Always and Forever

by Cheryl Pierson

  Chapter Two

  Saturday dawned cool and overcast. As she rinsed their cereal bowls and put them in the dishwasher, Cindy mentally recounted what she'd packed for Jack and herself. Not ever having been camping before, she could only guess at the things they might need. Tahlequah was over three hours away at the far eastern edge of Oklahoma near the Arkansas border. In typical Oklahoma fashion, the weather might be completely different there than here, in Oklahoma City.

  Butterflies flitted in her stomach each time a car passed outside on the street. She knew it was silly—she was certainly no schoolgirl. But there was something...something between her and Gage Ross. There had been from the moment he walked into the gymnasium last Tuesday night. She kept telling herself to go slow, but in spite of her warnings to herself, she'd almost called him several times. She went so far as to pick the phone up and dial the number halfway. Then, afraid this was all a one-sided mistake, she hung up and forced herself to go on about her routine. Her normal, boring, daily routine which kept being interrupted by thoughts of the way Gage had smiled at her, the heat in his dark eyes.

  It had been three long days of torture. Finally, he called Friday afternoon to firm up their travel plans. He was on his way to work so he couldn't talk long, he'd said. Just wanted to be sure she hadn't changed her mind.

  And she almost had, during those three days with no word from him, uncertainty gnawing at her. But in his voice, she heard an echo of the self-doubt she felt. So she forced a smile into her tone, along with the reassurance she felt he must need even more than she at that moment. “I wouldn't miss it for anything,” she said.

  Silence reigned for a moment. Then the relief in his voice spoke more than his words. “Thanks, Cindy. See you tomorrow.”

  “They're here!” Jack shouted, interrupting her musings as he scrambled up from where he sat in front of the living room window. He ran to throw open the front door, and by the time Cindy entered the living room, Star was already inside, enveloping Jack in an exuberant hug.

  Gage was right behind his daughter. He met Cindy's look from across the room, an amused grin curving his lips. “You ready?”

  Suddenly, she felt as if she were setting out on the greatest adventure of her life. She wanted this so much it ached. Her heartbeat sped up then pounded erratically before it settled again. How can a smile from one man cause this?

  “I'm ready. Whenever you are.”

  “Here's our stuff,” Jack announced, pointing to the suitcases beside the doorway.

  Cindy crossed the room as Gage lifted them. “Did we over-pack?” He grinned and started for the door. “Remains to be seen. We are in Oklahoma.”

  * * * * *

  The time flew by, along with the miles, as they drove. Gage told Cindy about his family. “I figure it's best you know a little of what to expect before we get there,” he teased. “Don't want you to run away screaming into the woods.”

  “No worries there. I wouldn't survive an hour out there alone.”

  “You won't be alone, Cin. Not for a minute.” Gage kept his eyes on the road, but the promise in his words was as if he looked into her soul. Warmth enveloped her, and she was reminded of the comforting hug he'd given her at the Halloween carnival Tuesday night. That seemed so long ago, now.

  She smiled, remembering the gypsy fortune teller's words. At the time, she'd thought the prediction for love was the most ridiculous thing she'd ever heard. Now...

  I could use another one of those hugs. Or two.

  As if he sensed her thoughts, Gage reached over and took her hand. “I didn't mean to scare you. They're all right. They just love to tease and sometimes don't know when to quit.”

  Cindy squeezed his fingers, smiling when he glanced at her. “It's okay. I can take a joke. Besides, something tells me this is a solemn affair, in some ways, right?”

  He looked surprised, then nodded, returning his gaze to the road. “It is. This is our family reunion, but it means more than just getting together. This is a time when we share things.”

  “Such as?”

  He shrugged, and Cindy could tell he was trying to find the words he needed. “Such as changes in our lives—the good and the bad. We celebrate our accomplishments, and grieve with one another for the sadnesses.”

  “And the dances?”

  Gage gave a wry smile. “I hope they won't bore you. Tara was never too enamored of this side of my life. The Indian side.”

  “I'm not Tara.”

  He laughed, rubbing his thumb along her knuckle. “No. You're damn sure not. Thank God.” He gave her a sidelong glance. “You know, Tara never even met my family. She refused to come home with me. Star and I...we always went alone—just the two of us. Just like now.”

  His aching loneliness was evident in his words. Cindy started to speak. She stopped herself before she said what was in her heart—he wasn't alone this time. She was with him, and proud to be his companion. She was eager to learn the customs and traditions so ingrained in him, a vital part of the man he was.

  This is too soon, she told herself. Yet, somehow, she knew one thing was true in all of this. Gage needed her. She shook her head at her own musings. She had never been lucky at love, and from what he'd told her of his marriage, he hadn't, either. She was not one to take risks. So she bit back the words of denial and remained silent for a moment, until he spoke again.

  “What about your ex?”

  Cindy was taken off guard. She had not ever been asked about David's wants or habits since they'd divorced. When they'd been married, she'd done whatever he'd planned for them, never giving much thought to what she might like instead. Now, she smiled at the thought of how timid she'd been in their relationship, even up until the day of her divorce. She glanced back at Star and Jack, who had both fallen asleep, lulled by the road noise.

  “David was—a selfish person. He was concerned with nothing but his own desires.”

  Gage shook his head. “Seems to be a lot of that going around.” He gave her a quick appraising look. “You know, we're not all like that.”

  His deadpan tone made her smile. “I know. My son was a very good man. And Jack will be, one day.”

  Gage nodded. “He looks after Star. I've noticed—he has a good heart, Cindy.”

  “I should add you to that list, Gage. Good men. I think I've laughed more during the times we've been together than I did during the entire eighteen years I was married. Thank you for that. These last six months— they've been the hardest. I've had to be strong for Jack's sake, but there are times I just want—” She broke off and bit her lip, appalled she had confided these inner secrets to anyone. Especially a man she had only known for less than a week.

  Without speaking, he shifted to pull her closer to him on the bench seat. She unbuckled her seat belt, feeling a daring sense of adventure and spontaneity by that one simple act. He put his arm around her shoulders, and she felt his lips brush the top of her head.

  “I understand.” It was all he said as she nestled against his shoulder, into the curve of his neck. And suddenly, the road before them seemed like the pathway to a new beginning.

  Cindy closed her eyes tightly for a minute, wondering if Gage felt it, too. When she dared to open them again, the magical feeling was still with her. She was in trouble. This felt suspiciously like every fairy tale she'd ever heard. No matter how she tried to convince herself she didn't believe in second chances, there was no doubt where her heart was headed.

  She was falling in love.

  Chapter Three

  “We're getting close,” Gage said as he turned off I-40 onto a two-lane highway. “Just a few more miles.”

  After they'd driven another four miles, Gage slowed, turning onto a narrow gravel road, which wound around a curve, and into a clearing beyond the tree line. Cindy sat up, eyes wide. There were at least thirty cars already there. Campfires blazed and tents and campers were set up in haphazard order. The sky was overcast and a cool, foggy mist surrounded the campsite, giving
it a surrealistic quality.

  Gage drove past a group of men, waving as they called out to him in Cherokee. Cindy was suddenly as aware of her appearance as if she had been transported back to her very first teenage date. Is my hair a mess? There was no way she could flip down the mirror on the visor to look without calling attention to herself. She smoothed an errant strand, and Gage chuckled.

  “You look beautiful, Cin. You always do, though.”

  “Thanks,” she replied, a flush warming her cheeks. “It's been a long ride. I just... I want to make a good first impression.”

  He gave her a thoughtful look. “You have nothing to worry about, sweetheart. You don't have to impress anyone.”

  “Only you,” she said softly.

  “Oh, you've done that.” The familiar heat in his gaze sent fire sizzling through her. “You've definitely done that.”

  He brought the Jeep to a halt and opened his door. As soon as he stepped out of the vehicle, he was greeted by a group of his male relatives. Cindy's stomach knotted. Will I manage to say the right thing? David had always said she was a klutz when it came to social situations. She turned in her seat to wake the children.

  Star blinked, a smile already curving her mouth. “We're here, Jack!” She unbuckled her seat belt, and then pointed out the window. “There's my Uncle Seth! And there's my Uncle Frank! Hey, Uncle Frank!”

  One of the men turned at the muffled sound of his name and opened the door. “Star, look at you! You must've grown a foot since I saw you last. And who is this? A new boyfriend?”

  Inwardly, Cindy winced. But Star laughed and lifted up her arms to him. “No, silly. He's my best friend from school. His name is Jack Taylor.”

  Gage's older brother lifted Star out of the seat and shifted her to his hip, extending a hand to Jack. “Jack, it's nice to meet you, buddy.”

  “Thank you,” Jack answered somberly.

  “And...who have we here?” Frank's voice was low as his dark eyes met Cindy's, his surprise evident.

  “That's my gran—”

  “I'm Cindy Taylor,” Cindy managed to tell him quickly. She didn't know why she did it—but the rest of her sentence slipped out before she could stop herself. “I'm Gage's girlfriend.”

  * * * * *

  Oh. My. Gosh. How she wished the earth would swallow her whole! The looks of shocked surprise on the various faces of the group made her wish she could sit right here in the seat and never get out of the Jeep. Matter of fact, she'd be relieved if she could reach the blankets in the back and pull one over her head. She'd done the very worst klutzy thing she could have done. David had been right, after all.

  Suddenly, Gage was there, opening her door, pulling her out of the seat. Her legs were stiff from the hours of traveling, made worse by the nerveless feeling she created for herself with the words she just announced to the world.

  She fumbled for his hand, but he took her into his arms, as if she had missed the step rail, and pulled her close to his chest, the length of her body coming next to his. She looked up into his hard-chiseled features, expecting to see laughter, anger—anything other than what was written in his eyes, obvious to anyone who looked his way at that moment.

  Love. Love for me. And pride. There was no denying what was written there in his expression. Her stomach lurched and knotted. She hadn't realized how badly she wanted this second chance to come true. How much she'd counted on it not being a one-sided feeling on her part.

  “Oh, Gage,” she said breathlessly, “I'm—”

  His mouth closed over hers with tender fierceness, claiming her.

  Relief swept through her, running through him, linking them as the kiss scorched through them. It was as if, by her declaration, she voiced what they both felt but hadn't known how to broach yet.

  He lifted his lips briefly. “Don't say you're sorry, Cin,” he whispered roughly. “I feel like I've waited a lifetime for you.”

  “Yes. Oh, yes.” She pulled him to her again, oblivious of the whistles and catcalls. From somewhere far away, she heard the sweet peal of Star's laughter, and the sound of Jack clapping.

  * * * * *

  After Gage set up their tent and they put their suitcases inside, he took her hand and led her toward the center of the encampment. “Okay, it's time for you to meet everyone.”

  She could hear an edge of reluctance in his tone. “What's wrong?”

  He stopped, turning to look at her. “I—” He let go of her hand, raking his fingers through his black hair, and then blowing out a breath. “I'm not sure I can keep my hands off of you long enough to introduce you to everyone.”

  It was the last thing she expected him to say. The look he wore was one of misery and uncertainty, and it made her feel like she was the most desirable woman on earth. “Come on, then.” She leaned over to kiss his cheek, not caring who saw. “Let's hurry.”

  He smiled at her, then, cupping her face with his large palm. “You're somethin', Cindy. The best thing that ever happened to me.”

  She shook her head with a soft giggle. “No, not yet, Gage. The best is yet to come.”

  * * * * *

  As they made the rounds of introductions, Cindy began to gradually feel the acceptance of the people who were so dear to Gage. Aunts and uncles, brothers and cousins all seemed to welcome her to their gathering.

  Later that evening, she sat on a blanket beside Gage as they waited for the children's dances to begin. The evening was crisp and cool, with fall temperatures definitely more than a hint in the November air. The smell of cooking meat and fry bread and the smoke from the fires lingered around them.

  Cindy leaned against him as he looped an arm around her. “Thanks, Cindy.”

  She nestled against him, mindful of his bruised ribs. “Thanks for what?”

  He kissed the top of her head. “Just for being you. You worried about that good impression for nothing. Everyone likes you—but I figure you know that.”

  “I was hoping. You have a wonderful family.”

  “You're pretty wonderful yourself.”

  She felt him smile against her.

  “I can't wait to see Star dance. She's so young. She must be very talented.”

  “Uh... Yeah—about that. Cin, I hope you don't mind, but Jack wanted to dance with the young boys and I—well, I said he could. You weren't around, and he was so excited I said it would be all right. And—I'm hoping it is.”

  Cindy turned to look at him. “Gage, I don't mind. Not at all. In fact...he hasn't shown much interest in doing anything ever since Brian and Michelle were killed. So I'm glad—” She broke off and shook her head. “No, I am thrilled he wants to participate. But—is it okay?” She glanced around quickly as she spoke. “I've never been to a powwow before. We aren't Indian—so, does it matter—”

  He bent to kiss her gently, cutting off her words. “No. It doesn't matter. It's not the blood so much as what's in his heart. He wants to be a part of this.”

  “To be with the other kids, but—”

  “No,” Gage said emphatically. “That's not all there is to it for him. He needs a place to belong, Cin. This is a kind of...acceptance for him. This is a place he fits in.”

  She thought of his seamless interaction with Gage's family. “Yes. I can see that, too.”

  Cindy watched Gage for a moment, studying him in the afternoon shadows. “Did the dog really make it?”

  He looked up at her, but it took a long moment for the smile to come. “I wouldn't get these busted up ribs for nothing. I wasn't coming out of there empty-handed.”

  “What hit you?”

  His grin widened. “Part of the roof. But I got her out. Prettiest lab you ever saw, along with three puppies. All okay, last I heard.”

  “You took a huge chance.” Cindy stopped abruptly, her own words haunting her.

  A quick gleam entered Gage's eyes then he looked down as if to veil his thoughts from her. “Well...that's life, isn't it? A game of chance. It all worked out, Cindy. No way I could lea
ve those dogs in there. I had to try.”

  Just then, the drumbeat started in a slow, rhythmic pattern, and the singers began to chant. Cindy sat up straight, watching as the girls came into the center of the clearing slowly, their colorful dresses jingling with the twisted metal pieces that had been meticulously sewn to the material.

  Star stood out amidst the other young girls, her little face radiant.

  “Oh!” Cindy couldn't stop the small exclamation of awe which escaped her lips. After a few moments, she glanced up at Gage who sat watching solemnly. “She's so lovely, Gage.”

  A smile touched his lips as he glanced at Cindy. “She was born for this.”

  Cindy watched, transfixed, until the drums ceased and the dance ended. The five girls exited solemnly to prepare for their next dance. “That was wonderful!” Cindy exclaimed softly.

  Gage chuckled at her enthusiasm. He craned his neck as the drums began again, and the young boys entered the clearing. He nodded toward the group. “Here comes Jack.”

  Cindy sat forward, trying to see through the twilight. Her breath caught as Jack came into her view, wearing only his jeans and a pair of moccasins.

  “Where did he get those?” She couldn't tear her gaze away from her grandson. He was transformed. Yellow and blue paint streaked across his face and chest, and he held himself proudly.

  “Borrowed them,” Gage murmured softly. “We'll get him his own.”

  Cindy nodded in agreement. He needed his own pair. He would want them after this night was over. Jack moved as if he knew this dance well. He followed the steps, his body bending and stretching to the beat of the drums. There was something so different about him, a side of him she'd never seen—as if his soul were visible as he danced. Tears welled in her eyes.

  “What's wrong, honey?” Gage's voice was warm and low in her ear. She shook her head. “Nothing.” She leaned back against him, content. “This is...the best night of my life, Gage.”