A Love for all Ages (Crockett County Trilogy Book 1)

by Phillips, Brenda

  Stephanie raises her head taking a napkin from the holder on the table she wipes her eyes then blows her nose. Smiling at Chase she knows she looks a mess but the look of tenderness in his eyes makes her feel better. “Thanks, I am sorry for the water works. I guess Archie’s memories and the stress has me all weepy.” Softly she adds, “Archie touched my face earlier.” Seeing the shocked look on Chase’s face, has her laughing, “I felt a chill only. Not a freezing cold but a soft chilly breeze.” She shakes her head, “I’m not explaining this very well. It was more like a whisper of feather. That’s it, a feather that had been in a refrigerator.” Smiling that she has gotten the description right, she picks up her coffee and takes a sip.

  Enjoying her delight Chase smiles than tells her, “I am going to hook up my lap top I need to check for information about the fight Archibald was in. Now that I know he was ambushed, I may be able to find something useful.” Noticing Stephanie’s somber expression Chase explains, “We have to keep looking for answers.”

  Nodding in agreement, she responds, “I wish you luck, I am going to see what I can find for supper.” She sees him glance at the clock over the stove, “Before you offer to help I think I can fix us supper without your assistance. Why don’t you set up your computer here on the table? Or if you are just doing research, you can use mine. Either way, I am going to start supper.” Setting her mug on the table she stands up walking over to Chase. Leaning down Stephanie kisses him on top of his head. Moving away before he can react she goes to the pantry peering inside.

  Not really hungry but wanting something to keep her hands and mind busy, Stephanie decides to fix a grilled chicken salad, with homemade vignette dressing. Gathering the items needed, she notices Chase has decided to set his laptop up at the table. Stephanie smiles as she begins preparing the chicken, admitting she likes having Chase here with her. Was this really Stephanie Tuney standing here fixing supper for them, the Stephanie Tuney that has always been a loner, the same Stephanie Tuney that never wanted a man to intrude in her space? Feeling happy on the inside was new to her, was this the start of love?

  Placing the chicken on the stove top grill, Stephanie begins making the dressing and continues with her thoughts of how her life has changes since coming to Dusten. Not wanting to dwell on the bad things she pushes them to the back of her mind. Letting her mind drift she allows her thoughts to turn to Chase. Does he realize she may already be falling in love with him, would he run for the hills or follow through to see where the relationship goes? He had told her he would court her, than life got crazy. He said he was an old fashion man, does that mean marriage, children, growing old together?

  Looking over at Chase sitting at the table, reading about the Civil War to help a ghost find peace and maybe find answers to what is happening now. She places the bottles of spices on the counter than just stands watching him. Does he realize she wants to get to know him, all of him, the good, and the bad, to discover what makes him tick?

  Stephanie moves to the stove flipping the chicken on the grill; she checks the temperature, almost done, just needs a few minutes more. Moving back to the counter she finishes the dressing then puts the items back in the pantry. Stephanie wipes down the counter trying to get the bulk of the cleaning done. Putting the dirty dishes in the dishwasher she realizes they are acting like a married couple. Stopping in mid stance she imagines them as husband and wife, with a silly grin Stephanie finishes loading the dishwasher. Thinking about Chase in her future hadn’t made her run for the cover; it had given her a warm feeling, from the top of her head down to her toes.

  Turning to the stove Stephanie removes the chicken placing it on a wooden cutting board, then she starts cutting it in bite size pieces when she finishes she goes to the refrigerator removing the salad. Stephanie fixes their plates than takes them over to the table, going back to the counter she picks up the dressing and cutlery, placing it all within his reach. Stephanie moves to the cabinet selecting two wine glasses, smiling when she fills the glasses with ice tea. Due to her being on medication and Chase being on safety duty, she figures this is best. Picking up the glasses she goes back to the table after sitting the glasses down, she sits across from Chase.

  Chase had moved his computer when she started bringing the food. He waits until she is seated; then raises his glass in a silent salute to her. “This looks and smells wonderful. Thank you.” Smiling he takes a drink of his ice tea then bursts out laughing. “You are precious.” Recovering he adds, “I was wondering how you were going to drink alcohol with your medication.”

  Shrugging one slim shoulder she replies, “I wanted a nice meal and I got silly wanting to use the wine glasses. I knew you wouldn’t be drinking with the investigation and I can’t. So I guess it was a dumb ideal.” Rising up from her chair Stephanie decides to get regular glasses for their tea. Chase grabs her hand motioning for her to sit back down.

  Picking up his glass again he takes another drink. “I think it is perfect, the food, the drink and the company. I wouldn’t change one thing about our meal.” Smiling at her over the rim of his glass he waits for her to return his smile, when she does he sits his glass down then begins to eat. After a few bites he says, “I am not having a lot of luck finding any news on the ambush. With the box of gold coins, I had figured I would have found something mentioned, but so far nothing.”

  He eats several more bites then adds, “Earlier I had seen an article about missing Union Gold, it being the pay for the soldiers. I figured it was about the box Archibald and his men were transporting. But the story didn’t give any other details. Maybe we should go the library in Darrin County; they have a section on the local history we may find something there.”

  Nodding her head Stephanie agrees. “I have a follow up doctor appointment tomorrow; do you want to go then? You can She takes a drink check out the library while I see the doctor.” while she waits for him to respond. Chase nods as he continues to eat.

  Stephanie; she is busy eating not having to have small talk all the

  time. He liked the quite time with her. Spending time with her

  was comfortable but not like an old shoe, more like a friend you

  know and can just sit and enjoy. He lays his fork down as he

  pushes his plate away from him. The food was delicious but

  mostly he enjoyed the time with Stephanie. Would she allow him

  to share her bed tonight or would he be put in the guest room? If

  he shared her bed can he keep from making love to her? Deciding

  to let her lead, he relaxes as she eats.

  When they both finish with supper they clear the table and

  load the dishwasher. With the kitchen clean Stephanie tells Chase

  she is tired and ready to go upstairs. He watches as she walks out

  the door. Flipping the switch he turns the light off, leaving the

  kitchen he finds her in the foyer.

  Stephanie is sitting on the bottom step with the kitten on her

  lap. Looking up at Chase Stephanie smiles as she sets Lucky down

  on the floor; scooting over a little to give Chase room to sit beside

  her, she informs Chase, “We need to talk.”

  He glances at

  Leaving the medical plaza Stephanie feels the humid air as soon as she exits the building. Realizing Kentucky weather the first of June feels different then Florida she is glad she decided to wear tan capris, a pink t-shirt and a pair of leather sandals. She had put her hair up in a loose bun not wanting the heavy weight of her hair down in this heat. The weather man had reported the high temperature would be in the mid-nineties. As she stands on the sidewalk she knows the news had been correct.

  Checking her watch she sees it will be about forty-five minutes before Chase will be back to pick her up. Looking around she notices across the street is a major book store, the chain of stores that offers designer coffee. Smiling she walks across to the store, she decides she will buy a book to read, an ic
e coffee and text Chase she will wait for him here.

  Sitting at a table Stephanie takes a sip of the cold drink as she flips open the latest book by one of her favorite authors. When she tries to read, she discovers the noise in the coffee shop is too distracting. Instead she lets her mind wonder back to her doctor visit. Doctor Coup had just completed his rounds at the hospital. When he came in the room to see her he had seemed more approachable then he had at the hospital. Or it could be she felt better, at least physically. Mentally she was a wreck. No reason the good Doctor had to know that, she didn’t want to be put in the crazy ward. Better to keep Archie to herself.

  Doctor Coup had ordered x-rays of her ribs and wrist, after she was back in the room; he came in with the results. Both x-rays showed signs of healing. The cast had to be redone, this time she got to pick the color, and her being her, she decided on bright neon yellow. She had been excited when the doc had told the nurse she no longer needed to tape her ribs, they would continue to heal. The nurse had given Stephane an elastic wrap if she did too much and the pain got worse. Otherwise she was good.

  The fact the doctor had actually asked her if she had any questions, surprised her. She had brought up birth control. Explaining it had been a couple of years since she had taken the “pill” and asked what he thought would be best. He had looked at her for several seconds before he explained about a new birth control pill that was taken just once a month. He told her the nurse would have brochures about several different methods. After she reviewed them she could make an appointment.

  The doctor had left and it was the nurse who informed her she would need to come back in three weeks to be re-evaluated. After paying the co pay she got the brochures shoving them in her purse before leaving the office.

  The fact she was wanting birth control had her evaluating her life. Coming to Kentucky has made her rethink her past decisions. When she had gotten out of the dating game she had stopped taking her birth control. She had decided men in general were just too much trouble. Now she is envisioning sex, a relationships and love.

  The sound of her cell phone vibrating brings her thoughts back to the present. Picking up the phone she doesn’t recognize the number, swiping the screen she answers. After a few minutes of listening to the man speak Stephanie ends the call. Not sure what to do she dials Chase’s number and waits impatiently for him to answer, when he says hello, she ask him if he can come get her. She needs to go home. Ending the call when he tells her he is on his way.

  Paying for the book Stephanie goes outside to wait for Chase. Still confused about the call earlier she knows Chase will be able to help her understand. She watches traffic as she stands on the sidewalk. Seeing Chase’s black Taurus she steps closer to the curb. Pulling up beside the curb Chase stops in front of her, Stephanie opens the car door sliding inside she doesn’t give him time to assist her.

  Shifting on her seat she turns to Chase and blurts out, “An officer from Orlando called me and he is coming here to discuss Mitch’s accident with me.” Taking a breath she continues, “He said he found some information about Mitch he wants to tell me about face to face. I’m scared Chase, what could he have found that he can’t tell me over the phone?” Feeling tears forming in her eyes she stares at Chase.

  Moving to face her Chase pulls her in his arms. “Oh honey, I am so sorry.” have to wait. been close, friends as well as siblings. He knew this. Feeling her sobs subsiding he lets her move back to her seat, reaching in the glove box he retrieves a small pack of tissues, after opening the package Chase hands her one. Keeping his voice low, “Blow your nose, baby, sit back and close your eyes, I will have us home soon.” He puts the car in gear then merges into traffic.

  Stephanie wipes her eyes, blows her nose then leans back on the seat. Closing her eyes she allows her mind to drift to the last time she had seen Mitch. They had gone out to dinner at a fancy sea food restaurant. He had told her he was taking a job at a major hospital in California. It was more money and a promotion; he said he had done his time as a low partner at the clinic. He would have more time to date. He was ready to settle down. He talked about his break up with the realtor he had dated for six months. The blame was his; he had put the clinic first.

  Mitch wanted Stephanie to come with him, she worked from home, it was easy for her to pack up and move. He hadn’t wanted to go without her. She remembers him smiling as he talked about them finding a place close to each other and about them both starting over. He had reminded her of their Mother; the next town, the next big opportunity. As she had sat there listening to him, he had seemed excited, he loved meeting new people, getting involved with the local charities and locating the best local restaurants. She knew she would move, after all family is family. But she hadn’t wanted to pack up and leave her home.

  Turning her head she opens her eyes and looks at Chase. He is busy driving so Stephanie allows her eyes to drift over him; he is dressed casually today, wearing faded jeans, a white t-shirt and a pair of jogging shoes. Chase is a handsome man; it didn’t matter if she sees him in his uniform or casual clothes. He is sexy. She knows he is a kind, honest and hardworking man. He is loved by many in the community, a man you can count on when needed.

  Chase has become a major part of her life. Did she believe in fate? Was he the one meant for her, her one true love? She He rubs her back as she cries. Questions would She needs this; Mitch was her brother, they had enjoys their time together. After being a loner for so long, had she been waiting for him? Was she confusing sex with love? She wondered how being in a new town could change so much about a person.

  Letting her mind drift again; her thoughts return to Mitch. If Mitch was still alive, would she be here now? Would she have moved to California, just to move here when the attorney notified her about her inheritance? Would Mitch have understood her moving here, leaving him? Not wanting to dwell on the “what if” she closes her eyes. Sitting quietly she begins her mental exercises to relax. She trusts Chase to get the answers concerning Mitch and for him to get the situation here solved.

  Chase tries to concentrate on driving even with his mind working overtime. What kind of information would the police have found on Mitch? Why would the officer travel to Kentucky to talk to a dead man’s sister? Would he be able to get the information if he inquired on Stephanie’s behave? The questions keep circling in his head however he is unable to get answers until they are back home and talk. He doesn’t try to speak with her now; he can feel her tension as she tries to relax. He will give her this time to think. Knowing they both need to sort this out.

  The traffic is light this time of day allowing Chase to continue mulling the situation over in his mind. He decides to contact the police department in Orlando. Making up his mind to call as soon as they are home the remainder of the drive is completed in silence.

  Arriving back at the house Stephanie gets out of the car and goes inside; once again she doesn’t wait for him to open her door. Standing by his car Chase watches as she closes the front door. Reaching in his pocket he removes his cell phone calling Karen, he tells her to contact the police department in Orlando asking the detective to call him. Retuning the phone to his pocket he walks up the porch steps he stops to sit down on the top step as he looks out over the yard.

  He always enjoyed coming here when he was younger. To make some money as a teenager he would mow grass, paint, do just about anything for people in the community. His favorite place to work was here. He loved Miss Della, he knew people thought she was crazy but to him she was a sweet elderly lady who believed in the mysteries of the supernatural.

  She always had a sweet smile and a kind word. Even after he no longer mowed for others, he would for her. He knew she was too frail to be doing it herself and he had enjoyed her company; she would tell stories of her youth and about her family. They would sit for hours after he was done working; he would drink lemonade as she told him about her past. He had heard her stories a hundred times or more but he would listen and comment as if
it was the first time he had heard it.

  This house had been in the Cain family for generations, it was a house of history, a house that was a home to all who came here. Chase always felt peace when he came to visit, he would sit on the same step he was on now and actually feel the calm surround him. As a young boy he dreamed about living here, as a young man he had thoughts of buying this house. Now as a grown man he knows this house was always meant to have a descendent of the Cain’s family. The land, the farm and the house will forever be a major part of this community; it will always be the Cain’s family farm.

  Rising from the step Chase decides to walk to the barn. He hadn’t checked it earlier, now waiting for a phone call he hopes to receive; he figures this is a perfect time to look around. Chase retrieves his gun from the glove box of his car, placing it in the back waist band of his jeans then covers it with his t-shirt. Glancing up at the house he turns walking away.

  Stephanie upon arriving at home; had gone to the kitchen to fix a pot of coffee. Now as she sits on the love seat with her legs curled under her, she cradles her mug of coffee with both hands. The quite of the house is calming. She figured when Chase hadn’t followed her in the house he was doing his police thing. He seems to always be working, she had heard an officer was never really off duty, he was on call 24/7; she just hadn’t ever dated a cop so she didn’t really know this for fact until now.

  Sipping her coffee Stephanie allows her thoughts to return to the phone call from the detective. He had seemed polite but formal. He had gotten right to the point, said he had to speak with her in person about some information he had received about her brother Mitch. He had told her his name but she was so shocked she couldn’t remember it. She does remember him telling her he would see her in a few days then he had ended the call. The saying Short and Sweet came to mind; however since it wasn’t sweet it didn’t apply.