Coming Home to Paradise (Sisters in Paradise #3)

Chapter 20

The annual Paradise Christmas party had everyone hopping for two whole days. The aroma of smoked ribs, brisket, and turkey permeated the whole area around the Paradise. Rae finished setting all the side dishes on the buffet tables at five thirty and raced upstairs to take a quick shower. She, Bo, and Endora passed each other in the hallway, but they barely had time to nod.

The shower finished, makeup applied, and a few curls put into her dark hair, Rae raced over to her bedroom and slipped into the long crimson-red dress lying on her bed. She picked up her shoes on the way out of the room and put them on when she reached the foyer at five after six. People were already milling about the living room with either a glass of sweet tea or a drink in their hands.

“Early birds,” she muttered.

“What was that?” Luna asked as she came out of Mary Jane’s office, which for that night would serve as a coatroom.

“As always, there are folks who get here early,” Rae whispered.

“Country folks think you are late if you aren’t fifteen minutes early,” Tertia reminded her. “Not to worry, though. Endora and Bo aren’t down yet either. They’ve been whispering a lot lately. Do they have something up their sleeves? Are Bo and Maverick getting serious or something?”

“Don’t get me to second-guessing what my twin sister or yours are up to,” Rae said. “But last I heard Bo and Maverick want different things in life, so there’s no hope there.”

“That will make Aunt Bernie a happy woman,” Luna said with a smile. “I hear car doors. Hey, before I take coats again, how are things with you and Gunner?”

“I’m going to find out tonight,” Rae said. “I’m not sure if I’m a nanny, a cook, a tutor, or a girlfriend, but I’m going to figure it all out at this party and move on from there.”

“What do you want to be?” Luna asked.

“I really, really like him,” Rae answered.

“Good luck,” Luna said on her way to answer the doorbell.

Daisy and Heather, dressed alike in cute little red-and-green-plaid dresses, stopped inside the foyer so quickly that Gunner almost ran over them.

“You look like a queen,” Daisy said.

“Thank you, but don’t tell Queen Bernie that.” Rae bent down and whispered, “She’s dressed up special for y’all tonight, and she’s waiting in the living room, but first you give your coats to Luna.”

They shucked out of their coats and handed them to Luna, then made a beeline to Bernie. Luna disappeared into the coatroom, and Gunner stood just inside the door without saying a word.

“Is something wrong?” Rae asked.

“Wow,” he answered. “You look amazing. Will you wear that to the policemen’s Christmas dinner we’re having tomorrow evening?”

“Are you asking me on a date? If you are, who is going to keep the girls?” Rae asked.

He took a couple of steps toward her. “Yes, I am, and my folks have asked if they can have the girls this weekend. They have retired to a lake house up near Kingston, Oklahoma, and they’re having all the grandkids come stay with them for a couple of days. Want to ride along with me? I’d love to have some time to talk to you alone, and it’s only a little more than an hour’s drive.”

“Love to,” Rae answered. “When do we need to leave?”

“Eight is soon enough,” Gunner said, “but until then I want to steal glances at the most beautiful woman in the world.”

Rae looped her arm into his. “Thank you, but I imagine a lot of guys in here would disagree with you.”

“Then they need glasses,” Gunner flirted.

Did a real date make her his girlfriend? Rae wondered. In all honesty, was she ready to have that label attached to whatever this was between them?

***

“It fits beautifully, but it does need to be hemmed,” Bo said as she slowly walked around Endora, who was turning around to catch all the angles in the floor-length mirror of herself wearing her new dress.

“Can we shorten the front at ankle level and leave the back so that it makes a short train?” Endora asked.

Bo put the last straight pin in the front of the hem. “That sounds like a wonderful idea. But for right now, we had better get on down to the party or else they’ll start sending people up here.”

Endora ran a hand down the sides. “I love it so much that I hate to take it off.”

Bo stood up and unzipped her sister’s dress. “Still feel like there’s a storm coming?”

“Not right now, but something is bugging me,” Endora answered and stepped out of her dress. “It’s that same feeling I got down deep in my gut when Kevin was cheating on me. Something isn’t right yet, but this beautiful dress sure helps.”

“One day at a time…” Bo said.

“Sweet Jesus,” Endora finished the sentence.

“Amen,” Bo said as she hung the dress in her closet. Later, maybe tomorrow afternoon, she would sneak upstairs and work on the hem. Maybe she wouldn’t even wish that it was her dress like she was doing right then. “Your feeling shouldn’t concern Maverick and me. That’s not going to ever work out, so put your mind at ease.”

Endora butted in before she could finish. “Maybe it’s that I feel bad that you and Rae are having to jump over so many hurdles to find happiness when Parker just appeared on my doorstep.”

Bo turned around and patted her sister on the shoulder. “One of us has to be the old maid aunt, like Aunt Bernie. The one who looks out after the nieces and nephews and spoils them. Looks like I drew that straw.”

Endora waved from the door and slipped out wearing nothing but underwear and a smile. “It ain’t over until it’s over,” she whispered as she closed the door behind her.

Bo merely shook her head at the false hope her sister had for her and Maverick. Endora simply had a case of wedding fever. That happened when the prospective bride was so happy that she wanted everyone else to have the same emotion.

“Sorry, but this time it’s really over,” Bo said as she left her bedroom and headed to the party. She was halfway down the stairs when that prickly feeling on the back of her neck told her that Maverick was close. When she glanced down the stairs, his eyes locked on hers, and a smile broke out across his face. Her breath caught in her chest and her pulse jacked up several notches, but she couldn’t blink. She could see the desire in his eyes as clearly as she had the night that they had spent together—when only the dim glow of the moon shined through the window and lit up the room.

His jeans were creased and stacked up just right over his boots. He wore a blue shirt under a western-cut sports coat. He held out a lovely bouquet of roses when she stepped off the bottom step. Their hands brushed when she took them from him, and she wondered if she would ever again feel such an acute attraction to another man.

“You are a picture for sore eyes,” he whispered.

“Right back at you,” she said. “Thank you for these. They are lovely. Come on out to the kitchen and we’ll put them in water.”

“I wanted to bring you a going-away present,” he said as he followed her.

“I’m not going anywhere,” she said and then realized what he had said. “When?”

“First thing tomorrow morning,” Maverick answered. “Dave’s old manager got laid off at the boot place, and he’s ready to come back to the bar. He’s taking over tonight. I’m packed and ready to roll at daylight. I figure if I drive hard and don’t run into too much snow, I can be in Jackson Hole by Monday.”

Bo swallowed both the lump in her throat and the disappointment as she filled a quart jar with water and put the roses in it. “If that’s the case, let’s enjoy this party. Can I get you a beer or would you rather have a shot of whiskey? Name your poison.”

“Beer is good, and Bo, you can always show up on my doorstep tomorrow morning with a suitcase in your hand,” he said with one of his mesmerizing smiles.

“And give up having my own business teaching music and voice lessons?” She tried to keep her tone flirty, but it sounded a bit flat in her own ears. “Thanks for the invitation, but I’ve got my heart set on remodeling the old store and helping the rest of my family bring Spanish Fort back to its former glory.”

Maverick took another step forward and tipped up her chin with his fist. “I’ve always said that love at first sight was something that only happened in those paperback romance books, but you almost made me change my mind.”

His lips found hers in a string of kisses that left her knees feeling like rubber. She was panting and it was hard to breathe. She took a couple of steps back when she heard Bernie’s voice over all the commotion of the party.

“Well, well, look what we found in here, girls,” Bernie said when she saw Maverick and Bo.

“Pretty flowers!” Daisy squealed. “I love red roses.”

Bo pasted on her best fake smile. “So, do I. They’re a going-away gift from Maverick. He’s going to Wyoming tomorrow.”

“I thought he was your boyfriend,” Heather said.

“Just a friend,” Bo said.

“We came in here to find some more forks for the buffet table,” Bernie said with the biggest smile Bo had seen on her in a long time.

“They’re in the pantry,” Bo answered and then turned her focus back to Maverick. “Are you ready for some of the best smoked brisket you’ve ever had?”

“Yes, ma’am.” He slipped his hand in hers and let her lead him out to the dining room where the food was laid out.

He picked up a plate and loaded it. “Your aunt Bernie looked happy.”

“Yes, she did.”

***

Daisy hopped up into the back seat of Gunner’s truck and fastened her seat belt. “Queen Bernie danced with both of us girls, but, Daddy, you forgot to dance with Rae.”

Gunner held the truck door for Rae. “I promise I will dance with her at the policemen’s party on Saturday.”

“But we won’t get to see you,” Heather complained.

“Then sometime next week we will dance in the kitchen so you can see us,” Gunner promised.

The whispers that started behind Rae sounded like a hive of bees buzzing. From past experience of back when she was a little girl, she figured that if she and Gunner started their important conversation, the little ears in the back seat would perk right up. Nothing got past Daisy and Heather.

To prove that the world might change—technology had definitely changed, but nosy little girls did not—she whispered, “I forgot to ask how things were going with Millie and Jenny at school.”

“Johnny broke up with Millie because she didn’t bring him any candy yesterday,” Daisy said.

“He is Rita’s boyfriend now,” Heather added. “And Millie and Jenny are our friends.”

Gunner raised an eyebrow.

Rae slid a sly wink his way. “Those are all kids in Heather and Daisy’s class at school. There was a love triangle between Millie, Jenny, and Johnny, but it’s all settled now that he is Rita’s boyfriend.”

Gunner rolled his eyes. “In the first grade?”

Rae nodded.

“Rita is in the second grade,” Daisy announced loudly, “but she’s real bossy. Johnny won’t break up with her.”

“Why?” Rae asked.

“She’ll whoop him all over the playground if he does,” Heather answered and whispered something to Daisy.

“Is this for real?” Gunner asked.

Rae nodded again. “And little corn has big ears.”

“Corn don’t have ears,” Daisy giggled.

“I believe you just proved that point.” Gunner turned east on Highway 82. “Are y’all excited to get to see your cousins?”

“Yes!” They chorused together.

“Are they all about your age?” Rae asked.

“Nope,” Heather answered.

“They’re all older than us,” Daisy said.

“I’m the baby of the family. My older sisters are ten and twelve years older than I am. They each have two daughters whose ages range between twelve and sixteen,” Gunner explained. “Daisy and Heather love to spend time with them.”

“Everyone is already there but us.” Daisy sighed. “We’re going to make Christmas cookies and decorate Nanny and Poppa’s tree for them.”

“And put puzzles together,” Heather said.

“Sounds like a fun weekend.” Rae had been nervously thinking about the conversation she and Gunner would have and getting to spend a little while with him alone. That she would be meeting his parents and possibly part of his family didn’t dawn on her until she saw a sign that said Kingston was only seven miles away.

She was definitely overdressed since she hadn’t taken time to change after the party. The girls had begged to stay just “ten more minutes,” and then another five, so they had gotten a late start. Hopefully, his folks wouldn’t think she was putting on airs. She was still worrying when they crossed a very long bridge over Lake Texoma and made a hard right turn.

“We’re almost there,” Daisy squealed.

Heather pointed to a two-story split-log cabin with lights shining out the windows. “There’s the house.”

“That looks like a model for a Thomas Kinkade painting,” Rae said.

“Thomas’s last name is Dally, not Caid,” Heather said.

“I’m proud of you for remembering your classmates’ names,” Rae told her. “But I was talking about a grown-up man who is a famous painter.”

Gunner parked behind the last of three cars in front of the house. “Remember that calendar that you girls like? The pictures on it were painted by Thomas Kinkade.”

“Yep, Nanny’s house does look like one of them paintin’s,” Daisy agreed.

“Were you raised here?” Rae asked.

“Yes, I was. My folks sold their place in town and bought this house before I was born,” Gunner explained as he got out of the truck.

The twins had already opened the door and were inside by the time Gunner helped Rae out. “We’ll only stay a few minutes. Our little corn won’t be in the back seat to listen to every word we say on the way back home.”

Two words stuck in her mind as Gunner escorted her into the cabin— our and home . In some respects, Daisy and Heather did belong to them both since Rae was basically their babysitter. But after only one week, Gunner felt comfortable enough in his new place to call it home, which meant that—unlike Maverick—he was content.

“Mama and Daddy, this is Rae Simmons. Rae, meet my folks, Glenda and James Watson.” Gunner made introductions as soon as they were inside the house.

“Pleased to meet y’all,” Rae said.

“I told you that she was as pretty as a princess,” Heather said. “Can we go put our pajamas on now and have hot chocolate and doughnuts?”

“Yes, you did, and yes, you can,” Glenda said. “These are the other four of our half-dozen granddaughters, Tally, Irina, Emily, and Mischa.”

The girls all waved and headed upstairs with the twins.

“They don’t get to see each other often. Emily and Mischa live in California, and Tally and Irina in Tennessee,” Glenda explained. “Y’all come on in and sit a spell. Can I get you a glass of sweet tea?”

“No, Mama, we should get back home, but we’ll have time to visit when you bring them home Sunday evening,” Gunner answered.

“I understand,” James said. “Y’all be careful.”

Glenda crossed the room and hugged Gunner. “It’s always good to see you, Son, even if it’s only for a few minutes.” Then she turned around and hugged Rae. “I’m so glad you came with him. The twins are right. You are beautiful, but even more than that, they love you.”

Rae returned the hug. “Thank you. I love them too. But I’m not always dressed up like this. We came straight here after a Christmas party.”

Gunner opened the door and stepped outside. “See you Sunday.”

James followed them out onto the porch with his wife right behind him. “The girls were really excited about going to a big-people party.”

“They FaceTimed with us last night and were bouncing off the walls,” Glenda said and waved from the porch until Gunner had helped Rae into the truck.

“Now, we can talk,” he said when he had made the first turn.

“About?” Rae asked.

“Us and where this is all headed,” Gunner answered.

“You go first.”

Gunner did not hesitate. “I’ve argued with myself since I first met you in Saint Jo. I’ve never felt such a strong attraction to a woman, and I felt guilty because I didn’t have that for Stacey. Don’t get me wrong. I loved my wife, and I was devastated when she died. But this chemistry I feel with you is something deeper. Maybe it’s age. Maybe it’s something else.” He hesitated a few seconds before he went on. “I’ve been afraid that your patience with my daughters was what I was feeling, but…”

Rae laid her hand on his shoulder. “I know what you’re trying to say, but there are no words to really describe it, are there?”

Gunner shook his head. “Stacey used to tell me that I was as romantic as a rock. I probably shouldn’t be talking about her when I’m trying to explain things to you.”

“Stacey is the girls’ mother and was a major part of your life,” Rae told him. “They need to remember her, and they can’t do that if you don’t ever mention the good times y’all had together.”

“Do you know how amazing you are?”

She gave his shoulder a gentle pat and then moved her hand back into her lap. “That would depend on who you ask. Now it’s my turn. I do not believe in all that love-at-first-sight stuff, but I do believe in Christmas miracles. What we have could very well be one of those.”

“Then I’m glad that our paths didn’t cross until now, right during the holidays,” he said with a grin.

“Me too, because I’ve fought the same battles you have. Was what I felt for you because I loved your girls, or was it real? Did I really want to start a relationship with a cop after being on the force and seeing what kind of job it is?”

“What are the answers to those questions?” Gunner asked.

“This thing between us has nothing to do with the children, and yes, I do want to have a relationship with you. I understand what a stressful job you have, and I want to be there for you,” she answered honestly. “And honey, I will never say a derogatory word about Stacey to the girls, but she was dead wrong about you not being romantic.”

“Well, thank you.”

Gunner stopped the truck on the side of the road, got out, and jogged around the front end. He opened the passenger door and held out a hand. Rae wasn’t sure what was going on, but she unfastened her seat belt and put her hand in his. He drew her close to him, cupped her cheeks in his hands and kissed her.

Like always, she left the world behind when his lips met hers in a steamy hot, fiery kiss. One minute she was floating somewhere in a place where her only thoughts were on Gunner. The next, she was standing on solid ground with a police car’s flashing lights behind her.

“Y’all having car trouble?” The policeman yelled as he walked toward them.

“No, sir,” Gunner answered. “I just wanted to kiss my girlfriend and didn’t think it was safe to do so when I was driving.”

“Well, then.” The older man laughed. “You’ve got that job done, so it would be best if you get on down the road.”

“Yes, sir.” Gunner chuckled.