"I met Martha at the fair. She seems like a wonderful person, someone I'd like to get to know."
Rick looked at Ellen with loving eyes. "Sis is a wonderful person and I hope the two of you can become friends."
"I'm looking forward to meeting her again with you."
"Sis has been concerned about me these last two years. I think she'll be pleased to see me happy again."
"Let's plan to have dinner with her soon."
"You bet."
"I can see where your dealings with Gene could be less than ideal."
Rick nodded. "Oh, yeah."
"It sounds bad."
"It can be. I know he's dangerous and I worry for her.
"Does he harm her?"
"Only by cheating on her, ignoring her and exerting control over her. Martha loves him with rose colored glasses. She doesn't see his faults. She got pregnant during her senior year and married him at the end of my dad's shotgun so to speak. Not a good way to start a marriage. My dad and I argued about it. I knew Gene's reputation was less than savory. Martha didn't need to be tied to a man like that. But she loved him and wanted to be married. In this part of the country people have their own ideas about that sort of thing and definitely not the smartest ideas."
"I only met Martha once and I really liked her. Now I can see why. She's just like you. Do you think she's happy?"
I doubt it. He has this hold on her. Martha and I are close but I don't think she tells Gene when we get together. She opens up to me and Gene hates me for that. He's too afraid of losing control over her. Now he really hates me because of us."
"How did Gene find out about us?"
"He's stalking, Ellen. He's been watching you. You told me how you keep running into him in town. That's not coincidence."
She gave Rick a worried look. "You're right, it's not. He'd like to have a hold on me but he doesn't."
"He thinks he does, Ellen. Gene is very delusional. He thinks he has a hold on the whole county and in many ways he does. That DUI incident was a scare tactic."
"Yeah, I figured that one out, but he didn't count on my attorney showing up."
"Ellen," Rick looked in her eyes. "Gene is involved with some lawless people. There has been some dirty politics going on. I know he has a fixation on you and that scares me. You don't know what he's capable of. You and I... well, we've become close really fast. I think that's wonderful but we have made a dangerous enemy."
Ellen knelt in front of Rick so she could look into his eyes. Draping her arms around his neck, she said. "Gene can't hurt us because I won't allow it. All I care about is this wonderful, caring man sitting right here in front of me. That's all that matters to me."
Ellen leaned in and took his lips in a gentle kiss. She felt it to her very core as Rick pulled her close and deepened he kiss. Raw desire surged through Ellen. Every nerve in her body was singing. Holding each other close, they sunk to the forest floor. Ellen felt his heat, his ardor, and she rejoiced in the loving passion belonging only to them.
Rick couldn't believe how deeply he has come to love Ellen. After two miserable years of inconsolable grieving, he didn't think true love would ever happen to him again. Laura would always be his first love, but Ellen was the other half of himself. Together they wanted to save the world. Perhaps too idealistic but at least they would make a dent in it with the shelter. If only he could save his sister.
"I didn't think love would ever happen to me again," she murmured.
"I was just thinking the same thing but I'm so grateful that it has for both of us. We know now to cherish every day, every minute because we know how quickly..."
Ellen put gentle fingers to his mouth. "Don't say it. You and I will cherish every minute. We don't need to think past that."
Ellen snuggled against his warm chest feeling all was right in the world. Then she grew very still. Rick felt intuitively something was weighing heavy on her. He thought it might be Gene. How wrong he was.
With her head against his chest, Ellen's whisper was almost inaudible.
"I'm afraid."
"Of Gene?"
"No, I'm afraid of coming to love you as deep as I do."
"I don't understand."
Ellen sat up to look into Rick's eyes. "You should. Both of us have had our heart and soul torn to pieces because we loved so deeply."
"I know. I feel it too, because you and I, still young, lost our mates from freak accidents. But I also believe this. To fear love and turn away from love because of fear, is a lose, lose, situation. Nobody stays on this earth forever. One of us is going to go first, even if we live to be a hundred. That's just reality. Does it make sense to give up a lifetime of love because you fear losing?"
"No." Ellen cupped his face. "I would not be able to give you up no matter how much I fear losing you. That's my reality."
"Ellen," Rick looked deeply into her eyes. "Let's be done with this negative emotion of fear. I want us to promise each other now that we will not fear the future or worry about loss."
Ellen smiled. "I promise. You make me so happy. That's all I really want to think about."
"I promise too." Rick pulled her close as they lay on the forest floor looking up at the tall evergreens.
"Rick, can we swing by the hospital and check on Heather this evening?"
"Absolutely."
"And after that..."
"Yes?"
Ellen touched his cheek so they were looking at each other. "You, my handsome man will be coming over to my house. And come prepared to stay awhile."
"Hmm, are we going to cherish every moment?"
"You bet we are."
"Ellen, it's been two years for me."
"Well, me thinks it's high time we both end our stent of celibacy, don't you?"
Rick pulled her close smiling. "I love you, Ellen."
"I love you too."
A camera clicked sounding very much like a twig hitting the ground. Gene glared at the loving couple intimately entwined among the fallen leaves. Insane jealousy was making him feel murderous. Carrington had been a thorn in his side for years but he didn't expect Ellen to desert him for this piece of garbage.
Gene believed Ellen had returned his feelings at one time. If it weren't for his married state, she would belong to him now. Ellen thinks she is in love with Carrington. Perhaps it's time to change her way of thinking. Gene took out his pistol, cocked it and aimed. How easy it would be. Ellen would grieve for awhile and he would be there to dry her tears, just like before. But Gene knew better than anybody bullets could be traced. He re-holstered the weapon. As much as he would enjoy blowing his brother in law to smithereens, Gene was not going to act on his emotions. Keep vigilant and be patient. A bit of research wouldn't hurt either. In the end payback will be sweet and so will Ellen when he gets a taste of her.
“Morning, Sheriff Stone. How can I help you?” The plump woman smiled pleasantly behind the counter of the Bureau of Records.
“Hey there, Lydia. Why you’re just growing prettier every day.”
The woman blushed with a pleased smile. “We missed you in church yesterday. I talked to Martha and she said you were on a case.”
Gene scratched his head and nodded. “Yeah, well...it sorta goes with job, ya know. I was elected to take care of the people of our little town here and sometimes that requires me being away from home.” Then he changed the subject. “I need some info, Lydia, and was wondering if you could help me.” He flashed a beguiling smile. “I need to look over all the files you might have on the properties for a Mr. and Mrs. Mark Anderson.”
“Oh dear. Wasn’t he the one who died in that horrible plane crash this past summer?”
“Yes he was.” Gene shook his head sadly. “Tragic thing. I’m here on behalf of Mrs. Anderson, his widow. She and I are friends and I'm helping her out, you see. Mrs. Anderson asked if I’d help with some of the estate planning. She has no family here, and doesn't really have a head for that sort of thing. Nice lady but she don’t know m
uch about business. I'm just stepping in to see what I can do. I'm sure you understand."
“Why that’s awfully sweet of you, Sheriff Stone. The Lord will truly bless you in heaven for it. But you know those files are strictly confidential. I'm not supposed to let anyone look at them without legal documentation, even you, Sheriff Stone. You don't happen to have a letter signed by Mrs. Anderson and stamped by a notary republic, do you?”
Gene flashed his most charming smile. "Aw now Lydia. You know it's going to take too much time and inconvenience to scare up that notary. I got it somewhere but not on me. Can't you just take my word for it?" He leaned over the counter and made his voice low. "Why I seen me some mighty pretty pearls in Mr. Lewis's jewelry store today. They sure would look beautiful around your lovely neck. Let's just make this our little secret, shall we?" Gene took her hand and closed it around a fistful of crisp bills.
He left the courthouse tucking a fat folder under his arm. With a brisk walk he headed toward the florist across the street. Martha needed a bit of sweetening up. On the way, he opened the folder and let loose with a low whistle. Whoa, Ellen was more loaded than he thought.
Gene's head was buzzing with all kinds of plans involving the widow Anderson and her money. However he didn't count on the additional problem of his brother in law. Now what were the odds of those two getting together? Gene never did care for that over educated son of a bitch. Luckily his in laws had moved to Florida. Good riddance as far as he was concerned.
Ellen stepped out of the steamy shower wrapping a towel around her hair. Her heart was strumming with an excitement she never thought to feel again. Tonight their relationship would take a giant step toward forever after. She marveled at her total lack of anxiety or nervousness. What Ellen shared with Rick felt right. It had been the same with Mark. From day one she just knew.
Stepping naked into the bedroom she selected a body lotion with a subtle, exotic fragrance. Her choice of clothes would be sensual but not flagrant. Ellen wanted Rick to feel relaxed and not pressured. He had been alone much longer and had resigned himself to a lifetime of solitude. This consummation would be their commitment for a lifetime. The thought made her smile. In fact her whole body was abuzz with delightful, sexual fluttering. It felt marvelous.
Wiping her hands on the dish towel, Ellen checked the rib roast. The chalet was filled with the aroma of fragrant beef and home baked bread. When the door bell sounded Ellen couldn't stop grinning.
"Have I got the right house?"
Rick stood there looking like a million bucks. His arms were full with flowers and champagne.
"Come on in here, you." She pulled at his arms until they stood in the foyer gazing at each other.
“These are for you." Rick handed her the bouquet. Gosh, it smells heavenly in here."
"Thank you, my handsome prince."
Ellen wrapped her arms around his neck, pressing her lips against his. What was supposed to be a greeting kiss caught fire. When the kiss ended, both were out of breath.
"If we keep this up I'm going to burn the dinner. I hope you like roast beef, home baked bread, corn on the cob, salad, and apple pie."
"Oh no, I can't stand any of that." Rick held up the champagne. "Where can I put this?"
"In two chilled glasses. Let's have some now."
Ellen lit candles on the dining room table casting the room in a romantic glow. She put the flowers on the table as a colorful center piece.
Sipping their champagne, Rick and Ellen put dinner on the table and sat down to enjoy the feast. They talked about plans for the women’s shelter. Ellen thought it was so wonderful to be able to share this dream.
After dinner Rick and Ellen sat in front of a crackling fire, its flickering light casting dreamy reflections on the hardwood floor. Rick had been happy with Laura, his first and only love. But their life was busy and hectic. Raising two children less than a year apart took its toll on a set of parents who wanted to do everything right.
Rick looked at Ellen nestled against his chest. The tranquility in his soul felt unbelievable. Somehow fate decided to smile on him for a second time. For that he would be forever grateful.
There was so much to say and to share. Their thoughts and feelings, their hopes and dreams were amazingly in sync. Rick could see himself, at the end of his days, old and gray, sitting next to Ellen just like this.
He took her hand and rubbed the small white area of her left ring finger. "I have a white spot too." He held up his finger where his wedding band used to rest. "You think there will be rings here again?" "I'm counting on it."
"Do you think we might be moving too fast?"
"If we were teens, yes, but this is the way I see it.” Ellen turned taking Rick's face in her hands. "You and I have loved completely. When that kind of love happens for the second time, we know. It doesn't require time to figure things out."
Rick smiled. "I love you, Ellen."
"And I love you, Rick."
Their kiss was like liquid fire spreading through her system. Rick had a way of bringing her to instant mind boggling ecstasy. As turquoise eyes locked with emerald, Ellen said softly, "come upstairs with me."
Standing in the room she had shared with Mark, Ellen caressed Rick’s chest and knew her husband was at peace. She could feel the slight trembling where she touched him. As buttons slowly gave beneath her fingers Ellen took her time. This shared moment was to be savored. As her tongue caressed his chest, she smiled at Rick's sharp intake of breath. Her ability to bring him to a fever pitch of sensual ecstasy had her own arousal soaring. Ellen ached to feel him inside her but she refused to rush this sacred communion. They had a lifetime to explore the wonders of each other.
Skin to skin, Rick and Ellen laid together kissing and exploring each other for what seemed like hours. They whispered and giggled like children with a big, beautiful secret. When Rick finally entered her, Ellen closed her eyes and gasped at the intensity of throbbing pleasure. Their coupling felt so natural, Ellen was once more astounded by a strange feeling she had known Rick. As she rode the crescent wave to climax, Ellen basked in the ecstasy of finally coming home.
Sated and wrapped in each other’s arms, Rick and Ellen fell into a deep sleep. A tiny red light, hidden well inside the ceiling air duct went unnoticed.
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
The next morning, Ellen awoke to the aroma of freshly brewed coffee. She reached out her hand touching cool sheets. Opening her eyes she stretched and looked around. Her body felt slightly tender and very satisfied. Sometime in the night they had come together again. Rick must be downstairs, she thought. Coffee doesn't make itself and Juanita had the day off.
She just started to get out of bed when he appeared carrying a tray. "Don't move. I want to serve you my own idea of breakfast in bed. I hope you like waffles."
"I love waffles."
Rick put the tray on her lap and sat down. There was a rosebud on the tray along with coffee, sugar, cream and waffles piled high with strawberries and whipped cream.
"It took me awhile to find everything but I wanted to have it ready before you woke up."
Ellen shook her head feeling the sting of tears. "You are so good to me. Do I deserve to be this happy?"
"You most certainly do." He gave her a kiss followed by a delicious bite of strawberry waffle.
"You do know, my beautiful man that I will require desert following breakfast."
"Oh?” He gave her an innocent look. “And what would that be?"
"You get back in this bed and I'll show you."
"That sounds like my kind of desert. Come on, let's hurry up and eat." Ellen laughed as he held up another bite of waffle.
"Let's go shopping today," said Rick.
"Shopping?" She grinned at him with a smirk. "We go from fishing to shopping? We're having some very unusual dates."
They made the drive into Knoxville. When Rick guided Ellen into the high end jewelry store, she thought it was sweet. Mark had given her every piece of je
welry any woman could own. Maybe he wanted to get her a pair of earrings to commemorate their first night together.
Then he led her toward the diamond solitaires and proudly announced to the salesperson, "We would like to look at your best selection of engagement rings."
"Rick?" Ellen looked at him with astonishment.
"Oh, did I forget something?" With flourish, he dropped to one knee. "I love you, Ellen. Will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?"
Her hands went to her face as her eyes filled with tears. Everybody in the store was clapping as Rick stood and Ellen's arms went around his neck, hugging him with the most incredible feeling. She then gazed into his eyes. "I will most definitely become your wife, Dr. Carrington, with pleasure. And by the way, I love you too." Ellen kissed him soundly as the store patrons clapped and cheered for a second time.
They left the store holding hands as everyone smiled. Her left hand sparkled with a yellow gold ring displaying a fiery, perfectly cut oval diamond. To have in her lifetime the love of two wonderful men, Ellen couldn’t believe this was actually happening to her.
Ellen slammed the car door and walked into the Sheriff's department. Gene saw her drive in and felt a momentary surge of excitement. She was coming to see him and Richard wasn't with her. That had to be a good sign. He ushered her into his office and closed the door. Gene reached out for a hug and Ellen moved away.
“Don't go there, Gene. I'm here to get papers on that animal who nearly killed his wife? Heather is in critical condition and I want to file charges as a witness for attempted murder. This goes way beyond domestic abuse. He'd better still be in jail too.”
"Never pictured you to be the angel of mercy type. Guess I'm learning more about you every day. That was a nice thing you did for Heather and those kids."
Gene was hoping to sweet talk her out of pressing charges against Raymond. But now that she was here looking like a million bucks, another plan began forming in his mind.
“Now Princess, let’s talk about this. There are things to consider here that you don’t understand.”
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