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

by Phillips, Brenda

  Stephanie closes her eyes picturing an image of Mitch in her mind; he is looking at her with his mischievous grin. Opening her eyes Stephanie feels a deep loss he isn’t really standing in front of her.

  Gazing out the window she sees Chase walk towards the barn. Stephanie figures he needs time to sort things out, the same as she does. She continues to sit on the love seat, accepting she isn’t in the mood to work, but needing something to take her mind off Mitch; she stares at Della’s journal laying on the end table. She had brought it in here when she cleaned the clutter from the kitchen table. Stephanie sets down her mug then picks up the leather journal. Flipping it open at the bookmark she begins to read.

  Sept 8th

  Dear Diary, I am at a loss on how to help Archibald. We sit and talk but neither of us understand the reason he is here; stuck for lack of better word. I find myself falling deeper in love with him daily. He is such a wonderful man. He cares deeply for the men who lost their lives by the pond. I make him go to the pond with me. I hope to help him find peace there. It is hard for him; he hates it at the pond. He only has told me bits and pieces about the day he died. He tells me he doesn’t want to talk about it; I think the reason he is still here has something to do with the day he died.

  And to be honest, at least here within my diary, I don’t want him to leave. My heart will break when or if we figure this out and he leaves me.

  Sept 30th Dear Diary, I just got back from vacation; my parents made me go to Myrtle Beach. I didn’t want to go; I didn’t want to leave my love. The two weeks away were hell for me.

  I have looked for Archibald, he isn’t here. I have sat for hours in the attic, hoping he would appear to me. he figured out how to leave my world, to leave me. breaks for my love is gone.

  I must conclude

  My heart

  Oct 6th

  Dear Diary,

  My days are long and lonely I miss my love. I know my parents are worried about me, and I am unable to explain. How do I tell them I want to die, thinking if I do I will be able to see my Archibald?

  With tears in her eyes Stephanie turns the page and continues reading; her own heart is breaking for the pain Della is feeling.

  Oct 10th

  Dear Diary, I am both joyful and angry. My love has returned; how I missed him. He makes me complete. The anger comes from the worry he has caused me. The time away from him has made me understand I will never love another. Bless my Archibald he did try to explain, but me being me, I did not let him at first. I yelled at him, I know it was from the pain of losing him and I did feel bad when he looked at me and I see the same love in his eyes that reflect in mine.

  He had been at the pond, he told me he was trying to find the peace I keep telling him he needs. For him an hour, a day, a week doesn’t matter. Time is not relevant. He hadn’t realized he had been at the pond so long; he had missed me and figured he would go to the pond to sort out some things.

  When I had seen him again at the foot of my bed, my first thoughts was to jump in his arms. How I hate the fact he will never be able to hold me. I do not love him less; I just want more for us.

  Stephanie lays the journal on her lap, picks up her mug; the cooling temperature of the coffee she sips has her moving the journal to the cushion beside her. She rises from the love seat carrying her mug she goes to the kitchen to make her another cup. Pouring the cold coffee in the sink she fixes her a fresh cup.

  As Stephanie does this she thinks about Della and Archie. The love they had for each other was unique. A love most never have, Stephanie feels sorry for the two lovers. Their love was real; she felt it when reading Della’s journals and when listening to Archibald. Both were committed to the other, both wanted more but grasped what they could.

  Leaning against the counter Stephanie sips her coffee. Hearing the front door open she sits her mug on the counter then walks to the foyer.

  Chase closes the door when he turns he sees Stephanie. She looks calmer; she had been a nervous wreck on the ride home. He had given her space taking his time to check out the barn while he waited for the call. After speaking with Detective Rogers, he had a few answers but more questions.

  Chase knows he has to tell Stephanie what the Detective had told him. However, he had taken time to sort out his approach. Standing in the foyer staring at the woman he is falling in love with, Chase tries to find the words to tell her about the drugs found in Mitch’s system. “How are you doing?” As he asks her the question he walks forward, he stops directly in front of her, raising his right hand he touches her cheek.

  Turning her head Stephanie kisses Chase’s palm. “Better, thanks.” She slides her arms around his waist. Stephanie lays her head on his chest; his heartbeat is steady in her ear. “Did you make your phone call?”

  Chase wraps his arms around her, resting his chin on the top of her head, he closes his eyes. Counting to ten before he speaks, “Yes, I spoke with Detective Rogers and he will be here in a couple of days. I think we should talk.”

  The tone of Chase’s voice has Stephanie pulling back; looking up in his eyes, she sees concern, “What did you find out?”

  Sliding his hands down her arms Chase takes her hands in his, stepping back a little, “Let’s go to the kitchen, I really need a cup of coffee.” Releasing one of her hands they walk to the kitchen. Chase brings the hand he is still holding to his lips, after a brief caress he releases it.

  Moving to the counter Chase sees Stephanie’s mug sitting by the coffee pot; he opens the cabinet selecting a mug for him. Fixing his coffee Chase braces mentally for Stephanie’s reaction to the investigation; turning around he sees she has moved to sit at the table. Picking up her mug Chase walks over to the table handing it to her. Sitting down across from Stephanie, Chase takes a sip of his coffee, the hot liquid burn his mouth making him grimace.

  Taking a deep breath Chase releases it, then begins, “Before I start I want you to promise me you will not interrupt until I have finished.” Stephanie nods in agreement. “Detective Rogers called me, I had to tell him some of what has happened here, otherwise he would have thought I was just a nosy county cop.” She nods again. “He asked me if I thought you knew more than what you were telling the Orlando Police about your brother’s accident.”

  Stephanie opens her mouth but closes it again when he holds up his hand. “I informed the Detective you were upset over the death of your brother. You and Mitch were close and you miss him. I told him it was my professional opinion you were not hiding any information, you would cooperate with him to the best your abilities.”

  Chase reaches across the table laying his hand over Stephanie’s right hand. “I love Mitch. We were more than siblings. He was my best friend.” She raises her eyes and sees Chase watching her. “Sorry, I promised I would listen to you.”

  “Honey, never apologize for loving your brother.” He lightly squeezes her fingers. Deciding to get this over with Chase blurts out, “I was told Mitch had heroin in his system the night he died.” The shock on her face told her disbelief, her hurt. He holds tight to her hand as she tries to pull away. “Honey, I want you to listen.”

  Shaking her head no, “I don’t believe you. Mitch didn’t do drugs; he helped people get off drugs at the clinic. He was not using, he would never do that.” The distress and disbelief in her voice had Chase hating having to tell her. He knew she wouldn’t like hearing it. And to be truthful, he should have handled it better.

  Still holding her hand he tells her, “I know this is difficult for you.” He lowers his voice wanting them both to remain calm.

  Pulling harder on her hand, “Difficult, this is not difficult. It’s ludicrous.” isn’t letting go. understanding. believe the lies about Mitch, so it doesn’t matter what he tells her. She will listen but she won’t believe it.

  Keeping eye contact Chase takes a deep breath then releases it. “I don’t believe Mitch was using drugs and I am not just saying Stephanie stops tugging her hand, realizing Chase Staring him in the
eyes, she sees compassion and “Go on, finish your story.” She isn’t going to that. The Detective doesn’t believe it either. We feel Mitch was set up to look like a user, we believe Mitch was murdered.”

  This time when she pulls on her hand, he allows it. Sitting across from her Chase feels her anguish. “Baby, I know this seems like a nightmare. I also know I should have done a better job of telling you. I never want to cause you pain.” He watches as Stephanie rises from her chair. She walks around the table moving to stand by him. Sliding his chair back from the table he moves to rise; Stephanie places her hand on his shoulder, Chase remains seated half expecting her to slap him.

  Stephanie slides around the edge of the table sitting down on his lap; laying her head on his shoulder as he slides his arms around her, cradling her close. Chase feels her body shake as she cries. Closing his eyes he feels helpless as his heart breaks for her grief.

  Chase gives her a few minutes than reaches across the table for a napkin; handing it to her. Stephanie sits up blowing her nose. When she is done, she offers a shaky smile, “Thanks.” Leaning forward Stephanie kisses Chase on his cheek. Laying her head back on his shoulder she asks, “So why was Mitch murdered?” Her voice quivers as she speaks.

  Holding her tight Chase closes his eyes; the feel of her in his arms and her fragile state of mind, has the combination bringing out his protectiveness. He knows he has to be honest with her. She deserves to know it all, at least the all he knows. “Detective Rogers wants to ask you about that. Get your opinion. I told him you wouldn’t know anything. But he said even little things that don’t seem important to you, may to him. I know that, it’s just different when it’s someone you….care about.” The pause was slight but spoke volumes; if she wasn’t so upset, she would realize he had come close to telling her he was in love with her. He didn’t want to tell her now, not like this. He wanted to do it when it was right for her. When she wasn’t so upset or stressed.

  Snuggling closer to Chase; Stephanie asks, “Is this all related? Mitch’s murder, my accident, the break-ins and Archie; are we all connected?”

  Rubbing her back Chase knows she is right about the situations. He answers with just a simple, “Yes.” He thinks about how well Stephanie is taking the news, the situation gets more complicated with each new bit of information yet she adjusts and moves ahead. He knows they have to solve each one of the mysteries, until then Stephanie is still in danger.

  Sitting on Chase’s lap; him holding her, Stephanie feels safe. Smiling at the thought; she has always been the giver, the one everyone else came to for assistance, whether it was helping with physical labor or just a sympathetic ear. However she is now on the receiving side of needing help. Stephanie admits to wanting Chase to be the one to give it. He is the only male, other than Mitch to have ever seen her cry. She never wanted pity from anyone; she had always considered tears a sign of weakness. With Chase she didn’t feel weak or less of a person, he made her feel cherished.

  Closing her eyes Stephanie inhales the scent of Chase, he smells of the outdoors, a masculine mixture of unusual spices and lush woods. She will forever associate the aromas radiating from Chase with confidence. Chase is a man who takes charge and helps those he can; in this instance he is helping her, Mitch and Archibald. She knows him well enough to realize he will do everything he can to solve the crimes while keeping her safe. The calm she feels whenever she is near Chase overwhelms her. Having never experienced these feelings before, Stephanie discovers she likes being taken care of, at least for now. She can concede Chase is an expert in his field; however he is smart enough to ask for help when he feels the situation warrants it. Therefore, if he can ask and receive help, she can too.

  Chase sits holding Stephanie; he loves the fragrance that is her. She smells of spring flowers with a soft hint of vanilla. The combination of the scents combined with her natural essence makes for a blowing effect. Rubbing her back he feels how tiny she is, again this brings out the protectiveness in him. He knows she has taken care of herself for years but he feels his life was meant to be here with her now; to protect her, to help her, and above all else to love her. As a police officer he understands her need to be strong but as the man that loves her, he just wants to take the pain, the sorrow, and her terror away. He yearns for her smiles; the kind that shines bright in her eyes. Realizing he has it bad, Chase closes his eyes as he holds her, loving the way she feels in his arms.

  The vibration of his cell phone in her ear has Stephanie straightening up fast. Keeping one hand on her leg, Chase reaches in his shirt pocket and pulls out the phone, seeing the number displayed he answers the call, “Karen, what’s the news?”

  Stephanie tries to rise up to give him space for his call but he shakes his head no. As he listens to Karen a frown draws his brows lower. “I will come to the office tomorrow; can you have the reports ready by 9:00? I don’t want to be away from here long.” Satisfied with the response, he ends the call. Placing the phone on the table, Chase turns his attention back to Stephanie. “I have to go to the office in the morning, just for a few hours. I have reports to read and sign, they have to be submitted to headquarters.”

  Smiling, Stephanie slides from his lap, turning she faces Chase, “I know you have work, I will be fine.” Not wanting him to worry any more than he already will; she keeps her back straight and her nervousness hidden. “I will work on the book; I have never missed a deadline. Not going to allow this to be the first.”

  Sitting down on the chair she vacated earlier, Stephanie smiles at Chase. Opting to think of something other than the danger surrounding them, Stephanie reveals, “I have been reading Della’s journal, she loved Archie, not a schoolgirl crush, but a once in a lifetime love. And he loved her.” Leaning towards Chase she whispers, “They got married.” Stephanie giggles when his eyes widen.

  Chase leans closer to Stephanie whispering, “When? How?”

  Keeping in the mood Stephanie looks around the room, than responds in a softer tone, “Archie told me on the way back from the pond. They stood in the living room, in front of the fireplace and said their vows.” Sadness filled her eyes as she explained, “They were married for forty-six years when Aunt Della passed away; Uncle Archie was with her.”

  Seeing the tears forming in her eyes, Chase lays his hand over hers, “They had a special love, a love that most of us only dream about and strive for. Their love for each other is eternal.” The smile on her lips is a welcome sight for him.

  The sadness in her eyes diminishes upon hearing his words. Moving back on her chair, she continues, “As I read the journal, I find myself believing in love again. Believing in the forever lasting kind of love usually only found in movies and sappy love stories.”

  Keeping eye contact, Chase replies, “True love is never sappy, the true love we strive for is a miracle that we must allow to grow and nurture.” Recognizing the implications of his words, he smiles wanting to lighten the mood, “We need to clean the kitchen then I need to go take a cold shower so I can get some sleep. We both have work in the morning.”

  The slow smile spreading on her lips has him grinning as she grasps the cold shower reference. “Poor Chase.” Stephanie tries to sound sympatric however a giggle escapes. Hearing the playful growl coming from Chase’s throat; Stephanie squeals as she jumps up running to stand behind the counter. “I am sorry Chase, I won’t laugh again.” Covering her mouth with both hands, she struggles to hide the laughter bubbling inside her.

  Chase standing up begins to slowly walk towards her, keeping his eyes on her face, he moves around the counter. Her eyes are wide but she isn’t moving away, she remains motionless except the laughter he can hear behind her hands. “You are a mean woman.” Quickly he flips the water faucet on, grabbing the sprayer he douses Stephanie drenching the front of her shirt before she comprehends what he intended.

  Screaming Stephanie turns to run as Chase drops the sprayer catching her by the waist. Pulling her close he kisses her soft lips. Releasing her
, “Now you know how I feel, go now and take a hot bath. I will clean the kitchen then join you upstairs.” He turns her towards the door, as he speaks.

  Walking upstairs Stephanie accepts Chase is her true love. Chapter 5

  Having been sharing a bed with Stephanie for several nights Chase finally has the item needed to completely make love with Stephanie. Thinking about the drive to Darrin County, as he knew better than to go to Wilson Drug store, he had felt like a teenager again sneaking to buy the box of condoms. He had felt silly driving out of county but knew if he had purchased the condoms locally everyone in town would know what he was planning.

  Standing in their bedroom since he had moved his stuff in here the first night; she had made room for him to unpack his clothes and for his personal items in the adjoining bathroom. Thinking about that night he smiles as he remembers her asking him downstairs if he still wanted to get the spare room ready or if he would like to share her room. She had asked in a rush, with a beautiful blush. He had been trying to figure a way to suggest that most of the past hour, relieved he readily said yes to her offer.

  At bedtime Chase had changed into a pair of comfy gym shorts he had for years, he gotten them when he played basketball for the police academy league. Stephanie had changed into a knee length night shirt with a yellow bird on the front. They had both seemed awkward, until once in bed, she had snuggled up against him in the same spoon position as when they had taken their nap earlier. peaches. to keep it from tangling. Chase figured she did this regularly as she completed the task quickly.

  Stephanie had fallen to sleep almost as soon as she had gotten comfortable, he could tell by her even breathing. He on the other hand had laid awake for a while, thinking about everything that had happened that day. Remembering the way she had responded to him had made it difficult for him to fall asleep, he had With her head just under his chin, her hair had smells like

  He wished she had kept it loose, but she had it braided ended up counting sheep to help distract from her lying in his arms, he finally had dosed off.