Blue Autumn in the Bayou (Gumbo Love)

by Clay, Ann

  CHAPTER 41

  Autumn could hardly believe that Tyler was a month old. The entire Brooks and Miles family all stood around waiting to be escorted into the sanctuary for his christening. She held the active little bundle as he turned toward every voice calling his name. “Who are all of these smiling faces, little man? Look at all of your family.”

  After the christening, the family gathered at Clem’s house. Open barbeque pits smoked with moist ribs, chicken, and sausages. Uncle Ted had two large vats over gas spits filled with crabs and crawfish. Children ran through the huge yard. A few swung from the swings Clem built especially for his great nieces and nephews.

  The men gathered at one end of the yard smack-talking as usual. Clem’s thick jazzy tunes blasted from speakers near the area where the men stood. Travis glanced in Autumn’s direction as she chatted with some of his cousins. She wrapped her arms around Trish as they leaned against one of the huge trees draped with moss.

  He summoned her to look his way, but she seemed preoccupied with the young ladies gathered around her. Just as he was about to bring his attention back to the group, she glanced up. She smiled and everyone in her cluster giggled when they saw Travis.

  When she looked back in Travis’s direction he still watched her. His thick brows drew a rigid line across his forehead, and his eyes smoldered with a darkness she recognized. Whenever he stressed or pondered something seriously important, he wore a far-away expression on his face. Her smile faltered and she pulled from Trish’s embrace.

  Travis watched the graceful way Autumn held her head and flipped her hair over her shoulder. Her eyes sparkled when she was happy, and from looking at her at that moment, he could tell she was exactly that: happy. He loved to hear her laugh. He loved the feel of her body in his embrace. He enjoyed their time together, but she planned to return to New York soon. The thought of her leaving didn’t set well with him. He’d become accustomed to having her next to him when he woke up in the morning. He loved the idea of making love to her whenever he wanted her, and lately his appetite for his wife was unyielding.

  They talked about her coming back to New Orleans to help him with the Boudreaux’s Center for Crescent City Youth, but he knew better than to ask her to give up her dreams, her career. He had no intentions of making her choose or sacrifice anything. She worked hard to get where she was and he respected her decision to continue if that’s what she wanted to do. The decision would be hers.

  He, too, pulled away from his crowd and met her near the path that led to Clem’s garden. Autumn walked straight into his opened arms. “What’s wrong?”

  “Nothing’s wrong, darling.”

  “You promised that you would always be straight with me. So tell me what’s on your mind.” She reached up and kissed his chin.

  Travis bent down and captured her lips. “I love you, Autumn.”

  She pulled back and looked into his smoky gaze. “I love you. Let’s walk so you can tell me what’s on your mind.” She pulled completely from his arms and began to walk towards the garden.

  Travis allowed her to lead him down the stone-laid path. “I’ve enjoyed you being at home, babe. I can’t lie. I wish you didn’t have to go back to New York.” Autumn stopped and looked up at him. “I know. You don’t need to say anything Autumn. I know your work is there and I would never ask you to give that up.”

  Autumn glanced away. She knew this day was coming. She just didn’t expect it today, not here at their godchild’s reception. She, too, thought about returning to New York and what it would do to the bond they’d managed to build. For the first time in years she loved being home. Everything about home felt right.

  She took a long breath before she released Travis’s hand and walked toward the fountain. She sat on the edge and looked down into the water. Travis followed her and sat facing the row of multicolored rose bushes. She looked up and touched him, something they did a lot of when they were together. “I don’t want to go back, at least not without you. But I know that I have to for now. I have a commitment.”

  Travis turned towards her. “I know. I would never ask you to go back on that commitment.”

  “But—”

  “No buts, Autumn. We’ve managed to see each other while we work in different cities. We’ll continue to do this until we come up with a plan.”

  “You make it hard for me to leave you.”

  “I certainly hope so. My ultimate goal is to—”

  Autumn captured his mouth before he finished his sentence. She didn’t want to hear him say the words. It was bad enough that a part of their time left together included a trip to Grand Isle. She promised her mother and Mer Drace that they would come home. She wanted to spend the precious time left enjoying him.

  Travis knew she didn’t want to talk about leaving. She didn’t want to spoil what time they had left together. So for now, he would let her have her joy. He deepened the kiss, pulling her into his lap.

  * * * *

  Several days later, Autumn brought in the mail and dropped it on the counter top. She hummed as she stirred the stew she whipped up from one of Mer Drace old recipes. She heard the garage door open and she placed the lid back on the pot and trotted to the door. She greeted Travis with open arms. “Good evening, husband.”

  Travis smiled at her. “My, you’re in a good mood.” He kissed her lightly on her lips. “Are you glad to see me?”

  Autumn hugged him briefly and pulled away. “Actually, I have this date sort of with this really good-looking man. Of course, he’s a Brooks man, sweet as honey, and is almost six weeks old.” She grinned from ear to ear.

  Travis threw his head back and roared. “Oh, I see how it is. You had me going there for a minute. I thought for sure you were talking about your tall, good-looking husband. But you put me down for a younger version. I see how it is.”

  “Well, what can I say? I do like them young, especially this one. I think he’s a keeper.”

  “Well, he can come over, but he damn sure can’t stay. And he can’t have any of this.” He grabbed her rump and squeezed it.

  “I’m sure he doesn’t want any. He will gladly leave those goodies for you.”

  “He has no choice. Nephew, godson, whatever, I don’t share.” His hand slowed as he flipped through the mail. Travis looked at the envelope and the address in the left hand corner. It was Savannah’s handwriting. He didn’t recognize the address, but it was definitely her handwriting. He turned it over a couple of times.

  Autumn noticed the frown on his face. “What’s up?”

  “It’s from Savannah.” He handed the envelope to Autumn. She held up her hands and shook her head no. He used the letter opener and carefully opened it. The package itself was a little thick, so couldn’t imagine what was in it. He almost thought twice about opening it; especially not knowing what state of mind Savannah was in when she sent it. The last thing he needed was for her to send something crazy to his house.

  Her actions clearly made him second-guess his judgment, their friendship. She’d filled a void when he needed it the most. She listened to him when he needed someone outside of his family to talk to. And the sex, well their sex life was a whole different story in itself. It lacked one thing though: love. He didn’t love her.

  CHAPTER 42

  “Maybe you shouldn’t open it Travis.”

  But Travis had already done just that. He removed the folded sheets and when he opened them completely, his mouth dropped opened. Inside were crispy fifty and one hundred-dollar bills. Autumn walked up to him as he gawked down at the money. He removed them, placed them on the countertop, and handed the letter to Autumn.

  Autumn looked at the stationery briefly before she accepted it. She read out loud. “Travis, you’ve always been a good friend, especially when I needed help the most. For that I’m grateful. I want to thank you for lending me the money when I didn’t have any place to go. I know you didn’t have to do that. And I know what kind of position it might have put you in with your wif
e. I must say the fact that you are married was shocking to me. But I knew you had it in you and just needed the right girl to make you want to settle down. All I want for you is happiness. So I hope that you are. Take care and again thanks for being my friend. Savannah. P.S. Sorry, I was really tripping when I showed up to your brother’s wedding and when I started popping in on you. I know you’re not like that. I hope you forgive me. Later.”

  Autumn looked up from the paper and stared at Travis. He looked as astonished as she did. He took the letter from her hand and looked over the neatly scribbled words. She touched his hand and brought his attention to her face. She smiled weakly at him and he nodded. “Wow.”

  “You’re a good friend, Travis Brooks.”

  He shook his head again and hugged Autumn. A sigh of relief eased into his spirit. “I hope so, babe. I’ll always be your friend.”

  “I like that idea a lot.”

  * * * *

  On the ride to Grand Isle, Autumn asked Travis to not be hard on Demarcus when he saw him again. Travis still hadn’t quite warmed up to her grandfather. And when they pulled up to Mer Drace’s house, she didn’t know what to expect. The conversations and getting to know one another had progressed far better than anyone thought after he’d shown up there. Her mother told her that Demarcus had gotten on his knees in front of her and her Uncle Damon, and had wept like a child; begging them to forgive him. He showed them the scars and gashes from the beatings intended to kill him the night he disappeared. Demarcus explained that his leaving was the only way he knew how to protect them, and that he’d tried to return for them, but had been thrown in a parish jail. The tattered leaf, his release papers, was pulled from his wallet and passed from one to the other. He’d kept it all these years. The smeared words were dampened by the tears of each person that held it, allowing healing to begin.

  For the meantime, Demarcus lived in the house with Tempest, but he and Mer Drace spent their days together getting reacquainted. They fished and crabbed together. They even went swimming in the Gulf a few times. The reunion definitely made a positive impact on Mer Drace because the moment Autumn walked up the porch and caught a glimpse of her grandmother; she could hardly believe her eyes. Mer Drace looked like a new woman. She already belied her age and the blue eyes always gave her a mystic appearance. But at that moment, she looked even younger.

  “Mer Drace.” Autumn rushed to her arms and hugged her with a tight squeeze.

  “Hi, little one. I missed you.”

  “I missed you too.”

  Demarcus hung in the background as he watched his wife embrace their granddaughter.

  Autumn moved from Mer Drace and Travis fell in step right behind her. “Wow, you look absolutely gorgeous. I might have to put this one down and sweep you away.” Travis hugged and then kissed Mer Drace’s cheek.

  That’s when Demarcus stepped out of the wings. “I’m afraid you’re going to have to stick with that little young thing over there, son. This one is mine.”

  Both Travis and Autumn looked behind Mer Drace as Demarcus made his appearance. Autumn yelped and moved forward until she was in her grandfather’s hug. “Paw Paw, I’m glad to see you again.”

  “So am I, mon sha bebe.” He kissed her forehead.

  Travis paused before he moved forward. He had to admit from the looks of things, all had worked out, but he still reserved the right to watch the old man just a while longer. “Sir, it’s nice to see you again.” He held out his hand.

  Demarcus ignored Travis’s outstretched hand and reached around him and hugged Travis. “It’s good to see you too, son. It looks as if you make my granddaughter very happy.”

  “That’s my life goal.”

  “Come inside. No use in standing out here. I have your favorites, both of you.”

  Her family spent the evening together for supper. Even her Uncle Damon seemed lighthearted and refreshed. They went to mass and to Autumn’s surprise, Mer Drace and Demarcus had arranged to have their vows renewed. Demarcus agreed to take counsel with the sitting priest. The convalidation now allowed Demarcus to move into the house with Mer Drace.

  Mer Drace shared a few more tears. “Here I’m an old woman and have finally made my pact with God and the man I’ve loved all my life.”

  They were blessed and everyone took part in the Communion. Maree fixed a light meal that they ate at the cove where Demarcus and Mer Drace shared their first kiss. Autumn clung to Travis the entire time they were on the island. Something about her grandparents’ connection made her more in tune with Travis. She kissed him every chance she got. “How did I get so lucky?”

  “I could say the same about me. But if you need a little coaching, I can make you a little more than lucky.” He whispered.

  Autumn’s head fell back as she laughed. She raked her hands down his face. A dark shadow covered his unshaven chin and jaw. She pulled his lips to her. “Mmm. You’re just trying to seduce me, crazy man.”

  “Is it working?” he continued to feast on her lips.

  “I can’t tell yet. Give me a few minutes more and I’ll let you know.”

  “Well, while you’re thinking about it, you’re giving your family something to observe.”

  She smiled. “They should keep an eye on those two old people over there sucking face.” She pointed to Mer Drace and Demarcus not far from where they sat.

  “Well, when I get you behind closed doors, I’ll bet you any money that they’re not going to be able to do what I have in mind for you, darling.”

  Autumn blushed behind her husband’s promise. With all the excitement when they arrived and the late hours they spent laughing and talking with the family, they didn’t get a chance to re-christen her bed in Mer Drace’s house. “I’m sure you’ll school me well, darling.” She drawled.

  “Indeed I will.”

  For Autumn, the season flew by only because every weekend Travis was not working he was in New York with her. He racked up on airline mileage points, but she could tell that the traveling was getting the best of him. She was all so glad to do her last performance with him in the audience.

  The startup for the center seemed to fall in place. Travis hired a staff but still needed a director. Secretly, he hoped his wife would feel sorry for him and take leave from performing. He did have one thing to be happy about, their family reunion. The Brooks missed last year’s reunion, but Travis and his brothers were ready to take on the Boudreaux family.

  In three days, more than three thousand family members planned to descend on City Park to fellowship and continue the tradition they started more than twenty-five years ago.

  Autumn hastened her steps when she spotted Travis standing in what had become their meeting spot. She navigated through a sea of moving people. When she neared, she didn’t leap into his arms as she usually did. Instead she stopped directly in front of him and looked up into his handsome face. She enjoyed his body heat when he wrapped his arms around her. They stood and stared at each other while people busily moved around them.

  Travis raised his hands and curved them around her neck, pulling her forward while at the same time he lowered his lips until he hungrily covered her mouth. He then lowered one hand around her waist and dragged her against his body. He moaned.

  Autumn willingly opened her mouth and savored the bittersweet kiss. Something was so different today. The way he looked at her, the way he kissed her, were all so new. She couldn’t explain exactly what that something was. She just knew that everything was so new. Whatever it was, captured them and their embrace, and she melted into his arms without hesitation.

  “I missed you.” His lips brushed against her face before they recaptured hers in a soulful kiss. “I’m so glad you’re home, darling.”

  Autumn looked up at him. He’d only moved his face inches from hers. She tried to read all the emotions she saw dancing in his gaze. She took her time committing what she saw to memory before she responded. “I miss you so much. I love you.”

  “I love you.
” He kissed her once more before he finally released her and grabbed for her carryon bag. “Let’s go before I make love to you right here in this airport.”

  Autumn smiled and she fell in step with Travis as they made their way to the exit. “Well, if nothing else, we would cause a spectacle.”

  Travis looked down at her. The happiness he heard in her voice reached over and touched his heart. All the drama of family coming and getting the park set up for their first event in a couple of days flew out the window. She was the exact medicine he needed. Even if nothing went right this weekend with the reunion, he was in a good place.

  The passion standing between them was so intense it could be cut with a cane knife. Both Autumn and Travis talked around it on the drive back to the house. The small talk kept him from pulling over to indulge in one of his many privileges with Autumn.

  Travis caught her up on the latest drama with Clem’s children. They hadn’t attended a family reunion in years. However the hush-hush about something Diane and her family was planning forced the children to come to the reunion. They hadn’t been back to New Orleans since Clem’s funeral.

  Once Travis finally got Autumn’s naked body beneath the sheets of their bed, he took his time loving her. He placed small kisses in all the right spots. He admired her body. Her breasts seemed fuller, the areolae were more pronounced, and he savored each one until they stood at attention.

  When he ventured down the center of her flat stomach, he trailed his tongue down a dark line that he hadn’t remembered seeing there before, but it lead him directly down to the patch of soft, curly hair that hid the object of his desires.

  Autumn bucked and bent into Travis’s lips. Her fingers eased through his short wavy hair, guiding his mouth to spots that seemed to bring her the most pleasure. She held on until Travis broke through the barrier of her warm flesh with his tongue. A spasm sailed through her body so forceful she almost shattered into a thousand pieces.