She mentally went over a strategy for the next day. So much would depend on the weather forecast. If they were lucky, there would be moist air and cloud cover. If not, there would be an increased risk of crop injury. Cold nights with clear skies allowed considerable radiational heat loss from the crop environment.
Earlier, the fiberglass salesman had told her it would be impossible to deliver the wraps in time. When Isabel threatened to sue if her crops were ruined, he changed his tune, especially since she had a signed invoice guaranteeing delivery by the first of the year. Luckily, most of the fiberglass wrap shipment arrived before six.
Isabel raised the TV volume in time to hear that the cold front was moving in with clear, dry weather conditions. She sank against her pillows, dreading the long day of work tomorrow alongside the men and Olga. She reached for her cold medication on the nightstand and took two more pills. Punching her pillow, she told herself to sleep, but instead, she dozed on and off, sleeping fitfully with a congested nose.
When Olga arrived the following morning, she caught Isabel getting dressed. "Hija, you're not planning to work outside, are you?"
"I am. Tía Elena already picked up Suzie and Fluffy. My hands are free to work," Isabel said briskly. While Olga looked on in dismay, Isabel pulled a thick cotton sweater over her head, smoothing it down over her jeans and soft flannel blouse.
"Don’t do it. If you work outside today, you could end up with bronchitis, or even worse, pneumonia," Olga warned.
“I have to, we need every pair of hands we can use. We should have started banking the trees yesterday. We’ve already lost a day's work waiting for the forecast."
Olga’s eyes were round with worry. "I met with Javier and Sarita early this morning, and they promised to work through the night. What happened with the tree wraps?"
"After I threatened a lawsuit, most of the order was here by six yesterday. We'll save the wraps for our delicate, young trees in containers. We can bank the soil around the remaining trees."
"Javier is going to see who else he can round up to help the workers."
"Thank goodness we have the new micro sprinkler system we can try out tonight," Isabel said, trying to sound positive. They had four full time rangers who cared for the 110 acres and 11,000 trees, but one of the workers was out sick with pneumonia. Additionally, one of the four temporary workers who helped during harvest and emergency sessions was nowhere to be found. “Even though we’re down two workers, I think we can do it. You work the east half and I’ll handle the west. Deal?”
“Deal,” Olga said reluctantly. “When you get something in your stubborn head, it’s hard to reason with you. I trust you’ll stop before your body gives out.” She leveled a disapproving look Isabel’s way and shook her head.
The doorbell rang, and Olga rushed to answer it while Isabel put on thick cotton socks and her old work shoes that had a thick rubber soles. When she peeked out of her bedroom door she was surprised to find Tío Pepe balancing several grocery bags in his arms.
"Tío Pepe! I'm so glad to see you!" Isabel cried, rushing toward him.
"I heard the weather report and knew you'd be busy, so I brought food. I'll cook so you and Olga can be free to work," he announced. “Unless you want to stay here, Olga, and I’ll work outside.”
“Yes, that is a better plan,” Olga said through tight lips.
“No, you’re the best cook of all of us and the workers have to eat hearty today,” Isabel said. "No wonder you're my favorite uncle. Always helping in a pinch. Gracias."
Olga followed Pepe into Isabel’s kitchen and said in a loud voice, "I'll help you unload." When they were standing next to the refrigerator, she grabbed Pepe’s arm and whispered, "Please convince Isabel to stay in bed today. She is sick with the flu and should not be working outside."
"I heard you, Mami. Nothing will make me stay in bed," Isabel said adamantly.
Olga clicked her teeth and flung her hands up. "Ay, Isabelita! Sometimes you are impossible."
Tío Pepe winked at Isabel. "Sit down. I'll make you breakfast. You must eat all of it for energy."
"Fine, but then I'm going outside," Isabel said firmly.
Tío Pepe made fried eggs and ham and served them with buttered Cuban toast and a sugar-sweet café con leche. Isabel ate the steaming food, ignoring the concerned looks exchanged between Olga and Tío Pepe. She had to save the crops for everyone's sake. They were in this financial mess because of her. If she hadn’t missed the insurance premium deadline, they wouldn’t have had to absorb such a crushing loss last year. And now she had Linc’s promissory note looming over her.
“When I see the workers are doing everything to save our trees, I’ll come inside,” Isabel said so they’d quit worrying about her.
Tío Pepe busied himself with lunch preparations while Isabel and Olga met with Javier, the foreman, and the other workers. Once she was satisfied they knew what had to be done, Isabel left with Olga to begin the tree wrapping.
By noon, Isabel was ready to drop. The fiberglass wraps were more difficult to install than she had imagined and she was battling the flu and menstrual cramps. When Olga dragged her inside for lunch, she was thankful for the break. Her back muscles were already sore from being bent over the tree trunks for long periods of time. She had to blow her nose often and her throat felt raw from breathing the cold, dry air.
When Isabel and Olga walked into the kitchen, Tío Pepe was singing and dancing to "La Bamba."
"If I didn't feel sick, I'd dance with you like I used to when I was little," Isabel said, punctuating it with a sneeze. She blew her nose and made a face when she heard Olga muttering about her pigheadedness.
A fond twinkle lit Tío Pepe’s eyes. "We made a great dancing team, didn’t we? Here, have a medianoche," he said, placing a golden, toasted ham and cheese sandwich before her.
Isabel glanced at it and was amazed that despite her illness she was ravenous. She sank her teeth into the sandwich and finished it hurriedly. Standing, she said, "Thank you, that was delicious."
"Lie down now and rest, Isabelita," Tío Pepe urged. "At least for a little while."
"I can't," Isabel said, between swallows of cold medication. "Don't worry about me. I'll be fine." She blew a kiss to her uncle and went outside, her mother’s voice following her with all kinds of dire predictions about what would happen if she continued to slave outside.
Isabel kept her focus and didn’t allow herself to cave in because she wasn’t feeling well. Not one of her trees could be allowed to die or they would be in a worse financial mess. Recalling the promissory note she’d signed, she worked with renewed purpose.
Looking out over her property, she drew strength from her fertile land, loving the way it sparkled vibrant green in the bright sunlight. She could smell the tropical fruit scents even with her clogged sinuses. It was intoxicating and healing to be with her beloved trees that created a kaleidoscope of rich colors ranging from pale yellow to the deepest orange.
A rush of hope bolstered her fatigue as she surveyed her bountiful paradise, reminding her she was young and strong. She didn't care how tired she felt, she had to get the job done. There would be time in the following days to rest. For now, she had to continue and not give in to physical weakness if she wanted to save her trees.
Isabel was bent over a young carambola tree wrapping its tender trunk when she felt a large hand touch her shoulder. She recognized Linc's square hand and her nostrils flared slightly at his appealing scent. When she wearily turned to face him, she was astonished he wasn't alone.
Linc towered before her, every inch the intimidating cop, with tanned, corded arms folded across his chest. He was flanked by two large, muscular men. Isabel forced steel into her aching spine as she straightened from her cramped position and stared at them. One of the men was the detective who’d come to her house with Linc that fateful day she’d found the briefcase. She didn’t recognize the other one, but the three men stared back at her with somber expressions.
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Isabel cleared her congested throat and ended up having a coughing fit. When she got a hold of herself, she asked Linc, "What are you doing here?"
"I came to help you, and I brought two of my buddies. You’ve already met Detective Blackthorne," he said, gesturing to the tall, olive-toned man on his left. "And this is Detective Wilde," he said, pointing to the brawny one on his right. “Clay and Jake are ready to work.”
Pulling off her gloves, Isabel shook hands with them. "Thank you for coming, but I have everything under control.”
Linc’s brows drew together over eyes narrowed with suspicion as he studied her. “You don’t want our help?”
“I didn’t say that…I... aah-atchoo!" she said, her last word ending in a loud sneeze.
"God bless you," he said automatically. “When I heard the news about the freeze, I called you and your mother answered the phone. She said you were already in the field working. She also told me you have the flu and you're short-handed and overworked."
Isabel waved a dismissive hand. "She exaggerates, but I appreciate your offer to help," she said, trying to appear in control when all she wanted to do was collapse in his arms. But there was no way she was going to lose face.
The men were so large and imposing, she felt like she needed to prove herself as she desperately tried to save her trees. Maybe it was stupid and excessively prideful, but she needed to show them she was resilient and capable, not a weak girly girl.
"You shouldn’t be out here," Linc said bluntly. "You are coughing and sneezing, your eyes are bloodshot and your nose looks like a swollen cherry.”
Did he have to be so graphic? “How do you expect me to look? Like a beauty queen? I’ve been working nonstop,” she retorted, trying to keep her cool. Out of the corner of her eyes, she saw the two detectives exchange a raised brow look.
Linc didn’t seem to be listening to her as he touched her forehead. "It doesn’t feel like you have fever. But you have no business slaving out here like a martyr. You need to go in and rest."
Isabel shoved her chin up, annoyed that he’d chastise her in front of his friends. "I’m handling things just fine," she muttered, wiping her clammy face with her sleeve. He was making her feel inept in her domain, the one she normally ruled well. Unfortunately she was dealing with lack of sleep, tumultuous hormones and anxiety over losing her crops. The last thing she needed was for him to sweep in and take over like he was her boss! Granted, he had a vested interest because of the huge loan he’d given her, but still…
Linc’s eyes were uncompromising as he faced her with his hands on his hips. "If you don’t feel like walking back, I'll carry you.”
Isabel’s face burned as she sucked in a sharp breath. She caught sight of Clay and Jake trying to contain grins. She was furious with Linc for making a scene in front of them and mad at the detectives for being amused. They probably thought it was funny to see her stand up to the tough lieutenant.
She gave Jake and Clay a tight little smile. “If you want to stay and help, I won’t turn you away. God knows we can use extra hands.” Glowering at Linc, she said, “I’m staying right here until I finish what I set out to do."
Turning her back, Isabel adjusted the wrap on the tree. She hated being rude, but she hoped Linc would back off. A sudden wave of wooziness made her clutch the tree trunk with both hands and lean her forehead against it. Sucking air into her raw lungs, she closed her eyes and breathed deeply to get her bearings.
"Let’s go," he ground out.
Isabel bristled as Linc lifted her and settled her in his arms, one arm under her legs and the other cradling her shoulders as if she were breakable. He was so damned strong, it was futile to fight him and she didn’t want to make a scene. She closed her eyes against the rumble of murmurs that followed them as Linc marched by the workers and into the house past a surprised Tío Pepe.
"Put me down,” Isabel demanded when they were safely out of earshot from her staff. “I can walk.” She turned pleading eyes to her uncle. “Tell him, Tío Pepe. Please!”
Tío Pepe shrugged and shook his head helplessly. "You need to rest, Isabelita. Let him carry you."
When they reached Isabel’s bedroom, Linc pushed the door open with his booted foot and set her on the bed. She staggered to her feet and took a shaky step, but he detained her. Eyeing her nightgown beside her pillow, he tried to help her out of her sweater, but she shrugged out of his grasp.
“What do you think you're doing?" she snapped.
"Helping you undress," he replied, reaching for the closure of her jeans.
Isabel pushed his hands away and gave him an irritated look.
"What’s wrong with you? Why won’t you accept my help?" he said in a level tone.
Isabel’s body shook with ire as she faced him. "I am not going to get in bed and you can’t make me.” If she got in bed, her body would give up on her. Just a few more hours, and she’d have everything under control, then she would rest. “There’s too much to do and it’ll be dark soon."
"Knock it off. You are being irrational.” A muscle ticked in Linc’s jaw with barely contained annoyance. “I'm going to take over so you can rest. Jake and Clay are waiting for me. Now get into this nightgown and lie down,” he said sternly.
Isabel clenched her hands at her sides. She was sick of being told what to do. Not even Tío Pepe had come to her rescue. Linc was treating her like a child and it infuriated her.
"Quit fighting me, Isabel. I’m not leaving until you get in bed.” His hands returned to the clasp of her jeans and unsnapped it. He gently tugged her blouse out of the waistband.
Isabel hauled back and slapped his face. The sound resonating with every frustration she had bottled up inside, including trying to be the perfect mother for Suzie.
Linc froze. His eyes opened wide, then narrowed as his mouth formed a grim line. He didn’t say a word as he slanted a hard look at her. Isabel saw the red imprint on his clenched jaw and gasped. Horrified, she instantly regretted it.
What on earth was wrong with her? She didn’t have a violent bone in her body, yet she had just slapped the man she loved. She was a hormonal mess, emotionally out of control. She could blame it on the sleepless nights and her period, which had arrived early this morning, but that didn’t excuse her for taking it out on Linc. The shock and displeasure in his eyes were too much to bear.
His large hands dropped from her waist as he stared at her angrily. “What’s come over you?”
“Oh my God, I am so sorry,” she whispered, filled with remorse. “I shouldn’t have slapped you. I’ve never struck anyone in my life.” Her lips quivered. “But you shouldn’t have been so bossy. I wouldn’t have done it if you hadn’t made me feel so…defenseless.” She tried to speak without her voice breaking, but failed miserably.
"I’m sorry I made you feel that way.” He rubbed his jaw. “But after that wallop, I'd hardly call you defenseless. Suzie behaves better than that, and she’s only five.”
Isabel looked away from his harsh eyes and composed herself.
“Let me help you into bed. You look like you’re about to topple over.”
She suddenly felt depleted of the last of her reserves. Swaying on her feet, she braced her hands on his wide shoulders for support. “Okay,” she said with a weary sigh of resignation. “I really am sorry.”
“That’s my girl.” Linc kissed her hands. His simple gesture telling her he forgave the slap and understood she was at the breaking point. She let him help her into the nightgown, leaving her bra and panties in place. ''You can take those off when I leave," he said, his voice gruff as he covered her with the sheet and comforter.
“You need to find Javier so he can show you and your friends how to save my trees," she said, not ready to relinquish control.
"I know all about saving the trees,” he said confidently. “I’ve been reading up on nursery management and the procedures to handle a freeze. I can prevent your crops from getting damaged."
Isabel gaped a
t him. How could Linc imagine that he could learn all about nursery management from books, without any practical experience? She remained silent, deciding not to question his ability. She was thankful he was willing to help and impressed he’d gone to the trouble to do so much research in an area out of his realm of expertise.
“Clay and Jake will stay until all the trees are taken care of. Tonight I'll remain in the field with Javier to moderate the irrigation system."
Isabel nodded and reached for the aspirins on her nightstand. She downed them with water, her throat raw and sore. “Thank you for wanting to save my trees.”
"No need to thank me. Where is Suzie?" he asked.
"Tía Elena took Suzie and Fluffy to her house."
“Good.” Linc walked to the windows and closed the drapes. "Stay there, I'll be right back."
Linc strode into the master bathroom, intent on getting a cool, damp washcloth for Isabel’s tired eyes. When he had undressed her he’d noticed she had lost weight. Even sick with the flu, her soft skin scented with citrus and fresh air had tantalized him. He swallowed hard, trying not to remember her pale, delicate curves and how much he had been tempted to do more than innocently put her to bed.
Man, that slap had made his ears ring. He gave a wry shake of his head. Who knew she had such a fiery temper? He knew she was strong from the way she raised Suzie, but he’d never realized the true extent of her grit until he saw her working in the field. She had looked so small and feminine, but the sheer force of her will had blown him away.
Linc pushed the appealing image from his mind as he opened the nearby closet door in search of a washcloth. He stopped cold when he saw the box. A pregnancy kit. Cursing inwardly, he picked it up and saw it hadn’t been opened yet. He put it back in the closet and shut the door, feeling poleaxed.
Why would Isabel have bought a pregnancy kit? She must have lied to him when she’d said she’d already gotten her period. He closed his eyes against the image of her slaving in the field like a laborer, weak with the flu. If there was even a doubt she might be pregnant, why had she risked it?
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