by Emery, Lynn
“I don’t want Big River or Batton Chemical to come between us,” Savannah said, her voice tremulous.“We won’t let it.” Paul spoke with more conviction that he felt. More than ever, the secret of his relationship to Claude hung heavy on him. Seeing the trust and affection in her face, he felt a twinge of guilt. “Nothing will come between us.” He said firmly. Pulling her to him, they sat with their arms about each other in the booth.
*****
Back at the shop, Savannah breezed through inventory, a task she normally grumbled about. Still feeling the elation of Paul’s words she no longer felt the tension surrounding the Big River plant that existed between the town’s residents. But threats scrawled on the door waited for her when she left the shop that evening. She was glad her father had gone out of town on business. With help from Leon, the ugly words were scrubbed away quickly.
“Was you gone tell me ‘bout that graffiti on the shop.” Antoine gave her an admonishing look at home that night. He stood in the door to the den.
“I didn’t want you to worry, Poppy.”
“In case you done forgot, I’m grown. I been handlin’ hard times a lot longer than you, little girl.”
“That was some juvenile delinquent with too much time on his hands. Forget it.”
“I hope so, cher. I surely do hope so.”
The next day they arrived at the shop to find one of the large windows shattered.“Merry Christmas from the Big River fan club, eh?” Savannah looked around in dismay.
“Could have been worse.” Antoine headed for the phone to get the glass replaced.
Savannah sighed deeply, and then set about cleaning up the mess. Moments later she was grateful to see Paul coming through the door. He grabbed a broom and started sweeping glass.
“Did you file a report with the sheriff?” Paul picked up a basket that had been smashed.
“Yeah, won’t do much good though. There are no witnesses, and no physical evidence left behind to possibly identify whoever did it.”
“Don’t let it get you down. This coward won’t dare stand up to you in the daylight.”
“One thing, I better get used to it. By the time that trial starts in February this town might be split so that it will never be the same.” Savannah began rearranging the window display as best she could with what was left, replacing items from the shelves.
“There’s got to be some sort of compromise. A way we can have industry that is safe and good paying jobs.”
“Maybe so, but compromise means both sides give something up. Obviously Trosclair doesn’t see that as an attractive option.” Savannah pointed to the large shards of glass in the waste basket.
“You don’t believe Trosclair did this? That’s really stretching it.”
“He may not have broken the glass, but that doesn’t mean this wasn’t his handiwork. He has some real scum working for him. Remember good old Manny? And he’s not the only one.”
“Oh come on. The man is wealthy, cultured, and from what I’ve seen since meeting with him, he is concerned about how Big River affects the community. This sort of thing doesn’t seem to be his style at all.” Paul sounded defensive.
“Claude Trosclair is concerned about one thing, his own interests. He can be vicious when someone gets in his way. And you better remember that.”
“What do you mean?”
“How is he going to react when he finds out that you are getting friendly with the enemy?”
“Number one, I really don’t think he’s the person you say he is; and number two, who I get friendly with is my business. It has nothing to do with the work Batton Chemical pays me to do. Which by the way, is pretty much completed.” Setting the broom aside, he came up behind her and hugged her around the waist.
“Yeah, but he wants you to do even more work for him.” Savannah turned to face him.”
“And if I do, it will be business only. Now, give me a smile.” He brushed his lips up and down the side of her face.
“I can give you a little more than that. How about some sugar, sugar.” Savannah forgot her anxiety, all doubts swept away by the intoxicating touch, smell, feel of him. A horn blew and someone let out a long whistle. Realizing that they were on display just like her father’s merchandise, they separated.
“Lady, you had me so wrapped up, I forgot where we were for minute.” Paul laughed, and then became serious. Gazing into her dark brown eyes, it hit him full force how much she meant to him. Never had he know such sweetness and strength in one woman. A strong need to protect her always surged through him. He twisted a thick, dark lock of her hair through two fingers savoring its velvety texture.“You mean a lot to me,” he murmured.
Savannah stared at him for a long moment before brushing her hand lightly along his jaw line. All that had gone on between them, the fights and the loving moments, came together in one magical instant forcing her to acknowledge the sweet surrender of her heart to this marvelous man. A man whose strength, caring, and tenderness had won her completely.
“Hey, y’all ain’t no help standin’ around starin’ soulfully into each other’s eyes. Get to work,” Antoine rumbled a good-natured scolding.
For the next three hours they laughed, exchanged jokes on one another, and worked to restore order to the shop. Savannah felt as though she really was home now, a home she had missed all her life without even knowing it.
The crisp, yet sunny days added to the general mood of happy anticipation of Christmas day. All around Beau Chene, homes and businesses were decked with traditional decorations. Few doors did not have a large, green wreath wrapped gaily in red or green ribbon. Mistletoe, gathered from oak trees in the woods surrounding the town hung in restaurants, shops, even the gas station. Gleefully used as an excuse to get a quick kiss when the unwary stood beneath it. Laughter and good food was plentiful. Adults and children alike eagerly awaited the arrival of Papa Noël. The division over the Big River plant put a strain on the festive mood, especially the usually jovial community meeting to plan the town’s annual celebration, which included the traditional bonfire on the levee on Christmas Eve. After a bumpy start, old Mr. Melancon blurted out “Aw come on y’all, it’s Christmas after all. Let’s put all dat aside and make dis a Joyeux Noel.“After that, there was a more relaxed attitude. Men who had argued with each other worked side by side. All hands were needed to construct the elaborate creations that would be set ablaze so spectacularly. With each passing day the logs, large and small, gradually took shape. It wasn’t long before a Viking ship, a grand mansion, a fire truck, even a large rocking horse were among the temporary landmarks that took shape high above River Road. Paul threw himself into the preparations as though he had been a part of them all his life. He marveled at the inventiveness that went into the building of each figure. He pitched in to help erect the booths that would sell barbecue sausage, chicken, and beef. Large cast iron pots that would be used to fry hog skin cracklins, not used since the last festival, were brought out of storage. His mouth watered as he listened to the men and women who would cook describe the jambalaya, gumbo, pralines, and sweet potato pies they would make for the occasion. Savannah was kept very busy by the growing number of visitors in town. Last minute gifts, some to be shipped as far away as Canada, claimed her attention for most of the day. She was grateful that Leon was out of school for the holidays. His extra pair of hands were much needed with Antoine and Tante Marie setting up a booth for the Christmas Bonfire Festival. Yet she and Paul found time to be together, happily planning Christmas day. At Antoine’s suggestion, Savannah had invited Paul’s family to town.
“They will love it, cher. Since you so nervous, maybe you’ll feel better meetin’ ‘em the first time on your stompin’ grounds. Besides, who don’t wanna come to see the bonfire, eh?”
“Poppy, besides being handsome, you’re a genius.” Savannah planted a big kiss on his beaming face.
*****
“Now are you sure your mother will like this cameo pin? I want to be sure,” Sa
vannah questioned Paul. “And your father, you did say he could use this key chain with the little tools attached? And the cakes and cookies for everybody else?” Savannah critically evaluating the still unwrapped gifts under the large Christmas tree in her living room.
“Babe, I told you, they’ll love it all. Especially your Tante Marie’s cookies and cakes. And you.” Paul seated on the couch, patted the cushion next to him.
“I just want us to get off on the right foot.” Savannah sat next to him, moving comfortably into the crook of his arm.
“It isn’t about material things with them, they’re good people. They will see you for the beautiful person that you are and make you feel at home. Trust me.”
“If you say so.” Savannah sighed.
Looking around, it seemed to Savannah that combining the two families was an unqualified success. Mrs. Honorè and Tante Marie took to each other instantly. They chattered away in French about everything from cooking to what it was like in the old days. There was eating, games, and storytelling in every room. Paul was like the pied piper with his nieces and nephews. Watching him play with them, getting them sweets, wiping their little faces clean, Savannah felt a longing to put her arms around him. The red sweater did not conceal the outlines of his muscular build. The memory of how it felt to be pressed against that hard, warmth caused a stirring deep within. As he gave a tiny kiss to one of the youngest of his nieces, Savannah remembered the touch of his full lips on hers. Suddenly, Paul looked up into her eyes. His smile seemed to say he knew exactly what was on her mind, and that he felt the same. The noise faded, everyone else disappeared. A voice to her left forced her to leave that magical place. She sighed shakily, hoping what she was feeling wasn’t written all over her face.
“An attorney, very impressive.” Paul’s oldest sister, Adele, stood almost as tall as he did. Her hair was cut short pageboy style. When she blinked, her bangs moved.
“Takes brains.” Bridget nodded. “You a criminal lawyer? You know defending the innocent. Getting at the truth so justice can be served.”
“Well, not exactly.” Savannah shifted uneasily. She was beginning to think they were being sarcastic. But when she looked into Bridget’s large brown eyes, she saw nothing but a guileless, twenty-two year old.
“Cher pacan, Bridget. Excuse my little sister. She loves to watch Perry Mason reruns.”
“Unfortunately, it was dry old corporate law.” Savannah couldn’t help but laugh at Bridget’s obvious disappointment.
“It’s wonderful all the same. Mergers and such can be just as cutthroat.” Bridget declared brightly. “Tisha, get down from there!” She rushed off to pluck her two year old from the top of the piano.
“That child can climb anything.” Adele turned her attention back to Savannah. “Thanks for inviting us. I haven’t seen Paul this happy since the day he got his business got its first contract. In fact, he can’t do anything but smile whenever he talks about you.”
“Well, I—” Savannah blushed.
“We’re all thrilled. He’s the last one you know. The rest of us are married.” Adele leaning forward and stared at her blinking rapidly.
“Uh, yeah. We haven’t quite gotten that far yet.” Savannah ran her fingers through her hair. She cleared her throat and looked around the room.
“Sorry, didn’t mean to embarrass you. It’s just that, Paul has always been the intense, quiet one, like daddy. The rest of us are rowdy.” She waved her hand towards her other siblings. Laughing and talking boisterously, they seemed to immediately connect with Savannah’s relatives.
“Robert, as usual, has got somebody in stitches with one of his jokes. Then there’s Sheldon. He is in heaven wherever he can find somebody willing to talk about fishing in the gulf. And Bridget, she could make friends with the devil if given half a chance. Seriously though, I hope you’ll come visit us often.”
“Thank you, I will.” Savannah felt as though she now had an older sister, too. She became a little misty eyed when Adele took her hand and gave it a gentle squeeze before letting go.
“Don’t you believe anything she says about me.” Paul, who had been watching, was pleased at the way his sisters had obviously warmed up to Savannah.
“She hasn’t said anything about you. Why? There must be a lot to tell.” Savannah winked at Adele.
“Girlfriend, can we talk? Since he brought it up, there was that ugly incident when he was in the tenth grade.” Adele quickly bought into the game.
“Oh, I was framed! Greg put that pig embryo in the jar of formaldehyde in Miss Trill’s book bag.” Paul protested with a wide grin.
“Hey y’all, it’s gettin’ dark. Let’s head out for big fun,” Robert called out.
It took another ten minutes to get everyone dressed warmly and line up the caravan of cars so that they could all arrive at the same time. Savannah and Paul rode together in his Jeep. Sitting next to him, feeling t his hard thigh pressed to hers was so right. She placed her hand there, wondering how long she could resist him. Doubts and fears of the strong emotion he stirred in her held her back. But now being here with him, that emotion was steadily chipping away at them, until they seemed small and unfounded. This was a season of joy and hope. Surrounded by family and being with Paul filled her with both. It was Christmas Eve and excitement was in the air. The downtown historic area was decorated with tinsel, and ribbons. But it was the thousands of twinkling Christmas lights that brought the most “Oohs” and “aahs” from the thousands who strolled the small main street. The citizens of Beau Chene had spent weeks stringing them from every rooftop, in every tree and shrub of the entire six block area.
There were five foot high wooden toy soldiers, teddy bears, and other figures carved by locals. The antique shop’s front porch was set up as a replica of a traditional nineteenth century Acadian home at Christmas time, complete with carols being sung in Cajun French by a family dressed in period costume.
“I have to say, this is the best one yet.” Paul’s mother turned around. She and her grandchildren darted from one display to the next squealing with delight at each.
“Now, for a little time alone.” Paul seized Savannah’s hand and quickly pulled her away from the others.
“What are you doing?” she gasped, looking back at the crowd they were leaving. Adele and Bridget were merrily waving goodbye, giggling at the surprise on her face.
“They’ll understand. Let’s get a good spot for the bonfires.”
Most of the crowd was still wandering the streets below. There were relatively few people on the levee since the bonfires would not be lit for another hour or so. They followed the soft dirt path along the top of the levee, gazing at the imaginative structures that would shortly light the way for Papa Noel to find his way down the river.“Here, over here.” Paul, smiling mysteriously, led her to down the slope of the levee to a small wooden lean to with a bench. He swung his arms wide with a flourish. “For you, Mademoiselle. A gift from your humble servant.”
“Merci beaucoup.” She sat down, making a great show of daintily arranging the folds of an invisible full skirt.
They rested against each other, embracing, kissing with increasing passion.“This is a very special Christmas for me. You’re the reason.” Paul ran his hand lightly across her back, pleased at the responding shiver of delight.
“Very special.” That was all she could manage to say, feeling that strange painful, yet pleasurable, hunger between her thighs. She brushed her lips along his neck, aching to unbutton his shirt.
“Savannah.” Paul spoke her name, his voice made even deeper with desire.
“Yes.” Savannah whispered huskily before pulling away. They were forced to gather their wits again at the approach of more and more people.
“Look, here they are!” One of Paul’s nephews called gaily to the others.
Soon they were again swept along in the general mood of revelry. They began to dance as a band started to play Zydeco. Moving together, they two-stepped to a love
song being sung in Creole French.
“Well, well. Y’all having a good time I see. Hi, Paul. Nice to see you again.” LaShaun appeared out of the darkness. A dark, handsome man at her side.
“Hello, LaShaun. How you doing?” Paul smiled at her and nodded.
Savannah looked from her to him. Suddenly, the magic of the night was gone. What did LaShaun mean, again? A familiar sinking sensation grew in the pit of Savannah’s stomach. In a flash, Savannah remembered Devin’s deception and that Paul had been in Beau Chene for several weeks before she returned home. And Tante Marie told her how he had his pick of women. But LaShaun? Savannah fumed. Staring at him, Savannah wanted to slap that goofy grin from Paul’s face
“You two know each other?” Savannah was stone faced.
“Oh yes. I showed Paul around some when he first got to town.” LaShaun smiled as if she could say more, but wouldn’t.
“I see.” Savannah pulled away from Paul and folded her arms.
“Let’s go, girl.” LaShaun’s companion tugged at her elbow.
“Hold on, Andre.” LaShaun flashed him a warning look that caused him to let go. “See you later, let me know if you need to do any more research.” She directly into Paul’s eyes. “Bye now.” She flounced off, Andre in tow.
“You failed to mention your-acquaintance- with that one.” Savannah sat heavily on the bench.
“Sure, she was nice to me when I first got here and didn’t know anybody. She helped me do some background searching on how the land was used for the last twenty years or so, flood patterns, stuff like that.”
“How nice for you to have found a friend so quickly.” Savannah looked ahead into the darkness.
“What? Say, you’re jealous!” Paul was clearly delighted.
“Get real. Just disgusted at your taste in pals.” Savannah snapped.
“Look at me. Come on.” Paul cupped her face with his hands, gently turning her to look into his eyes. “There never was anything between me and LaShaun. Never.”