They made fantastic love after the show, and afterward Senetra lay halfway across Alex and brushed her hand across chest. She liked touching him.
“My mother would like you.”
“Think so?” He felt warm and strong.
“Yeah. She never liked my ex. Thought he was too slick,” Senetra said. “She was right.”
“Is she one of those ‘I told you so’ mothers?”
“Never. She was always supportive. We were best friends.” Senetra told him about her father and how she met him through his books and tapes.
This was good, too. She rubbed her foot down his leg. The light from the fireplace flickered across Senetra’s face. Alex memorized the nuances of her face. The way her eyes lit up when she smiled. The tiny dimple was easy to miss if he wasn’t looking closely. The perfect curve of her lips. And most of all, her expressions. The expressions on her face were like scenes in a book. From the guarded look when he’d first arrived, to the pleased, completely satisfied and half-erotic expression right now. If he couldn’t have a photo, he’d have the memories.
But most of all, he treasured the insight into her past. It meant she was beginning to trust him.
Kathryn returned Sunday night, exclaiming about her trip. Senetra sat on Kathryn’s bed while she unpacked and they talked.
“Oh, my gosh. We should have done this ages ago. The sun was warm. We took a helicopter tour over the volcano. Of course Rick would have rather walked it, but this was my vacation and I was calling the shots.”
Senetra laughed.
“And I’m exhausted. We toured most of the day. Every day. Rick doesn’t know how to relax. We toured aquariums, we went snorkeling, to pineapple fields and coffee and cocoa factories. You name it, we did it.”
“Sounds like fun.”
“You have to go. Alex is more low-key, so you’ll have more walks on the beach. I only got one day to lie out in the sun.”
“Trust me, I won’t be lying in the sun.”
“Why not? It’s fun.”
“I’ll take your word for it.”
“So, did Alex visit?” Kathryn asked.
“Twice. On his way to Wisconsin and on his way back. He left an hour before you arrived.”
“So it’s working out. I did a good deed after all, although it was Rick’s idea to set you two up.”
“It’s working out so far.”
Chapter 11
When Dorothelia arrived at the Louisville Airport, a limousine picked her up and whisked her to the hotel. The place was brimming with excitement and money.
George had left her room key at the desk and she didn’t have to go through the check-in procedure. A cheese and fruit tray was waiting for her in the room.
It was warm in Kentucky, and Dorothelia was itching for a shower. She sampled some of the food before she took a lengthy shower, dressed casually and waited for a call from George. He’d mentioned some function they would attend that evening. She was just about to fix herself a more substantial plate when she heard a knock at her door.
It was George and he looked quite handsome in casual slacks and shirt.
She gathered a breath and opened the door for him.
“My dear. I am so happy to see you.”
“Oh, George.” Dorothelia’s face felt hot as George advanced into the room. He closed the door firmly behind him before he gently encircled her in his arms. She tingled all over at the feel of those strong hands on her. The kiss was sweet and needy, desperate as they were to be with each other after parting for so long. They’d talked every day since she left. Dorothelia hadn’t expected to feel this way about a man at this time in her life.
“I missed you,” he said as their lips parted. “And you kissed me as if you missed me, too.”
“I did.” Dorothelia had needed to go home to take care of some business. She rushed through everything, including visiting a milliner to get a special hat made for the Derby. She felt like a silly teenager. There was something fresh and energizing about new love. Get real, Dorothelia. Deep affection is a better term.
“Is the room comfortable?” George asked, but he was regarding her, not the room.
“Very. Thank you. Would you like something to snack on? I have a beautiful fruit and cheese tray.”
“And perhaps a glass of wine to go with it,” George said, glancing around for the first time, pleased that everything was as he’d requested.
“Of course.”
George had great plans for their stay in Kentucky. The only stain on their happiness was the private investigator’s inability to find Senetra. George had to give it to Senetra. She was an intelligent young lady. He was growing frustrated. He couldn’t wait to meet her and he knew it would please Dorothelia when he did. He had plans and he doubted she’d fall in line until Senetra was found.
Dorothelia prepared two plates and handed one to him. “I’m surprised he hasn’t been able to find her yet. With technology being what it is, it shouldn’t be that difficult.”
“She’s done a terrific job of hiding this time. The investigator said she didn’t make the silly errors most people make. It’s going to take a while, but he’ll eventually find her. I have no doubt of that.”
“It can’t be soon enough.”
“She’s safe. That’s what’s important.”
Dorothelia’s gaze touched his. “You’re right. I’m being selfish. Her safety is what’s important. And this is your time. I won’t bring up depressing news.”
He gathered her hand in his. “Don’t hide from me, Dorothelia. If you’re concerned, I want to know.”
Dorothelia smiled. “You’re a wonderful man, George Avery.
“With that. Let’s eat our snack and enjoy our time here.”
Dorothelia appeared too edgy to sit down. She stood as the horses flew around the track. Her heart thumped in her chest. The jockey held Thunder back in the beginning, but during the final stretch, he passed one horse, then another as if he’d gotten a second wind.
“Go, go, go…” she entreated. The finish line was coming much too quickly. “Just a little faster. Run, run, run….” She clutched George’s hand.
Dorothelia fascinated George. He was seeing everything from her fresh eyes. Her excitement was contagious. Finally, the jockey was pressing the horse to run full-out, and George’s heart caught in his throat, too.
Could this finally happen?
For the first time in decades, would a River Oak Thoroughbred win the Kentucky Derby? If Thunder won this one—just this one—he wouldn’t have to race another race. He would serve as a Thoroughbred stud.
He clutched Dorothelia’s hand, trying to keep his emotions under control. Colin, Noelle, Jasmine and Drake showed no such compunction. They were all standing and yelling, just as most of the crowd was. It might seem like a dignified crowd, but this race could mean big money. And big money brought them all to their feet.
Silently he urged Thunder to win, too. They were almost neck to neck, mere yards from the finish line. His heart skipped. Thunder inched forward, finishing a mere head in front of the second horse.
George went weak in the knees. He held on to the railing to keep from falling. He could leave his grandchildren—all three of them—a grand legacy. Stud fees would skyrocket.
“What a grand finish,” Dorothelia said, her eyes bright with excitement and tears.
He’d won enough races that they got great stud fees for Thunder anyway, but this was the Kentucky Derby. Their fees would now double. He’d begin making deals before the day was over.
“Congratulations!” Everyone around them was shaking hands, hugging and kissing. He was filled with so much joy he could have leaped out of his skin.
“What’re you waiting for?” Colin asked. “Let’s go to the winner’s circle.”
Dorothelia clasped her hands to his cheeks and kissed him, shocking him to the soles of his shoes.
“Let’s go,” Colin repeated.
Dorothelia looked confused. �
�Where are you going?”
“To the winner’s circle.”
George extended his elbow for her to take. “Let’s go.”
“Oh, this is your time,” she said, but George insisted. She was still flushed with excitement as she slipped her hand through his arm.
“Only one thing could make this more complete,” George murmured as they made their way through the crowd. He took the ring box out of his breast pocket.
“This isn’t how I’d planned to present this to you,” he said, but he took the ring out of the box and handed it to her.
“Will you marry me?” he asked, and chuckled a little nervously. “I should have waited for a more appropriate time when we were alone and could take our own special moment and do this properly. Even go down on one knee.”
“Oh, George.” Now she clasped her hands on her own jaws.
“I love you, Dorothelia. You’ve brought joy into my life I thought was gone forever. Say you’ll marry me.”
“Oh, George,” she repeated. “I love you. I want to marry you, I really do.”
He slid the ring onto her finger. Dorothelia’s eyes watered.
“This is absolutely…It’s too much,” she said, tears glistening on her lashes. One escaped, sliding down her face.
George paused and wiped it with his thumb. The center diamond was four carats, but it definitely wasn’t too much for her. Nothing was too much for her.
“It’s perfect for you, my love.”
She wrapped her arms around him and he closed his eyes briefly as he hugged her back. Thank you, God, was all he could think.
Colin urged them to move on again.
He kissed her soft fingers as they made it to the track, where a blanket of roses was being placed on Thunder. They were indeed the winners of the Kentucky Derby and their horse and jockey were at the winner’s circle.
George and Dorothelia did not get a private moment again until they were in George’s suite where they sought out a quiet corner to talk. The catering staff was busily setting out hors d’ouevres as George was expecting a parade of people to come through.
“We have to find Senetra. That has to be our priority,” Dorothelia was saying quietly.
“Dorothelia, dear, we will eventually find her. She wouldn’t want you to put your life on hold, and I hope she isn’t putting hers on hold, either. We hope she’s happy wherever she is and that she can trust enough to fall in love again. I don’t wish for her to be alone.”
“I know, but…I’m afraid to be away from home too much. If she needs me, she won’t know how to reach me. She doesn’t know I’m in Virginia.”
“If she can’t reach you at home, she can reach your friends, right? And she knows your cell phone number.”
Dorothelia nodded.
“I love you, dear. Life is too precious to waste a minute of it.”
“I’ll marry you, but let’s wait awhile. I’d like Senetra to be part of our wedding, if possible. I just…It won’t be the same without her.” She glanced at George with an expression that made it impossible for him to refuse her anything. “I want her to meet you. You’re such a wonderful man, George.”
George wanted to argue the point further, but he acquiesced. “We’ll set a date in two months. Will that work for you?”
Dorothelia nodded.
“But in the meantime, I’d like you to spend most of your time in Virginia—with me. I’m willing to wait, but not live apart,” he said, and hurried on. “I don’t expect to take liberties as my other grandchildren are in the house, and I’d like to set a good example. But having you near me will be enough.”
“Well, George, I don’t expect you to be a saint. You are a handsome man, after all.”
George sucked in a breath, felt the heat shoot through his body. It was a good thing Dorothelia had a separate room. He’d wanted her to be able to relax without all the hubbub. Of course, in the back of his mind, he was thinking of other pleasures.
“In that case, I’ll be visiting you in your room tonight,” he said, and had the pleasure of watching Dorothelia blush prettily. “Will you give me that much?”
“Yes.”
Summer at last. Her students had graduated and had turned wild. Senetra always thought there was logic behind that. The parents would be so stressed out by the end of August they’d welcome their children’s departure to college.
Her freezer was overpacked with salmon, and now halibut, along with enough clams to make several batches of soup and fry.
Rick and Alex had participated in a halibut derby and caught a two-hundred-fifty-pound fish. Senetra was one person, for heaven’s sake, and although she didn’t mind cooking, she and Alex often ate out when he visited. In the apartment, he had a one-track mind. Her bedroom, her couch—they’d tried out the entire place with their lovemaking.
How much fish could she eat? She’d talked Alex into shipping some to his father, because he never took any back with him. He gave his share to her, part of which was stored in Rick’s freezer—which never had a chance to empty anyway since he was always fishing and adding more. The good thing was they didn’t let food go to waste. They shared with others, too, especially seniors who couldn’t fish as they did when they were younger.
Dorothelia loved fish. If only she could ship some to her mother. But if Timothy’s people found out, it would give them a new vantage point for their search.
He’d taught her a well-learned lesson. By now, what love he’d had for her must have died.
Senetra had some misgivings about her trip with Alex, but that wasn’t unusual. She’d learned to feel the fear and move forward anyway.
“Hi, Ms. Novak.”
Senetra waved at Mark and his friend.
“Where you off to?” Mark asked.
“I’m taking the southwest ferry tour. The write-up of it in the brochures sounded great.”
“You’ll love it. My dad used to take us practically every summer. We used to camp out when we didn’t stay on the boat.”
“I won’t be camping out.” No, thank you. Her nights would be spent in the comfort of a stateroom.
He chuckled. “You’re missing half the fun.”
“What are your plans for the summer?”
“My dad took a group of tourists out for a week,” Mark said.
“Is he deep-sea fishing this summer?”
“He’ll make one long trip, but the rest of the summer he takes out small groups of rich guys. There are about five on this trip. I’ll be going with him on other trips.” He shrugged. “My summer job. I get to see how the other half lives.”
Senetra knew it wasn’t uncommon for a fisherman to make as much as twenty or thirty grand on such a tour.
“Take care,” Mark said, and pulled off in his SUV.
Senetra waved and rushed through her last-minute shopping. By the time the ferry took off with both her and Alex on it, she was ready for some R & R.
There was only one thing she would change. She wished she’d gotten one room instead of insisting on two.
When Alex pulled her into his arms, she felt the sunlight was shining down on her.
Alex rented an SUV for the day they toured Unalaska and the Dutch Harbor islands that were part of the chain of Aleutian Islands. These two islands were connected by a bridge.
It was a busy area off the Iliuliuk Bay and because of the confluence of the north Pacific Ocean and the Bering Sea, it was one of the richest fisheries in the world. Dutch Harbor was known for its natural deepwater port. More than four hundred ships arrived there each year from fourteen countries. And an excess of eight hundred million pounds of seafood was processed there annually.
Senetra remembered some of the teachings of her history lessons.
It had rained overnight and the day started out foggy and cold, but once the fog burned off, it turned bright and sunny.
They observed some of the rarest arctic birds, as well as three types of whales and beautiful florae.
Near noon, it
had warmed to fifty degrees and they had to shed heavy coats for thick sweatshirts.
They learned some of the history of the area. Such as in 1768 Unalaska became a trading port for the Russian fur trade industry.
They also toured the World War II museum that honored the Unangans and the American forces who’d fought the Japanese on the Attu and Kiska islands.
During that time the Unangans were forcibly removed from their homes and taken to southeast Alaska to be placed in internment camps for the next three years. Many of the old and young died in the squalid and inhuman conditions.
From there, Senetra and Alex toured the beautiful and ornate Russian Orthodox Church. Senetra stopped to pray for the pure pleasure and joy of the day.
She turned to Alex. “Thank you.”
He was still gazing at the church, but turned his gaze on her. “For what?”
“For bringing me on this trip.” At every port she’d experienced something new and wonderful. Things she never would have experienced had she not left her town.
He smiled and placed an arm around her shoulder. “Hey, I’m enjoying it, too.”
“You’ve been here before.”
“It’s different from seeing it with a couple of teenage guys glad to be away from home. But I enjoyed it with them, too. It was just different,” he said. “I’m glad I’m here with you.” He kissed her on the forehead. “It’s time we eat. My stomach’s sunk in.”
Senetra patted the tightly knitted muscles. “It’s not sinking in yet.” But they left to find food near the dock. Senetra selected a halibut sandwich on a bun and Alex chose a lobster sandwich.
Back on the boat, they showered and rested. Touring was definitely tiring. Two hours later, Senetra came awake with Alex’s kisses.
“We’re going to miss dinner if we don’t get up.”
“Is it that late?” She was still adjusting to the midnight sun. The sun was still shining bright outside.
“We still have time to eat at a restaurant in town.” He kissed her stomach and Senetra sucked in a breath. “Or we could have fun first and eat on the boat.” He caressed her inner thigh, touching, then kissing just the right spot to make her moan in pleasure.
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