Here Comes My Woman: Book Three (The Woman I Love Series 3)

by G S Binkley

  Chapter Twelve

  As Lacy’s family arrived for the 4th of July barbeque, Gage provided some last minute direction to their new yardman, Jim. “Lacy wanted me to make sure and see that you join us after you’re finished. The food will be ready in a couple of hours.” She turned to walk away then decided to ask him one last time. “You sure you don’t have something else you’d rather be doing today?”

  “Nope.” He gathered his tools and ambled off.

  Watching the young man for a minute, Gage almost didn’t hear her name being called.

  “Gage.”

  She turned to see Joe approaching her. “Hey.”

  “Lacy wants you and I was wondering if I…. could maybe take your boat out? Just up and down the cove.” He added quickly.

  Gage hesitated only briefly. “Sure, why not?”

  The young man wanted to reassure her. “My dad had one like yours… a few years back. He taught me…. I’ll be super careful.”

  The blonde nudged the young man. “Come on. You know, Mark has a couple of boats. Doesn’t know a thing about any of them.” She stole a quick glance at him. “Maybe you could show him the ropes.”

  “Seriously?” Having not taken much interest in his mother’s boyfriend, Joe didn’t care to learn about the man who, he felt, was trying to replace his father. After his father died, Joe took it upon himself to step into that role as man of the house. He wanted to help his mother and sister while staking his claim as an adult. It was Mark’s entrance into his mother’s life that interrupted his plans.

  “Don’t know why really. He loves the water like I do.” Gage wasn’t about to let Joe in on the secret she shared with her friend. Mark did own several boats including the one at the cabin that so impressed Dani. There was only one thing that Mark ever resented about his father. Sam Calico elected to teach his young son to swim and without much production dropped him overboard from their thirty-foot boat. If it hadn’t been for Mark’s mom, Doris, he swore he would have drowned. Doris relegated her husband from the bedroom for a full week after that stunt. Of course, Sam was oblivious as to why, because that was the way his father taught him to swim. “I’m sure he’d appreciate you teaching him. Did I tell you he loves the water?” Gage asked again hiding her devious grin. Oh, he is gonna love me for this.

  Dark blue eyes nearly skyrocketed out of his head when Joe asked Mark to go along for a ride on the boat. Desperately wanting to form some kind of bond with his girlfriend’s son, he reluctantly agreed and didn’t miss the smirk on his friend’s face.

  Jessie, Dani and Derek piped up all insisting on going along for the ride. Lacy’s astute younger brother, Nate, read the panicked look on Mark’s face so he asked to go along, too. Gage shrugged her shoulders as she scratched behind her ear pretending the whole thing was news to her.

  ***********************

  For the next two hours as Gage ruled over the grill, Julie waited nervously for the boat’s crew to return. She surreptitiously gave Gage the evil eye as they both knew about Mark’s fear of the water.

  “Julie? Come inside and help me?” Lacy called. “Stop worrying. Okay? You said yourself that Joe’s an expert boatman. Besides, Nate’s with them.” She guided her friend to the kitchen where Lacy’s mother and sister were sitting at the table.

  Lacy arrived just in time to hear her mother advise Lisa. “Talk to her. She’s your sister for goodness sake. She’ll understand.”

  Lacy’s blue eyes shifted from her mother to her sister then finally came to rest on her friend. “Go on.” Julie nudged her. “Mrs. Lewis, can I help?”

  “Please call me Lynn.” As Julie sat down, Lynn Lewis shoved several unshucked corn her way. “This will keep us busy till they get back.”

  That was their mother’s cue for the two sisters to have a long needed chat. Lisa rolled her eyes embarrassed at being caught. Recovering quickly, she grabbed Lacy’s arm. “Let’s get this over with.”

  The older sibling followed her sister out the door. As they passed across the patio, Lacy sent Gage a quick wink.

  Chewing on some crushed ice, Gage watched her partner being dragged away by her sister. Hank Lewis nudged her. “Here have a beer.”

  Gage shook her head. “Think they’ll show up?”

  Hank shrugged, finished his own beer then started on the one he had offered his sister-in-law. “If Denny knows what’s good for him.”

  “Where’s your dad anyway?”

  Lacy’s dark haired older brother sat down in the chair. “Checking on your new yard guy. He considers himself an expert.” Hank snapped his fingers as a revelation popped into his mind. “Hey, you know, Gage, you should of asked him to take care of this place. He’d love it.”

  “Quite frankly, we hadn’t thought of it.” Gage jumped back when the flame sizzled from the grill. “It’s a full time job.”

  “Stand back.” Daniel Lewis ordered. He doused the flame with some of Hank’s precious beer then handed the near empty bottle back to his son. “Thanks.” Throwing a hard glare at Gage, he said. “Next time ask.”

  Hank stared at the bottle for a long moment before taking a long pull, finishing it off. When Jason arrived, Hank dipped into the cooler, pulling out a beer for himself and his partner.

  Jason screwed the top off and drank greedily of the cold beer. Sparing a quick glance around the house, he joked. “House still standing, I see.”

  His partner lightly punched him the gut. “If it wasn’t, it’d be your fault. You had to go and save money ordering the cheaper material just so we’d make a bigger profit.” Hank said seriously, hoping Gage was listening.

  “Had to find some way to buy that new car.” Jason countered with the same resolute tone.

  Lacy’s father noted Gage’s concerned expression as Hank and Jason bantered. “Don’t let them bother you. Lacy’d have their heads if that were true.” He whispered.

  Gage decided to play along. “Too bad they’re such cheapskates.” She jerked her hand over her shoulder at the two smug guys. “Mark and I have a twenty million dollar project we were thinking of throwing their way but, now….”

  Pushing each other out of the way, Jason and Hank raced to get to Gage first. “He was just joking.” Turning to his friend, Jason shot Hank a hard look. “You idiot… I hope you didn’t cost us this job.”

  “Me?” Hank jabbed himself in the chest. Mocking Jason, he spat sarcastically. “Hope the house is still standing. I never know what’s gonna come out of your mouth next.” Hank slapped his taller partner’s head.

  Dan shook his head. “Businessmen.” He winked at Gage. “Don’t worry about the electricity. I wired it. And, another thing…. I’d love ya to ASK me to take care your place. Be right here in heaven, I would.”

  Taking a chance, Gage asked. “Would you come by now and then and check on things? Jim seems capable enough. Kinda strange though…”

  “Sure thing. Be my pleasure.” Tired of hearing Hank and Jason argue, he ripped into them. “You two, shut….” They complied. “..and sit.” Before he finished, the two men flopped down feeling like two chastised schoolboys. Turning back to an impressed Gage, he smiled. “Years of practice.”

  *************************

  Joe guided the boat easily toward the dock. He took great pride in showing Mark what he knew. For the first time in a long time, the eighteen year old felt a sense of confidence. Floundering around for years after his father died, Joe was lost with no sense of direction. It was one of the reasons he turned to drugs. “Nate, could you get the starboard…”

  Before the young captain could issue his command, Nate jumped up near the starboard rail to secure the lines. Joe maintained the boat’s turtle like speed until Nate would be able to make his way to the port side. Memories flooded Joe’s mind remembering the last time he was out on the boat with his father. Joe, Sr. proudly watched his son navigate their boat into port. However, at the last minute his dad took over captain duties and ordered his son to secure the anchor lin
es. In such a hurry to impress his father, Joe tripped over a loose line and fell head first into the water. It was an embarrassing moment and one that he harbored for years because he never had a chance to prove to his father he could handle docking their boat.

  Joe slowed the boat to a crawl but Nate was still having a problem securing the line. “Nate, I need you on the port side.” Joe barked.

  Having seen Nate’s dilemma, Mark jumped over the port’s rail near the edge in an attempt to help. He grabbed the line and readied himself for the boat’s approach to the dock. “I got it.” Mark sprang up quickly then twisted around at the exact time when Joe flipped the boat into reverse causing the older man to lose his balance. Flailing arms flapped round and round as he desperately tried to right himself. Before Mark took the plunge, his eyes met and held Joe’s worried brown ones. In that moment, they shared a link that cemented a bond between them. Mark splashed head first into the water.

  Jessie, Dani and Derek leaned over the port side. “Can I jump in, too?” Derek begged his sister.

  Dani rolled her eyes. “Jeez, sometimes I don’t know about you Derek.”

  Joe killed the engine. “Nate!”

  Lacy’s twenty-five year old brother flew across the bow. “He’s okay.” He said upon spying his fallen mate.

  Mark had dog paddled safely to the dock’s edge, climbing up the ladder. He looked up to see everyone staring at him. CEO of I don’t know how many companies, respected, good business head on my shoulders and… Feeling totally embarrassed and shaking with fear, he surveyed his wet sodden body. ….it’s all come down to this.

  The motley crew waited in great anticipation at Mark’s reaction but none more than Joe. When Mark finally let out a deep sigh, he began to laugh so hard he fell to the dock’s floor. He laughed at himself and at the situation he found himself in. I don’t care. I had fun today.

  Joe and Nate secured the boat to the dock and helped the kids down. Nate corralled the younger ones directing them back to the house while Joe hung around, waiting for the expected reprimand.

  “Sorry.” Joe offered Mark an apology.

  Mark studied the young man for a brief moment. He took a chance of a lifetime. Wrapping his arms around Joe, he gave him a big bear hug producing the desired effect. Joe was now nearly as wet as Mark. “Figured you had that coming.” Silence between the two reigned only for a moment before they both broke out in laughter.

  ***********************

  Lacy leaned against the gazebo’s rail closely watching her pacing sister. “Lisa?”

  Halting her sister with a raised hand, Lisa vacillated about the words she was going to say. In an attempt to brace her sister against the news, Lisa let out a deep breath. “Lacy.”

  “Jason.” The older sister quickly inserted before Lisa could speak another word.

  “How’d you..”

  “It’s written all over you face and… his, too.”

  “You’re not upset?”

  Wrapping her sister in her arms, Lacy assured her. “Nope. Happy for you. When’s the wedding?”

  Pulling back, Lisa was clearly mortified. “Really, Lacy, I haven’t even given any thought…”

  Lacy shot her a knowing look.

  “Next summer.” Lisa giggled. “He doesn’t know yet. I want to surprise him.”

  Lacy let out a heartfelt laugh. “They never do, dear. They never do.” Pulling Lisa in for another hug, Lacy smiled as she mentally calculated that her newborn baby would be about three or four months old.

  ************************

  Denny Lewis, his wife and son never did show up for the barbeque. They were scheduled to arrive after spending some time with Crystal’s family. And, another absent guest was Hank’s girlfriend. They had recently broken up over a discussion about marriage.

  By the time everyone had eaten, it was evident to several members of the group that something drastic had changed between Mark and Joe. The easy bantering between the two brought a relieved smile to Julie’s face.

  Lynn was happy to see her daughter finally make her intentions to Jason known since she had her sister’s apparent approval. Lisa flirted openly with the tall good-looking man that the Lewis family had welcomed years ago. No one - other than Lisa - was happier about this new development between Lacy’s sister and Jason than Gage. Thank God, I don’t have to worry about him anymore. A niggling doubt had pestered the blonde for years even though it was quite apparent that Lacy was totally in love with her.

  As evening set, Nate and Hank prepared to light the fireworks. The group gathered around and several couples took up residence next to each other. Dan and his wife paired up as did Lacy and Gage along with Jason and Lisa. Mark led Julie a short distance away from the crowd. The kids perched themselves on the short brick wall ready for the fireworks to commence.

  As the dark sky lit up in an array of bright colors, Mark tenderly took Julie’s hands in his and summoned the courage within to ask the question that would change his life forever. He had determined to ask Julie to marry him and after having formed a new relationship with Joe, as the fireworks burst across the sky, Mark exploded with excitement about the prospect of making Julie Grant his wife.

  Lacy and Gage noted the engaged couple share a loving kiss and admire the sparkling new diamond on Julie’s finger. Simultaneously, they said. “Bout time.” Surprised green met equally astounded blue in a knowing exchange.

  From a short distance away, the intensive observing young yardman scratched his short beard before turning to leave.

  ***********************

  The long weekend was about to come to an end. Stroking the length of Lacy’s side, Gage held her love. “I hate to leave tomorrow.”

  “I know.” Lacy enjoyed her lover’s undivided attention. “After the location shoot in St. Louis, we only have a few more weeks in LA… then it’s back home for us.” She leaned in for a sweet and gentle kiss that suddenly turned demanding.

  The blonde broke from the passionate kiss, sucking in much needed air. “Did you forget our anniversary in a couple of weeks?”

  “How could I?” Gage’s roaming hands left no patch of skin ignored. “Are you practicing?”

  “Mmmmm hmmmm.” Gage again demanded and claimed the willing lips before her.

  “All right.” Pulling at Gage’s top, she ordered her lover. “Get this off.”

  In a flash, Gage stripped off the offending shirt. “Your wish is my command.”

  “Is that right?” Lacy nuzzled her partner’s neck as her hand squeezed Gage’s backside.

  “God, baby. You know, I love that.”

  Lifting up, Lacy pushed her lover’s hungry lips to her breasts. “And, you know what I love. Now, get to it.”

  As commanded, Gage devoured the ample breast before her. The last focused thought Gage had was that she wished she would have had taken her vitamins. They would be exhausted by early morning light but well satiated.

  Chapter Thirteen

  Lacy and Gage packed up the kids and headed to St. Louis for the location shoot. Lacy’s mom also offered to watch her grandkids while her daughter was working. The actress declined the offer as Lynn was already going to have them with her for the upcoming weekend while Lacy and Gage celebrated their wedding anniversary. Besides, neither Lacy nor Gage wanted to be away from the kids. So Lisa volunteered to come along and watch the kids since Stella was still in LA with her sick friend.

  Ryan White was in an intense discussion with Lacy on how her character would react in the upcoming scene. Her character, Jordan, was dealing with seeing her father after years of absence. Lacy argued that since Jordan idolized her father, she would acquiesce quickly when he finally wanted to reunite and make amends for his sudden departure after his wife died.

  From the riverbank, Lisa and the kids watched Michael’s second unit shoot the motorcycle brigade cross the Missouri Bridge. Gage stayed for a while then moseyed up to where she saw Ryan and Lacy in the increasing heated yet professional e
xchange. When she heard what they were discussing, Gage stepped up, to insert her view as the writer of the story.

  “Ryan’s right, Lacy. I know Jordan loved her father but he left them, leaving her to take care of the family. He turned his back on them without any regard for what they wanted, what they needed. He was selfish, cared only about himself…..” The writer’s intended helpful comments morphed into a full out dissertation. “…he didn’t deserve her love and if you have Jordan forgiving him so easily then….” Gage’s word faltered on her lips as unsettled emotions welled up inside her. Memories of why her mother left her ran rampant, rubbing against the raw emotions brewing inside.

  Sucking in a calming breath, Gage stared closely at Ryan then to Lacy who were visible shocked and stunned by her verbal rampage. Holding up a halting hand, she excused herself. “Okay, okay. You direct, you act. I’ll be way over there doing what I do best…. watching the kids.”

  Lacy’s heart sank seeing the love of her life relive in these few moments every hurtful memory Gage carried with her, but refused to share. She started after her partner but was stopped by Ryan when he placed a hand on her arm.

  “We’re almost finished here, Lacy. If we get this scene in, all that’s left is a few more shots the second unit can handle. You and Gage can take off for that long weekend. Okay?” The last two days of shooting had gone well and Ryan was ready to pack it up and head back to LA - if only he could get this one last take in the can.