She understood his fears and drew his hand between her breasts. She smoothed her thumbs across his tense knuckles, softly kissing each one.
Riley felt his stress dissipate. Emmy had always had that effect on him. He smiled lovingly at her, wishing he could do more, be more, than her friend and sometime lover. While she seemed content with making love when the opportunity happened to arise, Riley wanted her sleeping next to him all night. Every night. It shook him to realize how strong those feelings were.
Emmy was quick to realize that a sudden, second tensing of his muscles came from the fact that they’d arrived at the pizza parlor and in a short few minutes they’d be standing at his sister’s door. Facing him Emmy trailed a finger slowly down each button on the front of his shirt. “You can do this, Riley. I know something that will relax you once the reunion’s behind us. Once we’re home again and Alanna’s asleep . . .”
Riley jammed on the brakes and his car lunged into the parking place as if he were a teen learning to drive. “Jeez,” he mumbled half under his breath as he finally jerked the car to a halt inches from the restaurant wall. “Stop it, Emmy, or this is going to be the shortest reunion in history.”
Laughing, she plucked up her purse and slid out of the car. “Wait here. The food’s my other treat for tonight.”
He wasn’t even able to launch a feeble objection. Watching the swing of her hips as she disappeared through the door proved a bigger treat for Riley than any thought of food. It wasn’t until she came out again, carrying two white boxes, that he realized Emmy’s method had been highly effective in ridding him of his anxiety about meeting Josey. The anticipation of spending time in bed with Emmy—time in a real bed—had blown every other thought out of his mind. While his body was far from relaxed, his tension no longer centered on the reunion.
Grinning easily now, Riley jumped out and opened the passenger door for Emmy. He managed to plant a promise of his own on her lips before she sank into the soft leather seat. Balancing pizza cartons, and with Alanna watching alertly, Emmy’s only comeback was a satisfied smile.
Riley wallowed in the idea of getting Emmy alone, but he concentrated on negotiating the unfamiliar streets of Marshall all the same. And he slowed to the residential speed limit when he reached Josey’s street.
“There’s her house.” Emmy pointed to a neat white house with dark green trim and shutters.
Riley pulled to the curb. “Are you sure of the number? There are two cars parked in the driveway. Do we have enough pizza if she has company?”
“That’s why I ordered two large ones. She said the man she’s dated for years had a rare night off. I said we’d make it another time, but Josey said you’d know him. Is his name Leon?”
“Cleon. Cleon Woldu. You know him, too, Emmy. He was Uncertain’s biggest track star. Ran the half mile. Beat the state record. His senior year, he tore an Achilles tendon and blew his chances for a college scholarship. Josey always mooned over him. She took it upon herself to rehabilitate him. Taught him how to throw pots. He didn’t seem the type to me, so I’m surprised he’s still hanging around.”
“She told me they work opposite shifts as a rule. I sensed there might be more to it, but it’s really none of my business. None of our business.”
“Is that a polite way of telling me to butt out?”
“Matters of the heart are private, Riley. You know,” she said suddenly, “I do remember him. Wasn’t his family from Africa? His mother was tall and elegant. She wore long wrap dresses made of beautiful fabric and matching headpieces. Turbans, not hats.”
“Yeah. Cleon’s Ethiopian. His mother and dad are both doctors who did drug research for a firm in Tyler. Maybe they still work there.”
“Then I shouldn’t imagine he needed a scholarship.”
“I heard the Woldus were unhappy with my sister for steering their only son into a . . . vocational field.”
“Ah. So they’re career snobs like you.”
“Me?” Riley reared back to stare down his nose at Emmy.
“Yes, you. You made it quite plain that you want Alanna to be somebody.”
Riley actually flushed. “I’ll have to watch how I phrase things. Especially in front of Josey,” he added.
“That’s okay. It’s an old argument. Jed and Fran fought the same issue when he wanted to be a concert violinist. She wanted him to be a research scientist.”
“Are we going to sit out here and let our pizza get cold?” Alanna asked petulantly from the back seat as she turned off her VTech. “If that’s my Auntie Josey peeking out the window, I’ll bet she wonders why we don’t come to the door.”
“Out of the mouths of babes,” Riley muttered. But he got out of the car and helped Alanna and Emmy.
Emmy expected him to hang back and let her and Alanna lead the way. But Riley surprised her. First, he retrieved the basket they’d bought for Josey and handed it to Alanna, then relieved Emmy of the pizza boxes and strode right up to the door.
It flew open immediately, giving credence to Alanna’s observation that Josey had been watching through the window.
There followed a poignant and tearful reunion of brother and sister. Emmy stood back, wiping her own eyes, as did Cleon Woldu. Luckily he’d had the foresight to grab the cartons out of Riley’s hands and put them on a dining table already set for five. Otherwise, the food wouldn’t have survived all the hugging.
Emmy and Cleon quietly became reacquainted on the sidelines, while Josey clung to her brother and met the niece she hadn’t seen since birth.
“The refurbishing you say you’ve done to this room is terrific, Josey.” Riley studied the bookcases as his sister found an appropriate place to exhibit Alanna’s gift basket. “I assume you helped her with the cabinetry,” Riley said, turning to shake hands with Josey’s boyfriend, whom he’d pretty much ignored up to now. When Cleon nodded, Riley said pointedly, “It’s nice of you to spend your free time helping a friend. I finished my basement, so I know the hours woodworking takes.”
Cleon quirked a brow at Josey. She nervously fingered a shining dark braid coiled tightly at the nape of her neck. “I, um, we . . .” She cast a worried glance toward Alanna, who was busy inspecting an array of hand-painted pots across the room.
“Josey’s trying to say we both live here,” Cleon blurted. The chip on his shoulder was a mile wide, and the belligerence in his tone dared Riley to knock it off.
Riley’s gaze swung to his sister. “Are congratulations in order? My sources aren’t as good as I’d always assumed if I missed news of a wedding.”
Josey coughed twice, but Cleon’s eyes turned hostile. She recovered enough to slide an arm possessively around his narrow hips. “Cleon’s folks are dead set against us getting married. They’re holding a considerable inheritance over his head as a deterrent. He expects my family and friends probably feel the same way.”
Riley’s arrogant expression matched Cleon’s hostility. “I never pegged you for a gutless wonder who’d put money ahead of decency.”
Cleon grabbed Riley by the front of his shirt. “I’ll be more than happy to go outside and settle this. You’re the turkey who hasn’t even called Josey in five years.”
The result might have been disastrous if Emmy hadn’t dived between the two men and with her slight weight, held Riley in place.
“Cleon’s right,” she hissed. “What business have you got coming into Josey’s home now, tossing brotherly edicts around?”
Riley’s shoulders relaxed, although he guiltily checked Alanna’s whereabouts and was glad she’d missed the angry show. She seemed enthralled with two intricately beaded, authentically dressed Native American dolls. They looked like his mother’s handiwork. “Do you like the dolls?” he called. “Your grandmother Gray Wolf used to hand craft and sell those at holidays. If she still does, maybe she’ll make you a
set.”
“She will, I know,” Josey said immediately, obviously relieved that the situation between the men was so quickly defused. Although Cleon still flexed his fingers.
“I love the dolls,” Alanna said, placing the pair back where she’d found them. “But I’m hungry. When are we going to eat?”
Even Cleon smiled at that.
Josey bustled into the kitchen, returning at once with a crisp salad. Following her lead, Cleon disappeared and brought out a frosty pitcher of iced tea. “We have milk or juice for Alanna,” he said, meeting Riley’s eyes squarely.
“Milk. And . . . I’m really sorry, man. My first reaction is to think like a lawyer. And, I guess, a brother—old habits die hard. When we leave tonight, Emmy will set me straight.” He shook his head. “For what it’s worth, I apologize. How you two live is your business. I’ve been tense about this meeting all day. It’s not easy to admit to being a big jerk, but the honest truth is, I’ve missed Josey and Mom. If you’re willing, I’d like to start over.” He held out his hand again.
Josey and Emmy, who’d both sucked in deep breaths, expelled them in a simultaneous rush when Cleon clapped Riley on the back and accepted his handshake.
The remainder of the evening went well. The couples ate and discussed old times. At Josey’s urging, Riley stepped away from the table and called their mother. If he shed any tears, Emmy didn’t catch him. However, he cleared his throat a lot while talking to Neva Gray Wolf, and his voice sounded gritty when he hung up. “I’m wiring her money for bus fare, Josey. She’ll arrive a week from tonight. Until I rectify my standing with the tribal council, I’m persona non grata on the rez.”
“Mom’s defying Uncle Charlie to visit you,” Josey said. “I won’t nag you to petition for reinstatement. It’d be easier on her and me if you would. Even if you don’t want to acknowledge where you came from, at least consider Alanna. She deserves the right to make her own decision about her heritage.”
Talk between brother and sister became stiff and awkward again.
“We should go,” Emmy said. “Alanna’s trying valiantly to stay awake, but she’s losing the battle. It’s way past her bedtime.”
Riley checked his watch. “Wow! We’ve been here nearly four hours.”
Josey rose on her tiptoes and grazed his cheek in a kiss. “I’m afraid to say goodbye. Promise we won’t drift apart again. I want us to stay in touch.”
Riley draped an arm around Emmy’s shoulders, and he seemed steadier after she reached up and clasped his hand. “We owe Emmy for this get together. We’ve talked all evening, and she hasn’t even told you that we’ve begun a search for her birth parents. Her mom, anyway. Finding her dad would be a bonus.”
Emmy lowered her eyelashes. “My search hardly seems relevant to y’all.”
“Oh, but it is.” Josey hugged Emmy impulsively. “As kids we talked about what your mother would be like, remember? Frankly, I wasn’t about to approve of a woman who’d dump her kid. But now that I’ve experienced family separation, I realize sometimes there are extenuating circumstances. Oh, Emmy, I wish you all the luck in the world.”
“Thanks, but we’re not having any yet,” she responded glumly.
Riley tucked Emmy tightly under his arm. “Sometimes it only takes one break, sugar babe.”
“Are your adoption records sealed?” Cleon asked.
“I wasn’t adopted. I remained forever in foster care. It’s easier to access records from adoption agencies.”
Cleon turned on the porch light and walked them to the curb. “Wouldn’t all the agencies who place kids keep records? You were born somewhere. Even indigent moms go to hospitals or birthing centers.”
“Emmy’s case isn’t typical. Ask Josey to explain.” Riley struggled to get a sleepy Alanna into her car seat and buckled in. He held the passenger door for Emmy. “We had a nice time, you guys.” Riley directed his remark to Cleon. “We’ll reciprocate at my place one night while Mom’s in Uncertain.”
“If you’re including me,” Cleon said, “Josey has a list of my nights off. Generally I work swing shift.”
“Of course you’re included,” Riley said firmly, tapping Cleon on the arm. “Emmy’s watching Alanna tomorrow,” he said, turning to his sister. “Phone her with dates. Mom gets here next Friday, around noon.” He bent to remind Alanna to say thank you, but she’d already fallen asleep against a pretty, hand appliqued pillow Josey had given her.
Riley straightened and took Josey’s hand. “We enjoyed tonight. And, sis, thanks for giving me this snapshot of Lani. I’ll have it blown up and framed for Alanna. However, I still prefer to wait until she’s older to open any discussion about her mother’s beliefs.”
Josey nodded. “I know anything concerning Lani is hard for you. I’m proud of you for taking this first step. It’s the right thing to do, Riley.”
Emmy concurred.
The four adults spent another few minutes chatting before Riley finally slid under the wheel, started the car and drove off.
“You weren’t kidding, were you?” Emmy said when they’d driven in silence for several miles. “You had a good time and you’re glad you went?”
“Did I sound insincere?” He acted surprised. “I meant every word. I just wish I hadn’t jumped to conclusions about Cleon. He’s a nice guy. Am I wrong, though, to think Josey would rather be married?”
Emmy gave a negligent shrug. “While we were clearing the table and putting things away in the kitchen, she said they’re in love and committed. The deal with his inheritance has to do with custom. As the first born son, Cleon’s apparently entitled to a sum his parents put in trust when he was born. He should have received it automatically. Josey said the Woldus tacked on conditions because they wanted him to get a college degree, and they don’t want him marrying out of his race.”
“He said he’s taking one college class a semester. Maybe his parents will give him the money when he graduates.”
“It’s not totally about the money. His parents reneged on a tradition.”
“Family customs and traditions can sure cause a lot of grief. Are you sure you want to locate your family, Emmy? Maybe you’re well off and don’t know it.”
She smiled and slid a hand along his thigh.
A tingle shot up Riley’s leg, and his groin tightened. But there was a heaviness in his heart. “I think a union between a man and woman should eclipse any family custom. Isn’t that what’s meant by the vows about forsaking all others?”
“I’m hardly an authority on wedding vows.” She withdrew her hand from his leg.
Riley didn’t want her turning a deaf ear. “Emmy, two people join out of love, pure and simple, not for anything that is or isn’t in their background.”
“Individual personalities are made up of lessons learned and family genes.” Emmy’s features, in the light of passing cars, appeared strained. “I’m not doubting you love me,” she whispered. “The freedom to love comes with knowing yourself, Riley, a luxury I’ve never had.”
“Sweetheart,” he said earnestly as he parked in his driveway, “come inside with me tonight. I’ll prove that what’s between us transcends genetics.”
Emmy released her seat belt and threw herself into his arms. “Yes,” she breathed. “I want to believe love can change destiny.”
Desire pulsed urgently between them as they carefully carried Alanna into the house and readied her for bed without waking her.
So great was their need for each other, they left a trail of clothing on the floor after crossing the threshold into Riley’s bedroom. His bed was wide, warm and comforting. When he covered her peaked nipples with his big hands, sending shivers of pleasure slamming through her, it was easy for Emmy to believe her life would be different. That Riley could vanquish the clouds from her past.
He whispered all the ri
ght words over the next hour, and brought a flush to every square inch of her. Physically they were attuned. Perfectly matched. Emmy had no doubt of that, because they rocked the world, their hearts hammering as one before they drifted together into mindless oblivion.
But as Riley fell asleep holding her tight, Emmy lay awake staring at the moon splashed walls of his room. Riley’s love for her, and hers for him and Alanna, filled part of the empty space inside her. But she still felt unfinished. How could she explain that to Riley when he was offering her his soul? She lay there wrestling with her private demons, selfishly drawing on his warmth until the last night owl at the lake hooted and went to roost. Heart heavy, she finally climbed out of bed and collected their scattered clothing. After donning hers and folding his neatly on a chair, she slipped down the stairs and out the front door.
She stood on his porch a moment, shivering in the cool morning mist. A car rounded the bend of the road. Worried that some sharp-eyed client of Riley’s might see her stealing from his house at dawn, Emmy struck boldly out for the lake as if she were taking an early morning walk. The automobile slowed to a crawl.
Who would be out driving on a back road this time of morning?
Her shivers increased. Only after she heard the car’s automatic transmission shift to a higher gear did she vault the fence and race to her house. She chided herself for letting her nerves take over. She and Riley were both adults and unattached.
“There’s absolutely nothing to stop us from having an affair,” she said aloud.
It was the word affair Emmy had difficulty wrapping her tongue around. Because what Riley wanted was marriage. Didn’t she, down deep, want the same? Hadn’t she always imagined herself married to Riley Gray Wolf?
“Yes,” she cried, clutching her middle. But he deserved a whole woman. One with a past, a family history. One who could give him babies with a clear conscience.
Uncertain Past Page 22