Love Remains (4 OAKS)

by Gayle Eden

  Her scent was everywhere in that hotel room. In the thing she carried into the house. Kane was intoxicated. Turned on. Hell, he was so excited, that he took all the ribbing from his brothers over his having on his Dad training wheels—and over Sage moving in, with only absent amusement.

  In fact, Rio muttered, as he was leaving, “He’s no damn fun at all to pick at any more.”

  Laughing, getting in his own truck, Carter said, “This is going to be good to watch though. Poor Kane, never thought I’d say it, but I almost feel sorry for him.”

  “Hell. Not me.” Rio started backing out. “He gave me so much flack over Jesse, deserved or not, I want to see him suffer a little bit.”

  Oblivious to their jokes, Kane was standing in the bedroom, seeing the touches Skye had added he wouldn’t have thought of. Like fresh flowers on the nightstand, fluffy towels, and all sorts of soaps and things in the bathroom. The room was white and lavender. He smiled, seeing his grandmother’s favorite quilt at the foot of the bed.

  Finally leaving the room, he went to wash up. They’d gotten the call from the school and we’re going together to enroll Michael. Soon they would get his last name righted on his birth certificate.

  Showered and sitting on his bed, in clean Levis, Kane saw his image in the mirror... He was a Dad. He and Sage were parents. He actually had a son living with him. Now Sage would be here, every day.

  Lying back, he swiped his hands over his face—shaven clean. Letting them flop to the side, he absorbed it into his pores and mind. The amazement. Yeah, the joy of it.

  Chapter 7

  Life essentially settled into a routine, despite Sage’s fears once the new birth certificate came, and Michael was in school. It was such a relief to her when Kane went with them to enroll. He knew all the kids, most of the teachers. The principal was the same he’d had. It warmed her heart when, after speaking to the woman, he’d been allowed to get a couple of young boys he knew out of class and introduce Michael.

  Her son was younger, but almost taller than the eighth graders. The young men had been easy going, really putting Michael at ease, and had taken him under their wing to show him around, and where his classes would be...

  Sage loved her new job. Loved it. There was an added bonus of working for someone as cool and upbeat as Skye. Jesse was super easy to be around. Theme weddings were a blast. They did a lot of bouncing ideas around, during the creating and staging, sometimes piling in Jesse’s jeep and going to vintage shops or antique stores, a lot of costume places.

  In the course of working with them, at the time doing a techno wedding theme at the Barn, Sage heard their life stories, the abuse Jesse, and her brother suffered, the way their parents died. She heard things from Skye’s side, about her druggie Mom, and the bad Boy Rayne that everyone in town talked about still.

  She shared her own over a bottle of wine, on a summer evening, sitting on a picnic table just off from the barn entrance. Dani was there too, as she’d dropped by on her day off. She and Juda were living in a house under construction, and the stories she told about their construction mishaps were hilarious. However, that day, she told about her adoptive parents, the religious commune they joined, the one that she’d ran away from.

  Sage knew her world was changing. It was expanding, because she had a real job, and real friends, and she didn’t feel like a failure. She forgave Kane that day—and she knew it for certain when she shared that confidence with Skye and Jesse.

  She believed him.

  But at the ranch, sometimes—when Carter and Sky stayed at Skye’s apartment in the Barn, and it was just herself, Michael, and Kane, she’d look up from notes she was taking out of a magazine, toward Kane, who was watching a game on TV, or reading a book—Michael upstairs doing his homework, or on the computer in the corner—and she’d find Kane had been studying her too. Those times the tension was thick, hot, so electric, she would eventually have to leave the room, or find a distraction.

  Michael had a routine they’d set. and though there were times he challenged it, for the most part, once he made the first real friends he’d ever had, he obeyed, so that he could spend weekends at their place— or the friends could come to the ranch. He still did a lot with Kane, normally the evening feeding, or hanging out in the side of the barn where Kane worked on the equipment. It was, essentially, a normal life, in a real home.

  Rio and Carter, all of them, were in and out. Jessie, even Juda and Dani, came to dinner or a cook out. Sage noticed when Michael began to say Aunt and Uncle to them. She shared a smile with Kane over it.

  She finally braved the kitchen herself one evening, making pasta and salad, flushing at everyone’s compliments. When she’d been washing dishes, later, Kane had dried, and told her, “You’re a great cook. Don’t spoil me or I’ll start slacking and you’ll get stuck with dinner more often.”

  “I enjoyed cooking. I’ll try more dishes next time.”

  “Can’t wait.”

  They’d been working in the gardens too, most evenings. It was something she loved, and learned to do— because she never had grown a thing before. It was normally just herself and Kane. She ignored that he wore cut off Levis, no shirt, no shoes, most of the time. Well, she did until his back was turned and she could admire him without getting caught.

  He was as sexy hoeing corn, as he was in his boots, hat, Levis, riding a horse. Dirty and gritty, scruff jawed, didn’t matter. The man was rugged, fine.

  Her son was right; he knew how to do everything.

  It was a few days before Rio and Jesse’s wedding. Sage had been working late, helping Skye decorate. They refused to let Jesse see it, or help. Jesse’d been occupied with her dress, and using the gift certificates, they got her to the local spa. She often worked with Rio’s animals too, and Sage had heard him say that she was as good as he was with them.

  Skye picked the wedding theme with Rio’s help. He knew Jesse, and he loved her beyond words. He wanted her to know how much, particularly on their wedding day. The theme was “secret garden,” beautiful flowers and fanciful vines, perfect, romantic. Sage was making most of the dishes, and decorating the reception room, since it would be a small group.

  She got home to the ranch around midnight, having called, and checked on Michael via cell, during the time he and Kane were eating dinner. Kane had taken the phone and assured her homework would get done, bath, all that, so she didn’t have to worry about it.

  It was sprinkling rain, forecasting more. Making the porch, Sage set her bags down and plopped in a rocker, breathing in the fresh scents and listening to the night sounds while watching crystal droplets sparkle on the ground.

  The screen door squeaked softly before Kane was there, handing her a coffee.

  “Thanks.” She took it, drank, and watched him lean on the banister viewing the rain bathed drive and lawn. He was shirtless, had on low-rise Levis, and was browned, muscled. Doubtless he’d been lounging on the sofa. His hair was finger combed.

  “Everything going well?” He turned and leaned his hips on the rail, ankles crossed.

  “Yes. We’re basically finished. It’s beautiful.” Her head leaned against the rocking chair; feet up, on a planter, Sage let her gaze drift down over him, catching herself counting ab muscles, tracing those impossible pecs, before she jerked her eyes back up to his face.

  He’d been watching her check him out.

  “Michael give you any trouble?”

  “Slight debate over getting his algebra done tonight—or his suggestion, at breakfast in the morning.”

  “You won?”

  “Yep.” His white teeth flashed.

  She smiled, breathed in, and let it out. Sitting up, she got to her feet and walked over to stand a ways down from him, the cup in her palms. She’d worn a calf length fluttery skirt and flip flops, a thin silk blouse. Her hair was pushed back with a band, curling down her back.

  “Do you like your job?”

  “Love it. I really like Skye and Jess…everyone.�
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  “And the ranch?”

  She looked at him. “Yeah. It’s an amazing place. It must have been amazing when you guys were kids, all this space.”

  “It was.” Even in a faint moon glow, his eyes were light. “You ever get lonely, Sage?”

  “Sure.”

  He came to where she stood. His fingers touching her hair. “You smell like a flower garden.”

  “That’s what it looks like there. A beautiful garden. I’ve been arranging and handling flowers all day.”

  His hand moved from her hair to lightly touch under her chin, so she’d look at up at him.

  She did, weak from his slightest touch already.

  She husked, “You look natural here. Anywhere. Rio and Carter- do too, but it’s inside you— differently. The way you look at the land, and touch things. I saw that, before I even came here. You know. The day you gave me a ride. There was no one around me, like you. You smelled differently. Sounded different. It was earthy and unpretentious, and free… Like someone who knew who they were and where they belonged.”

  His eyes had watched hers when she talked.

  As she fell silent, he murmured, “And I looked at your creamy skin, raven hair, the way you sounded, smelled so good, and looked…so different, exotic. You were so shy.” He smiled. “Well, young. You were sweet and young but those eyes so beautiful, so hungry….”

  His fingertips touched her cheek. He leaned down, brushing his mouth against hers.

  She shivered, burned, wanted.

  Sage whispered, “It’s been a long day.”

  “Yeah.” He lifted his head and grinned slightly. “I’d offer you a rub down, but…”

  “Yeah” She grinned and turned, stepping beyond him. They walked to the door and inside.

  She put her cup in the sink. He was in the living room, picking up, when she went upstairs. Sage undressed and crawled into bed. She’d shower in the morning.

  ~*~

  Hectic, described the next couple of days.

  The men were wearing jeans, white shirts, and their boots; to the wedding. Jesse had a lovely but simple white gown with sheer to the spine back, and fluted skirt. Her brother would give her away. Most of the food was cooked that morning. Sage had Kane help her take it to the reception room.

  “Wow.” He looked around at the white cloth covered tables, with flower pedals scattered over them, lovely topiaries graced the space, with birds all around. The plates were sheer glass, and there was a single candle on each table, a carved box of mementoes.

  “This is cool.” He nodded.

  “Thanks.” She had already dressed; wearing a purple and white sundress, purple backless heels, and had her hair was up in a twist with spirals. Skye and Dani would stand up with Jesse. “Make sure Mike tucks his shirt in, will you?”

  “I will.” He grinned at her and asked, “Need anything else?”

  “No. I think everything is here.”

  He offered, “You look beautiful today.” Then left.

  Sage stared at the space he’d left, the arched opening usually blocked by pulled drapes that were now tied back.

  The main area had long benches, and a raised dais, all the beams overhead and the dais were draped with flowers and vines.

  You look beautiful every day, Kane.

  She kept herself busy until Skye and Dani came from downstairs, each dressed in floral hues, wearing sling backs. Both beautiful. Jesse was up there, waiting for Juda, who showed up directly with the preacher. After that, everything was on a schedule.

  Sage was standing below the dais, adjusting the volume on the music that filled the space from all the hidden speakers, when Rio, Carter, Kane, Mike, and Juda, came in. They were in dark jeans, white shirts, and boots. Everyone’s shirt was white but Rio’s. His was a shimmering green. He looked so handsome that Sage smiled when he glanced her way.

  “She didn’t run off, did she?”

  “No.” She laughed. “She’s just waiting on you.”

  Everyone in their places, Rayne and Salinas arrived; Sage was introduced, though she had seen them before at the café. At the appointed time, Jesse descended with Jude from the upstairs. Sage’s eyes watered as Jesse gasped, seeing the main area for the first time. She was blinking; weeping by the time, she reached Rio, who gave her a wink and sexy grin.

  Everyone heard him say, “You’re beautiful, Jesse. You take my breath away.”

  Flashes went off. Pictures being taken by a photographer they contracted with.

  The vows and rings, the rest of the wedding was amazing to Sage. They had written their vows, words, like poetry that moved everyone listening. The kiss was so passionate the preacher blushed.

  Sage slipped into the reception area, opening the wine and champagne on the tables.

  Claps and whistles sounded. She looked over her shoulder to see Kane coming to join her.

  “Let me help.”

  “All right. Just uncover all the platters and light the candles.” She gestured towards the long buffet table. He did that, and by the time everyone entered, it was ready.

  Music was filtering in. Sage mingled while sipping her champagne, winking at Michel—who looked around as if he didn’t know what to do with himself. However, Dani coaxed him to waltz with her, while Juda waltz his sister. Though Michael flushed, he was obviously enjoying the attention.

  Seated, Sage was finishing a conversation with the preacher, watching the couple pose for pictures, when Kane came to get her.

  “I’m not family.” She protested.

  “Yes, you are.”

  She posed in them, ignoring the fact they put her in front of Kane—just as the others were posed. Michael was always beside them. In one, standing with all the men. He fit. Her heart melted watching the Uncles and Kane put their hand on him for a group pose. She could tell Mike felt the emotion and pride a young man would, at his family. Being a part of it.

  In an hour or so, Sage slipped outside. The ground was wet but sun shining and the temperature mild.

  “Are we sneaking a cigarette?” Kane asked hopefully, joining her by the picnic bench.

  “Sure.” She got her bag and lit two, handing him one.

  They laughed catching each other watching the exit for Michael.

  Kane had half the tailored shirt unbuttoned and the sleeves half rolled up. He sat on the damp table.

  “Your ass will get wet.”

  “Probably.” He stayed as he was. “You have to clean up?”

  “Not today. We’re going to store most of the flowers, and make Jesse a keepsake with the petals.

  “That’s nice. Carter asked if he and Skye could take Michael to the movies tonight?”

  “Sure.”

  “That’s what I said.” He grinned.

  They smoked, then popped mints, snickering as they rolled them in their mouths to make sure no sign of smoking lingered.

  “How much do you owe him?”

  “Thirty,” Kane confessed.

  “Ten. I’ve had more practice hiding than you.”

  They separated inside, mingled, and then wished the couple well with hugs as they left to start the honeymoon trip. They were going scuba diving—somewhere secret.

  “Go on home,” Skye told Sage when most everyone was outside. “Well come up later and get Mike. Carter will help me tonight. We always stay up late on weekends.”

  “Okay. It was beautiful. Wasn’t it?”

  “Yes. And much thanks to you.” They embraced.

  Sage left, seeing Mike in the truck with Kane. She drove to the ranch, and slid her shoes off on the porch, heading inside to the kitchen. She wanted ice water, and a nap.

  Grabbing water, she went upstairs, hearing music coming from Michael’s room. In her own, she tossed the shoes, unzipped the dress, and went to the bathroom, giving her hair a quick brush and braid, she grabbed a short silk robe to pull on with her panties and had it on, but not closed when she exited, her eyes on the bed that she wanted to fall across.
/>   “Sage—” The door opened. Kane looked in.

  She jerked the robe closed. “Yes.”

  “Sorry.” He stepped inside wearing only worn low-slung denims, murmuring, “I was going to see if you wanted to go out?”

  “I was going to nap…” She cleared her throat watching his eyes move over her, her bare legs, breasts—that were scarcely covered with the robe.

  “Later? Dinner…”

  “Yeah…”

  Kane didn’t move. He met her gaze at some point and leaned back against the closed door. “I swear,” he husked low, “You looked so pretty at the wedding, my knees went a little weak. You smelled so good. Right now, you look—”He swallowed and glanced at the bed before he straightened from the door. He uttered, “Sorry. Get your nap. I’ll see you later.”

  She laved her lips, all too aware that she was nearly nude for those moments he had stared at her—remembering, at the wedding, watching him with his brothers, watching him too often, and eyeing his rugged profile. Witnessing—when he put his arm around Rio and Jesse, and kiss Jesse’s cheek. He’d whispered something in her ear that got him an elbow in the side. When he was close to her. He smelled so good. He looked so good. She remembered—weak knees, tingles, feeling the electric current between them crackling.

  Sage didn’t nap. She sat in the open window, and observed Kane going to the stable then ride off to the pasture. She breathed in the spring air. She watched the four oaks dance in a breeze.

  Frowning slightly, Sage thought she heard an old, wise voice, whispering: Love like that don’t die. It took a wrong turn, a tough road back. That only makes it stronger, better.

  Shaking her head, she looked around the room then back outside, blinking when she thought she saw a faint image under one of the oaks. Unmistakably, it was Kane’s Grandfather. But like a vapor, it faded.

  “I’m afraid.”

  Don’t be afraid, the voice offered. Be free.

  ~*~

  Kane rode in after chores, and showered. He dressed in jeans and boots, a tailored black shirt. He grabbed his hat and joined Carter, Skye, and Mike, in the kitchen, where they were snacking before heading to the movie.