Beyond the Ridge
Page 23
*
Coal called her dad and asked him to meet her at her house. With papers in hand, she sat nervously and waited for the knock at the door. She inhaled deeply, trying to settle her queasy stomach. Just relax. In less than an hour, it will all be over.
Even though she’d been expecting him, the knock at the door startled her and she jumped. “Here we go.”
“You wanted to see me,” her father said. He stood stiffly on the porch.
“Yes, I did. It’s about the ranch.” She handed him the manila folder.
“Well,” he said. “I’m glad to see you’ve come to your senses.”
“Actually, Dad, I’ve decided I don’t want it. Any of it. I told you before I’m not going to hide who I am because you have a different agenda. I’m a lesbian, Dad, whether you accept it or not, and I’m tired of fighting you. You can keep the inheritance, destroy Grandpa’s dream, and shove the Davis name right up your conservative ass! All I want is to be free from the shackles that this family has kept me bound by for all these years.”
Her father’s face turned crimson. His neck bulged over his collar, and his blue eyes blazed. “You dare talk like this to me? For what? That loser contractor?”
“She is not a loser! You say that because she doesn’t fit your mold. Doesn’t bathe in money. Doesn’t dress like your uptight friends. I don’t understand what could be so wrong about two people loving each other.”
“I will not discuss this topic with you. If it’s your decision to give up your inheritance then that’s your choice. But I’m warning you, Coal. Stay away from Jay DiAngelo, or she will regret coming anywhere near you.”
Coal narrowed her eyes as she refused to release his cold, challenging stare. “She is not a part of this conversation! And you can’t destroy someone’s life or their family’s simply because I refuse to live my life the way you want.”
“I have said my piece. Let’s see if you truly are a Davis and make the right decision.”
“Sounds like she’s already made up her mind,” Jay said, surprising them both. She was standing at the bottom of Coal’s porch looking exhausted, in pain, and like the best thing Coal had ever seen.
“Jay?” Coal stepped past her father and placed an arm around her waist.
Jay’s Metallica T-shirt was soaked with sweat, and she was finding it hard to catch her breath. “What are you doing here?”
“Had to see you.”
“I can’t believe they released you,” Coal said.
“They didn’t.” Jay smiled weakly. “I signed out against doctor’s orders.”
“So stubborn.” Coal wiped a strand of hair out of Jay’s eyes as Jay swayed toward her.
“Ms. DiAngelo,” Coal’s father said coolly. “What business do you have with my daughter?”
“I needed to be here for her, sir.”
“Jay, dear,” Jane said. She climbed out of her golf cart and approached them all. “Shouldn’t you be in the hospital?”
“Not now, Jane. Why don’t you go back home and let me deal with this.”
“Thomas, what is this all about?” Jane asked.
“It’s nothing, dear. I said please stay out of it. Ms. DiAngelo,” he said, turning his attention back to Jay. “If you’d like to speak with Coal, I suggest the telephone. Otherwise, I think it’s time you leave our daughter’s property.”
“Sir, I’m not leaving her. I love her.”
“You do?” Coal wanted to cry. She tightened her grip on Jay’s waist noting that every second Jay remained standing was zapping what was left of her energy.
“Yes. I’m so sorry that I let my pride get in the way, and it almost cost me the most important thing in my life.”
“And what’s that?”
“You.”
“Oh, sweetheart.” Coal placed a hand on her face. “I love you too.”
“Coal Davis,” her father said angrily. He grabbed her by the arm and pulled her out of Jay’s embrace. With his face inches from hers he growled, “This deviant behavior stops now!”
“You know what, Dad?” She yanked out of his iron grip. “You’re right. This does stop now. All of it.”
“Everyone stop!” Her mother stood with her hand stretched out between Coal and her father, her expression one of caution and concern. “Someone tell me what the hell is going on.”
“Mom, I’m sorry. But this is Dad trying to run my life and destroy someone else’s because they love me.”
“Thomas, what is she saying?”
“Beats me. I don’t think she knows what she’s saying. Do you, Coal?” Her father’s tone was lethal.
“Actually, Dad, I know exactly what I’m saying.”
She started at the beginning, explaining to Jay and her mother about the ranch and her father’s threats. When she was done, the sound of shocked silence hung over them like a heavy cloud.
“Thomas, please tell me these allegations aren’t true,” her mother finally said.
“And this is why you pushed me away?” Jay pulled Coal close and buried her face in her hair.
“Yes. I couldn’t have him ruin everything you’ve worked so hard for. You’ve already sacrificed so much. No way could I be the cause of any more pain for you.”
“Jesus, don’t you get it? All that other stuff is meaningless without you in my life. The only pain I’ve ever suffered is when I thought I lost you. I love you.”
“And I love you.”
Jay dipped her head to kiss Coal and pulled her close to the uninjured side of her body. Feeling stronger and more confident than she’d ever been in her life, she faced Coal’s father once more. “Sir, you can take everything I own if you think that matters to me. I thought I knew what I valued before, that is until I met your daughter. Turns out, she makes my life richer just being in it.”
“You’re making a mistake, Ms. DiAngelo,” he said.
Jay laughed, thinking how ironic that statement was. “I have made enough of those in my life—some of them forgivable—some of them not. But what I know with all my heart is that no part of my love for Coal is a mistake.”
“Thomas,” Jane seethed. “I can’t believe this. You threatened Jay, her family, and tried to blackmail our daughter?”
“We will discuss this later.” Thomas didn’t look in Jane’s direction dismissing her as if she were an insignificant underling. “As for you, Coal, I will file those papers that you’ve signed regarding the transfer of the ranch immediately. I’m also requesting you leave the area as soon as possible. I can’t have your objectionable behavior affect my election chances.”
“That’s enough!” The hardness in Jane’s voice caused Thomas to turn back in her direction. He took one step back. “If you think I’m going to stand by while you throw our daughter out of our lives, you’re sadly mistaken. If anyone will be leaving, Thomas, it will be you.”
“Since when do you speak to me—”
Jane held up her hand to silence him. “We will discuss this in private. Coal.” Jane turned toward her daughter, her facial features softening. “I know you really wanted to try to follow the rules that had been set for you by this family.”
“Mom, I’m sorry. I can’t—”
“That’s just it, honey. You shouldn’t have any rules. What kind of family sets guidelines for their children’s happiness?” The comment was directed at Thomas who was no longer looking at any of them.
“Mom, I love Jay. You know that, don’t you?”
Jane smiled, placing a hand on her cheek. “It’s not what I know that’s important. Only that she understands how much you love her.”
“You do know that, don’t you?” Coal looked up uncertainly at Jay.
“I think I know. But how about you tell me again?”
Coal pulled Jay’s head down to whisper into her ear. “How about I show you instead? In private.”
“What a great idea.”
Coal called out to her dad who still wouldn’t look at any of them. “I wanted you to know
that I’d already made up my mind to leave before you asked me to go. I can’t be partners with you, especially not after all this. So, after you read over the paperwork, you’ll notice that I’ve found a way to keep the ranch operational. But that means selling my house and moving the ranch to a smaller plot of land. At least that way, I can continue with the program that has meant so much to so many people.”
“Over my dead body,” Jane said. “You are not selling this house. And the ranch details can wait.”
“But, Mom—”
“No buts.” She took the envelope from her husband without an argument from him. “Jay needs to lie down, and your father and I have a lot to discuss. Oh and, Jay, I expect you to join us for breakfast tomorrow morning.”
“Yes, ma’am. I wouldn’t miss it.”
As Coal’s parents drove off, Jay waved to Dino who had watched the entire conversation from the safety of his pickup. Finally alone, Jay sagged against Coal, wondering how the hell she’d remained standing for this long.
“Honey, we need to get you to bed,” Coal said.
“I like the way that sounds. I’m worried about your mom though. Will she be okay?”
“I think so. I’ve never seen her that mad before. She’s a lot tougher than I thought. But I guess I shouldn’t be surprised. My grandfather told me long ago, anyone who marries a Davis needs to have balls of steel.”
Jay bent forward and kissed her. “I’ll have to remember that.”
Chapter Twenty-seven
One Year Later
“Angel, are you sure you have the ring?”
“Jesus, Coal.” Angel walked out of one of the adjoining rooms. “How many times are you going to ask me that question?”
“Sorry. I’m nervous.” She ironed out an imaginary wrinkle in her Vera Wang wedding dress, the tapered neckline showing a hint of cleavage underneath an elegant pattern of lace. “How do I look?”
“Do you even need to ask?” Angel placed her arm around Coal’s shoulders. “I would be surprised if Jay can remain standing after seeing you in this.”
“Well, if I get my way, she won’t have to wait very long to take it off of me.”
“That’s the Coal I know. Now enough with the bullshit. Tell me what else is bothering you?”
“My dad. What else? I really thought after last week he’d make an appearance.”
Since the day Jay had shown up declaring her love, Coal had spent the last few months trying to salvage some relationship with her father. It hadn’t taken them long to settle the affairs of the ranch, her father coming to the decision that it was best for Coal to take over complete control. Coal wasn’t shocked. She knew it was her mother’s influence that had most likely swayed his decision. Coal also kept the house and finally persuaded Jay to move in a few months later. They visited Coal’s mother often, but except for a few perfunctory hellos and good-byes, her father seemed to try his best to avoid them. Coal had had one glimmer of hope at a dinner not too long ago. Her father was not only present with both of them there, he’d started a conversation with Jay about the advantages and disadvantages of granite versus marble countertops. Talk about awkward, but at least it was a start.
“Shh,” Angel said. “Not today. This is not about him. It’s about you and Jay.”
“You’re right.” Coal closed her eyes, taking a deep breath.
“Of course I am.” Angel hugged her. “It’s time.”
Coal couldn’t have asked for a more perfect day to celebrate her love with Jay. As they stood surrounded by their family and friends, they recited their vows like thousands of gay couples had since the Supreme Court of California legalized gay marriage. It was a four to three decision in a predominately conservative court. As she stood there in front of Judge Parker, who had agreed to marry them, she knew without a doubt that his influence had been a large factor in the ruling.
Jay was stunning in a black Versace tux and white silk dress shirt. Her eyes were as vibrant and sparkling as the black pearl studs she wore encased with diamonds, and as Coal slipped the gold band onto Jay’s ring finger, she could never remember being happier.
When the ceremony ended at dusk, Coal’s mother enveloped Coal and Jay into a hug. Her mom had spent the last few weeks transforming her backyard into what some would consider the outdoor wedding of the year. No details were spared, from the backlit silk canopies crisscrossing overhead to the floating candle blocks moving around in the pool.
“You both look beautiful.”
“Thanks, Mom.”
“Jay, I need to speak to my daughter for a second. If you don’t mind me pulling her away?”
“No, ma’am.”
Her mother threw her a stern look. “Cut the ma’am stuff. If you’re going to use any words around me from now on that start with the letter M, it’s going to be Mom, understood?”
Jay blushed. She couldn’t remember the last time she used that word, but she accepted the endearment and all that it implied. “Yes, ma…Mom.”
Jane winked as Coal laughed. “Much better.”
Jay watched them disappear and was overcome with so many different emotions she spoke without thinking. “Christ, I hope I can make her happy.”
“Are you kidding me?” Dino asked. “Look at that beautiful woman. She’s crazy for you.”
“I know,” Jay said. “And I’m crazy for her. I just hope it’s enough.”
“I’m no expert. But I would think that’s everything.”
“It is.”
“Look, Cuz. I know you’re still worried about a few things. Why don’t you let her help you? You’re married now, and that’s what couples do. They help each other.”
Jay’s eyes narrowed. “We are not having this discussion today,” she said through clenched teeth as she tried to keep a smile pasted on her face.
“That’s what we all figured.” He handed her a card. “Congratulations, Cuz.”
“Dino what the—”
“Just open it.”
“What did you do?”
Dino put up his hand. “It wasn’t just me. This is a gift from your family. Me, Uncle Mario, and the rest of your family. We want you to accept it because we love you and you deserve it.”
Jay stared in disbelief as the implications regarding the details inside the card hit her hard. “Dino, I can’t. You don’t understand…”
“No, you don’t understand. You’ve always been there when any of us needed you. Now, we wanted to be there for you. Tia’s house is yours. Free and clear.”
Jay reached for him, pulling him into a bear hug. “Thanks, Dino. I guess this means I’m going to owe you a few Saturdays.”
“Uh, not exactly.”
She placed him at arm’s length. “What’s with the tone?”
“No tone. Hell, I guess now is as good a time as any to tell you I’ve got to let you go.”
Jay couldn’t have possibly heard him correctly. She’d just married the woman of her dreams and Dino was firing her? The next words died on her lips when he handed her another envelope. She opened the flaps, blinking a few times to make sure she was reading the words correctly. She held the paper tightly that confirmed she’d passed her state test to become a licensed contractor. She’d been waiting in anticipation for this letter to arrive for weeks. “How did you get this?”
“Coal has been scoping out the mailbox. When it arrived, we took it upon ourselves to open it, knowing that you passed. She thought you’d like to open it on your wedding day.”
“But how did you know I’d pass? Nobody knows those results until these letters arrive.”
Dino rolled his eyes. “Whatever! Anyone that knows you could see that you could have passed that test with your eyes closed. You did nothing but work or study for six straight months!”
Jay let out a shaky breath. This day was turning out to be more than her heart could handle. “I can’t believe this.”
“Believe it, lover.” Coal wrapped her arms around Jay’s waist from behind.
“Yes, I do. I believe in you and I love you. So get used to it.”
Jay slanted her head and kissed her finally believing she could build that promising future one step at a time.
About the Author
L.T. Marie is a career martial artist who writes during her free time. She believes strongly in the philosophy of yin and yang and sees her writing as a necessary form of relaxation to combat the intensity of her training. Her writing career started in high school where she met her English teacher, Mr. C., who pressed her to reach her potential or, as she would say, “pushed her to her limits.” During this time, she won back-to-back English awards and went on to minor in English in college.
L.T. was born and raised in the great state of California where she still resides with her loving partner and two children. Her hobbies are reading every lesbian romance she can get her hands on and working out religiously.
Books Available from Bold Strokes Books
One Last Thing by Kim Baldwin & Xenia Alexiou. Blood is thicker than pride. The final book in the Elite Operative Series brings together foes, family, and friends to start a new order. (978-1-62639-230-4)
Songs Unfinished by Holly Stratimore. Two aspiring rock stars learn that falling in love while pursuing their dreams can be harmonious—if they can only keep their pasts from throwing them out of tune. (978-1-62639-231-1)
Beyond the Ridge by L.T. Marie. Will a contractor and a horse rancher overcome their family differences and find common ground to build a life together? (978-1-62639-232-8)