On Frozen Hills

by KJ Swann

  Vivian sighed. “Tessa, you need to stop taking everything to heart. Derrick and I were discussing you and Dad.”

  Tessa narrowed her eyes. “Don’t even think about saying what I think you’re going to say.”

  “Goddammit, Tessa. Life is too short to hold grudges. I should know. I can’t go back and make things right with the people who have hurt me, but you can. Don’t waste the opportunity,” Derrick argued.

  “So what exactly do you expect me to do? Forgive him? He’s hurt Ivy and me too much for me to do that.”

  “I didn’t say to forgive him right off the bat. At least sit down with him and listen to what he has to say and make up your mind from there. Even if you get to a point where you can forgive him, doesn’t mean you’ll ever forget what has happened.”

  Tessa looked at her mom.

  “Why is this so important to you after everything he’s done?”

  “I love your father with all my heart. Yes, he has hurt us, but everyone deserves a chance at redemption. I’ve already told him if he goes back to his old ways, I won’t do it again. I’d be done.”

  “Seriously?”

  Vivian nodded. “This is his one and only chance.”

  “Okay, I get it. I’ll think about it, but no promises.”

  “It’s a step in the right direction, Tessa,” Derrick stated.

  * * *

  Tessa rolled her eyes, then turned around and walked out of the kitchen. Going back upstairs, she thought about what everyone seemed to be drilling into her head. Tessa was so into her thoughts she wasn’t paying attention to where she was walking and ended up walking into her dad.

  “Whoa, there,” Michael said, steadying Tessa.

  “I’m not a horse.”

  “Never said you were. You almost fell over when you ran into me. You okay?”

  “Why would you care?” sniped Tessa.

  “Believe it or not, I do care about you and I don’t want to see you hurt.”

  “Oh, because you’ve hurt us enough?”

  “I deserve that. I do.”

  “You’re damn right you do. How could you treat us like you have? We’re your kids. We don’t deserve to be treated like shit. You want respect and what not. Why not give some in return?” Tessa said, blinking away tears.

  “I have no excuse for the way I treated you and Ivy. I thought the way I was raised was the way everyone treated their kids. I didn’t know any other way. Your grandfather had only one way, and it was his way. If you didn’t listen, you got beaten. Be thankful I have never laid a hand on you girls.”

  Tessa’s eyes went wide when she heard what her dad had gone through growing up. “Grandpa used to hit you?”

  Michael nodded. “Not with his hand though. With a belt or whatever he could get hold of. Life wasn’t easy.”

  “I didn’t know.”

  “Not many did. I think your mother was the only one. I told Ivy earlier, but I’ve been wanting to talk to you, and you’ve never given me the chance until now.”

  “To be honest, I can’t tell you if I want to forgive you or not.”

  “I’m not asking for forgiveness. I just want us to move past it all and move forward. I was thinking we’d work on it all together, with a counselor, possibly.”

  Tessa’s eyes widened. Her father was never one to talk to anyone about his problems. “You’re serious about all of us going and talking to someone? That’s something you’ve never done before.”

  From behind them a door opened and Ivy stepped out into the hall to see Tessa and Michael talking. “Oh, sorry to interrupt.”

  “No problem, dear. Are you heading downstairs?” Michael said.

  “Yes, I’m going to help Mom with supper,” Ivy replied, then made her way down the stairs.

  “Hey, Ivy,” Tessa called out.

  “Yeah, Tess?”

  “Did you know about Dad’s plans with us and getting together and talking?”

  Ivy looked at her dad, then turned back at Tessa. “Yes, he told me.”

  Tessa gave Ivy a slight nod, and Ivy started back down the stairs toward the kitchen.

  “Did you have to get confirmation from your sister?” Michael asked.

  Tessa shrugged. “In a way. She’s the older sister. I look up to her for advice and stuff.”

  Michael smirked. “I’m glad you do. It’s always good to have someone you hold in a high regard. I want to promise you something, Tessa. Yes, I’ve hurt both you and your sister in the past, but I promise that is in the past. I want to move forward and pull our family back together.”

  As Tessa stood there watching her dad, she could see a change in him. She wasn’t sure deep down if she wanted to fully trust it, but Ivy did as well as did everyone else. “I’ll promise you one thing, Dad. I’ll work on my issues with you if you keep your promise.”

  Michael smiled. “You have yourself a deal. I can tell by the look on your face you don’t fully trust me. Please give me time.”

  Tessa swallowed the lump building in her throat. She was surprised he was able to read her well. She nodded and turned to walk away.

  “Tessa.”

  She turned around to face him again.

  “Things will be different. You’ll see.”

  “They better be. Otherwise, I’ll never trust you ever again,” Tessa said, then headed into her room.

  13

  It was finally New Year’s Eve. Ivy was in the process of rinsing her hair when she heard someone banging at the door. “I’m almost done. Hold your horses.”

  “It’s not fair you got in there first. Don’t use all the hot water!” exclaimed Tessa.

  Ivy opened the door. “Having problems?”

  Tessa narrowed her eyes at Ivy. “You’re a bitch, you know that?”

  “Why, thank you. But you know what?”

  “What?” Tessa asked.

  “You love me.” Ivy smirked.

  “I’ll love you if you left me hot water.”

  Ivy smiled and patted Tessa’s shoulder as she walked by. With a towel wrapped around her, Ivy quickly made her way to her room. Just as she shut the door, there was a low wolf whistle behind her. Jace was sitting on the bed gazing at her. A slow grin spread across Ivy’s face. She reached down and slowly unwrapped her towel, never losing eye contact with Jace.

  Jace was on his knees on the bed by the time the towel hit the floor and beckoned Ivy with his index finger. She walked slowly toward the bed.

  “You sure know how to kill me with your beautiful body,” Jace said roughly, running his hands over Ivy’s breasts.

  “That’s all you get to do is look and touch today.” Ivy grinned.

  “What? I didn’t hear that right. Did you say smother you?”

  “No,” Ivy squealed as Jace pulled her down onto the bed.

  “Hmm, you’re a beautiful specimen. We’ll stay in bed all day and enjoy ourselves.”

  “Not that I wouldn’t enjoy that, but you’re forgetting something, Jace.”

  “What’s there to forget? I have my girl in my arms.”

  Ivy smiled, then shook her head. “It’s New Year’s Eve; I kind of figured you’d forget the day you’d have to get all dressed up.”

  Jace rolled his eyes. “Yes, I hate getting dressed up in a monkey suit, but I’ll do it for you. Plus, I want to see you in that dress. I’ve been a good boy.”

  “You’ll have to wait till tonight like all the other guys have too.”

  Jace pouted. “After I was a good boy, you’re still gonna make me wait?”

  Ivy turned the other way because she knew the pouty look on Jace’s face would make her cave. “I need to get up and go comb out my hair before it dries.”

  Jace would be stunned speechless by her dress. She giggled a little and closed her eyes as she combed her hair in front of the mirror. Arms wrapped around her waist. She opened her eyes to find Jace watching her.

  “What has you all giggly?”

  Ivy put her comb down and watched Jace’s
face in the mirror. “I was thinking about tonight and you seeing me in the dress for the first time.”

  “You really like driving me nuts by teasing me with talk of that dress,” Jace complained.

  “I love your reaction when I do.”

  “I need to get dressed. I want to talk to your mom and dad about something.” Jace kissed the side of Ivy’s head.

  “Is everything okay?”

  “No worries. Everything is fine. I want to talk to them about tonight and how we’re all doing things. I don’t like being kept totally in the dark on things.”

  “You already know the plan for tonight, so what’s really going on?”

  Jace chuckled. “What are you so worried about?”

  “Hmm. Let’s see, with everything that has been going on with Dad, who’s to say you aren’t going to go in there and bitch him out about something?”

  “No, not going to happen.” Jace said, placing his hands on Ivy’s shoulders. “So relax. I got this and have faith.”

  “I don’t want any more issues.”

  “There won’t be, at least not from me. I promise. I need to get into gear because before you know it, we’ll all be rushing around here getting ready.”

  Jace quickly got dressed in a pair of sweats and left the room, leaving Ivy wondering what he was up to.

  * * *

  As Jace walked toward the master bedroom, both Michael and Vivian were walking out.

  “Oh, good, you’re both together. I need to talk to you in private,” Jace said.

  “Is there a problem?” asked Michael, concern in his voice.

  “No, none at all. Sorry to worry you.”

  Michael motioned for Jace to join them in their bedroom. Jace was fidgeting.

  “What is it you need to talk to us about?” Vivian asked.

  Jace rubbed the sweat off his hands onto his pants, then grabbed the small ring box in his pocket. “I’d like your blessing to marry Ivy.”

  Jace opened the box and showed them the ring. Vivian gasped when she saw the beautiful ring Jace had picked out for Ivy. It was a one-carat, round-cut diamond surrounded by marquise-shaped purple amethyst side-stone diamond engagement ring set.

  “Son, you have our blessing. I know you’ll do right by her. When do you plan on asking her?”

  Jace let out a nervous sigh. “I’d like to do it tonight at midnight.”

  Michael nodded his head and held out his hand toward Jace. “It would be an honor to have you as part of the family.”

  Vivian reached out and hugged Jace. “Oh, she is going to be so surprised. Does she have any idea about any of this?”

  “No, she doesn’t even know I have a ring. I sure hope I’m not doing something she doesn’t want.”

  “Now, don’t think like that. You’ve both been through your fair share of ups and downs,” exclaimed Vivian.

  “If she wasn’t sure about your relationship, she wouldn’t have gone off on me when I brought Derrick up here,” Michael said.

  Jace nodded. “I know. Ivy also wants to go back to school, and I want to make sure she gets to do it,” Jace said to Michael.

  “I understand. If she wants to go back to school, then it will happen, and I’ll do what I can to help her and you,” stated Michael.

  “I’m sure she’d be ecstatic to have your help as well as your support.”

  Michael smiled. “It’s something I should’ve always done, but never did.”

  “Michael, you’re going to be late for your appointment in town if you don’t hurry,” Vivian interrupted.

  “Ah, yes. I need to get going. Do you need to go into town for anything?”

  Jace shook his head. “I think I have everything for tonight.”

  “If you think of anything, have Vivian call my cell.”

  “I’ll do that.”

  “Oh, Jace, this letter was brought up to the house today.” Vivian handed Jace an envelope.

  Jace thanked Vivian as Michael and Jace walked out into the hall. Ivy was rushing back to her room with her dress in her arms. A slow grin came across Jace’s face. Ivy had hidden her dress in her sister’s room out of fear he would go searching for it.

  Michael tapped Jace on the shoulder. “I know you want to see it, but honor her wish until tonight. Make today a day she’ll remember.”

  Jace could see the love Michael had for his daughters. “I promise I will.”

  As Michael took off down the stairs, Jace started toward their room.

  “You can’t come in right now,” Ivy said.

  “Why not?”

  Ivy nibbled on her bottom lip.

  “You’d better stop that, Ivy. You know what that does to me.”

  “Sorry, nerves are getting to me. Tessa is coming to get your tux, and you’re going to get dressed in her room with Derrick.”

  “Why the change?”

  “Don’t be mad. I want to surprise you, and I can’t do that if we’re getting dressed in the same room.”

  Jace reached out for Ivy’s cheek and caressed it. “Babe, I understand. Don’t get flustered—I’m not going to fight you on it. All I ask is you make sure I get what I need to get ready to Tessa’s room. Plus, your mom just handed me the envelope that holds the results to the paternity test.”

  “I can do that, and wow that was fast,” Ivy leaned out and kissed Jace on the lips.

  “I asked for them to put a rush on it so we could find out before the New Year and get this settled,” replied Jace.

  From a few feet away, Tessa said, “Scram. Derrick is waiting for you in my room.”

  Jace stuck his tongue out at Tessa and kissed Ivy quickly once more before heading down the hall. As Jace passed Tessa, she swatted at him.

  “What the hell was that for?” asked Jace.

  “Because I felt like it and you stuck your tongue out at me,” replied Tessa.

  Jace rolled his eyes as he continued to make his way to Tessa’s room. Derrick was standing in the doorway, waiting.

  “Looks like we’re hanging together until tonight,” Derrick said, watching Tessa talk to Ivy.

  “Man, those two will be the death of me yet.”

  Derrick laughed. “I take it you don’t like this arrangement any better than I do, but told Ivy differently?”

  “Hell no, I don’t like this. But you’re right, I told her I wasn’t going to argue about it. Plus, Vivian just handed me the mail and it had the DNA results I had done, and I want to open it, but I want to open it with Ivy. But looks like that’ll have to wait for now.”

  “DNA test for what?”

  “Michael was saying I have a daughter out there with another woman. So I wanted to find out if she or isn’t mine. Now I have the results.”

  “I wish you the best,” Derrick said. He motioned for them to move into the room. Jace knew from the expression on Derrick’s face he’d had it out with Tessa.

  “You didn’t.”

  “Yeah, I did. I don’t feel all this secrecy is fair.”

  “Man, do you realize Tessa will keep you in the doghouse, possibly for the rest of the night?”

  Derrick slumped onto the bed. “I messed up big time. What am I to do?”

  Jace sat next to Derrick. “I suggest you talk to her when she brings my stuff in, if she’ll talk. I’ll leave and give you guys some space.”

  Derrick was running his fingers through his hair when the door opened and Tessa walked in.

  “Here’s your stuff, Jace.”

  “Thanks, Tessa.”

  Tessa turned to leave.

  “Tessa, wait.” Derrick stood.

  Tessa stopped in her tracks.

  “Hey, I want no part in this,” stated Jace, making for the door.

  Tessa grabbed his arm before he slipped out. “Thank you.”

  “Go easy on him, Tessa. He isn’t used to all this.”

  * * *

  Tessa closed her eyes and nodded, then let go of Jace’s arm and closed the door behind him.

  “I
know what you’re going to say, Derrick.”

  “Please hear me out. What I said was out of line. I didn’t realize how much this secrecy business meant to your sister. If I had known, then I would’ve kept my mouth shut.”

  “I do understand you were upset and you wanted to be with me while we got ready. But in this family, it’s not always how it works.”

  “I’m sorry. I know I hurt you. I didn’t mean to. I’m not going to let what happened ruin our night and I don’t want you to either.”

  Tessa sighed. “I agree. I’m looking forward to tonight, being with you and going to our first ball together.”

  “I can’t wait to see you in your dress.”

  Tessa smiled and walked out of the room and down the hall and entered Ivy’s room to prepare for the night ahead.

  After leaving the room, Jace went down to his own room and knocked briefly on the door.

  “Who is it?” Ivy asked from the other side.

  “It’s me. Can we talk really quick?”

  “Sure, what’s going on?” Ivy opened the door.

  “You remember me saying earlier I got the results back?”

  Ivy nodded and Jace grabbed the envelope out of his pocket. “Here are the results. I wanted to open it with you.”

  “Open it and let’s find out.”

  Jace slid his finger through the opening of the envelope, ripped it the rest of the way open, pulled out the piece of paper, and read what it had to say.

  “What’s it say, Jace?”

  “I’m not the father. I’m not the father,” cried Jace.

  “Oh, Jace, this is wonderful news.”

  Ivy stepped out and embraced Jace, sobs of joy racking his body, then grabbed his face in her hands, “Everything is as it should be. Now we can move on and enjoy our night. We should go tell my parents—they’ll want to know.”

  Jace smiled. “I suppose we should and yes, this will be a night of celebration.”

  Ivy nodded.

  Later that afternoon, Ivy sat on the bed and looked at her dress hanging on the hook on the closet. She couldn’t believe she’d finally gotten to put on her dress for Jace.

  Tessa sat beside Ivy and wrapped her arms around her waist. “You’re going to be so beautiful tonight.”