“Hot rolls, butter, honey and coffee,” Bill announced, taking the items from the tray and placing them on the table.
“YAY, food. Fuck, I’m hungry.”
“Swearing?” Clay remarked.
“Yeah, and I said that just for your benefit,” she declared wagging her finger at him. “Fuck!”
He watched her grab a roll, tear it in two, smear on the butter and honey, devour it without taking a breath, then reach for another. At least she was safe and she was eating, and picking up his hot coffee he drank it gratefully.
Crystal was totally muddled. Why was he there? He’d said he was going to take her home, but that made no sense. Why had he risked life and limb to drive through the crazy storm? Had he decided to go out for a drink and stumbled across her? It was all very confusing, and as she finished her second roll and washed it down with the steaming hot coffee, she began to feel tired, very tired, and succumbed to a long, drawn-out yawn.
“Sleepy?”
“Yeah, really sleepy. Where’s that driver, I want to go to a hotel somewhere.”
“You’re not goin’ to any hotel,” he said firmly.
“Well, I’m not going anywhere with you,” she grumbled, closing her eyes.
“You’re not?”
“No,” she said quietly, yawning again. “Your father, he really doesn’t like me, and why would I be some place where people don’t like me?”
“I like you,” he said softly, leaning across the table.
“No you don’t. Wait, maybe you do, maybe for a couple of months you’ll like me. Maybe even three, but that sucks.”
Her voice was fading, and he could see she was about to pass out.
“Why does that suck?” he softly asked.
“Because, I love you, so liking me doesn’t cut it. I need to stop talking now…”
As her voice trailed off, he took another sip of his coffee. There was a lot of fence mending to be done, but he’d do it. No matter what it took, he’d do it, and it would start with his father.
CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO
With Bill’s help, Clay managed to bundle a comatose Crystal into his truck, and as he started it up and turned on the heater, she mumbled something he couldn’t make out. Slowly and cautiously he made his way home, and was able to squeeze his truck next to her car in the garage, but lifting out of the cab wasn’t easy, and he ended up putting her over his shoulder. Carrying her into the bedroom he laid her on the bed, rolled her on to her side and covered her with a blanket.
“Why didn’t you just talk to me?” he murmured, brushing the hair from her face. “I’m so sorry you heard what you did. Don’t worry, I’m going to straighten all this out.”
Turning on the fire, he made sure the screen was in place, then closing the drapes he returned to the bed to kiss her softly on the forehead.
“I’m gonna get Lucky. You sleep it off, baby.”
Walking quickly to his truck, he backed it out carefully, then headed down to the family home, pulling to a stop under the portico. As he walked inside he called John’s name, but Lucky was the first to appear, bounding up to greet him.
“Hey,” John said walking into the foyer from the living room.
“How’s Mark?” Clay asked anxiously.
“Dad called and said he and mom were able to talk to him for a few minutes before they were asked to leave,” John replied, “and the doctors confirmed what Hank told us. Mark is banged up but he’ll make a full recovery. We can go and visit him tomorrow.”
“That’s such great news,” Clay sighed.
“I take it you found her?”
“Crystal? Yeah, I found her. She was drownin’ her sorrows at Bill’s.”
“Ah. Probably somethin’ I’d do,” he remarked. “Mom and dad are gonna be home soon if you wanna wait. Hank’s drivin’ them back here right now.”
“How long ago did they leave the hospital?”
“I’m guessin’, twenty, maybe thirty minutes? They weren’t there very long. Why?”
“I’m just tryin’ to decide if I should talk to dad now, or wait until tomorrow. Maybe he’s had enough for one night.”
“Talk to him,” John said emphatically. “He’s worried sick that you’re gonna up and leave the ranch.”
“That’s crazy? Where did he get that from?”
“Honestly, Clay, I have no idea, but…wait, is that them?” The sound of a car pulling into the portico interrupted their conversation, and hurrying to open the door, John added, “talk to him. Put him out of his misery.”
“What a night, eh, Lucky,” Clay muttered, kneeling down and petting him. “Don’t you worry. Your mom is back home and waitin’ for you. I just need a minute with my foolish old man.”
“Clay, you’re still here,” his mother said as she walked in.
“Yep, and I hear Mark’s doin’ okay.”
“He sure is,” Kenny declared as he entered “Everyone at the hospital was talkin’ about what he did. I’m so dang proud of him I could spit.”
“Please, dear,” Martha quietly scolded as she removed her coat.
“Is Hank comin’ in?” John asked.
“No, he’s got his hands full,” Kenny answered. “It’s a helluva a storm and a helluva night.”
“Before you go upstairs…” Clay began.
“I’m not going upstairs,” Martha said interrupting him. “I’m going into the kitchen to fix us all something to eat.”
“Then, before you go into the kitchen,” Clay continued, “I need a word with you both, and you may as well stay too, John, even though it’ll be a bit redundant.”
“What’s up, son?” Kenny frowned.
“Let’s go into the livin’ room,” Clay suggested.
“This sounds important,” Martha remarked, shooting him a knowing look.
“Yep, it is, real important.”
Clay waited until everyone was settled, then standing in front of the fireplace he crossed his arms and stared down at them, a determined expression on his face.
“I need to set some things straight,” he began. “First, dad, I’m not goin’ anywhere, that’s number one. This is my home, it has always been my home, and it always will be my home, got it?”
Kenny stared up Clay. He’d never seen him speak with such authority, and for a fleeting moment he felt as if Clay was his father, and he was Clay’s son.
“Sure, Clay, sure,” he nodded.
“Crystal is special,” Clay continued, “and she’s not here for just a few months. You understand that, John?”
“Yep, whatever you say, and I’m sorry I got it wrong,” John said apologetically.
“Crystal is the sweetest, smartest, most thoughtful, big-hearted woman, that I’ve ever met, except for you mom, and I’m gonna show her everything that life here offers. She sat on a horse for the first time yesterday, and she loved it, and I gotta say, she’s a natural. She thinks this place is a slice of heaven, and she’s a writer so she can work from anywhere, but the most important thing of all,” he said, pausing for effect, “is that she loves me, and dammit, I love her, so get used to her bein’ around, ‘cos I’m not lettin’ her go anywhere. She’s a real sweet girl, and I expect you all to treat her with warmth and acceptance. Any questions?”
“No questions,” Martha said, “and I’m real happy for you honey.”
Rising to her feet she walked over to him, kissed him on the cheek, then gave him a hug.
“Thanks, mom.”
“Me too,” Kenny declared standing up, and purposefully walking forward he shook Clay’s hand. “Glad to hear it, and thanks, son, thanks for puttin’ my mind at rest.”
“Yeah, it’s all cool,” John offered.
“I’m glad that’s all taken care of,” Clay smiled. “Now I’m going to take Lucky and go on home to my sleepin’ beauty.”
“She’s sleepin’?” Kenny frowned.
“John, please fill them in on all the gory details,” Clay said firmly. “Goodnight everyone, I’ll
see you all tomorrow. Let me know when we’re gonna go see Mark. Come on, Lucky.”
With Lucky trotting along beside him, Clay headed out the front door, and helping his dog into his truck, Clay jumped in behind the wheel and headed home through the worsening storm. Once safely inside he checked on Crystal, gave Lucky something to eat, then making himself a sandwich and grabbing a beer from the refrigerator, he carried his snack into the living room and settled down to catch his breath.
Crystal was in the throes of a wonderful dream. She was on a mountain, and staring down at a flat, glossy lake far below. Turning around she saw a forest. It was calling to her, and wandering forward she found herself bathed in shards of warm golden light. The ground was soft and warm beneath her feet, and blue and white butterflies were dancing around her. She decided she must be in heaven, and just as the thought fluttered through her mind, a white translucent light appeared in front of her. She watched, transfixed, as it slowly took the form of a beautiful woman, and as the figure became more defined, Crystal could see the woman was dressed in a long, diaphanous, pale pink, sparkling gown, and had flowing white hair that looked like strands of spun snow. Beside her was a large dog, it’s fur glittering like gold thread, and its large brown eyes seemed to be infinite, filled with the wisdom of the ages, and emanating unconditional love.
“You have come home at last,” the woman said, her voice as soft as the breath of a gentle breeze.
“I have?”
“You have listened, and you have come back. You are where you belong. You have made us all so very happy. Remember, keep listening.”
“Listening to what?”
“The voices you hear that are silent,” the woman replied, and just as she had appeared, so she dissolved in a shimmering burst of light.
Opening her eyes, Crystal stared around the room. The walls were bathed in gold, and she felt something warm beside her. Rolling over she found Clay lying next to her, and snuggling close to him she fell back asleep.
“Love you, baby,” he murmured.
“I love you too,” she sighed, “and I’m so happy to be home.”
EPILOGUE
Three Days Later
The tall, blonde, sharply dressed man carrying a briefcase, marched down the hospital ward, and when he found the room number he’d been seeking he pushed open the door and stared at the surprised faces of the three people staring at him. Mark Parker blushed pink, and the older couple standing next to the bed looked at him quizzically.
“Uh, what are you doing here?” Mark stammered.
“First, to see how you are, so, how are you?”
“I’ve been better but I’m okay.”
“Howdy. I’m Mark’s father,” Kenny said stepping forward, “and this is his mom.”
“Good to meet you,” the man said shaking Kenny’s hand. “My name is Patrick Meyer, and I’m here with some excellent news for Mark, but I have a feeling…you have no idea who I am, do you?”
“No, should we?” Kenny asked.
“Mark, do you want me to leave?”
“No, no,” Mark sighed. “I guess now is as good a time as any.”
“For what?” Kenny frowned.
“Mom, dad, do you remember I was comin’ home on Friday because I had an announcement to make?”
“I’d totally forgotten,” Martha declared. “I’ve been so worried about you it completely slipped my mind. Does Mr. Meyer here have something to do with that?”
“Yeah, he does. I know what I want to do with my life. I have a career I want to pursue, and I hope you won’t be too disappointed when I tell you what it is.”
“Son, you could tell us you wanna be a taxi driver and it wouldn’t matter a hoot,” Kenny said gravely. “You’re your own man, and you’ve got your own dreams, so you go right ahead and tell us. Your mother and I will support you no matter what it is.”
“Thanks, dad,” Mark said, feeling a little more confident. “The thing is, I, uh, well, I can sing, and I can play the guitar, and the piano, and-“
“Excuse me,” Patrick said stepping forward. “Mr. Parker, your son is immensely talented. I’ve been acting as his manager for the last six months, and he and his band have been performing in front of sold out crowds in the most popular clubs in Billings and Missoula.”
“You’re kiddin’ me,” Kenny breathed. “Is this true, Mark?”
“Yeah, dad. I just didn’t know how to tell you.”
“That’s just great, hon,” Martha said with a broad smile.
“What I wanted to tell you,” Mark continued hesitantly, “is, I, uh, well I’ve decided to leave college and pursue my music full-time.”
“Drop outta school?” Kenny frowned.
“I’ve been offered a three month tour,” Mark added. “It’s a great opportunity and it’s just the beginning.”
“Excuse me, but there’s more on the table than that,” Patrick said dramatically, “I have a deal memo here for a record contract with Off Road Records, and more offers will be coming in.”
“You’re kiddin’?” Mark exclaimed. “How did that happen?”
“You’re heroism hit the papers, you know that, right?”
“Yeah, but I didn’t do much, just helped a few people,” Mark said modestly.
“Remember that baby you saved?”
“Sure.”
“That baby’s grandfather happens to be the CEO of the record company.”
“You’re kiddin’?” Mark repeated. “You mean Off Road Records?
“Yes. I sent him your CD and he loved it, and sent a deal memo me right away, but like I said, other offers are around the corner. The doors have opened, Mark. You’ll be recording. We just have to decide which deal is the best for us.”
“I don’t believe it,” Mark muttered, “I truly don’t believe it.”
“I wanna hear that CD,” Kenny said firmly.
“I do too, and I know John and Clay will be just as excited,” Martha declared. “You should have told us sooner.”
“Isn’t this one for the books,” Kenny grinned. “My son, a country star.”
“Actually, dad, is more like, uh, rock and roll.”
“So much the better,” Martha grinned. “What’s the name of your band?”
“Significant Rain.”
“How did you come up with that?” Kenny asked.
“Doesn’t it ring a bell?”
“Well blow me down. Sure it does.”
“It doesn’t with me,” Martha said. “Will you let me in on the secret?”
“Remember when Mark was little and we used to go for picnics by the lake?”
“Sure I remember,” Martha nodded. “Those were happy times.”
“What did I used to say when the clouds formed over the mountains?”
“Oh, land sakes. Now I remember,” she declared. “Those will produce significant rain, and that’s the kind of rain we want.”
“That’s it, mom,” Mark said with a wide smile. “Significant rain. The kind we want.”
“If there’s a silver linin’ to what happened to you, this is it. I’m real proud of you son, real proud. Mr. Meyer, do you have a copy of the CD? I wanna take it home so we can all have a listen.”
“I certainly do, and please, call me Patrick.”
“Thanks for lookin’ out for my boy here, Patrick. We’ve got a slew of lawyers, so if you need one for this record contract business, you just let me know.”
“Kenny,” Martha said, touching his arm, “I just remembered something.”
“What’s that, darlin’?”
“Crystal’s father, he’s a lawyer like that, an entertainment lawyer is what she called him. He’s a musician too.”
“Sometimes I wonder,” Kenny said shaking his head.
“About what?” Mark asked.
“It’s just funny how things work out,” he sighed. “If I didn’t know better, I’d say the hand of fate was touchin’ us.”
“Or maybe the mountain spirits,”
Martha murmured.
Back at the ranch, as the profound meeting at the hospital was taking place, Crystal was about to have a profound meeting of her own, with a hairbrush.
Laying over several pillows, her ankles and wrists tied to the bed and a blindfold across her eyes, Crystal waited for Clay to return. He had told her he would make her wait so she could think about what she’d done, and when she heard his footfalls moving down the hallway she felt the familiar fluttering in her belly.
“So?” he said, lightly touching the hairbrush to her backside,“have you had enough time to think?”
“Uh-huh,” she mumbled.
“Why didn’t you tell me what you’d overheard?”
“It was all so upsetting. I honestly I didn’t know what to do.”
“But you believed what you heard John say, about me being so fickle?”
“I didn’t believe it, and I didn’t not believe it. It was just horrible to hear.”
“Hmm, well, I’m sure listenin’ to all that nonsense was upsettin’, but you still haven’t told me why you wouldn’t talk to me.”
“Okay, I’ll tell you.”
“I’m listenin’.”
“I didn’t want to come between you and your father.”
“How would that have happened?”
“Simple. He said he didn’t want me here. If I’d told you that, you would have confronted him. It would have caused problems between the two of you. I thought it would blow up into a huge drama, a total mess for us all.”
“Regardless, talkin’ to him was my decision to make, not yours. I had a right to know.”
“I guess that’s true,” she said softly.
“Do you understand why I’m gonna take a hairbrush to your backside?”
“Because you’re angry with me?”
“Heavens no, I would never spank you in anger,” he said gravely.
“Then, I, uh, I don’t know.”
“It’s a punishment for not trustin’ me, for not talkin’ to me, and for runnin’ off like you did. That’s not gonna fly, baby. You threw a temper tantrum, plain and simple.”
“Oh, yeah, maybe I did.”
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