by McKay, KC
The only thing I was pretty sure about was that Darcy didn't tell him that we were already married. So I wasn't going to let him trick me into confessing that. "Because I love her, sir. And once we're married, no one can take her away from me."
He studied me for several moments. I held my nerve and kept eye contact. He flinched first by smiling, but still hadn't given me his consent.
He sipped his brandy, while I took a series of puffs on my cigar.
Roscoe shifted in his seat. "Tell me about this job you have lined up as a ranch manager."
"Oh, right." I sipped my brandy to gain some more thinking time. "My friend, Billy Earl McClure, has a goat farm—"
Roscoe scooted to the edge of his chair. "What? Minnie Bertha's boy?"
I shrugged. "Don't know. I've only ever heard him call her Ma." Holy crap. Did everybody in Kentucky know one another? I didn't dare ask if they were cousins. God only knew where that conversation could have gone.
He leaned back in his chair. "It's gotta be. Well, I'll be…" He looked at the ceiling, then moved in and rested his arms on the side of the chair, hands clasped together. "Goats, huh? Yeah, that sure is a big operation they got going down there." He shook his head. "Too bad you don't know anything about horses."
"Well, I know a filly won the Derby this year for the first time since 1980, and only the third time since the race began." I tried not to smirk.
He gave me a quizzical look. "And when did the Derby begin?"
"1875."
Roscoe stared into the bottom of his brandy sniffer as he swirled the copper liquor. "I'm going to enter my five-year-old colt in the Derby next year. What do you reckon his chances of winning are?"
I sipped my brandy. "None."
Roscoe raised an eyebrow. "Oh?"
I tapped my cigar over the ashtray. "A colt is aged between two to four years old. So, if your five-year-old 'colt' still has his nuts, he's a stallion. If you've castrated him, he's a gelding, but he's not a colt."
Roscoe gave a wry grin.
I leaned toward him. "And the Derby is only open to three-year-olds." Now I smirked.
Roscoe beamed. "Miriam!" he hollered. "Bring in some champagne for us and our new son-in-law."
Chapter 44
Darcy and I walked around the estate with our fingers intertwined. I felt very lucky that I was going to marry the woman of my dreams yet again, and her love for me was undeniable as no woman in her right mind would make the same mistake twice.
She rested her head on my shoulder as we walked. "So tell me, how did you manage to impress my dad with your knowledge of horses?"
"Wow, you two really do tell each other everything, don't you?"
She stroked my bicep as we walked past the rhododendrons. "Other than the fact that I'm already married, Daddy knows everything. We're very close. And the only reason I hadn't told him that is because it would break his heart if he couldn't give me away. That was a good idea of yours to ask him for my hand and get married here. He really likes you."
"Really? I wasn't so sure when he blasted the ceiling with the shotgun."
Darcy giggled. "He only ever did that once before. That was when the accountant told him how much tax he owed one year and I truly did think he was going to shoot the guy." She laughed again. "And the guy did crap himself. That's why Daddy didn't shoot him. He couldn't stop laughing." She stopped and faced me. "Okay, horses. What's the scoop? You never told me you had an interest."
"When I was in the big house—"
She smacked my shoulder. "Will you stop calling it 'the big house'?" She stared at me with a full-on frown.
"Okay, the slammer."
Her eyes narrowed further.
I sighed. "When I was in the correctional facility, my roommate was horse mad. He was doing time for rigging races. He'd poison other horses so his would win. Anyway, knowing your dad was into horses, and figuring I'd meet him one day, I learned everything I could about the racing game. He was into it big time and taught me loads, and I read some of his horsey magazines as well. Came in handy, huh?"
"As long as he didn't teach you how to poison the poor things."
"No, nothing like that. He'd only give them enough to slow them down, not kill 'em. Anyway, I'm glad I made a good impression with your dad." I stepped in and kissed her.
"Yeah, me too."
We continued walking. The air seemed to cleanse my lungs, it was so fresh. Green hills rolled in the distance and there was a sophisticated roughness in the landscape. Not what I expected to find in Kentucky.
"By the way, where does this Dodo nonsense come from?" I asked.
"Nonsense?" She pinched my arm, and it hurt. "I love it when he calls me Dodo. Of course I don't remember it, but when I was a baby, he'd ask me, 'Who am I?' And I'd say 'doe' instead of Dad. Then he'd point to me and say, 'Who are you?' And I'd say 'doe.' Then he'd say, 'That's us, kiddo. 'Dodo.' I thought it was cute."
I smiled. "Yeah, that's a great story."
The pebble path crunched under our feet as we walked past the rose garden.
"Is your mom happy?" I asked.
"Surprisingly, she is. She and I don't always see eye to eye, but she likes you. That's a huge bonus."
I kissed the side of her head, inhaling her peach scent. "I never knew you were Jewish, or half Jewish."
She stopped. "Is that a problem?"
"Of course not. It just got me wondering if we were going to have some kind of Jewish wedding." I pulled out a cigarette, then put it away, not wanting to spoil my enjoyment of the fresh air.
"Not likely. Daddy's not keen on Jewish traditions, and Mom… well, she's only Jewish when it suits her."
"So what kind of wedding will we have?" I felt myself getting excited at the thought of marrying her again.
"Small, I hope, but knowing Daddy, he likes to impress. At least I have to be back in ten days so there won't be much time to plan. That should help limit the numbers."
"Oh shit!" I stopped and faced her. "The rings. What about the rings? I don't have any money."
She rested her hand on my shoulder, stroking my cheek with her thumb. "Relax, we'll use our Scottish ones. I have them in my suitcase in my room. I'll give them to you when we get back."
We walked around the manicured gardens with our arms wrapped around each other's waists. I let my arm fall and had a sneaky grope of her butt as we strolled.
She smiled.
***
Roscoe and Miriam knew how to get things done. The wedding was scheduled for Saturday, less than a week away and the time whizzed by. An April wedding had a romantic ring to it. Fresh spring flowers, fresh budding love kind of thing.
I sat with the ladies at the kitchen table as they pored over flower arrangements. Sadness made a periodic appearance in my heart thinking about my mom being dead and not able to see her only child get married. I hoped taking an interest in my own wedding would distract me, but the whole flower thing failed to row my boat.
Darcy offered a reassuring smile from time to time, knowing I was suffering a mild form of torture.
Miriam grabbed Darcy's hand and gasped. "Where's your engagement ring, darling?"
Darcy quickly fisted her hand. "Oh, umm… we—"
"We didn't know if I'd get permission," I butted in. "I mean, I had to ask Mr. Novak first, and what if he said no?"
Miriam rolled her eyes. "Do you honestly expect me to believe if my husband said no you two wouldn't get married anyway?"
"Oh, we'd still get married— we'd just do it behind your back." I smiled and gave her a wink. "I have the wedding bands though, that's what's important."
"Let me see them," Miriam demanded.
I looked to Darcy and she gave me a sly nod to follow her mother's instruction. I bolted up to the room and returned with the modest rings, handing them to Miriam.
She examined them and tutted. "The daughter of a racing tycoon cannot establish her marriage with a crackerjack toy. No offense, Zac."
Some tak
en. "It's all I can afford for now, Mrs. Novak, but I will upgrade them the first chance I get.
"Nonsense." She stood up. "Grab your purse, Darcy. We're going shopping."
While Miriam headed for the front door, Darcy stayed back to give me a kiss goodbye.
"It's best to humor her," Darcy whispered. "Just bite your tongue, it will all be over soon enough." She kissed me and followed her mother out the door.
It was a little ego bruising, but I guess it was better than marrying into poverty.
***
The marquee arrived and was pitched on the south garden for the reception. A large rose arbor had been erected on the west lawns where Darcy and I would exchange our vows in front of nearly 100 guests.
Saturday rolled around and at Roscoe's insistence, he and I wore white tuxes with tails. We got dressed in the same room while he nattered away, trying to calm my nerves, but in reality he was the one who was a nervous wreck and needed calming down. I did my best to reassure him I'd take good care of his daughter.
Getting decked out in my tux felt pretty good and it gave me a sense of importance — something I hadn't experienced in quite some time. As we put the finishing touches on our dapper appearances, a tall man with a square jaw entered the room, also in a white tux, but no tails.
"John!" Roscoe bellowed. He walked over and the two of them embraced with robust slaps on the back. "So glad you could make it." Roscoe opened his stance and extended his arm in my direction. "John, this is Zac, my new son-in-law."
The tall man held his arm out and we shook hands.
"Nice to finally meet you, Zac, and put a face to the name." John ran a hand through his silver hair.
"Zac," Roscoe interjected, "this is Senator John Simmons, representing the fine state of Kentucky in our nation's capital." He rested his hand on John's shoulder. "John here is going to be your best man."
A hard swallow hit my throat. "My best man?"
"Yep." Roscoe beamed. "John's the one behind getting you that cushy little number in Oklahoma."
I instinctively pointed at him. "You… I mean… that was… because… you?"
John smiled and slung his arm around Roscoe. "Sorry I couldn't do more for you, son, but the General said it would raise questions if you got away with no punishment. Besides, he said he didn't like squids decking his officers."
John and Roscoe laughed.
I stared at them, dumbstruck. I felt I should drop to the ground and kiss his feet or something. "Senator, sir. I can't thank you enough." I looked at Roscoe. "And thank you, Mr. Novak, for what you've done." I choked up.
"Now don't go bawlin' on me, son," Roscoe growled. "You know I don't abide sissies. Besides, you might set me off." He and John broke into another chorus of laughter.
"Well, thank you again, Senator. I'm honored to have you as my best man." At that moment I really missed my mom. She would have been so proud to know I had a senator as my best man. Dad? No doubt he'd be more interested in the senator's secretary, so it was no big loss that he wasn't there.
***
Darcy looked stunning as she glided down the aisle in a long white flowing gown, hanging on to her glowing father's arm. Forget my joy; they looked to be two happiest people on the planet.
Our Scottish wedding had all the traditional vows. That was when she promised to love, honor and obey me. But the arrangements there had been made in a hurry and I was so dizzy from the speed of things, I just went along with whatever would make us husband and wife. This time I wanted to swear my love to her in my own way. Darcy felt the same.
After we exchanged traditional vows, it was our turn.
"Ladies and gentlemen," the pastor announced, "Zac and Darcy would like to pledge their love for each other in their own words."
Darcy and I faced one another and placed our hands together between us.
She cleared her throat. "Zac, I couldn't be happier than I am at this moment. Our relationship has had its share of problems. Based on where we met and the obstacles we've had to overcome, you could say we were always in for a Loch of trouble." Darcy stopped to giggle, then returned to me with seriousness. "Zac, you stole my heart. You stuck up for me when I couldn't have. You came to my rescue when others wouldn't have. And you loved me when you shouldn't have. All I can say… I'm glad you did. I love you."
Looking into Darcy's eyes nearly left me speechless. I gripped her hands tighter.
"Darcy, ours was not a love that came easily. We had to fight for it. In some ways it was the easiest fight of my life, because I knew what I wanted. In other ways, it was the most difficult, because so many complications stood in our way. As I stand here today, in front of your family and friends… our family and friends… every ounce of energy I expended in an attempt to win your heart has been replenished by the generosity of your love, over and over again. My love for you has no bounds, no restrictions, and no exceptions. You are the love of my life. I don't know if I can ever fully live up to your expectations, or satisfy all your needs and desires, but it would be my honor and privilege if you would allow me to die trying. I pledge my love to you, and for you, until I take my last breath on God's earth. And as long as you have love in your heart for me, that shall be my heaven."
Darcy went misty-eyed. Hell, I wasn't far off myself. It pleased me knowing I touched her.
We slipped our Scottish rings onto one another's fingers. As I slid hers on, I noticed how modest it looked next to the colossal rock Miriam bought for her.
"You okay with my crackerjack toy?" I whispered.
She discreetly rolled her eyes. "Mother insisted on at least one carat. Sorry."
Was she the only woman in the world who would apologize for a big diamond ring? If so, I loved her just a little bit more.
***
It felt good to reestablish our vows, although our love for one another was in little doubt. The Kentucky wedding was a show for other people. I was more than happy to do it, and there was a great atmosphere, so I took pride and pleasure knowing I brought happiness to others, namely my new in-laws.
We drank and danced to the live band during the reception, and even the Governor of Kentucky, a mere guest, gave a speech and proposed a toast to the happy couple — us. Roscoe certainly knew some high profile people, and I think there were even a few gangsters there.
Roscoe promised to buy me some golf lessons and all the gear to go with it as a wedding present so he, the senator, the governor, and me could play golf together. Marrying Darcy fast-tracked me into the influential circuit. It seemed now that maybe I'd set my sights too low by just being a Navy officer.
Around 1AM Roscoe made a special request. He wanted his darling daughter to join the band and sing his favorite song, Jolene by Dolly Parton. I grabbed a front-row seat to watch my wife belt out the number. Was there no end to this woman's talent?
Holy crap! There was a definite end to her talents. She was without a doubt the worst singer I had ever heard in my life. I nearly picked up cocktail sticks and punctured my eardrums to stop the racket. So, I discovered on my second wedding night that my wife wasn't perfect after all. But I still loved her, and as long as she never, ever sang again, I always would.
Chapter 45
I sat with my new family, having our last meal together before Darcy had to fly back to Scotland. It was a somewhat somber occasion. We had lots of laughs and happy times over the past several days, but with my wife leaving it wouldn't be the same and I still didn't have a clue what I would do. Maybe I would have to mosey on down the road to see Billy Earl's ma and ask her if she had any job openings.
Roscoe popped a hush puppy in his mouth and washed it down with a slug of white wine. Then he reached into his front pocket and pulled out a set of keys on a gold ring and dangled them over his plate. "Your momma and I got you kids a present."
"Oh, Daddy, you shouldn't have," Darcy laid her head on my shoulder. "Zac already has the key to my heart."
I gave my 'aw, shucks' look.
"I kno
w he does, Dodo, and I wouldn't even try to compete with Zac." He winked. "Nope, what you have here is your very own house." He jangled the keys.
"What?" we said in unison.
"It's a nice four-bedroom house, about seven or eight miles up the road. You'll have your privacy, but still be close enough to come for supper." Roscoe smiled.
"But, Daddy," Darcy protested, "We don't even know what we're doing yet. I still have six months left in the Navy and I'll be in Scotland."
"Well, Dodo, we know Zac won't be joining you there. He's welcome to stay here, but I figured he'd want his own space. Isn't that right, Zac?" His arched eyebrows offered me permission to speak.
"I don't know what to say, sir. I mean, I don't even know how I'm going to support myself yet, let alone me and Darcy." I picked at the catfish on my plate with my fork.
"I thought you said you were gonna work for Minnie Bertha down at her pig farm?"
"Goats."
"Whatever."
Geez. I throw out a simple line of bullshit to appease him and it's the one thing he remembers; well, except whether it was pigs or goats.
"Zac, you cannot work for McClure," Darcy waded in. "I like him and everything, but you're not the pig or goat type."
Roscoe banged the table. "Good! That's settled. You'll work for me." The excitement in his voice was unmistakable.
"Doing what? I mean, I have my degree and everything, but I don't know what I'm qualified for in your empire." I wasn't too sure about this and my butt had little twitches.
He leaned forward. "Look, Zac, whether you know it or not, Senator Simmons and the governor were quite impressed with you. That's not something I can teach, that's something you're born with. I wouldn't have any qualms having you deal with them in my absence. You already showed me you know a few things about horses, and I can teach ya the rest. Whaddaya say?" He leaned back in his chair. "Unless, of course, you want me to call Minnie Bertha for ya and you can go down there and slop her hogs for ten dollars a month."