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

by Phillips, Brenda

  Stephanie opens her eyes lying in bed she hears the water from the shower. Smiling she pushes the covers aside sitting up slowly. Having discovered over the past week if she moves slowly and eats several crackers in the morning her stomach doesn’t get upset. Thinking about her visit to Dr. Nathes and Chase asking the Doctor a dozen questions she selects a cracker taking a bite. Chase had wanted to go with her to her appointment and understanding this was important to him she had agreed for Chase to drive her.

  Glancing at the printed picture of their baby, Stephanie is amazed at the image from her prenatal ultrasound. She had figured she wasn’t far enough along in her pregnancy to have the test, but the Doctor had let them hear the baby’s heartbeat then had informed them he would send in a nurse to do the ultrasound. Picking up the picture she traces the outline of their baby, remembering Chase telling her it reminded him of a peanut. The nurse had explained the fetus was too young to look like a baby. Chase jokingly insisted Stephanie was giving birth to a peanut, laughing at the annoyed expression on the nurse’s face.

  Placing the picture back on the night stand Stephanie rests her hand on her stomach, knowing to the medical professionals the term is fetus, however for her and Chase this miracle is a baby, and was a baby from the first second of conception. Hearing a noise Stephanie glances up and sees Chase standing at the bathroom door, “Good morning.”

  Walking into the bedroom Chase asks, “How are you feeling?” Sitting beside her on the bed, he places his hand over hers lying on her stomach.

  “I’m fine, I’m just thinking about our baby.” Noticing Chase’s eyes light up with excitement she smiles.

  “I have been reading online about the developments months

  by month for both you and the baby.” Chase removes his hand as

  he rises from the bed, walking to his closet he decides on jeans and

  a green t-shirt. Turning to face Stephanie he begins dressing. Stephanie frowns, “So what do I need to expect?” Grinning he explains, “Oh you will get fat and the baby will

  grow bigger and after about forty weeks you will give birth to our

  baby.”

  Laughing Stephanie rises from the bed, “So you have been

  reading this online? I would have figured you would have already

  known that.” Shaking her head she admits, “I am nervous about

  the birth part. I know it’s painful, but I don’t like the thought of

  drugs.”

  Chase moves to stand in front of her, placing his hands on

  her shoulders he whispers, “Honey, I know you’re scared, but you

  have to know I will be there for you.” Winking he adds, “Even

  when you yell at me I will stay and tell you to breath.”

  Rolling her eyes she giggles. “You do that and I may hit

  you.” Moving away from him Stephanie retrieves her clothes from

  the closet. Opting for jeans and a yellow shirt she announces, “I am going to take a shower; afterward I am going to wash the sheets.” Stopping at the bathroom door she asks, “Can you ask Andy to bring his sheets downstairs?” Not waiting for him to

  respond Stephanie closes the door.

  Sitting on the side of the bed, Chase reaches for his boots.

  Hearing a knock on the door he says, “Come in.” Looking up as

  Andy steps inside the room, “What’s up?”

  “I just got a call from Maria. She is coming in today. I am

  going to go pick her up then we will sneak her here.” Andy shoves

  his hands in front pockets of his jeans.

  Rising from the bed Chase asks, “Why is she coming early?” “She is finished with her assignment so she figured she

  would come now, this will give her time to go over the evidence.

  She is smart; she may be able to help with your theory.” Shrugging

  his shoulders he tries to sound impersonally professional. He

  refuses to admit his excitement to seeing Maria in a few hours. Sensing a change in Andy, Chase grimaces, “This will throw

  our plan off, I haven’t figured out how to get Stephanie away from

  the house.” Raking his hands through his hair he tries to amend

  the situation. “Go get her, but don’t sneak her in. We will make

  a big show of her visiting.” Seeing the confusion in Andy’s eyes

  Chase explains, “It will take a few more days to get the safe house

  set up. When I can move Stephanie we will have Maria leave with

  her. Once Stephanie is safe we will meet and have Marie come

  back as Stephanie.”

  Sensing Andy’s eagerness concerning Maria, Chase elects to

  help, “We will have to have you and Maria romantically involved as

  the cover story. I have a feeling Steven knows everything that

  goes on here. He is watching us; I just haven’t found his hiding

  place yet.”

  Nodding his head Andy agrees, “I will inform Maria of the

  changes and explain our undercover assignment. I will need to

  leave soon; her plane is landing at the Louisville Airport in two

  hours.” Andy turns to leave, stopping he extends his hand, as the

  men shake hands Andy express his gratitude, “Thanks for

  understanding.”

  Chase smirks as he watches Andy walk out the door. Being

  a man in love Chase recognizes the same symptoms in Andy, Chase

  is curious if Andy has acknowledged to himself his feelings for

  Maria. Turning when he hears the bathroom door open Chase

  pushes the thoughts of Andy from his mind. Regarding Stephanie

  as she moves into the room he sees she is dressed and has her hair

  already done in a braid down her back. Chase remembers Andy’s

  sheets as Stephanie begin removing theirs from the bed. “I forgot

  to tell Andy you needed his sheets, I will go get them for you.”

  Spinning on his heels Chase leaves the room.

  Stephanie finishes in their room bundling the sheets under

  her arm she steps into the hallway, then stops at Andy’s door as

  hears Chase yell for her. Striding through the doorway she asks,

  “Do you need help?”

  Chase is standing by the window looking down with a frown

  on his face. Glancing at Stephanie he motions for her to come

  closer. ‘Didn’t Dad say JoEllen had a hope chest made of

  redwood?” At Stephanie nod he moves back a few inches to show

  her the chest. “I think this is it. I am going to go get the key.” Dropping the sheets Stephanie gets down on her knees,

  rubbing her hands across the top surface she admires the detail of

  the hearts and roses. Gripping the side of the lid she tries to lift it

  figuring it will be locked her eyes open wide when she actually

  opens the chest. Peering inside Stephanie sees about a dozen

  boxes, each has handwritten labels. They are identified as

  pictures, jewelry, and letters. Disappointment is overwhelming

  when she doesn’t find the diary; Stephanie looks up as Chase comes

  back in the room. “As you can see we didn’t need the key.” Easing down beside Stephanie Chase begins transferring the

  boxes from the chest to the floor. Stephanie sits down on her

  bottom and begins opening a box marked pictures. As Chase

  removes the last box he notices a lock fitted into the bottom,

  studying the depth of the chest he perceives the inside is smaller

  than it should be compared to the outside. “Stephanie, I think the

  key is for this lock.” Picking up the key Chase turns back to the chest as Stephanie raises to her knees, gazing down into the chest

  she prays the key will unlock the secrets in the trunk.

/>   Sliding the key in the keyhole he glances at Stephanie then

  smiles as he turns the key hearing the click of the lock. Lifting the

  false bottom from the chest they see a small leather book and a

  faded lavender colored envelope. Stephanie selects the diary,

  reading out loud the words written, “This book belongs to JoEllen.

  Entries dates June 1863-September 1863. This is from the year

  Archie was killed.” Regarding Chase she asks, “What’s in the

  envelope?”

  Shrugging his shoulders he hands it to her, “This is your

  family; you should be the one to open it.”

  Stephanie passes the diary to Chase, holding the envelope

  she admits, “I’m actually nervous.”

  Smiling in responds he nods, “I understand your life has been

  turned upside down since you came to Kentucky. However, you

  have me right here and together we can face anything.” Inhaling a deep breath she raises the flap to looks inside,

  grasping the paper from inside she unfolds it. Laying the paper flat

  on the floor Stephanie smooth the edges, examining the paper they

  can tell it’s a drawing of a house, barns, and stable. “What does

  this mean? Why would JoEllen hide this?” Focusing on Chase

  she sees him studying the drawing.

  “I’m not sure, but I think this is a drawing of this property in

  1863.” Chase passes the diary to Stephanie then gathers the

  picture from the floor. After rising to his feet he helps Stephanie

  stand, “Let’s take these downstairs. We can show Archie the

  drawing to get his perspective.”

  Spying the sheets on the floor Stephanie reaches down

  scooping them in her arms. Chase folds the paper tucking it into

  his pocket then quickly removes the sheets from Andy’s bed.

  Leaving the room Stephanie makes a mental note to come back to

  remake the beds after she starts the washer.

  Chase stops in the hallway, “I forgot to tell you, Maria is

  coming today.” Stephanie’s her eyes widen as he explains, “Andy told me earlier he had to go get her at the airport.” Glancing at his

  watch he informs her, “In fact, he should be leaving soon.” Increasing her pace Stephanie moves quickly down the hall

  leaving Chase standing staring after her. Glancing over her

  shoulder she tells him, “Well come on, I have to get the sheets

  washed and fix the other room for her.” Smiling she adds, “And

  since I am on limited time, you get to help.”

  Chuckling Chase follows her downstairs. Reaching the

  foyer a few minutes after Stephanie he turns striding to the laundry

  room. Placing the sheets on the basket Chase leans against the

  door frame then crosses his arms over his chest. “So while the

  sheets wash, what do you need me to do?” Maybe he should call

  his Mother to come help. He didn’t want Stephanie to over work

  herself. Before he can suggest this to Stephanie Andy interrupts

  his thoughts.

  “I guess I need to go I don’t want to be late. I programmed

  the directions into the GPS in my car.” Andy notices Stephanie

  placing his sheets in the washer. “I am so sorry for not doing my

  laundry. You can just leave them here when they’re done; I will

  put them back on the bed.” Feeling embarrassed he blushes. Stephanie turns the washer knob to start before turning to

  Andy, “Its fine, I am going to fix the other room for Maria. We

  have plenty of sheets so I can put clean ones on while these are

  washing.” Aware Andy is uncomfortable she laughs, “I am just

  washing your sheets not your personal items, so don’t worry about

  it. You normally wash your own clothes so this one time is no big

  deal.”

  As Andy starts to leave Chase puts out his hand to stop him,

  “We found JoEllen’s diary and a drawing of a house. I think we will

  be able to find some answers. I am going to speak with Archie

  while Stephanie reads the diary.” Quickly glancing at Stephanie he

  continues, “After we prepare the rooms.”

  Andy grins as he walks away. Hearing the front door close

  Chase pulls Stephanie close planting a noisy kiss on her lips. Both

  of them laugh as Chase grabs her hand pulling her with him as they

  proceed up the stairs. Stopping at the extra guest room Chase opens the door he bows slightly allows Stephanie to step inside the

  room.

  Giggling Stephanie expresses, “We picked the wrong room

  for Andy.” Scanning the room she likes the fact it is decorated in

  dark browns and beiges. The furniture is made of strong cedar,

  making this room more suitable for male guests. “I think we

  should trade rooms for Andy.”

  Chase scratches his head, “We viewed all the rooms when I

  gave you a tour of the house. How did we make this mistake?”

  Grinning he envisions Andy in the other room; it was like a bull in a

  china shop.

  “Well when you showed me the rooms I was trying to peek

  inside quickly so not to keep you from work, and honestly when I

  saw the master bedroom and bath these other rooms just kind of

  pushed to the back of my mind.” Smiling she walks over to the

  bed to pulls down the comforter. Noting no sheets Stephanie asks

  Chase, “Can you go to the hall closet and get the sheets?” As he

  begins to leave Stephanie adds, “Also, can you bring clean towels?” Removing the comforter she folds it before setting it on the

  leather recliner. Upon further inspecting the room Stephanie

  accepts the bed, night stand, recliner, and desk will be better

  compatible for Andy. Each piece is built sturdy in a masculine

  style. Moving to stand in front of the dresser Stephanie pulls the

  top drawer open. Gasping she stares the date craved into the

  bottom: 1804. Examining the other pieces of furniture

  Stephanie allows her mind to speculate about the ancestors who

  have used these. Feeling the onset of tears in her eyes Stephanie

  admits to now having roots; recalling the dates on the furnishings

  she appreciates the heritage associated within this house. Stopping at the door Chase holds up the sheets, “Sorry for

  taking so long; I also brought stuff to clean with. I remember my

  Mother would always clean a room before a guest arrived.” With his arms full of sheets and cleaning supplies Chase

  strolls in the room. Placing the items on the floor he hands

  Stephanie a set of sheets in the color of deep chocolate brown. Stephanie promptly remakes the bed then she finishes by giving the

  pillows a quick fluff.

  Chase deciding to get this done so they can move to the next

  room, retrieves the cleaning supplies he begins to dust the

  furniture. Within minutes Stephanie announces this room is done,

  helping to carry the supplies they move to Andy’s room. “Chase, do you mind packing Andy’s things?” Selecting the

  red and white sheets Stephanie begins to remake the bed as Chase

  repacks the few items of Andy’s setting on the dresser and side

  table. Gripping the handles of the suitcases Chase carries them to

  the other bedroom. Returning quickly he embarks on cleaning the

  furniture.

  Stephanie finished with the bed; she places the boxes in the

  chest. When all the boxes are inside, s
he closes the lid. Staring

  down at the cravings she asks, “Would you mind putting this in our

  room?”

  Liking the sound of “our” room Chase agrees as he lifts the

  chest. With this room done, Stephanie gathers the supplies before

  following Chase to their room, depositing the cleaning items in the

  cabinet under the sink in the bathroom, Stephanie returns to the

  bedroom. Spotting the chest by the closet Stephanie decides the

  placement is perfect; she begins putting the cream color sheets on

  the bed. Once the bed is made and the dusting done, Stephanie

  declares she is hungry suggesting they have an early lunch. Chase agrees, “I bet you are hungry, the crackers are all you

  have eaten today. Let’s go downstairs I will whip up something for

  us to eat.”

  As they enter the kitchen Stephanie suggests, “Why don’t we

  fix steaks for supper tonight? We can have a cook out for Maria’s

  first night.”

  Approving of her choice for dinner, Chase strides to the

  refrigerator selecting the items for omelets he places them on the

  counter. As Stephanie beings the prep work Chase opens the

  freezer removing four steaks he lays them in the sink to thaw.

  Going to stand beside Stephanie Chase helps prepare the omelets. Andy’s trip to the airport was slow going. Not knowing the

  roads he had to drive slower than normal in order to read the signs

  the GPS directed him to, wishing he had done a map search to have

  along with the GPS. The tension between his shoulders blades he

  acknowledges is not from the traffic, but from him impending

  meeting with Maria. Just thinking about her makes him edgy.

  Remembering the last time they were together he cringes. He had

  been brought in to assist with her undercover operation. Maria

  had been a hostess at a local strip club. Her assignment was to get

  close to the owner allowing her to acquire evidence he was pimping

  underage girls.

  Andy had seen Maria in the hallways at the police station

  many times over the last three years since her assignment to his

  precinct. Nevertheless; he hadn’t been prepared to see her