Harvest Dreams

by Jacqueline Paige

  “Oh, we’re grumpy.” Rachel laughed.

  “Hi. Sorry.”

  “That’s okay you know I’m not afraid of your bite.” He grinned. “I’ll file that for future use.”

  “So you survived?”

  Steven opened one eye. “I’m not sure yet.”

  She laughed again. “Well, when you didn’t answer the message I thought I’d better phone.”

  He opened both eyes. “Message?”

  “On your cell phone.”

  He squinted. “I don’t even know where it is presently.” “I figured as much, so we’ll see you in the morning.” “For?” He rubbed his eyes, trying to keep them open. “Brunch. It is Saturday night, Steven.”

  “Really? It was only Thursday a few minutes ago.” She was at home calling him on a Saturday night.

  “Oh you poor baby, your fried.”

  He groaned. “Maybe. I’ll be there tomorrow.” “Good.”

  He blinked trying to focus. “So what are your plans for this evening?”

  “It’s actually moved onto night now. But I’m sitting here

  reading.”

  “Fuck the time is flying by! So you wanna come read me

  a bedtime story?”

  Rachel snorted. “You are going to be sleeping before the

  phone hit the cradle.”

  “I’d fight it if I knew you were coming over, Rachel.” “Go to bed you crazy man.”

  He yawned. “I’m there.”

  “Can you open your eyes?”

  “Hmm almost.”

  “Bedtime story is postponed until such a time you can.” He pouted. “Fine.”

  “Get some rest, Doc.”

  “Kay. Love you, Angel. Bye, bye.” He flung his arm out

  twice until the phone hit the cradle.

  Sleep. He sighed and dropped his hands over his eyes.

  Moving his arms, he flopped his hands onto the bed and

  then slowly opened his eyes again.

  No. Did he just tell her he loved her? No. He sat up and

  shook his head, dropping back again he groaned. Sleep now

  deal with life later. Grunting he flipped onto his side and

  closed his eyes.

  *

  Steven walked in and was quite pleased he was only a

  half hour late. Owen grinned at him. “What time did you

  wake up?”

  Steven looked at his watch and sat down. “I’ll let you

  know when I’m there.”

  Chris handed him a cup of coffee. “Rachel just reminded

  us this was your week of penance for all those past life

  sins.”

  He took a sip and grinned. “And I was a bad, bad boy in

  the past few, must have had a hell of a good time.” Dade laughed. “Just stay off the floor, your ass is heavy.” Steven grinned. “I’ll see what I can do.” He looked at

  Cora. “So let’s get the catch up done, how’s the side?” Cora smiled. “Perfect.”

  He looked a Leena and winked. “How’s mom feeling?” Leena grinned. “Great.”

  Next he turned to Dade. “Any new injuries at work?” Dade shook his head. “Nope.”

  Steven waved a hand at Owen. “And you heal

  yourself...”

  He tilted his head and looked at Kasey. “Any complaints,

  Kase?”

  Kasey looked at Rachel. “Yeah, crazy woman ran over

  my foot with her tow motor.”

  Rachel held up two fingers showing the distance. “I

  missed your foot by at least that much.”

  Kasey’s mouth dropped open. “I have the marks on my

  boots to prove it.”

  Rachel threw up her hands. “Serves you right for walking

  where I’m driving...”

  Steven held up a hand. “Shh, don’t wake the doctor.”

  They both grinned at him. “Thank you. Can you still run

  through the house Kasey?”

  She nodded and grinned.

  “You’re cured,” he stated loudly.

  He winked at Rachel. “And other than running down

  pedestrians, how are you?”

  Rachel laughed. “I’m good.”

  “Excellent!” Steven turned to Chris last. “And you,

  Councilor, ready for that Viagra yet?”

  Everyone started laughing so loud Chris dropped his

  head and waited for it to calm down. He glared at Steven.

  “Bastard! You remembered.”

  Steven nodded. “Hey, it took me the whole drive here to

  come up with some sort of set up.” He grinned. “So are

  you?”

  Chris shrugged. “Perhaps you should ask my finance if I

  need it.”

  All heads swung to Kasey, who blushed so deeply she

  put her hands over her face and said no through them.

  Steven chuckled quietly.

  Dade held up his hand. “No sex talks at the brunch

  table.”

  Cora grinned. “He’s just grumpy because he wouldn’t

  have anything to add to the conversation.”

  Everyone laughed again while Dade’s mouth Dropped

  open and stared at her.

  “Wow.” Rachel clucked her tongue. “You made him

  speechless, Cora. That takes talent.” She turned to see

  Steven looking at her. He winked at her and she smiled and

  turned her eyes back to Dade who was still recovering. Kasey leaned forward. “So we’re going to have a

  birthday dinner for Chris and Leena next Saturday.” Leena groaned. “Please isn’t it bad enough I’ll be all fat

  at my own hand fast, let’s not start discussing my age.” Owen caressed her hand. “You won’t be fat, baby. You’ll

  only be what, four months and doesn’t matter you’ll still be

  the most beautiful woman ever.”

  “Aww.” Kasey sighed. “You are so sweet, Owen.” She

  looked down at Chris and smiled.

  Chris sighed. “At least I outdid his proposal.” Steven leaned back and sighed. “It’s good to be home.” Cora smiled. “He only said that because we haven’t

  locked them out of any rooms yet today.”

  Dade looked at her. “And that’s not on the agenda right?” Cora giggled. “Right.”

  Dade leaned back giving her a suspicious look. “New

  rule. Only one woman at a time can be out of the room.” A

  grape, a croissant and two crackers came flying at him. Owen cleared his throat. “Pretty sure that rule was just

  voted out.”

  Dade shrugged. “I tried.”

  Chris looked around the room. “Do we have anything

  important to talk about today, or are we just relaxing for a

  change?”

  “Relaxing has my vote,” Steven sighed.

  After several nods Chris grinned. “Okay, relax it is.” Steven grabbed another roll. “So, Rach I actually have a

  whole day off tomorrow, touch wood, is there anything

  going on at the community center?”

  Rachel looked down at her lap. “I dunno haven’t been

  there in a bit.”

  “Well let me know if you hear of anything.” Dade watched Steven and set his cup down. “How’s that

  cute kid doing? Marie wasn’t that her name? She’s pretty

  sweet.”

  Rachel grinned. “Yeah, she’s pretty good. She’s okay I

  talked to her the other night.” She lifted her head. “Oh,

  which reminds me.” She looked at Cora. “Connie is finally

  pregnant.” She glanced at Steven. “I told her to get in touch

  with you.”

  He nodded. “No problem.”

  Cora smiled. “That’s wonderful they’ve been trying for

  years haven’t they.”

  Rachel nodded. �
�Yeah it’s one of the reasons they take in

  so many kids, they adore them all.” She looked down. Cora smiled. “Oh that’s so nice. When did you find out?” “Last week. Connie’s husband Kyle met me at the

  hospital. To get... when I picked up some stuff for them and

  he told me then. He’s walking on cloud nine, it’s really great

  for them.”

  Dade met Steven’s eyes to make sure he had heard all of

  that. And judging by the eyes he had. Well good. Problems

  solved.

  “Tell Connie to set up something soon, if they’ve been

  trying for a long time I’ll want to keep a close eye on things

  at the beginning.” He smirked at Leena. “Unlike women

  who don’t even have to try.”

  Leena blushed and pointed to Owen. “He’s to blame.” “Damn right I am.” Owen grunted.

  “Okay new topic, all this baby talk just makes me want to

  drag Chris upstairs right now.” Kasey blushed as she said it. Chris’s head spun to Kasey. “Really?” He looked around

  the table. “Go home. Now.”

  Kasey’s jaw dropped. “Christopher, behave.” Chris threw up his hands. “Make up your mind a second

  ago you wanted to drag me upstairs.”

  Steven leaned closer. “She’s thinking baby, your thinking

  sex, you should just sit there until both of you are thinking

  the same thing.”

  Owen smirked. “They kind of are. Sex is how you get the

  baby.” Leena swatted him.

  Rachel dropped her face into her hands and whined.

  “Stop talking about sex!”

  Dade raised his cup. “Here! Here!”

  Steven smirked over his cup and stared until Rachel

  lowered her hands and met his eyes. Someone was missing

  someone else judging by the look she gave him. Good to

  know, he thought and grinned at her again before taking a

  drink.

  Rachel rolled her eyes and looked away.

  “Have you heard from Patrick?”

  Chris turned to look at Steven. “Yes all is well there, but

  as far as any new leads, no.”

  Steven shook his head. “So Mabon is what, a little over

  three weeks away, what then?”

  Chris looked around at everyone before answering.

  “Justin and Gwen are determined to have their usual last

  gathering of the year.” He shrugged. “And later on I’ll

  probably regret this, but I say we go and support them and

  do our damndest to catch this fucker.”

  Dade cleared his throat. “I spoke to one of the elders

  from the temple. He’s like myself or was before his arms

  got too old to drum. It’s his opinion that if Cora picks up on

  anything I should and it’s not one hundred percent, but I

  should be able to call him out.”

  Steven sat up. “So if she gets her feelings you can kind of

  get a reading on him then and bring the bastard right to us?” Dade shrugged. “In theory, yes.”

  Chris grinned. “Well it’s more than we’ve had this far.

  I’ll let Patrick know, he’s going to want to be there.” Steven nodded. “Count me in. The moment I see this sick

  fuck I’m going to wrap his ass so tight in a funnel of wind

  he won’t be able to move.”

  Leena and Rachel both leaned forward and glared at him. Steven held up his hands. “I’m in control, relax. Gees’

  blow off one door and they become mother hens.” Rachel threw a croissant and bounced it off his head. “I’ll

  mother hen you all right.”

  “Oh, Angel. You’re making me dream again.” He

  winked at her.

  Chris rubbed his hand over his face and looked at Steven.

  “Aside from Steven’s dream, which somehow leans back

  towards that topic we aren’t discussing around the brunch

  table, I think we should go sit down and hash out a solid

  plan before gathering this time so no one gets hurt.” Kasey nodded. “Good idea. You four men can clean up

  in here and we’ll go make some more coffee and tea.” The

  women nodded and stood up.

  “Kassandra? Which room will we find you in?” Chris

  asked quietly.

  Kasey giggled. “The kitchen, silly. The temple room

  comes later.” She blew him a kiss and walked out. *

  Steven wasn’t sure what the men had planned, but if he

  knew them there was something.

  Chris glanced towards the door and then to the men as

  they stacked the dishes. “I think keeping them out of this

  plan would be best.”

  Owen straightened up and looked over at Chris

  hesitantly. “If they find out...”

  “We’re toast,” Dade added.

  Steven rubbed his forehead. “I...”

  “Better be going to say your idea sucks, Chris.” He spun to see Rachel standing there with her hands on

  her hips. “Angel...”She raised an eyebrow at him. “I was

  going to say we needed you ladies to get the bastard.” She scowled. “Really?”

  He nodded.

  Chris laughed.

  Rachel looked at Chris. “Shall I call Kasey in?” Chris shook his head and stuck his hands in his pockets.

  “No, I was mistaken...”

  Kasey walked in. “Christopher.”

  He raised his hands. “Fine, the eight of us will figure this

  out.” He squinted at her. “You sneaky witches set me up

  didn’t you?”

  Kasey shrugged. “We bet it was you’d be the first to

  mention it or Dade.”

  “Witches,” Dade grumbled.

  “Yep,” Steven said. “Can’t live with them...” “Can’t live without them,” Chris muttered.

  *

  Steven stood in the hall waiting for Rachel to come out

  of the bathroom. When she did she looked at him with

  surprise.

  “We’re you waiting for me?”

  He nodded, as he closely looked her over. She looked

  wore down. “I’ve missed you, Angel.”

  “Hmm.”

  He feigned a pout. “That’s all I get is hmm?” Pulling her

  into his arms, he held her against him. He just needed to

  hold her. She wrapped her arms around his waist and rested

  her head on his chest. “I’ve really missed you,” he

  whispered. She just stayed there in his arms. He wished they

  weren’t in a house with six other people. He wanted to take

  her home. “Come home with me later.”

  Rachel leaned back and looked up at him. “Steven, I’d

  like to, really, but not right now.”

  “Why?”

  “I just can’t right now.”

  He ran his hands down her arm. “Why not, Rachel?” She sighed. “Things have changed. I’ve changed.” “What’s changed?” He wanted to kiss her and then carry

  her out of here, just be alone with her.

  “Everything, I just can’t right now.”

  He fought down panic and the slight tinge of anger.

  “Angel, I just want to spend some time with you.” He

  caressed her cheek. “Don’t shut me out please.” She held his hand against her cheek. “I’m not, I just need

  some time.”

  Steven stood there looking down at her for a moment

  more before Dropping his hand and stepping back. “Okay.”

  She looked up at him with those sleepy eyes and his heart

  flipped in his chest.

  “Thank you.”

  Draping his arm around her should
er, they started

  walking back into the others. “You really have to stop

  thanking me all the time; it’s giving me a complex.” She looked up at him and quietly laughed.

  He wanted the other Rachel back and didn’t know how to

  accomplish that.

  Chapter 18

  “Hello?”

  “Hey, sexy witch.”

  “Dr. O’Reily I was just thinking about you.” “Really?”

  “Yes I stubbed my toe getting to the phone.” Rachel chuckled softly.

  He sighed. “Nasty.”

  “So, what’s up?”

  Steven leaned back against the couch. “Thinking about you, missing you...”

  “Oh.”

  “Haven’t heard from you all week.”

  “It’s been kind of crazy for me.”

  “Connie came in today.”

  “Is everything all right with the pregnancy?” “Seems fine so far. She said they haven’t seen you at the house in the last few weeks.”

  “I’ve been pretty busy.”

  “Doing?” He stared at the wall on the other side of the room as he listened to her.

  “Just going through some stuff, you know spring

  cleaning, five months late.”

  “I could definitely find better things to do with my free

  time.”

  “Anything to avoid something like cleaning is better to

  you.”

  “True.” He grinned and then stood up. “So what’s the

  real reason why you haven’t been over to see them, Rach?” She sighed. “That is the real reason. I started looking

  around here. Taking some stuff to Owen’s and then seeing

  what was left there made me realize I have enough stuff for

  three people. So I’m eliminating.”

  “Do you need any help?” Something wasn’t right with

  the way she sounded.

  “No I’ve got it under control.”

  “Okay, offers open if you change your mind.” He waited.

  “So... was talking to Kasey, she said you skipped on girl’s

  night again.”

  “You’ve been talking to a lot of people haven’t you?” He shrugged and sat back down feeling more restless that

  he could explain. “What can I say? I get around.” “I’ll bet.”

  “Why didn’t you want in on the traditional shopping trip

  for Lee to make those sexy-make-my-mouth-water outfits?”

  There was a long silence he waited.

  “To be truthful, I don’t know if I’m going to Mabon this

  year.”

  He sat up. “What? How can you not go? You’ve never

  missed a gathering since you were, what, sixteen?” “Yeah I know. I just don’t know if I’m up for it right