CHAPTER TWELVE
Vivi drove down the highway toward the horse farm with two of her best friends. Joel was behind them with Ben and Dane in the truck. How the girls had managed this small reprieve was still a mystery to Vivi. They hadn’t been able to talk much over the last few days, so this was her solution for some alone time with the girls.
After they finished belting out “Believe” along with Cher, they took a break. “Every time I hear that song, it reminds of the prom senior year,” Trinity said. “I was in love with Bob Cutler and wondered if it was time to go to third base with him.” The screams that accompanied her confession could probably be heard by Joel and the guys. “Whaaat? Bob was the cutest boy in our class, and I was head over heels.”
Ruby drained her can of Diet Coke and let out a loud burp. “If I remember correctly, the two of you were caught with your hands in inappropriate places by your mama. Not only did you consider it…you did it.”
“Ruby, you were not even a virgin when we graduated high school, so I’m not sure where you have room to be discussing where my hands might or might not have been after the prom.”
Waving her hand around, Ruby laughed. “I lost my virginity and my heart to Kellan that night, and I don’t regret a minute of it. I look back and thank God for his convincing ways. We didn’t end up having much time together, so I’m grateful that we didn’t waste what we had.”
“And now Ben,” Vivi said quietly.
Glancing over, Ruby grinned. “And now Ben. I never thought someone would come along who would help me move on. But Ben seems to be doing just that. That big bear of a man is the sweetest, kindest, sexiest man, and I don’t want to give him up. We all know that life is short and I don’t feel like wasting what I have by not spending as much time as I can with him. He wants me to move to Florida.”
“Are you thinking about it?” Trinity asked.
“It depends on what we’re doing up here with the clinic. I’m committed to staying if we think we can keep it open without getting shot.”
“I guess that’s what we have to figure out,” Vivi replied. “I don’t want to hold on to this dream and have us in danger. I had my fill of it when I was abroad. To be honest with you both, I’m a little tired and wrung out.” Moving her hair off her face, she tapped her fingers against the steering wheel. “Seeing the men leave the clinic in full tactical gear the other day was more than I bargained for. I know that it was like a picnic to them, but it made me feel sick to my stomach.”
“Dane loved it,” Trinity said. “Those SEALs are a breed apart. They spent years achieving impossible tasks in highly challenging environments. They live for the opportunity to use their skills and experience. Did you see how happy and carefree they were when they walked out?” Shaking her head, she laughed. “That should tell us something about the type of men we’re dealing with.”
Looking into the rearview mirror, Vivi met Trinity’s gaze. “It’s about heart and a person’s willingness to put the needs of others before your own.”
“We all sleep under the blanket of freedom that people in the military have provided for us,” Trinity said.
“Are we going to talk about it?” Ruby asked.
“No,” Trinity replied flatly.
“Did you tell Dane?” Vivi asked.
“No. We’re just having a good time. I have no desire, for it to last.”
“Because he’s retired military or for another reason?” Ruby turned in her seat and studied Trinity closely.
“Because I don’t want more than what we have right now. This is all I can handle.”
“As long as you’re happy and getting what you want,” Vivi replied.
Staring out the window, Trinity shrugged. “I’m as happy as I can be.”
“So what should we do with the rest of our lives?” Vivi asked
“I don’t know about the rest of our lives, but I think we should shut down the clinic,” Ruby replied. “I know that I should probably be braver than I am, but I’m not. What if Joel and the guys never came and we were on our own the day the gangs decided to show up? They can’t stay forever, and we can’t afford the type of security that would ensure our safety.”
“I guess we can’t do much good if we’re dead,” Vivi said.
“Yeah,” Trinity said from the back. “The three of us know that better than most.”
***
Ben stared out the window of the truck, and Joel elbowed him. “You two can be separated for a couple of hours. It won’t kill you.”
“Do you think they’re talking about us?”
Dane laughed. “Look at their heads moving around and their hands waving. They are singing and laughing. The three of us are the last thing they’re talking about.”
“I think they’re discussing what to do with the clinic. At least I hope that’s what they’re talking about,” Joel said, as he flipped down the visor against the afternoon sun.
“I think if they close the clinic, then Ruby will come down to Florida and stay with me. At least that’s what I’m hoping she’ll do,” Ben said.
“You’ve known her one week, and you’ve discussed living together,” Dane choked in reply.
“Yeah. I knew she was the one for me after two days. She’s everything I’ve ever wanted in a woman, and I see no need to wait.” Tapping his hand against the door, he glanced over his shoulder at Dane. “I’m hoping I can talk her into getting married by the end of the summer. Then we can start on a family.”
“Just like that?” Joel asked
“Yeah. I want kids, and so does she. We need to get started on it right away if we want to have a couple of them. We’re both thirty-five, and we don’t really have any time to waste.”
“It’s a good thing you came on this trip. Just imagine if you missed out on meeting Ruby. Who knows where your life would’ve ended up?” Dane commented.
“I would’ve found her one way or another. But I’m damn happy that I’ve found her now.”
Dane leaned forward and thumped Joel on the back. “What about you, man? Have you found the woman of your dreams?”
Ben laughed. “Joel doesn’t do love. Remember? He is a one-man show with no desire for long-term commitments.”
“I thought a certain doctor might change his mind,” Dane replied.
“I’m sitting right here,” Joel fumed. “What the hell is wrong with you guys?”
“Nothing, man. Everything is great. We’re going to have a couple of days off and enjoy the company of three lovely women. We also can fish and help Vivi celebrate her birthday. It’s freaking perfect,” Ben replied.
Joel tightened his grip on the wheel and stared straight ahead. Dane was right; he had always liked his freedom and saw no reason to change the way he operated. There hadn’t been any reason to…until he a certain doctor came along. Maybe creating something with Vivi was in his future.
***
Vivi parked her car next to the house, and everyone piled out. Ruby ran into the house calling Tally’s name. Two hours on the road and two Diet Cokes had proven to be too much for her bladder. “Run, Ruby. You can make it,” Vivi called after her.
Joel parked the truck next to Vivi’s and stepped out into the late afternoon sunshine. “Vivi, you have a lead foot. You drive way too fast.” He strolled over to her and looped his arm over her shoulder. “You’re lucky that you didn’t get a ticket.”
Trinity started unloading bags and laughed. “Don’t waste your breath, Joel. Vivi has driven like that since she got her license. But I like to remind her that the sun don’t shine on the same dog’s ass…always, and her time is coming.”
“Well, it hasn’t come yet,” Vivi said brightly.
“How big is this place?” Ben inquired as he looked around.
“We have about one hundred and eighty acres, give or take. There are four stocked ponds with bass and perch. So if you all want to fish, there will be plenty to catch. The horse barn is about a mile down that dirt road. Daddy breeds quarter horses, and there are about twelve horses that we can ride if anyone is interested. There are also foxes, deer, coyotes, and wild turkeys wandering around.”
Ruby came out of the house with a big smile on her face. “Made it.” Ben strolled over and hugged her. “Before you start smooching me, we have to get settled. Tally told me that dinner is at six, and she expects us to be on time. The cottages are ready, and she told us to go on over.”
“Daddy built a bunch of cottages last year after Ronnie and Chase got married. The house was getting too crowded, and he decided that he didn’t want all his children underfoot. He and Mama say that the house is reserved for them and their grandchildren. The rest of us are expected to bust a hustle to the other side of the pond.” Vivi shook her head. “Mama and Daddy like their grandchildren more than us and have made that clear to everyone.”
Trinity took Vivi’s hand and swung it back and forth. “Don’t you worry, once your babies start coming, you will be thankful for your mama’s help.”
“That’s true.” Vivi grinned at Trinity and winked. “Grab your bags, everyone. We can take a swim before dinner.”
Joel came up alongside Vivi and grabbed her bag out of her hand. “Let me take that, honey.”
“Thank you. Did you enjoy the drive out here?”
“I sure did. This is beautiful country.”
“This is one of the prettiest places on the planet, and I’m happy that you all could make it before you head home.”
“I’m not heading home until I know you’re safe.”
“Joel, the girls and I decided to close the clinic. So, your work here is done.”
“But there is still someone that is a threat to you.” Tightening his hold on her hand, he shook his head. “Do you think that I would leave without securing your safety?”
“I think once we close the clinic and the word gets out, then whoever is out there will lose interest in me. You can’t stay forever, and we both need to get on with our lives. You have a business to run, and I have to figure out my next step.”
“But what about…” Before he could ask his question, he was interrupted by the girls asking which cottage they were supposed to take. She slipped her hand out of his and started directing the couples. It seemed that Vivi wasn’t interested in making their relationship anything more than it was. Which made him feel relieved, but also incredibly sad.
If she didn’t want to have a relationship with him, then she was going to have one with someone else. And that someone else was going to be the father of her children. The relief he felt a second ago was gone, and it was replaced by a streak of white-hot rage. The idea of another man touching her and loving her made him so angry that he almost stopped walking. What the hell was going on with him?
“Joel, are you coming?” Vivi called out.
Glancing up, he pulled himself together. “Coming, honey.” It was time to figure out what he wanted. Seeing Vivi standing next to a cottage with the sun behind her made him realize that he already knew what he wanted. Now he just needed to figure out how to get it.
“Meet you all out at the pool,” Vivi called to her friends as they entered the cottages. Joel came up behind her and kissed her head. “Do you think anyone is going to come out before supper?”
“No, honey.” Embracing her, he let his mouth run down her neck. “And neither are we.”
Twisting in his arms, she glanced up. “What did you want to do?”
“I want to run my mouth all over your body and then bury myself so deeply in yours that we’re one.”
“Oh…all right. I guess we can do that.” Slipping out of his embrace, she slid her hands onto her hips and let her eyes roam over him. “It seems as good an idea as any.”
“I like your enthusiasm.”
“I was waiting to get behind closed doors before I showed you my enthusiasm. But if you want me to start now…”
He watched her lift the bottom of her shirt, and he responded by scooping her up and taking her inside. “My God, woman. You are going to drive me nuts.”
“Only if you’re lucky. Now quit talking and start kissing.”
***
They lay entwined under the fan and let the air cool their sweat-soaked bodies. “How do you feel about my idea now?” Joel managed to say. It wasn’t easy, considering how hard his heart was still beating. The things she did to him were just short of a miracle, and his only hope was that he could survive the experience.
“It turned out to be a good idea. I may not be able to move again for the rest of the night, but it’s a price that I’m willing to pay.”
Lifting his hand, he checked his watch. “We have to be at dinner in forty-five minutes. Do you want to try to swim or just relax?”
“Did you miss the part where I said I might not be able to move?” Rolling over, she kissed his cheek and closed her eyes. “Wake me up in twenty minutes.”
One minute later, he heard her steady breathing. So much for sweet talk after sex. Clearly that wasn’t something that she was interested in. Resting his hand on her back, he watched the fan go around and around. It felt like his brain. He had so many thoughts circling without a spot to land.
He should concentrate on solving the mystery of who tried to run her over and why there were two men who saw her as a threat. That was the thing he needed to focus on. Everything after that would work itself out. God willing.
“Viv, wake up. Sweetie, we have to get in the shower.” He watched one of her eyes open and then close immediately. “Do you want me to carry you in?”
Her response was to bury her face in his neck and shake her head no. “I know you don’t want to be the last one to arrive. So open those pretty eyes of yours. I’ll do that thing you like if you get up now.”
The eye opened again, and she smiled. “I like that you are offering sexual favors as a way to motivate me.”
Laughing, he rolled off the bed and held out his hand. “Come on and let’s get showered.”
“Is that what they’re calling it these days?”
“Yes.”
“All right.” She levered herself up and remained still. “For the first time in my life…I don’t have a plan, and I’m scared out of my mind.”
Joel sat down on the bed and took her hand. “I think whatever you come up with next is going to be terrific. And if you don’t like what you choose, then you get to choose again. That’s the thing about plans, they always change and you just keep choosing until you come up with something that works. Fifteen years on the Teams taught me that. Stay flexible and open. It’s easier to see the solution when you don’t know what it’s supposed to look like.”
“You are good medicine, Joel McDade. That’s the best thing I’ve heard in years.”
Leaning over, he kissed her gently. “Thanks, honey. Maybe we’re good medicine for one another.”
“Maybe.” Moving off the bed, she strolled into the bathroom. “I can’t be late for dinner, because Tally will have my head. So let’s save the sexual favors for after supper.”
“Are you going to take advantage of me later on tonight?” he asked.
“More than once,” she said.
Whoever said that old warriors were not blessed had never met Vivi DuMond. Clearly, she was his reward.
***
The women sat around the outdoor fireplace and drank their glasses of wine while the men finished up the dishes. Tally had prepared an amazing meal, and they were all stuffed.
Vivi looked into the flames and thought about what the next step should be. “I’m sorry that we couldn’t make the clinic a success. I want you both to know that I’ve instructed Ronnie to pay your salary until the end of the year.”
“Vivi, that isn’t necessary,” Trinity replied. Sitting forward, she studied her friend. “The whole point of the clinic was us working together.”
“I know, but you quit the hospital, and that was an incredibly good job. The least I can do is give you the rest of the year off, so you can choose your next opportunity with no pressure. The same goes for you, Ruby.”
“We were a success, it’s just that the neighborhood didn’t know how to leave us alone. Think of all the patients we treated and how many lovely people we met. That is the true heartache of all of this. The people who we won’t be able to help are the true victims, and that makes me sick,” Ruby said.
“Agreed,” Trinity and Vivi echoed.
“What is agreed?” Ben asked, as he walked outside with Dane and Joel.
“We regret that we won’t be able to serve the community in Algiers. We were actually starting to build something, and it’s a tragedy that we can’t continue,” Vivi said sadly.
“So what’s next for the three of you?” Dane asked.
“That is the million-dollar question,” Ruby responded.
Ben strode over and lifted Ruby up and then sat down with her in his lap. “Ruby is coming to Florida, and we’re going to figure it out together.”
“When did this happen?” Trinity asked carefully.
“About two hours ago. I asked Ruby to come home with me, and she’s agreed,” Ben stated firmly.
Vivi stood and walked over to one of her best friends and held open her arms. “I’m so proud of you for doing what makes you happy.” The two of them embraced, and Trinity joined them. “Ben, you better make sure that she’s happy; otherwise…” Looking over at Joel, she grinned. “I will make sure that Joel hurts you.”
“Understood,” Ben replied with a huge smile on his face.
Clapping his hands, Dane smiled at the group. “So what happens when someone turns thirty-six in Louisiana? What can we expect tomorrow for your party?”
Vivi walked over to her seat and picked up her abandoned wine glass. “Mama has the whole thing planned. She has decided that I need a big blowout party, so that’s what we’re having. The DuMonds will be arriving en masse in the afternoon. The only one missing will be my baby sister, TT. She’s in France for her gap year. She’s not due to return until the end of the summer.”
Leaning back, she took a sip of wine. “You all can go fishing if you want. Bob said he would set you up to go out on the pond. The girls and I are helping Tally, Mama, and Essie with the food preparation. We’re having a crawfish boil along with a ton of other food. I’m sure there will be a band playing all kinds of good Louisiana music. Mama promised me a big ol’ cake, and Daddy likes to do fireworks. That’s it.”
Trinity grinned. “Vivi has had the same birthday since she was twelve. When we were in high school, we got to invite boys. Other than that…it’s the same celebration.”
“I like what I like, and I will not apologize,” Vivi said to the group. “I like to start my birthday weekend with a long ride on my favorite horse. Ronnie is arriving later tonight, and she’s joining me in the morning. After that we eat, dance, and drink. What more could a person want?”
“Nothing,” Trinity and Ruby shouted.
Lifting her glass, Vivi offered a toast. “To the men of SAI, thank you for saving us. We might not be here today had you not come up to protect us.” Vivi tugged on Joel’s hand until he was sitting close. “Thanks for allowing me to celebrate another birthday.”
“My pleasure, Vivi.” Meeting her kiss with enthusiasm, he pressed his mouth against hers. The question remained: Who was saving whom?