by CJ Murphy
“I wish I had a good answer to that. For far too long, women were considered property, unable to decide who or what they wanted in life. Somehow, when we aren’t interested, it’s considered a personal affront. The fact that we love another woman somehow demeans their manhood. The reality is, our life has nothing to do with them at all. It’s none of their business who we decide to build our lives with. Men like Leland Kurst take that a step further.”
“If I can’t have you, no one will.”
Jax pointed at her. “Bingo. No matter what happens during that trial, I want you to feel safe here. I hope you do. The security and panic system Chance had installed offers us a modicum of insurance. We changed our procedures, and now, we’ll add staff.”
“I hope, when I graduate, you’ll have a vet position for me. I never want to work anywhere else.”
Jax stood and hobbled around her desk, extending her hand to Lindsey and pulling her up for a hug. “You’re family, Lindsey, both you and Meg. You will always have a place here. I’m going to retire to my farm’s front porch someday. I hope that you’ll be interested in keeping the legacy of this place going.”
Jax could see the tears well up in Lindsey’s eyes before the younger woman tipped her head and nodded against her shoulder.
Lindsey wiped the tears away. “I used to think I loved working over in Elkins. I enjoyed it, but I didn’t love it like I do this place and working with you. You’ve given me more than a job. I hope I can make you proud.”
“Lindsey, you already do. You already do.”
Jax squeezed her, and then looked back at her desk. “Those charts aren’t going to finish themselves. Best get at it.”
Lindsey nodded and walked out the door, as Jax returned to her desk.
“Oh, Chance called and said you have a dinner meeting with Pastor Rhebekka at six. She’ll pick you up. Don’t forget.”
“I’ve got a reminder on my phone and a sticky note on my computer. Go on, get out of here. I know Meg is on day shift and will be home not long after you. I’m going to finish these, then get out of this lab coat and fur-covered scrubs. See you tomorrow.”
“Have a good evening.”
Jax picked up her pen again and thanked the stars for Lindsey and their friendship. “Get on it Jax, the rock ‘n’ roll pastor is waiting.”
***
Chance pulled up to the clinic. She stepped out and opened the door to let Zeus join her. “Let’s go get Momma.” Zeus yipped and headed to the side door. The front office lights were off, as the clinic had closed two hours ago. Chance used her key fob to activate the door lock that led to the lit back office area. Zeus immediately bounded to Jax’s office. Traitor. Though, I’d abandon me for her too. Chance knew that the minute they entered the clinic, it was like being home. Zeus had grown very fond and protective of Jax. Chance could hear her lover cooing over Zeus.
“Oh, I’ve missed you. Does that feel good? So handsome.”
Chance leaned in the doorway. “If I didn’t know you were talking to my partner, I might get jealous.”
Jax was bent over, scratching Zeus behind the ears and patting his side. “Well, he is handsome.”
“That he is.” Chance walked over to Jax. “And you are beautiful. You about ready to go?”
Jax took off Chance’s Stetson and kissed her. Chance wrapped her arms around Jax’s waist and melted into the kiss. Arms came around her neck, and a hand was threaded into her hair. She loved the feeling of the fingers tightening there, pulling her deeper into the kiss. Chance felt her center clench. A few more minutes of this and they’d miss their appointment. Jax slowly pulled away from the kiss, lightly pulling Chance’s bottom lip with her teeth before releasing it.
“Now that was a hello. Damn, woman. Have I mentioned how much I love you?”
Jax squinted slightly and tipped her head as if in contemplation. “Not in the last hour, no.” She put Chance’s hat back on and pushed it up off her forehead, as she leaned in for another kiss.
“Well, that won’t do. I must rectify this unfortunate situation. I love you with all my heart. Now we need to get going. We’re meeting at Rhebekka’s place. Karmen will be there to discuss last-minute menu things along with providing us a meal. I’m starving.”
Jax poked her where her vest met the top of her gun belt. “You are a bottomless pit.”
Chance raised a hand. “Guilty as charged. It’s why I run almost every morning. That way, I can eat more of your cooking.”
“Let’s get going then.”
Chance followed Jax down the hall, making sure each room was open so that no one could hide behind any door. When she was satisfied that everything was as it should be, she stepped in front of Jax, looked around and held the door for her. “All good.”
“When I get this boot off will you still be driving me to work?”
Chance blushed a bit. She enjoyed bringing Jax to work and relished the fact that she could check the office in the morning for her and make sure it was secure when she picked Jax up. “Maybe. It’s as much for me as it is for you. Any idea on when the new truck you ordered will be in? I know our dually is a bit big for Lindsey to drive you around for barn calls.”
“I called the other day, no word yet.”
Chance opened the back door of the Suburban. Zeus, laden.” Zeus loaded upon command, and Chance climbed in beside Jax and buckled her seatbelt. Her eyes constantly searched the area around them.
Jax clasped her hand. “You’ll never be able to let it go, will you?”
Chance took a deep breath and faced her. “It could have been you they took. It could have been you they forced into that truck and out to that cabin. When I think about that, I…” Chance couldn’t finish the thought.
“But it wasn’t me, love. I’m fine.”
“And Leland Kurst nearly took you from me, twice.”
Jax sighed. “But he didn’t. A few days from now, we’re going to be on horseback in front of Rhebekka and our friends and family, promising our lives to each other. I could have lost you to that guy who shot Zeus, or those drug dealers, or the man who had his wife at gunpoint, or—”
Chance leaned over and stopped Jax’s sentence with a kiss. “I get it.”
Jax kissed her lightly again. “Good. The point is that things happen, and anything could take us from each other. What matters is that we make every minute in between count. So onward, Sheriff. I’m starved, and Karmen is cooking.”
Chance laughed and nodded. “Let’s go then.”
Jax’s stomach rumbled. “See, even my stomach agrees. I love you, Chance.”
“And I love you. Let’s go find us a preacher woman.”
Chapter Twenty-six
CHANCE AND JAX SAT around a small table in Pastor Rhebekka Deklan’s kitchen. Karmen served them a savory beef stew, swimming with carrots and potatoes. Thick slices of warm, homemade bread lay slathered with Amish butter at the side of each crusty bread bowl filled with stew.
“I’m going to need to move a slot on this gun belt. Holy smokes this looks good. Thank you, Karmen.” Chance’s mouth was watering. The urge to gorge herself was nearly overwhelming, but she politely waited for Rhebekka to say a short blessing.
Jax picked up a spoon and blew across the hot stew. “As long as you still fit into that long, leather duster for our wedding, eat as much as you want, my love.”
“Karmen, if I devour the entire pot, do you have anything for the rest of you to eat?” Chance bit into the buttery bread. She couldn’t stop the groan that escaped.
“I’m sure I can find something.” Karmen shook her head. “But if you eat that much, Jax is going to have to roll you down Rhebekka’s stairs to your vehicle. While we’re eating, let’s go over the menu again.”
For the next fifteen minutes, Chance and Jax talked about the food that would be served at their reception that was to be held at the Confluence, inside Redemption’s Road. They had changed venues on Rhebekka’s suggestion.
“Christm
as Day was a good choice for your wedding because the bar is normally closed anyway. Your friends and family, along with Tank, are serving as bartenders. According to Karmen, the food will be buffet style. Since the service is just before sunset, everyone will have had their Christmas festivities over and be ready to party.” Rhebekka sipped her beer.
“I know it likely wasn’t the most convenient, but we wanted to be able to celebrate this with a few family and friends who are coming back to Tucker County for the holidays. Most everyone has Christmas off, so no one needed to take any extra time. We want this ceremony to be meaningful but short and sweet.”
Rhebekka nodded. “Short, sweet, and meaningful are my three middle names. Now is there anything specific you want? I know you’re writing your own vows.”
Jax set down her mug of hot coffee. “The vows are the easy part.”
“Easy for you,” Chance quipped while she shoved another piece of brownie in her mouth.
Jax lightly smacked her on the arm. “Come on, you’ve spoken in public hundreds of times.”
Rhebekka laughed as the two bantered back and forth. “Look, Karmen, already arguing like an old married couple, and I haven’t even pronounced them yet. Oh, that brings up another question. How do you want to handle that, Mrs. and Mrs.…Wedded Spouses?”
Jax looked to Chance who shrugged. “Well, I like Mrs. and Mrs. Chance Fitzsimmons.”
Chance leaned over and kissed Jax lightly. “Whatever you want.”
Rhebekka wrote in a leather-bound book. “Okay, that’s settled. Any particular reading or scripture you’d like to have?”
Chance turned to Rhebekka. “We’ll leave the scripture to you. My job is to enforce the law, hers is to care for animals, Karmen’s is to cook amazing food, and yours, Pastor, is to find the scripture that ties it all together.”
Rhebekka smiled. “I can do that.”
They finished dessert and finalized the elements of the ceremony. The wedding would begin at four thirty and come to a close right around sunset. While Karmen and Jax continued to talk food, Chance took the opportunity to speak to Rhebekka.
“I just wanted to say thank you for coming to visit Jax at the hospital and at home. It meant a great deal to her. She’s even more comfortable with you preforming our ceremony.”
Rhebekka put a hand on Chance’s shoulder. “That’s all part of being a pastor, caring for those who need comfort and reassurance. I’m glad I could provide that and ease her mind. I know I’m an unconventional pastor. Sometimes that puts people off.”
Chance noticed when Rhebekka dropped her eyes a bit. “I want you to know something. Jax has never been comfortable with any kind of organized religion. The few services we’ve been able to attend and the times we’ve listened to you play have shown us both a different side of what we know as grace. That’s all because of you. I know you didn’t conventionally come by this calling, but you’re very good at it. My father used to say part of being a law enforcement officer was being able to have empathy. He told me that it was actually the most difficult part of the job. You, Rhebekka, for who you were and the life experiences you’ve had, bring a unique ability to show not only sympathy but deep, true empathy. You can put yourself in the shoes of others, because you’ve walked that path. Few pastors can boast of gold and platinum records on the walls or a career that was as successful as yours. One that you left while you were on top, I might add.”
Rhebekka grinned at her. “I forgot what a fangirl you are.”
“Look, Regal Crimson has and always will be in my top five bands. Your sister is killing it, but I’ll be honest; I miss you wailing on that Strat.”
Rhebekka lifted her head and laughed outright. “Thanks, you’re good for my ego.”
Chance patted Rhebekka on the back. “And you’re good for my wedded bliss. Now let’s go see what those two have cooked up for this shindig.”
***
Christmas Eve, Jax and Chance sat in front of the fire at the Fitzsimmons’ homeplace. Kendra and Brandi were toasting marshmallows in the fireplace and passing around smores. They’d decided to do their Christmas celebration on the twenty-fourth, knowing that Christmas Day would be jam packed with all the last-minute things related to the ceremony.
Jax snuggled in close, wrapping Chance’s arms around her. “I’m so comfortable. I could go to sleep right here.”
Chance kissed the top of Jax’s head. “We could stay. I fed the horses before we came, and Zeus is with us. I’m sure Brandi wouldn’t mind giving up her guest room and bunking in with Kendra.”
Kendra turned around and grinned at Chance, which sent Jax into a fit of giggles. Maggie threw a pillow and hit Chance in the head.
The room smelled of pine and cherry wood. The lights on the Christmas tree danced with the shadows the firelight threw off, creating the perfect Christmas Eve. Maggie stood up and walked toward the tree.
“Okay, girls, last present of the night before Santa comes.”
Kendra groaned. “Mom, you’re not going to make me wear them, are you?”
“Bullseye, it’s a tradition. You have to wear them.” Chance completely lost it.
Dee pointed a finger. “Don’t be so smug, Chance, you know your mother bought a set for each and every one of us. It’s time for the annual Fitzsimmons family Christmas photo.”
“What’s going on?” Jax furrowed her brow.
Chance shook her head. “You’ll see.”
Maggie returned and handed each of them a flat box wrapped in colorful foil paper. She smacked Kendra on the head with hers. “Someday, when you have kids of your own, this will matter. Now quit griping.”
“Should I be afraid?” Jax looked at Chance again.
“Depends.”
“Depends on what?”
Chance tugged her ear. “On a lot.”
“What she means,” Dee explained, “is that it depends on how many Maggie could find in the correct size and matching pattern.”
“Oh, this is going to be good.” Jax put her finger under the ribbon and waited for further instructions.
“You have no idea how bad this can be.” Kendra scoffed.
Maggie stood with her hands on her hips. “Now look, Scrooge, this is a Fitzsimmons tradition started by my great-grandmother, who made them by hand back then. You want to talk about bad, I can tell you about bad. We said thank you just the same. Be very careful, or your stocking will be empty tomorrow morning. Okay everyone, open them.”
Kendra rolled her eyes, as she slid her finger under the wrapping paper. “Get ready to die, Brandi.”
Brandi raised her eyebrows and opened her eyes wide in mock fear.
Chance pulled off her paper and shook off the box top. “Just open it, Bullseye. Make our mother happy.”
Jax did the same and started laughing so hard she snorted. She put a hand over her face. “Oh my God, where did you find these?” She pulled out the blue pajama top and displayed the Star Wars characters stacked up on top of each other to form a Christmas tree. There was even a matching shirt for Zeus in her box. She called him over and pulled it on over his head. He licked her face, and then turned in a circle.
“There you go, Zeus approves.”
Dee held up her matching fleece pants that displayed the heads of Darth Vader, Yoda, and Princess Leia. “Oh, your mom’s got your number, Five Points. This year is all about you. I remember taking you to see the original when you were little. You were Star Wars nuts for the next two years.”
Jax felt tears forming when she saw her pants had been slightly altered to accommodate her walking cast. Maggie sat down beside Jax and wrapped her in a hug. “I’m so glad to be buying two extra pair this year.” She looked over to Brandi who was holding her shirt up to her chest. “Having both of you with us makes me feel like we now have six times the love.” Zeus barked. “Sorry Zeus, seven times the love. Now everyone go change, time for pictures.”
Chance helped Jax get up off the couch. They made their way to Chance’s old
room that Brandi was occupying, while the other two changed in Kendra’s room.
“Need help?” Chance pulled off her shirt and slipped on the Star Wars top.
“You’re just trying to get me naked.” Jax grinned.
“Would I be trying to do that before making an honest woman of you?”
“I certainly hope so.” Jax worked her way into the pajama shirt and unbuttoned her track pants. Chance helped Jax into her pajama bottoms and snapped the pants leg over her cast.
“Just wait until we get home.”
They rejoined the family and saw that Dee had the camera set up on a tripod. She looked through the lens. “Okay everyone, in front of the tree. Closer together. I’ve got the remote in my hand. That’s good, now stand still.” Dee moved into her place by Maggie’s side.
Zeus sat in front of Chance and Jax, who stood in an embrace. Kendra wrapped her arm around Brandi’s shoulder and her girlfriend returned the hug by snuggling into Kendra’s side.
“Okay everyone, say Merry Christmas!” Dee gave them the key phrase.
As the flash went off, Jax thought how grateful she was to become part of this amazing family.
Chapter Twenty-seven
CHRISTMAS MORNING, CHANCE WOKE to the smell of bacon frying. Her arms were empty, and she could hear muted conversation in the kitchen. She and Jax had finally left her parents’ around nine and made their way home. My guess is Maggie Fitzsimmons is in there with Jax, fixing Christmas breakfast for everyone. Guess I’d better jump in the shower while I can. She couldn’t wait to have the most incredible gift she’d ever been given in Jax’s love. All wrapped up in the most beautiful package ever.