The Storm You Chase (Hell Yeah!)

by Sable Hunter

  “What do you think you’re doing?” she shouted over the discord.

  He nodded at her and smiled while he finished his number. Once he was through, he acknowledged two women who’d stopped behind him as they were taking a walk.

  “Hello, darlin. Your adoring Romeo has come to serenade you.”

  Jensen was blown away. Flabbergasted. What in the world was he thinking? “All right. Well, thank you. That…was interesting.” She waved him away. “I appreciate the thought. You can go home now.”

  “Oh, no. I don’t think so, Jensen. I’m in this relationship for the long haul. The next time I leave, you’ll be going with me – or here I’ll sit. I’m homesteading, you might say.”

  With a downward strum on his guitar, Clint threw back his head and opened his mouth. What came out of it couldn’t necessarily be construed as music. “You are the sunshine of my life!”

  “That’s why I’ll always be insane…” Jensen chimed in with her own version.

  As he blessed the community with his discordant offering, she stood with her head in her hands. When he paused for applause, she addressed him again – loudly. “You can’t do this! You’ll get thrown into jail!”

  “Oh, no.” He grinned at her with adoration. “I have a permit. Pays to have friends in high places.”

  “Oh, dear Lord.”

  “Besides…I bought the whole neighborhood ear plugs.”

  “Well, where are mine?”

  He shook his finger at her. “You, my love, must hear every note coming straight from my heart.”

  “Good grief. I’ve created a monster.” Jensen turned around and left him to it. He’d stop soon, he had to. She couldn’t feature ear plugs doing anyone much good. His voice tended to worm its way into your psyche and wiggle around. Surely, the neighbors would gang up to either tar and feather him or ship him off on a rail.

  To her surprise – neither of those things happened.

  As the day wore on, so did the serenading.

  She was regaled with a whole array of musical numbers. Who knew Clint had such a vast repertoire to draw from?”

  Eye, eye-eye, will always love YOUUUUUU-OOOO-Eye, will always luv yew-HOOOOOOOOOO . . .

  Dogs began to howl. Cats began to yowl. “Oh. I….am going to kill him.” She tried to work. She tried to clean. She tried – in vain – to ignore him. It wasn’t easy.

  “I’m crazy for trying. Crazy for crying.” he crooned.

  “Crazy? Yes, I know the feeling,” she whispered with her hands over her ears. Did he turn up the volume? She removed her hands for a second. “He sure did.” Rat.

  As the evening wore on, she ventured to the window. Hopefully, he was winding down. To her horror – he’d drawn a crowd. A big crowd. “There’s a block party going on outside!” Honest to God. People were dancing in the streets. Barbequing in their yards. Someone was even painting faces. “And there’s cotton candy!” To add to her pain, Nicky was filming the whole thing.

  And when the sun went down, he just moved into more appropriate numbers.

  “Are you lonesome tonight? Do you miss me…?”

  And what turned out to be a crowd favorite. “Blue Moon… You saw me standing alone.”

  He even sang one he’d composed himself. Once his fans learned the chorus, they joined right in. “I’m tired of being single, I don’t want to be free. It’s time you made an honest man of me. Jensen. It’s time you made an honest man of me.”

  “Damn him.” Jensen found herself smiling. “I think he might be getting a little better with practice.”

  To her relief, he quit singing a little before ten o’clock. Probably a requirement from the permit. But he didn’t leave. He just stretched out in the chair and stared at her house.

  “Parting is such sweet sorrow; I shall say goodnight till it be morrow.” A few seconds later, he yelled at her while she peeked out at him from behind a curtain. “I see you, Jensen! Why don’t you come out and join me? Better yet, invite me in.”

  She stepped back from the window, but she didn’t walk away.

  “I’ll rub your feet! I’ll give you a back massage. How about a thousand kisses?”

  From down the street, a woman yelled. “Take him up on it – or I will!”

  She almost raced out the door to give the challenger a piece of her mind – but she didn’t. Yes, this was crazy. His ridiculous antics were tugging at her heart…but this was for his own good. Right?

  As the moon rose high in the sky, her handsome suitor kept his vigil. Unable to combat her better instincts, she took him out a huge bowl of soup and some crusty bread. “Here, I know you have to be hungry.”

  “Thanks. I knew you wouldn’t let me starve.”

  As he began to wolf down his dinner, she retreated to her sanctuary – before she gave in and pulled him inside.

  * * *

  The next morning as dawn broke, Jensen opened her eyes. Silence. Blessed silence.

  For about thirty more seconds.

  “Good morning, sunshine. I hope you’re well,” he warbled.

  “Oh, brother.” She rolled over and covered up her head.

  If she thought Clint’s campaign was over, well she had to think again.

  “You’re always on my mind. You are…”

  In an attempt to drown him out, Jensen turned on the television. To her ever-loving shock, one of the main news stories was Nicky’s latest video of Clint singing.

  “Good morning, Austin! I have a question for you. Who is this mysterious Jensen we keep hearing about? Because…there’s a new singer in town. Clint Wilder of the Houston Texans. Clint, I’m sorry to tell you this, friend – but you’d better not quit your day job.”

  She stared in horror as the morning news crew laughed at Clint’s antics.

  “This well-known football hero has planted himself in a woman’s yard a few miles north of us in Georgetown. The whole neighborhood has embraced his efforts to get this Jensen to notice him. An up and coming videographer, Nicky Wells, has graciously let us use this clip.”

  The news report cut to Nicky’s video. “Tell us, Clint. What’s your mission here today?”

  “Thank you, Nicky. I appreciate the opportunity to speak. Instead of explaining the situation to you, I think I’ll just use this opportunity to talk directly to Jensen.” He faced the camera. “Jensen, my love. This is my grand gesture, babe. I’m here to tell you I’ll love you forever.” He dug in his pocket and held out a ring. “I want to marry you more than anything in the world. There’s nothing you could face in life that I’m not willing to face with you. Separate, we may be weak – but together we’re strong. I don’t know how else to say it…but like this…”

  “I want you. Need you. I love…”

  Jensen’s eyes widened as he belted out another tune. This time an old Elvis number.

  The news show didn’t play the whole thing – thankfully. In a few moments, the morning anchor appeared to close out the segment. “And there you have it, ladies and gentlemen. That particular video has gone viral with over a million views. So…Jensen, whoever you are, it looks like the next move is up to you.”

  Standing in front of the television, she put her hands on her hips. “Well, he’s right about one thing. I might have to move.”

  As the day wore on, Clint showed no sign of giving up.

  At one point, she looked out and there were news crews everywhere. White vans with satellites on top. And the crowd kept growing. To her amazement, the whole Houston Texans team showed up in their team jerseys to help Clint sing and do a line dance to Achy Breaky Heart – now that was a sight. It also triggered something inside of her.

  Jensen’s own heart was aching. She felt herself melting. Tears kept coming to her eyes and all she wanted to do was run out the door and into his arms. Any man who would go to this much trouble, set himself up for such scrutiny, showcasing the least of his talents – all to what? Win her heart? God knows, he’d had it all along. The message he was sending her was
that he’d stick with her through thick and thin, hold her when she was scared, and stand at her side when the time came for her to leave this world.

  Perhaps it was time to tell him that she felt the same way.

  As she readied herself to go meet him, she heard a commotion outside. Quickly, she repaired her make-up and straightened her hair, checking herself in the mirror. Yes, her prothesis was all tucked in and straight.

  That was when she heard his voice loud and clear.

  “Soft, what light through yon window breaks? It is the east and Jensen is my sun. Jensen, Jensen! Wherefore art thou, Jensen?”

  Giving in to her heart’s desire, Jensen went to meet her Romeo.

  Going to the front, she stepped out onto the porch. The sight before her took her breath away. Hundreds of people were in front of her house, fanned out from one side to the other. Nicky and his parents stood by. At least three news crews were there to record the moment. And in the center of it all was Clint Wilder. Looking at her with more love in his eyes than she ever thought possible.

  “Jensen, my love. I hope I haven’t embarrassed you too much. I wanted to do something so over-the-top that there wouldn’t be a doubt in your mind how I feel about you.”

  “There’s not,” she whispered around a sob.

  “There’s nothing in the world I wouldn’t do for you, sweetheart – even humiliate myself. If you’ll consent to be my wife, I’ll devote every moment of my life to making you happy. You’ll never walk alone. I will be with you in good times and in bad. Your problems will be my problems, your pain will be mine, your joys will be mine too.” He went down on one knee and the crowd sighed. “I love you more than life, Dr. Jensen Mistretta. If you’ll accept this ring, you’ll have my heart for forever and a day.”

  Without effort on her part, Jensen’s feet began to move. The crowd surrounding Clint began to chant.

  JENSEN, JENSEN, SAY YES, JENSEN

  She moved down the steps, then broke into a run. When she reached him, Jensen launched herself into his arms and he caught her effortlessly. The people watching broke into a monumental cheer.

  “Thank God. I couldn’t survive without you, love.”

  “Nor I you,” she whispered back, kissing him all over his face.

  KISS HER, KISS HER, KISS JENSEN!

  He didn’t need any encouragement; this was what he lived for. Claiming her lips, Clint gave her a kiss full of love and devotion, sweeping away Jensen’s every reservation and doubt.

  “I love you, Clint. I’ve loved you from the beginning.”

  “And I worship the very ground you walk on, lady,” he assured her as he slipped the engagement ring on her finger.

  Suddenly, the crowd began to disperse. “Hey, it’s raining! A storm’s brewing!”

  Everyone scattered, except Jensen and Clint. As far as they were concerned, the storm was a good omen. She laid her head on his shoulder as he carried her into her house and straight up the stairs.

  Today, their loving was celebratory. He undressed her with reverence, covering her body with kisses. She returned every caress with joy, giving herself to him in complete surrender. When they lay entwined, their love consummated, he put his mouth to her ear. “Do you want me to sing you to sleep?”

  “Yes. Please. Your voice is the most beautiful thing in the world to me.”

  Clint almost fell out of bed at her answer. “That’s my girl.” He couldn’t help but laugh and hug her close. “Now, I know you love me.”

  “Yes. I do.”

  “You just keep saying those words, it’s good practice.”

  “Yes, dear.” Jensen nestled deep into his embrace, feeling safe and secure in his love.

  Three weeks later:

  “Just hold my hand. Don’t let go.”

  “Never.” He raised her hand to his lips. “Everything’s going to be okay.”

  “I know. Even if it’s not, you’ll be with me.”

  “Every moment. Every step of the way.” Truthfully, Clint was scared to death. Jensen was his world and he’d walk through hell to save her if he could.

  A tap on the door alerted them that the doctor was ready to speak to her.

  The moment of truth had arrived.

  “Dr. Mistretta. Mr. Wilder.”

  “Doctor.” Clint watched the man’s face, trying to see if he could read anything in his expression.

  “Don’t keep me in suspense, Dr. Kalin. I can’t stand to wait another second,” Jensen muttered as she squeezed Clint’s hand as hard as she could.

  “Well, I have good news for you. The spot on your lung is scar tissue, not cancer. Have you ever had pneumonia?”

  “Yes, I have. When I was very young.”

  Relief stole Clint’s ability to breathe. He placed his arm around her shoulders to draw her close. “Told you,” he whispered in her ear.

  She placed a hand over his heart, loving the strong, steady beat beneath her fingertips. “How about the other tests?”

  “All clear.” Dr. Kalin leaned back in his chair. “Of course, you have to get to the five-year mark before we can pronounce you cured. Although, at this point, there’s no reason to think we won’t be sitting here in two and half years celebrating that milestone.”

  “Thank you.” She breathed easy for the first time in weeks. “Can I ask you about reconstruction?”

  “Certainly. I can recommend someone for you.”

  Clint didn’t say anything, he’d already told her any decision she made about reconstruction would be entirely her own. In his eyes, she was perfect. With one breast or two, Clint knew she was the sexiest woman in the world.

  Nine months later…

  Jensen stood at the window of Clint’s bedroom, her bedroom too, watching the lawn as everyone gathered to find a seat on either side of a flower strewn aisle. Soon, she’d walk down that aisle to marry the love of her life.

  “Almost everyone is here.” She was getting a bit nervous. To settle herself, Jensen took note of the guests. After a quick headcount, she verified that most of Clint’s first cousins and their spouses had arrived – except Libby and Aron. Where were they? She knew they wouldn’t let her down, Libby was her maid-of-honor.

  All of Clint’s immediate family were present. Except Kyd. She didn’t see Kyd. The girls were here in the room with her and she could see Rowan helping Jaxson usher people to their seats. “Who’s the girl with Rowan?” she asked aloud.

  “Oh, that’s Ivy, his trainer.” Bethany answered as she joined Jensen at the window. “Oh, look, Uncle Christian and Olivia are driving up in a golf cart.” She giggled at the sight. “I’m glad someone thought of furnishing one for those who have trouble walking.”

  “There’s Tanner and Desiree.” Jensen tapped the glass. “Beau and Harley LeBlanc. Bowie and Cassie Malone. Nicky and his folks.” She also saw Seth Wilder and his grandfather, but she didn’t say that out loud, not wanting to spoil the surprise for Clint’s sisters – just in case they weren’t aware their Louisiana relatives were coming. “Oh, there’s Wilma and Mae from my office!” She waved, then realized no one knew they were being observed from the second story.

  “You look beautiful, Jensen. Absolutely radiant.” Coming up behind her, Gillian Wilder tenderly touched her future daughter-in-law’s hair. “I am so happy you’re marrying my son.”

  She turned to embrace Clint’s mother, then each one of his three sisters as they all stood in a line, ready to walk down the aisle ahead of her. “I love you all. I can’t wait to be part of your family.” Nervously, she ran her hands down the front of her silk wedding gown in a move usually meant to smooth out wrinkles.

  “Stop. Your dress is perfect, but your palms are a tad sweaty.” Lia Walker caught her hands to keep them still.

  “It’s all of these new bumps and lumps – I’m just nervous at what people will think.”

  Colleen laughed. “Nobody is going to think a thing. A new breast and a new baby. What could be better? Besides, no one’s opinion should matt
er but your groom, and you can do no wrong in his eyes.”

  Jensen tended to agree, especially about the baby. She was thrilled to be having Clint’s child. Glancing around, she counted beloved faces. “I’m worried about Libby. She’s not usually late.”

  “She’s coming. I just saw them drive up,” Cassidy offered.

  A tap on the door caused Gillian to move across the room. “I wouldn’t put it past Clint to sneak in to steal a kiss from Jensen. He’s tried it twice already.” When she cracked the door, it was to find her son standing there. “I knew it would be you. Shoo!”

  Clint leaned in to give his mom a kiss. “Would you give this to my bride-to-be?” He held out a beautiful bouquet of white roses. “Tell her I’m waiting and that I love her more than life.”

  “She knows. She knows.” His mother waved him on with a big smile on her face.

  Jensen was waiting with hands outstretched. “I thought he might’ve forgotten my flowers.”

  “Are you kidding? Clint is so excited about this ceremony.” As was her habit, Bethany touched her injured shoulder a time or two as she spoke. “I swear, he could get a job as a wedding consultant. No detail will be missed.”

  “I just hope he doesn’t sing,” Colleen commented with a smirk.

  “Oh, I hope he does,” Jensen countered. “Nothing would make me happier.”

  Colleen shook her head. “You two deserve one another.”

  “Yes, we do.” Jensen believed that with her whole heart. “He’s the perfect man for me.”

  “Oh, my gosh!” Cassidy exclaimed from across the room where she’d stolen Jensen’s spot at the window. “Kyd brought a date!”

  “Let me see.” Bethany hurried over. “Is that…”

  “Who?” Colleen pushed through to join her sisters at the window. “Oh, my word.”

  “Let me see.” Gillian attempted to join her daughters, but all three of them turned around to block her view.

  “No. There’s nothing to see. We were mistaken.” Bethany’s eyes were big as she spoke to her mother.

  Gillian frowned, but she chose not to push the issue.

  Jensen started to check out what Clint’s sisters were up to, but another knock on the door drew her attention. “Come in.”