Forever, Alabama

by Susan Sands

  “Ten days, huh? Are you going alone to Louisiana?”

  “Yes. I’m leaving Mom here, but since she’s now got Norman as support, I feel much better about it.”

  “How do you feel about facing Richard on his turf?” Ben asked, concern etched on his face.

  “I feel like I’d better pull up my britches and engage my super girl powers of bulletproof skin and the ability to fly above the fray.”

  “How about I go along as your attorney to negotiate your terms for divorce and whatever else you need?”

  Sabine’s heart nearly melted right onto the floor. “Oh—what a kind offer. I don’t know what to say. I’m not sure how Richard would respond to it. He’s strongly discouraged my gaining representation, as he feels I don’t require it.”

  “Do you care what he thinks about my being there? If you still have feelings for him, I won’t consider it.”

  “No—no, it isn’t that. I just don’t want to anger him.”

  “Are you afraid of him?” Ben’s tone became fierce.

  Sabine shrugged. “He has a lousy temper, but it’s more of a cold, rigid thing, not a physical one. So, I’m not really afraid he would become abusive, but he’s pretty manipulative and underhanded—and he knows a lot of unsavory people. I just wouldn’t want to compromise the offer of divorce. I want to get in, do what needs to be done, and get out of there with a divorce agreement in hand.”

  “I want to go with you, Sabine. I don’t like the idea of your going into the lion’s den alone. Plus, I’ve negotiated with some rotten characters in my day. I’m somewhat skilled in satisfactory outcomes.”

  Sabine stared at him with a new understanding. “That really would be an asset for this trip.”

  “Then it’s settled. I need to know the dates and details as soon as possible, so I can clear my schedule for a couple days.”

  Sabine reached over and picked up her purse. It was a large tote, and she’d managed to shove all the mail she’d received from both Richard regarding the governor’s ball and his demands, along with the feds’ packet and info about her father’s parole hearing. Now, she had to share that info.

  She passed the first envelope across the table to Ben. He picked it up and spread the contents out. Exhibit A. Sabine couldn’t help but thinking he was approaching this with his lawyer brain, which was okay with her, considering he hadn’t shown her the door and was offering his assistance. Of course, she had no idea how his feelings might have changed for her since he’d discovered her nasty past yesterday. He hadn’t yet said anything personal, or resembling conciliatory. He’d appeared somewhat sympathetic, angered over Richard’s behavior, and frustrated at her current situation.

  “Okay. I’ve got something coming up with the governor’s task force, but I should be free by then. No court on those dates, so we’re good there. I can move around a couple things. Alright. When you hear back from his assistant regarding whatever arrangements they’ve made, let me know, and you’ll counter that with your own conditions and accommodations for your stay in New Orleans. He doesn’t have to know where you’re staying or that I’m with you necessarily.”

  Sabine had only seen him in his lawyer mode the one time in court, but his demeanor had been far different and less rigid because he’d been dealing with a victim’s family who’d lost their loved one. This Ben was stern and unyielding, with no room for flexibility whatsoever. He was intimidating, but undeniably sexy as well. Well, damn. She hadn’t meant to go there.

  She noticed he’d stopped speaking. “It’s happening again, isn’t it?”

  She shook her head to clear away the confusion. “What?”

  “You’re having sexy thoughts about me in the middle of serious business.”

  “No. I’m not. I mean, I shouldn’t be. Sorry. You’ve been so understanding about all this. I didn’t expect it. I figured you’d never speak to me again. I wouldn’t have blamed you a bit, you know?” She attempted a smile.

  Then, her mouth trembled. No, she was not going to cry. Then, against her very determined will, the first tear streaked down her cheek.

  Ben Laroux was defenseless to a woman’s tears. They were his kryptonite. Combined with the fact that he had fallen ass over teakettle in the real kind of forever love with Sabine O’Connor, or whatever the hell her name was, seeing that single tear track down her face nearly did him in.

  Real emotion was not necessarily the norm in his daily life, so he recognized it when it hit him between the eyes. His sisters had cried a lot throughout his lifetime—a lot. But he could always distinguish between the phony drama and the real pain. And he hated the real stuff. It made him helpless. That was how he felt now, with Sabine both admitting her desire for him and her vulnerability to his kindness and support when she believed she deserved neither. Her father and soon-to-be ex had emotionally abused and put her and her mother through years of hell.

  “There’s dishonesty, and then there’s self-preservation, Sabine. I hated finding out this way, but you were up against a wall, and I get it. I’m disappointed that you didn’t trust me, though I can’t say what I would’ve done in your situation. Trust is earned. I’m not sure we’ve known each other long enough to cement that kind of bond. So, what I’m saying is, I’m not going to hold it against you, but I want you to trust me now. To help you get free of your past and move forward.”

  By now, Sabine was openly crying, her eyes red and lovely skin splotchy. She was heartbreakingly beautiful to him. He reached for a tissue box on the counter and handed it to her.

  “It’s just so wrong that I didn’t trust you and you’re willing to help me, and that you actually forgive me. Trust is such a huge thing, and I feel like I blew it big time.”

  “I’m a fact-finder, Sabine. You deal every day in people’s emotions, but I want the whole truth. Now that I have it, I can let go of my hurt feelings. I believe you. And I’m so freaking crazy about you that I’m thrilled you’re not with someone else. It means you’re available.” He pulled her into his arms, hoping to soothe.

  She clung to him, and calmed almost immediately. “You’re such a good man, Ben Laroux. I’m so sorry I didn’t see it at first.”

  “Well, how could you have noticed with all the women telling tales in your office? Of course, you believed me to be a world-class sleaze. I guess I kind of have been in some ways.”

  “But I see the real man under the sleaze now, and I’m so glad.” She took full advantage of the tissues by drying her eyes and blowing her nose.

  “You are available aren’t you? I mean, when all this is over?” he asked.

  A thrill shot through Sabine’s heart, and let’s face it, other places as well. “I’m planning on being very available. In fact, I’m somewhat available, at the moment.” She raised her brows suggestively.

  “I knew it. Sexy thoughts. Thank God.” Ben didn’t hesitate, lest he lose his opportunity, Sabine figured.

  It had been almost two weeks since when they’d first made love, and she’d fantasized about it a hundred times since.

  “I’ve been hoping you’d invite me over for more at home therapy,” she said, as he kissed her jaw.

  He growled. “I didn’t want to come across as too forward or aggressive, or maybe too needy.” They were standing near the kitchen counter now.

  “Needy?” She laughed, but then she moaned as he did a thing with his tongue behind her ear that melted her knees out from under her.

  Good thing he had a hold on her and scooped her up, which was convenient, because it allowed him to carry her directly to his bed. The same bed that was the scene of all the things they did to one another the last time she’d been a visitor here.

  As he laid her gently on the comforter, he said, “I’ve been in such a needy state for you, I didn’t want you to think I was pining for you—I was, by the way. Because every time I look at you, you reduce me to a horny fourteen-year-old boy who’s just gotten to second base for the first time.”

  He’d somehow man
aged to remove her lightweight cotton sweater and was working on her bra closure. “You are a mighty talented fourteen-year-old, young Ben.”

  “Ah, to have had such skills at a tender age.”

  She giggled at his wicked humor. “Carry on.”

  But he pulled back for a moment. “I’ve missed you; I’ve missed touching you and kissing you. I love the way you smell and the texture of your hair. I hope you understand how emotional this is for me with you. I lose focus at work because I can’t stop thinking about you or seeing your face in my mind’s eye.”

  “O-oh, Ben. I’ve been so wrapped up in my own guilt and worry that I couldn’t allow myself to think about what this moment might be like.”

  “Well, what’s it like?” They were now lying face-to-face with their entire bodies touching all the way to their toes.

  She sighed, long and deep. “It’s wonderful.” She smiled and gently kissed him on the lips. “I am available, Ben.”

  “Let’s just see how available.” His laugh vibrated deep in his chest.

  And Sabine relished his meaning. Right now, she was his. While the law said otherwise, nothing could change where she was and whom she was with. And nothing could change what was in her heart.

  Somehow, he’d managed to get them both completely naked now and magically he’d produced a condom. She’d have to give it to him, there were certain things she was glad he’d had plenty of practice with.

  He kissed her with a passion that left her gasping for breath as his hands ran down her body, making her moan and plead for release.

  She could hardly keep a single thought in her head, but found her power in his moans as she touched him gently at first. Then, as he fell back and allowed her more access, she became bolder. His body was pure masculine perfection.

  “Ahh. You’re killing me.” Sabine heard her opportunity in his surrender. She pushed him on his back and climbed aboard.

  Chapter Twelve

  “Hey, Ben?” Ben was working on some trial notes, but was interrupted by a quick knock, followed by his door being opened.

  “Steve.” He hadn’t changed much over the past few years. How many had it been? Five? Six? Maybe he’d put on a few pounds and had a more mature look about him.

  “I’m glad I caught you in your office. I’ve been meaning to stop by and say hello.”

  Ben was torn. This was the guy who’d been his very best friend. His brother he’d never had. And Steve had betrayed him in a way no brother would ever dare. He’d stolen the woman Ben loved. Only, she wanted to be stolen. In a million years, Ben couldn’t have imagined speaking to Steve again, much less their becoming friendly again. But he was faced with this impossibility. It was a test.

  “Yeah. I figured we’d bump in to one another sooner or later. How are you settling in?” Wasn’t that the exact same question he’d asked Lisa?

  “It’s going alright. We’ve bought a house not far from your mom’s place. It was always my favorite part of town—Lisa’s too.” Evangeline House was situated in the older section of Ministry where the trees were huge and ancient and the houses were all historically significant. And expensive. It was where Steve’s dad lived as well. It was a beautiful area.

  “I’d heard the Alexandria place was going on the market,” Ben said.

  “We were very lucky. We got a tip they were planning to list it. Mrs. A was going into the nursing home and the kids weren’t able to keep it up and pay the taxes and insurance to keep it in the family.”

  “Congratulations. It’s a great house to raise a family.”

  “Listen, man, I know we’ve got a helluva past between us—” Steve began.

  Ben snorted, he couldn’t help it. It was such an understatement. He guessed he couldn’t be as big of a man as he’d believed he might.

  Steve held up his hands in surrender. “No, I’m not going to pretend it’s just something that happened between us. It’s something I did. We did. It was wrong. I take responsibility for allowing myself to fall for Lisa. Not that I could have helped my feelings, because I was crazy about her when the two of you went on your first date. I did try to deny my feelings, and I never let on to her how I felt.”

  “You mean until she reciprocated your feelings?”

  “Yes. Neither of us wanted to hurt you. She loved you. Hell, I loved you. You were my best friend. I’ve never had a friend like you since, and likely won’t again. But you deserved better from both of us. I just wanted you to hear it from me.”

  Ben was humbled by Steve’s words, because he believed them. “It sucked so badly because I lost you both at the same time. I didn’t have a best friend to turn to when I lost the love of my life. So, it was the double-whammy that did a number on my life for a long time. It changed me.”

  Sharing like this with another guy wasn’t easy for him. He’d gotten used to being bullied about his feelings by his sisters, but this was awkward.

  “I get it, man. I just don’t know how I can ever fix it. Sorry, not giving up the wife.”

  They both laughed.

  “I’m over Lisa, just so you know. I’m pretty crazy about Sabine, so no worries there.”

  “Well, that’s a relief because you’re still the best-looking son-of-a-bitch I’ve ever seen. Not sure what kind of deal you made with the devil, but finding a woman will never be a problem for you.”

  “The trick is finding the right one,” Ben said.

  “Are y’all talking about me?” Lisa slipped inside the office at that moment.

  “I’ve always said you’ve got the best radar around.”

  She grinned. “So, Ben, when are we all going out together?” Lisa asked.

  “I’ll check with Sabine, but she and I are going out of town for a few days, so it will likely have to be after that.”

  “Oh. That’ll be nice. I hope it’s a romantic trip,” Lisa said.

  “Not exactly. She’s got an ex we need to dispose of.” He nearly smacked himself on the head. What had possessed him to spill that information?

  “Oh? Like an ex-husband? How do you plan to dispose of him? This sounds fascinating.” Lisa’s eyebrows shot up.

  “Do you need any help?” Steve asked.

  Then, an idea occurred to Ben. Three legal minds were far better than one. If he could only get Sabine on board with the possibly brilliant plan that was beginning to form in his mind. “You know, I might just take you both up on that and we can call all this even.”

  “Sounds like there’s a twist to ridding her of the ex,” Steve said.

  “He’s her current husband, and soon-to-be ex-husband, just as soon as we can get down there and negotiate terms. But he’s an attorney and a Louisiana state senator, and not exactly a straight arrow. Sabine doesn’t want to piss him off, and he is only giving her a divorce if she does a song and dance in public to show support for his upcoming candidacy. I don’t like the smell of it.”

  “Louisiana, did you say? Not good. Their laws are sticky with Napoleonic Code and all. He can get her for abandonment if she’s been gone over six months,” Steve said. He was a crack divorce attorney and was up to date on all the latest loopholes.

  “Do you know Napoleonic Code?” Ben asked.

  “I did a comparative analysis between it and pretty much the rest of the country. I was fascinated by the fact that so many of those archaic laws are still on the books. It’s like a tiny foreign country two states away, legally speaking. The divorce laws are different than here because it’s a fault state, where we’re a no-fault state. They look at blame and morality before granting divorce and setting forth terms and judgment. Historically, the deep Catholic influence still remains.”

  “So, the fact that he cheated with minor prostitutes wouldn’t sit well with the judge?” Ben asked.

  “Oh, poor Sabine. What an asshole. How can I help?” Lisa’s outrage was clearly genuine.

  “First, as you both know, everything we’ve discussed is completely confidential. Sabine hasn’t confided in anyone el
se. No one here knows her true identity besides her mother. I’m sharing with the two of you because I believe if we approach this as a team, we can better any unknowns that could pop up. From what Sabine has told me about this snake, I get the feeling Richard Habersham has no intention of letting Sabine go without a fight.”

  “Since we’re just getting our feet wet here, we’re not booked up with clients and cases yet. Plus, we owe you big-time. Why don’t you let us go to Louisiana and help you get your girl freed up for you?” Steve suggested.

  “I’m not sure Sabine would be on board with that. She’s intensely private. And having her personal dirty laundry aired out and shared is already likely going to be a real problem for her. Hopefully, I can lay out the merits for having the two of you assisting us so that she won’t see my sharing as such a breach of her trust—I mean, I shouldn’t have told you, but the benefits are so beyond hurt feelings. I just hope she’ll come to see that.”

  Lisa shook her head at him. “I’m glad you told us, but you shouldn’t have shared without checking with her. I won’t blame her for being royally pissed. You’re used to solving problems in the best, most efficient way you see fit. You came up with a way to help her, so you moved forward because you knew we won’t tell anyone because of office privilege. She won’t see it that way.”

  Ben wasn’t sure what he should do. “Well, shit.”

  “Dude, I think we should go to Louisiana on the sly. I can feed you information on the laws and tell you how to counter whatever is happening. We can do research behind the scenes and be your backup. Sabine doesn’t have to know we’re there.”

  Steve’s knowledge of Napoleonic Code and Louisiana law would be invaluable when dealing with a team of opposing counsel.

  Ben didn’t want to be at such a huge disadvantage. “I’ll think about it. I’m sure they’re going to hit Sabine with a list of terms as soon as she arrives, so we’ll have to counter on the fly,” Ben said.

  “You’re leaving out Sabine’s wishes as you’re discussing her life here,” Lisa reminded them.