The Prodigal Wife

by Susan Fox

  For a man who’d weathered a solitary life, Gabe was as overwhelmed by her attention as she seemed to be by the force of her own newly discovered passion. The years of marriage they could have from here on suddenly seemed certain, something that would surely endure until death took one of them.

  Then Saturday afternoon arrived. The increasing tension Gabe noticed in Lainey, was only a bit less worrisome than the fact that she went out of her way to hide it from him. He’d already decided they wouldn’t go to the barbecue much earlier than four o’clock. Two hours before the meal was soon enough, in spite of Cassie’s invitation.

  Though it was important for Lainey to face folks and give them the opportunity to accept her again, Gabe would have preferred to stay home or to drive down to San Antonio for a lavish dinner somewhere. If not for the barbecue, he wouldn’t share her with anyone.

  He’d tell her that later, when he got enough of the crowd and had gone as long as he could without making love to her. It pleased him to know that he didn’t dare tell her now, because he didn’t entirely trust that she could keep herself from using her newly realized feminine powers to make him forget about going.

  Gabe wasn’t offended by the idea that his wife might try to seduce him with that thought in mind. Ideas about how she might do it were tantalizing enough to make him consider a way to somehow invite her to try. Lainey could seduce him anytime she liked and he wasn’t particular about the reason, as long as she stayed with him after she got what she wanted.

  But it wouldn’t be prudent to admit that. Ever. A smart man kept his mouth shut and enjoyed every second. As he thought about their last time, he decided that four o’clock might still be too early to get to the barbecue.

  Lainey chose the candy pink sundress with its tiny straps, snug, sheared bodice and flaring shirt. The white sandals she’d bought to go with it gave her a casual, summery look that was attractive, but not too dressy. There’d be a wide variety of dresses and shorts and cutoffs—even swimsuits—at the barbecue, so she’d neither be the most formally dressed nor the most dressed down.

  She wore her hair loose, and the only jewelry she had on besides her rings was a simple gold heart locket on a fine chain. It had a picture of her daddy in it, but there was another little compartment on the reverse side that had room for another miniature photograph. Lainey had already decided when she’d chosen to wear it that as long as Gabe seemed happy to play rather than work, she’d persuade him to go with her to a photographer next week so they could have his photo taken.

  These past two days had been like a bright romantic fairy tale, and she loved Gabe so much that it was agonizing not to tell him so. But he’d not mentioned loving her. He’d said he loved this about her or that he loved that, but never once had he come close to saying, “I love you.” Although Lainey couldn’t imagine how Gabe could demonstrate more love for her, he’d still not said the words.

  So she’d taken great care not to say them herself, though they’d almost slipped out several times. She couldn’t imagine ever giving herself to any man as wholly and intimately as she had to Gabe, but she was far too vulnerable to him to risk admitting the one thing that would finally place her heart at his feet.

  What if he didn’t love her yet? Perhaps he’d sensed her eagerness for him to declare himself but because he didn’t love her, he’d stayed on guard in order to subtly rush her past those moments when she might expect it. Unless it was perhaps because of some macho notion of manliness.

  They’d mentioned the words “whimsy” the other day and he’d seemed to find being called “sweet” and “pretty” or “handsome” amusing in private, but he wasn’t an overtly emotional man. He’d said that actions spoke truer than words—and it didn’t take instinct to know that emotionally volatile words might never be the ones he’d be comfortable using.

  Even so, if he ever did say, “I love you,” it would likely be profoundly emotional for him. And his confession would not only be absolutely true, but it would also be one that he’d live up to all his life. Lainey had stopped worrying that Gabe would somehow use intimacy to humiliate her. She’d misjudged him before, but she wouldn’t now. He would never do that to her. She was certain of that—of him.

  They drove over to McClain ranch and arrived just a bit more than an hour before the meal was served. The ride had been mostly silent. By the time they drove down the mile-long road from the highway, both sides of the ranch road nearer the house were almost bumper to bumper with parked vehicles, mostly pickups of every age and condition, and SUV’s.

  Instead of driving ahead to the wide edge of the outer lawn around the big house where many more vehicles had been parked, Gabe stopped in the drive and neatly turned the car around to back toward the black pickup that was last in line on that side.

  When they got ready to leave, they’d be facing in the direction of the highway, and though it was a long walk to the house, they’d be spared the congestion that those who’d parked closer would have to deal with later.

  Gabe stopped to give Lainey a moment to step out on the road before he continued backing the car into place. If he hadn’t done that, her alternative would have been to get out on the edge of the grassy ditch. She walked along after the car those few feet and waited by Gabe’s door for him to get out. When he did, he took her hand and squeezed it.

  “Look them in the eye, and give folks a chance,” he said as he leaned down to kiss her lightly.

  They turned then and walked hand in hand toward the house a quarter mile away. The walk in the hot air managed to ease only a tiny bit of Lainey’s dread. Before they started around the big house to the massive patio and pool in back, Gabe pulled her against his side, and Lainey took what comfort she could from the embrace.

  As if she’d been watching for their arrival, Cassie called out from the other side of the pool and waved before she rushed around it to meet them.

  “Oh, my,” she said as Lainey eased her arm from Gabe’s waist. Cassie reached for Lainey’s hands. “Pink’s my color, darlin’. How come you had to wear it and show folks how much prettier it looks on you?”

  Cassie’s fingers encountered Lainey’s rings and her blond brows went up as she lifted Lainey’s hand to inspect them.

  “Lordy, Gabe, they’re just beautiful. I’ll bet the shine off these’d blind a person at high noon.”

  Lainey couldn’t help but smile and relax a bit as Cassie made over her. Cass didn’t seem to care who overheard, and a quick glance around told Lainey everyone was watching. And because Cassie still had incredible social influence anywhere she went, what she was doing was tantamount to not only conferring acceptability on Lainey, but also making it clear that Lainey was a valued guest.

  Lainey gripped Cassie’s fingers as she quietly said, “Thanks, Cass. This means more than I can say.”

  Cassie trilled out a bright laugh, as if what Lainey had said was not only funny but charming, then she whispered back, “You were a good sport way back when, Lainey, though I know it must have about killed you. You coulda made a fool of me any number of times and didn’t, so I figure I owe you at least a half a dozen favors. Besides,” she said and leaned closer, “ain’t nobody understands a spoiled daddy’s girl like another spoiled daddy’s girl.”

  Lainey laughed then, more at ease. “You’re right. We can be pretty rotten, can’t we?”

  “Sure can,” Cassie declared. “Just so we don’t get into a my-daddy-spoiled-me-better-’n’-your-daddy fight, I reckon we could end up the best of friends.”

  “I think that’s pretty certain now,” Lainey said, but Cassie ignored that to give Gabe a look of mock-horror.

  “This girl still talks like a Yankee, Gabe.”

  He chuckled and Cassie glanced briefly toward the barbecue pit to spot where Mac and several of his cronies were seated in a growing half circle of lawn chairs. She looked back at Gabe.

  “Why don’t you go on over and say hi to Daddy? I’ll take Lainey around and bring her over in a while.�
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  Lainey added her agreement. “Go ahead. I’ll be fine.”

  Gabe nodded to them then strode around the big pool to the back of the massive yard. Cassie looped her arm in Lainey’s and as they walked she leaned close to whisper.

  “Now don’t get your feelin’s hurt, but the bad news is that ol’ Jeanette saw you shoppin’ in San Antonio the other day and found out about your trip to town. Not more than a half hour ago, she was tellin’ everyone that you’re the prodigal wife. That Gabe bought you the fine robe, put the ring on your finger, and that my daddy killed the fatted calf in time to celebrate you comin’ home to your poor, longsuffering husband.”

  Lainey looked at Cassie, not certain whether to be appalled or not because Cassie was amused, though it was close enough to the mark to make her queasy.

  “But,” Cassie went on, giving her arm a squeeze, “old lady Harmon scolded her for spying on you, then passin’ that around to hurt your chances with everyone. She embarrassed ol’ Jeanette half to death. Most of the women seemed to agree that folks should give you a chance, ’cause you were always good to everybody, just like your daddy was.”

  Lainey couldn’t help the rush of emotion she felt. “Oh, Cassie, don’t kid me. Please.”

  Cassie’s gaze turned sympathetic but showed a sparkle of orneriness. “I’ll kid you and lie my head off about how much better you look in pink than me, but I’m not kiddin’ or lyin’ about this.”

  She pulled her arm from Lainey’s to put it companionably around her shoulders. “By the end of tonight, all they’re gonna be able to talk about is how Gabe Patton and his wife danced with each other under the stars like there was nobody else at McClain’s. But then they went home early, because…” She laughed and ended with, “Because.”

  The tension and the sick weight of dread Lainey had felt lifted suddenly. “Thank you, Cassie. You’re very kind.”

  Cassie’s brows went up as she dropped her arm. “Don’t let that get around. Better to let folks wonder. Besides which…”

  She let her voice fade as she glanced around them and urged Lainey a little closer to the edge of the patio before she went on.

  “Since old lady Harmon is too far outta earshot to scold me, I can tell you that Sally got married a month ago to a man her daddy’s threatening to sue, Amy Jo’s pregnant with twins, and Bobbie just dumped the most scrumptious cowboy. I’m gonna volunteer to see what I can do to get him over the disappointment.”

  Cass nudged her with an elbow. “And I won’t be sendin’ him a sympathy card.”

  Lainey laughed, appreciating Cassie’s efforts to put her at ease. Together they made the rounds, chatting here and there with the other guests. Lainey was thrilled that everyone truly did seem friendly.

  Afterward they walked over to the barbecue pit where Mac had just supervised the carving of the beef. He suddenly grabbed Lainey for a bear hug as he teased her about coming with Gabe to the barbecue instead of being his date. He led Lainey and Gabe across the lawn to start the lines past the serving tables.

  When Mac had everyone’s attention, he boomed out, “Welcome to the McClain barbecue, ladies and gents!”

  When the cheers died down, he added an enthusiastic, “An’ I’d like to present Mr. and Mrs. Gabriel Patton!”

  The crowd clapped and cheered again, and there were several male hoots along with a couple of shouted bits of male advice to Gabe. Afterward, they went through the food line and Mac seated them at his table. They ate until they were stuffed.

  After ice cream was served, the country band Mac had hired began to tune up next to the dance floor that had been placed just off the big patio. Gabe led Lainey over as the first number began and took her into his arms. They danced three dances. Lainey enjoyed the livelier pace of the first two, then gratefully moved deeper into Gabe’s arms for the ballad that played next.

  Gabe leaned down so he wouldn’t be overheard. “What did I tell you?”

  “It’s almost too good to be true,” she said, still a bit giddy with happiness.

  Gabe pressed a kiss in her hair. “I’m glad you and Cassie hit it off.”

  Lainey smiled. “I guess we both grew up.”

  “Maybe so,” he drawled. “I’ve just recently found out how good it is to make peace, so this just adds to that pleasure.”

  Lainey snuggled closer. “If not for you, none of it could have happened.”

  “I had nothing to do with you and Cassie, and I’m not sure how much I had to do with settling things between us.”

  Lainey shook her head. “If you’d thrown me out that day, we wouldn’t be here now.” She looked up at him. “Have I told you yet that you’re wonderful? And the word wonderful can be a he-man term.”

  “Quite a compliment, darlin’.”

  “You’re quite a man.”

  A lazy grin slowly curved his stern mouth. “You sure?”

  “Yes.” She studied the gleam in his eyes, and suddenly knew he was teasing. “Why wouldn’t I be?”

  “If you aren’t sure, I’d give you a fresh demonstration.”

  “Ah,” she said, smiling faintly.

  “What do you say we thank Mac and Cassie for having us over and invite them for supper soon? Not too soon, though, ’cause we’re pretty busy the next several evenings.”

  Lainey considered it. “You don’t think it’s too early? What will people think?”

  “Folks have been watching us for the past ten minutes. They’re probably takin’ bets on how long we’ll stay.”

  Lainey couldn’t help the heat in her face. “Oh.”

  “They expect it.” Gabe’s arm tightened around her. “And I’ve shared you enough to last me a while. I’m ready to go.”

  “Me, too.”

  The band ended the number not six beats after she’d said that, so Gabe released her and took her hand to lead her off the dance floor. Mac winked broadly at Gabe as they said their thanks and goodbyes, and Cassie made Lainey promise to give her a call next week.

  The ride home was swift and silent. Lainey leaned back on the headrest and let the relief and pleasure she felt deepen. Eventually she turned her head and glanced over at Gabe. It was on the tip of her tongue to tell him she loved him, but worry about how he’d respond made her hold back.

  When they arrived at the house, Gabe came around the car to open her door and take her hand. They were partway up the front walk before he stopped and leaned down to swing her up in his arms.

  “I’m overdue to carry you over the threshold, Mrs. Patton. How ’bout we remedy that now?”

  Lainey tightened her arms around his neck and kissed him. “Another good idea. Thank you.”

  Gabe carried her the rest of the way to the door and easily opened it without setting her down before he stepped inside. He paused only long enough to kick the big door closed behind him before he strode through the dim house toward their room.

  With every step Gabe took, Lainey felt excitement zoom through her. Though she had no other sexual experiences to compare with the ones she’d had with him, Gabe was wonderfully tender with her. Just the thought of how expertly he made love to her was enough to make her feel weak at the thought of more.

  Her body was already humming with anticipation, and her hands tightened on his shoulders, pressing into the steely feel of flesh and muscle beneath her fingers and palms. Gabe walked across the room then sat down on the low chest at the foot of the big bed.

  He’d started kissing her before they’d got halfway across the carpet so once he had her on his lap, his big hand began to move restlessly over her bare leg. She felt the thrill of his hard, callused fingers as they smoothed higher and higher, until they stopped just above the hemline of her sundress.

  Gabe drew back from the kiss. “Let me get my boots off darlin’, then we’ll commence with sandals and buttons and…things. Unwrap each other real slow.” The words had gone lower until they were little growls.

  “I’ll take care of your boots, cowboy,” she said, th
en couldn’t resist kissing him again before she eased away.

  She smiled as she forced herself to intercept his big hand and gently push it back to a safer level. “But I need to be able to stand up first.”

  “Go right ahead,” he said gruffly, then moved his hand and released her.

  Lainey stood then bent down to catch his ankle, but Gabe lifted his foot and leaned back so she could pull off the big boot. When she got it off, the second one came off just as easily. Lainey straightened and boldly lifted her sandaled foot to rest it on his thigh. She saw her mistake the moment his big hand closed around her ankle and he started to work slowly at the buckle.

  The sensation of his hands slowly drawing out the task as he gently teased her skin made standing on one foot a bit precarious. She put her hands on his shoulders to steady herself so he could finish. When he did, she offered him her other foot.

  When that sandal was removed and dropped to the floor, Gabe kept her foot on his thigh and slowly chafed her ankle and calf with his hard palms.

  “That dress is a different shade of pink, but you look a little like one of those flamingos folks put in their yards. Sure you can keep standin’ there?”

  Lainey giggled at that, and slid her foot off his thigh. Gabe took her hands and held them warmly as she knelt in front of him. Looking up into his rugged face, she suddenly realized afresh how sweet he was to her, and her eyes prickled with tears.

  She loved him so much! It amazed her to think of all the years she’d thought she hadn’t loved him. But love had been there all along, growing in secret, swelling closer and closer to the surface.

  With every glimpse of tenderness and vulnerability in him, it had tried to make itself known though Lainey hadn’t wanted to acknowledge it. Until that day in the mall when she’d watched him and realized it had been there all along.

  From the moment they’d first made love, it had smoldered like sweet fire in her heart, blazing higher and expanding yet more until it scorched her continually. Did she dare confess it to him now?