonherhands,itwouldn’thurttogettoknowsomeofthesepeople.

Besidesthemayor,Donovanwantedtolookcloselyatthemembersoftheteamthatwerein

chargeoftheminecleanup,anyorallofthemwouldknowtheareaputtingthemintothe

suspectpool.

“Whatabouttheresearchanddevelopmentteam?Wehaven’ttalkedaboutanyofthem.”

Sebastiansaid.“Wasn’tBruceprettyupsetwhenyoumadeournewsolartechnologyavailable

toeveryoneinsteadofpatentingitandcharging?”

“Yeah,that’struehewas,butIcan’timagineanyonewhohadworkedsohardtofindnewclean

energysolutionwouldpollutetheland.Itjustdoesn’tmakesense,butI’llhaveCharlesdiga

littledeeper.Ifit’snothim,Isupposeitcouldbesomeoneelsefromtheteam,they’veallbeen

uptotheminestestingsolarpanels.”Donovansaid,hopingthatitwasn’ttrue,butknowingthat

itmadesense.

Itwaslateafternoonbeforeeveryonewassatisfiedthateverythingthatcouldbedonewas

begindone.ElizabethandDonovansaidtheirgoodbyes,butastheywereleavingDaphne

pulledheraside.“Iknowthiswasn’teasyforyou,I’msureyouhadsomeconcernsaboutthe

family,Iwouldhave.”

“Donovanwasright,IdofeelmuchbetternowthatI’vemetyouall.”Elizabethsaid,meaning

everyword.“Ireallycan’tseeanyofyoubeinginvolved,it’snotlikeyouneedthemoney.”

Daphnelaughed,“Thattrue,wecertainlydon’tneedmoney.Speakingofmoney,thereare

goingtobealotofpeopleintownwinningsweepstakesandvariousothercontestsinthenext

fewweeks.I’msureyouhaveplentytokeepyoubusy,butifyouwanttogetinonthefuncall

me.”

“Ijustmightdothat.Bytheway,Iunderstandthatmyparentsareyourneighbors.”

“BobandEvelynareyourparents?That’sgreat,wehavethemoverfordinneratleastoncea

monthandwe’rewatchingtheanimalswhiletheirgone.Howisyouraunt?”

“She’smuchbetter,thanksforasking.They’vetoldmehowwonderfulyouallhavebeento

them.Itwasadifficulttransitionforthemlastwinter,theywouldhavebeenlostwithoutyou.”

“Well,itwasourpleasure,especiallyonceyourmothermadeherapplepieforus.”

“Ohyes,mymother’sapplepie,muchlovedbyeveryonewhoknowsher.”Elizabethsaid,

wishinghermotherwastherenow.AsmuchasshelikedtheTerrell’s,shemissedherparents

andwouldhavelovedtotalkherromancewithDonovanthroughwithher.

“Well,Ibetterletyoutwogetonyourway,it’salongdrivehomeforDonovantonight.”Daphne

said,walkinghertherestofthewaytothecarwhereDonovanwaswaitingforher.

Chapter9

Astheydroveawayfromtheranch,Elizabethcouldn’thelpbutnoticethesmuglookon

Donovan’sface.“Itoldyoutheyweren’tinvolved.WeTerrell’stakeourresponsibilitytotheland

serious,it’sthewaywewereallraised.”

“Okay,Iadmitthatyouwereright.IfeelcomfortableerasingalltheTerrell’soffmysuspectlist.

Itwasagoodmeetingthough,lotsofavenue’stoexplore.I’venevermetthemayororhiswife,

itmightjustbetimeforthattohappen.IjusthavetofigureouthowIwanttoaccomplishit.”

“Thatshouldn’tbetoohard,onceskiseasonstartshecanalwaysbefoundinthecoffeeshop,

holdingcourttryingtolooklikeabigshot.IalwaysavoidhimwhenIcometotown,which

obviouslyhasn’tbeenoftenenoughoverthelastfewyears.”

“Hedoesn’tsoundlikeaveryniceperson,soIcanunderstandthat.But,Ithinkit’stimewe

crossedpaths.Areyouleavingtonight?”

“Yeah,itmaynotlooklikeit,butsnowisontheway.It’spredictedtostartsometimeduring

thenightandnotletupforafewdays.TravelwillbedifficultsoI’dliketogetdownthe

mountainbeforeitstarts.”

Elizabethhadknownthathewasgoingtoleave,buthearingitoutloudmadeitrealand

strangelyenoughshewasupsettoseehimgo.Maybeitwasbecauseforthelastfewdays,it

hadonlybeenthemfacingthepollution,butnowthathisfamilywasinvolvedtheirtimetogether

wouldbeover.Whenhecamebackitwouldonlymakesenseforhimtostayattheranch,he

couldhardlytellhisfamilythathe’dbestayingwithher.

Whentheygotbacktoherhouse,theyunloadedthemapsandpapers,stashingthembackin

thebedroomcloset.ItonlytookDonovanafewminutestogethisthingstogether,buthewas

asreluctanttoleaveasshewastoseehimgo.Theyendedupinthekitchenmakingcoffeefor

Donovantotakewithhim.

“IwishIdidn’thavetoleave,butTerrellIndustriesdoesn’trunitself.”Hesaid,fillinguphistravel

mug.“I’llletyouknowtheminutewefindoutanything.Don’tdoanythingonyourown,

rememberwhoeverdidthisisgoingtowanttocoveritupatallcosts.”

“I’llbecareful.”Shepromised,goingintohisarmswhenheheldthemopenforher.

“IfyouneedanythingcalloneofmybrothersorDaphne.You’reabouttoexperienceyou’refirst

realsnowstorm,itcanbealittlescaryifitcomesinhard.”Hesaid,pullinghercloser.

“Ireallyamprepared,butI’llcallifIneedanything.”

“Ibettergo,it’sgettinglateanditlookslikethecloudsaremovingin.”

Shewalkedhimtothedoor,sorrytoseehimgo,butresignedtohisneedtogetbacktothe

city.Shekissedhimgoodbye,thenwatchedashegotintotheoldtruck,hopingthatitwould

makeitbacktothecity.

Shewasjustabouttoshutthedoorwhenhecalledhername,shesteppedoutontotheporch,

feelinghowmuchcolderithadbecomeinjustthelastfewminutes.Theairfeltheavy,asifit

wasthickerthanbefore.Donovanwasstandingontherunningboardofthetruck,lookingsexy

inthelittlelightthatthemoonwasstillproviding.

“Whenthisisallover,wehavetotalkaboutus.Thisisn’tfinishedbyalongshot.”

Hedidn’tgiveherachancetoreply,simplygotintothetruck,startedtheengineanddroveoff.

Shestoodontheporchandwatchedhistaillightsdisappearintothenight.Reluctanttogo

backintothehouse,shestoodontheporchwatchingthemoondisappearbehindtheclouds

thatweremovinginatanalarmingrate.

Asthefirstflakesofsnowbegantofall,shewentaroundthesideofthehouseandgotaload

ofwoodtoaddtoherpileinthehouse.Dumpingthewoodonthepile,shelitthefireand

snuggleddownonthecouch.Shethoughtaboutgettingherbook,butdecidedthatshewouldn’t

beabletoconcentrateanyway,thereweretoomanythoughtsofDonovancrowdinghermind.

Sheeventuallyfellasleeponthecouch,onlywakinghourslaterwhenthefireburneddownand

theroombegantogetchilly.Lookingoutherbigbaywindowshesawthattheworldwas

blanketedinacoveringofwhite,sobrightitilluminatedthenightasiftherewasafullmoon.

SheaddedsomemorewoodtothefireandcrawledintobednoticingDonovan’sabsence

there.Thepillownexttoherstillsmelledlikehim,soshegathereditupandwrappedherarms

aroundit,relishingthesmellofDonovanonthepillow.Shesleptverylittlethatnight,alternately

missingDonovanandfeelingstupidformissingsomeoneshe’dknowlessthantwoweeks.

Whenshewokeupthenextmorning,theworldwasdramaticallyaltered,everythingcoveredin

adeepblanketofsnow.Shegotoutofbed,noticingthechill,putonathickrobeandslippers

andwentouttothelivingroom.Lookingoutthewindowsherealizedjusthowisolatedshewas

outhere,especiallywhentheroadhaddisappearedunderablanketofsnow.

Addingmorewoodtothefire,sheturnedupthethermostatandheadedtothekitchenfor

coffeeandsomebreakfast.Todayshewouldtakethedayoffandenjoythesnow,shehadno

placetogoandnothingpullingonhertime.Shehadabooktofinishaswellasmanyother

householdchoresthatshe’dbeenignoringlately.

HopefullyshecouldkeepherselfbusyenoughnottothinkaboutDonovanallday.Takingher

coffeeandathickafghantothewindowseatshedrankhercoffeeandwatcheditsnow.Onthe

distantmountain,shecouldseetheskiliftdottedwithpeoplewhohadbeenbraveenoughto

ventureoutinthedangerousweathertoskithefreshsnow.

Ifthesnowletuplater,shemightventureintotown,she’dbeentoldthatsnowtireswouldbe

herfriendinthewinterandshecouldunderstandwhylookingoutherwindow.Asshefinished

hercoffee,shedebatedwhetherornottoevengetdressed,butdecidedthathangingoutin

herpajamasalldaywasprobablynotagoodidea.

She’djustputherhairupinitsusualbunwhentherewasaknockatthedoor,therehadbeena

truckoutfront,butshe’dassumeditwasthemanshe’dhiredtoclearherroad.Butasshe

emergedfromthehall,shecouldseethatitwasn’tthesnowplow,butinsteadatruckshedidn’t

recognize.

Asshewatched,Daphneclimbedoutofthetruck,followedbyGarrettandSebastian.Takinga

deepbreathshewenttothedoorandoutontheporchtogreethervisitorsnotsureiftheirvisit

wasagoodthingorabadthing.

SheshoutedagreetingfromtheporchasDaphnemadeherwayupthewalkwhichwas

coveredbyatleastafootandahalfofsnow.GarrettandSebastiandidn’tfollow,insteadthey

grabbedacoupleofsnowshovelsandbegantoclearherwalk.She’dplannedtodoitherself

later,butcertainlydidn’tmindthehelp.

“ComeinandI’llmakesomecoffeeorIhavesodaifyou’drather.Whatbringsyoudownthe

mountaininthisweather?NotbadnewsIhope.”Elizabethsaid,leadingDaphneintothehouse

andbacktothekitchen.

Gladshe’dgottendressedandcleanedup,shewaitedforDaphnetoreply.“Coffeewouldbe

wonderful,it’snotthatcoldoutyet,butI’malwayscolderduringthefirstsnow.Wehadto

makeadeliverytotheresort,theyranoutofhamburger,soIthoughtwe’dcomeoverandsee

howyou’redoing.”

“Sofarsogood.ButIhearthesnow’snotsupposedtostopuntiltomorrow.”Elizabethsaid,

shrugginghershoulders.Thecoffeewasfinishedsoshemadeupatraywithcupsenoughfor

everyoneandtheytookittothelivingroomandthefire.

Oncetheywereseated,Daphnepulledsomepaperworkoutofherbag.“Wouldyoutakea

lookatthisandmakesureIhaven’tmissedanyoneorunderestimatedtheirneed?Ionlyhave

oneshotatthis,Iwanttogetitright.”

Elizabethlookedatthelist,pleasedtoseethatDaphnehadeveryoneonthelistthatshouldbe.

Eachpersonhadanotationnexttotheirnamedetailingtheirneed.Sheaddedthenumbersup

inherheardanddiscovereditwasastaggeringsumofmoney.Itwoulddefinitelymakea

differencetosomanyofthepeopleshehadbeentryingtohelp.

Shefelttearscomingtohereyes,Daphnehadgoneaboveandbeyondwhatshe’dneededto.

Takingadeepbreathshemanagedtosay.“Thisiswonderful,it’sgoingtomakesucha

differencetothesepeople.”

“It’sourjobtomakesurethatthey’recaredfor,it’snottheirfaultthishappened.”

Elizabethfannedherface,tryingtodryhertears.“Sorry,I’mnotusuallythisemotional.”

“I’msureitabigreliefknowingthatthere’ssomehelpontheway.”Daphnesaid,gettingupand

sittingdownnexttoElizabethonthecouch.“Doyouwanttohelpmemakethishappen?”

“I’dloveto,otherthanmeetingthemayor,Idon’thavemuchtokeepmeoccupiedrightnow.

I’mallyours.Wheredowestart?”

BythetimesheandDaphnehadspreadeverythingoutonthecoffeetable,Garrettand

Sebastianweredoneshovelingsnowandcamestompinginthebackdoor,eachcarryingabig

loadoffirewood.Seeingtheirrednosesandcheeks,Elizabethjumpedupandgotthembotha

cupofhotcoffeeandaddedafewmorelogstothefire.

“Thankyou,Iwasputtingthatoff.I’venevershoveledsnowbefore,gotanytips.”

“Takeitslow,it’salotharderthanitlooks.”Sebastiansaid,warminghishandsbythefire.

“Anddon’tletitpileup.Ifyougoouteveryfewhoursandshovelitwillbemucheasier.You

mightwanttothinkaboutgettingasnowblower,aslongasyourdrivewayandsidewalkare,it

wouldsaveyoualotoftime.I’msureDonovanwouldbehappytohelpyoufindonethatyou

canhandle.”Garrettsaid.

ElizabethblushedthinkingthatGarretthadfiguredouttheirsecret,buthelookedinnocent

enoughwhenhesaidit.Decidingtojustignoretheremark,sheaskedinsteadiftheywere

hungry,knowingthattheanswerwouldbeyesafterallthathardwork.Promisingfoodshortly

sheheadedtothekitchenwithDaphnefollowingher.

SheandDaphnewerethrowingtogetheraquicklunchofsoupandsandwiches,theycouldhear

GarrettandSebastianinthelivingroomtalkingaboutthesnowandthepotentialproblemsthat

alwayscamewiththefirstbigsnowoftheseason.Elizabethlistenedthinkingitwasstrangeto

havetheverypeopleshethoughtshewouldbeenemieswithsittinginherhouse,gettingready

toeatherfood.

She’dalwaysknownthatlifecouldsentyoutwistsandturnsyou’dneverexpect,butthisshe

certainlyhadn’texpected.Justthinkingofeverythingthathadhappenedoverthelastweek

madetearscometohereyes,thensherealizedhowsillyshewasbeing.Itwasn’tlikeherto

getemotionalofsomethingassmallassomepeoplecomingbytomakesureshewasfine.

But,shereasoned,maybeitwasbecauseitwaswhothepeoplewere.Donovan’sfamily

showinguponherdoorstepcouldmeanalotofthings.Eithertheywerecheckingheroutfora

weaknessortheywereshowingherasignofacceptance.Herhousewascertainlyoutofthe

way,they’dhadtomakeaspecialtripuphere.

Daphnewhohadbeensilentformostofthetimethey’dbeeninthekitchen,sawElizabeth’s

tearsandasked.“Areyouokay?”

Elizabethfannedherhotface,embarrassedtohavebeencaughtbeginemotional.“Sorry,I

don’tknowwhat’swrongwithme.I’mnotusuallysoemotional.”

“Don’tworryaboutit,Iunderstand.You’vebeengoingthroughalotlately,itcan’thavebeen

easytotakethesideoftheverypeopleyouthoughtwereguiltofpollutingthewater.”Daphne

said,handingheratissue.

“I’msurethat’sprobablyit.IguessIwasn’tpreparedfortheturnthiswholethingwasgoingto

take.”Elizabethsaid,knowingthatherromancewithDonovanwasabigpartofheremotional

issues.

Nowthathewasgone,she’dbeenquestioningherdecisiononceagain.Itwasalmostasifhe’d

castaspellonherandnowthathewasgoneitwasslowlylifting.ButwhensheandDaphne

tookthefoodintothelivingroom,seeinghisbrotherssittingtherebroughtDonovanrightback

intohermind.Theyalllookedsomuchalike,itwasalmostasifhewasthere.

Withoutrealizingitshe’dstoppedinhertrackscausingDaphnetobumpintoher.Daphne

alwaysagoodobserverguessedwhathadmadeherstop.“Theydolookalotalikedon’tthey?

SometimeswhenIseethemfromadistanceIcan’ttellwhichoneitis.I’msogladmysisters

andIdon’tlookthatmuchlikeeachother.”

Elizabethjustgaveherashakysmile,andcontinuedintothelivingroom,hopingthatDaphne

didn’tunderstandwhythesightofGarrettandSebastianhadshockedhersomuch.Donovan

hadonlybeengoneforhalfaday,butshemissedhimmorethanshe’deverimaginedshe

would.

DaphnehadaprettygoodideawhatwasbotheringElizabeth,she’dseenitoftenenough.She’d

beenfairlysurethatsomethingwasgoingonbetweenDonovanandElizabeth,buthadn’tbeen

sure,butElizabeth’sreactionwhenthey’dwalkedintothelivingroomhadconfirmedthat

suspicion.Alwayshappytobethematchmaker,shegotGarrettandSebastiantalkingabout

Donovanasakid,watchingElizabethastheytalked.

Bythetimelunchwasover,shewasconvincedthatElizabethwasfallingforDonovanandshe

couldn’thavebeenhappier,itwasmorethantimeforhercousintosettledown.Hewas35

yearsold,andhadneverhadaseriousrelationshipinhisentirelife.Elizabethwasperfectfor

him,shewouldkeephimonhistoes,anyonewhohadaccomplishedasmuchasshehadat

only30wouldprovidethechallengeheneeded.

Aftertheyhadeaten,hercompanygathereduptheirthingsandsaidtheirgoodbyes.“You

shouldbejustfinehereuntilthestormbreaks,youwon’tlosepowersinceit’ssolar,butyou

maynothavecellphonereceptionoraninternetconnectionforafewdays,itmightbeout

now.”Garrettsaid,asshewalkedthemtothedoor.

“I’lljusthunkerdownandstayinside.Thanksforgivingmeaheadstartontheshoveling.”

“Noproblem.Whenallthisisover,ifyoucan’tgetyourselfoutcallusandwe’llcomeback

down.”Sebastiansaid,walkingoutthedoor.

Daphnewasthelastonetoleave,shepausedatthedoorthensaid.“Ihopewecangettobe

friends,ifyouneedtotalkI’malwaysavailabletolisten.”ThensurprisedElizabethbygivingher

ahug.

ElizabethagainfelttearscomingtohereyesasshehuggedDaphneback.“I’llcallyouassoon

asthestormpassesandwecanstartgettingthathelptothosepeopleonthelists.”Daphne

said,asshetoowentoutthedoor.

Watchingthemdriveaway,sherealizedjusthowniceithadbeentohavecompany.Asshe

cleanedupthekitchenshebegantofeelsleepyanddecidedthatanapwouldbejustaboutthe

bestwaytospendthesnowyafternoon.Aftershe’dfinishedinthekitchen,sheputtheliving

roombackinorder,putsomemorewoodonthefire,curledupunderanafghanandwas

asleepinminutes.

Chapter10

Whensheawokeafewhourslater,shefeltguiltyfornappingtheafternoonaway,butshedid

feelbetter.Maybeallthecrazyemotionalupheavalshe’dbeenexperiencinghadjustbeenfrom

lackofsleep.Shefeltmoregroundednow,readytomoveontothenextstepoftheirplan.

Whatshereallyneededwassomemoreinformationaboutthepeopleintowntheydiscussed,

butnothingcouldbedoneaboutthatuntilthesnowstormpassed.

Inthemeantime,shehadn’theardfromtheprofessororforthatmatterDonovan.Thenewest

watersampleresultsshouldhavebeeninbynow,butshehadn’theardawordfromhim.After

makingsomecoffeeshefoundherlaptopandtriedtologontoheremail,butDaphnehadbeen

correct,shehadnointernetconnection.Checkingherphone,sherealizedshehadnoservice.

Itwasstrangeatfirsttobesooutoftouchwiththeworld,butthenshedecideditmightbenice

tohavesomepeacefromallherelectronicsforawhile.Shespentthenexttwodays,reading

herbooks,cookingelaboratemeals,andshovelingsnowwhichseemedtopileupeverytime

sheturnedaround.

Bytheendofthethirdday,shewastiredofthegray,snowproducingskies,andwashappy

whenmid-afternoonthesunfinallycameout.Shewastemptedtogostraighttohercellphone

andcomputer,butinsteadwentoutsideandclearedthesidewalksanddrivewayonelasttime.

Themanshe’dhiredtocleartheroadhadfinallyshowedupyesterday,sotherewaslittlesnow

ontheroad,ifsheneededtogetoutshecould.

Oncetheshovelingwasdone,shefilledthewoodbox,thenmadeherselfsomecoffee.Then

shetookhercellphoneandcomputertothelivingroomandtheroaringfireshe’dbuilt.

AnticipatingaphonemessagefromDonovan,shewassurprisedtofindthathehadn’tcalled.

ShehadseveralmessagesfromDaphne,butnothingelse.

Grabbinghercomputer,shepulledupheremail,relievedtoseethatDonovanwasonthelist.

Sheopenedthemessageexpectingsomethingpersonal,butfoundinsteadonlyanattachment

withthewaterreportsandnothingelse.Shelookedattheresults,butwasthinkingmoreabout

thefactthatafteralltheirintimacy,Donovanhadn’tevenincludedapersonalmessage.

Evenmoredistressingwasthefactthathehadn’tcalledeither,butmaybeheknewthatshe

wouldn’thaveanyreceptionduringthestorm.Feelingsurethathe’dcalllater,shewentbackto

theemailshappytoseethattheprofessorhadfinallysenthersomethoughts.Sheopenedthe

emailandreadhisopinionwithasinkingstomach.

Inhisopinion,she’dread,theyweredealingwithatleastadozen,ifnotmore,barrelsofsome

typeofindustrialwaste.Heestimatedthatatleastonehadtohaveleakedallitscontentsorall

thebarrelswereleakingtosomeextentortheother.Hecouldn’tdetermineexactlywhattype

ofwastetheyweredealingwith,butitwasclearthatitwassomethingthathadtohavebeen

transportedinfromtheoutside.

Sheshouldhavebeenexcitedthattheseresultssupportedtheirhypothesisofthesource,butit

feltlikeahollowvictory,sittingtherebyherself.Pickingupherphone,shedecidedtocall

Donovan,he’dwanttoknowwhatshe’ddiscovered.Thephonerangseveraltimesbefore

Donovanpickedup,shecouldhearalotofnoiseinthebackgroundandhadtoidentifyherself

twicebeforeherecognizedhervoice.

“Isthisabadtime?Icouldcallbacklater.”Shesaid,overthenoiseinthebackground.

Therewasaslightpause,thenDonovansaid.“Uh,well.I’mouttolunchwithaclient.”

Elizabethcouldhearawoman’svoicecallingDonovan’snameinthebackground,thenDonovan

sayingsomething.“Justcallmewhenyoucan.Ihaveanupdateforyou.”Shesaid,thenhung

upthephone,heartbeatinginherchest.

SheshouldhaveknownbetterthantofallforDonovanTerrell,hemightnotbeinvolvedinthe

pollution,buthewasstillaman.He’dtakenadvantageoftheirsituation,thenassoonashe’d

gottenhome,forgottenher.Hiswordshadonlybeenthat,words.He’dsaidwhateverwas

necessarytokeepherrightwherehewantedherandnowhereshewasmissinghim.

Takingadeepbreath,shepushedthoughtsofDonovanfromhermind,afterallshe’donlyknow

themanforafewweeks.Itshouldn’tbethathardtoforgethim,especiallynowthatsheknew

whatthemanwasreallylike.She’djusthavetoconcentrateonthecaseanddoingwhatshe’d

originallyplannedtodo,makesomeonepayforpollutingthewater.

Donovandidcalllaterthatnight,butshe’dbeenintheshowerandmissedhiscall,thenwhen

she’dcalledhimbackithadgonestraighttovoicemail.Shewenttobedthatnightandhugged

Donovan’spillowtoheronceagain,buttonightherheartachedatthethoughtofhim.Hemight

noteverbebacktoleavehisscentonherpillows.

ThenextmorningshedidtalktoDonovanbutitwasaveryshortconversation,hewasclearly

distractedbysomethingelseandendeditquickly.Thenextweekfollowedinmuchthesame

pattern,earlymorningphonecallsthatleftherfeelingabandonedandlonely.SheandDaphne

hadquicklybecomefriendsandthatseemedtomakeitevenharder.Worsestill,shewastoo

embarrassedtotellDaphnehowstupidshe’dbeen.

Togethertheyhadmanagedtohelpthepeopleontheirlist,mosthadreceivedfakeprizesfrom

conteststhey’dneverentered,butitseemedlikethebestwaytoapproachtheproblem.They

couldn’tgivethemmoneydirectlyfromTerrellindustries,butthegiftcardswouldgoalongway

tokeepingfoodonthetableandthebillspaid.Elizabethgotsomesatisfactionfromthe

processbutnotasmuchasshe’danticipated,Donovan’sabsencehadaffectedhermorethan

shewantedtoadmit.

Bythemiddleofthesecondweekofhisabsence,Elizabethwasfedupwiththewholething.

Shewastiredofwaitingforsomethingtohappen,itwastimetogetoutintothetownandseeif

shecouldmeetthemayorandhiswife.Ifshewaslucky,shemightevenmeetsomeofthe

otherpeoplefromtheresort.Therewasnolawthatsaidshecouldn’tgototheresort,evenif

shewasn’tgoingtoski.

Itwastimetodosomeinvestigatingonherown,andthebestplacetostartwascityhall.She

wantedtomeetthemayor’swife,seeforherselfwhatthewomanshe’dheardsomuchabout

waslike.Shedressedcarefully,wantingtoleaveanimpressiononthewoman,shechosea

lookthatwasbothcasualbutexpensive.Inhertravelsaroundtheworld,she’dmanagedto

accumulatesomewonderfulclothesthatcouldhaveonlybeenaccumulatedbysomeonewith

moneyorwhotraveled.

Ifthemayor’swifewasasbigofasnobasshe’dheard,itwouldbeperfect.Gainingthe

woman’strustseemedanimportantpartofgettingtothepeopleshewantedtomeet.Setting

outinthecoldandsnow,sheshiveredalittle,hopingshehadn’tmadeamistakebuyinga

houseupinthemountains.Daphnehadpromisedthatshe’dgetusedtothecold,butithadn’t

happenedyet.

Bythetimeshereachedcityhall,whichwasactuallyjustarenovatedhouseonmainstreet,

shewasfrozentothebone.Itwouldhavebeenbetterifshe’dwornherparkabutthatwould

havespoiledherlook.Whenshewalkedthoughtthedoorofcityhallshespottedafireplace

withablazingfireandmadeabeelinestraighttotheheatemanatingfromthecheerfullogs.

Takingoffhergloves,shewarmedherhands,lookingattheroom.Itwasdecoratedinan

overabundanceofcountrythemedknickknacks,wellpastthepointofcuteandintotheareaof

nauseating.Aftershe’dwarmedupalittle,thesmelloftheplacesuddenlymadeherfeelalittle

sick.Theairwasheavywithacombinationofsomefloralairfreshenerandaheavyperfume,

mixedinwasthesmellofcookingfoodandofallthings,hairspray.

Combinedwiththeheat,thatseemedheavynowthatshe’dwarmedup,shebegantofeela

littlefaint.Justasshewasthinkingaboutmakingherescapeawomancameinthroughaback

hallway.IttookElizabethonlyasecondtorealizethatthewomanstandingbeforeherdressed

likeateenagerwasactuallyagrownwomanofadvancedyears.

She’dneverunderstoodwomenwhocouldn’tseemtounderstandthatdressingliketheyounger

generationdidnothingtomakethemyounger.Ifanythingitonlymadethemlookslightly

ridiculous,andthiswomanwasaperfectexample.

“Hi.WelcometoPleasantValley,youmustbenewhere,Idon’tthinkwe’vemet.I’mVeronica

Hassleman,myhusbandisthemayor.”Shesaid,extendingahandwithnailspaintedblackand

somuchjewelrythatElizabethworriedthatherwristmightbreakfromthesheerweightofitall.

“It’snicetomeetyou.I’mElizabethMathews,IboughttheplaceonShadowLane.”Elizabeth

said,shakingthewoman’shand.

“I’veheardaboutyou.You’resomekindofenvironmentalactivistorsomething.”

“Yes,that’sme.I’vebeenintheAmazonforalongtime,butitwastimetocomehome.Well,to

callsomeplacehome.”Shesaid.

“Weweresoexcitedwhenweheardyouweremovinghere,JaredandIwerejusttalkingabout

ittheotherday.”Thewomansaid,clearlytryinghardtocharmElizabeth.

“Thankyou,it’salwaysnicetohearthatpeopleappreciatewhatyoudo.”

Elizabethwasfightinganincreasingneedtoretch,theroomwashotandstuffyandthesmell

wasonlygettingworse.ButshecouldseethatVeronicawasstudyingher.

Fromtheexpensivebootsonherfeettothehandmadehatonherhead,thewomanwas

assessinghowitwouldhelphertobecomeElizabeth’sfriend.She’dseenitoftenenoughover

theyears,peoplealwayswantedsomeonewithpowerontheirside.Withaslightnodofher

head,Veronicaseemedtomakeuphermind.

“Wouldyoulikesomethingtodrink?I’vejustputonafreshpotofcoffee.”

“Nothankyou.Ijustwantedtostopbyandintroducemyself.”Elizabethsaid,thethoughtof

coffeemakinghernauseaworse.

“Well,I’mgladyoudid.JaredandIareplanningalittlegettogethertomorrownight,nothing

fancy,butIwonderifyou’dliketojoinus.Icouldintroduceyoutosomeofthebetterpeoplein

town.”Shesaid,puttinghernoseupintheairalittle.

ThelastthingElizabethwantedtodowasspendtimewiththiswoman,butwhatbetterwayto

meetnotonlythemayorbutsomeoftheotherpeopleintown.“Thatsoundswonderful.What

timeshouldIbethere?”

“IfyougivemeyournumberI’lltextyoutheaddress.Itwillbefuntohavesomeonenewwithus

tomorrownight.Itcangetoldseeingthesamepeopleeveryday.”

Elizabethgavehercontactinfotothemayor’swifeandmadeherescapeasfastasshecould.

Onceoutsideittookafewminutes,butthenauseasoonpassed.Shecertainlyhopedthe

woman’shousedidn’tsmellasbadascityhall,she’dneverbeabletomakeitthroughanentire

nightifitdid.

*****

Donovansatbackinhischairanddraggedhishandoverhisface.“Itoldyoulastweek,we

havetogettothebottomofthis.Howisitpossiblethatmynameistheonlyoneonthe

account?Someonehadtohavesetitupanditwasn’tme.”

“Idon’tknow,theywon’tgivemeanyinformation.ItwasalldoneoverthephonefromwhatI

understand.Nothing’schangedsincelastweek,notevenourtopattorneycouldcrackthem.I’m

stillsuretheonlywaytogettothebottomofthisistogotoSwitzerlandyourself.”

“Ican’tjusttakeoffandgotoSwitzerland.Thingsarebadenoughasitis.Elizabethisgetting

increasinglycoldeverytimeItalktoher.HowamIgoingtotellherthatwe’vefoundthe

accountwhereallthemoneyis,butthatit’sinmyname?Shedidn’ttrustmebefore,Ican’t

imagineshe’lltrustmeafterthis.”

“Thenyou’regoingtohavetogo.Justtellherit’sforsomethingelse.She’llneverknow,then

onceit’sstraightenedout,youcantellherthewholestory.”Charlessaid,tiredoftelling

Donovanthesamething.

“Fine,I’llgo,butIwantyouwithme.Thefasterwegettothebottomofthis,thissoonerIcan

tellElizabethwhat’sgoingon.”Donovansaid,gettingupandopeningtheclosetinhisofficeand

removingthebaghealwayskeptthereforemergencies.

“Donovan,it’sprobablynoneofmybusiness,butwhyareyousoconcernedaboutwhat

Elizabeththinks?Charlessaid,stillsurprisedbyhisfriendspreoccupationwithElizabeth

Mathews.

“Becauseitmatters,okay.Andthat’sallI’mgoingtosay.”Donovansaid,shovingpapersinto

hisbriefcase.

“Sorry,butI’veneverseenyouworrysomuchaboutwhatawomanthoughofyou,especially

anenvironmentalist.Ihopeyou’renotlettingitcloudyou’rejudgment.”

“MyjudgmentisperfectlyclearandletmeassureyouthatElizabethismorethanjustoneof

thoseenvironmentalistthatwehate.Justdropitokay?”

“IfIdidn’tknowbetter,Imightthinkthatyou’reinlovewithher.That’stheonlythingIcanthink

oftoexplainit.You’vecutoffalltheotherwomeninyourlife,explainthat.”Charlessaid,not

lettingDonovanoffthehook.

“Look,Idon’tknowwhatthisis,butit’sgoingtobenothingifwedon’tgetthatSwissbank

accountsortedout.”

Charlesjustshookhisheadandlefttogogethisbagforthetrip.Theywouldneedplentyof

evidencetoshowthebankiftheyweregoingtoconvincethemthatDonovandidn’topenupthat

account,andthensomewaytoconvincethosepeopletotellthemwhohad.Itwasgoingtobe

allaboutredtapeandmaybeafewbribes,butthey’dgettothebottomofit.

DonovanhadbeenstaringoutthewindowsinceCharleshadlefttheroom.Charlesknewhim

justaboutaswellasanyoneandhe’dreadhisfeelingbetterthanhehadhimself.He’dnever

believedinloveatfirstsight,butwasitpossibletofallinloveinonlyaweek?Becausehe’d

reallyonlyspentthatoneweekwithElizabeth,hecouldn’tpossiblybeinlovewithher.

Shewassexyandsmart,butotherthanthathedidn’treallyknowthatmuchabouther.Itjust

wasn’tpossibletofallinlovethatfast,nevermindthathethoughtaboutherallthetime.Lust

oftenlookedalotlikelove,butthenfadedaftertime,itwasprobablyonlylust.He’dneverfelt

anythinglikethisbefore,buthe’dalsonevermetawomanwhostirredhimthewayshedid.It

wasn’tonlyherbody,itwashermind.

Thinkingbacktothenightthey’dbeenworkingonthemapsbroughtbackthememoryofhow

animatedshe’dbecomeasthemysteryhadslowlybeensolved.He’dbeenmoreattractedto

herrightthenthanhe’deverbeen.Thenwhenhe’dbeenathislowest,realizingthatthewaste

wasinthemine,she’dgivenhimexactlywhathe’dneeded.

Turingfromthewindowtosinkintothischair,herealizedthatCharleswasright,hewasinlove

withElizabeth.Completelyanddeeplyinlove,ithadneverhappenedtohimbefore,anditwas

anoverwhelmingfeeling.Ithadhappenedquickly,butnowthathe’dadmittedittohimself,it

somehowfeltright.Nowhehadtwothingstofightfor,besidessavingthepeopleofPleasant

Valleyandseeingtheguiltypartiespunished,heneededtoclearhisnamesoElizabethwould

givehimachance.

Withnewpurpose,hebeganonceagaintopackthepapersheandCharleshadagreedthey’d

need.Ifnecessarytheywerereadytoexposetheentireschemetotheauthoritiesin

Switzerland,itmightbetheonlywaytouncoverthetruth.TheyweresocloseDonovancould

almosttastevictory,thenhe’dhavetomakethingsrightwithElizabeth.

HewasreadywhenCharlescameintolethimknowthattheircarwasreadyandwaitingfor

them.Iftheywereluckythiswholethingcouldbeoverinjustafewdays,theguiltyparties

arrestedandthenheandElizabethcouldmoveon.Iftheyhadtimewhiletheywerein

Switzerlandhemightevendoalittleshopping.

Chapter11

WhileDonovanwasgettingonaplane,Elizabethwassortingthroughherclosettryingtodecide

whattowear.Evidentlyshe’dbeeninvitedtooneofthebiggestsocialoccasionsoftheyearin

PleasantValley,everyonewhowasanyonewasgoingtobethere.Shehadtofindsomething

suitabletowear,butnothinginherclosetwasniceenough.

IndesperationshecalledDaphne,evenifhercousinwasatotaljerk,Daphnewasanice

personandshemightbeabletohelp.Daphneansweredonthesecondring.“Yougotinvitedto

thepartytonight.”

“Howdidyouknow?”Elizabethasked,laughing.“Wordreallydoesspreadfastaroundhere.”

“Veronicacalledmediggingforinformationaboutyou.ShefiguredIwouldknowsomething

sinceshemadetheconnectionbetweenyouandyourparents.”

“Ididn’teventellheraboutmyparents.Actually,Ididn’tstaylong,itsmelledterribleincityhall

soIescapedassoonasIgottheinvitation.”

“Well,youweretherelongenoughtogetherinterested.Whatareyougoingtowear?”

“Ihavenoidea.Fancypartiesaren’tusuallymything,notmuchcallforcocktailgownsinthe

Amazon.”

“I’llbetSabrinahassomethingyoucanbarrow.We’reallgoingtogether,youshouldcomeup

hereandwe’llallgotogether.ThatshouldgetVeronica’scuriosityuptoaredlevelimmediately

andmakehermadaswell.Myguessisthatyou’resupposedtobethemainattractionatthe

partytonight.She’sgoingtotrytoshowyouoffasherbigdiscovery,she’salwaystryingtobe

thecenterofattention.”

“Uh,I’mnotsureI’muptoallthis.”

“Don’tworryit’llbefine,comeuphereandgowithus.Weusuallyleaveearly,you’llhaveplenty

oftimetomeetpeoplethenyoucanescapewithus.”

“Okay,soundsgood.I’llseeyoulaterthisafternoonthen.”Elizabethsaid,hangingupthe

phone.ItwasprobablynotwisetospendtimewithDonovan’sfamily,itmightbeawkwardlater

on,butithadbeensolongsinceshe’dhadafrienditwastoohardtoresist.

Whenshegottotheranch,shefoundallthewomenwaitingforherinthekitchen.“Goodnow

thatyou’reherewecanallgotoSabrina’scabin,we’retakingitover,allourthingsarethere.

Elizabethdidn’tknowanyoftheotherwomenwell,buttheirexcitementwascontagious.

“Leadtheway,I’mreadyforsomeglamour.”Elizabethsaid.

“SometimesIthinkgettingreadyishalfthefun.Mostofthetimethesepartiesarereallyboring,

butwhenyouliveuphereyoutakewhatyoucanget.”Daphnesaid.“Besidesitgivesusa

breakfromthekidsifnothingelse.”

Therewaslotsofnoddinginagreement,exceptLesliewhojustshruggedhershoulders,then

said.“SebastianandIdon’thaveanykidsyet,wejustgotmarried.”

“Congratulations.Howdidyoumeet?”ElizabethwascuriousabouthowLesliehadbecomea

partofthisfamily.

“Oh,it’sareallylongstory,butbasicallySebastianandhisfamilysavedmefromamobhit.”

Shesaid,asifsomethinglikethathappenedeveryday.

“Wow,Idon’tknowwhattosay.”

“Incaseyou’rewondering,SabrinawasGarrett’sson’steacher,theygottrappedinthehigh

countylastfallandshe’sneverleft.”

Elizabethjustlookedathernotsurewhattosaytothat.Finallyshesaid,“That’sinteresting

too.”

“Iknowalotofdrama,butyou’regettingyourowndoseoftheTerrellmagicyourself.Although

Isupposethatyou’reusedtoallthisintrigue.”

“No,actuallymostofmycasesareprettycutanddry.Thisisanewexperienceforme.”

“Well,havefunanddon’tworry,theTerrell’sseemtohaveawayofcomingoutofsituations

likethiswithoutascrape.”

They’darrivedatSabrina’scabinendinganyfurtherconversation,eventhoughElizabethstill

haveplentyofquestions.Assoonastheywereinside,Sabrinagrabbedherandtheywentto

findadressthatElizabethcouldwear.

“GarretthasbeenfillingmyclosetwithclothesIonlygettowearonce,butnowI’mgladhedid.

We’reprobablyaboutthesamesize,let’sseewhatwecanfind.”

“Ireallyappreciateit,Ididn’thaveathingthatwouldhaveworked.”Elizabethsaid,shocked

whenshesawthedresseslinedupinthecloset.

Bythetimetheywerereadytoleavefortheparty,Elizabethlookedasgoodassheever

thoughshecouldlook.Sabrinahadfoundtheperfectdress,itfitperfectlyandshowedoffher

figureperfectly.Elizabethcouldhaveswornthatherbreastswerebigger,butsincetheywere

alsoalittletendershejustassumedthatitwashormones.

Shefeltalittleoutofplacewithallthecouplesastheygotintothecars,buteveryonewasso

welcomingshesoonforgotherdiscomfort.Theyarrivedfashionablylatetothepartyandmade

abigentrance,everyonegreetedthemastheycamethroughthedoorandittookwhatfeltlike

hoursforElizabethtomeeteveryone.

Thequeasyfeelinginherstomachhadgrown,butshechalkedituptonervesandsmiledat

eachnewpersonshemet.Bythetimedinnerwasserved,she’dmetjustabouteveryonethe

mayorandhiswifeconsideredthetopofsocietyinPleasantValley.She’ddislikedthemayor

theminuteshe’dmethim,hiseyeshadroamedoverher,causinghertocringeinside.Thenhe’d

puthisarmaroundherandbegantomaneuverheraroundtheroom,makingintroductionsas

theywent.

Shewantedtoshrughisarmoff,andwalkaway,butsheknewshecouldn’t.Insteadshetried

tobepolite,smilingandlaughingathisjokesbetweenintroductions.Finally,Garrettsavedher,

pullingheroutofthemayor’sgrasptointroducehertosomeofthepeoplefromtheresort.

Amongthegroupwastheheadofresearchanddevelopment,heseemedfineuntilGarretthad

mentionedwhatshehaddoneforalivingthelastfewyears.Shecouldhaveswornthathegot

visiblypalerasGarretttalked,themorehedescribedherasthesavioroftheenvironmentthe

moreuncomfortablethemanseemedtoget.Hefinallyexcusedhimselfandwentstraighttothe

mayor.

Elizabethwatchedastheyexchangedafewharshwords,thenthemayorpattedthemanon

thebackandsenthimonhisway.Garretthadseentheexchangeaswellandnoddedhishead

slightlytoElizabethasiftosay,Isawittoo.Theycouldn’tdiscussitnow,butshehadagut

feelingthatthey’djustfoundtheirpolluters.Theproblemwasprovingit,themayor’shousewas

nice,butnothingthatfancysothemoneywasn’tintheproperty,ithadtobesomewhereelse.

Shepickedatherdinner,herstomachstillnotcooperating,itwassounlikehertoletacase

gettoherthismuch.Butreallyitwastheonlyexplanation,oncethiswasoversheprobably

shouldscheduleacheckup.Ithadbeenawhilesinceshe’dseenadoctorandshewasn’tas

youngassheusedtobe.

Afterdinner,theyallreturnedtothelivingroomforcoffeeanddesert,butonewhiffofthe

coffeehadElizabethheadedforthebathroomafraidthatshewasgoingtoembarrassherselfif

shedidn’tgettherefast.Aftershe’dthrownupwhatlittleshe’deaten,shefeltbetter,butstill

notreadytofacethesmellofcoffee.

Shewasjusttryingtofigureouthowshewasgoingtogetoutofthehousewithoutthrowingup

againwhentherewasaknockonthedoor.OpeningitacrackshesawthatitwasDaphneand

letherin.

“Areyouokay?Youdidn’tlookverygoodoutthere.”

“Imustbecomingdownwithsomething,thesmellofthatcoffeejustturnedmystomach.I’ve

beenfeelingyuckyforafewdays,Ithinkit’sjustcaughtupwithme.”Elizabethsaid,realizing

thatshe’dbeenfeelinglikethisformorethanafewdays.

“I’veheardthere’saflugoingaround,butIhaven’theardofitlastingthatlong.Sitdownagain

youstilllookalittlepale.”Daphnesaid,pushingherdownontothelittlechairthatwasinone

cornerofthebathroom.

“IthinkIfeelbetter...”Elizabethdidn’tfinishhersentencebecauseanotherwaveofnausea

overtookherandshehadtomakeittothetoilet.

Whenshe’dfinished,Daphnehandedherawettoweltowipehermouthon.Onceshe’dgotten

herselfcomposedagain,Daphnesaid.“It’snoneofmybusiness,butwhenI’mpregnantthe

smellofcoffeewilldrivemerightoutofthehouse.Isthereanychanceyou’repregnant?”

Elizabethletthatthoughtsinkinforaminute.She’dbeenonbirthcontrolforsolongshehadn’t

evenconsideredthepossibility.Thentheroombegantospinjustalittleassherealizedthat

she’drunoutofpillslastmonthandmissedafewdaysbeforetheprescriptionhadbeenfilled.

“Oh,mygoodness,butIcan’tbe,that’snotpossible.Imean....”Shedidn’tfinishasanother

roundofnauseaovertookher.

“Ithinkwebettergetyouhomeandtomorrowyoubettermakeadoctor’sappointment.”

“Ididn’tnoticethatmyperiodwaslate,there’sbeensomuchgoingon.”Elizabethsaid,tears

comingtohereyes.“WhatamIgoingtodo?”

“Let’snotworryaboutthatnow,comeonwe’llgetyouhome.WaithereandI’llgathereveryone

upandmakeyourapologies.Itwon’ttakelong.”

“Daphne,pleasedon’ttellanyone.”

“Don’tworryyoursecretissafewithme.”Daphnesaid,openingthedoor.

AsElizabethwaitedforDaphnetocomebacksherealizedthatherstomachwasstartingto

settle.Thenauseawasallbutgone,relievedthatshewouldn’thavetodashthoughthehouse

withherhandoverhermouth,shestoodupandbegantorepairhermakeup.Asshelookedin

themirrorshenoticedawonderfulpaintingonthewallbehindher.Shehadn’tnoticeditbefore,

butthenagainshe’dbeenalittlebusy.

Thepaintingwasn’tverybig,butitwasamasterpieceofbrightcolors,reminiscentofthe

Impressionistera.Shelookedatitcloser,admiringthebrushstrokesandthewaythecolors

hadbeenlayeredtocreatedepth.ElizabethhadlongbeenafanoftheImpressionistpaintings

andhadplentyofopportunitiestoseetherealthingingalleriesandmuseums,nottomention

theprivatecollectionsownerswerealwayssoexcitedtoshowoff.

Shelookedforasignaturebutcouldn’tfindone,pullingthepaintingfromthewall,shelookedat

theback,thenthefront.Itwasclearthatwhenthey’dframedthepicture,severalincheshad

beencoveredup,exactlyasifsomeonewastryingtocoverupasignature.Puttingthepainting

backonthewall,shethoughtaboutalltheotherartshe’dseeninthehouse.

Evenifonlythisonepaintingwasreal,themayorwasfarwealthierthanshe’dthought.Quickly

fixingherhairandmakeup,sheopenedthebathroomdoorandtiptoeddownthehall.There

rightwhereshe’dremembered,wasanotherpaintingshe’dassumedwasanexcellentcopy,but

uponfurtherinspectionwasagainframedalittlestrange.

Asshewasmovingdownthehalltothenextpicture,Daphnecamearoundthecorner.“What

areyoudoing?Doyoufeelbetter?”

Elizabethwassointentonwhatshewasdoing,sheonlywavedahandatDaphnethenpulled

anotherpaintingdownoffthewall.ShecouldhearDaphnemovingclosertoher.Sheputher

handonElizabeth’sarm,andstartedtosaysomethingbutElizabethinterruptedher.

“Howmanyotherpaintingslikethesearethereinthehouse?”Elizabethasked,hangingthe

paintingbackonthewall.

“Idon’tknowquiteafew.It’sabitofajokethatthemayorandtheheadofsolarresearchare

competingtoseewhocancollectthemostfakeart.Theyhavebeencompetingwitheachother

foracoupleofyearsnow.”

“Daphne,I’mnotanartexpertbutIdoknowquiteabitaboutpaintings.Thesearen’tfakes,

thesearereal.Let’stakeapictureofthem,Ibetifwelookonlinewe’llfindoutthattheseare

alloriginalworks.”

“Butthenthesepaintingswouldbeworthmillions.”Daphnesaid,hereyesgettingbigasshe

realizedwhatElizabethwasgettingat.

Theyquicklysnappedsomepicturesofthepaintingsthenslippedoutthesidedoor.Garrett

waswaitingfortheminthecar,theywouldtakeElizabethhome,thenjointhepartyagain.As

soonastheywereinthecarwiththedoorsclosedDaphneandElizabethbothstartedtalkingat

once.

“Wait,wait.Ican’tunderstandyouwhenyoubothtalkatonce.Igotsomethingaboutpainting,

butnothingafterthat.”Garrettsaid,startingthecar.

“Allthosepaintingsinthathousearereal.”Elizabethsaid.“I’dbetyouanything.”

Astheydrove,Elizabethexplainedwhatshe’ddiscovered,makingnomentionofwhyshe’d

beeninthebathroomforsolong,whichGarrettthankfullyignoredaswell.Bythetimethey

reachedherhouse,theyhadalmostconvincedGarrettofwhattheybelieved.

Inside,Elizabethgotherlaptopanddownloadedthepicture,itwasonlysecondsbeforeitwas

identifiedasbeingbyPicasso,oneofhislostworkslastseenbeforetheGerman’sinvaded

Poland.Therewassilenceintheroomastheyallreadtheaccompanyingstory,thenlookedat

eachother.

Garrettwasthefirsttospeak.“Howdidthemayorgetthatpainting?Besidesthefactthathe’d

havetohaveconnections,itwouldhavecostafortune.”

“That’swhatwethought.Wherecouldhehavegottenthatkindofmoney?”Daphnesaid.

“Fromdumpingtoxicwasteandcollectingmoneyfromthetown’speople.”Elizabethwasthe

firsttovoicehersuspicions.

“Ihatetoadmitit,butIthinkwe’vefoundourpolluter.”Garrettsaid,clenchinghisjaw,“buthow

arewegoingtoproveit?”

“Firstwehavetofigureoutwhohe’sworkingwith,he’sgottohavesomeoneontheinsideand

IthinkIknowexactlywhoitis.BruceHarper.”Daphnesaid.

Garrettconsidereditforasecond,thensaid.“Youmightberight.Iwasjustathishouselast

weekandhehadanewpaintinghanginginhisentryway.Irememberaskinghimaboutit,he

saiditwasagoodfake,thenchangedthesubject.”

“WehavetogetElizabethintohishousesoshecanlookathispaintings,thenwehavetofind

somewaytotiethemtothepollution.I’mnotsurehow,butBrucemightbetheweaklink,he’s

neverbeenthekindtostanduptoanyone.Itmightjustbeamatterofconfrontinghim.”Daphne

said.

“Ithinkthat’salittlebitrisky,wedon’tknowhowtheymightreact,don’tdoanythingrash,

Daphne.”Garrettsaid,givingheralook.

“AllI’mgoingtodorightnowisgetElizabethinvitedintothehouse.Ipromisenottosay

anything.”

“Good.NowweneedtocallDonovanandsharewhatwe’velearned.”Garrettsaid,turningto

Elizabeth.“Iassumeyou’vespokenwithhimrecently,Ihaven’theardfromhimforafewdays.”

“Ihaven’teither,Ijustassumedhewaskeepingintouchwithyou.”

“That’sstrange,thelasttimeItalkedtohimhesaidthatCharleshaduncoveredsomenew

informationthatmightjustprovethemayorwasbehindthis.”

Elizabeth’sstomach,whichhadbeenfinesuddenlyfell,nownoonehadheardfromDonovan

fordays.Itwaslookingmoreandmorelikehewasinvolvedinthis,afterallthemayorand

Brucewouldhaveneededsomeoneelsetopullitoff.Suddenlysheknewshewasgoingtobe

sickagain.

Runningfromtheroom,shebarelymadeittothebathroomintime.Notonlyhadshetrusteda

manwhoshouldn’thavebeentrusted,nowshewaspregnantwithhischild.She’ddonethe

mathonthewayhomeandwasconvincedthatshedidn’thavetheflu,butwasprobably

pregnant.Herlifehadsuddenlygoneoutofcontrolandshehadnoideahowtogetitback.

Stumblingintoherbedroom,shechangedintotherobeandsatdownonthebed.Sheknew

Daphnewouldcomelookingforhereventuallysoshejustwaited.She’dbeenright,afteronlya

fewminutesDaphneknockedonthedoor,andcamein.Sittingdownonthebednexttoher,

sheputherarmaroundElizabethandgaveherahug.

“It’sDonovan’s.”Shefinallysaid.

“Ithoughtso.But,it’snottheendoftheworld.He’sagoodman,andIsawyoutwotogether,

hewasalreadyhalfinlovewithyouthen.”Daphnesaid,tippingElizabeth’sheadup.“You’llsee,

itwillallworkout.Doyouwantmetostaywithyou?”

“No,IthinkIneedsometimeonmyown.Callmetomorrowandletmeknowhowwe’regetting

intoBruce’shouse.Westillhavetofinishthisnomatterwhatelseisgoingon.”

“Okay,callmeifyouneedanything.”

WhenElizabethdraggedherselfoutofbedthenextmorning,shefoundablanketofsnowon

thegroundandskiesthatpromisedtoaddmore.Hermindwantedcoffee,butherstomach

saiddifferently,infactshewasdreadingevenseeingthecoffeepot.Butwhenshewalkedinto

thekitchenthecoffeepotwasgoneandinitsplaceshefoundateapotandaboxofteabags.

NexttotheteapotwasanotefromDaphneexplainingthattheteawouldhelpcalmher

stomach.Feelingtearsthreatening,shemadeacupofteaandtookittothelivingroom.After

buildingthefireup,shecalledDaphnetothankher.

“Thanksforthetea,it’shelpingalready.”Elizabethsaid,whenshepickedup.

“Noproblem,itsavedmylifewhenIhadmyoldestdaughter.”

“Lookslikewe’reinforsomemoresnow,I’vebarelyrecoveredfromthelaststorm.”Elizabeth

said,lookingoutherfrontwindow.

“Theforecastiscallingforanotherfootbytomorrowandapossibleadditionalfoottheday

afterthat.WelcometoColorado,wewarnedyou.”Daphnesaid,laughing.Thenturnedserious.

“HaveyouheardfromDonovan?Wehaven’theardapeepandI’mworriedwe’regoingtolose

cellreception.I’mworriedabouthim,he’sneveroutoftouchthislong.”

“Daphne,Iknowhe’syourcousinandeverything,butthisisbeginningtomakemesuspicious.”

Elizabethfeltbettervoicingherworstfear,ithadbeeneatingathersincelastnight.

“Icanunderstandyourworry,butletmeassureyouDonovanwouldneverdoanythinglikethis,

you’rejustgoingtohavetotrustmeonthisone.I’veknownhimmyentirelifeandpollutingour

landisthelastthinghe’ddo.”

JusthearingDaphnesaythewordsmadeherfeelbetter.“Well,thenwhat’sournextstep?”

“WeneedtogetinsideBruce’shouseandgetalookatsomeofhisart,butotherthanjust

showinguponhisdoorstepIdon’thaveacluehowtodoit.”

“ThenIguesswe’regoingtoshowuponhisdoorstep.It’sSunday,doyouthinkhe’llbehome

today?”Elizabethasked,searchinghermindforareasontoinvadetheman’shome.

“Yeah,he’llgotochurchwiththefamilyandthengohometowatchfootball.We’vebeentohis

houseforafewfootballgames,he’safanatic,watchesasmanygamesashecan.I’llpickyou

uprightafterlunchandwe’llgooverthere.MaybewecangetaholdofDonovanbeforethen,

youkeeptryingandsowillI.”

“Soundsgood,I’llbeready.”

Afterashower,shetriedagaintogetaholdofDonovan,bothbyphoneandbyemail.When

shewasunsuccessful,allherdoubtscamebubblingtothesurfaceagain.Knowingthatsitting

aroundthehousewouldn’tgetheranywhere,sheputonhercoatandbootsandheaded

outsidetoshovelthewalksanddriveway.ShestillhadacoupleofhourstokillbeforeDaphne

pickedherupandsomephysicalactivitymightbejustwhatsheneeded.

Chapter12

Donovanwaspacingrestlesslyaroundthesmallroominthepolicestation.They’dfinallybeen

clearedtoleavethecountyandwerewaitingforthepassportstobereturned.Ithadtakenfar

longerthanhe’dhopedtogetthingssettled.Ithadtakentwodaystogetintoseethebank

president,thenanotherdaywiththepolicebeforethemayor’sschemehadbeenfullyrevealed.

They’dhadtowadethroughmilesofpaperworkjusttoconvincethebankandthepolicethat

Donovanwasnotthepersonwho’dopenedtheaccount.Oncethathadbeenaccomplished

thingshadgonequickly,theauthoritiesjoinedtheinvestigationsinceithadnowbecomeacase

oninternationalidentityfraud,andthemayorwassoonexposedastheguiltyparty.

Ithadbeenarelieftofinallyhavesomeconcreteevidenceagainsthim,itwouldhavebeennice

tohavesomethingtodirectlytiehimtothetoxicwaste,butthemanwouldnowbedealingwith

alotofbiggerproblems,gettinghimtoconfessshouldn’tbeaproblem.

NowwhatheneededmorethananythingwastotellElizabethaboutwhatthey’ddiscovered,

buthe’dbeenavoidingherfordays,thenthepolicehadtakenhisphoneandcomputer.He

knewthatshewouldstillbepursuingtheinvestigation,whichatthispointwasonlyputtingherin

unnecessarydanger.Theinspectorhadpromisedtogettheirthingstothemquickly,butit

wasn’tfastenoughforDonovan.

Theyhadaplanewaitingattheairport,readytoflythembacktothestates,theywouldbe

homeinafewhoursanditwasstillthemiddleofthenightbackhome.Ifnothingelse,he

shouldbeabletoleaveamessageonherphoneorthroughemail.Hebreathedasighofrelief

whenhesawtheinspectorcomingdownthehallwithaboxfulloftheirproperty.

Theysaidtheirgoodbye’squickly,knowingthatthiswouldn’tbethelasttimetheyheardfrom

theinspector.Theyhailedataxiandpromisedthedriverabigtipifhegotthemtherequickly.

Assoonastheywereinthecar,DonovanwasonhisphonetryingtoreachElizabethwhile

Charlessentemailstoeveryonehecouldthinkof.

Theybothknewthatifthemayortriedtoaccesstheaccounttoday,hewouldbelockedout.

Thenhe’dknowthatsomeonewasontohimandthatputElizabethinadangeroussituation.As

thephonerangandrang,hisworryonlyincreased,whennoteventhevoicemailpickeduphe

knewsomethingwaswrong.

“Don’tworryit’sprobablythestorm,they’regettingsnowrightnow.”Charlessaid,showinghim

thelivefeedfromtheresort.“There’ssupposedtobeabreakinthestormearlyinthemorning,

butthenanotherfrontismovingin.”

“Didtheemailsgothrough?”

“AsfarasIcantell,butyouknowhowspottythesignalscanbeduringstorms.”

“Great,theonlytimewe’llbeabletoreachthemforsureiswhenwe’llbeintheair.”Donovan

wasbeyondfrustrated.

“Wecouldwaituntilthen,callthem,thenwecanflyhome.ItmightdelayusafewhoursbutI

thinkitmightbeourbestchancetomakecontact.”

Donovanconsidereditforonlyasecond.“No,weneedtogethome.Icanjustfeelit,Ineedto

gethome.”

“I’mwithyounomatterwhatyoudecide.Doyoureallythinkthemayorwillresulttoviolence?”

Charlesasked,skepticisminhisvoice.

“Thinkofwhathehastolose,therewasmillionsofdollarsinthataccount,nottomentionthe

identitytheftandenvironmentpollution.IfhethinksElizabethisontohim,he’lldowhathehas

to.I’veseenthemanberuthlessbefore.”

Charlesdidn’tsayanything,justgotbackonthecomputertotrackthestormsthatwouldbe

descendingonColoradointhenextfewhours.“We’regoingtohaveahardtimegettinghome,

thatstormisgoingtoblankettheentirestate.I’mgoingtogetaholdofourpilotsowecan

decidethebestwaytogetaroundthestorm.”

BythetimetheyreachedtheairportDonovanwasn’tsurehowhewasgoingtomakeitthrough

thelongflight,hissenseofdoomhadonlybeenincreasingoverthelastfewhours.Heneeded

togethometoElizabethasquicklyashecould,ofthathewassure.

*****

WhenElizabethandDaphnesteppedontotheporchtheyhadtheirstoryallpreparedtoexplain

theirvisit,sowhenBruceopeningthedoortheywereready.Hewassurprisedtoseethemat

first,thengoastrangelyexcitedlookonhisface.

“HelloDaphne.TowhatdoIowethisunexpectedvisit?”Hesaid,gesturingforthemtoenterthe

house.

Astheywalkedthroughthedoor,thefirstthingthatcaughtElizabeth’sattentionwasahuge

paintingintheentryway.Ifitwastherealthing,itwouldbeworthmillions.Asmuchasshe

wantedtolaunchrightinwithquestionsaboutthepaintingsheknewtheyhadtosticktothe

plan.

“Elizabethwantedtomeetyou,she’sheardaboutyourworkwithsolarenergy.”Daphnesaid,

astheyfollowedhimintoaformallivingroom.

“That’sveryflattering,andIwouldbehappytotellyouaboutmywork,butcouldyouexcuse

meforjustamoment.IneedtomakeaquickphonecallandthenI’llgetussome

refreshments.”

Theyhadnochoicetoagree,butElizabethfeltthefirststirringsofdoubt,whichwereonly

increasedwhentheyheardBrucetalkingonthephone.He’dsteppedoutinthehall,but

obviouslydidn’trealizethattheycouldstillhearhim.

“Yes,they’rehere.Idon’tknowwhy.Ithinkthey’reontous.”Hecouldclearlybeheardtosay.

Butthenhewalkedfurtherdownthehallandtheycouldn’thearanythingelse.

ElizabethandDaphneexchangedworriedlooks,thenbegantogetup,butbeforetheycould

Brucecamebackintotheroom.Helookednervous,hishandsshakingashesmoothedhishair

backfromhisface.

“Areyouleavingsosoon?Youjustgothere,Ican’tletyougososoon.”Hesaid,pullingagun

fromoutofhispocket.“I’mafraidyou’regoingtohavetowaithereforthemayor,itappears

you’vebeenstickingyournosesintosomethingthatyoushouldn’thavebeen.”

Elizabethopenedhermouthtoprotest,butthemayorburstthroughthedoor,anotherguninhis

hand.“Okayyoutwoup.”Hesaid,wavingthegunatthem.

HethrewabunchofropetoBrucewhoimmediatelytiedtheirhandsbehindtheirbacks.

Drapingtheircoatsaroundtheirshouldershesaid.“Hopefullythiswillbeenoughtokeepyou

warmontheride,ofcourseitwon’tmatterintheend,butIdon’twanttohaveyoudyingonme

toosoon.”

“Whyareyoudoingthis?”Elizabethasked,tryingtostallfortime.

“Don’tplaystupidwithme.Iknowyou’veuncoveredourlittlescheme.Mysecuritycameras

recordedyoutakingpicturesofmypaintingswhenyouweresupposedtobesick.Thentoday

youshowuphere,atlittletoomuchofacoincidenceifyouaskme.Nowwe’regoingtotakea

littleride,Iwanttoshowyouwhatyou’vebeenlookingfor.”

“You’llnevergetawaywiththis.”Daphnesaid.

“Bythetimetheyfindyou,we’llbelonggone.”Themayorsaid,withasneer.“Nowmove.”

Theystumbledoutofthehouse,andwereforcedtoclimbintoatrailerattachedtoasnow

mobile.Elizabethwassofocusedonthemayor,shewassurprisedwhenafoulsmellingcloth

wassuddenlycoveringhermouth.Shetriednottobreathe,butwithinsecondsshefeltthe

worldgettingsmallerandsmaller.

DonovanandCharleswereracingthroughtheterminalontheirwaytopickupwhereajeep,

competewithsnowtiresandchainswaswaitingforthem.They’dbarelymanagedtolandat

theairportinthecitybeforeithadbeencloseddown.Nowtheyhadtomakeitupthemountain,

inoneoftheworstblizzardsthestatehadseeninalongtime.

Whatshouldhavebeenatwohourdrivewouldtakemuchlongerandtheystillhadn’tbeenable

togetaholdofanyonefromPleasantValley.Butastheyweredriving,Donovansuddenly

rememberedthesatellitephoneinthesecuritycomplexattheresort.Itwastherefor

emergenciesandthiswasdefinitelyone.

OnceDonovanhadreachedoneoftheguards,hesenthimuptotheranchtoalertthemof

whatthey’dfound.HewassurethatGarrettwouldbethereandhecouldgoandwarn

Elizabeth,butuntilheknewshewassafethey’dhavetocontinueonatspeedsthatwereless

thansafe.

*****

Elizabethwokeupdisoriented,herstomachthreateningonceagaintospillitcontents,then

realizedwithastartthattheywereinacave.Daphnestirrednexttoher,moaningasshetoo

realizedwheretheywere.

Therewasalightcomingfromthebackofthegiantspace,givingthemjustenoughlighttosee

wheretheywere.Itwasn’tacave,itwasthemine,anditwasfreezing.Elizabethwasgladthat

she’ddressedfortheweather,butshewasstillbeginningtobecomequitecold.Asshebegan

toshiver,Daphnedidtoo.

“We’regoingtofreezetodeathifwedon’tgetsomemoreheat.”Daphnesaid.

“Ithinkthatwashisplan.Buthemuststillbehere.”Elizabethsaidthoughchatteringteeth.

Justthenthemayorcameoutofthebackofthemine,hewascertainlydressedforthe

weather,onlyhisfaceshowing.“Ladies,gladtoseeyou’reawake.BeforeIleaveyoutoyour

fate,wouldyouliketoseewhatallthefusshadbeenabout?”Hesaid,helpingeachofthemto

theirfeet.

Hegavethemeachagentlepushtowardthebackofthemine.Whentheygotcloser,Elizabeth

couldseethebarrelsoftoxicwastepiledupalongoneside.“It’sashamethatonebarrelhad

toleak,IthoughtI’drepairedthedamagesoonenough,butobviouslynot.Iwon’tmakethat

mistakeagain.”

“You’renotgoingtogetawaywiththis,mycousinisprobablyalreadyonhiswayhere.”

“Iseriouslydoubtthat,itwasniceoftheweathertogivemesomehelp.Nocellservice,no

rescue.NoI’mafraidwe’vecometotheendladies.”Hesaid,pullinghisglovesoffasBrucedid

thesame.

Theybothfought,butintheendtheirfeetweretiedtogetheraswell.Asthemayorleft,he

calledoverhisshoulder.“I’mgoingtoleavethelightonforyou,atleastyoucanseewhile

you’refreezingtodeath.YoushouldhavestucktowhatyouweregoodatMs.Mathewsand

stayedintheAmazon.”

*****

DonovanandCharlesarrivedintownjustasthesunwasgoingdown,ofcourseitdidn’tmake

muchdifference,thecloudcoverandsnowweresothickithadbeennearlydarkforalmostan

hour.TheypulledupinfrontofElizabeth’shousejustasGarrettcameflyinguptheroad.

JumpingoutofthetruckhemetDonovanbeforehewashalfwaytothedoor.“Theywentto

Bruce’shouseaboutthreehoursago.I’vealreadybeenthereandit'sdark,themayor’smissing

too.Hiswifeclaimshejustjumpedupandtoreoffonhissnowmobile.”

“Damn,we’retoolate.Somethingtippedhimoff,butIdon’tknowwhat.Iknewthatwasgoing

tohappen.Wherewouldtheyhavetakenthem?”

“Themine.”Theyallsaidinunison.

Theyquicklyputtogetheraplan,Charles’sjobwastogoforthesheriff,whileDonovanand

Garrettwenttothemine.“We’llborrowsnowmobilesfromtheresort,andheadstraightthere.I

justhopewe’renottoolate.”Donovansaid.

“We’llgetthereintime,don’tworry.”Garrettsaid,takingseveralgunsfromthetruckand

handingthemtoDonovan.“Let’sgo.”Charlesdroppedthemattheresort,thenheadedoutto

findthesheriff.DonovanandGarrettwereonthetrailinminutes,hopingthattheirknowledgeof

theareawouldworkintheirfavor.Garretttookthemofftrailandtheymaderecordtime,

stoppingfarenoughawayfromtheminetokeeptheirpresenceundetected.

Thesnowhadcontinuedtofallasthey’dmadetheirascent,nowitwasseveralfeetdeep,but

GarrettandDonovanhadspenttheirentirelivesinthemountainsandknewhowtodealwith

thesnow.Astheyapproachedtheopeningforthemine,theycouldseethegate,whichwas

normallyshutandlocked,hangingopen.

Breathingasighofreliefthattheyweren’ttoolate,theycreptasclosetotheopeningasthey

could,thenwaitedwhiletheycaughttheirbreath.“Howdoyouwanttodothis?Ihatetofollow

theminside,butIdon’twanttowaitouthereeither.”Donovansaid,wantingtogettoElizabeth

andDaphneasfastastheycould.

Beforetheycouldcometoadecision,theyheardvoicescomingfromthemine.Asthey

watched,themayorandBrucestumbledoutofthemine.“Theywon’tlastanotherhourinthe

coldandthat’soneproblemsolved.Nowweneedtogetourpaintingspackedandgetoutof

town.Bythetimetheyfindthem,we’llbelonggone.”Themayorwassayingastheycameout

ofthemine.

TheystoppedjustoutsidetheopeningwhenBrucecametoahalt.“Ican’tgetmyfamily

packedandreadythatfast.Younevertoldmewemighthavetopackupandleaveinthe

middleofthenight.”

GarrettandDonovanhadbeenslowlyworkingtheirwayclosertothemine,oncetheywere

closeenoughGarrettsteppedintothelightandsaid.“Bruceyouaren’tgoingtohavetoworry

aboutthat.You’llbespendingtherestofthenightinjail.”

Bruceandthemayorlookedaroundthemstartled,thenthemayortriedtoreachforhisgun,but

hisheavyglovesslowedhimdown.Garretthadhisshotgunpointedathimbeforehecouldpull

thegunout.“Iwouldn’tdothatifIwereyou.OnethingIknowforsure,thisshotgunwouldput

alargeholeinyoufasterthanyoucouldgettoyourlittlehandgun.”

Theybackedthemenintothemine,Donovanrushingtothetwowomenassoonashesaw

them.Theywerehuddledtogether,bothlookingfrozen.DaphnewasabletotalkasDonovan

starteduntyingthem.

“Elizabethneedstogetwarmrightaway.I’musedtothecold,butshe’smoresensitive.She

stoppedshiveringafewminutesago.”

DonovanstrippedoffhisjacketandhandedittoDaphnethenscoopedElizabethupintohis

armsandheadedbackoutofthecave.Heknewthattherewasasmallcabinjustontheother

sideofthemine.Itwasusedmainlyinthesummer,butwasequippedwithawoodstoveanda

supplyoffirewood.

Garretthadthesituationwellinhand,heforcedBrucetotieupthemayor’shands,thentiedup

Bruce’s.Daphnewasstridingaroundthecave,warmingherself.“Iwasbeginningtogetworried

thatyouweren’tgoingtocomeforus.Thatwasalittletoocloseforcomfort.”

“Yourwelcomecousin.”Garrettsaid,givingherahug.

“IneedtocheckonDonovanandElizabeth.Thesheriffisonhisway,Ithinkweshouldwaitfor

him.Areyougoingtobeokaywiththem?”

“Imightaccidentallyshootoneofthemiftheymove,soIhopetheydon’t.Although,Imightnot

mindputtingaholeinoneofthemgiventheopportunity.”Shesaid,takingtheshotgunfrom

Garrett.

BythetimeGarrettgotovertothecabin,Donovanhadaroaringfiregoing.He’dpulledthebed

asclosetothefireashecouldandwasholdingElizabethinhislap,theywerecoveredbya

hugepileofblankets.Elizabethwasshiveringviolently,herentirebodyrackedwithmuscle

spasmsasherbodybegantowarmagain.

“Howisshe?”Garrettasked,cominginaclosingthedoor.

“ItwascloseenoughIdon’twanttothinkaboutit.Butshe’sgoingtobefineonceIcangether

warmedup.”

Garrettputsomemorewoodonthefire,thencheckedthecabinetsforsomethingtomakea

hotdrinkfrom.“Howaboutsomecoffee?”HeaskedElizabeth.

Shetriedtospeakbutassoonassheopenedhermouthherteethbegantochatter.Evenas

coldasshewasthethoughtofcoffeemadeherstomachturn.Sheshookherheadno,then

yeswhenGarrettfoundsometeabags.Donovanwasalittleshockedatherrefusalofcoffee,

butwashappythatshewasabletocommunicatewiththem.

Inonlyafewminutes,GarretthandedDonovanasteamingcupoftea,fullofasmuchsugaras

hecouldgettodissolveinthecup.“You’vegotplentyofwoodtokeepthefireburninghighfor

awhile,IhavetogocheckonDaphne.She’sholdingthemayorandBruceatgunpoint,Idon’t

completelytrusthernottoshootoneofthem.”

HewasoutthedoorbeforeElizabethcouldthankhim,whichshewouldhavebeenabletodo

astheteaandthefireworkedtheirmagic.Stillshiveringalittle,shefinallymanagedtosay.

“Howdidyouknowwherewewere?”

“It’salongstory,butthebottomlineisthatwehavealltheevidenceweneedtoexposethe

mayorandshutdownhisentireoperation.Thesheriffisonhiswaytoarresthim.”

“That’sgood.Thenwecanfinallygetthiscleanedup.Didyouseeit?”

“Notreally,theonlythingIwaslookingatwasyou.Areyousureyou’reokay?Theydidn’thurt

youdidthey,becauseiftheydidImightjustshootthemmyself.”

“Theyknockedusoutwithsomething,butotherthanthattheydidn’ttouchus.Whencanwego

home?”

“Idon’tthinkit’sagoodideaforyoutogobackoutinthecoldtonight.Howaboutifwestay

hereuntilmorning,thentheycansendasnowcatforus,theyhaveheatedcabs.”

Suddenlyfeelingverysleepy,Elizabethonlynoddedherhead.“I’mreallytiredallofthesudden.

IsitokayifIsleep?”

“Idon’tthinkyou’reinanydanger,andyourbodyisexhaustedfromfightingtostayawake.

Sleepwouldbethebestthingforyou,butI’mnotlettingyougo,soyou’lljusthavetosleep

here.”Hesaid,shiftingthemuntiltheywerespooningonthebed.

Shewasasleepinseconds,knowingshewassafeinDonovan’sarms,hiswonderfulsmell

fillinghernostrilsasshedriftedoff.Hourslaterwhenshewokeup,shewasaloneinthebed.

Shebegantopanicforamoment,thinkingthatshewastiedupagain.Shestartedthrashing

around,onlystoppingwhenDonovancameoverandhelpedheruntangleherself.

Blushing,shesaid.“Sorry,Ifreakedoutforasecond.”Shesaid,thencoveredhermouthwith

herhand,realizingthatshewasgoingtothrowup.

Donovanrealizingwhatwaswrongwithher,thrustabucketunderherheadwhileshethrewup

severaltime.Evenmoreembarrassed,shetriedtoclimbbackunderthecoverswhenitwasall

over,butDonovanstoppedher.

“Youneedtogetsomeofthoseclothesoff,it’sveryhotinhereandthatcanbejustasbad.”

Hesaid,helpinghertoherfeetandbeginningtoremoveherouterlayers.Itwasthenthatshe

realizedthatDonovanwasdressedonlyinhisjeansandsocksandthatitwasveryhotinthe

room.

Oncehe’dremovedallbutherlacythermals,heputherbackinthebedbutwithonlyone

blanketthistime.Handingheraglassofcoolwater,hejoinedherinthebedagain,whichhe

movedbackfromthefirebeforegettingin.

Shedranktheentireglassofwater,feelingherstomachbeginningtosettle.“Thankyou.That’s

better.”

“Youmissedallthefun.ThesheriffdraggedthemayorandBrucedownthemountain

complainingtheentireway.”

“Servesthemright.Wherewereyouallthattime?”Sheasked,nolongerabletoholdthe

questionin.“Ithoughtyou’dabandonedme.”

“Thatwasthelastthingonmymind,Iwanttotalkaboutus,butfirstyouneedtohearabout

mytriptoSwitzerland.”Hesaid,strokingherhair.

“YouwenttoSwitzerlandwithouttellinganyone?”

“Ihadto.”Hesaid,takingadeepbreath,thenlaunchingintoanexplanation.

Bythetimehewasfinished,Elizabethwasbothrelievedandmad.“SoyoujustassumedthatI

wouldn’tbelieveyou.”Shesaid,clearlyangryathim.“Youdidn’tevengivemeachance.”

“Icouldn’ttaketheriskthatyouwouldn’tbelieveme.Ididn’twanttoloseyouandyou’dmadeit

clearthatyoustilldidn’ttrustmecompletely.Wouldyouhavebelievedme?”

Elizabethtookasecondtothinkaboutit,butthenrealizedthatshewouldhavebelievedhim.“I

wouldhavebelievedyou.Whenyoulovesomeone...”Shesaid,thenrealizingwhatshe’dsaid,

stoppedtalking.

“Didyoujustsaythatyouloveme?”

Whenshedidn’treplyforaminute,hereachedoverandcuppedherchininhishandandturned

herfacetohis.Shehadtearsrunningdownhercheeksandherheartwasleapingaroundinher

chestashelookedintohereyes.

“I’mgladtohearthat,becauseIloveyoutoo.Iwantyoutomarryme,Elizabeth.”Hesaid,

kissinghergentlyonthelips.

Whenthosewordssunkin,allshecoulddowasnodherheadyesandletthetearsrundown

herface.Hetookanedgeoftheblanketanddriedherface,thenkissedheragain,butthistime

itwasn’tgentle.Hewasdemandingandimpatient,histonguethrustingintohermouth,

possessinghermorecompletelythanheeverhad.

Sherespondedimmediately,herbodyonfireashecontinuedtokissher,hishandsroaming

overherbody.AnythoughtotherthanofDonovanfledfromhermindashestrippedoffhershirt

andtookoneofhernipplesintohismouth.Henippedandbitatthehardpeak,againmore

demandingashe’deverbeen.

Afterhe’dteasedeachofherbreastsforlongtortuousminutes,hefinallysatupandstripped

herbottomsoffandthenhisownclothes.Elizabethwantedhimtotouchhermorethanshe’d

wantedanythinginherlife,herbodywassingingwithpleasurejustknowingthatDonovanloved

her.Butthatalonewasnotenoughtosatisfyherneed.

Spreadingherlegsforhim,shewelcomedhistouchbyraisingherhipswhenhisfingerfound

herclit.Itwaslikeaboltoflightningwhenhisfingerslidacrosstheswollennib,everynervein

herbodycomingaliveatonce.Shewasmakingsmallnoisesinherthroatasheworkedhis

fingerbackandforth.

“Iloveitwhenyoumakethatnoise.Itmakesmewanttoburymyselfinsideyoutohearthe

noisesyoumakewhenI’minsideyou.”

Hiswordsonlymadeherwanthimmore.“Iwanttofeelyouinsideme.”Shesaid,pullinghim

betweenherlegs.

“Soon,butfirstIwanttotasteyou.”Hesaid,slidingdownherbodyuntilhisfacewasbetween

herlegs.

Whenhistonguefoundherclitandbegantolickandteaseit,shewasbeyondallthought,only

consciousofthewonderfulfeelinghistonguewascreating.Inonlyminutesshewasclimbingto

herpeak,thepleasureincreasingashistonguecontinuedtostrokeher.Whenheplungedhis

tongueintoherslickpassage,thenfolloweditwithhisfinger,herpleasurespiraledthenburst

overher.

Donovancontinuedtolickandsuckuntilherbodyfinallyrelaxed,spentbutstilltensewith

desire.Heslidupherbodyandtookpossessionofhermouth,kissingheruntilshebeganto

feeltheneedforhimbuildinginherloins.Whimperingwithneed,shethrustherhipsagainsthis

hardpenis,wantinghiminsideher.

“PleaseDonovan,Iwantyouinsideofme.”

“Yourwishismycommand.”Hesaid,meetinghereyesasheburiedhimselfdeeplyinsideher.

Hermusclescontractedaroundhim,pullinghimdeeper,buthewantedtogoevenfurther.After

afewlongstrokes,heslidherlegsuptohisshoulders,openinghertohiminawayhenever

hadbefore.Nowinsteadofgentlestrokes,hebegantopoundhimselfintoher,deeperwith

eachstroke.Elizabethwaspinnedtothebedunderhisstrongbody,butfeltonlyathrillatthe

sheerpowerofthemansheloved.

“IloveyouDonovan.”Shesaid,notabletoholdhertongue.

“Iloveyoutoo,Beth.”Hesaid,stoppingforamomenttokissher.

He’dbeensopowerfulbefore,butwithherwords,hesuddenlyturnedtender.Slidingoneofher

legsbackdown,herolledheronhersidestillburieddeepinsideher.Nowwithonelegonhis

shoulderandtheotherflatonthebed,hewasabletopenetrateherasdeeplyasbefore,but

hishandswerefreetoexplore.

Ashecontinuedtofillher,hisstrokesjustaspowerfulasever,hishandsfoundherbreastsand

begantoteaseandmassagethem.Witheachstrokehewasbringinghercloserandcloserto

orgasm,herbodytensingwiththepurepowerofwhatshewasfeeling.Knowinghowcloseshe

was,heslowedhisrhythm,bringherbackfromthebrink.

“Notyet,I’vebeendreamingaboutyoufordays.”Hesaid,pullingoutofher.

HeflippedthemoverandElizabethclimbedontopofhimandguidedhiminsideherwithher

hands.Shesatup,wigglingherhipsashishardpenis,sliddeeplyinsideher.Donovanwas

moaning,barelyabletocontrolhimself,hegrabbedherhipsandthrustintoheroverandover.

Elizabethreachedbehindherandbracedherselfonthebed,onehandoneithersideofhis

legs.ThispositiononlyopenedherfurtherandDonovanthrustintoherdeeper.Overandover

hefilledher,shecouldfeelherpleasurebuildingtothebreakingpointandrefusedtolet

Donovanslowdowntherhythm.

Sherodehim,drivinghimcloserandclosertothebrink,hisbodytensingwiththesheer

pleasureofherbodygrippinghimsotightly.Elizabethwasbeyondthought,onlywantingto

driveDonovantotheheightshe’ddrivenherto.Donovancouldfeelhisresistancedwindling,his

orgasmbuildingtothepointofnoreturn.

Hecontinuedtothrustintoher,meetingherhipseachtimetheycamedown.Elizabethwas

cryinghisname,socloseshewaspracticallybegginghimtotakehertofulfillment.Whenhis

fingerfoundherexposedclitandstrokedher,theworldexplodedintoawaveofpleasureas

herorgasmrockedthroughher.

ThefeelofElizabeth’smusclesclenchingaroundhishardpenis,senthimspiralingintohisown

pleasure.Elizabethfellontohischestandtheyclungtoeachotherastheirpleasurewas

releasedinaflood.Neitherwascapableofeitherthoughtoractionforseveralminutes,astheir

breathingreturnedtonormal.

Afterafewminutes,DonovanrolledElizabethgentlyoffofhimandgotoutofbedandadded

somemorewoodtothefire.Onhiswaybacktothebed,hedugsomethingoutofhispocket

andbroughtitbacktobedwithhim.

Gatheringherupagainsthimasheleanedagainsttheheadboard.“Imadesometimefora

littleshoppingwhenIwasinSwitzerland.I’dplannedtodothisdifferently.”Hesaid,pullinga

velvetboxout.

“Oh,Donovan.”Shesaid,gettingtearyeyedagain.

“ElizabethMathews,willyoumarryme?Iwanttospendtherestofmylifewithyou.”Hesaid,

openingtheboxtoshowherahugediamondring.

Shewasspeechlessforamoment,butknewtheanswerwithouteventhinking.“Yes,I’llmarry

you.”Shesaid.Throwingherselfintohisarms.

“Daphne’sgoingtobehappy.There’snothingshelikesmorethanawedding,howdoesnext

summersound?”Heasked,playingwiththeringhe’djustputonherfinger.

Shewasabouttoreplywhenherstomachgaveasuddenleapandsheknewwhatwassureto

follow.Jumpingoutofbed,shemadeittothebucketjustintime.Withlittleinherstomachit

wasoverquickly,butDonovanwasonhisfeetinstantly,holdingherhairbackwhileshethrew

up.

Oncetheywerebackinbed,hisconcernwasobvious.“Ishouldn’thaveletthathappen.You’re

stillrecoveringfromthattimeinthecold.”

Thenauseahadpassedasitalwaysdid,butElizabethknewitmightbebackandsoon.“It’s

notthecold.”Shesaid,lookingupathim.

“Areyousick?Doyouneedtoseeadoctor?Ithoughtyouwerefine.”Hesaid,suddenlyeven

moreconcerned.

“Well,Idoneedtoseeadoctor,butnotbecauseI’msick.Dowehaveagoodbabydoctorin

town?”Shesaid,grinningathim.

“Ababydoctor?Idon’tknow,you’dhavetoask.....”Hestoppedmid-sentence.“Youmean,a

baby,forourbaby?”

“Wemightwanttoplantheweddingalittlesoonerthannextsummer,unlessyouwanttohave

itinthedeliveryroom.”Shesaid,suppressingtheurgetolaughatthelookonhisface.

Hewrappedherinahugehug,thensaid.“Ican’tbelieveit,thewomanofmydreamsanda

baby.HowdidIgetsolucky?”

“Idon’tknow,butI’msuregladyoudid.”Shesaid,lookingintohiseyesandseeingthelove

shiningthere.“IloveyouDonovanTerrell.”Tearsrunningdownherface.

“Iloveyoutoo,Beth.”Hesaid,tearsrunningdownhisfaceaswell.

TheEnd.

MarryingTheCowboy

They'rebothinlove,butcantheytakeitfurther?

ThisisthestoryofKate,afashionconsultantwithherownboutique,andBruceabillionaire

wholikesnothingmorethanrelaxingonhisranchandgettingbacktohiscowboyroots.

Thetwohavebeentogetherforoverayear,andarenowfullyinlove.Bruceistheeveradoring

andsupportingboyfriend,andKateappreciatesallthathedoesforher.Shewantstogivehim

thesamelevelofloveinreturn,butcan'tshakethefeelingtheymaybemovingtoofast.

Kate'sfamilyandfriendscanseesheneedstorecognizeandappreciatethelovethatsheand

Bruceshare,beforehewalksaway.ButKatehadnotenvisionedfallinginlovebeforeshegot

whereshewantedtogowithhercareerinfashion.Nowthetwomainthingsinherlifeare

competingforhertimeandattention.

WithBrucetakingonmoreconsultingjobsaswell,howwillthecouplebalanceouttheir

relationshipsaswellastheircareers?FindoutinthisallnewBWWMwesternromancestory

byEstherBanks.

Suitableforover18sonlyduetoscenesofacowboyextensivelypleasuringhisAfrican

Americanqueen.

Contents

Chapter1

TheglisteningdiamondonKate'sfingerkeptherdistracted.Shecouldnotstopstaringat

it.Althoughitwasontheringfingeronherrighthandandnotherleft,itstillstoodforsomething

special.

Brucewasfullofsurprisesandhadgiftedittoherathisownbirthdayparty.Hewaslike

that,inlovewithmakingherhappy.Whatwomanwouldnotwantamanlikethat?

Twirlingthejewelaroundherfinger,itwasareminderofthecommitmentthatsheand

Brucemadetooneanother.Hepromisedtoloveherallofhisdaysandshedidaswell.The

lovebetweenthemwasnottheissue.

Katewalkedatightropebetweenloveandcareeronadailybasis.BeingtheCEOofher

ownfashionconsultingcompanyaswellasathrivingboutiqueleftherwithlittletimefor

anythingleisurely.Duringthepastyearoftheirrelationship,Brucehadalsopickedupmore

workaswell.Hewasaprivateconsultantintheaccountingsector,whichtookhimontripsto

meetwithvariousclients.

Whentheyfirstmet,Brucehadnotimmediatelywonherover,althoughitdidnottake

long.Hehadwalkedintoherboutique,lookinglikeadeerfrozeninheadlights.Everytimeshe

thoughtaboutthatmoment,itmadeherchuckle.Hewascompletelyoutofhiselement,which

waswhyhecametohertogetsomehelpwithfindingtherightappareltowearforafundraiser

gala.

Afterhisfitting,he'dinvitedherouttohaveabitetoeat.Aninnocentmealresultedin

interestingconversationandallowedKatetoseethatshehadmoreincommonwiththe

cowboyboot,jeans,andtengallonhatwearinggentlemanthanshebargainedfor.

Bruce'schosensenseofstylewasinstarkcontrasttotheswankycityapartmentthathe

owned.Katewonderedforamomentwhyamanthathadsuchruggedlookswouldliveinsuch

acontemporaryabode.

ShesoonfoundoutthatBrucehadoncebeenanaccountantataFortune500company

andhehadinfactdonesomeconsultingaswellandthat,alongwithhisinvestmentshadmade

BruceStangerabillionaire.

Tothisday,Katedidnotunderstandwhyhehadgonebacktoconsulting.Itwasnotlike

heneededthemoney.Andwithhimconstantlycomplainingthatshewasworkingallofthetime,

itseemedoddthathewouldgobacktotheverythingthatwouldtakehimawayfromhome

whenhelongedforamoreconventionallifestyle.

Theringwasnotquiteanengagementring,morelikeapromisering.Katewasnot

exactlyreadyforengagementandmarriageanditwasnotbecauseshehadnotfoundtheright

man.ShefoundtheperfectmaninBruceanditwasobvious,justthethoughtofmarriageitself

wasterrifying.

Sheheldherpromiseringandthepromisehemadetoherdear.Andsheknewwhatthe

nextstepwas.BrucewantedtosettledownandintoalifewithKateandhewasmakingit

knownmoreandmoredaybyday.Soon,hewouldbeproposingandsheneededtoprepare

herselfforit.

Reallifewasnotlikethemovies.Inthemovies,thewomanwouldgushoverherproposal,

cryingandfullofjoyasshegladlyacceptedtheproposal.Herbeauwouldbeonabentkneein

frontofalloftheirfamilyandfriendsandhewouldpulloutavelvetboxwheneveryoneleast

expectedandprofesshisundyingloveforhiswoman.Whenherproposalcame,shewasnot

sureifshewouldbeoverwhelmedwithhappinessorfilledwithanxietyaboutherfuture.

Sheknewthatbuyingthepromiseringwashiswayofallowingherbabysteps.Bruce

knewKatewellenoughtoknowthataskinghertomarryhimstraightoffwouldcauseherto

backawayfromhim.Shewashappythathegaveherthepromisering.Itletherknowthat

theyweregoingintherightdirection.Ifshecouldjusthavealittletimetoadjusttotheideaof

forever,itwouldbeevenbetter.

*****

"You'vebeenupallmorningtwirlingthatringaroundyourfinger.Apennyforyour

thoughts."

Katerolledover."Ihadnoideathatyouwereawake."

Wrappedintheblanket,shescootedherbodyalittleclosertowherehelay.

"Oneofthejoysofmyday.Iliketolayherenexttoyouandwatchyousleep.Youareso

peacefulwhenyousleep."

Katesmiled,stillgroggy."Areyoutryingtosaythatyouprefermequiet?"

Brucegentlystrokedherhaironherforehead.Lightlyplantingkissesonhertemplesand

thenhercheek,"No,notatall."

"Ofcourse,"shegiggled.

Lyingthere,snuggledinhisarms,itfeltnaturalandasifshewaswhereshewas

supposedtobe.Heheldhertightlyagainsthischestwhilerunninghishandsthroughherhair.

EarlymorninghadbecomeKate'sfavoritetimeofday.ItwasthetimewhensheandBruce

werealoneandcalmintheirownspaceanditwasjustthepeacesheneededtostartherday.

Shehadgrowntoappreciatethewayhebroughtsuchserenityintoherlife.

"IwantyoutoknowthatIsawtheweddingmagazinesyouhavestashedinthe

bathroom."

Katesatupquickly.Atfirst,shethoughtabouttryingtomakeupareasonwhyshehad

themagazines,butdecidedagainstit.

"Ijustthoughtthatitwouldmakesensetostartlookingatdresses.Imean,justincase."

Shetriedtoshrugitoff.

Agentlehandtouchedhershoulder."It'sokay.Ididnotknowthatyouwerereadytoeven

discussweddingsandmarriageandsuch."

"Whatwomandoyouknowthatdoesn'tliketonosediveintoaworldofweddingdresses

andbridalmania?Idon'tknow.YouknowhowmuchIlovefashion.Ithoughtitwouldnothurtto

takealook.That'sall."

Bruceinchedclosertoher,wrappinghisarmsaroundher."Whycan'tyoujustadmitthat

youarethismuchclosertoconsideringmarriage?"Heheldhispointerfingerandthumbpinched

together.

"Ithinkwearegoodtakingourtime."

Softkissestrailedfromherarmuptowardhershoulders."Takeallofthetimeyouneed,

mylove.I'mhere.I'mnotgoinganywhere."

Thetouchofhislipsagainstherskinwasenoughtomakeherwanttostaythereinbed

withhimallday.

"Youaretryingtodistractmeandmakemestayhereinbedwithyouallday."

Thosesteelblueeyesstaredather."Isitworking?"heaskedwithaslygrin.

Bitingherbottomlip,sheconsidereddoingso."Almost.Iwouldloveto,butIneedtoget

toworkattheboutiquethisafternoon."

Brucecrawledslowlyoverherbody."AreyousurethatthereisnothingIcandoto

convinceyoutostaywithmejustalittlelonger?"

Itwasdamnnearimpossibletoresisttheman.Hisfingersleftatrailoffireonherskin,

makingherwanthimmoreandmore.

Kissessetherbodyoff,andshecouldnolongerresisthisadvances.Henuzzledhislipsin

thecradleofherneck,theveryspotheknewwouldencouragehertogiveintohim.Herlegs

spreadinvoluntarilyandheknewjustwhenshewasreadytoaccepthim.

Sheshiftedherhips,makingsureBrucehadfullaccesstoenterher.Whenhedid,a

feelingofblisssettledoverKate.Feelinghishardbodyagainstherswasacompleteturnon.

"Howdoesthatfeel?"heaskedasheslowlystrokedher.

Katesilentlynodded,unabletoverballyrespondasshefelthimplungedeeperand

deeperinsideofher.Hegrippedher,pullinghercloserandcloserintohisembrace.Itfeltasif

hewantedtomeltintoher.

Theirbodiesmadetheirownmusic,sweetmelodiesoflove.Katewascompletelylostin

themomentasBrucepatientlycommandedallofhermoodsandemotions.Justasshewas

comingclosetoclimax,itfeltlikehewasreadingherbody'slanguageandheworkedharderto

bringhertoherrelease.

Thequickinterludewasexactlywhatsheneededtostartherday.Withastretch,she

rolledover,completelysatisfiedfromherlover.Shekissedhimonthelips.

"InowthinkthatIhavetheenergytostartmyday,"Kateteased.

"Ohreally?"Bruceasked.

"Weshouldmakeitapointtodothateverymorning."

Aneyebrowraised,Bruceopenedhismouthtospeak,thenstoppedabruptly.

"Goahead,youlooklikeyouhavesomethingtosay,"Kateprompted.

"Wecan,"heblurtedout.

"Wecan,what?"

"Wecandothiseverymorning.Wecan,ifyoumoveinwithme.Orwecanfindaplace

together.IjustwanttomakesurethatIwakeuptoyoueverymorning,Kate."

NowitwasKatethatwasstallingfortherightwordstosay.

"Kate,moveinwithme."

*****

Heartracing,KatewasunsureofwhethersheshouldanswerimmediatelyorgiveBruce's

questionsomethought.

Hisgazepenetratedher,andsheknewthatshewouldhavetogivehimaresponsevery

soon.

"Comeon,Kate.Foronce,justdowhatisinyourheart.Stopthinkingsohard."Bruce

tookherbythehand.

"Closeyoureyes."

Shepaused,wonderingwherehewasgoingwiththeconversation.

"Seriously,Kate.Closeyoureyes."

Shesighed,doingasheasked.

"Okay,now.KateWalker,let'smoveintogether."

Shecouldfeelhimsqueezingherhand,andthat,alongwithhiscomfortingpresence,was

reassuring.

Herheartswirledandhermindwasfighting,forcingatugofwarbetweenthetwo.Bruce

wasright.Sheneededtostopoveranalyzingeachsituationandjustgoforwhatshewanted.

"Yes."

"Yes?"Bruce'sresponsewasmoreofaquestiontoreassurethatheheardhercorrectly.

"Let'smoveintogether."ItwasworthrepeatingsothatBruceknewthatshemeantwhat

shesaid.

"Youhavejustmademethehappiestmanintheworld,Kate."

Sherelaxedinhisembrace,knowingthatshehadmadetherightdecision.Hewasthe

rightmanforherandtherewasnoreasonwhytheycouldnottaketheirrelationshiponestep

further.

Bruceplantedsoft,featherykissesonherneck,stillholdingherclose."Thisissoright,

Kate.Weareperfectforeachother."

"Iknow,"shereplied."YouandIareperfecttogether.Thankyouforbeingsopatientwith

me."

"ItoldyouthatIwouldwaitforeverforyou."

Kateheardthewords,butshewasnotsurethatinreality,themanofherdreamswould

waitaneternityforhertoaccepthisproposals.

"Ithinkyouhavekeptmeinbedtoolong.It'stimeformetogetdressedforwork."

"Fine.IguessIhavetoletyougo."Heleanedinforakiss,andsheaccepted.

"Ihavemoneytomaketoday,thankyouverymuch."

"Hmm."

Sherolledoutofbed,withoutastitchofclothingon,knowingthatBruce'seyeswouldbe

gluedtoher.

Thehotshowerfeltwonderful,anditgavehertimetothink.Movingintogetherwouldnot

besuchabadthing.Thetwoofthemspentsomuchtimewithoneanother,thatitonlymade

sense.Ifhewasnotstayingoveratherhome,shewasstayingoverathisapartment.They

spentthemajorityoftheirfreetimetogetherandwokeupnexttooneanothereverydaythat

theywereintowntogether.Inthepastyear,theyhadcreatedacomfortablerhythmthat

worked.

Makingthingsbetweenthemmoreofficialwasgoingtobegreatfortheirrelationship.The

moreshethoughtaboutit,thebetteritfelt.

Bythetimeshesteppedoutoftheshower,thescentofbaconandcoffeefloatedintothe

bedroom.Brucewasagreatcookandhealwaysmadesureshewaswellfed.Itwasagreat

complimenttothefactthatshewasnokindofcookatall.Thekitchenwasnotherdomainand

sheneverclaimedittobe.

Shescannedhercloset,neverfeelinglikeshehadanythingtowear.Itwasacasualday

today;threeconsultationsandshewouldspendtherestofthedayattheboutique.Kate

settledonapairofvintagedenimpantsandawhitebuttondowncollaredshirt.

Thesmellofbreakfastpulledheroutintothefrontroom.

"Whatdidyoucookforbreakfast?Itsmellsamazing."

"Pancakes,bacon,andalittlecoffee."

Shetookaseatatthebarcounter."IwasnotevenawarethatIhadanyingredientsto

makepancakes."

"That,mylove,iswhyIamthecook.Sitdown.Eat."

Hepointedtotheseatwhereafullymadeplateofbreakfastsatwaitingforher.

"Whatisthis?"

Asmallblackboxsatnexttotheplate.

"Openit,"heurgedher.

Katecouldnotwaittounwrapthepackage.Shepulledtheribbonandtookthetopoffof

thebox.

"Bruce,youspoilme."Apairofprincesscutdiamondearringsshinedbrightly.

"Isawthemandtheyjustcalledoutforanewhome."

"Wherewouldyouhavebeenthatyouwouldhavehappenedtoseeapairofdiamond

earrings?"sheteased.

"Mylittlesecret."Heflippedthelastpancakeandturnedoffthestove.

Beforediggingintothebreakfast,sheputtheearringson.

"Bruce,youalwaysmakemefeellikeaprincess."

Hepoppedapieceofbaconinhismouth,smiling.Hisexpressionmadehimlooklikea

youngmischievousboy.

"Thoselookamazingonyou.Next,Ihavetoconvinceyoutowearsomegoodoldcowboy

boots.Youhaveonmyuniformtoday."

KatelookeddownandnoticedthatshedidhaveonwhatBrucecalledhisuniform:acrisp,

whitebuttondownshirtandapairofjeans.Healwayspairedtheoutfitwithcowboybootsand

usuallyatengallonhat.DespitethefactthattheylivedinLosAngeles,Brucewastherequisite

cowboy.Raisedonaratherlargeranchinamoreruralpartofthestate,Brucehadnotletgo

ofhisrootsdespitelivinginthemetropolitancity.

"IguessIdo.ButIthinkIdoitsomuchbetter.Especiallywiththesegorgeousearrings."

Shefinishedherbreakfastandpouredhercoffeeinherthermostogo.

"I'vereallygottogo,Bruce."

Heleanedoverthebarcounterandkissedheronthelips,leavingherthinkingbriefly

aboutwhethershewantedtostayhomewithherbeau.

"Iknow.I'llcleanuphereandwewillcatchuplater."

Hesmiledsoftlyasheturnedbacktostartcleaningupthedishesinthesinkasshe

walkedoutintothesunshine.

Itwasawarm,clearday,fullofpossibilities.Katemadeherwaytotheboutique,allthe

whiletryingtogethermindfocusedonwork.SpendingthemorningwithBrucealwaysgother

alittleoffkilter.Hermindwouldreplaythewayhishandsfeltagainstthesmallofherback,and

howhislipsfeltagainsthers.Theywerestillinthehoneymoonphaseoftheirrelationship,and

shecouldnotgetenoughoftheman.

Thatwasexactlywhatworriedhersomuchbecausesheknewsheneededto

demonstratesomeofthatfocusonhercareer.Itwasalwaysadelicatebalancingacttofigure

outhowtospendtimewiththemanshelovedandcontinuingtomoveforwardinhercareer.

Overthelastyear,shehadthepleasureofgoingfromafreelancefashionconsultantto

owningherboutiquetogainingnotorietyasafashionstylisttocelebrities.Arecentgigwitha

wellknownpopstarresultedinhernamebeingmentionedinallofthefashionblogsandmedia

outlets,creatinganexplosionofworkthatcameoutofnowhereovernight.

Fortunately,shehadateamthatshetrustedandtheyallwereridingthewaveofsuccess

together.BynomeansdidKatefeellikeshehitthebigtime.Sheknewthattherewassomuch

moretodotogettothepointwhereshewouldbeinanypositiontoslowdownorscaleback.

Afterallofthistime,shewasfinallygettingtowheresheenvisionedherselfinhercareer,and

therewasnowaythatshewantedtostopandtradeallofthatin.

Sheheardsomanywomenwhospokeofhowtheybalancedworkandhome,anditall

soundedsodifficult.WhenKateenvisionedherselfhavingthehusband,thekids,andthehouse

behindthewhitepicketfence,shethoughtthatitwouldbebesttobeabletofullycommitto

beingawifeandamother.Hermotherhaddoneso.Havinghermotheraroundfulltimewas

somethingthatKateappreciated.Shewantedtodothesameforherchildren.Andbesides,

shewasonlyinherlatetwenties,soshehadplentyoftimetogetstartedwithafamilyofher

own.Brucedidnothaveanychildrenandhadneverbeenmarried,sotheywouldembarkon

thejourneytogether.Butwithhimbeinginhisearlyforties,sheknewthatatsomepointsoon,

hewouldwanttohavechildren.

Asshepulleduptotheboutique,sheinhaleddeeply,closedhereyes,andrepeateda

soothingmantratoreadyherselfforwork.Herassistant,Ameliahadalreadysentanemailwith

herscheduleanditwasloadedwithfollowupphonecallsandSkypevideocallswithpotential

clients.

"Hello,ladies!"

"Theresheis,"Lindareplied.

"Oh,goodness,itlookssobusyinhere."Businesshadpickedupsomuch,Katehadto

hireafewsalesconsultantsfortheboutique.

Lindafollowedherbacktotheoffice.ShewassuchaGodsend.Lindahadproventobea

greatbusinesspartnerandanevenbetterfriendalongtheway.

"Itis.I'mtellingyou,aftergoingtoParis,theinventoryisflyingoffoftheshelf.Westill

needtositdownanddothisblogsothatwecanreachmorepotentialclients."

Katerolledhereyes."Youandthisblog.Iwilltakealookatit.Ifitdoeswhatyousayit

will,wewillhavetohiremoreemployees."

Lindasmiled."NotabadproblemtohaveifIdosaysomyself."

Thetwowomensetaboutstartingtheirworkday,andbeforesheknewit,theearly

eveningwasbeforeher.

"Ohmygoodness,Ihaveaboutthirtyminutestogetoutofhere.Ihaveadinnerdatewith

BruceandI'mtryingmyhardesttomakesurethatIamontimeforeverything."

Lindalaughedandshookherhead."Pleasebeontime.ThatmanadoresyouandIwould

hatetoseeyoupushhimawaybecauseyouhavetunnelvision."

"Tunnelvision?"

"Yes.Igetthatwehavethisbusinesstorun,butyouhavetohavealittlebalancetoo,

Kate."

"Oh,no.Notyoutoo.Onthatnote,I'mleaving."Shetriedtorespondplayfully,butthere

wastingeofseriousnesstowhatshewassaying.

LindameantwellandhadKate'sbestinterestatheart,butitwasalwaysabitirritatingto

constantlyberemindedthatshehadtofigureoutawaytojugglehercareerandherlovelife.

Shehadnotgottentothepointwhereshecouldmanageitall,andhatedthefactthateveryone

elsemadeitallsoundsoeasy.

Katewavedgoodbyetoherteam,andsetoutfortherestaurantwhereshewouldmeet

Bruce.

Shewashalfwaythere,proudofherselfforbeingontime,whenhesentatextthatthey

wouldbemeetingfordinneroutathisparents'ranch.

Slightlyagitatedthatshehadplowedthroughthetrafficalready,Katemadeherdetourto

thefreewaythatwouldtakeherouttotheranch.Onceshehittheopenroad,shedidnothave

acareintheworld.Besides,Bruce'smotherwasagreatcookanditwouldbenicetohavea

smallescapefromrealityoflifeinthecity.

Chapter2

TheStangerfamilyranchwasacozyplace.Itwasthekindofhomethatlookedlikethe

onesintheChristmascatalogsthatmadeyourememberwhatitmeanttobeafamily.Mr.and

Mrs.StangerhadbeentogetherfordecadesandremindedKateofherownparents.

ItwasnicetoseethatBrucecamefromsuchalovinghome.Katewassurehewould

modelhisownhomeafteralloftheloveandaffectionitseemedthathegrewupwith.

Mrs.Stangerwastheconsummatehostessasshealwaysservedwonderfulfoodand

drinkswheneverBrucebroughtKatetotheranch.ItwasalsowonderfultoseeBruce'sface

lightupwhenhewasaroundhisparents.Hewascompletelyinhiselementwhenhewasthere

withthem.Seeinghimontheranch,KatewasabletoviewBruceinadifferentway.Hislaugh

wasmoreheartyandhewaswaymorerelaxed.Itwasasifwhenhewasattheranch,he

gaveintothesideofhimthatlikedtotakethingsslow.

Inthecity,hewasaccomplished,astrongbusinessmanwhoknewtheboardroomand

howtoworkaclient.Attheranch,hewasafamilymanwhoworkedtheland.Seeinghimwith

hisbootsandhisjeansashecleanedthepensandgroomedhorseshelpedKatetolearnmore

aboutwhoBrucereallywasasaman.

Shelovedbothsidesofhim.Afterall,noonewasonedimensional.Itwasrarethatone

gottheopportunitytolearneverythingaboutthepersonheorsheloved.AndherewasKate,

abletoseeBruceforwhohetrulywas.Asimplemanthatlovednatureandlovedhisfamily.

KatemadeamentalnotetocallherownparentsandplanatimewhensheandBruce

couldgoandvisit.Theyknewthatshewasdatingsomeoneseriously,butshehadnotyet

broughthimaroundtomeetherparents,shewantedtomakesurethatwhensheintroduced

Brucetoherparents,thateverythingwasrightinherrelationshipwithBruceandtheywere

committed.

Thattimewoulddefinitelybenow.

Brucehadbroughthertotheranchseveraltimes.Hewascompletelycomfortablewith

herbeingaroundhisfamilyandshewantedhimtoexperiencethesame.

ShebarelyknockedatthedoorbeforeMrs.Stangerswungthedooropen.

"Kate,darling,thereyouare.Wewerejusttalkingaboutyou."Mrs.StangermetKate

withawarmembrace.Thewomansmelledlikefreshlybakedcookies.

"AllgoodIhope,"Katereplied.

"Mostdefinitely,"Mr.Stangercommentedasheapproachedthefoyer."Wewerejust

sayingthatwewonderedhowBruceluckedoutandfoundsuchawonderfulwomanlikeyou."

Mrs.Stangergaveherhusbandalightpatonhisarm."He'sjustjoking,"shesaidin

referencetoherotherhalf.

"Comeonin,Kate.Dinnerisready."

Whateverwasfordinnersmelleddivineandjustthatmoment,Kate'sstomachbegan

growling.

Mr.Stangerledherintothelivingroom."Bruceisoutsideatthestables.Ishouldgoand

gethim."

"MaybeIcouldgoandgethim."

Bruce'sparentslookedconfusedaboutKate'soffer.

"Wellnow,youcan'tgooutthereinthoseshoes."Mrs.StangerpointedtoKate's

designerpumps.

KatehadnotthoughtaboutthatwhensheofferedtogoandgetBrucefromthestables

fordinner.

"Ihavealittlesomethingyoucanwearoutside.Youlooktobeaboutasizesevenlike

myself."Mrs.Stangersmiled.

"ActuallyIam.Thankyou."

Bruce'smotherdisappeareddownthehallwayandcamebackshortlywithapairofwhat

lookedlikerainboots.

"Thesearewhatyouneedtowalkouttothestables."

"Thankyou.Iwillremembertobringsomeoutherethenexttime."

Mrs.Stangersmiled."Lethimknowthatdinnerisreadyandwewillbereadytoeatwithin

thenextthirtyminutes."

ShepointedKateinthedirectionofthestables.Thehikedownhillmadeherappreciate

thefactthatMrs.Stangergaveherthebootstowear.Thesoftsoilunderherfeetwouldnot

havebeentheplaceforhertowearsixinchheels.

Inthedistance,shecouldseeBrucewalkingoneofthehorsesaroundthecorral.

"Whatagreatsurprise."Hetippedhishattoherassheapproached.

Katetriedtowalkonhertiptoestomakesureshewastreadinglightlytoherdestination.

"IthoughtthatIwouldnotletyoucornerthemarketonsurprises.Thiscitygirlcanget

downanddirtywiththebestofthem."

KatewatchedasBruceranthelargebristledbrushoverthehorse'scoat.Hewasso

gentlewiththeanimal,suchabeautifulsighttosee.

"Ifyousayso,love.Whydon'tyoucomeonoverhere?Haveyoueverriddenahorse

before?"

Sheshookherhead."No.Ican'tsaythatIhave."

Brucebeckonedforher."Youcancomecloser."

"I'mnotsureaboutthat."Katenoddedinthedirectionofthehorse.

"Paddingtonisacalmsoul."

"Paddington?Youmeanlikethebear?"

"Yes,likethebear.Nowcomeonoverhere.IpromiseIwon'tlethimhurtyou."

KateinchedclosertowhereBrucestood.Shemovedslowly,notwantingtomakeany

suddenmovementsthatwouldscarethehorse.

ShetookBrucebythehandandsteppedclosertothehorse.Brucetookherhandand

helpedhercomeevenclosertotheanimal.Heinstructedhertoholdherhandoutslowly.When

shedid,shebegantofeelmorecomfortablebeinginsuchcloseproximitytotheanimal.

Sheeventuallytouchedhissofthair,runningherhandsthroughthehorse'smane.

"Thisisnotbad."

"Notatall.Oneday,Iwillgetyoutoride."

"Iwouldlovethat."

"Let'sgetPaddingtonbacktothestables.I'msurethatMotherhasdinnerready."

"Asamatteroffact,shedoes.That'swhyIcameouthere."

Brucechuckled."Soyoudidnotcomeouthereformywinningsmileandmystellar

attitude?"

"Definitelynotthose,"shelaughed."Butthosedevastatingblueeyesandthecharming

manbehindthesmilearemorethanenoughtokeepmecomingback."

"Duallynoted.Followme."

KatefollowedasBruceledthewaytothestables.Sheadmiredthewayhenavigatedso

fluidlyinhissurroundings.Heputthehorsebackinthestable,fedhim,anddidonelastcheck

ofthearea.

Inthatmoment,watchingBrucedosomethingheknewsowell,shefoundhimutterly

attractive.Evenmoresothanusual.

"Woman,whyareyoustaringatmelikethat?"

Katesuckedinherbreath.Brucewasturnedaround,withhisbacktoher.Howdidhefeel

hereyesonhim?

Shewasspeechless,unsurehowtoanswer.Whenshesatquietly,herespondedforher.

Pullingherintoanembrace,Katewasimmediatelystruckbyhiswoodsyscent.Hisstrong

bodyenvelopinghersmadehersoftenintohishardness.

"Imissedyou."

JustthatsmallconfessionfromBrucemadeherday.

"Imissedyoutoo.Comingtotheranchwasapleasantsurprise."

"Ithoughtthatyouwouldappreciateahomecookedmeal.Youknow,versustheswanky

cityrestaurantswithpriceymenus."

Sheheldherarmsaroundhimtightly,notwantingtoletgo.

"Goodidea.Icouldusethetimetoslowdownabit."

Alightkissonthelipsturnedsmolderingwithinseconds.Shewasunabletothinkof

anythingotherthanBruce'stouchashislipslockedwithhers.

"Staywithmetonight."

Shedidnothavetothinktwice."Ofcourse."

Hebackedoffjustenough,butitwasobviousthathecouldnotkeephishandsoffofher.

"Ifyoudon'twatchit,youmayhavetoundressmerighthereandnow."

"Don'tteasemelikethat,woman.Allofthistalkabouttakingyourclothesoff,Ijustmay

takeyouupontheoffer."

Kateconsidereditbriefly,herbodywashotwithdesireandshewasnotsurehowshe

wasgoingtomakeitthroughdinnerwhileshepinedawayforthemanacrossthetablefrom

her.Thenshethoughtthatitwouldbejusttheperfectforeplayanddecidedthatteasinghimall

nightwouldbeacompleteturnon.

"Whydon'twegetbacktothehouse?I'msureyourmotherisreadytoservedinner."

Astheywalkedtowardthehouse,BrucecameupbehindKate,kissingherontheneck.

Whyhehadtoteaseher,shewasnotsure.Itwasgoingtomakeithardertogetthrough

dinnerandtherestoftheevening,rememberingthewayhistouchfelt.

"Therethetwoofyouare.IwasbeginningtothinkthatIhadtosendoutasearchparty

tofindyou."

"No,Mother.IwasjustshowingKatehowtogetacquaintedwithPaddington."

Mrs.Stanger,browraised,commented."Whydon'tthetwoofyouwashup?I'mputting

thefoodonthetable."

BruceshowedKatetothepowderroomandhedisappeareddownthehallway.Onceshe

washedup,shefoundBruce'sparentsinthediningroom.Brucecameinshortlyafterherand

rusheduptopulloutherchair.

Hisparentslookedon,smiling.

"So,citygirl.Howwasyourtripoutsidetothestables?"Mr.Stangerasked.

"Isurvived."

Everyoneatthetablelaughedanddinnerwasserved.Overpoliteconversation,mashed

potatoesandporkchops,andafewglassesofwine,Kateenjoyedhereveningattheranch.

Afterdinnerwasover,sheofferedtohelpMrs.Stangerclearthetable.

"Thankyou,dear.Wereallyloveitwhenyoucomeouttotheranch."

"Iappreciateitaswell,Mrs.Stanger.Dinnerwaswonderful."

"Doyoucook?"Bruce'smotherwasbusyatwork,washingdishes.

"Notmuch.I'malwaysworking,soItendtogetmyfoodonthego."

Katesworesheheardthewomansuckherteeth.Shesatforamoment,tryingtofigure

outawaytorespond.

"Maybeyoucouldteachmesomeofyourbestmeals?Ihaverecentlystartedthinking

thatitwouldbegoodtolearnafewnewdishes."

Mrs.Stangerturnedtowardher,beaming."Icouldcertainlydothat."Shestackedthe

platesonthedrain.

"Itwouldalsobenicetoinviteyourparentsouthereforadinner.SinceyouandBruceare

becomingsoclose.MyhusbandandIwouldlovetomeetyourfamily."

"Thatwouldactuallybenice.Myparentsareretired,sotheytravelalotnow.I'llletthem

knowthattheinvitationhasbeenextended."

KategaveMrs.Stangerahandwiththedishes.

"DoyoumindifIaskyouaquestion,dear?"

"Ofcourse."Katetriedtohidethefactthatshewasabitnervousaboutwhatthequestion

wouldbe.

"Howdoyoufeelaboutmarriage?"

Katetriedtoswallowthelumpinherthroat.Itfeltlikeatrickquestion.

"Ithinkthatit'srightwhentherightpeopledoit."

Mrs.Stangerlookedon,waitingforKatetocontinue.

"Myparentshavebeenhappilymarriedforoverthirtyyears.IlookatthemandIseewhat

Iwouldlikemyownlifetobelike.Iwouldlovetomodelmyownrelationshipafterthem,butI

dounderstandthateachrelationshipisdifferent.SoIwanttofindwhatworksforme.Ideally,I

onlywanttodoitonce,soIwouldliketotakemytimeanddoitrightthefirsttimearound."

Mrs.Stangerhadbeenlisteningasshefinishedwipingdownthecounters."Youyoung

peoplehaveahugemisconceptiononwhatitmeanstobemarried.It'snotallaboutloveand

findingtherightone.Thereisnorealfairytaleinvolved.Justalotofwork.Butthatworkis

rewardingwhenyoucomehometothepersonthatmakesyouhappy.Whenyoubuildalife

togetherandhavesomethingtoshowforallofthesacrificeandthedayswhenthingsweren't

sogreat.It'snotthegoodtimesthatmakearelationship.It'sthehardtimeandthewaythe

twoofyoufightthroughthatmaketherelationship.Doesthatmakesense?"

"Makesperfectsense."

"Brucelovesyou.Icantellbythewaythathelooksatyou."

HearingsomeoneelsepointoutwhatKateknewtobetruemadehergushwith

happiness.

"Ilovehimtoo."OncethewordsescapedKate'slips,sheknewthattherewasnoturning

back.ShehadputitouttheretotheuniversethatshewasinlovewithBruce.

"Ihopethatthetwoofyoumakeeachotherhappy.Hedeservesallofthehappinessin

theworld.AndIhopethatyouaretheonetomakehimhappy.Andthathedoesthesamefor

you."

Kate'scheekswerewarm,sheknewshewasblushing."Hemakesmeveryhappy.Bruce

hasbeentheperfectmanforme.IhopeImakehimashappyashemakesme."

JustthinkingabouthowhappyshewaswithBrucemadeherfillwithlove.Inthatmoment,

shecouldnotfigureoutwhyshewouldbeapprehensiveaboutgoingintoalifewithBruce.

Mrs.StangerpattedKateontheshoulder."Ifyouknowthatyouhaveagoodman,the

loveofagoodman,theneverythingelseworksitselfout."

"Thankyou.Iappreciateyourkindwords."

"Welldear,Iamgoingtoturninfortheevening.Iwillseethetwoofyoulater.Havea

goodevening."

KatesmiledasBruce'smotherleftthekitchen.Shestayedthere,thinkingaboutthe

wisdomMrs.Stangerhadjustimparted.ItamazedKatehowhismotherhadknownsomuch

abouthowshefeltaboutBruce.Maybeitwouldbeworthittoletgoabitandgowiththeflow.

Shedefinitelydidnotwanttolosehimbecauseshewasstubbornlytryingtomakethingswork

thewayshewantedthemtowork.

Itwasdefinitelyworthtryingtomakeitallworkout.ShewassurethelovesheandBruce

sharedwouldbeenoughtomakethetwoofthemfiguresomethingout.Hisworkwas

increasingaswell,andhewouldbedoingmoretraveling,sonowtheywouldhavetomesh

schedulesandshareafewstolenmomentswhentheywerebothintown.

"Whatareyouthinkingabout?"

KatewasstartledwhensheturnedaroundtoseeBrucestandingthere.

"Ah,nothing."

"Thatlookonyourfacedoesn'tlooklikenothing."Hecameforward,caressingherface.

"Uswomenwereinheretalking,puttingawaydishes."

"Mymothercanbeabitmuch.Thereisafirecrackerbehindthatpetite,sweetlooking

woman."

Katelaughed,leaningherfaceintohistouch."Noreally.Shehasalotofinsightandshe

wassimplylookingoutforhersonandhisbestinterest.Youknowthatatsomepoint,Mama

Bearhastomakesurethewomanhersonbringsaroundhasthebestintentions."

Brucewrappedhisarmsaroundher."Ithinkweareabittoooldforthat,butokay.

Hopefullyshedidn'tdotoomuchdamage."

"Notatall,"Katereplied."Sheactuallygavemeagoodperspectiveoneverything."

"Dotell."

"Shewasjustsayingthatthingsaregoodifthetwoofusloveeachotherandmakeeach

otherhappy.Andbasically,ifwestayfocusedonthatandnotthefairytale,wewilldowell."

"Ilikewheresheisgoingwiththatthoughtprocess."

"Doyoureally?"

"Ido.It'sallthatI'veeverbeentryingtotellyou.Isimplywanttomakeyouhappy.No

pressure."

Standingonhertoes,Kateleanedintokissherbeau.Hislipsmethers,hishandsbegan

tomassageherback.

Amoanescapedherlips.Lipstrailedkissesdownherlongneck,onhershoulder,onthe

backofherneck.Heatwasrisingbetweenthemanditdawnedonherthattheywerestanding

inthemiddleofhisparents'kitchen.

"Wait,weareinthemiddleofthekitchen.Yourparentscouldwalkin."Herwords

escapedherlipsbreathlessly.

"Doesthatmatterinthismoment?IsthatwhatyouarethinkingaboutwhenIdothis?"

Henibbledonherear,inthespotthatheknewwoulddrivehercrazy.

"No."

"OrwhenIdothis?"Hereachedunderhershirt,massaginghernipples.Itdidnotseem

fairbecauseKateknewthatBrucewastryingtomakeherdohisbidding.Hewantedherright

there.

"Iwantyou,Kate.Rightnow."

Thiswasoneofthosetimeswhensheknewitwouldmakesensetotellhimno,notright

now.Theywereathisparents'home,andtheyweregrownadults,notteenagerswhoneeded

tosneakandhavesex.Butwithhishandsalloverher,warmkisseslandingalloverherskin,

therewasnowayshecouldresist.Shehadbeenresistingallnight.Fromthekissinthe

stables,tothewayhewaseyeingheratthedinnertable.

Shesimplynodded,lettinghimknowhehadthegreenlight.Pullingherhand,Bruceled

herthroughthewestwingofthehouse.Theywalkedoutofsomeslidingglassdoors,passing

throughthepatio,andouttothepoolhouse.

Bruceopenedthedoor,flippedonthedimmer,andslammedthedoorbehindthem."We

havecompleteprivacyhere.Icanmakeyouscreamasloudlyasyouwouldlike."

Bitingherlip,sheeyedherlover.Hehadherwedgedbetweenhisbodyandthewall,

providingtheperfectamountofpressuretoleaveherbreathless.Onceshewasinhishands,

therewasnolettinggo.Hewasgoingtoholdherthereuntilshewascompletelysatisfied.

Shenolongerwantedtoholdback.Shewantedtogivehimallthatheaskedfor.Whenhe

undressedher,Kateletitgowillingly.Lostinhiseyes,inhistouch,sheletgoandletBruce

havehisway.

Therewasnothinglikebeinginhisarms.Hiskisswaspassionate,calledforthallofher

desire.Shecravedhim,wantedmoreandmoreofwhatsheknewhewouldgive.Whenhe

undressedher,droppinginfrontofher,hethrewoneofherlegsoverhisshoulderanddrank

fromherflowingfountain,evokingalegshaking,earthshatteringreleaseinher.

Histongueonherclitoris,flickeringandbegginghertocumoverandoveragain.

"Cometome."

Brucepickedherup,takingherovertothebed,layingherdownashestilllefthisface

buriedinbetweenherthighs.Shewasnotsureifshecouldtakeanymore,butherbodytoldher

otherwiseandgaveintoeveryoneofBruce'sadvances.Onceonthebed,heheldherlegs

highintheskyandwhentheireyesmet,sheknewhewasgoingtogoforintensepleasure.

Whenheenteredher,shecameunhinged.Hishardenedpeniswasbegginghertocome

andshedidwhatshewasasked.Pulsating,themusclesinherwallsspilledforthbliss.She

grindedherhips,feelingallofhisguidance,allofhisgirth,fillingher.Watchinghisfacemadeit

impossibletokeepanysenseofcontrol.

Moans.Sighsofpleasure.Howwasshesupposedtosaynotothisman?Sheultimately

couldnot.Andthistime,losingallcontrolwithhimdidnotmakeherfeelhelpless.Itmadeher

feelsafeandsecurethereinhislovenest.Theresherealizedthatitdidnotmatterwherethey

were,shewaswiththerightman.Withthemanthatwouldcarenotonlyforhermindandbody,

butforherverybeing.

Thegentlecarehetookwithhermadehermorereadytoaccepthimfullyintoherlife.

Andinthismoment,shewantedtoacceptallofhimintohersoft,wetmiddle.Shespreadher

legswider,openingherhips,readytoreceiveeverythrust.Shewatchedashetookintheview.

Hehadtobitehislipashethrust,makingthembothcometotheedgeofecstasy.She

wantedtosqueezeherlegsshut,butwithBruceholdingherankles,layingthereonherback,

allshecoulddowasridethewaveoforgasmasithither.Herhipsbuckedwildlyashebrought

thembothtopurepleasure.

Ascreamescapedherlips,andshedidnotevenbothertotryandcalmherself.Itfelt

goodtojustunleashherselfandletgo.Brucehadnotstoppedservingher,despitethefactthat

herlegswereshaking.Nomatterhowmuchshebeggedhimtostop,hewouldnot.Relentless,

hekeptgivingKateexactlywhatsheneeded.

Inthatbed,theymadethesweetestlove,asheconvincedhertocomewithhim.Cradled

inhisarms,Katefoundallthatshewaslookingfor,allthatsheknewshehadinthefirstplace.

Brucelovedawayallpretenseandallofherprohibitions.Filledwithemotionand

satisfaction,shelaytherequietlyastheyrelaxedintheafterglow.

Brucestrokedherhairoffofherforeheadasshelayonhischest.Nowordsneededtobe

spoken.Instead,thetwoofthemlaythere,comfortablewitheachother'slove,anunspoken

bondformed.

Chapter3

KnowingthatBrucelovedherwasmorethanenoughforKate.Feelingitalloverherbeing,was

theicingonthecake.Itwasasifwhenshewokethenextmorning,lifewasbrandnew.

Brucehadnotspentthenightwithherbecausehehadaflightoutthenextmorningtoa

consultinggig.ItwasbestanywaybecauseKatehadafullscheduleherselffortheday.She

justhatedthefactthataftersuchapassionfillednight,theywouldhavetospendthenextday

apart.

WakingupthatmorningwithoutBruceontheothersideofthebedmadeKateappreciate

whattheywerebuildingtogether.Deepdown,shewantedmore,butshespentsomuchtime

convincingherselfthatitwasalrighttobeemotionallyunavailablebecauseitwaseasierto

focusonwork.

HerdiamondpromiseringwastrulyareflectionoftheloveBrucefeltforher.Itwas

obviousthatthenextstepwouldbemarriage.Shedreadedthinkingaboutwhatwouldhappenif

shedidnotaccepttheproposalrightaway.Havinganimpendingproposallingeringoverher

wasstartingtocauseabitofanxiety.

Kate'smindtwirledaroundwonderingwhenBrucecouldpossiblybethinkingabout

poppingthequestion.Woulditbesomespecialdateandwouldhecomeupwithsomeallout

bigproductionwhenhedidask?KnowingBruce,hewouldconcoctsomeelaborateproposal

andcompletelycatchheroffguard.Hisspontaneitywasoneofthethingsthatshelovedabout

him.

Assherolledover,spreadingoutalloverthecoolsheets,sheheardhercellphonechime.

Itwastimetogetherdaystartedandjumpheadfirstintowork.Scrollingthroughtheday's

agenda,shesawshewasscheduledtodoafewcallswithpotentialclientsandtofollowupon

astyleseminarthatshewantedtoputtogether.Onceagain,aschedulewithbacktoback

events.

Brucewasscheduledtoflyinbyearlyafternoon.Katewantedtodosomethingspecialfor

him,especiallysincehealwaysmanagedtodosomethingforhertomakeherfeelliketheshe

wasthecenterofhislife.

ShecalledherassistantAmeliaandaskedhertomakereservationsatanItalian

restaurantshehadbeenwantingtotry.NosoonerthansheconfirmedwithAmelia,Katecalled

herbackandtoldhertocanceltheidea.MaybeshewouldcookforBruceanddoalittle

somethingintimate.

Quicklylookingupamealonlinethatwaseasyenoughforhertomake,KategaveAmelia

thetasklistfortheday,askinghertodoalittlesomethingextrabypickingupthegroceriesfor

herimpromptudinner.

KatehadtopulloutallofthestopstonightandmakeBrucefeelaswonderfulashemade

herfeelregularly.Beforesheknewit,itwasearlyevening.Shewouldhavetohurrytoget

homeandstartcookingifshewasgoingtogetdinnerdoneontime.Brucehadalreadycalled

andsaidthathewouldbebythateveningaroundseven.

OnceKatecamehome,sheeyedalloftheingredientsthatAmelialeftforher.Tryingto

makesenseoftherecipewasliketryingtoreadaforeignlanguage.Shepulledherhairback

intoaponytailandpreparedherselftogetelbowdeepinpastaandhomemadealfredosauce.

Potsboiling,frustrationrising,Katethoughtrepeatedlyaboutditchingherentireplantocookfor

Bruce.Shecouldorderoutinsteadandpassthefoodoffassomethingshewhippedup.

Thesaucebeganboilingover,bubblingalloverthestove.Katecursedmorethanonce.

"Kate.Whereareyou?"

SheheardBruce'svoicecominginfromthelivingroom.

"Inthekitchen."Morecursing.

"Whoa!Whatisgoingonhere?"

AsenseofreliefsettledoverKatewhenshesawBrucecomeintothekitchen.

"Itriedtocookyoudinner.Itried."Shewaspracticallywhiningandabouttocry.When

Brucelaughed,shedidnotfindanythingfunny.

Heimmediatelysetaboutcleaningup,usingthedishtoweltowipeupthespilledsauce,

turningofftheoverheatedpot,andthrowingafewthingsinthehot,soapywaterinthesink.

"Youarealifesaver."

"Icantell.Afewmoreminutesandthisentirekitchenwouldhavegoneupinflames."

"Doesitlookthatbad?"Katequestioned.

Brucenodded."Justalittleworse.Whatonearthwereyoumaking?"

Kateshrugged."Ihadthisrecipeforchickenalfredo.Everythingwasgoingwelluntilthe

potboiledoverthenthingsstartedgoinghaywire.ThisisthelasttimeItrytocookafullmeal.

NexttimeIwillstartalittlesmaller.Withsomethinglikesalad."

Thetwoofthemburstoutlaughing.

"Startingsmallmaybejustwhatyouneed.Saladitis."

Katefeltdefeated."Isthereanywaywecansalvageanyofthis?"

"Ithinkthatitisover,mylove.Let'sordersomethingfordinner."

Katesighed."Ireallywantedtodosomethingspecialforyou.Youalwaysdosomuchfor

me."

Brucesmiled."Don'tletmestandinthewayofyoursurprise.Iwillbackoff."

"It'sallbeenruined.Ididnotgettheopportunitytofinishallofthepreparations,"Kate

replied,frustrationfillinghervoice.

"Sweetheart.It'sfine.Trustme.It'sthethoughtthatcounts."

Bythewaythekitchenlooked,Katewantedtotakehimupontheoffertostopcooking.

Thingscouldonlygetworsefromthere.Sheshuffledthroughthedrawers,findingthetakeout

menus.

Brucetookherbythehand."Whydon'tyouletmehandlethis?Youcangoaheadand

finishyoursurpriseandIwillhavethefoodforusshortly."

Katetookadeepbreath."Fine.Okay."

Brucetookabunchofthemenusandwalkedoutofthekitchen.Howhadhecome

throughandmadeeverythingsocalmsoquickly?

Shewentaboutsettingthemood.Lightingvotivecandlesallaround,turningonthesoft

jazzanddimmingthelights.Asshefinished,sheheardthedoorbellring.Brucehadtakencare

ofthefood.Nowsheneededtocleanherselfupabitandgetreadyfordinner.

*****

Kateletherhairoutofherponytailandspruceduphermakeup.Apopofacorallipstick

accentedhersimpleoutfit.Shechoseapairofformfittingjeans.Hermahoganycomplexion

wasgorgeousagainsthercreamcoloredshirt.Sprayingabitofvanillascentedperfume,she

readiedtoeatdinnerwithBruce,

Whenshewalkedintothelivingroom,therehewas,standingthere.

"Youaremyknightinshiningarmor.Swoopinginhereandsavingtheday."

"Itwasnothingreally.Comeon.Let'seat."

Kateledthemouttoherbalcony,whereshehadatablesetwithafloralcenterpieceand

abowlwithfloatingcandles.

Brucepulledoutherchairandwaitedforhertotakeaseat."Letmegetthefood."

Sherelaxedwhilehegotthefoodready.

"Herewego."Hereturnedwithtwoplateswithslicesofpizza.

"It'snotgourmet,butitisdinner."

Laughing,sheatethepizza."Allthatmattersistheoutcome.IwasstarvingandwhatI

hadgoingoninthekitchenwasnotgoingtocountasdinner."

Theairoutsidewaswarmandthesoundsofthestreetbelowsurroundedthem.Kate

appreciatedthefactthatthetwoofthemcouldsitinacomfortablesilence.

"Howwasyourconference?"

"Everythingwentwell.Imadesomeheadwaywithsomepotentialprospects."

"Thatiswonderful.I'mreallyproudofyouforgoingbacktoconsulting."

Brucewipedhismouthwithanapkin.Hissexygrinturnedheron."Thankyou.Ijusthate

beingawayfromyouforanyamountoftime."

Hetookherhandinhis."Itislikeaneternitybeingawayfromyou.Notwakingupnextto

youinthemorning.Amanshouldnothavetosufferlikethat."

"Tellmemore,"shepurred,leaninginasifBrucewasgoingtotellherasecret.

Gazingatherfromacrossthetable,Brucelookedasifhewasreadytopourouthisheart

andsoul.Shewasreadyforanything.

"Kate,overthispastyear,Ihavegrowntoloveyoumoreandmoreeachday.Whenwe

met,Iwasnotlookingforlove.Iwasnotlookingforanythinginparticular.Andthenyoucame

along.Changedallofthatforamanlikeme.Mydreamistohavethewifeandthekidsandall

thatlifehastoofferme.AndIwantthatwithyou."

Wordswerecaughtinherthroat.Katewasnotsurehowtorespondasatearcameto

hereye.

"Kate,Iknowwehavethesecareersandthesegoalsandalloftheseotherthingsgoing

oninourlives.ButIwantustokeepusfirst.Wehavetorememberwhatmadeusfallforeach

otherandkeepthatasourguidingforce.Wehavetoremindourselvesthatwefellforone

another,despitethefactthatoutwardlylookingin,weappeartobepolaropposites."

Hiswordsevokedmoretears.AsBrucespoke,Kate'sheartswelledwithlove.Bruce

neverhesitatedtotellherhowhefelt.

Hesqueezedherhand,thenbringingittoherlips,hekissedherskin."I'mallyours

tonight."

Shetookherotherhandandwipedhertearsaway."Good.Ididnotwantyoutoleave."

"Iwon't."

Hebeckonedforhertostandup.Shedid,comingtohimasheledhertotheledge.Bruce

wrappedhisarmsaroundherastheylookedoutoverthecity.

"It'sbeautifulisn'tit?"shebegan.

"What?"Henuzzledhisfaceinherhair.

"Howlifemovessoquickly.Thefluidityofitall.Thingschangeallofthetime.Whereyou

wouldthinktherewouldbesomesortoffearinthat,itisreallysomethingpowerful."

"Ithinkyouarerightaboutthat,mylove."Hekissedthebackofherneckandtightened

hisholdaroundherwaist.

"Youknow.Iwasnotlookingforloveatalleither.Ibasicallywantedtoworkandjust

focusonmycareer.IthinkpartiallybecauseIamdriven,andpartiallybecauseIdidnotthink

anyonewouldfulfillmyfairytale.AhugepartofmedidnotwanttobedisappointedatallifIdid

notfindlove.ButBruce,youhavechangedallofthatforme.Mademeunderstandthatlove

comesfromthemostunexpectedplacesandsometimesitdoesnotlooklikeyouexpectitto

look.I'msounbelievablyhappy."

Heturnedheraroundtofacehim."Whatyou'vesaidissomethingIalreadyknow,butit

warmsacowboy'shearttoknowthatyoufeelasIdo."

Hiskisswassweet,hisembracetender.TheflurryofIloveyou'smadethemoment

complete.Brucepulledherasclosetohimaspossible,theweightofhisbodyandthemuscles

onhisbrawnyarmspracticallycrushingher.

"SowherewouldyouliketogofromhereMs.Walker?"

"Thatisagoodquestion,"shesaid,speakingpartiallytoherself.Itwasaquestionthat

warrantedasecondtothink.KatewantedtoaskBrucethesame,butoneneveranswereda

questionwithanotherquestion.

"Ineversawrelationshipsasthetypeofthingwhereyouwouldhavetothinktoohard

aboutwhatwouldcomenext.Itisthekindofprocessthatmovesonatitsownpace,andI'm

learningthatpaceispresentwhethertheparticipantsarereadyornot."

Bruceraisedabrowatherresponse,butdidnotspeak.

"SoIguesswhatI'mtryingtosayisthatI'mpreparedtoletthisgo,letusgowhereit

may.I'mgoingtojusttrustinlove,andtrustthatlovewillguideuswhereweneedtogo."

Hekissedherforehead."Trustinginloveitis."

*****

WakingupnexttoBrucefeltexhilarating.Shelovedthefactthatheheldherintheirsleep,

neverlettingthembetoofarapart.Underhisprotectiveembracewaswhereshefeltsafest.

Sunlightstreamedinthebedroomwindow.Stretching,shehadnochoicebuttowakeupwhen

thesunfilledtheroom.

"Youaregorgeouswhenyouwakeup."

Shecouldnothelpbutsmile.Itwasnicethattheyhadsettledintoacomfortablerhythm

withoneanother.KatewascomingtoknowwhattoexpectfromBruce.Hewouldwakeupnext

toher,doteonher,cookbreakfastforthetwoofthem,andthentheywouldbeofftostarttheir

days.

Katerolledover,onlytoseeatinyboxrestingonthebedsidedressernexttoher.

"Morepresents?"

Brucenodded."Takealook."

"Promisemeonethingfirst."

"Whatisthat?"

"Thatyouwillnotgettiredofgivingmesomanypresentsandsurprises."

Brucejokinglylookedaroundtheroom."Hmm,letmethink."

"Stopit,"shechuckled.

Brucenoddedtowardthebox."Openit."

Sheleanedover,takingtheboxinherhands.Itwasflatandred,tiedwithasoftwhite

bow.Katecontemplatedwhatcouldpossiblybeinthebox,butshewasnotsure.Flingingthe

topoff,sheopenedittofindtworectangularcards.

"Whatisthis?"Herquestionwasrhetorical.

"Planetickets."

Sheexamineditforclosely.TwoticketstoParis,France.Kateopenedhermouthto

speak,butdidnotknowwhattosay.

"Seriously?"

Bruceshrugged."Ithoughtthatmaybewecouldgobackandtakethetimetoreallyenjoy

ourselves.Youwereworkingsohardandallwehadtimetodowasstealafewmomentshere

andthere.Itwouldbegreatifwegottheopportunitytogobackandreallyseethecityand

spendabitoftimewithoneanother."

"Thisisfantastic.IguessIhavetojustrearrangeafewthingsonmyschedule."

"Alreadydone."

"What?"

Brucekissedheronhersoft,fulllips."IcalledAmeliaandsherearrangedyourschedule

sothatyoucouldhavetheweekoff.Ontopofthat,Lindaisgoingtokeeptheshipafloatwhile

youaregone.Everythingisinlineandyoudon'thavetoworryaboutanything."

"Ican'tbelieveit."Kateclaspedherhandsinexcitement.

"Ican'teither.Youknow,Ifullyexpectedyoutosaythatyouhadahecticworkschedule

andthatweshouldplanthisforanothertime."

Kateplacedthetopontheboxandsliditinhernightstanddrawerforsafekeeping.

"Itoldyouthatfromnowon,thingswillbedifferent.IknowwhatIhaveinyouandIdon't

wanttolosethat."

"Soundssexy."

Katetenderlyreturnedthekiss,bitingonBruce'sbottomlip."Youcouldnotpossiblywant

tostayinbedallmorningsincewehaveaflightouttonight?"

"That,mylove,isexactlywhatIwantedtohear."

Chapter4

Forthefirsttime,Katehappilypackedandreadiedherselfforanadventure.Shehad

neverputherselfinthemindsetofbeinginthecurrentmomentandbeingfullypresent.Itwas

importantforhermovingforwardtomakesurethatsheenjoyedeachandeverysecondofher

life.

Afterhavingatalkwithhermother,sheknewshewouldhavetoliveinthenow.Ms.

Walkersatwithherdaughteroverawarmcupofteaandasliceofherheavenlypeachcobbler

andthewomendiscussedlifeandlove.

Ms.Walkertoldherdaughterthatloveonlycameacrossone'spathonceormaybetwice

inalifetime.Shedidnotwantherdaughtertoloseoutonknowinglovebecauseshewas

overworkingandleaningonherhecticscheduleversusenjoyinglife.

Herprecisewordswere,"Youcan'tcuddleuptothatjobofyoursatnight."

Neverhadtruerwordsbeenspoken.AlthoughKatelovedherjobandallthatshehad

accomplishedthusfarinhercareer,sheknewsheneededtofallbackabitfromhavingsuch

intensefocusonitandtakepartinsomeofwhatlifebroughtherway.

LifehadbroughtherBruceStanger.Allofherfriendswantedagoodmantomakethem

feelcomplete.Amanthatwouldlovethem,cherishthem,andadorethem.Brucedidallofthat

andsomuchmore.Heencouragedhertobeherbestandallthatherequiredofher,he

requiredofherself.Notonlywasheherlover,theyhadalsodevelopedafriendship.Shecould

shareanyandeverythingwithhimandknowthathewouldgiveherhishonestopinionand

alwayssteerherintherightdirection.

WhenshefoundBruce,Katehitthejackpot.Hermotherremindedherthatshewould

havetoworkforherrelationshipandthatshewouldhavetoputinthetimeandtheeffortto

makeitallworkifshereallywantedit.Whatshereallywantedtoknowwasthesecretto

makingamarriagelast.Sheassumedhermotherknewtheanswertothatquestionbecause

shehadbeenmarriedtoKate'sfatherforthepastthirtyyears.Somewhereinthereweresome

gemsthatshehadtogetaholdof.

Therewouldbeplentyoftimetofigureallofthatout.Theywerenotevenengagedatthe

moment,justonthewayonanimpromptugetaway.Whocouldn'tuseoneofthose?

TherewouldalsobeplentyoftimeontheTransatlantictriptodiscusswhereexactlythe

relationshipwasgoing.Themoreshethoughtaboutit,themoremarriageseemedlikethenext

step.Katedidnotwanttojumpthegunorforcetheissue,butshewantedtomakesureshe

andBrucewereontherightpath.

ShecouldcountonBrucetomovethattrainalong.Hewouldnotletthemlingertoolongin

retrograde.Hewasalwaysthecatalysttopropeltheirrelationshipforward.Itwasafactthat

Kateappreciated.Oneofthemhadtobetheonetodoit,thankgoodnessitwashim.Ifitwas

leftuptoKate,therelationshipwouldprogressatamuchslowerrate.

Brucewastheperfectcomplimentandheknewit.Hiscalmnaturekeptherfocusedwhen

shewantedtootherwisegiveintohernormalnatureandspreadherselfthinallovertheplace.

KatewatchedBrucesleeping.ThefirstsurprisehadbeentheplaneticketstoParis.The

nextwasthattheywouldpacktoleavethatnight.Ontopofthat,Brucecharteredaprivate

planefortheirtrip.ItwasherfirsttimeonaprivateplaneanditwasthetypeofthingKate

wantedtogetusedto.

ItwasoneofthefirsttimesthatBruceflexedhisbillionairestatus.Henevertrulydidthat

andlivedamostlysimplelife.Surehehadthemoneytoshowerherwithgiftsandtheyateat

thebestrestaurants,andnottomentionthefactthathehadaswankycondoalongwiththe

ranchthatheranforhisparents.

Thefactthathewasabillionairewasnotsomethingheimmediatelydisclosedwhenthey

met.ShewashappyhedidnotbecauseKatewantedhimtoknowshegenuinelycaredforhim

andnotbecauseofhissocialandfinancialstatus.

"You'restaringatme."

"What?Oh,sorry."

Brucestretched."Noproblem,mylove.Didyougetanyrest?"

Kateshookherhead."None.Atleastnotyet.Ijustgotfinishedsendingafewemailsand

readingtwomagazines."

Pattingherhand,Brucegotupoutoftheseat."Ineedtostretchmylegsabit."

Shesattherewaitingforhimtocomeback.Itwashardtoreallyrelaxwhensheknewit

wouldbesuchalongflight.

Brucereturnedwithtwoglassesofchampagne."Hopefullythiswillhelpyoutocalmdown

abit."

Thebubblyliquidwarmedherinsideandmadeherfeelslightlymorerelaxed.

"Thankyou."

"HowlongwasIasleep?"

"Foraboutanhourorso.Ididnotwanttowakeyou,youweresleepingsopeacefully."

"Ineededtherest.Andyouwillsoontoo."

"I'llbefine.Justabitgiddywithexcitement.Thistime,I'llgettoseeParisinawhole

differentlight."

"Thebestthingisthatwewillbedoingittogether."

WhenBrucespokeofbeingtogether,itwaslikemusictoherears.Thereweresomany

morethingsshewantedtodotogetherasacouple.

"Sowheredowestartfirst?Doweneedtomakeanitinerary?"Thewordsflowedfrom

Kate'slipsquicklyasshethoughtaboutallofthethingstheywoulddoinParis.Fullof

excitement,Kateclaspedherhandstogether,smilingasshethoughtaboutwhatagreat

opportunitythiswastovacationwithBruce.

Brucesippedtherestofhischampagne."Ididnotexactlyplanthetripouttothatdegree.

Itwasmoreofanimpromptuthing,mylove.Thekindofthingwherewewouldpickupandgo

andnotreallyputthatmuchthoughtintowhatweweregoingtodowhenwegotthere."

"Oh."Kateconsideredwhathewasproposing."Igetit.Thatwouldactuallybekindof

nice.Ineverreallyconsideredtakingatriplikethat."

Brucesatupinhisseat,lookingather."Areyouserious?"

Kateshrugged.

"Youmeanyouhaveneverjustpickedup,paidforahotel,chosenadestination,andjust

gonethere?Noexpectations.Noschedule.Noideawhereyouaregoingandwhatyouwilldo

whenyougetthere?"

Kateshookherhead."No.WheneverwewentonvacationswhenIwasachild,mymom

hadtheentiretripplannedoutfromstarttofinish.Wewouldseeeverythingtherewastosee

andthengohome."

Brucefrowned."Thatdoesnotsoundliketoomuchfun.Imean,nottodisregardor

disrespectthewayyourfamilydidthings."

"It'sokay.Ineverthoughtofthingsinanyotherwaybecausethatwasthewaywealways

didit.Ithinkitsoundsnicetojustgoandenjoyyourselfwithoutputtingsomuchthoughtintoit.

Maybewithdoingtoomuchplanning,wemayhavemissedoutsomethings."

"Shouldhave,couldhave,wouldhave.Noneofthatwillchangenow.ButI'mgladyouare

willingtoseethingsdifferentlytoday.Soareyougameforvacationingonawhim?"

"Mostdefinitely."

Brucetookherbythehand."Good.Now,Ihaveanotherquestionforyou."

"Shoot."

"Iknowwehavetalkedaboutitbefore,butIfeellikethingsarechangingbetweenus,for

thegood.Wheredoyouseethetwoofusinaboutfiveyears?"

Katedidnotwanttothinktoolongaboutthequestion."Iknowthatwewillbetogether.I

knowIwanttobewithyou.AndIalsoknowthatitisbestifIjusttrusttheprocessofitall."

Brucecockedhisheadtotheside."Really?Whatbroughtonthischangeinthought

process?"

Katesatbackinherseatastheflightattendantservedthemadinner.Theyboththanked

herandthencontinuedtheirconversation.

"Alittletalkwithmymother."Katelaughed.

"Ahha.AchatwithMomwilldoittoyoueverytime."Brucepeeredatherfromthecorner

ofhiseye.

"Whatdidthetwoofyoudiscussifyoudon'tmindmeasking?"

Katecuthersteakandtookabiteofthemediumraremeat.

"Shegavemeanotherperspective.Sometimes,itishelpfulforsomeonetoremindyouof

whatyouhaverightinfrontofyou."

Brucenodded."Icanunderstandthat.Whatpromptedthatconversation?"

"Sheisnotunlikeeveryothermother.Youknow,shethoughtthatmaybeIwouldbea

spinsterandnevergetmarried."

"Andwhatdoyouthink?"

"Ihavetotellyou,Ineverreallywasthetypeofgirltoplanoutmymarriageormy

wedding.Youknowthat.We'vetalkedaboutthatbefore.SowhenithappensthatIfound

someonethatIlovedearly,Iamnotexactlysureabouthowtopushforward.TheonlythingI

keepthinkingisthereshouldbesomekindofswitchthatflipsandsays,'Okay,nowit'stimefor

youtogetmarried'or'Okay,thisisthepropertimetohavechildren'.Andofcourse,thisisnot

happening.Thereisnogreenlighttosaywhatyoushouldorshouldn'tdo.Nothingtosay'Okay,

Kate.Thisistherighttimeinyourlifeforlove'or'Okay,Kate.Thisistherighttimeinyourlife

togetmarried'.Noneofthatishappening.SoIkindoffindithardtofigureoutwhattodo

next."

Brucechuckled."Itisamazingtomethatthewomanthatisarisktakerinfashionandin

businesswillnottakethesamerisksinherpersonallife."

"Wait.Whatdoyoumean?"

KateturnedallofherattentiontoBrucebecauseshewantedtohearhisanalysisonher

life.

"Well,I'mjustsaying.Youaresoreservedandwithdrawninyourprivatelife.Ithastaken

thislongtoreallyletmein.AndIgetthat.Itisnotalwaysthebestthingtobesoopeninthat

regard.Butdoyouthinksohardaboutwhetherornottotakeonacertainclient?Ordoyou

thinkthathardabouthowtotakeafashionriskwiththatclient?Idon'tthinkthatyoudo."

Kateopenedhermouthtospeak,butkeptherthoughtstoherselfassheconsideredthe

pointofviewBruceposedtoher.Hestaredather,waitingforherresponse.

"Youcouldberight."

"I'mnotposingittoberightorwrong.Simplyputtingitouttherebecauseit'sthewaythat

Iseeit."

"That'sreallywhatyousee?"

Brucenodded."Iwishyouwouldtrustabitmoreandtakesomerisks.Imean,your

bucketlistisfullofexhilaratingactivities."

JustthementionofthebucketlistbroughtbackmemoriesforKate.WhensheandBruce

firstmet,heconvincedhertosharewithhimsomeofthethingsthatshealwayswantedtodo.

TherewererandomthingslikeshewantedtoseeaBroadwayplayandcomfortablybeableto

affordshoppinginBalHarbourorRodeoDrive.Shewantedtobuyahouseforherparentsand

payoffallofherschoolloans.Butthenthereweremoreinterestingthingslikebungeejumping

andvisitingParisforFashionWeek.

Bruceencouragedhertogoafterthosethingsatanycost.

"Verytrue.Istillwanttobungeejump.Sometimesoon.Andpossibleskydive."

"Sothereisathrillseekerinsideofyou.Whereisthatpersonwhenitcomestotakinga

chanceonlove?"

Kateshrugged.Shehadneverthoughtaboutwhyshedidnottakechancesinher

personallife."I'veneveractuallythoughtaboutit.Imean,I'vehadrelationshipsbefore,but

noneofthemwerethetypethatmademewanttohaveanythinglongtermwiththem.Noneof

thatoccurreduntilImetyou."

Sheinhaled,shockedthatshehadadmittedthosefeelingstohim.Katehadbeenonthe

vergeofadmittingsomuchabouthowshefelttoBruce,butheldback.Whenshedid,there

wasaloadliftedfromhershoulders.

"Bruce,IneverthoughtaboutmarriageuntilImetyou.SothatiswhyIhavebeentaking

mytimewith,well,witheverythingbetweenus.Doyouknowwhatit'sliketosuddenlybehit

withthefactthatyoumetsomeoneandfellinlovesoquickly?"

"Mylove,morethanIcaretoadmit."

Sheunderstoodthegravityinhiswords."Sothenyouknowwhatitfeelsliketobeunsure

ofwherethingsaregoing.Tofeellikeyourfeetarenotonsolidground."

Brucekissedhercheek."ThatiswhatIthinkisthebestpartoffallinginlove.Thenot

knowing.Youdon'tknowwhothepersonwillbe.Youdon'tknowhowdeeplyyouwillfall.You

don'tknowhowmuchitwilltakeoveryourlife.Youjustdon'tknowanything.Butwhyonearth

wouldyouletthatstopyoufrombeingwiththepersonyoucareabout?Iwouldratherhavethe

oneIlovethannot.AndIwantthatwomanatanycost."

Hestaredthroughherwiththosedeepbluewindowstohissoul.Itwasasifhethought

thatkeepinghisattentiononherwouldhelphertocalmtheragingtideofanxietythatswirled

withinher.

"Anything?You'lldoanything?"

"Anything."

"Evensweepheroffofherfeet,charteringaprivatejettoParis?"

"Thatisonlythebeginning."

Kate'sheartskippedabeat.Shewasnotsurewhattosaynext.Herewasthemanshe

loved,confessinghewaswillingtodowhateverittooktohaveher.Sheknewthatmany

womencouldnotsaytheyhadheardthatfromanother.

Sheknewshehadtogoalongfortheride.Beinginlovehadtobeworthsomething.It

hadtobeworththeriskshewastaking.

*****

TouchingdowninParissentasurgeofexhilarationthroughKate'sbody.Justtoknowshe

wasintheCityofLovewiththemanshelovedwassuchatreat.Althoughthereweremany

placesshewantedtogoandsitesshewantedtosee,thefirstthingonherlistwasgettingto

thehotelandtakingalonghotbathsoshecouldchangeclothes.

ThecarservicedidnottakethemtoahotellikeKateexpected.Instead,theyweretaken

toaprivatevilla.Thelasttimetheywerethere,Brucehadbookedaquaintbedandbreakfast.

Shewasgrowingaccustomedtotravelingwithhimandhavingallofthebestthatmoneycould

offer.

Rollinghillsandthecountrysidewereapicturesquebackdrop."Thisisbreathtaking,

Bruce.Howdidyoufindthisplace?"

Hetriedtoappearnonchalant."Afriendofminesuggestedweusehisvillaforthe

vacation.Itookhimupontheoffer.Wecouldalwaysstayatahotelinthecityifyouprefer

that."

"Iappreciatetheoffer.ButIthinkthiswillbeperfect.AlittlequietwilldomesomegoodI

think."

Brucenoddedasthecarpulledintothecrescentdrivewayofthevilla.Thelandscaping

wasbreathtakingandKatecouldnotwaittoseetheinside.

"Wewillhaveachefandhousekeepingdaily,butotherwise,weareonourown.Ithought

thatwouldbeanicedifferencetothebedandbreakfastwheretherewasstaffswirlingaround

allofthetime."

"Thankyouforbeingsoconsiderate."Katelinkedherarminhisastheywenttothefront

door.Bruceusedakeytoopenthedoor.

"Idon'tthinkthechefgetsbackuntilearlyinthemorningforbreakfast,butthereshould

besomefoodhereintherefrigerator."

"I'mnottoohungry,butIknowIcoulduseasnackalittlelater."

Brucebroughtintheirbagsandsatthematthefrontdoor.Flippingaswitch,thelightgave

waytoanopenspace.Thegreatroomthatgreetedthemwasbeautifullydecoratedwith

contemporaryfurniturethatmetanoldworldstyle.

Katecouldnothelpbutstareatthedecorativecrownmoldingaswellasthegoldtrimthat

wasinfused.Thekitchenremindedherofthepicturesofcountryhouses,alargeislandwitha

woodencounterandthepotshungaboveitonarack.

"Thisissogorgeous.Ican'twaittoseethebedrooms."KatewanderedoffbeforeBruce

couldcatchupwiththebagsinhand.

"Ithinkthisroomhereisperfect."Kateflungthedoubledoorsopenandtherewasaroom

largeenoughtobeasmallapartment.Withasittingareaandanareawheretheycouldtake

theirmealsiftheywanted,Katethoughtthespacewasperfect.Abrassfourpostbed

furnishedwitharoyalpurplesatinduvet,aflatscreentelevision,andanenormouscherrywood

armoirewereamongthedécorintheroom.

"Bruce,thisisabsolutelyfabulous.Ican'tbelievethisiswherewewillbestaying."

"Ihopedthatyouwouldenjoyit.I,myselfdidnotknowwhattoexpect,butIam

impressedaswell.Here,let'sputourthingsawayandgrababitetoeat."

"Whydon'tyoucheckoutwhatisinthekitchenwhileIshowerandchange?"

"Soundsgood."

Katefoundthebathroomwhichwasfilledwithluxurysoapsandexoticperfumes.Ahuge

gardentubsatinthecornerandshewascompletelyreadytojumpin,butdecidedtotakea

showerinstead.Sheknewifshegotinthetub,shewouldnevergetoutandshedefinitely

wantedsomethingtoeat.

Thewarmwaterfeltamazingandwhensheusedthelavenderscentedbodywash,her

mahoganyskinfeltsilkysmooth.Allshewantedtodowasputonherpajamasandgetinthe

bed.

Herstomachgrowled,remindingherthatshewashungryandBrucewouldbewaitingfor

herinthekitchenwithsomethingprepared.Sheslidonsomecomfortableclothes;atanktop

andapairofshorts,andwenttothekitchen.Shefounditaftergettinglostdownanother

corridor.

"ThisplaceiswaybiggerthanIthought.IjustgotlostdownahallwayIdidnotevensee

whenwewerelookingaround."

"I'msogladthatyoufoundme.Haveaseat."

Therewasanookinthekitchenwherethetwoofthemcouldsitdowntoeat.Bruce

alreadyhaditset.

"Alittlesnack.Thankgoodnessthecabinetswerestocked."

"Youpulledallofthistogetherthatquickly?"

"Alittlesomethingformylove.Sit.Eat."

Theirmealwasfreshfruit,acutofham,andanomelet.Itwasjustwhatsheneededto

appeaseherappetite.

"Whattimeisit?"Kateasked.

"Itispracticallydaylight.Ithoughtthatbeforewegetsomerest,wecouldgoouttothe

gardensandwatchthesunrise."

"Thatwouldbewonderful.Let'sdoit."

Leavingtheiremptydishesonthetable,BruceandKatewalkedhandinhandoutofthe

patiodoorsandouttotheopen.Therewasafreshmistoverheadandawarmbreeze

envelopedthem.

Brucepointedtoaspotonthehillthatseemedlikeitwouldbetheperfectplacetowatch

thesunrise.Theytraveledtherehandinhandthroughtheanklehighgrass.Katesatdownfirst,

beckoningforBrucetositnearher.

Hedid,placinghisarmaroundhershoulders.Nowordsneededtobespokenastheysat

there,staringahead,waitingforthesuntorise.Katesimplyleanedinandrestedherheadon

Bruce'sshoulderastheyrelaxedineachother'spresence.

Asthesunpeekedoverthehorizon,KatesqueezedBruce'shand.Theviewwas

breathtaking.BeingtherewithBrucemadeitallthemorespecial.

Colorsofredandorangeburstthrough,signalingdaybreak.

"ThatwassomethingIneverthoughtofdoing.Thiswas...Idon'thavethewordsto

describeit."

Bruceturnedtoher."Whatiflifewaslikethisforyouallofthetime?"

Kate'sinitialresponsewasaffirmative,butthenshetookamomentlongertorealizewhat

itwasthatBrucewasasking.Herheartalmostleapedoutofherchest.

Allshedidwasnod.

Brucereachedbehindhimandpulledoutasmall,shinything.

"KateWalker,Iwouldliketoaskyoutomarryme."

Theworldstartedspinning.Katecouldhardlycatchherbreath.

Sheclosedhereyes,hopingshecouldstilltheemotions.ShecouldfeelBrucetakingher

bythehandandsliptheringoverherfinger.

"Kate,Iwanttoloveyoufortherestofourlives.Andifyouwillletme,Ipromisetobe

thereforyouforever.WillyoumakemethehappiestmanonEarthbysayingyes?"

Shechokedbackthetearsandblurtedout"Yes."

"Areyouserious?"ItwasifBrucecouldnotbelieveheranswer.

Katewipedawaythetears,whichwerenowstreamingdownhercheeks."Iamsovery

serious.Iwouldneverwanttoloseyou,Bruce.IloveyouandItakepleasureinsayingyes,I

willbeyourwife."

Chapter5

Herhandinhis,KateandBrucesatwitheachotherasthesunhunghighoverhead.So

verysymbolicofthenewbeginningthecouplenowshared.

"Thisisallsosurreal.Ireallycan'tbelievewearegettingmarried,"Kateexclaimed.

"Youcan'tbelieveit?"Bruceasked.

"Yousaythatasifyouhadsomeinsidetrackonwhereourrelationshipwasgoing."

"Well,IknewwhereIwantedittogoandthatIaminlovewithyou,soIthoughtthat

wouldalwaysbeenough."

Katenodded."Thatmakessense.CanItellyousomething?"

"Anything,"hereplied,staringintohereyes.

"Ialwaysknewthetwoofuswouldbetogethertoo."

Brucelaughedandheldhertightlyinhisarms."Letmeseethatring,woman."

Proudlydisplayingherring,handintheair,fingersspread,Kateshowedofftheprincess

cutdiamond.Themoreshelookedatit,themoresherealizedtheringwasthecompanionto

theearringsthathegiftedher.

"Yep,thatlooksgoodonyou.Almostlikeitwasmadejustforyou."

"Iagree."

Thesunbegantowarmtheearth,breakingthemistthatwasthereearlier.

"Whatdoyousaywegetbackinsideandgetourdaystarted?"Bruceproposed.

"Ithinkthatisagreatidea.Wait.Doyouhavesomethingelseinmind?"

"Ican'ttellyou."

Kateshrugged."Alright.I'lljustgowithit."

Theywalkedarmandarmbacktothevilla.

"Sowhatdidyouhaveinmindasfarasaweddingdate?"Kateasked.

"Kate,Iwanttogetmarriedassoonaspossible.Woman,Iwouldmarryyoutodayifyou

wouldsayyes."

"Yes."

Bruceturned,lookingatherwithsurprise.

"Whatdidyousay?"

"Yes.Let'sdoittoday."

"LetmemakesureIheardyoucorrectly.You,KateWalkersaidthatyouwillmarryme,

BruceStangertoday."

"Idid.Imean,Ido.Orwhatever.Let'sdoittoday."

Brucestoppedwalkingandturnedtoher."Butwhataboutyourfamily?Ithoughtyou

wouldhavewantedyourfamilyandfriendstobehere."

"HowmanytimesdoIhavetoremindyouthatI'mnotasconventionalasyouwould

believe?Andsinceweareinthemodeofbeingspontaneous,let'scontinue.Wecanmakethis

aboutusrightnow,andthencelebratewithfriendsandfamilyoncewegetbackhome."

Brucethoughtaboutit,thenlightlytouchedheronthenose."Ithinkyouhaveagreat

point.Ihaveanidea.WhatifweexchangevowsattheEiffelTower?"

Katepracticallyjumpedupanddown."Thatsoundsamazing!Ohmygoodness,whatamI

supposedtowear?Ihavetofindsomethingspecial.Imean,Idon'tneedaweddinggown,but

Ihavetolookperfect."

Thewordsflowedsoquickly,Brucedidnothaveachancetogetthewordsinedgewise.

"Whydon'twetakethistimetogoshopping?Then,wecangoandexchangevows,and

goouttodinnerandanightonthetown."

KatethrewherarmsaroundBruce'sneck."Mrs.KateStanger.Hasaprettydecentring

toit."

"Mmm.Ilikethesoundofthattoo."

*****

Katethrewonapairofjeansandasimplewhiteteeshirt.Shewantedtobecomfortable

whilesheshopped.Thecarservicearrivedandtookthemintothecity.Firststopwasasmall

bistroforbreakfast.Katewassofullofenergy,shedidnotevenrealizethatshehadnotgotten

anyrestsincetheyarrived.

HermindwassolelyonbecomingBruce'swife.Eatingatthebistrowasexactlywhatshe

alwayswantedtodoinParis.Themaitred'servedthemoutsideastheypeoplewatched.Paris

hadsuchabeautifulflow;peoplestrollingleisurely,thegorgeousarchitecture,andthefashion

ofthenatives.

Sittingthere,Katefellinlovewiththecityalloveragain.Thistime,itwasanentirely

differentexperience.Thelasttime,herschedulewasfilledwithwork.Theonlytimeshegota

chancetosite-seewaswhenshesatatalocalcaféwithherclientandgrabbedabitetoeat,

andwhenshewasinthecargoingfromonecelebrityeventtoanother.

Now,shewasoneofthosewhotookaleisurelystrollandgotachancetotakealookat

thecityfromavisitor'sstandpoint,andenjoyit.Thebestpart,walkinghandinhandwithBruce,

takinginallofthesiteswiththemansheloved.Theyfinishedtheirmealandthecarservice

tookthemtoanexclusiveshoppingdistrict.Katehadnocluewhatkindofattireshewanted.

Maybeadress,maybeapantsuit.Brucetoldhertogetwhatevershewanted,becausehe

thoughtshelookedsensationalinwhatevershewore.

Aftertryingonclothesatthreedifferentstores,Katefoundaboutiquethatspoketoher.

Thefirstthingthatshetriedonwasablackonepiecepantsuitjumperthatwasstrapless.The

beadingonthebodicewasintricatelyappliquéd,andthecutofthepiecefithercurves

perfectly.

WhenshewalkedoutofthedressingroomtomodelforBruce,hejumpedupoutofhis

seat.

"Thatismostcertainlytherightoutfit.Thatistheone."Hiseyesdrankherin.

"Areyousure?IhaveapairofstrappyheelsIcouldwearwiththis."Shetwirledaroundin

themirror,allthewhilerelishinginthefactthatBrucecouldnottakehiseyesoffofher.

"No.Wearegoingtobuyyouallyouneedwhileweareout.Whenwereturntothevilla,

wewillbeMr.andMrs.BruceStanger."

Katedidnotfightthedemand.Shestartedbrowsingforapairofshoestogowithher

newoutfit.Ittookheramomenttofindjusttherightones,astrappypairofredhighheels.She

threwinapursetoaccessorize.Justassheplacedeverythingonthecounter,Katerecognized

thebeautyinwhatwashappening.Oneofherbucketlistitemswasthatshewantedtoafford

toshoponRodeoDrivebackathome.Whatasurprisetoknowthatshewasabletonowshop

inoneofthemostexclusiveshoppingdistrictsintheworld,inFrance.

"Youreadytogo?"

"Justamoment.Whydon’tIjustdressherebeforeweleave?"

Bruceagreed."Ithinkthatisagreatidea."

Kateexcusedherselftodress.Asshespruceduphermakeup,itdawnedonherthat

Brucehadnotgonetogetsomethingspecialtowear.Helookedgoodinhisjeansandwhite

buttondownshirt,butshethoughtthatgettingmarriedwassuchaspecialoccasionthatmaybe

heshouldwearsomethingelse.

Whensheleftoutofthedressingroom,Brucewasonthephone,wrappingaphonecall.

"Youlooksensational.Areyoureadytogo?"

"Iam.ButIthoughtthatmaybeyouwouldwanttowearsomethingspecialtoo.Sowe

cantakesomepicturesorsomethingwhentheceremonyisover."

"Greatidea,mylove.Iknowjusttherightplace."

Afewdoorsdownwasamen'sshop.Oncetheyentered,Kateimmediatelybeganto

browse.Herfullinstincttostylewasineffect.Shepulledafewthingsforhimtotryon.

Aftertryingonthreedifferentcolorsofshirts,Brucesettledonapaleyellowdressshirt

thatmadehisblueeyesstandout.Katepaireditwithnavyblueslacksandapairofnavy

loafers.Itwastheperfectcasuallookfortheday.Anditwasnicetoseethathewaswearing

somethingoutoftheordinary.

"Nowwhoislookingfabulous?"

Brucesmiledshyly."Itisdifferent.ButIcouldcometolikeit."

"Ithinkwearereadynow."Kateslidherhandinhis,lookinghimdeepinhiseyes.

"SoyouarereadytobecomeMrs.BruceStanger?Noturningback?"

Katereachedupandkissedhislips."Iamsoveryready.Andno,thereisnoturning

back."

*****

WhenthecarpulleduptotheEiffelTower,Katewasamazed.Thesheerheightofitwas

amarvel.

"Thisisabsolutelyamazing,"Katespoke,moretoherselfthantoBruce.

"Comeonoverhere.Wehavethejusticeofthepeacewaitingforus."

KatewalkedquicklytocatchupwithBruce'sstride.Itwasasifneitheroneofthemcould

waittogettothedestination.

Amanholdingabookstoodahead.HispolitedemeanorsettledKate'snerves.

"Bonjour.IamMonsieurChappel.Itisapleasuretomeetyouboth.YouareMr.

Stanger?"

KatelovedtheheavyFrenchaccent.

"Yes,thisismywifetobe,Kate."

KateshookMr.Chappel'shand.

"Well,letusgetstarted.Isthereacertainspaceinwhichyouwouldliketostand?"

"Ihavenopreference,"Katereplied.Brucetookherhand,broughtittohislips,and

kissedit.

Mr.Chappelbeganthereceremony.

"Thejoiningoftwopeopleinloveissuchabeautifulthing.Loveissomethingthatisnot

foundbyall,sowhenonefindsit,heorsheshouldmakesurethattheyprotectitatallcosts.

Toknowthatyouarelovedbysomeoneisthemostpreciousgiftintheworld.

"Here,inParis,theCityofLove,webringtogethertwoamazingpeoplewhoconfessthat

eachhasfoundloveinoneanother.Whatawonderfullotinlifetoknowthatyouhaveone

another.Pleaserememberthistimeofloveandofjoyandhappinesswhentimesgethard.

Rememberthatyoupledgedtoloveoneanotherandkeeponeanotherfirstatalltimes.

Remindyourselvesofthisday.Thedaythetwoofyoutookyourvowstobetogetherforever,

untildeathdoyoupart."

Mr.ChappelturnedtoBruce."Bruce,wouldyouliketosayafewwordstoyourbride?"

"Iwould."

BrucetookKatebythehand.

"Kate,fromthemomentIfirstlaideyesonyou,Iknewyouweretheone.Youwerethe

womanIwantedtobewithfortherestofmylife.Notonlyareyoubeautifulontheoutside,but

ontheinside,Ifindyourfaithandyourabilitytoloveandletmeloveyouamazing.Youare

everythingIwantinawoman,lovingandexasperating."

Katecouldnothelpbutlaughasthetearsstartedtofalldownhercheeks.

"Youhavemademethehappiestmanonearth,allowingmetosharemyloveandmylife

withyou.Iknowithasonlybeenaboutayearwehavebeentogether,andsomemaysaywe

aremovingtooquickly,butallIknowisthatwearemeanttobetogether.Wearemeanttobe

withoneanother.Icouldnotseemylifeanyotherway,andIhopeIcanbethemanthatyou

needinyourlife.Ican'twaittospendtherestofourlivestogetherandIprayourliveswillbe

spentasanadventureexploringeachotherandlifetogether."

Mr.ChappellookedtoKate."Kate.Ifyouwanttosayafewwords?"

Shetriedtocatchherbreath,butthroughthetears,shecouldbarelyspeak.

"Ohwow,IdidnotthinkIwouldgetthisemotional.AndIdidnothaveanythingso

eloquentprepared."

Shetookamomenttobreatheandthenspoke.

"Bruce,youhavecomealongandturnedmylifecompletelyupsidedown.Iwasinnoway

preparedtobeinthisspaceinmylife.Youknowthat.ButyouhavetaughtmethatIhaveto

trusttheprocess.IhavetotrustthatIhavewithinmewhatisneededtomakethingswork.I

hadanideaofwhatlovewouldbewhenIfoundit,butyouhavemademechangemymind

aboutallthatIthoughtthatlovewouldbe.

"Lovetomewasthisforeignconceptthatwasalmostunattainable.Ihadnoideawhatto

expectwhenIfoundit,soIdidnotreallylookforit.Andthenyoucamealong.Amanthatdid

notlookanythinglikewhatIexpectedformyself.AndyouturnedouttobeallthatIneeded.I

appreciatethefactthatyouarehonestwithme,andhelpmetobethebestKatepossible.And

besidesallofthat,youhavegivenmethegreatestgiftofall.Youhaveconvincedmetoreally

stepoutandlivelifeinamannerinwhichIhadneverexpected.IamproudtosayIloveyou

andIamsohappyyouhavebeenpatientenoughwithmetoletourlovegrowandblossom.I

amsohappytobecomeyourwife."

Asthewordscameoutofhermouth,KatefellmoreandmoreinlovewithBruce.Thetwo

ofthemdidnottaketheireyesoffofoneanother.

"Nowforthevows.Bruce,doyouhavetherings?"Mr.Chappelasked.

Katehadnoteventhoughtoftherings,shehadbeensowrappedupinthemomentofthe

proposalshehadnotthoughtoftherings.Shetookthebriefpauseintheceremonytousethe

tissueinherhandtodabatthetearsinhereyes.

Bruceproducedtheringsfromhispocket.Hissmileletherknowthattheyweredoingthe

rightthing.

"Bruce,doyoutakethiswoman,Kate,tobeyourwife.Toprotect,tolove,tocherishand

adore,forallofyourdays?"

Slidingtheringonherfinger,Brucereplied,"Ido."

Mr.ChappelturnedtoKate.

"Kate,doyoutakethisman,Bruce,tobeyourhusband.Tolove,tocherish,toholdforall

ofyourdays?"

KateslidtheringonBruce'sfinger."Ido."

"Thenitismypleasure,withthepowervestedinme,topronounceyoumanandwife.

Bruce,youmaysaluteyourbride."

Brucewastednotimeplantingahugekissonhisbride.Kategiggledashepickedherup

inhisarmsandtwirledheraround.Onceherfeethittheground,itcametobothoftheir

attentionthatanaudiencehadformedwhenthepeoplearoundthembeganclappingand

whistlingandsnappingpictureswiththeirphones.

Theybothshookhandswiththeiraudience,Kateacceptinghugsandwellwishesfrom

thosestandingaroundher.Someofthepeopleofferedtosendthemthepicturesfromtheircell

phonesasmementosofthejoyousoccasion.AfterthankingMr.Chappelandsigningsome

paperworktomakethenuptialsofficial,BrucetookKatebythehand.

"Wehaveonemorethingthatweneedtodo."

Katewasnotsurewhatelsetheypossiblyneededtodoontodayexceptforcontinueto

celebrate.

Bruceledhertothecar,holdingthedooropenforhertogetin.Hewalkedaroundtothe

othersideandjumpedinhimself.

"Wherenow?"Katewassogiddywithexcitement,itdidnotreallymatterwherethey

weregoing,aslongasshewaswithBruce.

"Ithinkyouwilllikethis."

Astheywatchedthescenerypassby,Katecouldnotbelieveallthathadjusthappened.

"DidIreallyjustbecomeMrs.Stanger?"

"Youdid."Thetwoofthemburstoutlaughing.

"Thisissocrazy.Afewmonthsago,IwouldhaveneverthoughtIwasthetypetobe

whiskedawayonanimpromptuvacationwhereIwouldgetmarried."

Kateshookherheadindisbelief.

"Areyouhappy,Kate?Imean,areyoutrulyhappy?"

"Bruce,Icouldnotbehappier."

"Good.Now,tomarkourmarriagewithsomethingtangible.Ah,hereweare."

ThechauffeurstoppedthecarandBrucehoppedout.Runningaroundtoherside,helet

herout.

"Whatarewedoing?"

"IsawthisontelevisionandIthought,whatbetterwaytoendourceremony."

Theyapproachedabridgeoverlookingacanalandthatbridgewasflankedwithtwo

railings.Thoserailingswerefilledwithpadlocks.

"Thelegendgoesthatyousignyournamesonthepadlocks,choseaspace,lockitonthe

railing,andthrowawaythekeyinthewater.Howaboutit?"

"Let'sdoit."

Katewaspracticallyrunningtothebridge.Brucefollowedbehindher,pullingasmallbag

outofhispocket.Inthebagwereapadlockandapermanentmarker.

"IthoughtthatthiswouldbetheperfectwaytointroduceustotheworldasMr.andMrs.

Stanger."

"Bruce,thisisawonderfulidea."

Hepassedherthelockandthemarker."Youdothehonors."

Sheheldthembothinherhands,tryingtothinkofsomethingspecifictowrite.Thenit

cametomindthatsheshouldmakeitsimple.Onceshewrotethemessage,sheturnedthe

lockaroundtoshowBruceforhisapproval.

"Iloveit,"hereplied.

KateStanger♥BruceStanger

Shethoughtthatitwasfitting.BruceclickedthepadlockclosedandgaveKatethekey.

Accordingtotheceremony,shetossedthekeyintothewater.Below,acoupleina

gondolawavedatthem.EveryoneseemedsohappyandcontentandKatecouldhonestlysay

thatshefoundherownhappinessaswell.

SheturnedtoBruceandleanedintohisopenarms."Sodoesthismeanthatyouare

stuckwithmeforlife?"

"Hmm.Somethinglikethat.Butitalsomeansthatyouhavetohavemefortherestof

yourlifetoo."

Heleanedinforapassionatekiss."Whatdoyouthinkaboutthat?"heaskedafterthey

bothcameupforair.

"IguessIwilljusthavetodealwithit,"sherepliedjokingly.

Brucetookherbythehand."Whatdoyousaywegobacktothevillaandeatoneof

thosemealspreparedbytheworldrenowned,gourmetchefthatisthereandthenwegoto

bed?Idon'tknowaboutyou,butallthisexcitementforthedayhasgotmeexhausted."

"Iwouldsay,Iagree.Let'sgo.ButIhopeyouaren'ttooexhaustedtoparticipateinyour

honeymoon."

"Awomanaftermyownheart."Hesqueezedherhandastheystrolledbacktothecar.

Astheyrodebacktothevilla,Katetriedtomakesenseofallthathadhappened.The

onlyconclusionshecouldcometowasthattrustinginlovehadmadeheraveryhappywoman.

HavingBruceinherlifewasmorethanwhatshebargainedfor.Notonlywasheher

protectorandherlover,buthewasherfriend.Hehadgonethroughsomuchtomakesureshe

knewhelovedherandshewasloved.Fromthemanysmallgiftsthatweretokensofhislove,

totheimpromptutripsandjustsimplybeingbyherside.

Hermotherwasright.Trustinginlovewasthebestthingshehaddonethusfar.Trusting

Brucewasthemanforherandallowinghimtoloveherhadchangedherentireperspectiveon

beinginlove.

"Apennyforyourthoughts."Brucesaid,interruptingherthinking.

"Iwasjustthinkinghowluckythebothofusare.Howwewerenotonlyluckyenoughto

findoneanother,butwewereluckyenoughtofallinloveandbetherightfitforoneanother.

Therearesomanypeoplewhoneverfindlove.Somanypeoplewhodon'tgettheopportunity

toknowwhatitisliketohavesomeonehonorandprotectthemandadorethem.Lifehasbeen

sogreat,I'mjustwonderingwhatIdidtodeservesomuchgoodfortune."

Bruceshookhishead."Idon'tknowtheanswertothat.AllIdoknowisyoumusthave

beengoodtosomeone,becausekarmamakessurethatitrepaysyouwithgood.Butyouthink

thatyouaretheluckyone,whataboutamanlikeme?Abeautiful,intelligentwomanwhofinds

meattractive?Iamtheonewhohitthejackpot."

Brucewipedthetearsthatstreamedfromhereyes."Justknowthatfromnowon,Iam

herewithyou,andaslongasyouareherewithme,thereisnothingthatwecan'tconquer.We

areateam.Maybelikeoneofthosepowercouplesorsomething."

LeaveittoBrucetomakeherlaugh."Apowercouple?Youthink?"

"Hey,Ibelieveinus.Wecoulddoit."

"BruceStanger,youmakemebelievethatIcandoanything."

Chapter6

ThenextfewdaysinPariswereadream.Latenightsoutonthetown,spendingthe

morningsinbed,makinglovetoherhusband.Katelovedthefactthatshenowwokeupevery

morningasMrs.BruceStanger.Itwasawonderfulfeeling.

Thehappycoupleeventuallyreturnedtonormallife.Itwasnottheeasiestthingtodo,but

theyknewtheycouldnotspendtherestoftheirlifeonahoneymoon.

Atfirst,Katewasabitunsettledaboutthefactthatshewouldhavetotellherparentsand

herentirefamilythatsheeloped.Shehadnoideawhattheyweregoingtothink.Wouldthey

feelleftoutordisappointed?EventhoughKateneverspenthertimecombingthroughwedding

andbridalmagazines,sheknewhermotheralwayswantedtobethestaroftheshowand

coordinateanalloutsocialaffairforherdaughter'snuptials.

KateandBrucehadnotcompletelydiscussedwhattheyweregoingtodoinreferenceto

anyceremonynowthattheywerebackinthestates.Buttheyweregoingtohavetosharewith

theirfamiliesthattheyhadgottenmarried.SomehowshethoughtthatBruce'sparentswould

takeitmuchbetterthanherownwould.

Assoonassheawokeinthemorning,shecalledtocheckinwiththeladiesatthe

boutique.

"Lookwhomadeitbackinonepiece,"Lindajoked.

Katesighed,stillbaskingintheglory."Yes.Pariswasamazing."

"Parisisalwaysamazing,"Lindareplied.

"True.Howarethingsattheboutique?IwillbeinassoonasI'mdressed."

"Everythingiswonderful.Butyourscheduleforyourpersonalclientsdoesnotstartfor

anothertwodays.Brucemadeitclearthathewantedtowhiskyouaway."

"Linda,whenIsaythatPariswasamazing,ittrulywas."

"Well,areyougoingtotellmeorwhat?Iwaskindofhopingyouwouldcallmescreaming

inthephonethatthetwoofyouhadrunoffandgottenmarried."

Kategotquiet.HadLindaalreadyknownBruce'splans?

"Whatifwedid?"

Lindalaughed."Iwouldtellyouthatitisabouttime."

"Wegotmarried."Katejustblurtedoutthewords.

"Finally!"Lindaexclaimed.

"Yousaythatlikeittookusamillionyearstodoit."

KatecouldhereLindaclappingherhands."No,butIknowyou.Itwouldhavetakenyou

forevertogettothepointofevendiscussingmarriageseriouslywiththemanifhehadnot

whiskedyouaway.Now,Ineedfulldetails."

"ThatisnotsomethingIwilldooverthephone.It'smoreofalunchkindofconversation."

"Hmm,verytrue."

"Asamatteroffact,Ihaveanidea.Iwillgiveyouacallalittlelater.Oh,andkeepmy

scheduleclearforthosenextfewdays.IwillbebacktoworkonFriday."

"Alright.Callmelater."

AnideahadpoppedintoKate'smind.Maybethecorrectwaytodothingswouldbeto

gatheralloftheirfriendsandfamilytogetherforadinnerpartyandthentheycouldannounce

thefactthattheyhadgottenmarried.

ShecalledBruceintothebedroomwhereshehadbeensittinginthebedwithherlaptop,

readingemails.

Heappearedinthedoorway,drinkingaglassofbeer.

"What'sonyourmind?"

"Iwasthinking.Maybeweshouldhaveadinnerpartywithallofourfamilyandfriendsto

letthemknowwehavegottenmarried.Whatdoyouthink?"

Brucestoodcasuallyinthedoorway.Sincetheyreturnedtothestates,theyhadbeen

stayingathercondo.Brucehadsuggestedtheybothstartthinkingaboutfindingaplace

together.Sheagreed.

"Goodidea.Let'sgetittogether.Tomorrownight.Butlet'sstartwiththeparentsfirst.

Theymayneedalittletimetoprocessalonebeforewestartaddingfriendstothemix."

"Youhaveagoodpoint.ButIwasthinkingthisweekendforthedinner."

Bruceturnedtheentirebeermugupsidedown,obviouslydrinkingtherestoftheliquid.

"Whywait?It'sjustourparentsherewithusonaweekdaynight.Besides,Idon'twantto

waittotellthem.IwanttolettheworldknowthatyouareMrs.Stanger."

ThemoreKatethoughtaboutit,thebetteritsounded.Brucestoodthere,eyebrowraised,

waitingforheranswer.

"Fine.I'llmakeafewphonecallstonightandgeteverybodyhere,sayseveno'clock?"

Brucenodded."Yes.Thatisperfect."Hedisappearedfromthedoorway,onlytoreappear

andpeekhisheadbackin."Andjustsoyouknow,I'llcook."

Katethrewapillowathisheadashelaughed.Therewasnowaythatshewouldtryto

cookforotherpeople.Itwouldbetotalinsanityandendingupintheemergencyroomjustdid

notseemlikethewaytoendacelebratorynight.

HerfirstphonecallwastoBruce'sparents.

"It'ssogoodtohearfromyou,Kate.Howiseverything?"Mrs.Stangerasked.

"Absolutelywonderful.Ihopethesameforyou."

"Yes.Wearegettingalongverywell.Ihopethatthetwoofyouwillcomeouttotheranch

soonandvisit."

"Actually,that'swhyIwascalling.BruceandIthoughtthatitwastimetogetourparents

togethertomeet.Wearehavingdinnertogetheratmycondotomorrownightaroundseven."

"Thatsoundswonderfuldear.Youcanexpecttoseeusthere.Whatcanwebring?"

"Nothing.BruceandIaretakingcareofthedinneranddessert.Wearejusthappythat

youwillbethere.Wewillseeyoutomorrow."

TheyendedthecallandKateimmediatelycalledherownparents.

"Mysweetheart.Howwasyourtrip?"Tohearhermother'svoicewascomforting.

"Itwasamazing.IfeellikeIcouldliveinParisfulltime."

"Don'tgettooaheadofyourselfdear,"hermotherchuckled.

"Well,IcalledbecauseIwantedtoinviteyoutodinnertomorrownight.Actually,Bruce

andIareinvitingyouanddadtodinner.Wethoughtthatitwouldbeagoodideatogetour

parentstomeet."

"Ohmygoodness.Istheresomethingspecialthatthetwoofyouwanttodiscusswith

us?"

Katesmiled."Wehavealittlesomethingtoshare,butwereallywantallofyoutomeet

first.It'sabouttimeanyway.BruceandIhavebeendatingoverayear."

"Alright.Well,countmeandyourfatherin.We'llseeyoutomorrow."

"Perfect.Iloveyou."

"Iloveyoutoo,sweetie."

KatejumpedoutofbedandwenttofindBruce.Hewasexactlywhereshethoughthe

wouldbe.Watchingabullrideonthesportsnetwork,relaxingonthecouchwithabeer.

"Soeverythingisset.Theinviteshavebeensentoutandaccepted.Myparentsandyour

parentswillbothbeheretomorrowatseven.Now,wehavetofigureoutwhatisonthemenu."

"Iwasthinking,cookedfood."

"Bruce!"Kateexclaimed.Hewasnottakingthisasseriouslyasshewantedhimto.She

closedhereyes,tookadeepbreath,andopenedhereyesagain.

"Okay,fine.Iwillstepbackoffofthemenu.It'snotlikeI'mcookinganyway."

"Exactly."Brucegaveherathumbsupandturnedhisattentionbacktothetelevision

programhewaswatching.

Kateshookherheadandwalkedbackoutoftheroom.Itwasnouseintryingtotalkwith

himaboutthemenuorstressingovertheoutcomeofthedinner.Theirparentswouldthinkwhat

theywantedandfeelwhatevertheyfeltaboutthefactthatsheandBruceeloped.

Besides,whatwasdonewasdone.Itwasnotachoicesheregrettedsoshedecidedto

focusonotherthings.Tomorrownightwouldhappenwhenithappened,thewayitwas

supposedtohappen.

*****

Thedinnerdisplaylookedlikesomethingoutofahomemaker'smagazine.

"Ithinkyouhaveanothertalentyouarenottappinginto,"Katecommented,speakingof

theelaboratedishesthatBruceprepared.Accompaniedbyhereyefordecorating,theentire

meallookedlikesomethingstraightoutofanadcampaign.

"Maybeapartnershipthatwehaven'texploredyet.Here,sitthisbowloverherenextto

theasparagus."

Katemadeherselfbusy,tryingtomakeeverythingperfect.

"Sweetheart,stopfusingovereverything.Italllooksperfect."Bruceturnedhertoface

him.

"Weareperfect.Thereisnoreasonforyoutofeelotherwise.Let'sjustmakethishappen

tonight.Ourfamilieswillbehappyforusandlifewillbegreat."

Hearingthosewordswerelikemusictoherears.Itwasexactlywhatsheneededto

settlehernerves.

ThedoorbellchimedandKatepracticallyjumpedoutofherskin.

"They'rehere!"Shesmoothedherred,kneelengthdressandthencheckedthehallway

mirrortomakesurenotahairwasoutofplaceandherlipstickwasperfectlyapplied.

"Youlooksensational.I'mherewithyou."

Brucesqueezedherhandtoreassureher.Henoddedinthedirectionofthedoorandshe

walkedovertoopenit.

Hermother'ssmilingfacewasthefirstthingthatKatesaw."Mom!Hey!"

Thewomenembraced,spreadinglove.Kate'sfatherstoodbehind,waitinghisturn.

"Daddy,it’ssonicetoseeyou.Youlookgreat."

Kate'sfatherrarelyleftthehouseforsocialgatherings,soitwasatreattohavehimout.

"Katie,youlookbeautiful."HerfatherwastheonlypersonthatcalledherKatie.

"Thankyou,Daddy.ThetwoofyourememberBruce."

HerfatherofferedBruceaheartyhandshake.Hermotherdidapolitewave.

JustasKatewasabouttoclosethedoor,shehearda"Hello!"

"Mrs.Stanger.Mr.Stanger.Thetwoofyouarerightontime."

Katehuggedthembothandsteppedtothesidetolettheminside.

"Somethingsmellsabsolutelyfabuloushere."

Katethrewupherhandsinsurrender."IcansafelysayIwasnottheonetocooktoday.It

wasallBruce."

"Icertainlycan'twaittoeatthen,"Mrs.Stangercommented.Katedirectedthemalltothe

diningroom.

"Everyone,pleasetakeaseatwhereveryouaremostcomfortable."Katetriedtobethe

perfecthostess.

TheirparentstookaseatatthetableandKatewaitedforthemalltoappearcomfortable.

Brucecamefromthekitchen,holdingabottleofwine.

"Ifweareallready,dinnerisserved."

"I'llhavesomewaterplease.Nowineoralcoholforme,"Kate'sfathercommented.

"Surething,Mr.Walker.Letmegetthatforyou."

Katealmostkickedherselffornotrememberingtogetherfatherabottledwatersincehe

didnotdrinkalcohol.

"HereyouareMr.Walker."

"Ah,thankyou,Bruce."

Brucetookhisseatattheheadofthetable.Hetooktheleadandblessedthefood.

Everyonebeganeating,commentingonhowgoodthemealwas.Brucetookthecomplimentsin

strideandeveryonecontinuedthefriendlyconversation.Asthemealcametoaclose,Kate

wasgratefulthattheirparentswereallgettingalong.Shehadnotknownwhattoexpect,but

sheknewshewantednothingmorethananeasygoingnight.

"Ifwecouldallgotothelivingroom,Ihavealittledessertandcoffee.AndBruceandI

wantedtosharesomethingwithyouall."

Theoldercouplesgaveeachotheraglance,thengotupfromtheirseatstofollowKatein

tothelivingroom.

Onceseatedandcomfortable,Katetoldthemthatshewouldberightback.Shewentto

herroomtogetherweddingring.Shehadnothaditontheentiredinnerbecauseshethoughtit

besttheybreakthenewstotheirparentsontheirownaccord,notbecausesomeonesawthe

ringonherfinger.

ShemetwithBruceinthekitchenandhelpedhimputtheplateswiththecakeonatray.

Hewasgrinning."Areyoureadyforthis?"

"Wecan'tturnbacknow.Let'sgetinthere."

Brucefollowedbehindherastheyenteredthelivingroom.Settingthetrayonthetable,

BrucethenbegantoservethecakeandKatepouredthecoffee.Shecouldnotbelievethatno

onehadseenherring.

BruceandKatestoodthereinfrontoftheirparents.KatewashopingBrucewouldspeak

first.Butsheknewifshedid,hewouldsimplyblurtoutthefacts,versusbreakingittotheir

parentsslowlyanddelicately.

Shestartedtalking."Soasyouallknow,BruceandIhavebeendatingforaboutayear

now.Wearehappy,inlove,andplantobetogetherforever."

WhenKatelookedaround,alleyeswereonher.ButshesawasBruce'smother'seyes

zeroedinonherhand.Shehadseenthering.Mrs.StangerlookedfromKatetoBruce.

KatewantedtofinishherstatementbeforeMrs.Stanger,orBruceblurtedanythingout.

"WegotmarriedinParis."Toolate.Brucebeathertoit.

Theroomwassilentinitially.

Mrs.Walkerwasthefirsttospeak."Married."Itwasmoreacommentthanaquestion.

Kateflexedherfingersandshowedthering."Married."

Mr.Stangerboltedoutrightoutofhisseat."Well,son,wethoughtthiswouldbethenext

step.Congratulations."

KatecouldnotdecideifthelookonMrs.Stanger'sfacewasoneofconfusion,anger,or

sheersurprise.Shelookedtoherownmotherwhosatstoically,whileherfatherrubbedhis

templesandsighed.

"Thanks,Pop.Iappreciateit."Brucehuggedhisfather.Mr.Stangerturnedandhugged

Kate,whowashappytohavesomekindofresponsefromsomeone.

"Iseveryonejustgoingtositthere?Thesetwohavegottenmarried.Theyloveeachother

andhavemadeitofficial.Thatshouldbesomethingtobragabout."Mr.Stangerstoodinthe

middleofthefloor,throwinghisarmsintheairindisbelief.

Katelookedovertoherparents,waitingforthemtosayanything.BrucepulledKate

closertohim.

"Ilovethiswoman,"Brucebegantoconfess."Sheisthesinglemostimportantthinginmy

life.IcouldnotwaittomarryherandIwillspendtherestofmylifetryingtomakeherhappy."

Mr.Walkerstoodup.Katebracedherselfforwhatwouldhappennext.Heextendedhis

handtoBrucefirst.

"ThenIguesscongratulationsareinorder."

Brucereceivedthehandshake.Mr.WalkerthenturnedtoshakeMr.Stanger'shand.

"Welcometothefamily,"Mr.StangersaidtoKate'sfather.Thementhenlookedtothe

women.

"Sodoesthismeanthatwearen'thavingawedding?"Mrs.Walkerquestioned.

"Weplannedtohaveaceremonyhereverysoonwithourfriendsandfamily."

"Pleaseforgiveme,"Mrs.Stangerjumpedintotheconversation."Youknowhowus

womenfolkareaboutweddingsandbrides.Itjustfeltlike,foramoment,thatwewouldnotbe

allowedtobeapartofsuchanimportanttimeinourchildren'slives."

Mrs.Walkernoddedinagreement.

"Iassureyouboth,wewillhavethewholeceremony."

TearscametoMrs.Stanger'seyes.Shepulledatissuefromherpursetodabatthem.

"Whathappened?Whendidyoupropose?Whendidyoudecidetomarry?Canwehavesome

details?"

KateandBrucelookedatoneanother.Hegaveheragentlenudge.

"Well,we'vetouchedonthesubjectofmarriagefromtimetotime.Sowealwaysknewit

wasapossibilityonthetable.Lastyear,Brucegavemeabeautifulpromiseringtoletmeknow

hewasgoingtobehereandbepatientwithme.

"HewhiskedmeoffonatriptoParisandeverythingwassomagical.Whenheproposed,

theonlythingIcouldsaywasyes."

SheturnedtolookatBruce,whogaveherareassuringsmile.Katecontinued.

"Hehasencouragedmetobespontaneous,andliveinthemoment.Sowedecidedtoget

married.AtthebaseoftheEiffelTower.Thedaywasperfect.Andtobehonest,Iwashappy

tonothavethestressofweddingplanningonmyback.Sonow,IfeellikeIcantakethetimeto

planthisweddingthewayIwouldliketobebecausewe'realreadymarried."

"Wellthen,Iguessweneedtogettoplanningawedding."Mrs.Walkerapproachedher

daughterwithopenarms.

TearscametoKate'seyes.Shesnuggledinhermother'sembrace.Allshewantedwasto

knowthatherparentssupportedherdecision.Ashermotherhuggedher,shefeltahandon

hershoulder.ItwasMrs.Stanger,withanapprovingexpression.

"Bruce,youkeptthisasecret.ButIknewit.Iknewhowmuchyoulovedthiswoman.

YourfatherandIlovehertoo."

Mrs.StangergaveKateatissuetowipehertears.Theladieslaughedastheystood

therehugging.

"Whydon'tweallgrabacigar?"Mr.Stangeroffered.Brucenoddedinagreementand

showedthefathersthewaytothebalcony.

Thewomensatbackdown.

"Sotelluseverything,"Mrs.Walkerencouraged.

"Ohwow."Katewasstillsniffling,takinginthegravityofthemoment.Shewipedaway

anothertear.

"Bruceissuchawonderfulman.Heisexactlywhatagirlwouldaskforwhenitcomesto

love.Mom,aftertalkingwithyou,Ididnotwanttolosethemanthatistheloveofmylife.AndI

alwayshaveallofyoutellingmethatIdon'tfocusonmysociallifeandmypersonallife

enough.Isimplydecidedtotakeeveryone'sadviceandputasmuchtimeintomylovelifeasI

domycareer.Andthatworkedout.

"I'veneverthoughtabouthavingthehugeweddingwithallthetrimmings.That'snotme.I

wouldratherhaveaquietceremonywithfriendsandfamily.Asimpledress.Goodfoodand

goodmusic.Andofcourse,themanIlove."

"Wellthen,that'swhatwewilldo."

Katewassurprised.Sheturnedtohermother."Areyouserious?"

"Yes.YouandBruceshoulddothisyourway.Itwillbeyourmemory."

"Mom,thatmeanstheworldtome.IhadnoideawhatyouallwouldthinkwhenItoldyou

thatwegotmarried."

"Ohdear.Bruce'sfatherandIabsolutelylovethetwoofyoutogether.Ihavetoapologize

formyreaction.Iwastakenaback.Brucehasalwaysbeenonetobespontaneous,andIknew

thetwoofyouwereobviouslyonthepathtomarrying.ButIhadnoideathetwoofyouwould

gooffandgetmarried.ButI'mhappythatyoudid."

"Thankyou.Youtwodon'tknowhowmuchthismeanstome.Iwassoworriedabouthow

ourfamilywouldreacttothefactthatweleftforvacationandcamebackmarried."

Mrs.StangergaveKateapatonherleg."Dear,wedothingswhenweareinlove.We've

allbeenthere."

Mrs.Walkerconfirmed."Yes,Ihavetoagreewiththat."

"ButIwillsay,thetwoofyouwillnotleaveusmothersoutoftheplanningphase.Wewill

notbedeniedthatmuch."

Katesmiled,filledwithhappinessthatthenighthadgonebetterthansheimagined.

"It'sadeal."

Chapter7

Onceeveryonewasgonefortheevening,BruceandKatesatbackwithaglassofwine,

sittinginfrontofthefireplace.Bruceheldherhandupintheair.

"Thatringlooksamazingonyou."

Kateadmiredthesparkle."Itisabsolutelyperfect.Justlikeyou."

Brucehuggedher."PerfectIamnot,butImakedo."

Theysippedtheirwine.

"I'magrownadultandIhavenocluewhyIwassonervoustosharewithourparents."

"Nomatterhowoldyouget,youarealwaysyourparents'child.Hell,I'moverfortyandI

knowmymotherstillseesmeasherlittleboyfromtimetotime."

KatecurledupclosertoBruceonthecouch."Igetit.Iwantedthemtojumpforjoy.The

factthatittookthemamomenttocomearoundwasalmostscary."

"Wemadeitthrough.Thatisallthatmatters.Butdidyouhaveanydoubtthatwewould?"

"No."

Brucesippedhiswine."Andbesides,eveniftheydidnotlikeit,therewasnoturning

back.YouareMrs.BruceStanger."

"Hmm.Thatistrue.Canyousaythatagain?"

ThatslygrincameacrossBruce'sface."What?ThepartaboutyoubeingMrs.Bruce

Stanger?"

Katekissedhissoftlips."Ilovehearingyousaythat."

"IfIwouldhaveknownthatIwouldgetthiskindofresponse,IwouldhavemadeyouMrs.

BruceStangeralongtimeago,prettylady."

Brucekissedhiswife.

"Let'ssetthedate,"Katesuggested.

"Alright.Let'sgiveittwomonths.Thatwillputusbothpastthebusyseasonandmake

surethatwehavethetimetoproperlyspendwithourfamilyandfriendscelebratingoverthe

weekend.Ihaveafewspeakingengagementscomingupandwanttoclearsomeofthetravel

offofmyschedule."

Katewhippedouthercellphoneandopenedthecalendar."Hereisthedate."

Brucelookedatthephone."Okay,July5thitis."

Althoughtheywerealreadymarried,Katewasexcitedalloveragaintomarryhim.She

sharedwithhimherideaofgettingmarriedatthebeach.

"Youwantsmallandintimateright?"

"Ido."

"Ihaveanidea."

*****

Kategatheredeveryweddingmagazineshecouldgetherhandson.Shewantedtheright

inspirationfortheceremony.SheandBrucesettledonaceruleanbluethemeaccentedwith

silver.

Sheputhermotherinchargeofthecenterpieces.Mrs.Stangerwasinchargeofdécor.

Lindawasinchargeoffindingthecatererandthemusic.Katewouldoverseeallareas.She

knewtheywerepressedfortimeandtwomonthswouldnotbealotoftimetopullitall

together.EspeciallywhensheandBrucehadfullschedules.

Neitherofthemworkednormalninetofivejobssotheyneededtocarveoutthetime

wisely.Butbeingincontroloftheirowncareersallowedthemtomakethetimetheyneededfor

familyandfortheirwedding.

Sofar,everythingwascomingtogethersmoothly.Theanticipationbuildingastheday

drewnear.

Katewashappythatforthenextfewspeakingengagementsandconferences,Bruce

wouldbeintown.Forthefirsttime,heinvitedherouttoseehiminaction.

Onanextendedlunchbreak,KatedroveovertotheconventioncenterwhereBrucewould

bespeaking.Shewasinaweofthemanshehadfallenfor.Onstage,hewascharismatic,

commandedattention,andwaswittyandknowledgeable.Sheknewtherewassomething

abouthimthatattractedpeopletohisworkshops,buttoseeBruceinaction,roomfilledto

capacitywithpeopleeagertolearnfromhim,madeheradmirehimevenmore.

Katesatinthebackoftheroom,watchinghimatwork.Itwasasifshewasgettingto

knowhimalloveragain.Hehadseenheratwork,andshehadn'thadachancetocheckhim

outinhiselement.

Thereweresomanyfacetstothisman.HewastheformerFortune500executivewho

wasbraveenoughtobranchoutonhisownandstartaconsultingbusiness.Hewasalsothe

familymanwholovedhisparentsdearly,lovedtoliveoffoftheland,andwastherugged

cowboyshefirstmetandfellheadoverheelsfor.

Hewaseasilyabletomaketheswitchbetweenthetwo,butthemoreshetookalook,

themoresherealizedhewasdoingnothingmorethanchangingclothes.Brucewasalways

confident,self-assured,andwillingtotakeastepoutandtrysomethingnew.Itwasthesame

principleshetaughtduringhisspeaker'sworkshopsanditwasthesameprincipleshelearned

fromhim.

Ofcourse,maybeBrucehadpickeduptheselifelessonsinhisexperience.Shewassure

topickthemupandlearnfromthemasshelivedaswell.Thankfulthatshehadsucha

wonderfulmanbyherside,Kategatheredherthingsandquietlyleftoutofthebackdoor.

HerheartswelledwithloveforBruce.Evenmoresothannormal.Itwasnicetohavea

reminderofwhatkindofmanlovedher.Notthatshequestionedhermarriage,orhadany

secondthoughts,sheknewnowthattakingthatriskhadyieldedsuchgreatreturn.

*****

Thedayofthewedding,theweatherwasabsolutelyperfect.Itwaswarm.Thesunwas

highoverhead,brightlyilluminatingtheday.Katehadnoideawhatthevenuewouldlooklike

andshewasexcitedtoseehoweverythinghadturnedout.

SheandBrucedecidedtohavetheweddingattheranch.Itseemedliketheidealplace

forfriendsandfamilytogatherandcelebrate.

Theceremonywassetforearlyafternoonsotheyhadanearlystartfortheirday.Firstup

wasarelaxingmassagetogetridofthepre-weddingjitters.Shehadafacialafewdays

beforeandwasnowcompletelyrelaxedandglowing.

AsmuchasKatewantedittobeasmaller,moreintimateaffair,withnofuss,thefamily

wantedtheopposite;analloutsocialextravaganza.Betweenthemotherswantingtoinvite

eachandeverymemberoftheirchurchladies'leagueoralloftheirneighbors,andthelistof

decorationsbeginningtogetoutofcontrol,Katewassureshewouldlaydownthatnightwitha

migraine.Instead,shesatbothhermotherandhermotherinlawdownandaskedthembothto

compromise.

Outofthatcamesomethingtomakeeveryonehappy.Aguestlistofabouttwohundred

andfiftypeople,thearchwayoftheranchdecoratedwithanelaboratespreadofwhiteroses

(Mrs.Walker'sidea),acaterertohandleallofthefoodanddrinks,andaweddingcoordinator

tohandlethedayofactivities.

OnceKateknewthemotherswerehappy,shecouldbreatheasighofrelief.Therewas

nothingworsethanamotherwhofeltlikeshehadnothadproperinputintheweddingplanning

forherchild'sbigday.

ItallcametogethersmoothlyandKatewashappythatshedidagreetogoaheadand

haveaceremonyandreceptiontocelebratesuchamomentousoccasionwithfamilyand

friends.

KateandBrucedecidednottohaveaweddingparty.Thedaywouldjustbeaboutthe

twoofthem.Theywantedtosharethelovetheyhadforoneanotherwithotherswithout

holdinganyoneelsefinanciallyobligatedtobeapart.

Thecouplespentthenightapart,thefirstinmanyweeks.Katehadnotbeenabletosleep

thatnightwithoutfeelingBruce'swarmembrace.Shetossedandturned,partiallybecauseof

hisabsence,mostlybecauseofheranxietyaboutthewedding.

Ithadbeensomucheasiertosay'Ido'withnooneelsearound.Now,theywouldhave

anaudienceandforsomereason,thatseemedtomakeitfeelmoreofficial.

TheweddingcoordinatorsentKateatexttoletherknowthateverythingwasgoingas

plannedandshehadnothingtoworryabout.Assheapproachedtheranch,Katewas

overcomebythesightoftherosesintertwinedwiththewroughtirongate.Asshedrovein,she

couldseetheworkershustlingtoandfrosettingupthewhitefoldupchairs.

Assoonasshepulledhercarintothedriveway,therewasavalettheretomeether.

"Thankyou,"shesaidasshegavehimthekeys.

"Brucethoughtthatsinceweinvitedsomanyguests,weshouldhaveavalethelpwith

parking."

KatewasrelievedtoseeMrs.Stangerstandingatthedoor.

"Iguessitisagoodidea.Heisalwaysontopofthings."

Hermotherinlawwassmilingfromeartoear.ShepattedKateonthehandgently.

"YourfriendLindadeliveredyourdressandallofyourclothingandaccessoriesyesterday.

Andyourhairandmakeupartistarebothherealreadywaitingonyou."

"Thisisstartingtofeelunreal."Katewasnotsureifshewasoverwhelmedinagoodway

oranotsogoodway.

"Rightthiswaydear."Mrs.Stangerspokeslowly,withalowvoicetone,almostasifshe

didnotwanttostartleKate.

Shetookhertowardthebackofthehouse,wheretherewasasmallsuite.Katehadno

ideathatthehousewasthatexpansive.

"Youcandressinhere.AndKate,"Mrs.Stangerturnedtoher."Everygirlneedstofeel

likeaprincessatsometime.Justsohappensthatmostofuscallthatdayourweddingday."

Hermotherinlaw'sreassuringsmilewassupposedtomakeKatefeelmorecalm,butall

itdidwasmakeherfeelslightlymoreunsureabouttheentirewedding.

"Whatwasyourdaylike?"Katetookachanceasking.Shedidnotknowwhatshe

expectedtheanswertobe.

Briefly,itseemedasiftheolderwomanventuredintoafaroffland."Whenmyhusband

andImarried,weweretwoyoungkidswhodidnothaveanymoney.Justdreamsofbeing

togetherandhavingalovingfamily.I'lltellyoualittlesecret,"thewomanchuckledandleanedin

closely.

"Mymotherinlawdidnotlikeme.Wantedmyhusbandtomarrythissophisticatedlittle

tartlet.Whatthewomandidnotknowwasthattartletwasbeautiful,camefrommoney,butshe

waswillingtobewithwhomeverwasthehighestbidder.Myhusbandontheotherhand,he

chosequality.Afoulmouthed,tomboywhocouldoutfishhimanydayoftheweek."

Katelaughedattherevelation."Iwouldhaveneverseenyouasafoulmouthedtomboy."

Mrs.Stangernodded."Yeswell,Iwasaspitfireinmyday.Butweboughtthisranch,

investedinourselves,andalthoughweonlyhadonechild,wewereblessed.Lifehasbeen

good.Toseethetwoofyousohappy,itdoesmyheartgood.Weunderstandwhythetwoof

youdiditprivatelythefirsttime.Butasaparent,especiallyasamother,thereissomething

aboutmarkingoffyourlistthefactthatyouwatchedyourchildprofessanundyinglovefor

anotherhumanbeing.Soyougetinthere,getprettiedup,andgoaheadandmarrytheman

youlovealloveragain."

Katecouldbarelyspeakaftertheoutpouringoflovethatflowedfromhermotherinlaw's

advice.Shesimplymouthedthewords'ThankYou'andtheelderwomannoddedandwalked

away.

*****

Theharpplayedsoftly.Itwasthesignaltoallofthegueststhattheceremonywas

starting.Everyoneturnedtofacethebeginningofthewalkway.Firstdowntheaislewas

Bruce'sparents.Thecouplestrolledarmandarm,smilingasthemadetheirwaydowntheblue

carpetedpath.

Kate'sparentscamedowntheaislenext,eachofthembeamingwithpride.Thecouples

tookaseatinthefrontrow.Brucewasnextdowntheaisle.Hewasexceptionallydapperina

whitetuxedowiththeceruleanaccentedcummerbundandcorsage.

Themusicchangedtoamoreuptempotune,andeveryoneknewthatthebridewas

coming.Katestoodattheporch,thinkingtoherselfthatthejourneydownthecarpetseemed

solong.Especiallywithalleyesonher.Shehadchosenawhite,floorlength,satinsheath

dress.Accentedwithablueandwhiteflowersintertwinedinhercrownbraid,shelookedlikea

goddess.

Katetookadeepbreathandbeganwalkingdowntheaisle.Fortheirceremony,they

wentabitnon-traditional,soherfatherdidnotwalkherdowntheaisletomeetherhusband.To

Kate,itseemedabitmuchtobegivenawaywhenshewasalreadymarried.

Assoonasshemadeherwaydownthestepsoftheporch,theguestsallgaspedwith

joy.Peoplewerewaving,smiling,beamingwithhappiness.Therewasaseaofpeople,some

facesshecouldquicklyrecognize,someshecouldnot.Itwashardtofocusonthetrekahead.

ThenshelookedupandsawBrucestandingthere.Hewasbeyondhandsomeinhistux.

Hehadevenpickedouthisownattirewithoutthebenefitofherexpertise.Seeingwhathehad

chosen,Katewasproudofhim.

Beforeshecouldcontrolit,thetearsbegantowellupinhereyes.Katedidherbestto

fightthembackbecauseshedidnothaveanytissue.Shefeltasifshewasglidingdownthe

carpet.Itwasasifshewasnotinherbody.Theentirescenefeltsurreal.

Whenshefinallymadeitdowntheaisle,KatewasthankfulthatBrucetookherbythe

handbecauseshewasnottoosureherkneeswouldnotfailher.

Takingadeepbreath,Katetriedtocalmherheartfromracing.Shehadnotbeenthis

nervousthefirsttimearound.

Theofficiantbegantheceremony.

"Wearegatheredheretodaytowitnessthejoiningoftwohearts.BruceandKatewould

liketodemonstratetheircommitmentandtheirloveforoneanotherduringthisceremony.We

areallheretosimplywitness."

Brucewasthefirsttospeak."ThiswomanherehasmademethehappiestmanonEarth.

Asmanyofyouknow,wemetwhenIwalkedintoherboutiquelookingforhelpasafashion

challenged,middleagedman.Shetookpityonmeandhelpedmemakesenseofpatternsand

colors.Imean,whoknewthatthereweresomanyshadesofblue?"

Theguestslaughed.

"Icertainlydidn't.Thatiswhatissowonderfulabouther.Shehastheabilitytohelpyou

becomethebestyou.ShedidnottrytochangemeandthatiswhatIloveabouther.

"Kate,youarethebestthingthateverhappenedtome.Youmakeeachdayworthit.I'm

notamanofmanywords,butIwouldlikeyoutoknow.Hell,Iwouldlikeeveryonetoknow,I

aminlovewithyou.IcanonlyhopethatIwillmakeyouhappyfortherestofourlivestogether.

Iamsoglad,soappreciative,thatyousaidyes."

Thefemaleguestsweregushing,oohsandahhs,andthephotographerkeptthecamera

flashing.

EveryoneturnedtoKatetohearwhatshewouldsay.

"Iwasjustmindingmybusinessandherecomesthismanwho,ontheoutsidelookslike

theexactoppositeofmeandwhatIwouldchoose.Cometofindout,heisexactlywhatIneed.

Bruce,youarethepush,themotivation,theencouragementIneed.YouarethelightIneeded

inmylife.Itisamazinghowyouwon'tknowthatitisdarkuntilthereislight.Ican'tpromisethat

Iwon'tgetonyournerves,orthatIwillslowdownwithmycareer,butIcanpromisethatIwill

loveyoufromnowuntileternity.Becauseofyou,Icantrustinlove."

Bythetimethecouplefinishedconfessingtheirloveforoneanother,therewasnotadry

eyeinthehouse.

"Canwehavetherings?"

Theofficiantcontinuedtheservice.BruceandKatehadtakenofftheirringsbeforethe

ceremonyjustsotheycoulddemonstratesymbolicgestureofplacingthemoneachother's

fingersinfrontoftheirfamilyandfriends.

"Bruce,doyoutakethiswomantohave,tohold,tocherishfortherestofyourlife?"

"Imostcertainlydo."

"Kate,doyoutakethismantohold,tohave,toadorefortherestofyourlife?"

"Ido."

AsBruceandKateexchangedrings,Kate'smotherstoodupfromherseattopassher

daughteratissue.Itwasgreatlyappreciated.

"Thiscouple,BruceandKatehaveconfessedtheirloveforoneanotherandtheywanted

tosharethatlovewithyoualltoday.Wewillnowhavethecandlelightingceremonyaswellas

ashortselectionbyJ.Brockman."

Kateswayedastheharpistplayedaselection.Theylitcandles,oneeachindividuallyone

largeonetogether.

J.BrockmanwasalocalsingerandsongwriterthathadbecomegoodfriendswithKate.

Hesangasongthattalkedaboutloveandfindingtheonethatwasmeantforyou.

Bythetimethecandlelightingandthesongselectionwereover,Katewasovercomewith

emotions.

"Itismypleasuretonowpronounce,Mr.andMrs.BruceStanger.Bruce,youmaysalute

yourbride."

Hetookherintohisarms,thekissheplantedonherwasfullofpassionanddidnothold

backfromshowinghowhefeltabouther.

TheguestscheeredasBrucetookKatebythehandandtwirledheraround.Thehappy

coupleheadedbackdownthecarpetaspeopleblewbubblesandcheered.

Thereceptionwassetupunderatentthatwasgracefullydecorated.Beforegoingtothe

tenttobereceivedbytheirguests,BruceandKatesnuckofftobealoneforamomentinside

ofthehouse.

Heledherbythehandtoaquietroomandshutthedoor.

"Myheadisspinning,"shesaid,happy,butoverwhelmed.

"Metoo.ButIamthehappiestmanintheworldrightnow."Bruceheldherinhisarms,

grinningeartoear.

"I'mgladthatwedidthis,Bruce.Ispokewithyourmotherbeforetheweddingandshe

wassoexcitedthatweagreedtosharethiswiththem."

"Yes.Icouldseethatourparentsweregratefultobeapartofthefestivities.Itwasa

goodideatodothis.Ilovebeingwithfamily,youknowthat."

"Ido,"Katesaid,squeezingclosertoBruce.

"Doyouthinkthatweshouldgetbackoutthere?"

Sheinhaledthescentofhiscologne.There,inhisarms,shefeltmostsafeandfeltmost

atpeace.Allfeltrightinherworld.

"Itwouldbegreatifwecouldstayinhereforalittlewhile,"Katereplied."ButIknowthat

therearesomepeopleouttherethatreallywanttowelcomeusandgreetusnewlyweds."

Brucesighed."Youareright.Let'sgetbackoutthere.Andyouowemeafirstdance,

PrettyLady."

"Asyouwish."

Katebeganwalkingtowardthedoor.ShefeltBrucegripherhandtighterandpullher

back.

Thosedeepblueeyespenetratedher."DidItellyouhowsensationalyoulook?"

"Iwashopingthatthisdresswasnottoomuch."

Hespunheraroundandpulledherbackintohischest."WhenIsawyoucomingdown

thataisle,IknewIhadmadethebestdecisioninmylife.ToaskyoutobecomeMrs.Bruce

Stanger.Youareabsolutelybeautiful."

Shetappedhimonthechest."Youcleanupprettywellyourself,Mr.Stanger."

Heshrugged."IpickedupafewtipsfromthissexyfashionstylistIknow.Shetaughtme

wellobviously."

Theychuckledatthejoke.Brucekissedhersoft,fulllips.

"Areyousureyouwanttogobackoutthere?Doyouthinktheywillmissusforthenext

hourorso?"

"Bruce,stop."Sheplayfullyslappedhisarm."Let'sgetbackoutthere.Wehavetoshow

theworldhowMr.andMrs.BruceStangerparty."

Thetwoofthemtookasecondtofreshenupandcatchtheirbreathbeforegoingbackout

toreceivetheirguests.

OnceBruceandKatearrivedatthetent,thecouplewasgreetedbyfamilyandfriends.To

beintroducedasMr.andMrs.BruceStangerwasexhilaratingalloveragain.Katelookedout

overtheseaofpeoplewholovedthemandcaredforthem.Beingsurroundedbylovewas

exactlywhattheyneeded.AsKatewatchedthesmilesoneveryone'sface,sheknewthat

havingtheweddingwasagreatidea.Sharinglovewithfamilyandfriendswasahugedeal.

Thecallforthecouple'sfirstdancecame.Theycametothedancefloorandasoneof

theirfavoritesongsplayed,Katefeltlikeaprincess.Brucewhirledheraroundthefloor,butit

waswhenheheldhertightlydancingchesttochest,thatshefeltmostatpeace.

"Rememberwhenwefirstmet,ItoldyouthatIwouldmakesureyoufeltlikeaprincess?"

Brucewhisperedinherear.

Katenodded.

"Kate,Ipromisetoloveyouandprotectyoueachdayofyourlife.Youmakemethe

happiestmanintheworld."

HearingthewordsmeltedKate'sheart.ShelookedintoBruce'seyes,knowingthat

trustinginlovehadbeenthebestdecisionshemadeinherlife.

"Iloveyou,"shetoldhim.ItwasastatementKateknewshecouldsayrepeatedlyfor

eternity.

"Iloveyoutoo,woman."

"Areyousureaboutwhatyouaregettinginto?Icanbeahandfulsometimes,"Kate

confessed.

"Ialreadyknowthat.AndI'mprepared.Thereisnoturningbacknow.Youarestuckwith

me."

Brucedippedher,andKatesquealedwithdelight.Asothersbegantojointhemonthe

dancefloor,thepartybegan.

Astheirparentsjoinedthemonthedancefloor,Katehadthefeelingthatherlifewas

complete.Shewasamazedhowherlifehadcomefullcircleinsuchashorttime.Katehoped

lifewouldremainlikethis.Ofcoursetherewouldbechallenges,butsheknewwiththeloveshe

andBruceshared,theywouldbeabletotriumph.

Thetwoofthemdancedthenightaway.Withfun,laughter,goodfood,andtoastsmade

byclosefriendsandfamilymembers,theirweddingnightwasabsoluteperfection.Katethought

gettingmarriedatthebaseoftheEiffelTowerintheCityofLovewasthemostromanticway

tomarrythemansheloved.TodayshesawthathavingsomuchlovearoundherandBruce

wasalsoacompliment.ShewashopefulthatbothhermotherandBruce'smotherfeltcontent

thattheywereabletobeapartofsuchawonderfulday.

Kate'sheartwasfilledwithjoy.Lifehadfinallytaughthertheimportanceoftrustinginnot

onlyherself,buttotrustinanother,andthatwhenshedid,thingscouldturnoutjustfine.She

couldnotimaginewhatlifewouldbelikeifshehadnottrustedtheprocessandsaidyesto

Bruce,andyestobeinglovedbyhimeverydayfortherestoftheirlives.Surroundedbyfamily

andfriends,atthefamilyranch,KateandBrucebegantheirlivescocoonedintheverylovethat

wouldsustainthemforever.

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