"Pretty much," She said. "He comes home, the phone rings, he leaves again."
"Jenna, I'm so sorry, but there's been a..." Kyle said and then sighed. "You know what I have to do."
"When do you get back?" She asked, looking at him sadly.
"A month or so. Take care of her Rack." Kyle said and then when Jenna got out and wrapped herself in a towel, he pulled her into his arms and hugged her tightly. "I love you Jenna. I know I'm not always here for you and I'm sorry. I'm glad you found someone who could be here when I can't be. We will make this work. I haven't been with anyone but you and I can't bring myself to be with another woman."
Jenna was shocked and it must have been written on her face because he was quick to reassure her.
"Don't feel guilty, I gave you permission and it was better than a divorce. As long as Rack respects our relationship, and keeps you safe and healthy, I am willing to get to know him and let him be a part of our life. The kinky sex wasn't the worst thing I've experienced." Kyle pressed a quick kiss to her forehead. "I need to get moving, the plane leaves in three hours. I promise you when I get back that we'll start figuring this out and I'll cut back on being gone. Maybe I can start delegating or taking more projects closer to home."
"I'd like that Kyle." Jenna told him.
She got dressed and watched him pack and leave again. Rack had gotten dressed minus his shoes and was sitting on her couch when she came out of the bedroom.
"Is everything okay?" He asked her.
Jenna looked at him and then smiled. "It will be."
She didn't know how this situation would turn out, but she had faith that Kyle would learn to accept and love Rack, and that Rack could get along with Kyle. She never thought she'd be one of those women who had more than one boyfriend or husband at a time, but she realized she could love them both.
Now she just hoped she could learn how to keep the relationship healthy and strong when there was a baby involved.
"Are you really okay with all of this?" She asked Rack as she sat next to him on the couch and put her feet up off the end of the sofa and her head in his lap.
Rack pressed a kiss to her forehead and started to massage her shoulders.
"Yes. I knew what I was getting into from the moment we met. I knew the risk of being involved with a married woman who still loved her husband, and I fell for you anyways. We will make this work."
Jenna nodded and then fell asleep with a smile on her face, finally feeling content with her life. She knew there'd be plenty of ups and downs in the future, but as long as everyone was honest with each other and tried to stay on the same page she believed it would work out in the end.
THE END
The Renegade’s Mail Order Bride
Sally’s hand was visibly shaking as she put her wine glass down. “You did what?!” Abigail, her best friend just kept on staring at the crisp white linen that covered the table. Sally took a huge gulp of red wine and this time slammed it back onto the table. She sighed and leaned forward, “I think you should start at the beginning.”
Abigail looked up at her, “Sally, you’re not my best friend, you’re the only friend that I have left. I have made a difficult choice and I’m going through with it.”
Their empty plates were removed by the waiter and Sally asked for another bottle of wine. Sally took Abigail’s hand, “Abby, you’re not an impulsive person, why are you jumping into this decision?”
“Sally, can you remember the Christmas party we had at the house three years ago?”
“Of course I can, they were over 200 people there. Why do you ask?”
“Because, apart from you, not a single person attending that party wants to know me anymore. I need a clean break and I need to get out of London or I’ll go insane.”
Sally refilled their glasses, “So, let me get this straight. Use sold yourself to a rich American and you’re going to marry him so that he can inherit his family’s fortune. Then you’re going to divorce him, come back to London and start your own business with the money that he gives you?”
A tear ran down Abigail’s cheek, “You make it sound so simple, but you know what I’ve been going through since the accident.”
Two years ago Abigail lost her family in a storm when their yacht capsized. She was the only survivor. They found the bodies of her older brother and mother, but her father and younger sister was taken by the sea.
Sally swirled her wine, “There must be another way, Abby. Have you tried…”
Abigail slammed her hand on the table, “I’ve tried everything, Sal! You of all people should know. I’m alone. I’m broke and I desperately need a fresh start.”
“I get that Abby, I really do, but this is extreme, even for you! Anyway, who is this man? How did you meet? What about your house, furniture and stuff?”
Abigail smiled, “You have always been so practical, Sal. I sold the house yesterday. I kept a few antiques that belonged to my grandfather and they are in storage. You may have my clothes, handbags and shoes. I also need you to keep my photo albums safe. There is also….”
“Wait just a damn minute, Abby.” Sally drained her glass and filled it again, “When are you leaving?”
Abigail’s eyes watered again, “Tomorrow morning. The wedding is in two weeks.”
“So, Abby, this meal is a ‘good bye’?”
“No Sal, it’s a ‘until I get back’ meal, OK?”
Both of them sat in silence drinking the last of the wine. They have known each other since they were six, and over the last 22 years became used to not speaking in words. Sal asked for the bill and paid using cash. “Can I stay with you in the hotel tonight?”
“I would love that,” Abigail smiled, “but first we need to get all my stuff to your house. An hour later they left Sally’s house and went to the hotel.
They were lying on the bed when Sally broke the silence, “You never told me about him, or how you met.”
Abigail sighed, “His name is Clayton Wright. The solicitor that handled my estate knows him. Apparently they met at a Texan university as students. He is just tuned 27, so he is a year younger than me. The lawyer brokered the deal and I’ll marry him so that he can inherit the farm and the money that his grandfather left him.”
Sally burst out laughing. Abigail frowned at her, “What is so funny?”
“What are you going to do on a farm in the middle of nowhere? Feed the chickens? Get up at four in the morning to bake bread?”
Abigail smiled, “I have not really worried about it. I know he has plenty horses, so I suppose I’ll ride a lot.”
“Why you Abigail? Why can’t he find a wife there?”
“I really don’t know,” Abigail replied, “He is a handsome man…”
Sally continued to laugh, “Can you imagine your fair skin in that hot Texan sun? You’ll look like a tomato in two days; and a prune in a week!”
They both laughed and Abigail made a mental note to get more sunscreen. They spoke late into the night. Retelling stories of both the good and the trying times. They both knew that they will miss each other, but neither had the heart to say it out loud. In the small hours of the morning they fell asleep next to each other.
The wakeup call came at six in the morning. Sally went for a shower while Abigail packed the last of her clothes. An hour later they left the hotel and drove to the airport. “We’re not going to cry,” said Sally, “this is not goodbye.”
“Damn you Sal.” said Abigail as tears ran down her cheeks. They returned the rental car and booked in her baggage.
They had an hour to kill before the flight and went to a small coffee shop to get some tea. “I think I’ll miss drinking tea.” Abigail said.
“I’m sure they have tea in America!” Sally smiled, “Not sure about Texas, but if you need some, just phone me and I’ll send it over.”
“I’ll phone you often, Sal, I promise.”
The boarding call interrupted their tea and Sal got up. Abigail tried to get her hand lu
ggage ready when Sal pulled her to her feet and gave her a big hug, “I’ll miss you my friend…”
Abigail untangled herself from the embrace and mouthed the words, “I’ll miss you too” back. Tears were blurring her way as she left the familiar and embarked on a new journey.
She kept telling herself that everything will be OK. If only she could really convince herself…
The flight from Heathrow to Houston was uneventful but tiring. The plane landed just after noon local time. Abigail enjoyed a meal in the hotel room and went to bed early. Just after seven in the morning she took the hotel shuttle back to the airport to fly to Lubbock.
There were only two other passengers on the small plane and the flight was bumpy. Abigail noticed that the scene below became more arid and wild with every passing minute. Large green circles and a patchwork quilt delineated farms as far as the eye could see. Abigail just started falling asleep when the plane started its decent. The terminal building was a lot bigger than she imagined. It was too hot for her and she changed into a floral summer dress. She opened a printed version of an email that Clayton sent. She searched for the restaurant name and found it. A friendly airhostess pointed her in the right direction and she pushed her overladen trolley to the restaurant.
She found a quiet corner and ordered a cup of tea. Although she was surrounded by people and a lot of noise, she has never felt this alone before. She was thinking of Sal when an old black man in a faded suit approached her. “Are you Miss Abigail?”
She looked into his friendly eyes and got up. “Yes, sir. That would be me.”
“Oooh, please don’t call me ‘sir’, Miss, I’m Simon and I’ll drive you to the ranch. She rummaged through her purse to pay for the tea when he stopped her, “Please miss, finish your tea. I’ll pay the bill and when you’re ready, we can leave.”
He turned around and settled the bill. Abigail really hoped that Clayton would be there to meet her and she finished her tea with a lump in throat. Simon was standing quietly at her trolley when she left the table. With a nod and a wink he started pushing the trolley to the parking lot.
Simon opened the door for her, and for a moment she thought that he wanted her to drive. She smiled when she saw that the steering wheel was on the ‘wrong’ side of the car and hopped in before Simon could see her blush.
Before they even left the airport Abigail started to ask Simon, “So, Simon, who are you?”
“Me, miss? I’m Simon. I’m married to Betty and we have been with the Wrights all our lives. Just like our parents, and our grandparents. My boy Eli is now also working for Mr. Clayton.”
She saw how proud he was of these simple facts, “So, Simon, what exactly are you doing for the Wrights?”
“Everything.”
It was such a simple statement of fact, but it left so many questions in her mind. She tried another approach, “Tell me about the farm, Simon.”
Simon smiled at her, “It is not a farm Miss Abigail. It’s a ranch. We are in cotton country, but the Wrights have horses and sheep. We are ranchers not farmers.”
Abigail realised that she has so much to learn. “So do you not grow any crops?”
“Of course we do, Miss. We need to feed the sheep and horses.”
Abigail laughed at Simon, “So you do farm on the ranch Simon!”
Simon knew that she was taunting him. He cleared his throat theatrically, “Suppose you’re right there, Miss. However we are ranchers on a ranch, and the only one in the area,” He stated with pride.
“How far is it to the ranch, Simon?”
“Just over 200 miles, miss Abigail. We’ll go through Plainview, Kress, Tulia and Happy. I think we’ll have to stop for lunch in Canyon. Then it is a short hop to Vega and Adrian. Then not far to the ranch.”
These names had no meaning to Abigail. It sounded far, so she just settled is as comfortable as possible. She must have dozed off, because Simon gently shook her awake as they entered a town called Canyon.
Abigail was hungry and very thirsty, “Simon, can we get some take-away food and eat in the car? We can stretch our legs afterwards. I just don’t feel like sitting in a restaurant now.”
“Yes, Miss Abigail, I know just the place.”
After lunch they started on the last stretch to the Ranch. Abigail realised that she enjoyed the open spaces and hot air.
It took a 20 minute drive from the ranch gates to reach the main compound. Abigail could not believe the size or scale of the place. It looked like a small town. Behind all the little houses and sprawling buildings, a majestic house rose above it all. They crossed a small stream and wended their way up a hill to the main house. Simon could not help himself and blew the horn all the way up to the house. By the time they got there quite a few people lined the stairs to welcome her. Her eyes fell on Clayton as he opened the door for her. She was quite surprised to see that he was a lot bigger than she thought. Just goes to show that talking over the Internet can be misleading.
He gave her a brief, but awkward hug, “Welcome to the ranch Abigail.”
She did not know what to do, so she gave him a light kiss on the cheek, “Thank you Clayton. I’m glad to be finally here.”
He offered her his arm and escorted her into the cool house. Abigail saw that Simon was getting her luggage and she allowed Clayton to steer her through the house. He stopped on a large deck at the back. A huge sparking blue pool dominated the scene as he led her to a small table laden with drinks and snacks.
“How was the trip Abigail? I was thinking about you all the time.”
She accepted a tall glass with an amber color. Iced Tea! She took a long sip, “No problems Clayton, I’m just tired.” She drained the glass and put it down on the table.
“…and thirsty!” he laughed, “Please sit down.”
“Is it OK if I stand? I have been sitting in the car all the way here and my back is killing me.”
Clayton blushed, “Of course! Sorry about that. I wasn’t thinking.” He poured her another iced tea. She kicked of her shoes and was walked in the garden bare foot. He caught up with her, “Here’s your tea.”
“Thanks. Wow, this place is huge and this garden is beautiful!”
Clayton watched her taking in the scenery. He admired the way she moved. She turned to ask him something, but caught him staring, “Penny for your thoughts?”
He blushed. She saved him any embarrassment, “Clayton, I really need the bathroom.”
“Oh, of course. This way.”
They went back into the house and a rotund black woman was dusting books on a shelf. Clayton walked towards her, “Ma-Betty, please take Miss Abigail to her room. I’ll wait on the deck.”
“Hello Ma-Betty. I’m Abigail.”
“It is just Betty, Miss Abigail, just Betty. Come your room is upstairs.”
Abigail dashed for the en-suite bathroom without really looking at the room. Only when she returned did she really comprehend the size of the room. Two young girls were unpacking her suitcases and sorting out all her things. She thought it an intrusion, but the stern look from Betty made her swallow any comment.
“Betty, are you married to Simon?”
“Yes, Miss Abigail. Come back downstairs and let the kids sort out our room. Dinner will be ready in 30 minutes.” She left the room without looking back.
At the bottom of the stairs Betty picked up her rag and started dusting again.
Abigail did not know what she could have done to upset Betty and she could feel the tension between them, “Betty, thank you for taking me upstairs.”
She tuned to walk back to the deck, but turned around, “Oh, and Betty, thank you for sorting out my room and for the dinner that you have prepared.”
Betty stopped dusting. She looked at Abigail with tears in her eyes and just nodded before leaving the room.
Abigail saw Clayton sitting at the small table with the drinks and snacks. He got up when she approached, “Hi Abigail. Please help yourself. Can I get you another iced tea,
or would you like something else?”
“Iced tea is fine, thanks,” She accepted the drink and continued “Clayton, have I done anything to upset Betty?”
Clayton took a sip of his own drink. “No. Absolutely not. Ma-Betty is very set in her ways, and you’re almost an ‘intruder’ in this house. Give her some time – she’ll get used to you.”
“Why do you call her Ma-Betty?”
Clayton smiled “She practically raised me. I used to call her Mama-Betty when she was my nanny, but over time I shortened it to Ma-Betty.”
“Wow, she was your nanny?”
Clayton took her empty glass, “Betty was there with my mother the day I was born. She is more than just a fixture in this house. She is the heart of this house. Did you know that she retired almost three years ago?”
“But she is working in the house and preparing dinner?” Abigail asked.
Clayton grabbed a hand full of snacks and sat down next to Abigail, “My dad built a beautiful little house for Ma-Betty and Simon at the top end of the compound close to the stream. She stayed there for two days and was back working in the house. Apparently she felt that we threw her away, and she was adamant that she will not be treated like rubbish. Nothing we could say could keep her in retirement. She is happy here in the house. At least she gave up her room upstairs and goes home every evening.” Clayton sighed, “and then she is back here before the chickens wake up. By the way, do you like your room?”
“Yes, thank you. It is beautiful. I must say, I was a bit surprised that you organized a separate room for me.”
“It was actually Ma-Betty’s idea. She said that it was only appropriate until the wedding.”
“Ahh,” Abigail smiled “…the plot thickens.”
Clayton got up. “I’m ravenous; let’s see what’s for dinner.”
Abigail followed him into the house. The dining room was intimate and opulently furnished. The table could seat ten people, but there were only place settings for four. Clayton pulled out a chair for her and she sat down. He took his place at the head of the table next to her. A moment after she sat, Simon walked in and filled their glasses with water. He disappeared without a word. Abigail was still looking at the décor of the room when Betty and Simon entered with a trolley filled with silver serving dishes. Betty started serving Abigail and asked if there was anything she did not eat.
Kidnapped By The Highlander Lord (Scottish Highlander Romance) Page 28