by CF Frizzell
Shay nodded. “For real.”
Mel jammed her eyes shut, thrust both arms to the ceiling, and shouted. “YES!”
She threw herself at Shay, seized her face, and kissed her hard.
Shay spun her around as Mel punched the air repeatedly.
“YES! YES! YES!”
Shay joined the cheering until Mel kissed her again, twirled free, and rushed to Brennan. She grabbed his hand and shook it. Then she hugged him.
“Thank you. A million times, thank you.”
Shay shook her head in amazement at Brennan. “Must’ve been some email you sent.”
“Pictures I took of the farewell editorial and the people’s advertisement. I knew he wouldn’t get his own copy until this afternoon at the earliest, and by then it would’ve been too late.”
“No way,” Mike said, both hands on his head.
“I suggested he take a hard look at what the big names he knows so well think of his daughter, and to just imagine what they all now think of him.”
“Tell me,” Mel started, “tell me this isn’t a dream, that it’s no sick joke on his part?”
“No joke.” Brennan shook his head emphatically. “The ink on the transfer is dry, Melissa. He’s washed his hands of it completely. We do need you to sign, of course, and I can make the paperwork available to you as soon as you’re ready. I have a little pull at the bank.”
Mel straightened her shoulders and took a deep, ragged breath as reality hit home. The dream for which she’d sacrificed so much materialized right where she stood.
Mike rocked back on his heels and beamed with satisfaction. Ida squeaked from behind her hands as she bounced on her toes. Mel grinned at them, ecstatic to the point of silly.
“As new owner of the Tomson Chronicle, I would like to offer you both jobs.”
Ida shrieked again and rushed to her, crying. “I accept! I accept!”
Mike pulled out his letter from Frontier, ripped it to pieces, and threw them at the ceiling. “Where do I sign, boss?” He extended a handshake and Mel hauled him into a hug.
“My God. This is unbelievable.” She turned to Brennan. “You didn’t have to do what you did, calling—”
“Of course I did. Your father made a massive mistake, Melissa, one that affected an entire town, not to mention what he did to his only child. He needed to realize that, needed to see it. Believe me, I was only too glad to win this argument. I’m happy he did the right thing this time. And I’m very happy for you.”
“Everyone at the bank is elated, Mel,” Shay told her. “I went in to deposit some checks from the garage and they mobbed me. Me!”
Mel shook her head again. “Mr. Brennan, you saved the Chronicle, you know.” Her voice caught in her throat.
“The full-page ad is what did it,” he said, “all those people. Can you imagine what he thought when he saw Garret Nelson’s name? Or Eli Winston’s?”
“Or Della’s,” Shay added.
“And Sheriff Davis and the fire chief,” Mike said. “Mel, you said he’s known Chief Madden forever.”
“Correct,” Brennan added. “Bob, Louis, and I played ball together here many a summer. Damn, you know? I didn’t even hear about the petition until Wednesday when my wife said she signed it for the both of us. I hope Bob was sitting down when he read it.”
Shay turned Mel by the shoulders. “They wouldn’t have signed if you weren’t somebody special, sweetheart. But you are. And everybody—including your father—knows it. You being you saved the Chronicle.”
Epilogue
More than two dozen townspeople milled about the Indigo Country Club’s portico, taking in the September sunset, when Shay stepped out of the rented ivory Cadillac. Eyes and whispers focused on her in her black tuxedo as she reached back for Mel’s hand.
All week, Mel wondered how folks would react to her attendance at the Harvest Ball, but now their arrival set her mind adrift. She found herself more curious than nervous, playfully eager and strong enough to grab the status quo by the throat and shake it. Yes, she mused as she wrapped her fingers around Shay’s, this is how it always should have been and how it’s going to stay.
She set both stilettos on the pavement to a scattering of wolf whistles and let Shay guide her to her feet. “High-class crowd.”
Shay chuckled under her breath. “Damn, I was tempted.”
Mel straightened to her new height and let all heads turn and stare. She gave Shay’s chest a reassuring pat and whispered suggestively, “You can morph into a wolf later, my handsome stud.” She linked their arms as they headed toward the door. “This is Tomson’s version of the red carpet, so eat it up.”
“Oh, I’m already enjoying it. Believe me.”
Now almost equal to Shay’s height, Mel knew they made an eye-catching couple, and she was damned pleased to have her arm clutched possessively to Shay’s side. Go ahead. Do double takes and take notes. They greeted familiar faces and exchanged compliments as they entered the ballroom, and she picked up many a comment about the revealing black halter dress she’d chosen earlier in the week.
A camera flash caught them sharing a suggestive smile, and Ida emerged from the crowd.
“Gotcha.”
Mel dipped her head. “I didn’t mean for you to get our photo.”
“You look gorgeous, Mel. And Shay’s just to die for! Go knock ’em out.”
Shay urged them onward, but a tug at her sleeve brought them to a halt.
Mike beamed at his fiancée. “Honey, you remember my boss, Melissa Baker?”
“Mike, you doofus,” Mel sighed, reaching for the slim brunette. “Of course we remember each other.” They hugged quickly. “Tammy, you’ve been away too long. How’s Tahoe?”
“Damn hot.”
“Well, thank God you’re here. He’s missed you a lot. Trust me.”
Mike hurried to divert the attention from his blush. “This is Mel’s partner, Shay Maguire.”
Shay shook Tammy’s hand and sent Mel a sly smile at the designation. Mel winked back. I like the sound of it, too.
Tammy leaned covertly toward Mel’s ear. “You two are just steamy together. And that dress is supremely wicked.”
“Too much, you think?”
Tammy shook her head definitively. “I feel like I’m going to prom, for Christ’s sake. You, you’re on the attack.”
“Aw, not really. I’m celebrating.” Mel took Shay’s hand. “We have what we’ve always wanted.”
“Shall we get drinks?” Mike cupped Tammy’s elbow and glanced back at Shay. “Beware of salivating dogs tonight.”
“Aside from me?”
Mel squeezed her hand, and as they neared the bar, Fire Chief Madden looked from Mel to Shay and back.
“Good evening, you two. Nice turnout tonight. Glad to see you here, Mel. You look sensational.”
“Thank you, Chief.” Good to be here on my own terms.
Shay ordered brandies from the bartender and Mel set a palm on her lower back, not willing to sever their physical connection.
Madden noticed and looked away. “How’s your grandmother doing in Miami?”
“Well, I can’t say we’ve been in touch, but Mom tells me Nana’s in good health.” She accepted her drink from Shay, lingering over her fingers around the glass. I’m so happy to be with you.
“Well, hubba hubba!” The boisterous voice made everyone turn. Ever the car salesman, Grayson Cochran leaned against the bar and visually stripped Mel naked. “Our all-American girl newspaper owner is a fox! Looking real fine, Mel. Real fine.”
“Thank you, Grayson. Your wife let you loose here tonight? I think all the women are in danger.”
He raised his glass. “None more so than you. How about a dance later? I might even keep my hands to myself. Might, I said.” He laughed.
Shay hovered just behind her. “Who is this guy?”
“Grayson, I’d like you to meet my partner. Shay Maguire, this is Grayson Cochran of Bissett Ford.”
Shay simply nodded. “Grayson.”
He cocked an eyebrow at Mel. “Your date? I’d heard that, but you know how rumors are. I don’t pay them any mind. I make my own decisions.”
Mel slipped an arm around Shay’s hip. “Not date, Grayson. Partner.”
“That so?” He peered at Shay as if she’d just taken his last drink. “Lesbians, huh? Damn shame.” He strolled away, shaking his head. “Such a waste.”
Shay sighed. “That went well.”
Mel gave her a squeeze. “I thought so.” She sipped her brandy and nodded for Shay to follow her line of vision. “Here comes a political package if I ever saw one.”
Headed for the bar, Della and Garret Nelson cut short their conversation to greet them and Mel wondered how long Della would ogle Shay before speaking.
“Good evening,” Nelson said. “You’re dazzling tonight, Mel.”
“You’re quite dapper yourself.” She noted Shay shifting uneasily beneath Della’s inspection. “Shay, this is Tomson Selectmen Chairman Garret Nelson. He manages the Home Depot. Mr. Nelson, my partner, Shay Maguire.”
Nelson nodded to Shay’s hello. “So you bought the Baker place.”
“Proudly.”
“And moved right in.”
“Yes, we did,” Mel stated, and brushed a hand along Shay’s arm.
“Buying it was the right thing to do for Mel,” Shay told him. “Much like you helping her by signing for the Chronicle.” She extended her hand. “Thank you for that.”
“Ah…” Nelson looked down at her offer, obviously surprised.
Mel sipped her drink to hide a smirk. Shake the butch’s hand, Mr. Chairman.
Nelson accepted hurriedly. “You’re welcome. It was, wasn’t it? The right thing to do.”
Mel turned her grin aside and caught Della still perusing Shay’s tux. Shay, meanwhile, stepped into Nelson’s insecure moment and lowered her voice.
“Rumor has it Dick Turner’s unhappy in the Trib and probably will return to the Chronicle soon. How about Home Depot?”
“Oh.” Nelson appeared even more flustered. He took a breath and adjusted the knot in his tie. “Well, that’s a business matter I—”
“A wise move, in my opinion,” Shay observed. “I mean, harvest and winter prep are upon us, then the holidays. And you know the Heights’s businesses will have everyone getting the local paper. Sounds like Turner’s capitalizing on that opportunity.”
Nelson shrugged, but when Mel turned his way, he nodded. “I’ll admit it’s crossed my mind, Mel. Maybe I’ll stop in and we’ll talk numbers.”
“I look forward to it.”
Della swirled the ice in her Scotch for attention and touched Shay’s shoulder. “Guess there’s no such thing as too much business talk.”
Mel had had enough of Della’s fixation. “Are you having a good time, Della?” Sure looks like you are.
“I see someone changed your mind about joining us this year.”
Shay put an arm around her and Mel was proud to lean into it. Shay grinned matter-of-factly. “Who can resist my charm?”
“A lot of things are changing around town these days,” Nelson injected, glancing at Shay’s hand curled into the curve of Mel’s waist.
“And amazingly, most of them for the better,” Mel added. She considered Della over the rim of her glass as she drank. So damn cocky in Armani and diamonds. “The Heights is coming along. You must be pleased.” Shay’s little squeeze reminded her to behave.
With Nelson dutifully on her heels, Della walked to the bar as she responded. “You’re aware we’ll miss the holiday shopping season because of the…delay.” Mel and Shay took a few steps toward her, and Mel fumed at having to trail after her in mid conversation. “For your little newspaper, I can’t imagine the impact of that revenue loss.”
Up yours. The “little newspaper” you need so badly.
“Every business takes a hit now and then—as we all know.” Mel sent Nelson a knowing glance. “The Chronicle is bouncing back energetically. I expect our holiday season to be as bright as ever. And that’s good for everyone.”
Della left Nelson at the bar and sashayed up to Shay. “Very suave tonight, Chicago.”
Mel grazed her fingertips across Shay’s back and allowed the luxurious feel of it to calm her. Do not slap the bitch. She turned openly to Shay and winked as she needlessly straightened her tie.
“She certainly is, isn’t she?” She accepted Shay’s offer to link arms.
“Well,” Della began again, “things must be good in the car repair business.”
Shay tilted her head cavalierly. “Oh, those emergency ranch calls add up. This,” she waved a hand at herself, “just a little something I grabbed out of the closet.”
Della smiled coyly as she leaned closer. “Really, Chicago. Where you’re concerned, I seriously doubt anything except Ms. Baker has come out of the closet in a very long time.”
Mel almost choked on her brandy. “Excuse me?”
Shay tossed back the last of her own drink and set it on a nearby table.
“We’re done here.” She took Mel’s hand and led her away. “God, she pisses me off.”
“Shay.” Mel stopped her halfway to the other bar at the opposite end of the ballroom. “We’re not letting her spoil our evening.”
“Someone needs to take her down a few pegs, the condescending bit—”
“Shh. Calm down.”
“She doesn’t have half your guts, Mel. And none of the class.”
“God, you’re adorable. Thank you, baby, but please shush. If I can rise above her, you can, too. We’re not letting it get to us, remember? Not anymore. Okay?” She ran a finger along Shay’s jaw and watched the anger subside. “Good.”
“Hey.” Mike breezed up, Tammy in tow. “Escaped from the Dragon Lady, I see. Damn. And Nelson?” He raised his eyebrows at Mel.
“I know. Shay got our point across.” She tugged her closer and narrowed her eyes. “So, what’s this you told him about Dick Turner being unhappy at the Trib?”
Shay shrugged. “I know I heard it somewhere, just can’t remember where.”
Mel punched her stomach playfully. “Oh, you’re very good.”
“The music’s starting,” Mike announced. “Come on.”
They danced to the upbeat songs as a group, shouting amusing, suggestive comments to one another until the music slowed and Mel found herself eager to be in Shay’s arms. Yearning for that intimate escape from the crowd, she settled in against Shay and boldly laced her arms around her neck. Eat your heart out, people.
Shay’s hand arrived at her bare lower back, warm and firm, and Mel relaxed, her cheek against Shay’s.
“You’re incredibly sexy in this tux.”
“Just part of the package, ma’am, being your stud.”
Mel hummed in approval. “Oh, you’re so much more than that.”
“You’re simply devastating tonight, Mel. Breathtaking. God help the person who tries to cut in while I’m holding the most spectacular lady in the room.”
“I don’t want anyone’s hands on me but yours.” Mel kissed Shay’s jaw lightly.
Shay snickered against her neck and Mel was ever so pleased she’d swept her hair up for the occasion. Kisses on her shoulder sent a titillating charge almost too deep to control. Shay’s hand tingled at the base of her spine, and fingertips teased beneath the fabric just above her rear.
Mel closed her eyes and enjoyed the intimacy. She’d never felt so liberated. No longer was this a fantasy. Neither was falling so completely in love and letting the whole world see.
“I’ve dreamt about this for so long, it’s hard to believe that I’m not dreaming, still.”
“Only good dreams from now on. Our dreams and we’ll make them come true.”
“The summer of a lifetime,” Mel whispered, and nuzzled Shay’s ear.
“I love you, Mel,” and she brought her lips to within a kiss, “so very much.”
“You are my everyth
ing, Shay Maguire. I love you, too.”
About the Author
A recent telecommunications retiree, CF “friz” Frizzell is the recipient of the Golden Crown Literary Society’s 2015 Debut Author Award for her novel Stick McLaughlin: The Prohibition Years. Friz discovered her passion for writing in high school and went on to establish an award-winning twenty-two-year career in community newspapers that culminated in the role of founder/publisher. She credits powerhouse authors Lee Lynch and Radclyffe and the generous family that is Bold Strokes Books for inspiration. Friz is into history, New England pro sports, and singing and acoustic guitar, and loves living on Cape Cod, just an hour from Provincetown, with her wife, Kathy.
Books Available From Bold Strokes Books
Best Laid Plans by Jan Gayle. Nicky and Lauren are meant for each other, but Nicky’s haunting past and Lauren’s societal fears threaten to derail all possibilities of a relationship. (978-1-62639-658-6)
Exchange by CF Frizzell. When Shay Maguire rode into rural Montana, she never expected to meet the woman of her dreams—or to learn Mel Baker was held hostage by legal agreement to her right-wing father. (978-1-62639-679-1)
Just Enough Light by AJ Quinn. Will a serial killer’s return to Colorado destroy Kellen Ryan and Dana Kingston’s chance at love, or can the search-and-rescue team save themselves? (978-1-62639-685-2)
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Tales from Sea Glass Inn by Karis Walsh. Over the course of a year at Cannon Beach, tourists and locals alike find solace and passion at the Sea Glass Inn. (978-1-62639-643-2)
The Color of Love by Radclyffe. Black sheep Derian Winfield needs to convince literary agent Emily May to marry her to save the Winfield Agency and solve Emily’s green card problem, but Derian didn’t count on falling in love. (978-1-62639-716-3)