by S. M. Shade
Troy and Joseph join Airen, Carson, and Eric on what Carson has dubbed “The Great Bacon Hunt”. After three consecutive early morning hunts yield no results, they’re frustrated. Carson is determined, however, and the hoof prints they notice on the third day only strengthen his resolve.
As I remove a pan of biscuits from the oven, a cry echoes through the house. Oh hell, what now? I’m stunned by the sight of them gathered in the yard around a huge dead hog, satisfied smiles plastered on their faces while they talk animatedly. They look like a pack of animals surrounding their prey, gloating over the kill. I can almost smell the testosterone.
“Joseph got him!” Carson cries. “Right through the eye! He was one heavy son of a bitch to carry back!”
“Carson Tyler! Language!” I scold, laughing.
“We’ll dig the pit tonight and have us a big old hog roast tomorrow,” Airen promises, his southern accent prominent in his excitement. He looks all of twenty years old when he’s happy.
Joseph laughs. “I’m going to get Walker from Julie’s. He’ll never forgive me if he misses a chance to see a dead pig. I’ll be back with bricks to line the pit.”
“Bring a roll of chicken wire from the barn when you come.”
I leave them to their preparations and head back inside. It’s good to see everyone so happy and I’m looking forward to tomorrow. We need a little fun. Through the window, I hear them laughing and talking while Airen instructs them on how deep to dig and how much charcoal to dump in. When they’ve finished, they’re all covered in dirt from head to toe, and they smell like a house fire.
They stop in the hall to kick off their filthy shoes, and Jayla laughs at Carson as he shakes dirt out of his hair. “Did you roll in the dirt or shovel it?”
“I had to climb in the hole and set the bricks…just…right,” he replies, glaring at Airen.
“If you’re going to do something, you may as well do it the right way,” Airen replies.
“You mean your way.”
Smirking, he strips off his sweat soaked T-shirt. “That’s what I said.” Jayla laughs and Carson smiles in spite of himself before heading to the shower.
When I wake the next morning, my nostrils fill with the mouth watering smell of roasting pork. I’m going to pig out tonight, no pun intended.
“How do you know when it’s fully cooked?” Jayla asks when Airen announces the pig will be ready to eat before the sun goes down.
“This isn’t my first hog roast, honey.” He has been in such a good mood today. Eric and Troy brought a box full of water pistols, and I suspect Airen is more excited for the water war than the kids. Julie, Jayla, and I have spent the day preparing for the barbecue. In addition to the pork, we have baked beans, corn on the cob, watermelon, and potatoes. Pitchers of Kool-Aid for the kids are chilling in the fridge, and Eric has made a container of hard lemonade that could power a space shuttle. It’s been too long since we were all together, and I’m really looking forward to it.
Tables are set up in the yard, along with a volley ball net, and Airen places buckets of water strategically around the perimeter to refill their water guns. He’s a big damn kid. As soon as Walker arrives, the war is on, and the forest echoes with their laughter and taunts. Jayla, Eric, Carson, and Troy join in the fun while Joseph signals for me to follow him inside. Grinning like a madman, he produces a bucket filled with oversized water balloons.
His grin is mischievous as he holds up a balloon and asks, “Do you want to help me teach Airen a lesson?”
“Let’s go out the back,” I reply with a giggle. We’re scarcely out the door when we’re presented with the perfect opportunity. Airen is crouched against the corner of the house, water cannon at the ready, just waiting for a victim. He’s a sitting duck.
We creep up behind him, as close as we dare. I’m fighting so hard not to giggle and give us away. Joseph nods, and we fire the balloons at him, one after the other. The surprise and utter shock on his face is absolutely priceless. Soaked to the skin, water drips from his inky black hair to run down his face.
“Just keep on laughing,” he taunts, wiping the water from his eyes. “You’re both dead.” Joseph grabs my arm and we back away, preparing to run. Airen laughs. “Abby, this is your only chance to surrender, sweetheart.” His eyes smolder as his lips lift in a wicked little half smile. “Just hold Joseph right there.”
I shake my head, laughing. “Come get us, Holder. I don’t sell out my friends.”
“Have it your way, now you’re in trouble.” I squeal and run as he laughs and pivots sharply, darting after us, but he doesn’t get far. In his haste, he overlooks the large mud puddle from the overflow of our rainwater filter until it’s too late. Attempting to leap over it at the last second, his foot slips and he sprawls head first in the mud, nearly disappearing under the murky water before he sits up spluttering.
“Are you…all right?” Joseph asks, struggling to talk through his laughter. I don’t believe I’ve laughed so hard in my entire life. My knees squelch against the grass as I drop down, holding my side, tears pouring down my face.
When I manage to catch my breath and peek at Airen, he’s sitting calmly in the middle of the puddle, staring at us. The sight sets me off again, and when Troy, Eric, and Julie round the corner, I have to close my eyes. Their faces…his smirk…oh, I’m going to laugh myself into a hernia.
He scoops the mud away from his eyes and off his lips before rising slowly, a wicked mischievous grin spreading across his dirty face. Suddenly, he bolts in my direction, and before I can take three steps he embraces me, pressing his body against mine. Mud squishes between us and soaks into my shorts and T-shirt. It’s cold!
“Airen!” I squeal. His wet lips are chilly against my cheek. The muscles in his arms and back bunch and flex as he scoops me up, and my world tilts as tosses me over his shoulder. “Put me down!” I cry, still giggling.
“Sure thing, darlin’,” he drawls. Letting my body slide down his chest, he plants his leg behind mine and falls back into the mud, taking me with him. I’m soaked and covered in grime from head to toe.
“You asshole!” I laugh, splashing him.
“Traitor.” Grinning, he lies back in the mud hole as if he’s reclining on the beach, slips his arm around me, and pulls me onto his chest. I can hear the others laughing and hooting. I’m lying on top of him, face to face. His eyes are lit up, alive and dancing with happiness as they gaze into mine. No woman in the world could resist him when he’s like this. We kiss, warming our lips against one another’s. “This would be perfect if we were naked,” he murmurs, too low to be heard by our snickering audience.
“You’re terrible.”
“Let’s get Joseph,” he whispers. Muddy hands pull me to my feet and we climb out of the puddle. Our intentions must have been shining on our faces. Joseph takes a cautious step back a second before we dart toward him. Eric and Carson hold him until Airen grabs his waist, and we drag him into the mud with us.
“It was Abby’s idea!” He laughs, glancing at me.
“Oh, you backstabber! You’re so full of shit! Who brought me the water balloons?” His lie earns him a muddy splash. After a minute or two of wrestling to keep him submerged in the goo we let him go and climb out. I sling an arm around each of them, and we head for the water barrel to wash off the worst of the mud, still chuckling and teasing. My boys, how I love them.
After a quick shower, we’re all ready to eat. Joseph gets the honor of serving the roasted pork since it was his arrow that brought it to our table. Who knew he was so good with a crossbow? Is it strange I find the thought of him firing it sort of sexy? I’ve become a prehistoric barbaric cave woman, or maybe it’s the hard lemonade.
After dinner and a few too many drinks, we gather around the bonfire. Jayla brings Airen his guitar and tries to convince him to sing. It’s been ages since he played and sang for us; not since Julie, Eric, and Troy joined us, and I suspect they’re the reason for his shy refusal. It’s one of t
hose rare occasions when he lets his confident, dauntless façade slip, showing the insecure little boy hidden beneath.
“Play the bottom of the sea song, Uncle Airen, please,” Walker begs. Joseph glances at Airen with an impish grin. Walker has only recently begun calling him Uncle Airen and it’s clear from his expression he’s pleased with the moniker. He reluctantly picks up the guitar and begins tuning it. Walker beams from ear to ear and winks at me, and I laugh aloud. That little rascal knew Airen couldn’t resist those puppy dog eyes.
He plays a few children’s songs for Walker and everyone sings along with him. After a rather humorous rendition of “I Know an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly”, he attempts to lay the guitar aside.
“Play a song for Mom,” Jayla suggests, and smiles at me.
“You don’t have to do that,” I reply hastily, trying to let him off the hook. With a soft grin, he scoots over, and motions for me to sit beside him. The flames cast a glow on his gorgeous face, making his dark eyes glitter. They focus on me lovingly, and he leans to plant a chaste kiss on my cheek before he begins. Everyone is hushed, and his cheeks flush a soft pink as all eyes are on him. I half expect him to play something silly to break the tension and make them laugh.
Instead, he pivots to face me and begins to play and sing softly. I recognize the song immediately and a lump forms in my throat. “God Only Knows What I’d Be Without You.” An oldie for sure, by The Beach Boys. It’s a beautiful love song and hearing him sing it to me in his husky voice affects me deeply. His eyes never leave mine while the words spill from his lips. I forget I’m surrounded by people, forget everything but him, my perception narrowing to his handsome face, and sexy voice telling our whole world he loves me.
Goose bumps cover my body. Could I ever love this man more than I do at this moment? After the last verse, he props the guitar beside him, and I dive into his arms. Everyone claps as he embraces me, and for once, I make no attempt to hide the tears that streak my face.
“I’d be nothing without you,” I whisper.
“No, my sweet girl. You’re everything,” he murmurs, holding me tighter while I attempt to reign in my emotions. Damn, he made me cry in front of everybody.
“Why is Abby crying?” Walker pipes up. “It wasn’t that bad.” You can always count on the youngest to break the awkward silence.
“Oh!” Julie exclaims, covering her mouth as they all burst into laughter.
“Don’t worry,” Jayla reassures him. “Sometimes girls cry because they’re happy.”
“That’s weird. Play the boom boom song again.” Airen acquiesces, and after a few silly verses Walker begins to yawn.
“I’ll go in with him,” Carson says, and Jayla accompanies them, volunteering to stay the night and watch Lane.
“Would you mind playing another song, Airen? You have a lovely voice,” Julie declares. He nods, and as the first notes ring out, Joseph tugs Troy to his feet.
“Dance with me.” Troy looks eight shades of embarrassed, but he allows Joseph to lead him a few feet away and they hold each other close, swaying to the music. Julie and Eric excuse themselves after the song.
“This was fun, you guys, but I’m beat,” Eric slurs .
“I believe you mean, drunk,” Joseph corrects, grinning. Eric smiles widely and shakes his head. He’s trashed.
“I’m ready to go too. I’ll walk with you,” Troy offers.
Joseph glances at Troy. It’s obvious he doesn’t want to leave yet. “Let me finish this drink, babe, and I’ll come with you.”
“Stay. Have fun. I’ll take Walker home and get him to bed.”
“Are you sure?” Joseph asks, wrapping him in a hug.
“Mmm Hmm, but you better wake me when you get home,” he murmurs, and gives Joseph’s ass a quick squeeze. They head off into the woods while Joseph, Airen, and I return to the fire. We talk and drink and laugh and drink. Needless to say, we’re all feeling way too good.
“Are you too drunk to play?” Joseph challenges, gesturing to Airen’s guitar.
“Are you planning to sing?”
“No.”
Airen strums the strings lightly. “Then I’ll play.”
My suppressed giggle escapes and Joseph shake his head, amused.
“Don’t encourage him,” he scolds.
“What do you want to hear?” Airen asks, his gaze bouncing between us.
“I’ve had my song.” I smile, knowing I’ll never forget tonight. “Play something Joseph will like.”
Airen nods and reflects for a few moments before his strong fingers return to the strings. I don’t recognize the song, and I don’t think Joseph does either, but even with Airen slightly slurring his words, the lyrics hit their mark.
It’s Joseph’s turn to fight his emotions and his eyes well as Airen’s voice fills the night. His voice is thick with emotion as he sings of missed opportunities and regret, of words unsaid and needs and wants left unfulfilled. His eyes meet Joseph’s when he sings of his desire to have all the wasted moments to do again. Joseph swallows audibly and looks away as Airen finishes the song and sets the guitar aside quietly. They can’t look at one another.
“That was a beautiful song. I’ve never heard it before. What’s it called?” I ask softly, attempting to break the awkward silence. The crack in my voice doesn’t help, but I’ve never seen Airen like that with Joseph, and it’s so sweet. So totally unexpected.
“This Woman’s Work. It’s by a British singer named Kate Bush.” He shifts uncomfortably in his seat.
“It was perfect,” Joseph murmurs, poking at the fire with a branch. He stands and stretches. “I should go. I’m going to have one hell of a hangover tomorrow.”
“You and me both,” Airen says with a chuckle. After I hug Joseph, he heads off down the path toward his house.
“Hey, watch out for those mountain lions!” Airen teases, and shines his flashlight up in the treetops. “They hide and pounce on you when you least expect it.”
“I’m sure your singing scared away all the wildlife,” Joseph retorts. Airen slings his arm around my neck and we walk inside. What am I going to do with these two exasperating men?
Chapter Three
Joseph
“Thank you for inviting us to lunch.” Abby smiles sweetly when I lean to kiss her cheek. She always smells so good, like coconuts.
“Thanks for coming. I’m dying for some adult conversation.” The table is set for six and there’s a wonderful smell emanating from the kitchen.
“Then you should have invited some adults,” Airen quips. He pulls his boots off and deposits them on a rug apparently set aside for that purpose. Lane squeals at the sight of him, and waves his chubby little arms. Airen sweeps him up and tosses him in the air before blowing on his belly to make him laugh. “What’s my boy been up to, huh? Driving mommy crazy?” he asks, kissing his chubby cheeks and settling him back into his high chair.
“Hey, Eric…Troy,” he greets, nodding at them. After the usual exchange of pleasantries and good natured teasing, we gather around the dining table to enjoy Abby’s delicious chicken stew.
Airen and Eric debate the pros and cons of different types of fishing tackle while Abby and Troy discuss her recipe for the stew. Apparently, Troy is impressed.
“Joseph?” Carson addresses me in a hushed voice. “Can I ask you something?”
“Of course.” I’m not typically the first person he comes to for advice so I’m curious. His question is unexpected.
“Do you know if your biological parents survived the plague?” He gazes at me uncertainly, concerned I may not appreciate the inquiry into my difficult past.
“No, buddy, I don’t know. I don’t think the odds are very high, though. Why do you ask?”
“It’s just something I’ve been thinking about.” His gaze travels to land on Troy, and he whispers, “Did Troy’s parents die in the plague?” Staring at the table, he fiddles with his spoon.
“His mother died of breast cancer before, a
nd he doesn’t know his father,” I reply, trying to puzzle out where he’s going with this.
He nods, a pensive look on his face. “Are you wondering about your father?” I ask softly.
“No. Well…yeah, but not just him.”
“What’s on your mind, Carson?” Airen asks. He’s been following our hushed conversation.
“It’s not important. It’s just a theory.” Carson is a bright kid. He loves anything related to science and he has a wickedly logical mind.
“Tell us about it,” I encourage.
He glances doubtfully around the table before he replies, “It’s just an idea. I’ve been thinking about why we survived the sickness. You know, why us?”
“We all wonder about that, honey,” Abby assures him.
“No, I don’t mean in some existential way. What is it, biologically, that saved us? It has to be a hereditary immunity because Walker and I both have a surviving parent, and that’s just too much of a coincidence to be irrelevant. Still, both of Julie’s grown children died while she’s immune.” He glances around the table expectantly, waiting for us to connect the dots. “Don’t you see? Both parents have to be immune to pass it on to the offspring.”
Abby smiles at him. “Carson, that’s brilliant, but there’s a flaw in your idea.”
“Such as?”
“Airen’s parents both died of the plague.” His face falls as he processes the information.
Airen glances at Abby with a guilty expression, and murmurs, “Not exactly.”
“Isn’t that what you told me? That they died during the plague?” she asks, a frown on her face.
“They did. My mother was sick and waiting for a kidney transplant. She was on dialysis and once the power failed and the rioting began she couldn’t receive her treatments. That’s what actually took her.”
“I’m sorry,” Abby whispers. “What about your dad?”
“He did die from the sickness, but there’s a good chance he wasn’t my biological father. Mom confessed to me just before she died that she cheated on Dad with her yoga instructor. Her dark haired, dark eyed yoga instructor. Both of my parents were blond and blue eyed.” Abby takes his hand and he smiles at her. “It’s fine. It doesn’t matter now, but my situation doesn’t negate Brainiac’s theory.” He winks at him, and Carson grins.