The Tree and the Tablet (The St. James Chronicles Book 1)

by Kathryn O'Brien

  My hands were now pressed against the glass as if somehow, I could magically feel him through the invisible force that was separating me from my heart’s desire. Looking him over from head to toe, my eye caught on the shiny black feather wrapped in leather with silver and turquoise hanging around his neck. Just then, the robin flew from its precarious perch on the snow-covered railing and as it flew between us, he looked up from his musings to watch it fly away. The bird became a blur and our eyes locked. Deep, hypnotic pools of green enveloped me. A gasp escaped me followed by shallow breathing as my world seemed to freeze, this one moment in time enveloping me with its cloying sweetness. Suddenly, I was drowning in a haze, the air being sucked right out of me in one big whoosh. Arms like jelly burned and tingled with a numbing sensation. Quicksand was pulling me down, sucking me into a deep abyss and then nothing. Sweet, peaceful, nothing.

  Chapter Five

  The sun was shining right into my eyes through the open curtains. Rolling over to shield myself from the intensity of the sun shining through the window into my face, my thoughts began to solidify. Wow! What an amazing dream. Swollen lips, parched and aching throbbed from the memory of the most intense kiss I’d ever had with my dark godlike mystery man. My heart pounded and my belly ached with the memory of those kisses. A sigh escaped me. I could still feel his arms around me and his firm body pressed against mine. It was such a vivid dream that I could still smell him. As I laid there for a minute, rubbing my temples, I tried to remember the events that lead to my trip into the bedroom. Everything was sort of fuzzy, and no matter how much I struggled with my brain, I couldn't remember going to bed. After attempting to figure out what was real and what was a dream, my head was starting to hurt.

  Oh, well. I must’ve had more wine than I thought I did. Pulling back the comforter and sliding my feet to the floor, now things were really getting strange. It seemed I had veered from my normal nightly rituals as I wasn’t wearing anything other than a t-shirt and a pair of panties, rather than a tank top and comfy shorts. Hmmm. People do odd things when they’ve been drinking. Pulling on my old hoodie and a pair of loose fitting jeans that were lying on the chair next to the end of the bed, I grabbed a scrunchie from the bedside and put my hair into a loose ponytail. Slowly meandering down the hall, I poked my head in to check on Kelsey. She wasn’t in her room. Panic started to creep through me until I heard her laughter in the backyard.

  Walking to the end of the hall facing out toward the high pitched squeals, I glanced through the window to see her chasing Peanut through the garden. Every couple of feet, Peanut would run under a bush and then stealthily crawl out behind Kelsey, letting loose a quick bark. Kelsey would jump and turn around giggling ferociously and then start off after Peanut again. A smile crept across my face at the sight. They were so adorable together. Knowing that Kelsey was safe, I made my way downstairs to the kitchen.

  “Good Morning, Love.” Jody handed me a cup of hot coffee and smiled gently at me. “Are you feeling better?” She felt my brow like a mother checking her child for fever. A look of consternation etched on her brow.

  Nodding assuringly, “Mmm, Hmmm. I guess I just needed some rest.” Taking a moment to let the smell of the hot brew in my cup drift into my nostrils and feel the warmth seeping through the ceramic mug, I closed my eyes and took a sip of coffee. From the moment it passed my lips, I savored the smooth flavor and the heat as it briefly sat in my mouth and then found its way across my palate to gradually slide down my throat, warming me from the inside-out. For that simple moment in time, life is good. There’s nothing like a cup of coffee in the morning to melt away the cobwebs and rejuvenate the soul.

  “Mmm. Your coffee’s amazing, Jody. I buy the same brand, but it never tastes as good when I make it.” Jody smiled knowingly. “I must’ve had a little too much to drink yesterday. I don’t remember going to bed.” Looking at Jody quizzically, I couldn’t help but notice a gleam in her eye and the hint of a whimsical expression that played on her lips. Somehow, I felt like Jody wasn’t telling me everything.

  “Yes, well, with everything going on, it’s no wonder you fell so hard. You really did need the rest though.” She touched my shoulder. “Everything’s been arranged. I packed Kelsey’s bag and the movers will come tomorrow to pick up everything else.” She sighed.

  “It’s too soon.” I said, dejectedly. “I’m not ready to leave.” Looking around at the house and thinking of all the memories that were made there, a thousand thoughts were flying through my head. Turning back to Jody, “I feel close to her here.” Glancing down at my almost empty cup, a tear slipped out and rolled down my cheek.

  Wrapping her arms around my upper torso, Jody replied, “You know that Andrea wouldn’t want to see you so sad. Besides, it will be easier for Kelsey to heal and move forward once you are back in Washington.” Giving me a firm squeeze, she relinquished her hold on me, touched my cheek tenderly and went back to her dishes in the sink. “Your flight leaves at 6 pm tonight. I was thinking I could make you some snacks for your flight so I started some s'mores brownies for Kelsey and some cheesecake bits for you.”

  “Awe, Jody, you didn’t have to do that. You've already done so much.”

  “Nonsense. I don’t know when I’m going to get to spoil you girls again, besides, it makes me happy to do this. I also made some peanut butter doggie treats for Peanut.” Placing a pot on a draining rack, she turned to me and looking concerned she said in her most maternal voice, “You need to take better care of yourself. You aren’t going to be any good for Kelsey if you don’t take care of yourself.”

  As I started to speak, she raised her hand, “Hear me out.” My mouth snapped shut. “As I was saying, open your heart and stop hiding behind your work. I see you. I know what you are doing. You think that if you guard your heart, then you won’t get hurt, but that’s not true. Let yourself love. It’ll all work out. I promise.” She smiled and tilted her head to one side. Reaching out toward me, she tucked a stray lock of my hair behind my left ear. It felt like my mom was standing in front of me. I’d heard this all before. Mom was always telling me to let love in.

  Sighing heavily, “You're right, Jody. I know you're right. It’s just so hard.” Jody raised her eyebrows at me. “Okay, I’ll try harder.”

  “I’ll take that for now.” Turning and lifting the coffee pot from the plate, she filled my cup. “You best get packed, it’s already almost noon, sleepyhead.”

  Gasping, “Noon?”

  Nodding and chuckling, she turned back to her chores, “Yes. Truth is I was starting to get worried. If you hadn’t shown up when you did, I would’ve gone up to wake you. But you needed that sleep because you’re right back to your beautiful self. Go ahead now. There’s lots to be done before you have to go. I had the rental car agency pick up the car and John will drive you to the airport in the Lexus.”

  She was always a step ahead of me. It was almost like she could read minds. She turned and looked at me pointedly. My eyebrows rose sharply in response. She laughed and turned back to the cooking.

  “By the way” I said, smiling mischievously, “I made arrangements for the ownership of the Lexus to go to you and the F-150 Lariat to go to John.”

  In the process of rolling out pie dough for miniature pies, she was surprised enough to drop the rolling pin and gasp. Spinning around toward me and squealing at the same time, she literally bounced the three steps toward me and hugged me ferociously while crying. “You sweet, amazing, girl! Thank you so much. I can’t find the words.”

  Well, I guess she’s not psychic. She always loved the Lexus and said that when she could afford it that she might buy one for herself. “It’s the least I could do. You are family. Besides, John’s going to need a nice truck to start his landscaping business. Consider it an investment.”

  Pulling away and wiping her eyes on her apron, she said, “Go ahead now, before you get me to crying again.” She shooed me out of the kitchen and I laughed as I walked over to the French doors. A
s I watched Kelsey and Peanut playing, a glint of copper caught my eye. It was the little robin there again. Strangely, it appeared to be watching them as well. Turning its head, it looked at me. Funny bird. The snow had magically almost melted completely away except for in some areas where there was more shade. Rays of sunshine streaked through the cluster of cottonwood trees and lit on the different areas of the garden like a highlighter bringing attention to a cluster of columbines that somehow survived the snow, melting my aching heart a bit.

  Not sure why, but I looked to the right side of the deck. Nothing to see there. My heart dropped into my stomach. The robin took flight and the disappointment was tangible, but in an effort to find a second of happiness, I turned away.

  Sighing, “Margaret St. James, stop daydreaming!” I admonished internally. It wasn’t real… Or was it? Shaking my head vigorously and releasing a soft chuckle, I decided that Jody was right. I should get myself packed. With that thought, off to the shower I went.

  A couple hours later, feeling clean and refreshed, I took one last look around the house, mentally preparing myself for the leaving. Mine and Kelsey’s bags were sitting by the front door. Peanut’s kennel was sitting there, waiting for her to be placed inside. Kelsey’s giggle traveled across the space and I glanced up to see her sitting at the island in the kitchen. Jody had just handed her some brownies and a glass of milk. Peanut was lying on the floor in the sun next to the open French doors. She lifted her head slightly from the floor, perked up her ears and looked at me. Laying back down, she sighed and closed her eyes to resume soaking up the miraculous sunshine. Kelsey must've worn her out this morning.

  As I walked across the great room toward the kitchen, Kelsey saw me. Jumping down from her chair, she crossed the span of the room at a dead run. “Auntie!” She screeched as she ran and dove into my arms. Picking her up and spinning her around, I snuggled her close. Funny how kids always greet you like they haven’t seen you in a year even if it’s only been a few minutes. I love that.

  Twirling her in circles in the middle of the room, I giggled with her. “What have you been up to today? I saw you and Peanut playing in the backyard earlier.”

  “You did?” A doubtful expression was on her face. “I didn’t see you.” Her face lit up and she almost shouted, so filled with excitement, “Auntie, I saw a beautiful robin earlier. It landed on my shoulder and it kinda scared me at first. I love robins. Me and Daddy used to always sit on the deck and talk to them together.” It truly was dizzying to listen to her sometimes. She had a knack for speaking rapidly with such excitement that it always took me a couple seconds to catch up to what she was saying. As the information was absorbed by me, I noticed a look of consternation cross her face for a moment. “I never saw this one before, though.” She smiled and shrugged as if it was only a momentary fleeting thought that entered and left her head just as quickly. It was like watching a door open and close. Setting her down on the floor, I looked up at the open door to the deck briefly and then back to her. A new thought must’ve entered her head as suddenly her face lit up and tugging my arm insistently she jubilantly proclaimed, “Jody made brownies! Come on!” Relinquishing my arm, she sped away from me.

  Smiling and shaking my head, I looked after the skipping child who relinquished my arm to resume her brownie consumption, wondering where she got all of the energy. Shrugging my shoulders, I followed her into the kitchen.

  Jody handed me a plate while watching Kelsey dig into her brownies, “I already fed Kelsey, here’s a plate of spaghetti to tide you over since you haven’t eaten today.” Smiling, she admonished me, “You know you can’t survive on coffee alone. Even though you think it’s one of the main food groups, it’s not!”

  “Oh, thank the lord, you read my mind. I’m starving!” Setting the plate on the island, I quickly slid into my seat and started shoveling the food into my mouth. It was so delicious. As my stomach mumbled its approval of the nourishment hastily making its way through my esophagus, I found myself wishing I could put Jody in my pocket and take her with me. Cooking was not my forte’. She was truly a master chef. Wow! Just Wow! So good. It didn’t take long to clear my plate of every last morsel. Looking up from my now empty plate, our eyes locked.

  Jody stood by with a knowing smile on her face and giggled at me. “Goodness, you weren’t hungry, were you? Did you even breathe?”

  Feeling a little sheepish, my shoulders lifted involuntarily, “I guess so. Is there any more?” Chuckling to herself, she scooped up another helping and placed it in front of me. Eating more slowly now, I asked, “What time are we leaving?”

  “John returned the rental car yesterday as you asked. I told him to be ready to leave by three so you have time to get to the airport in this traffic.” Peering sideways at the clock over the stove, a sad expression crossed her face. Glancing at the clock myself, I realized it was already a quarter past two. Panic struck, it was almost time.

  “Jody, come with us to the airport. I’ll buy you a ticket and you can fly back in a week.” Hope crept into my voice.

  “Yes, Jody! Come with us! Please, please, please!” Kelsey jumped down, and straddled Jody’s legs. Looking up at Jody with the sweetest smile, she wriggled her eyebrows and repeated herself with a lengthy, “Pleeease?”

  Reaching down and cupping Kelsey’s sweet face in her hand, she removed her from her legs and dropped to her knees to hug Kelsey. Pulling back to look her in the eyes and pushing a lock of wayward hair around her ear, Jody sighed, “We already discussed this, right?”

  Kelsey nodded. Smiling timidly at Jody, “I thought you might change your mind?” It was partly a pleading question and partly a statement.

  Jody raised one strawberry colored eyebrow at Kelsey’s antics, “I’ll come soon for a visit. I promise. You and Aunt Maggie need time to adjust to your new life. Everything will be okay, Sweetie.”

  Kelsey looked sad, but soldiered through and replied with an ethereal smile, looking like a little angel, “Okay. I understand. I love you, Jody. I’ll just have to miss you until I see you again.” She hugged Jody tight. They pulled back, looked into each other’s eyes and placing their foreheads together, they started to laugh.

  Struggling to her feet again, “Oof! I’m getting too old for this!” Wobbling and attempting to stand up, I moved around the counter to help her to her feet.

  Giggling like children, we both sort of lost our balance in the effort. As we steadied ourselves, I hugged her to me. “I love you! You’re like a second mother to me. Please keep in touch and let me know if you need anything.”

  Hugging me back, she whispered in my ear, “I love you too, sweet girl. You and Andrea have always been like the daughters I always wanted.” Tears in our eyes, we separated.

  Without warning, a flash of coppery feathers surrounded us and the little robin was circling our heads. Chaos ensued and Jody grabbed for the broom in a flurry of screeches and hoots. Sensing it was in imminent danger of being harmed, the bird seemingly halted in mid-air, then flew right out the open French doors. Huffing, puffing, and trying to slow our pulses, we looked at each other perplexed by what had just transpired. Jody looked at the door and glancing back at me, she exclaimed slightly out of breath, wide eyed and flustered, “Goodness, that’s never happened before!”

  Without a chance to process any further what had just happened, John opened the front door causing us all to jump and turn toward it, “Are you ladies ready? We’d better go if we want to beat the traffic.”

  Chapter Six

  After many hugs, kisses, and fond farewells, we boarded our flight for an uneventful trip home. The driver picked us up at the terminal. We arrived at the house in Allyn around midnight, after having him stop at Burgers by The Bay to pick up some food that we could eat at home. Opening the front door, I was greeted with an immediate sense of relief. As if being away was slowly sucking the life from me. Upon entering the front door, you could see straight through the back-French doors right in front of the dining room
area. As the driver placed the bags inside the door, I handed Kelsey the food. She made her way to the dining room to eat while I tipped the driver and thanked him.

  Peanut was ecstatic to be back home as well. Initially, when I unzipped her kennel, she ran through the house jumping on all of the furniture, causing Kelsey to giggle and dance excitedly at her antics. After opening the doggie door, I went to put the bags in the rooms.

  When I returned to the dining room, I noticed that Kelsey was half asleep while still trying to eat her cheeseburger. “Hey, Kiddo, looks like you're ready for bed.”

  Wiping her face with a napkin, I turned her toward me. As I picked Kelsey up to take her to her room, Peanut returned from her third trip out the doggie door to relieve herself and followed me into the guest room, which would now become Kelsey’s room. It was the room directly across from mine and just made sense to put her there permanently. Normally, I’d insist on Kelsey brushing her teeth before bed, but she was entirely tuckered out. Once tucked into bed with her favorite teddy bear, Mr. Snuggles, I started to sing the lullaby but noticed she was fast asleep.

  Peanut followed me through the single-story rambler to the kitchen. She sat looking at me sideways while I poured a nice large glass of wine. As I glanced around my little slice of heaven, a sigh perforated the peaceful silence. It was so good to be home.

  The living room was situated in the front of the house to the left of the front door with large bay windows facing out to the driveway. The ceilings were vaulted to the peak of the roof and gave the impression of a grand opening. Beyond the entryway was the open kitchen with a large center island covered in a light granite in a marble design. There was a beautiful subway tile backsplash with stainless steel appliances. The cabinets were a rich mahogany. Hand-scraped hickory hardwood floors flowed through the house. The garage was situated off the side of the house and entered through the kitchen with my study just off the side for privacy and quiet, which also contained a three-quarter bath and Murphy bed for additional guests. To the right of the living room was a wall with a coat rack and coat closet next to the door.