Laughing, they settled back in their chairs. Hawke tried to visualize himself with a wife in a home like this one. He didn’t have any difficulty envisioning the wife. He shook his head and took a long sip of his beer.
“I’d love to know what thought brought that last expression to your face,” Warner said.
“What expression?”
“The startled one.”
“I’ll never tell. Look, I’d better get going. I want to spend as much time with Mom and Dad as possible. But let’s get together for dinner before I leave.”
Warner smiled. “Glenda and I would love it. But you must bring a date, so it’s a foursome. Otherwise, Glenda will be bored listening to you and me.”
“True. I’ll try and find someone to come with me.”
“Ask Vivian. You know, the girl you had such a crush on. She’s in town. You must have seen her.”
Hawke had to shake his head, marveling at the efficiency of the small-town grapevine. “I have, and I’ll ask her, just to please you and Glenda.”
“Funny thing, the other night we were discussing you two being in town at the same time. We wondered if you’d see each other. Then your cousin let it slip you were keeping an eye on her.”
Hawke made a non-committal sound, refusing to confirm or deny.
“Damn, sometimes you’re no fun,” Warner said with good-natured exasperation. “Check when Vivian’s available, and we’ll go with whatever evening is good for you two.”
“I’ll get back to you.” At the door, Hawke teased, “When did you get to be such a talker?”
“Since marriage. My wife insists I don’t speak in mono-syllables.”
“One more reason to resist marrying.” Hawke waved and walked to the truck. If I did live here, I’d have to get myself my own truck, big and black. He laughed at the idea. I haven’t grinned and laughed this much since high school.
Vi was using one foot to push herself gently on the porch swing when Emma came looking for her. “Mom said you’ve been out here for hours.”
“I needed to think, and then I simply enjoyed the fresh air, the quiet and thought how lucky I am in so many ways.”
Emma sat beside her. “You sound philosophical.”
“I’ve been thinking about my past and how decisions affect a person’s life.”
“What do you mean exactly?”
“I disliked my mother’s demands. But I still didn’t rebel or discuss my feelings with Dad. What was I afraid of?”
Emma smiled. “You tell me.”
“Dad was never around. I didn’t know who he’d side with if I confronted my mother about who and what I wanted in my life. She threatened more than once to put me out if I disobeyed her. She assured me no one would take me in if they thought my mother couldn’t control me.”
“Damn, your mother did you such a disservice.”
“Yes. I finally made her happy when I married a man she approved of, but I was miserable. I tried joining all the important wives’ groups.” Vi frowned. “I’m not much of a joiner.”
“Me neither. I’d be bored after the first meeting. You kept me at arms-length during your marriage.”
“I’m sorry, Emma. I was afraid you’d give me advice I couldn’t follow. I was busy trying to live the life Mother wanted for me.”
“What happened to make you get up and leave?”
She felt her lips quirk in a wry smile. “Edwin was cheating on me. When I confronted him, he laughed and said all husbands did it. Then he grabbed me by the throat. I’d never seen such hate in anyone’s eyes.” She rubbed her hands over her arms as an involuntary shudder went through her.
“You never told me.”
“No. I didn’t tell anyone. Edwin gave me an ultimatum — ignore his playmates, as he called them, or get the hell out. I got the hell out.”
“And that’s when you disappeared.”
“Yes. If I’d told Mother before I left, she’d have said everyone overlooks a man’s weaknesses and I should have just looked the other way. That’s what she said when I called from San Diego.
“I told her I’d found my home, and I’d sent divorce papers to my creepy husband.”
“Good for you! You like San Diego?”
“I do, but not forever. I’d like to come back here someday.” Vi hugged Emma. “When we’re old and gray, I’ll be back. Until then, you can fly to San Diego and visit me.”
“I will. It’s about time I saw and experienced some of the big city life.”
“What will your parents say?”
“They’ve been encouraging me for years to spread my wings.”
“Then come and live with me. You’ll find a job. Teachers are needed everywhere.”
“It does sound exciting.” Emma seemed to hold her breath before blurting, “I’ll talk with Mom and Dad tonight. I’ll have to put in my notice. Meanwhile, I’ll look into jobs in your area.”
“Wow, you didn’t need much pushing.”
“I guess I’ve had the idea for a long time. Hearing you verbalize it made the dream real to me.”
“You may miss this place.”
“It’s not forever.” She grinned. “Remember, we’re coming back when we’re old and gray.”
Emma’s mother came to the door. “Vi, you have a visitor.”
“Who?” she asked.
“A handsome young man named Ty.”
“Ah, yes. My rescuer.”
As Vi got up to follow Mrs. Trace inside, Emma whispered, “Don’t forget to apologize.”
Vi wrinkled her nose at her. “How could I forget with you around? And what makes you think I haven’t already?” She winked and tried to think of a way to admit she’d been wrong. I hate to be wrong.
Hawke had sat outside Emma’s parents’ house for quite a while trying to think about how to discuss the disagreement between them. When he’d come up with what he thought was a good idea, he rang their doorbell. Mrs. Trace answered the door and had him wait in the formal living room while she went to tell Vi he was there to see her. He paced across the pink and blue rug.
“Stop stomping across Mrs. Trace’s Aubusson rug. It’s expensive and beautiful. I’m surprised she let you in this room.”
He looked at Vi and shrugged. “It’s a rug. Aren’t they made to walk on?”
“These are made for beauty. If you walk on it, you should take off your shoes and go directly to a chair or the sofa.”
“All right. A good lesson on rugs, which will do me no good since I don’t plan on having all my money in an item that will be stomped on by my team members.”
“What do you want, Hawke?”
“You almost made me forget.” He frowned and took a deep breath. “Will you go with me to my place? We can talk about what happened.”
“Your place?” She squinted at him. “I didn’t know you had a place here.”
“A few years ago, Dad and I built a cottage for me on the ranch. We’re still working on it, so it’s on the undeveloped side. Few people know it’s there or if they do, they don’t know exactly where.”
“Sounds mysterious.” A tense silence enveloped the room. “Why do you want me to go with you?”
“It’s peaceful there. I thought you’d feel more comfortable.”
Her chin went up. Hawke struggled not to smile. He was beginning to realize that was a sign of pulling her strength around her like a cloak.
“I don’t see why we can’t talk here.”
“It’s not private enough for me. I assure you, you will be safe. I have no nefarious plans regarding your welfare.”
Vi studied his face. Then she started laughing. “Nefarious. Oh, I love that word. All right.”
“All right, you’ll go with me?”
“Yes. I’ll tell Emma and Mrs. Trace where I’m going just in case you change your mind about nefarious plans.”
He heard her chuckling as she walked down the hall. Hawke shrugged. I’ll never understand women.
When she came back, she
had her purse. “I’m ready.”
He helped her into his Dad’s truck and drove toward the ranch. The silence in the cab was loud. Vi looked out the window while he stared straight ahead and drove. On the ranch’s property, he turned away from the cabin they’d stayed in. The road was bumpy and as he drove, the woods on either side of it got thicker.
“This really is an undeveloped area,” Vi said. “I like the trees and seeing lots of birds flitting around.”
“It is different from the rest of the ranch. When Mom and Dad bought the property, it was all like this. Mom said they stayed in town until the house got built. Then Dad started clearing the ranch. My brother came along about the time they moved into the house.”
“Living out of town and on a ranch gave us very different experiences growing up.”
Hawke glanced her way. She was looking ahead toward his cottage.
“Oh, how beautiful.” The evening sun shone on the windows, and a doe and fawn drank from the large pond in front of the house.
Hawke stopped the truck. He didn’t want to startle the deer. He looked at Vi. She had a sweet smile on her face as she watched the mother deer and her baby drink. Suddenly, as though Mama deer sensed danger, she looked up and around. In unison, she and her baby ran into the thick brush at the back of the cottage.
Vi took a deep breath and turned to him. Her eyes sparkled with joy and her lips curved up. “Thank you.”
“What for?” his words came out gruff.
“For showing me such a sight. It somehow strengthens me. Do you understand?”
He nodded. If he spoke or moved, he’d pull Vi into his arms. It wasn’t the time, not yet. Instead, he drove the truck closer to his cottage, shut off the engine, and went around the front of the vehicle to open her door.
She tripped on her way out and fell into his arms. Hawke steadied her and stepped back. He strode toward the front door and unlocked it.
“We’ll need to open the windows and air the place out. Mom said she came down a week or so ago to get it ready for me.”
“You’re lucky to have parents who’ll look after all of this for you.”
“I know. A few times I’ve needed the comfort and isolation.” He opened the door and motioned for her to enter.
They went around opening the windows and back door. Like the cabin they’d stayed in, his cottage had two bedrooms, and one bath. There was a living room area and a large eat-in kitchen. The porch ran along three sides of the house.
“Why do you call it a cottage instead of a cabin?” she asked.
“The cottage is larger than a cabin and built big enough for a person or small family to enjoy. At least that’s the best explanation I can give.”
“I can see the artistry you put into the building.” Vi placed her bag on the nearest chair. “Ready to talk?”
Hawke wondered what she’d say if he suggested they stay the night and share a room.
“What’s so funny?” she asked.
“I had a funny thought. We have plenty of time. Why not go for a walk before our talk?”
“Great idea. I have some walking shoes in my bag.” She got her shoes out and put them on. “I hoped we might get a chance to walk and look around the area.
“I hate to leave right after getting here. Why don’t we spend the night?” Hawke asked without intending to.
She looked up at him. “Did you have this all planned?”
“Not exactly. Maybe.”
“If we do, we’re sleeping in separate rooms. No funny stuff.”
“I usually stay in the bedroom on the left, but you’re welcome to either.”
“The one on the right is fine with me. I’ll put my bag in there, and we can talk after our walk.”
“We have plenty of time.” He walked over to the front door. “Shall we?”
Hawke led the way along the narrow walking trail. He glanced back at Vi several times. She’d pulled a camera from her bag, and she often stopped to take pictures of nature, birds, and one shot of another deer that bounded away into the trees as soon as it sensed them. As the light faded, he motioned it was time for them to turn around and return to the cottage.
“I love this area,” she said.
“I do, too. I wish I had more time to stay here.”
“Do you come home often?”
“It’s been almost two years, much too long. I plan to do better. How about you?”
“About the same. But I don’t have a place like this to come home to, nor do I have parents like yours.”
“Let me know anytime you want to stay here. I’ll give you my number, and you can call me.” They’d arrived at the cottage and Hawke unlocked the door.
“You’re cautious. There must not be anyone anywhere near here.”
“There aren’t, usually, but I’ve been taught to be aware all the time.”
“Has it given you a cynical look on life?”
“Some, but most of us get a bit more cynical about life when we get out into the world. Even our neighbors in this small town are probably a bit that way, but not as much as you and me.”
“The people who kept me safe in the village helped me realize there are good people all over the world. We have to be careful not to lump them in with the bad.”
“A good point. How about I start a fire. You can sit in front of it while I cook.”
“Can I help in the kitchen?”
“No, it’ll just be something simple, but I like doing it by myself. It gives me time to think.”
“Suits me. I’ll get my thoughts in order looking at the fire. But first I’ll grab the light sweater I brought with me.”
He watched her go into the bedroom and tried to pretend his desire for her didn’t increase whenever they were close. Shoving the thought aside, he took quick steps into the kitchen and checked the fridge and cupboards for food. He started to make patties from the ground beef he found and opened a can of beans and a bag of chips. His Mom had added ice cream, too. The hamburger and sweets hadn’t been in the fridge the other day.
Hawke had to grin. My Mom does have fore-sight, and she doesn’t give up.
Chapter 11
Vi opened her large bag and pulled out a sweater. She wrapped it over her shoulders and went to sit on the sofa in front of the fireplace. A glass of red wine was waiting for her on the side table. She took a sip. Merlot, very good. Then she lay down and put her head against a pillow. After a few more sips of wine, she put the glass down and closed her eyes.
Her mind wandered. She wondered what it would be like to be here with Hawke as his girlfriend. Or better, as his wife. Wife! The thought startled her. She must have made a noise.
She opened her eyes to see Hawke in the kitchen doorway. “Are you all right?”
“Yes. I’d started to fall asleep, and my dream disturbed me.”
“Nightmares of your time in the Middle East?”
“Not this time. Just a strange dream. I do have a few nightmares, but not as often since I came home.”
“Good. You still may need to talk to a counselor.”
“I know. I’m waiting until I get back to California. You know the grapevine around here. If I saw a psychologist, it’d be all over town in two hours.”
Hawke chuckled. “The downside of a small town. But they’d all understand, or at least most people would.”
“I know, but I prefer to handle it on my own.”
“Can’t blame you.” He went back into the kitchen and Vi sipped her wine. The room had warmed, and she slipped her sweater off.
“It’s almost ready,” Hawke called to her. “There’s a table in the kitchen. Shall we eat here?”
“It’s fine with me. I’m hungry.”
He carried out a plate and set it on the side table beside her wine. “Here’s some crackers and cheese. Give me about fifteen more minutes.”
Vi grabbed a cracker and piece of cheese. The walk had made her hungry and sleepy. She finished her wine in between bites of the food.
>
It didn’t seem long before he called her. She grabbed her glass and stood. Her body swayed.
“Wait.” He quickly came to her side, easily swept her off her feet and carried her to the table.
“I don’t have much of a head for alcohol. My friends say I’m a cheap drunk.”
Hawke laughed. “I agree, but the walk and empty stomach probably had more to do with it. When did you eat last?”
“I think it was breakfast. I did have a snack with my dad.” She reached for the hamburger. “Oh, this looks good.”
“I put lettuce and tomato on it. The other condiments are on the table.”
She selected the mayonnaise, mustard, and pickles and put them on her bun. She quickly bit into it. “It seems years since I’ve eaten anything this good.”
“I suggested the walk so you’d be too hungry to notice I’m not a great cook. All the rest came out of a can or a bag. Mom stocked ice cream and cake for dessert.”
“Hmmm, I have a sweet tooth.”
He made quick work of his own meal but enjoyed watching her more. When he served up the cake with ice cream, it disappeared, too.
“I’ll clean up. You go and rest,” Vi said as she stood. “Fair’s fair.”
He shook his head. “Let’s clean the kitchen in the morning. I’ll place the few dishes in the sink and throw away the paper plates. Go back and sit on the sofa,” Hawke said and pushed Vi in that direction.
He watched to make sure she got to the couch. She sank down and put her head back on the pillow. He’d let her rest and go ahead and wash the few pots and pans he’d dirtied.
When he came out, she was fast asleep. He pulled the sheet and blanket back on her bed and carried her to the bedroom. Hawke gently laid her down, slipped off her shoes and covered her. He stood for a minute staring at the one woman he’d never gotten out of his head.
What was it about her? She was pretty, but not the prettiest woman he’d dated. Without thinking, he leaned down and brushed his lips across hers. She slept soundly. He pulled the door shut and settled on the bed in his own room. It didn’t take him long to fall asleep.
The SEAL’s Surprise Mission (Special Forces: Operation Alpha) (Rache) Page 9