Sins of the Flesh
Page 51
He did turn then and noticed the slim young woman in a cornflower-blue dress, the same dress he’d seen once before in Paris. Bebe…Sucking in his breath, he started forward. When he got closer, but not within arm’s reach, he heard her say, “I’m Barbara Tarz from California.”
He wanted to say, I’m Reuben Tarz, but all he could manage was, “What took you so long?” She ran straight into his outstretched arms.
“I…I had a…couple of things to do…. But I made it,” she said, kissing his eyes, his cheeks, his mouth. “I’m here, Reuben.”
“I…I wasn’t sure you’d come…. I hoped…I actually prayed…”
“Oh, Reuben, how I’ve missed you! I didn’t get the…divorce…”
Reuben smiled. “I know.”
“How do you know that?” Bebe asked, looking up in surprise.
He stroked her hair tenderly. “Because you love me and I love you. I could never divorce you back then any more than you could divorce me…. How are the boys, Simon and Dillon?”
“Fine, they send their love.”
“Philippe? Is he with you?”
“No, he isn’t, but he sent a letter to you.” Bebe grinned suddenly, mischief dancing in her eyes. “I did bring…Come along and see who came with me.”
His arm about her shoulder, Reuben walked with her to the château and stopped when all sixteen children ran to him, Daniel in their wake. “You arranged all this?” Reuben gasped as he lifted Bruno high on his shoulder. Amid the laughter, the squeals of joy, the hugs and kisses, Bebe watched tears stream down her husband’s cheeks. “I’ve spent months looking for these children. I had no idea…I wrote letters, I did everything I could think of…. Thank you, Bebe, thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
“Daniel deserves most of the thanks,” Bebe replied, blushing. “His friends got the children out. Oh, Reuben, we have so much to tell you! It will take days.”
“You son of a gun!” Reuben cried, clapping his friend on the back.
“Old times, old friend,” Daniel said in a shaky voice.
“You here to stay, or…or just passing through?” Reuben asked gruffly as Bruno yanked at his hair, clamoring to see the red wagon.
“I thought I’d stay on. Someone has to look after you, you big galoot,” Daniel said, grinning.
“I kind of feel that way myself,” Bebe chirped. “Unless, of course, you don’t want us.” She held her breath expectantly.
In a voice tight with emotion, Reuben said, “This is where we all belong. We’re home now, and none of us is going to leave.”
Bebe positively glowed with happiness. Daniel beamed and said, “We have one more coming in a little while: Jane. We’re getting married, but that’s a long story. I think we should get this kid his red wagon before he wets his pants.”
Reuben chuckled. “I think you’re right. I painted it and it’s waiting; so is the bicycle. The barn is full of dogs and new pups. I’ve also got a goat and six chickens and two roosters. I’m trying to negotiate a cow, but it’s tough. I did get a donkey for the pony cart, however.”
“Okay, single file now,” Bebe called out, clapping her hands. “March. Straight line, Bruno.”
The little boy did a fast double step and turned. “I am glad to be here, monsieur. I counted the days. You are now our papa and Mademoiselle Bebe is our mama and Monsieur Daniel is our uncle,” he said in English. “You are proud of us, eh?”
“Damn right, kiddo,” Reuben said huskily.
Bruno grinned. “For you, monsieur, we learn the English to say thank you.”
“And you did a damn fine job. At the top of the stairs, down two doors, is the red wagon. Go!”
A short while later they found Bruno sitting in the wagon fast asleep, the dog curled up next to him.
“For this alone, it was worth it,” Reuben whispered, his eyes misting. “Mickey would be so happy.”
“Yvette…has there been any word?” asked Bebe.
Reuben shook his head. “I tried to find out, but things were so…there were no records. I think she’s safe and will find her way here one of these days just the way you have. I’ve been trying to work at the farm a few days a week in case she returns. With the children here we can get it back into shape. Jesus, I’ve never been so glad to see anyone in my life as you two.”
“I love you, Reuben,” Bebe said softly.
“And I love you,” Reuben said, drawing her close.
Daniel stood quietly, watching them. “The Three Musketeers,” he said. “Where is it, Reuben?”
“It no longer exists. It’s a memory. We are the Three Musketeers.”
Bebe’s eyes brimmed. At last she belonged.
“All our sins are forgiven,” Reuben said quietly.
Bebe smiled.
Before there were
SINS OF THE FLESH,
there were
SINS OF OMISSION…
Fern Michaels’s previous novel goes back to World War I: American soldiers Reuben Tarz and Daniel Bishop have been wounded while fighting in the French trenches. The beautiful and sensual Marchioness Michelene Fonsard whisks them away from the hospital to her lavish French château. She falls in love with Reuben and life is idyllic for the three friends—until the arrival of lovely and spoiled Bebe Rosen unleashes savage passions and desperate deceptions that are soon to explode.
Be sure to read this steamy introduction to Fern Michaels’s thrilling saga!
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