“Okay, can we start over? I’m sorry, Jacob, for all of the confusion. I did after all receive your message, so what is this about?”
“It’s federal business, Tenley. We need to discuss this in private.”
“You’re out of your mind if you think I’m not staying. If this involves my girl, it involves me,” Jagger once again interrupted, staking his claim.
Jacob sighed in frustration. “Fine! At least allow me to finish a full sentence before you rudely interrupt me again.”
I looked over at Jagger, and he had his arms crossed over his chest and nodded at me. I mouthed back, “I love you” to calm and reassure him. Honestly! What is it with men and their pissing contests? I asked Jacob to take a seat, and we got comfortable to hear him out.
“Tenley, the reason for my visit is simply to bring you back to New York with me.”
I grabbed Jagger’s knee to silence him. He gritted his teeth while his jaw clenched in vexation.
“Why? What’s happened?”
“Roberto Bornarelli has made his presence known, and we now can tie him to Tommy’s brutal attack. All the video footage has been analyzed, and there’s no doubt it was him that ordered the hit on your friend. The threats at the office have also been linked back to him. He wants revenge on you for putting his father away. His father wants peace and no more bloodshed in his family. The take-down not only brought down their housing scheme, but it also cost the lives of two captains, and more than six men who proved to have failed the family.”
“Wow! I spoke to Raymond today, and he mentioned the threats, but not all of this.”
“He doesn’t know all of it, just what we feel is enough for him right now. We also have your phone tapped. One of the assistants there, Cheryl, is a mob plant working for Bornarelli. She’s a single mother with college loans to pay off. He got to her and will take her out if she doesn’t give up your location. I’m guessing that’s why she asked you about it today. Up until now, Cheryl has been a loyal employee. I’ve heard the rumors, all true by the way. You scare the hell out of half the staff in your office. She didn’t do this on her own. She’s being threatened by Roberto.”
“I knew it right away just from her tone alone. She has never been so casual with me on the phone.”
“You have to come to New York with me. Once they know you’re back in the city, they will make their next move against you, and then we will move in and arrest them.”
“No. Fucking. Way. Is Tenley going back to New York as bait,” Jagger blurted out as he stood to face Jacob.
“I can’t protect her here. It’s too open and vast,” Jacob responded, now facing Jagger, towering over him.
“If anyone is going to protect Tenley, it will be me. She stays here.”
“Enough! Back to your neutral corners and let me talk. Jacob, do they know where I am right now? Is my family in danger?”
“No. As far as anyone knows, you are on an extended holiday and very far from New York.”
“Okay then. That will be the story that will continue to play out. We can create a false paper trail and send them to the office. In the meantime, you place a twenty four/ seven protective guard on Cheryl and her daughter.”
“Tenley, security measures are already in place for her and the child. Roberto’s getting ready to make his next move. I need you back where we can draw him out into the open. His father doesn’t want him harmed. Roberto is a loose cannon who shoots first, never questions. He did this all on his own without the approval from his father, so if this goes bad, he may have to be taken out before he tries again to get to you, but it won’t be from us. His old man will order the hit himself. If that occurs, then you are still in danger because we will not know if any other threats exist. We need to draw him out into the open. It’s the only way.”
“Fine, I agree.”
“Tenley!” Jagger shouted. Ignoring him completely, I focused on Jacob.
“I will agree to this plan, but not before Christmas. I’m safe here on my family’s ranch. We have state of the art security systems wired all throughout our properties. I have a dozen or more ranch hands that live here on this property alone, and if memory serves, Jacob, I’m a damn good shot. You can thank my daddy for teaching me.”
“I guess there’s no point in arguing with you after that list of valid points, counselor.”
“You can try, but I’m not only a good shot, but a damn good lawyer too! So pick the battles you can win, Paulson.”
And with that, the tension that filled the room a few moments ago had been replaced with Jacob laughing and Jagger undressing me with his eyes. His eyes were blazing with feral desire for me. It’d been a long time since we had a good tongue lashing with each other, but now we would continue it in the bedroom. It took all my control not to pounce on him. He got me so turned on, my panties were dripping wet.
He knew what I was thinking and nodded in victory that he had the ability to affect me without even laying a finger on me. I offered my parents’ cabin to Jacob to stay on here while I celebrated Christmas with my family. He only stayed the one night, and then flew back to his office. He would return to Wyoming on the 27th, and we would fly to New York together.
Jagger was adamant about going with me, as if I could stop him. I explained in the shortest detail possible to my parents why I needed to go back to New York, but since Jagger was accompanying me, they didn’t worry. For the first time in many years, I was home and I was determined to give my family the best Christmas they had ever seen. It would never be the same without my brother with us, but I knew he would be watching from the night sky above. They needed this moment with me, just as much as I needed to share it with them. I even convinced Jagger to have Shane and Shelby join us at the winter carnival.
I didn’t care what I had to do to help my man mend his broken fences with Shane. Life was too short, we all had a hard lesson in realizing that. They both meant too much to me not to at least try to help them find their way. It was my way of honoring Jamie’s wishes for his brothers. No matter what danger lied ahead for me back in New York, Christmas here in Wyoming would be beautiful, and it would be shared with the man I love, along with my family and friends.
THIS WEEK HAD been one surprise after another with Paulson showing up making the decision to take Tenley back to New York. Some fucker was gunning for my girl and would not stop until he succeeded. Going with her was the only way I could keep her safe. He would never have a chance to harm one hair on her beautiful head.
She could brag all she wanted to Paulson about her skill when it came to firing a gun, but I’m praying it would not come down to that, and Jacob’s guys can take him out. This was my first Christmas with Tenley in over six years, so I was kind of nervous about it. I had her ring, and I wanted to choose the perfect time to present her with it. Wendy already told me to make a big production out of it and get on my knee in front of the entire town, but that wasn’t my girl. Her career may be fast paced, but never the girl. Tenley would always choose simplicity over the grand gestures. I was sure of it and knew exactly how I would do it.
It’d been a few days since I attempted to ride my horse. She was itching to get out of the stables just as I was to ride her. I fastened the last strap on her saddle and had a chat with my horse.
“Okay She-devil, we’re going to take this slow, and I’ll let you know when we should fly.”
I fed her some apples and she nudged my shoulder for more. I was just about to mount her when Shane walked in.
“Hey, man, mind if I join you?”
“I don’t know, Shane, going to throw me off a cliff again?”
He looked defeated, and I knew I was being a dick to him. After Paulson left us, the conversation shifted to Shane. Tenley wanted me to try and work at letting go of my anger and to find the forgiveness to move on from the pains of the past. She wasn’t taking no for an answer until I promised her I would try. I conceded and said I would. Judging by the way he was looking at me, Shane wa
s pissed.
“Sorry, man,” I mumbled.
“Yeah, I think that is the most overused word in my vocabulary. I’m sorry too, man, but I’m done saying it. I’ve been apologizing to you for over six years now, and I’m done. I swear to you that I never meant to hurt you, and I will regret my actions for the rest of my life. These past years have not been easy for me, and they don’t seem to be getting any better. I’ve paid over and over for my sins, brother, and I’m so fucking over it.”
“Want to talk about it?”
“Are you fucking serious, man?”
“I know, shocking, right? Yes, Shane, I am. I was just about to take a ride. Saddle up and join me. We need to talk, or maybe I just need to listen for a change.”
He didn’t hesitate and grabbed a saddle. The sky was clear, and the temp wasn’t too bad. We took the horses out to where I built my home for Tenley. Shane had never seen the house before today, and his eyes brightened in amazement. It was stunning, I would have to agree. I personalized every last detail with Tenley in mind as I designed it. It was always my dream to share it with only Tenley, and now that dream is coming true.
“Wow, man! You truly outdid yourself. The house is gorgeous.”
“Thanks man, I love it. I can’t wait to carry my girl over the threshold to our new life together.”
“That’s all I want for you two,” Shane said. “I hope you know that. You can never go up against fate and win. You and Tenley are two halves of each other’s soul. I’m happy you two made it.”
You could see the sincerity written all over Shane’s face. For the first time in years, I saw who my best friend used to be, and it hit me hard through my chest. I wanted our friendship back. I looked up to the sky and tipped my hat. This is me trying, Jamie.
I gave him a tour of the house, and we talked for hours. I told Shane I no longer wanted to live in the past. Words hurt just as much as actions did, and I knew I was doing both. When I was choosing the bottle of Jack to make me forget my girl and the betrayal I felt, it was only breaking me down more, until my crash. Hitting that tree was probably the best thing that could have happened to me. I was at my lowest point in my life, my rock bottom. I walked away from that unharmed and with new resolve to straighten out my life and pave the road back to Tenley.
Every single role model in my life has always preached the saying, “Everything happens for a reason.” During the harder days, that was tough to believe, but now without a doubt, I will never question it again.
We rode back to the stables a little lighter than we started out. The subject also came up about Shane continuing working on the Fairchild Ranch. After our talk, I already knew what I should have said a long time ago.
“Shane, this is your home. You belong here.”
“Are you sure, Jagger? Because if you’re not, I meant what I said to Brock. I will walk away and just start over.”
“You do that, Shane, and that would hurt Tenley more than you could ever know. It would also hurt me. I’m not saying we will return to the brothers we once were, but we talked more today than we’ve done in years, so it’s progress man. This land is big enough for the both of us, and it’s ours to run together if you want to.”
“It’s all I ever wanted, Jagger. Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.”
On cue, my beautiful girl walked into the stables with her megawatt smile. She walked right into my waiting arms, where I kissed her senseless.
“Hey, you two. How was your ride?” she asked with hope in her eyes.
“It was good,” I replied.
“Better than good,” Shane added.
“I’m happy to hear that, and I know Jamie would be too.”
With the mention of Jamie, we each had our moment of silence to always remember how much he meant to each of us and the happiness he brought to our lives. Tenley didn’t look sad, she just glowed. I saw peace on her face with a hint of the sparkle dancing in her eyes. I would do anything to forever keep her looking that way.
Over dinner, we shared the good news with her parents, who were relieved with the decision I made. Our ranches were without a doubt a living legacy for generations to come.
“What are you thinking about?” I asked Tenley, as she stared up to the ceiling.
“Nothing in particular, just happy as all.”
“I’m happy you’re happy, but I know it’s more than that. You’re worried. Baby, I will never let anyone hurt you, I swear it.”
“I know that, and believe it or not, I’m not that worried. This New York guy is just a two-bit thug who hides behind his father’s power, money, and muscle. I’m not scared of Roberto. If anything, he should be the one afraid of me. I know what happened with the car explosion, and it scared all of you. But it was just smoke and mirrors.”
“I’m sure your friend Tommy doesn’t feel that way.”
“He probably doesn’t, but it wasn’t Roberto throwing the punches either. He’s a weasel, and I am not afraid of him. I also intend not to drag this out either. I’m not going to put my life on hold for him and his bullshit threats. I spoke to Jacob today. Cheryl is still feeding information to Roberto. He seems to be buying it so far.”
“Once I arrive back in New York, Cheryl will alert him, and we will wait for his next move. Jacob has him under surveillance.”
“What about his father? If something happens to his son, won’t he seek revenge?”
“Once upon a time he may have, but Roberto has proven to be more of a liability than asset to the Bornarelli Family, so he may just be waiting back to see how it all unfolds. Even discreetly assisting Jacob with the investigation will not lessen his sentence.”
“What happens after this is all over? What then?”
Up until now, Tenley has made it clear of her intentions, but I still needed to hear the words that would put my mind at ease.
“I think you already know,” she said as she kissed me soundly.
“I still need to hear it baby.”
She sighed animatedly, but smiled back at me.
“Once the threat is neutralized, I will have a conversation with Raymond, and will hand in my resignation with the firm. Zoey will be heartbroken, but I guess she called it all along.”
“Will it be that simple to just walk away from that life?”
“It will. I was only living a half-life. Professionally speaking, I had it all, but personally, I was a disaster hiding in the shadows with sadness all around me. I was angry when my hand was forced and I came back home. But Jagger…I will never regret my decision getting on that plane, not when it led me home to you.”
We made love all throughout the night with the stars shining through the skylight. She said this was her favorite feature of the home I built for us. I knew when I designed the skylight, it had to be as big as a picture window. Making love under the night sky was a special memory for us. Every time she looked up, I saw the happiness on her face.
Her answer set my heart on fire. It was now the perfect time to ask her to marry me. She slept peacefully beside me as I ever so gently left the bed. I retrieved the ring from my pant pocket and climbed back into bed with her.
“Tenley, baby, wake-up.” She stirred until her eyes were completely open and staring up at me. I swear she brought me to my knees with just one look. All I saw was love and desire.
“I need sleep, you animal!” she said as she tried to close her eyes again. I laughed and pulled her closer to me.
“Open your eyes, baby, I have a story to tell you.”
She sat up and positioned herself against the headboard, and I turned to face her.
“A long time ago, a boy fell in love with a girl. The thing is, he just didn’t know it at the time. The boy, along with the girl’s brother and best friend, used to call her their tag-a-long. They could go nowhere without their shadow, but they didn’t seem to mind it either. The girl was a free-spirit. She could run, ride, and pretty much do everything the boys could do, and sometimes even bette
r. Her brother called her ‘Tumbleweed,’ always flying through the air with no end in sight. We all loved and protected her very much.”
“Then one day she suddenly looked all grown up, standing before the boy who loved her. He truly saw her beauty for the first time and was lost to her kindness and passion. Little did he know that she loved him too, but was afraid to confess her true feelings. So the boy took a shot of courage and a leap of faith in hopes she would love him back.”
“He took her for a ride on his horse, and they sat down at his favorite spot on his ranch. They sat hand in hand, looking over the highest peaks, with the sun shining down on them. The boy was scared, probably more than he ever had been in his life. His hand was sweaty, but she didn’t seem to mind. His stomach was doing flips, for this would be the first time he would ever tell a girl he loved her. He gave her a sunflower, which reminded him of her innocence and beauty. Taking her hands to his lips, he placed a chaste kiss upon them and whispered the words he would hope she would return back to him.
“I love you, Tenley. Will you be mine?” He never broke eye contact with her until he saw a tear fall down her lovely face. He wondered if he was wrong, but then her tears turned to smiles and she said, ‘I love you too, and my answer is yes.’ ”
“On that day, the boy gave his heart to the girl he loved. He promised she would always be safe with him and she could trust him always. She promised the same in return, and they sealed their commitment with a kiss to end all kisses.”
I paused to look at Tenley. She never took her eyes off of me, as tears rolled down her face. I wiped them away with my thumbs, and her breath hitched with my touch as my skin touched hers. She was heart stopping beautiful, and she was about to be mine forever. I straightened my shoulders back and continued pouring my heart out to her.
“Their newfound love sustained over the harder times when distance was between them. The times they reunited was never taken for granted, and they spent every minute recommitting the love they first promised to each other. Through their years of sunshine and bliss, they were also faced unforeseen sadness and heartache, a pain he didn’t see coming, but endured all the same.”
All Roads Lead Home Page 26