For All of Her Life

by Heather Graham

  “Maybe,” Kathy agreed politely.

  He swept out a hand to her. “Have a seat.”

  She joined him, sitting on the lounge next to his as he sat, still watching her. “How are the books going?”

  “Great. I really do love my work.”

  “There’s not much more than that you can ask of life. A good job, health, happiness. How about the last, Kathy? You happy?”

  She grinned. “Sir, subtlety does not seem to be one of your virtues.”

  “It’s sir, now? What happened to ‘Dad’?”

  “I...”

  “You didn’t divorce me, did you?” A lot of Jordan came straight from his father. Gerrit liked to tease, even torment, but he’d give a stranger in need the shirt off his back. He had his ideals and beliefs, and he stuck to them like glue; he also had the most infectious grin Kathy had ever seen. He seemed truly pleased to make her smile with him as he dug into her just enough to bring both pain and laughter.

  “I didn’t divorce your son.”

  “Hmmm. Good point. So why won’t you call me ‘Dad’?”

  “I don’t mean to be presumptuous.”

  “To whom?”

  “Well... to anyone, I suppose.”

  “I’m the one it should matter to, and it’s hurting my feelings deeply that you don’t greet me with the same old affection. So?”

  “So...” Kathy returned, gazing at him, still unable not to smile. “So, Dad, how’s the world treating you.”

  “Fine. Now that I’m learning how to live without Mom.”

  “Everyone still misses her terribly.”

  “Thanks. I wish she was around to go cave diving with me. I just tell her about it in my dreams.”

  “My father used to say those who went before us became angels on our shoulders. I always think of him that way, kind of seeing after me—and the girls, of course.”

  “And you need him in New York City!”

  “It’s not a den of iniquity.”

  “No more so than Miami, eh?”

  “No more so.” She laughed.

  “Glad to be back to singing?” he asked, a twinkle in his eye.

  “Sure. I think. I don’t know. I haven’t really done anything in so long...”

  “It will come back to you.”

  “I was never the main talent in the group.”

  He wagged a finger at her. “You never saw your own talent. There’s a difference.”

  “First practice is tomorrow.”

  “Ummm. I hear there was some trouble last night.”

  “Minor. It’s over. In fact...”

  “In fact, what?” he asked.

  “I know I promised Jordan to stay close, and I don’t want to do anything foolish, but I was dying to head over—”

  “Ah! To the cathedral. The pipers are playing today.”

  “Are they?”

  “Want to slip over?”

  “Think you can arrange it?”

  “Sure. You just sit tight.”

  With an arched brow, she watched as Gerrit stood and headed for the guest house. A few minutes later he came walking back, crooking a finger her way. She stood, intrigued, and followed him. He took her arm and escorted her through the house to the front.

  “You talked to your son?”

  “I did.”

  “And?”

  Angel pulled up at the front of the house, having driven from the garage. He was behind the wheel of an old, well-kept but nondescript Lincoln. His father was in the front seat beside him.

  “Our chariot awaits,” Gerrit said, propelling her toward the car.

  Not until she had been ushered into the middle of the back seat did Kathy realize there was a man seated behind the driver. His hair was queued back, and he was wearing large sunglasses. In a tailored suit, he was the picture of a nineties executive.

  “Jordan?”

  “Dad said you wanted to go to church.” He sounded irritated.

  “I didn’t mean to cause a problem.”

  “Well, you did.”

  “Gerrit, really—” Kathy began.

  “Kathy,” the older man said, patting her knee, “you wanted to go to church for God’s sake, no pun intended.”

  “I didn’t mean to make you come,” she told Jordan.

  “Great, make me sound like an agnostic in front of my father.”

  “You’re a grown man, Jordan; you’ve every right to be an agnostic if you choose.”

  “Oh, God,” Kathy groaned, sinking farther into the seat.

  The drive across the causeway to the church took only a few minutes. All four men waited patiently for Kathy to get out of the car.

  “I feel as if I’m surrounded by the Mafia!” she hissed to Jordan as she alit.

  “If you’re not careful, you’re going to need the damned Mafia,” he snapped back. “You had to hear bagpipers; let’s go hear them!”

  The music was beautiful. They walked into the service completely unnoticed, taking seats in the back and to the side. Jordan was to Kathy’s left, Gerrit to her right.

  Jordan wasn’t talkative. Gerrit was—despite the service going on. But he could be very soft spoken and discreet. “Lots of things happened here.”

  “Yes.”

  “The girls were baptized.”

  “Ummm.”

  “We buried your father. And my wife.”

  “I remember.”

  “You and Jordan were married.”

  “Another lifetime.”

  “How’s your friend?”

  “Pardon?”

  “Jeremy. Nice fellow.”

  “Oh, yes.”

  “Damned good looking.”

  “Very.”

  “Hot and heavy between you two?”

  “Dad!”

  “Well?”

  “He’s a great person. And it’s a good relationship.”

  “Must be a damned interesting one.”

  “Oh?”

  “Considering the fellow is not heterosexual.”

  Her jaw nearly dropped to the floor. Thankfully, it was time for the sermon, and the reverend’s voice suddenly boomed out, saving her for a matter of seconds.

  It was a beautiful speech, all about love and trust and honoring the vows that men and women make in life.

  At last Kathy had a chance to lean over and whisper to Gerrit. “Does Jordan know?”

  “Don’t think so.”

  “But you’re certain.”

  “Oh, yes.”

  “How can that be?”

  He smiled at her, patting her on the knee. “I’m not jealous of the poor boy, and I’ve been around a while longer. I know a scam when I see one.”

  “Well, Dad, I will thank you to keep quiet.”

  Jordan suddenly leaned in. “Father McGloughlin is going to scold the two of you at any moment now. Please shut up!”

  They both smiled sweetly at him.

  The pipers played again during communion; the melodies were beautiful.

  Jordan’s mood seemed somewhat better when they left. As they slipped out he talked to his father, and they reached the car without incident.

  “Never could master the pipes,” he said.

  “Ah, son, you never really tried!” Gerrit assured him. He winked at Kathy. “He really could master just about anything, once he set his mind to it.” He crawled on into the car.

  “Ummm. And anyone!” Kathy agreed beneath her breath.

  But Jordan was right behind her, holding the door for her to enter before doing so himself. She felt his breath as he whispered, “Amazing. I don’t seem to remember ever being able to master you.”

  “What a shame. Me and the bagpipes.”

  “Maybe I’ll get to the bagpipes one day.”

  “Maybe.”

  “There’s time yet to take care of you, too,” he said ominously, causing her to arch a brow. But his meaning was indiscernible since his glasses were so very dark.

  “Maybe, maybe not—”

&nbs
p; “Kathy, get in the car!”

  She decided to comply, scooting as close to Gerrit as she could manage.

  When they reached the house, there was a great deal of activity. Two taxis and a limo were pulling out of the driveway. Inside, just in the foyer, Derrick and Judy Flanaghan were greeting Peggy and the girls. Larry Haley and his wide-eyed, attractive young wife were being welcomed by Sally, while Tara and Jeremy were chatting with Shelley.

  “OhmyGod!” Larry Haley exclaimed, seeing Jordan come in. “He must be going into politics. Jordan, God, but you look good!”

  Larry strode across the floor, encompassing Jordan in a bear hug.

  “Manly hug!” Jeremy whispered to Kathy, coming up behind her and setting his hands easily upon her shoulders. She got the feeling that he might not have known Larry long, but it was long enough to know he wasn’t crazy about him.

  Now Larry had turned his attention on Kathy, while Jordan was being engulfed by the Flanaghans and his dad and the Garcias slipped unobtrusively by them to reach Sally and the girls.

  “Katie! Kath!” Larry exploded. “Back in the fold. Sweetie, you look hot as ever. It’s great to see you!”

  The enthusiasm in his voice seemed honest enough; his hug for her was warm. He assured her that he’d met Jeremy while he drew the pretty blonde with him forward. “My wife, Vicky Sue.”

  Vicky Sue rather solemnly greeted them, shaking hands and finally managing to smile shyly. “It’s such a pleasure to meet y’all. I’ve heard such great things from Larry, and of course, I’ve seen Blue Heron videos, y’all weren’t just great, you were legendary.”

  “Ummm, yes, that’s it!” Shelley Thompson suddenly chimed in, slipping on over to them. “Kathy!” She hugged her fiercely, almost like a lost child hugs her mother when found, then stood back, smiling for Vicky Sue, glancing back to Kathy. “That’s it, all right. There are days when I do feel just like a legend!”

  “Ignore her!” Kathy warned Vicky Sue, her knit brow warning Shelley to be gentle with Larry’s new young bride. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, too. We’re delighted that you could be here.”

  Vicky Sue beamed. She was a cut above Larry’s usual bimbo. Pretty, yes. Young, yes. But Kathy decided to hold neither of these things against her. She seemed warm as well, very real, if such an expression could hold merit.

  “I’m not so sure Larry wanted me to come,” Vicky Sue admitted. “I mean, I think this reunion thing is so special, and so very unique to y’all—”

  “But not so private,” Jeremy cut in politely. He offered her his best smile. “I’m here. So is Tara. Neither of us was part of Blue Heron.”

  “Yeah. Yeah, thanks,” Vicky Sue agreed, pleased with his reasoning. Kathy could have kissed Jeremy. Bless him, he had a way with a smile and a few simple words. And he was being an absolute charmer now. He must have been out by the pool when people had started arriving. He was in black boxer-style trunks and a polo shirt, standing tall and straight, every muscle on him gleaming and tan. Because of the relationship he and Kathy did share, he was able to create a naturalness between them that was very convincing.

  To anyone other than her ex-father-in-law.

  And maybe Tara.

  “Kathy!”

  Judy Flanaghan reached her, hugging her, talking a mile a minute.

  “Kathy, your daughters are beauties, absolutely. And so smart, I hear. Well, leave it to you and Jordan. Together or apart. But, honey, you look fab yourself. Who’s your surgeon?”

  “I haven’t tried one yet.”

  “Oh, sorry!”

  “Well, I haven’t nixed the idea for the future,” Kathy assured her.

  “Ignore her!” Derrick warned, slipping by his wife to kiss Kathy’s cheek. “Hey, kid. Good to see you.”

  “You, too.”

  “The girls are beauties.”

  “Thanks.”

  “Who could possibly believe that Alex is about to be twenty-one!” Shelley said with a sigh.

  “Just think how old that makes all of us!” Judy murmured.

  “Oh, you look like a million bucks, and you know it,” Jordan told her gallantly.

  “Thank you, Mr. Treveryan. That was most kind, but I warn you, I intend to remain your toughest critic over the next week so that Blue Heron is not a laughing stock when you little darlings get back up on stage.”

  Shelley groaned. “My God, it’s going to be the week from hell.”

  “You betcha, sweetie,” Judy teased.

  “It’s going to be fun,” Derrick said.

  “Before all this fun and torture can begin,” Jordan suggested, “why don’t you all get settled in your rooms; then we can barbecue out by the pool. Angel, Bren, and Alex are acting as host and hostesses. They’ll show you all to your rooms and—”

  “I’ll bet we’re in the same rooms we were in ten years ago,” Shelley said.

  There was silence for a minute. “Maybe,” Jordan said. He turned to Peggy. “Are they?”

  She shrugged. “Could be. I don’t remember where everyone was ten years ago.”

  “Really,” Shelley murmured. “Well, we’ll see, won’t we?” She arched a brow pleasantly, walking over to the pile of baggage to take up an overnight bag. Still beautiful petite, and graceful, she offered them all her catlike smile again. “Follow me, Bren, and see if I don’t know exactly where I’m going!”

  “We can try to do the same,” Derrick told his wife.

  “I’ll help you with your things, Mr. Flanaghan,” Angel told him, reaching for one of his bags.

  Derrick winced. “Eh? I’m not that old, son. Call me Derrick. You called me by my first name when you were a boy. Don’t make me feel like an aging politician now, okay?”

  “Okay,” Angel agreed, setting the bag down.

  “Angel, I’m not old, but I’m not that young. Go ahead and take up that suitcase,” Derrick told him.

  Angel laughed, and did as he was told. Judy was already halfway up the staircase, following on Shelley’s heels. The two were talking away.

  Jeremy left Kathy’s side to help Vicky Sue with a bag as Larry hefted up the others, helped by Jordan with whom he was still talking.

  Tara slipped around in back of Kathy.

  “Too bad you missed the arrival.”

  Kathy turned around. “I guess.”

  “Over your fright from last night?”

  Kathy nodded. “I haven’t been to the cathedral in a long time. I wanted to go over there much more than I feared going out.”

  “How nice.”

  Kathy wasn’t sure what the elegant blond beauty queen was getting at. But then Tara grinned at her with saccharine sweetness.

  “Praying to get your husband back?”

  Kathy didn’t reply. Tara had spoken softly enough so that no one remaining in the foyer had heard her.

  “Miss Hughes, if this is your customary mode of behavior, I may not have to pray,” Kathy said pleasantly. She started to turn away just as the doorbell began ringing.

  Joe Garcia strode to answer it.

  A tall man stood within the frame, a dark form against the sunlight. He moved in.

  Shelley suddenly shrieked from the top of the stairway.

  “Miles! Miles!”

  She came tearing back down, racing by them. Miles Reeves stepped on into the house. Lean, appealing with his craggy face, smiling just a little bit awkwardly.

  “Hello, all. It’s good to see everyone.”

  Shelley flew into his arms, and he caught her, grinning down at her after she planted a sloppy kiss right on his lips.

  “My, my!” Judy drawled from the stairway. “The gang’s all here. Hell yes, the gang’s all here!”

  “Well, except for one,” Jordan said, speaking softly, but his rich voice seeming to ring out and encompass them all.

  “Who?” Tara said blankly.

  “Keith,” Jordan said softly. “Keith isn’t here.”

  A pin could have dropped, and its landing been heard by all.
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  “But then, of course,” Jordan added pleasantly, “I’m sure he’s with us in spirit. In fact, I’m certain he’ll be with every single one of us all week.”

  He smiled, picked up one of Larry’s bags, and started for the stairway himself.

  Sixteen

  TO KATHY’S SURPRISE, SUNDAY turned out to be a nice day.

  The weather was perfect and they spent the afternoon and evening out by the pool. Bit by bit, they settled into little groups, catching up on one another’s lives. Kathy was delighted to realize that Miles loved what he did, enjoyed his Irish music tremendously, and had even been considering marriage. “This is good for me, maybe what I needed to really change my life,” he told her as they sat alone. He was sipping a beer. “So how about you?” He lifted his beer bottle toward where Jeremy was involved in a volleyball game with Bren, Alex, and Angel Garcia. “Is marriage in the cards? You’d certainly have beautiful children with him!”

  “I have beautiful children now.”

  “Oh, yeah, of course. Jeez, Kathy, I didn’t mean—”

  “I know.”

  “Bren and Alex aren’t just beautiful you know. They’re polite, charming, warm, and caring. You and Jordan made beautiful people.”

  “Thanks, Miles. That’s nice.”

  He grinned. “We always tried, didn’t we? You and I were usually the peacemakers.”

  “I guess.”

  He took another swig of his beer, then leaned back, letting the sun beat down on him. He grinned at her again. “I don’t think I quite rated with you. Thank God you were married. We all might have canonized you otherwise.” He looked straight ahead. “I know Keith thought you could solve any problem. He idolized the ground you walked on.”

  Kathy sighed. “Miles—”

  “God, I keep putting my foot into it, don’t I? I didn’t mean anything by that. We all knew you were his friend, nothing more. But what a group, eh? You madly in love with our fearless leader Jordan, Keith trailing after you like a puppy dog, then Shelley trailing after him, and there was me, ready for any little handout she was ready to give.”

  “You two were always together.”

  “Sure. I was her buddy. I loved her, she patted me on the head now and then.”

  “But she really did care about you. Still does.”

  “Yeah, maybe. Isn’t it funny? What a bunch of loners we were. Like spoiled children. If we couldn’t have the one we wanted, we just didn’t want anyone at all.”