She whispered his name into his ear. “Jericho, baby, we can’t,” she murmured softly, trying to convince herself more than him. “You’ll hurt your back…and someone…might come in to check…” she muttered, barely able to comprehend her own words.
Jericho chuckled softly, unconcerned as a hand slipped between her thighs, his fingers tapping at the entrance to her secret garden. As he slid his hand up to pull at the zipper of her slacks, Talisa grabbed his wrist to stop him.
“You have to stop,” she whispered, her gaze meeting his. “You aren’t supposed to be doing this, and you know I can’t resist you.”
The man smiled down at her and whispered back. His tone was deep with wanting. “Then don’t. Let me touch you. I just need to touch you, baby girl. I can’t do anything else just yet, but I need to do this. That’s all. I swear. Please, Talisa. Don’t make me stop.” He pressed his mouth back to hers, kissing every ounce of her resistance away.
As Talisa fell into the moment, she barely noticed when Jericho finally eased her pants open, sliding his hand easily beneath the elastic of her panties. Giving in to the pleasure she parted her legs to welcome his exploration, allowing him easy access to her womanhood. His fingers danced against her, taunting and teasing her to bliss. The room was spinning as Talisa gasped out in pleasure. Jericho was as hungry for her as she was for him and the thick line of an erection pressed anxiously against her leg. He whispered into her ear, his voice husky with desire and need as his tongue drew a line against her earlobe and down the side of her face.
“Oh, sweet baby,” he said softly, repeating her name over and over. “Oh, yes, Talisa,” he cried as he stroked the length of his manhood against her thigh, Talisa grinding herself against him. Her body suddenly tensed and when she did, Jericho could no longer contain himself, his own body convulsing with pleasure. The moment was surreal. They both trembled, orgasmic shivers billowing from one to the other as they lay clinging to each other. As her breathing, and then his, returned to normal, Jericho lay back against the mattress, his energy depleted, but his flesh content. They lay shoulder to shoulder, hip to hip, hand in hand. Talisa smiled, easing her eyes open to stare over at him.
“What am I going to do with you?” she asked, shaking her head slowly.
Jericho smiled back. “Just let me love you,” he answered. “That’s all I want. I just want to love you.”
Leaning over to kiss his cheek, Talisa grinned. “As long as I can love you back, Dr. Becton. As long as I can love you back.”
“He’s going to give you a hard time, Elijah. You know this, so why are you pushing the issue?”
“He needs to come home for a while, Irene. Not long. Just a few weeks. If he wants to come back here to the orphanage then he can. I just want him to get well first.”
Irene shook her head, smiling over at her husband as they crossed the courtyard to go check on Jericho. Determination was painted on her husband’s face, his pale complexion sunburned a bright tinge of red since their arrival. As the couple entered the residence hall, Irene noticed the closed door first, stopping in her tracks as she grabbed at the doctor’s arm.
“What?” he asked, giving her a quick glance.
“I think we should come back later.”
“Why? What’s wrong?”
“Nothing. I think we need to come back later.” She pointed toward her son’s room. “I think he might have company at the moment and I don’t think we should interrupt.”
Elijah looked from the closed door, to his wife, and back again. He shook his head and smiled. “As a matter of fact, I haven’t seen his young lady for a good while now.” His expression became serious. “But he should not be fooling around in there, Irene. He’s not strong enough yet and the strain on his back could do him more harm than good,” he said, speaking as a doctor.
Irene rolled her eyes, turning to head back outside. “No one said he was fooling around, Elijah. I think they just want some time alone.”
The man followed, reaching to wrap an arm around her shoulders. “So, what do you think about her? Your son seems to be very serious.”
Irene smiled. “Our son is head over heels in love and I think we might actually get us some grandchildren. I adore her. Talisa’s strong, intelligent, compassionate, and there is something very special about their connection. I haven’t found anything to dislike about her.” The woman rambled excitedly. “Wouldn’t it be great to have the wedding in the gardens. I can call the woman who organized the Baxters’ oldest son’s wedding to come do Jericho’s. She was very good. I can’t wait to call Talisa’s mother so we can start planning.”
The man laughed. “No, really,” he said. “What do you think and don’t hold back.”
She punched him lightly in the shoulder, joining in the laughter. “So, what do you think?” she asked.
The man shrugged, stopping to pull his wife into his arms. “I think if our son is half as happy as I am, then we can’t ask for any more.”
An hour or so later, Elijah returned to check on how his son was doing. Talisa and Irene had joined Angela for a walk around the property, the three women laughing and enjoying a quiet moment of relaxation. When he entered his child’s room, Jericho was sitting up in thought, deep furrows carved in his expression. As his father stood watching, Jericho grimaced, pain shooting through his body and peaking at the wound in his back.
“You should be lying down, getting some rest,” Elijah said, moving to the man’s side. He pressed his hand to Jericho’s forehead.
“It was nothing, Dad. And, I don’t have a fever.”
“That doesn’t mean a thing. You should still be resting because what I just saw was definitely something.”
“It was just a little pain. It’ll go away.”
The older man nodded, pulling up a chair to his son’s bedside. “So, what were you thinking about? It looked like it might be important.”
Jericho shook his head slowly. “I was just thinking about everything that happened. If it hadn’t been for Moses, I’d be dead. That child saved my life.” Tears rose in Jericho’s eyes.
His father sat watching him, not commenting as Jericho continued.
“We forget how blessed we are, Dad. How incredibly easy our lives are back in the States. No child should be made to endure what these children have had to suffer. No child.”
Elijah nodded. “I agree. But all we can do is continue to tell people their story and help wherever and however we can, son. You can’t single-handedly shoulder their burdens or fix the world’s problems all by yourself.”
Jericho pondered his father’s comment for a quick minute. He heaved a deep sigh as he rubbed his eyes. “I’m seriously thinking about adopting Moses and his sister. How do you think you’d feel about that?”
The man continued staring at his son, his own gaze pensive. He shrugged, his shoulders jutting toward the ceiling. “I’m not sure, Jericho. That’s a good deal of responsibility. Would you want to take that on by yourself?”
“I wouldn’t do it alone. I’ve asked Talisa to marry me, Dad. She and I would do it together.”
“My, my, my. This is kind of sudden, isn’t it?”
“I love her, Dad. I love her more than I can begin to tell you. When I was captured, all I could think about was getting back to her.”
“And Talisa would want to adopt with you? You two have already discussed this?”
Jericho shook his head. “Not yet. But I know she’d support me and she loves them as much I do. They deserve a chance, Dad. I owe Moses that. He wants to be a doctor. I remember when I was his age and I wanted to be a doctor just like you. You gave me that incentive. You helped nurture that drive. I want to do that for Moses. I think I would be a good father to both of them.”
Elijah smiled, dropping a hand against his son’s leg. “I have no doubts, son, that you will make an excellent father. But I would much rather see you and Talisa, if she’s the woman you want in your life, see the two of you have some time to buil
d and grow your relationship before you have to bear the responsibility of children. That time you and your wife are able to share before you bring another life into your world is a very special time. I had that with your mother and I relished every minute of it. I think every couple needs that and I want that for you.”
Jericho nodded. “I have to do something, Dad. I’m not going to leave them. I don’t know that I could live with myself if I did.”
The two men sat quietly together, neither saying a word. The lines deepened across Jericho’s brow and so did his father’s, the two mulling over the options and possibilities that were available to them both to do something special for someone else. Elijah studied his son for some time, remnants of history wafting through his thoughts. They had shared much together over the years and no father could have been as proud of his child as Elijah Becton was.
He and Irene had wanted more children. They had desperately tried to give Jericho a sibling, but three miscarriages, and many tears later, the couple had accepted that it was God’s will that Jericho be their only child. They had adored him, had loved him beyond reason, had given him the world on a platter, and he’d grown into a loving, magnanimous, giving adult both he and his wife had tremendous respect for.
Sitting across from his son, and watching as he struggled to find the answers to do what he felt in his heart was right, could not have caused Elijah more anguish. He would have given anything to ensure Jericho never knew a minute of heartbreak, heartache, frustration or hurt a single day in his life. He would have done anything for his son. Anything. Elijah suddenly sat forward, a light-bulb moment shining from his eyes as the answers for both of them were suddenly illuminated in his mind.
Elijah jumped to his feet, startling Jericho from his own thoughts.
“What’s the matter, Dad?”
“I need to find your mother. I need to talk to her about something.”
“Is everything okay?”
The man grinned. “It couldn’t be more perfect. You take a nap. Now, and that’s doctor’s orders. You don’t have to make any decisions about anything immediately. When I get back, I’d like to talk with you more about Talisa and your plans. Okay?”
Jericho nodded, settling his body down against the bed. “I guess you’re right. And I am tired.” He sighed.
Elijah patted his son’s shoulder. “Don’t you worry. I have a feeling things are going to work out just fine.”
The children had prepared a special program for their last night at the orphanage. As they sang and danced, Talisa and the other volunteers from Wesley fought back tears, finding it difficult to even imagine saying goodbye.
Jericho sat in the seat beside her, his strong arm wrapped possessively around her shoulders. Talisa smiled to think that just eight and a half weeks earlier she’d been on the fringes of unhappy over having missed his telephone calls. The man squeezed her upper arm as if he’d sensed her thinking about him. As she met his gaze she smiled warmly, knowing that the past eight weeks were only the beginning of a lifetime ahead of them.
Clarissa interrupted her thoughts, gesturing for her attention. “Talisa, you have to convince the foundation to let us come back,” the young woman whispered loudly. “This has been the best trip.”
Talisa smiled, nodding her agreement as Jericho leaned to give her a kiss.
“Have you two thought about a wedding date?” Peter asked, leaning across the table, his elbows propped against the worn wood.
Angela waved her hand. “You two must marry soon. None of this long engagement madness. Time is too short to wait.”
Jericho beamed as his parents looked on, anxious to hear their answer. “We’ll make plans as soon as we get home and I talk to Talisa’s parents,” Jericho answered. “We promise that you all will know as soon as we decide.”
Talisa was still smiling, happiness radiating through her spirit. The group continued chatting back and forth excitedly, everyone expressing an opinion about the happy couple and reflecting back on the experiences that they’d all shared since they arrived.
From across the room, Moses called out to Jericho to come see what he and a group of boys had accomplished with a box of Lego pieces that had arrived in a recent supply shipment. The young boy was gesturing for the man’s attention. As Jericho excused himself, Susie came to take his seat, leaning her frail body against Talisa. Talisa hugged the little girl to her, leaning to press her lips against the child’s forehead.
“How’s our girl?” Talisa asked softly.
Susie only smiled, her gaze flickering from one adult to another.
Angela beamed. “By the time you and Jericho come back to us, this one and her brother will be cleared for the adoption.”
Talisa nodded, turning to Jericho’s father. “Are you ready for the challenge, Dr. Becton?” she asked.
The man chuckled, his expression gleaming with pride. “I think we are, Talisa. Irene and I did a pretty good job with that one over there,” he said, gesturing toward Jericho. “I don’t think we’ll do too badly with these two scamps.”
Talisa smiled. “It’s a wonderful thing you two are doing,” she said.
Elijah grinned. “It was the right thing and if it wasn’t for Jericho I wouldn’t have known it. My son is a very wise man.”
The two nodded, both laughing as Susie broke out into a wide grin. Irene laughed with them, opening her arms as Susie reached up to be held. The child wrapped her arms around her new mother’s neck, leaning her head into the woman’s shoulder. “I have no doubts that we’ll probably spoil them silly,” she said.
Jericho returned to Talisa’s side, Moses holding tight to his hand. “These two should keep them plenty busy,” he said, smiling at his parents. “My mother won’t be harassing me and Talisa about grandchildren.”
“That’s what you think,” Irene chimed.
Elijah laughed. “Surely you didn’t think you were getting off that easy, son!”
“I will have grandchildren, Jericho Becton,” Irene said, pointing a finger at her son. “In fact, I expect at least two from you and Talisa, and when Moses and Susie are ready, at least two from each of them. Your father and I plan to grow very old with our grandchildren.”
Jericho shook his head. “Hear that, little brother,” he said, gazing down to Moses. “That’s our mother for you.”
Laughter rang joyously around the room.
The next morning Jericho hugged her tightly as the last call for her return flight echoed over the airport sound system. Peter stood behind them waving his goodbyes to the student volunteers who’d begun boarding.
“I’ll pick you up at the airport next week,” Talisa said, not wanting to release her hold on the man.
Jericho nodded. “Call me the minute you land.”
She smiled. “I will, and please, listen to your father, Jericho. You’re still not fully recovered. Please, try to get some rest.”
Jericho shook his head mockingly. “Yeah, yeah, yeah,” he said before kissing her one last time.
Talisa savored the sensation of his mouth atop hers, his tongue gliding lightly alongside her own. When he finally pulled away, breaking the intimate connection, she took a deep breath, willing the influx of air to stall the wave of anxiety that had suddenly come over her. She reached down for the carry bag that sat on the floor at her feet.
“I love you,” she whispered, her gaze locking with his.
Jericho pressed his hand to his heart. “I love you, too.”
Peter reached to give her a quick hug. “We will not say goodbye, Talisa. Since we will meet again soon, I will say instead, until next time, my new friend.”
“Until next time, Peter, and thank you for everything.”
As she made her way to the departure gate, Talisa turned to take one last glance at Jericho. Waving goodbye, she inhaled the beauty of him before he disappeared from her sight, holding on tight to the memory until they could be together again.
Chapter 24
Clouds had bill
owed like soft puffs of cotton outside the airplane window. Talisa had felt as if she were floating, caught in a dream dimension of air and space. It had been a least an hour since the last bit of sunlight had filtered in from the outside, having been replaced by a cold darkness Talisa was finding difficult to deal with. The airplane cabin was exceptionally quiet, many of her fellow travelers beginning to drift in and out of sleep as they settled down for the lengthy flight back to the United States.
A myriad of thoughts clouded her mind, holding her hostage in a state of unrest: the trip, Jericho, her mother, Jericho. She missed him already, missed the nearness of him, the resonance of his laugh, the glow in his eyes. She missed everything about him, her want of him growing deeper with each passing mile that put distance between them. She took a deep inhale of air, blowing her anxiety out past her full lips. The gesture did not go unnoticed as Clarissa twisted around to face her.
“Is everything all right, Talisa?” Clarissa asked, her voice a soft whisper.
Talisa forced herself to smile. “Everything’s fine. I think I’m just feeling a little claustrophobic.”
Clarissa smiled back. “We’ll be home before you know it. The return trip always feels longer.”
Talisa took another deep breath.
“Oh, by the way,” Clarissa said. “I have something for you.” She leaned down to reach into a canvas bag that rested on the floor between her feet. Rummaging through the contents she pulled a legal-sized envelope from a side compartment.
Talisa looked at her curiously. “What’s this?” she asked, bewilderment registered in her voice.
“Dr. Becton asked me to give this to you.”
In the Light of Love Page 19