Angel Kisses

by Verna Clay

  Irritated, Harris retorted, "The guy's already admitted he's a jerk. What more do you and Dad want? He's got health issues, he ekes out a living, and he admits to all his wrongs. And," his voice rose in volume, "he's my father, so I'm not going to turn him out on the street."

  Tooty's voice also rose. "He's not your father! Miles is your father!"

  Exasperated, Harris said, "Of course Miles is my father, but I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for Larry."

  His mother's expression of anger outraged Harris even more, so he forcefully said, "Mom, since when did you become a grudge bearer? How is it that you found it in your heart to forgive Dad's old girlfriend, Monica, after she humiliated you, but you can't forgive the man who sired me? What's going on?"

  Tooty's expression registered shock and Harris almost wished he could take the words back. But his mother needed a wakeup call. Unexpectedly, her face crumpled and that's when Harris wished he could take the words back.

  Tooty covered her face with her hands and sniffled, "You just don't know how bad things were. He was awful when I told him I was pregnant and even accused me of lying. Then he showed up at my door when you were four demanding visitation rights if I didn't give him money." She released a huge sob. "But Miles was there and told him to get lost. After that he had his attorneys draw up a contract giving Larry a lot of money if he promised to leave forever." She glanced up. "I bet you didn't know about that. So what do you think of Lucky Larry now?"

  Harris moved to sit beside his mother and place his arm around her shoulders. "Mom, you're just going to have to trust me that Larry isn't the same man he once was. And I already know about the contract. He told me the first time I confronted him."

  "He-he did?"

  "Yes."

  Tooty placed her head against Harris' chest and softly cried. "I was so young and scared and my family wanted me to give you up for adoption, but I wasn't about to give my baby away."

  Harris glanced at Eli in the kitchen, his expression a mixture of sadness and pity. He supposed his brother was seeing a side of their mother he hadn't known existed: a young, scared, unwed teenager, whose own mother and father almost disowned her. Harris remembered when it was just the two of them against the world. He remembered hearing his mother cry herself to sleep and promise that someday they'd have their own home.

  While Tooty continued to softly cry, Eli walked to the couch and sat on the other side of her. He also placed an arm around her shoulders. "Mom, maybe its time to forgive the past. When Harris showed up with Larry I was really angry, but after I got to know him, I found out he's an okay guy. Maybe he was a creep years ago, but I truly believe he's changed."

  For several minutes, Tooty continued to cry, then she sat up straight and said, "You're right, Harris and Eli, it's time to leave the past where it belongs. Life's too short to carry grudges. I need to talk to Larry."

  Chapter 21: Crying

  Lucinda was positive something was going on. She and Angel had been about to leave their RV to join the men for breakfast, when Angel got a call that drained the blood from her face. She'd quickly tried to cover her distress by saying the men had cancelled breakfast because of a phone call about an injured horse, and the owner needing assistance, but Lucinda silently questioned the truth of that. However, she'd gone along with the act and pretended nothing was amiss. She'd even offered to cook breakfast for the two of them. Angel had declined and disappeared into her bedroom, but returned not long after, saying she wanted to check on the horse with the guys.

  After she left Lucinda rushed to her own bedroom and opened the blinds that overlooked the grounds. She settled her gaze on the RV two rows over and wished she had more than a partial view of the side door. However, leaning back against her bed pillows she grabbed her iPad, tapped an icon to go to her company's website, but also kept a vigilant watch out her window. Not long after Angel had knocked on the door and entered, Harris left and returned a few minutes later with Larry.

  After an hour, no one had left the RV and Lucinda's stomach growled, so she went in search of an energy bar. After munching a bite she decided to try a different approach to discover what the heck was going on. With her bar in hand, she slipped from the RV and headed toward the laundry facility. She entered the building and moved past the washers and dryers to spy out the only window. There was still no activity at the RV. She was distracted when a young woman approached the laundry room carrying a basket of clothes. The pretty cowgirl greeted her and the two of them commented on the weather. While the newcomer loaded clothes into a washer, Lucinda pretended interest in the bulletin board. Surreptitious glances out the window showed Larry stepping back outside. He paused, swiped his eyes, reached into his pocket for a handkerchief, blew his nose, and moved away from the RV. Is Larry crying?

  Lucinda was about to leave the security of the laundry facility and return to her bedroom, when the door to the motorhome opened again and a middle-aged woman exited, followed by Harris, Angel, and Eli. The woman walked to an expensive Mercedes-Benz and paused beside it. Harris drew her into an embrace and when they parted, she cupped his cheeks. He bent and kissed her forehead before opening the passenger door for her to enter. Eli slipped into the driver's seat, started the car, and drove away. Angel walked to Harris' truck and followed the car Eli was driving. Harris stayed watching them and wiped his eyes.

  He's crying, too.

  The cowgirl washing clothes was putting coins in the washers when the sudden cry of a child sent her rushing from the room. Releasing a shuddering breath, Lucinda rested her back against the wall. She thought she knew what she had just witnessed. Returning to her bedroom, she used her iPad to search the internet for the most recent picture of Tooty Brightman. After she found it, she whispered, "Tooty, I believe you just encountered Lucky Larry, the cowboy who fathered Harris, and I'll bet it's been years since you last saw him." Reaching for her notebook she documented what she had just witnessed.

  It was mid afternoon when there was a knock on the front door and Lucinda closed her laptop. Rising from the table, she opened the door to Harris. He was holding two carry-out bags and said, "I took a chance and ordered enough Chinese for an army. I hope you're hungry."

  "Starving." She glanced at Larry beside him. He appeared subdued and lost in thought.

  Lucinda said, "I'll get the plates while you lay out the feast." She chanced a question, "How's the horse?"

  "What?"

  "The horse that was injured?"

  "Oh, he's doing fine."

  "Will Eli and Angel be joining us?"

  Harris said in an offhand manner, "No. Something came up and they drove my truck to Paxtonville to take care of personal business."

  "Goodness, I hope everything's okay. Isn't that a couple hundred miles away?"

  Harris quickly assured her, "Everything's fine," and changed the subject by naming the food selections in the bag.

  Lucinda continued setting the table. Hmm. Was Mrs. Brightman so upset she had to be driven home?

  Chapter 22: Overnight

  The day after driving his mother home, Eli woke in the bedroom he and Harris had shared growing up, and sighed. His father had been livid about Larry. But rather than dwell on his mother and father's disagreement, Eli dialed Angel's cell phone. When she answered he said, "Hey, it's Eli. Would you like to go to the cabin today? I…ah…finished the novel. Your encouragement kept me up late for the past week completing the final chapters, although I still need to smooth them out." He moved the phone away from his ear when she squealed, "You bet I do! I can't wait to find out who the double agent is!"

  Eli grinned at the phone. "Are you sure you haven't figured it out?"

  "Honest to goodness, I haven't. Will you pick me up or should I drive to your place?"

  "I'll be at your ranch at ten if that works for you?"

  "It does." She hesitated. "Ah, how did it go yesterday with your parents?"

  Eli rubbed his forehead. "Honestly, my dad was furious. He wants to hold Larry to
a contract he signed years ago and force him to repay money he was given."

  "I guess your mom wasn't onboard with that."

  "Hell, no. When she told my dad 'no way,' that's when I decided to take a long walk. I'm glad my brothers and sister weren't home. My parents rarely argue, but this was a doosey." He changed the subject. "But hey, I thought we could spend the day at the cabin and drive back to Santa Fe tomorrow."

  "That's sounds wonderful. I can't wait."

  Before noon Angel glanced at her watch as Eli rounded the last switchback up the mountain. Within minutes the cabin came into view. It was postcard perfect. She pulled out her cell phone and snapped a few pictures when they stepped from the car at the rear of the cabin. "I just love it here!" She took a picture of Eli standing on the back deck. He pulled out his own cell phone and said, "My turn."

  Angel said, "Eli, I'm a mess! At least wait until I've had a chance to comb my hair."

  He grinned. "Are you kidding? Do you think I'm going to miss the opportunity to photograph an angel on my mountain?"

  Angel laughed and for several minutes they had a photo shootout, with each of them snapping pictures of the other.

  Eli scrolled through his shots, "Oh, you've got to see this one!"

  "Why? Am I going to have to delete it when you're not looking?"

  "You'll never know until you check it out." He held the cell phone out to her.

  "Okay. Okay." She crossed the porch, but as soon as she was within arm's reach, he quickly snapped a close up.

  "You rat!" She lunged toward him. "Let me see your pictures."

  Eli held the device over his head. "I'll show you mine, if you show me yours."

  Angel screwed up her face, but acquiesced. Holding her cell phone toward him, she began scrolling through the dozen or so photos. On the last one she said, "Okay. Show me yours."

  Eli gave her a provocative look. "You sure?"

  She cocked her head to the side. "Oh, I'm sure, because if you don't, I'm going to pour cold water on you while you sleep."

  He chuckled before pocketing his cell phone. "Threats from an angel don't scare me." He darted toward the door.

  Angel yelled, "Eli!" but he'd already fished his keys from his pocket and was opening the door. "You just wait!" she warned.

  They continued bantering for several minutes until Eli said, "Let's call a truce so I can get the ice chest." When he returned there was a folder on top of it.

  Angel nodded toward the folder. "Is that what I think it is?"

  Eli set the chest on the floor and grinned sheepishly. "Don't be too harsh on me."

  She shook her head. "Eli, for being the smartest man I know, you're really being dumb about this. You've written an awesome story and you should be proud of yourself."

  He pushed his glasses higher up the bridge of his nose. "Tell me that after you finish it."

  Angel playfully punched his shoulder and lifted the folder off the ice chest.

  About an hour, sitting on a deck chair in the sun, she gazed across the beautiful landscape and sighed. The final chapters had been incredible. The entire story lacked for nothing. There had been suspense, mystery, intrigue, and even romance. Eli had written a masterpiece. She heard the door open and he said, "Before you give me the verdict, can I refresh your coffee or bring you a soda or beer."

  "I'd love more coffee." She handed her cup over and when he returned he said, "I added cream and a little sugar just the way you like."

  Angel accepted the brew and grinned. "Are you buttering me up?"

  Eli sat in the chair beside her. "Of course. Now give me the verdict, but don't make me cry."

  Shaking her head, she patted the pages on her lap. "Okay, here's my opinion." She paused, scratched her forehead trying to look serious just to make him sweat, and then exclaimed, "I love it! In fact, it's one of the best stories I've ever read."

  "Angel, stop it. No way is it one of the best."

  Turning fully to face her friend, she blustered, "Eli, would I lie to you? We've known each other since we were babies and have I ever steered you wrong?"

  He heaved a sigh, sipped his beer, and said, "No. Never."

  "So now that you have my opinion, what are you going to do about it? Are you going to show the story to your mother and father?"

  Eli flicked an imaginary speck off his jeans and met her gaze. "My mother already guessed something was up and confronted me on the drive home. I gave her a copy of the manuscript, but made her promise not to show my father until the issue with Larry is resolved."

  Angel nodded. "I can understand that." She was silent a moment before asking, "Do you think Harris was right in bringing Larry into his life?"

  Eli gazed across the landscape of pines below his cabin. His tone was somber when he answered, "Actually, I do. I think meeting Larry gave him closure to questions he's harbored all his life. And frankly, doesn't everyone deserve a second chance if they've changed and regret their former actions." He turned toward Angel. "And, surprisingly, I like Larry. He hasn't done anything that would make me dislike him."

  Angel reached to touch Eli's forearm. "I agree with you."

  Eli placed his hand over hers. "What do you say we enjoy this great weather?"

  "Excellent idea."

  The remainder of the day Eli and Angel walked his mountain. At the lookout they ate snacks and enjoyed the waning sun. That evening they made spaghetti from the items in the ice chest and when sunset painted the sky red, they were again lounging on the front deck. Angel waved her hand expansively in front of her. "I just love it here and hate to leave."

  Softly, Eli responded, "Then why leave? Let's stay the night. You can have the bedroom and I'll sleep on the couch."

  She glanced at him. "You wouldn't mind?"

  "Not at all. We'll call our families so they don't worry."

  Eli was truly surprised when Angel agreed to spend the night at his cabin. As he watched her gather their plates he had a strong desire to pull her onto his lap and kiss the nape of her neck. Wishful thinking. Then he imagined how he would carry her into the bedroom…"

  "Eli, would you like to play Monopoly? I saw the game in the coat closet."

  He jerked his thoughts away from the direction they were headed. "Hey, that sounds like fun. Let's make our calls first and then its game on."

  By midnight there was still no winner and Angel was yawning. "I'll concede to you," she said behind her hand as she yawned again.

  "We'll just call it a draw," said Eli, not sleepy at all.

  Almost three hours later, he lifted his cell phone and glanced at the time. He sighed. It was 2:54 a.m. and he hadn't slept a wink. Just when he'd begin to doze, his mind would suddenly erupt with thoughts about Lucky Larry and the disruption caused between his parents. Then he'd think about Angel and the wonderful day they'd had, and wish it was a lifetime.

  He shifted his gaze to the window above the couch and the canopy of twinkling stars. Being at the top of the mountain, the stars and full moon were surreal and breathtaking even to his impaired vision. Fifteen minutes later he sat up. Sleep was impossible.

  Quietly, he rose, put his glasses on, and slipped out the front door. The air was chilly and refreshing. He inhaled deeply and paced the length of the porch until he reached the far end and leaned against the railing, marveling at the stars. After a few minutes, he heard the front door open and turned to see Angel step outside. The moon was so bright they had no trouble seeing each other. She said softly, "I thought I heard you get up."

  Eli felt his chest constrict. Angel's hair, flowing in soft waves around her shoulders, glowed like spun gold in the moonlight. She was wearing one of his T-shirts and her jeans. His voice was hoarse when he said, "I couldn't sleep. What about you?"

  She stepped to the railing, too. "I did sleep, but woke up about an hour ago."

  He heard her inhale and say in a breathless voice, "It's so beautiful here. Let's stay forever."

  He crossed the deck to stand beside her. "I k
now how you feel. At times I wish I could just remain and forget the world out there." He motioned outwardly with his hands.

  Angel gazed up at him. "Maybe we could play hooky."

  He smiled. "Sometimes I wish I were less responsible. But you and I both know we'd be worried about letting Harris down."

  "You're right. We're so much alike, you know."

  Eli stepped closer and did something he silently warned himself he shouldn't. He trailed his index finger down Angel's cheek and then smoothed his palm over her hair. He heard her quick intake of breath and expected her to step away, but when she didn't, he removed his eyeglasses and lowered his head until his lips grazed hers. In a surprising gesture, she placed her hands on his waist and brought her body against his.

  The fact that Angel had her breasts pressed to his chest and he was gently kissing her wasn't something Eli could wrap his mind around. Finally, unable to stop, he just gave himself over to tactile and emotional stimuli and trailed his lips to her ear. "Angel, Angel," he whispered, then returned his mouth to hers. She remained against him and even slid her hands up his arms to embrace his neck. Blindly reaching toward the deck rail, he set his eyeglasses on it, and then pulled her more firmly against him. Her body ignited his and he deepened the kiss. When she sighed, his tongue touched her lips, waiting. And then his legs went weak when she parted her mouth to accept him. He moved one hand to caress her face and the other to cup the back of her head. When she sucked lightly on his lower lip, fire ignited in his belly and he groaned into her mouth. "Angel, you're driving me crazy." He crushed his mouth to hers, thrusting his tongue into her sweetness. He loved Angel, always had, but he had to know whether she wanted to be with him. He rasped, "If you don't want this, tell me now."

  In response, she kissed him in such a way that there was no doubt as to her desire. Then she whispered, "I want this."