by Lisa Moreau
When the monarchs settled and clustered on the branches again, Jordan stared at the tree, Madame’s words echoing in her ear: If nothing ever changed, there’d be no butterflies. If anyone knew the accuracy of that statement it was Jordan. Strange how her time in Monarch had mirrored the twin caterpillars’ metamorphosis. She wasn’t the same person as when she’d first arrived.
Jordan surveyed the forest, the colors more brilliant than she’d ever seen. Was she insane? How could she destroy this beautiful place, the twins’ home, and her and Sophie’s tree? How could she exterminate seven thousand monarchs? Sophie was right. Demolishing the milkweed field and trees would displace all of these butterflies, plus any future ones. And most of all, how could she hurt the people she cared about the most? And all for the sake of money? Jordan knew in that moment she’d never sign the contract. The milkweed field, sanctuary, and butterfly grove belonged to Sophie, the Monarch residents, and the twin butterflies, not her.
Chapter Twenty-nine
Happy-Scopes
Jordan sat in her car outside Sophie’s cabin. She either wasn’t home or not answering the door. Jordan was desperate to find her to let her know she wasn’t selling. Aside from Sophie, Jordan needed to tell one other person. She pulled out her cell phone and pressed the speed dial.
“Hey. How’s it going?” Doug said.
“I need to tell you something, so I’ll just come right out and say it. I can’t sell the land and sanctuary.” Silence. “Doug? You still there?”
“Yeah, I’m here. But…do you mean…can’t or won’t?”
“Well, both. I can’t with a clear conscience destroy something that means everything to Sophie and the townspeople…and to me. I’m not just doing this to get Sophie back. I want to protect the monarchs and the land as well.”
“Wow. Well, I guess I shouldn’t be too shocked. I mean, you seem really different, but in a good way. You know what? I think it’s great.”
Relief washed over Jordan. “Really? You mean the world to me, and I did promise to expand the company.”
“Don’t even give that a second thought. It’s your inheritance to do with as you see fit. And I couldn’t be happier about you and Sophie.”
“Well, I haven’t told her yet. I hope she forgives me. She thinks I lied to her.”
“She won’t be able to resist you. She’s in love. This doesn’t mean you’re moving to Monarch, does it? What about SOS?”
“I don’t have any answers right now, but I can tell you with certainty I’m not walking away from our company. I’ll figure something out. Listen. I’ll talk to you later. I need to find Sophie. Thanks for understanding, bud.”
Jordan disconnected and drove into town. If anyone knew where Sophie was it’d be Bertha.
“Can I get you the usual?” Bertha asked as she approached the counter.
“No, actually, I really need to talk to Sophie. Do you know where I can find her?” Bertha’s smile dropped and she lowered her head. “She’s been avoiding me for over a week. There’s something I need to speak to her about.”
“She told me not to tell you.”
“Tell me what?” The knot in Jordan’s stomach tightened. “Please, Bertha.”
Compassion filled Bertha’s eyes when she looked at Jordan. “Don’t you dare say anything, but she’s leaving. Tomorrow night.”
“Where? For how long?” Jordan felt flushed, light-headed.
“I can’t say.”
Jordan had never seen Bertha so tight-lipped. “But where is she now?”
“I honestly don’t know. I assume getting ready for her trip.”
Jordan slumped on a barstool and bowed her head. She was tempted to tell Bertha she wasn’t selling since it’d get back to Sophie in no time, but she wanted to do that herself.
Bertha grabbed Jordan’s tightly clasped hands. “She isn’t leaving until tomorrow night. You still have time.”
“She won’t answer my calls or texts, and I’ve been all but stalking her at the cabin. I don’t know how to reach her.” Suddenly, Jordan jerked her head upright, a glint in her eye. “I got it! There’s only one way to reach Sophie and only one person who can help me.”
“Who? What?” Bertha said, but it was too late. Jordan was already out the door.
Madame Butterfly was doing a card reading when Jordan entered the psychic parlor. Even though she held up a finger, indicating it would be a minute, it was more like fifteen. Jordan thought she’d jump out of her skin waiting for the spirits to stop yapping. Finally, the customer was gone and Jordan swooped in.
“Back so soon? Would you like some more tea?” Madame asked.
“I need your help. And fast.”
“What’s the rush? Sit. Relax.”
“We don’t have time for that.”
“Well, what is it that you need?”
“Do you write the horoscopes for the Monarch Messenger?”
“I do indeed.”
Jordan smiled. “Perfect.”
*
Sophie stood on a stepstool and grabbed a large suitcase off the top shelf of her closet. She placed it on her bed and stuffed it with jeans and sweaters. Next she packed toiletries and gathered Mr. Limpet’s supplies for Bertha, who’d be by later to pick him up. If she stayed busy, maybe she could ignore the ache in her heart and the empty hole in the pit of her stomach. She didn’t want to feel the overwhelming sorrow she’d experienced ten years ago over losing Jordan. This time, she was determined not to crumble into a heap of tears.
Sophie walked into the living room and dropped several betta flakes into the aquarium. “You be a good boy for Bertha while I’m gone. Watch your manners.” The electric-blue fish flared his gills and almost seemed to nod in understanding. Sophie grabbed the newspaper off the coffee table. “How about I read our forecast? It’ll be the last one for a while.”
When she flipped through the paper, in place of the horoscopes she saw a full-page ad. Sophie furrowed her brow and gasped when she saw her name.
The daily horoscope for today is intended for one person only: Sophie Opal Sanders
Your soul mate, dear Pisces, has a special message for you. It’s taken her a while to come to this realization, but she could never destroy something that you love so dearly, which is also something she has come to love. Your happiness is what’s most important to her, more than money, more than her company, more than anything. If you’d like to put the past behind and start anew, meet her by the eucalyptus tree at three p.m. today.
If you appear, she will love you forever.
If you don’t appear, she will still love you forever.
*
Jordan walked around the tree and looked at her watch for the umpteenth time. She’d already done two rounds of meridian tapping trying to calm her nerves, so now she resorted to pacing. It was quite possible Sophie wouldn’t show up. The last time they saw each other she’d thrown Jordan out. Sophie might still be hurt and not feel like she could trust Jordan again. The possibility of that was heart wrenching. What Jordan had written in the ad was true. Even if Sophie didn’t appear, she’d love her forever.
It was ten minutes after three o’clock. Maybe Sophie hadn’t seen the newspaper. No. She read her horoscope every morning. Jordan propped her back against the tree and slid down, wrapping her arms around her knees. After a few minutes she felt a tap on her shoulder. Her insides clenched and she bolted to her feet. It was Sophie, who looked like she’d been crying. This couldn’t be good. Jordan held her breath, not sure what to say or think. They stared at each other for what seemed like an eternity until Sophie held out both hands, which Jordan grasped. Finally, the corners of Sophie’s mouth turned upward, slowly at first, until she was smiling widely. Her eyes sparkled as tears emerged, obviously from joy and not sadness. A wave of relief washed over Jordan. She felt so light she could have soared into the sky with the monarchs.
Jordan started to speak but stopped. Words weren’t necessary. They both beamed as they gazed into e
ach other’s eyes, souls connected in the knowledge that they’d never be apart again.
Chapter Thirty
New Year’s Day Dedication
One Year Later
Jordan rolled over in bed and was greeted with a mound of blankets instead of the warm, soft body she was expecting. As though hoping Sophie were somewhere underneath the pile, she frantically patted the covers. Momentarily disoriented, she bolted upright, looked around, and sighed in relief. She was at Sophie’s cabin and not her Beverly Hills condo. Actually, Sophie insisted on calling it their cabin, which always warmed Jordan’s heart. For the past year, she’d split her time between Monarch and Los Angeles, but that was taking a toll. Driving back and forth was exhausting, and any time spent away from Sophie just sucked.
Jordan wiggled her eyebrows when she heard the shower in the bathroom. She crawled out of bed, opened the door, and peeked behind the curtain. It didn’t matter how many times she saw Sophie in the shower, in bed, or anywhere else; she always took Jordan’s breath away. She stood under the spray, eyes closed, head thrown back, and fingers combing through damp hair. Jordan’s gaze followed a water bead’s path down Sophie’s neck, between her breasts, down her stomach, and into the trimmed hair below. The sight of her caused heat to cascade down Jordan’s body. When she stepped into the shower, gorgeous blue eyes popped open, followed by a broad smile.
“Good morning. Can I help you with something?” Sophie’s raspy voice and a wicked glimmer in her eyes heightened Jordan’s arousal.
“I didn’t get my good-morning kiss.” Jordan slipped her hands around Sophie and pulled her close. A low moan escaped her lips when Sophie’s hands ran down her back and to her buttocks.
“Do you think you deserve a kiss without working for it first?”
Jordan shrugged, unable to speak with Sophie caressing her skin. Sophie grabbed the soap and placed it in Jordan’s palm. Without diverting her gaze from beautiful sapphire eyes, Jordan worked up a lather and ran slick hands down Sophie’s back, across her stomach, and around her breasts, rousing hard nipples. When Jordan’s hand slipped between Sophie’s legs, desire flashed across her hooded eyes right before they turned dark indigo. Jordan’s stomach tightened when her fingers found Sophie’s wet center. Unable to wait a moment longer, they kissed, slow and deep. This was how Jordan wanted to spend every morning—in the arms of the woman she loved.
After a long, hot shower they dried each other off and got ready for the day. Jordan sat on the bed and tied her shoes as she watched Sophie wiggle into sexy, low-rise jeans. They were Jordan’s favorite pair, and the way they hugged Sophie’s curves always made her heart beat a little faster. Jordan leaned back and looked Sophie up and down appreciatively, her eyes stopping on a sheer bra.
“What are you looking at?” Sophie asked with a smirk.
“Do you have any idea how much I love you?”
“I believe you showed me how much in the shower this morning.”
Jordan stood, put her hands on Sophie’s hips, and looked into her eyes. “I love everything about you. Not just your beautiful body.”
Sophie grazed Jordan’s cheek. “I know, sweetheart. Me, too.” She placed a soft kiss on Jordan’s lips. “As much as I hate to say it, we really need to get going. Remember last New Year’s Day? We almost missed the picnic, and today everyone will be at the sanctuary for the dedication.”
Jordan helped Sophie slip her shirt over her head. “All right, but next New Year’s Day I want you all to myself.” Knowing they’d be together in a year’s time hit Jordan. She’d never dated anyone longer than six months, but Sophie wasn’t just anyone.
When they arrived at the sanctuary, Bertha and Coach Bryant were setting up tables under the trees.
“We wanted to beat you here,” Sophie said.
“You know what an early bird I am.” Bertha hugged Jordan and Sophie as the coach shook their hands. He wasn’t the hugging type, except when it came to Bertha. Everyone expected wedding bells for those two in the near future.
Jordan frowned. “Shoot. I forgot to bring the ribbon.”
“It’s in one of the boxes over there,” Sophie said.
Jordan smiled and kissed Sophie’s cheek. “What would I do without you?”
“Do you have your speech prepared?” Bertha asked Jordan as she placed platters of food on the tables.
Jordan stiffened. “Speech? I have to give a speech?”
Sophie smiled and patted Jordan’s arm. “Don’t worry, sweetie. You’ll do fine. Just speak from your heart. Why don’t you help Molly and Mabel unpack their car?” Sophie motioned toward their vehicle.
Jordan didn’t like giving speeches and was out of touch with being in the public eye since Doug had taken over most of her interviewing duties.
“Hey, girls. Need some help?” Jordan lifted a box of pies out of the trunk.
“Thank you so much, Jordan.” Mabel said.
The twins were dressed in matching red-and-blue-striped dresses. Jordan wanted everyone to be as happy as she was and had her sights on setting them up with some eligible Monarch bachelors.
After unloading the car, Jordan bubbled with excitement when she saw a silver Lexus approach. Chuck jumped out before Rebecca had come to a full stop.
“Hey, Jordan.” Chuck hugged her waist. It was amazing how much he’d grown in just a month.
“Hey, Chucky.” Jordan ruffled the top of his head.
Rebecca rolled down the window. “Have him home by four.”
Jordan resisted the urge to salute. Rebecca always made her feel like she was taking orders. “You can count on it.”
Rebecca nodded, rolled up the window, and sped away. Jordan no longer resented her father or Rebecca, but as Sophie always said, that didn’t mean they had to be friends. If it weren’t for Chuck, Jordan probably wouldn’t keep in contact with them. She was just overjoyed that they let her spend time with him, which Jordan had suspected was her mother’s doing. She still seemed to have quite an influence over Jordan’s father.
Jordan grabbed the pigskin from Chuck. “Are you into football now?”
“Yeah. I’m going to try out for running back. Maybe we could throw it around later?”
“Absolutely. Why don’t you go out for a pass right now?”
Chuck ran, cut to the left, and caught the ball that Jordan threw into his arms.
Coach Bryant approached. “Great catch. You’ll make an impressive receiver.”
As the coach and Chuck tossed the ball around, Jordan leaned against a tree and watched the gathering crowd. Sophie wrapped her arms around Jordan’s waist from behind and rested her chin on her shoulder.
“I know it’s selfish of me,” Sophie said, “but I wish you were here all the time, not just a few days a week.”
Jordan turned and placed a kiss on Sophie’s forehead. “That’s not selfish. It’s hard for me, too. I don’t like being away from you.”
Sophie sighed. “I know. So, do you want to do the dedication now?”
Jordan glanced around. “Yeah. I was hoping Doug would have been here by now, but he may not be able to make it. He planned to stop by on his way back from San Francisco.”
“We can wait.”
“No. That’s okay. I’m sure everyone’s getting hungry.”
Jordan stood behind a yellow ribbon stretched in front of the sanctuary as Sophie gathered everyone together. When forty pairs of eyes were staring directly at her, Jordan’s stomach fluttered. Speak from the heart, that’s what Sophie had said.
“Thank you all for coming today. I know we usually have the New Year’s Day picnic in the eucalyptus grove, so I appreciate everyone gathering at the sanctuary.” Jordan cleared her throat and willed her thumping heart to settle. “When I came to town a year ago, I intended to sell the sanctuary. I didn’t expect to fall in love with the butterflies and all of you, and to reconnect with the love of my life.” Jordan gave Sophie a sweet smile. “There’s only one person to thank for bringing me here, an
d that’s my grandmother. If it weren’t for her, I’d hate to think where I’d be right now, probably alone and stressed out instead of deliriously happy.” Jordan locked eyes with Sophie.
“So, on that note, I’d like to officially welcome you to the Frances Lee Monarch Sanctuary.” Applause erupted from the crowd, and Jordan grabbed the giant pair of scissors. “There’s someone I’d like to bring up here to cut the ribbon. Someone very important in my life and who was closer to my grandmother than anyone. Chucky, would you do the honors?”
Chuck’s eyebrows shot up and he beamed. He joined Jordan, took the scissors, and cut the ribbon. Everyone cheered.
“Now let’s eat!” Jordan said, which prompted the crowd to form a line by the buffet table.
Sophie and Madame Butterfly approached Jordan. “You did a good job,” Sophie said as she squeezed Jordan’s arm.
“Frances would be proud of you,” Madame said. “Proud of you both for finding your way back to each other. I see nothing but happiness and success in your future.”
Jordan smiled. “That’s good to know. Thank you.” Madame had definitely grown on Jordan. She still wasn’t into psychic stuff and didn’t particularly want her fortune told, but Madame had a good heart.
“Oh, hey, there’s Doug,” Jordan said. “Would you excuse us?” Jordan grabbed Sophie’s hand and greeted her best friend. “You made it!”
“I’m so sorry I’m late. Did I miss the dedication?”