The Last Kiss

by Verna Clay

  On Monday morning, Lucinda pondered her relationship with Harris as he drove his RV toward the freeway with her car in tow. If anyone had suggested a few months ago that she would fall for a cowboy, she'd have called them loony. A few months ago she'd been working her way up the hierarchy in the highly competitive field of journalism, when she'd been assigned to the golden boy of rodeo. At first she'd resented the assignment, but later come to enjoy it. However, she'd made the worst mistake of her life when she'd written subject matter, although true, worthy of the tabloids.

  Now, with her cowboy, she was headed for parts unknown, especially where her heart was concerned. Harris had said he wanted to show her something and asked if she could take a day or two off. Ward had granted the request without question when he found out she was traveling with Harris, and right now, the only thing she knew was that they were headed south.

  For a few hours they bantered and joked, stopped for breakfast and lunch at quaint diners, and finally, mid afternoon, turned off the highway. Harris made a couple of turns and then followed a country road. He grinned. "We're almost there."

  "We're in the middle of nowhere."

  "Not exactly. There's a town named Viola about a half hour from our destination. It reminds me of Paxtonville. I'll take you there after we leave. The population is smaller, but the townspeople are just as friendly."

  As they drove past open country with herds of cattle lazily grazing on rolling hills, Lucinda couldn't imagine where Harris was taking her, and when he slowed and pulled onto a paved road that led to a large wrought iron entrance with the words Lazy Acres Ranch molded into the iron. She glanced sideways at him. "Hmm. This is interesting."

  His return smile made her heart melt. Wherever they were headed, it was definitely dear to his heart. He drove through the entrance and followed a winding road through groves of Aspens and fields of blue milkweed. As they topped a rise she saw a red barn and several red outbuildings. Beyond the barn was a long farmhouse. Lucinda said, "That scene would make a beautiful postcard. Do you have friends living there?"

  "I do."

  When he didn't say more, she prompted, "And…? Are you going to tell me who they are?"

  "Patience darlin'. Patience."

  Five minutes later they drove past the barn and outbuildings and parked in a large open space in front of the stone and pine-sided house. Harris turned in his seat to face Lucinda. "This ranch is almost two thousand acres and…" he grinned widely, "by the end of next year, if everything goes according to plan, it will be mine."

  Lucinda gazed past Harris to the long, rambling home with a porch running its length. "That's wonderful! I'm so happy for you!"

  He started to say more, but seemed to change his mind. "Come on. I'll introduce you to Ned and Willa Montgomery. They've lived here for over thirty years."

  The door to the house opened and an elderly man and woman hurried down the porch steps onto a pathway bordered by purple liatris, and then onto the gravel area to meet them.

  The man slapped Harris on the back. "Howdy, Harris! Welcome!"

  "Howdy Ned, Willa. Thanks for letting us stop by." He pulled Lucinda to his side. "I'd like you to meet Lucinda Bergamot."

  The couple greeted Lucinda warmly and insisted she call them by their first names.

  Ned said, "Come on in. Willa just made some fresh lemonade and it's such a gorgeous day we can catch up on the back porch."

  Soon, everyone was settled comfortably inside the lovely screened in porch and enjoying the view of profusions of more liatris and yellow daisies bordering the backyard and its walkways. In the flowerbed next to the porch white heliotrope infused the air with its cherry pie scent. Beyond the grass, a large, fenced vegetable garden appeared ripe for picking. For several minutes Ned bragged about his wife's green thumb and Willa smiled at his praise. The couple obviously adored each other.

  The conversation then turned to the latest projects on the ranch, and finally local happenings. Lucinda enjoyed the comradery Harris had with his friends and couldn't wait to hear more about his purchase of the property. She didn't have to wait long. He turned to her and his face lit with the same grin as before. "Another year on the circuit and I'll be in a position to purchase Lazy Acres from Ned and Willa. They're giving me until the end of next year to come up with the remainder of the down payment."

  Ned interjected, "We love this ranch, but it's time to downsize. And Harris' timetable is perfect. Me and Willa will be moving down the road apace. We bought forty-five acres with a two bedroom house a few years back for our retirement years. It's big enough to raise a few farm animals and garden."

  Willa said, "We knew someday we'd have to retire, but we didn't want to leave the town we love, and when this little house and acreage came up for sale, we grabbed it." She grinned at Harris. "So we're going to be Harris' neighbor and we couldn't be happier about him taking over this operation."

  "I think that's wonderful," Lucinda said sincerely. She turned to Harris. "Will you continue bronc riding after you move here?"

  "Nope. This place is my dream. I want to accomplish here what Sage and Sarah Tanner have been doing for years. My goal is to raise cattle and horses, have a summer dude ranch that includes a wagon train adventure, and become part of the community."

  The joy in Harris' eyes as he expressed himself made Lucinda's heart yearn for the same thing. She had no idea where her relationship with Harris was headed, but she was overjoyed for him. He knew what he wanted and how to get it. She only hoped she could be a part of it.

  "Are you kids heading back to Paxtonville today?" asked Ned.

  "Yes. But I'm going to take Lucinda to Viola first," replied Harris.

  "You'll get home pretty late. Why don't you spend the night here?"

  Willa agreed enthusiastically, "Yes, spend the night. It'll give you time to walk the grounds with Lucinda while Ned throws some steaks on the grill."

  Harris glanced at Lucinda. "Would you mind? I'd love to show you around."

  Lucinda couldn't think of anything she'd rather do. "I'd love to."

  As it turned out, the ranch had a casita that Lucinda fell in love with. It was small enough to be cozy, but large enough to be comfortable. It had a kitchenette, bedroom, and sitting room with a hideaway couch. She envisioned Harris' family and friends visiting and enjoying barbeques like the one they'd had today. It made her heart hurt wondering if she would be invited.

  After dark Lucinda joined Harris on the small porch of the casita and handed him a glass of iced tea. She sat beside him on the swing and sipped her own tea while staring at the starry sky. She sighed with contentment. "I'll always remember this day." She felt Harris staring at her profile.

  "As will I." He looked upward and began pointing out constellations. "And that one is Aquila, the Eagle."

  "You sound like an astronomer."

  My parents bought me a telescope when I was ten and I spent many nights camping at the only lookout on our property."

  "Alone?"

  "Not until I was thirteen. Before that my mom would camp with me while my dad watched the kids. When I was thirteen she'd let me go with the Tanner twins, and after Sean Barfield started visiting every summer, he'd join us." He chuckled. "More than once Preston and Sean got into shoving matches."

  "Really? Why?"

  He chuckled again. "It seems that Preston fancied himself in love with Tessa, and when Sean showed up at the age of fifteen and was also smitten by her, the fight was on for years."

  "Wow! What happened?"

  "Freckles happened. The woman turned Preston's world upside down. Half the time he didn't know if he was coming or going. In fact, after she left Paxtonville, he had to chase her to Anaheim and eat crow to win her back."

  Lucinda asked, "So when he fell in love with Freckles it opened the door for Sean to pursue Tessa without competition?"

  "Yes. But it wasn't until Sean was in his mid twenties and already famous. Tessa had recently gone through a terrible divorce and wanted
nothing to do with men, so it took a lot of patience and persuasion on Sean's part."

  As they silently continued staring at the stars, Lucinda realized something profound. Like his mother, Harris had truly forgiven her. If not, he never would have confided something so potentially explosive about Sean and Tessa. What the tabloids wouldn't give to know that tidbit of information. Lucinda reached to squeeze Harris' hand as a way of letting him know his confidence was safe with her.

  He lifted her hand to his lips. Then he leaned down to kiss her. The night was perfect. Harris was perfect. And Lucinda silently vowed to never let him down again. His kisses turned fiery and he whispered, "Let's go to bed, honey."

  She hugged his neck as he pulled her to her feet and led her to the bedroom. The night that held such promise became more than that. It became a night of magic as she and Harris tasted, caressed, and finally became one. As she arched into him with spasms of joy, she lifted her eyes to the window above the bed and thanked the stars that she finally understood how one person could sacrifice everything for another.

  Harris turned his horse toward the creek as Lucinda followed on hers. It had taken some doing, but he'd finally convinced her that she'd be fine riding Belle, Ned's old mare, and now she seemed comfortable in the saddle. They reached a creek surrounded by aspens on both sides and dismounted on a small beach often visited by Ned and Willa's grandchildren. A tire swing dangled from an overhanging branch and Harris pointed to it. "One of these days we'll have to try out that swing."

  "Ah, well, you can try it out. I'm not much of a swimmer."

  "Then I'll have to give you lessons." He grinned wickedly. "Of course, what the lessons might lead to is open to speculation." He reached for the reins of her horse and led both mares to the water. Then he returned to swing her around in his arms.

  Lucinda laughed when Harris twirled her and kissed her soundly, but was surprised when he set her back on the ground and then knelt down on one knee. "What…" her voice trailed. Surely he wasn't doing what seemed obvious.

  Reaching for her hand, he said, "Lucinda, will you marry me and together we'll build a legacy on this ranch?"

  Her eyes widened and she felt the sting of tears.

  He continued, "And since you love journalism, I wouldn't ask you to leave your career. We'll work it out."

  Tears dripped down Lucinda's cheeks as she knelt in front of him. "Are you sure after what I've done?"

  "As sure as my own name."

  She bit the corner of her lip and then whispered, "Yes," and then louder, "Yes, I'll marry you!" before launching herself into his arms and toppling him backward.

  Chapter 21: Phoenix Rising

  Disconnecting her cell phone, Lucinda pondered what Buzz, the research guru at The Seattle Daily, had just revealed about Justin Blake. She was shocked. And now she was faced with a dilemma; reveal the information to Phoenix or keep it to herself.

  It had been a week since her engagement to Harris and she hadn't stopped smiling. On their return from Viola they'd passed through Paxtonville and driven straight to his family's home. His mother and father had been sitting on the porch and his mother had rushed to meet them while his father rolled his wheelchair down the ramp.

  The first words out of Tooty's mouth were, "It's about time you two made peace."

  When his father reached them, Harris had lifted Lucinda's hand to his lips, kissed it, and proclaimed, "We're engaged."

  The warmth in Tooty's and Miles' expressions had waylaid the butterflies in Lucinda's stomach, and when Tooty hugged her and said, "Welcome home, daughter," she'd returned the hug with tears. She truly had come home.

  Now, opening the door to Dixie's Cuppa Joe, she stepped in line behind the secretary for the police department, Peggy Suzette. The friendly lady gave her order to Tilly and when she turned around, she greeted Lucinda warmly. The fact that Lucinda had become friends with so many townspeople was one of her proudest accomplishments. Even Gertrude Sniper at work was bringing her homemade cookies.

  Peggy Suzette said, "There's a new drink on the menu called Phoenix Rising that Phoenix created and I can't wait to taste it." She patted her large hips. "And just this once, I don't care about the calories."

  Lucinda grinned. "I think I'll have the same and forget the calories, too." She didn't add that Phoenix had already tested the drink on her and together they'd worked out the tastiest portions of sweet cream, hazelnut syrup, and two secret ingredients. Lucinda glanced at Phoenix and they exchanged knowing smiles.

  While Lucinda waited for her order a group of young women asked her to join them. The invitation was another example of how she'd been accepted by the community. Rarely did she receive public criticism now, and soon she would begin a new life in a new town. She prayed the people of Viola would be just as friendly and forgiving. There was a tap on her shoulder and she turned to see Phoenix holding two Phoenix Risings.

  "I'm on my break," said Phoenix.

  One of the ladies at the table said, "Join us and tell us how you came up with your new drink."

  Phoenix pulled a chair to the table. "I had some help." She nodded toward Lucinda. "We invented it together and I wanted to call it Lucinda's Latte."

  Lucinda shook her head. "No way, I just offered a couple of minor suggestions. Besides, the name Phoenix Rising is much better."

  "Well your suggestions made the drink awesome."

  The ladies joked and laughed and then one of them glanced at her watch and jumped to her feet. "Gotta go and pick my kids up from school." The other three women followed suit and Lucinda was alone at the table with Phoenix.

  Phoenix leaned forward and said softly, "Justin's not here. Did your source discover anything?"

  Lucinda's moment of decision had come. "You make this sound like a spy novel."

  Phoenix chuckled. "Well, it's the closest I'll ever come to undercover work. But you found something; I can see it in your eyes and you're deciding whether to reveal your information." She leaned back in her chair and waited.

  Lucinda glanced at the tabletop. She was caught. Finally, she looked up and said, "What I'm about to tell you is strictly confidential."

  "Of course it is."

  "And I'm only telling you because we're friends."

  "Yes, of course. And I'll be gone soon so Justin has nothing to fear from me." She leaned forward again and whispered, "Is he a villain running from the law? Or maybe he's in the witness protection program because he ratted out the mafia?"

  Lucinda laughed softly. "You really do have an imagination. No to both of those scenarios." She tapped her fingers on the table and heard Phoenix make an exasperated sound. Finally, she blew a breath and whispered, "He's a genius." She watched Phoenix's reaction.

  Phoenix reared back. "That's it? Hell, I could have told you that."

  Lucinda said low, "There's more to the story."

  Chapter 22: Exhale

  Lucinda followed Angel on a tour of her cabin while her friend explained what she and Eli would be doing for the next year. "We'll spend most of our time here so Eli can finish the sequel to his first book American Spy, which will release in six months, and we're keeping our fingers crossed that it's as good as his father and agent claim. And the book he's working on now, Spy Nation, will hopefully release in less than a year after the first one."

  Lucinda followed Angel onto the large deck. "You said Eli is in New York. When do you expect him home?"

  "He'll be gone about a week. He and his agent are meeting with the publisher to hash out details for the second book." She visibly sighed. "And I miss him so much." She motioned toward her deck chairs. "Have a seat."

  "Thanks. The weather is beautiful and your place is incredible." Inhaling the piney air, Lucinda relaxed on a pink-and-green floral cushioned chair and said, "What will you be doing while Eli is writing his book? I know you won't be idle."

  Angel grinned. "I'll be designing my website and getting my blog going, as well as my social sites. The website is geared toward working
and stay-at-home mothers and will feature recipes, time-saver tips, crafting ideas, fashion trends, sewing ideas, coupons, interviews, and tons of stuff my mother taught me. I've already started building the website." She paused and smiled widely, "But let's not talk about me. I want to hear about you and Harris. I've only heard bits and pieces through the gossip mill."

  Lucinda said with sincerity, "I drove here to personally let you know that Harris has asked me to marry him and I accepted."

  Angel squealed and leaned forward to hug Lucinda. "I'm so happy for both of you. When we were traveling the circuit I could see he was falling in love with you."

  Lucinda returned Angel's hug. "At first I thought you and Harris were a thing, but then I saw the way you looked at Eli."

  Angel leaned back in her chair and stretched out her long legs. "I had this thing for Harris for years, but it was before Eli and I worked together. Almost from the start he stole my heart, but I was too blind to accept it. And then, after we had our falling out, we were both too stubborn to make things right. And I don't know if you know this, but Harris was the one who got us back together."

  "I didn't realize that."

  "Yeah. He finally talked some sense into his brother. But, hey, tell me about your wedding plans. Have you made any yet?"

  "Not yet. But soon. I do know, though, that we want a small family and friends wedding."

  "Is your mother coming?"

  "Oh, yes. She's shocked, but very excited. She figured my job was my life…and she was right…until I met Harris."

  Their conversation was interrupted when Angel's cell phone rang. She glanced at the caller I.D. "It's my mom. I better answer."

  "Of course."

  "Hi, Mom." As Angel listened her smile faded and was replaced by an expression of shock. "I'll meet you at the hospital." She hung up and tears welled in her eyes. "They've taken my great-granny to the hospital."