A Love for all Ages (Crockett County Trilogy Book 1)

by Phillips, Brenda

  Stephanie wants him to release her, but knowing she had to be truthful told him, “My ribs are still really sore, but I haven’t been dizzy, however my head hurts when the medicine wears off.” She smiles as she continues, “Guess that is what happens when you’re in a wreck and roll your car.” Before the doctor can comment she adds, “I know I am lucky to be alive, and the wreck is nothing to laugh about, but I am feeling better, and don’t want to dwell on the "what if’s?” Stephanie had learned at an early age to go with the flow, change what you can; accept what you can’t.

  Standing beside her bed watching Stephanie, Doctor Coup thinks about her ordeal, dealing with this all alone. Knowing no one had contacted the hospital to check on her, no one had sent flowers or called her. She is a beautiful woman it is hard to believe she is all alone with no boyfriend or even close friends. “You are doing well; seem to be right on schedule for recovering from your injuries.” Figuring he needs to reassure her. “Your test results are all good. The concern for brain damage is nil. Your brain shows normal activity.” He continues to explain, “The swelling was caused by blunt force trauma we figure you hit your head on the steering wheel. The bump on your head will go down and the bruise will fade. It just takes time. Your ribs are healing well too, you will need to keep them taped for a couple more weeks, and the cast on your wrist will need to stay on for six weeks. I figure your headaches will get less as time goes by, I will order a higher dose for the pain.” Not liking her going home with no one to help her, but also knowing she will be well enough to be released soon he adds, “You will need to take it easy a couple more days, you had a severe head injury.”

  Seeing him pick up her chart as he finished speaking, Stephanie knows the good doctor is done, and about to walk out the door, however, she has a question. “So Doc, when will I be released?” She smiled to show him she was feeling better.

  Dr. Coup turns his attention back to Stephanie, seeing she is waiting for him to answer, knowing she wasn’t going to like it when he tells her, “You will need to stay a few more days. I want all the swelling to be gone before you leave. If you go home and you’re alone you could become dizzy and fall, doing damage again.” As he explains, he sees the light dim in her eyes.

  to do this to her, but he knew this was best.

  Hating to be the one “A few more days will not be bad, I will do another set of CT scans tomorrow, if they come back with normal brain activity, and the MRI shows the swelling is

  gone, you can go home the next day.” Signing Stephanie knows Doctor Coup is right, but doesn’t like the fact. She lays back on her pillows as he walks out the door. Two more days she has to stay, closing her eyes she wonders if she can convince the Sheriff to sneak in her computer.

  After the dinner tray was picked up, or supper as she was told, she turned the television off and sat quietly doing her yoga relaxation mediations. The sounds around her fade in the background as she commands her body to relax; allowing the sensation of peace to flow through her body and mind. She knows time, rest and medicine is what the doctor ordered, time and medicine is out of her control, the doctor controls both; but the rest that is something she has control over. She had learned years ago no matter the situation through yoga she could make herself relax both her body and mind.

  Chase walks down the hallway stopping at the nurse’s station to get an update concerning Stephanie. Knowing the fact he is a Sheriff allows him to obtain the information otherwise confidential to the public. He also knows too well the policies when it comes to the HIPPA procedures, still he doesn’t feel guilty for using his badge to get her medical information.

  Being told Stephanie has to stay at least two more days, Chase proceeds to her room, opening the door he stares at the woman on the bed, seeing her in her yoga trance; he just stands at the door watching her. She has her hair down with a few strands flowing down the front of hospital gown. Sitting with her eyes closed with her hands upside down on her lap she looks relaxed, which is what she needs; he hates to interrupt her. Deciding to allow her time to finish the yoga exercises he moves to the ugly orange chair quietly he sits down. It seems over the last three days he has spent a lot of time sitting here watching her.

  He observes she is not as pale as she has been; she is getting the healthy glow to her face. Acknowledging yet again, Stephanie is a beautiful woman. The facts he learned about her through his investigation proves she is a woman that has experienced loss, she pretends to be loner and has a generous heart; she would give a stranger the shirt from her back if they needed it. In his eyes she is beautiful both on the inside and outside.

  He has spoken to her employer, her old landlord, and a few of her peers, all had great things to say about her. All had stated she was a loner, didn’t socialize much, but always had a kind word or helping hand for anyone that needed it. She lost her brother to a car accident a few months back, her Mother passed away several years ago, and no one knew anything about her Father. A few of her coworkers said she never discussed her Father and they didn’t question her. He found out she and her brother had volunteered at a soup kitchen, she would visit the local children hospital, and she helped several elderly neighbors with housecleaning. The small suburb town of Madison, just outside of Orlando, in Florida, her last known address has lost a good resident. Scratching his head, he tries to figure out how someone that is so involved in the community would be considered a loner.

  Shifting in the chair Chase regrets not going to his apartment to change out of his uniform; after wearing it all day it is wrinkled and sweaty. He should have showered and put on civilian clothes. Knowing he had wanted to come to visit as soon as his shift was over, Chase had patrolled the last several hours closer to the hospital. Once his shift was over, he radioed dispatch told Karen he was off and filled her in on his whereabouts so she could relay to Deputy Johnny.

  When Chase is out of county Deputy Johnny is in charge, Chase depends on him as second in command. Crockett County is small with only about 900 people, but covered about fifty square miles. The town of Dusten consisted of a drug store, general store, gas station, tractor supply, one diner, two churches, one school that provides the education for the children, and last but not least his sheriff office. This is his home town; he was born in the house where he was raised. Even away at college he knew he wanted to come back here, hopefully to one day get married and raise a family. Chase knew Dusten was considered Small-town, USA, but he loved the town, the people, the traditions and values of family.

  Still batting zero on the investigation Chase admits he doesn’t want to think someone from his county, someone he knows could be involved; he pushes the thoughts to the back of his mind. Tonight he may look like Sheriff Chase Peterson, but he is defiantly off duty.

  Wishing once again he had changed his clothes before coming to visit. Chase doesn’t want to be in his Sheriff role tonight, tonight he wants to get to know Stephanie from a one on one perspective, not through his endless phone calls to strangers.

  For the last four days he has been in Darrin County more than his home county, due to Darrin General was the closes hospital to Dusten, and the one where Stephanie is. With the two counties side by side, he knew most of the doctors, nurses and technicians. Darrin General Hospital wasn’t a big flashy hospital but does have all the latest equipment and he knew Stephanie is being provided the best care.

  Having been lost in thought Chase senses a change in the room, focusing his eyes he sees Stephanie sitting on the bed staring at him. They seem to smile at the same time, each glad to see the other person.

  “I hear you are a Darrin County resident for a few more days.” Rising from the chair as he speaks, Chase walks to the right side of the bed then sits down on the edge of the mattress. Taking Stephanie’s right hand in his, he locks their fingers together, letting them rest on his thigh.

  Seeing Sheriff Chase in his uniform, Stephanie decides she likes the way it fits him, snug without being too tight, the stripes going down the side of
his legs accents his height. Looking down when he laces their fingers, she allows him to hold her hand. Stephanie actually likes the feel of his calluses against her smooth skin. Blowing out a breath, she smiles bigger “I wanted to go home today, but I am logical enough to understand why I need to stay a few days more.” Adding, “Not sure what I am going to do when I get released, I have no car, and the car rental company won’t bring me the car, I have to find a ride to go get it. Then I have to find a map so I can find the way to Della’s farm, because the one the attorney gave me was in the car I no longer have.” Starting to feel frustrated Stephanie pulls her hand from Chase’s and begins picking at her cast. Not used to having to depend on others for help she wasn’t sure how to handle this situation. Should she ask him for assistance or wait until morning then check if there is a taxi service?

  Releasing her hand when she pulls away, Chase listens as Stephanie states her concerns, barriers to her, knowing she feels overwhelmed and unsure of the next move. He lays his hand over hers to stop her from picking, thinking the cast looks as if she picks at it a lot. Calmly in his best crisis controlling voice, he gives her solutions to her problems. “I can pick you up when you’re ready to go home. I don’t need a map to get to Della’s place and I can make sure all your belongings are accounted for.” He smiles at the relief in her eyes.

  Before she can open her mouth to decline or accept, he continued “I really think this is for the best; I know the area. I know your concerned for your stuff and I can make a report is anything is missing. I am actually quite useful to have around.” Finished speaking, he flashes a boyish grin to help persuade her. He has been told his smile could melt butter; of course it was his Mother that told him that.

  Laughing out loud, Stephanie agreed with Chase. It would be good to have him take her to Della’s place. For all the reasons he stated and a few she will keep to herself. Putting her right hand out to seal the deal, he places his palm against hers for a handshake. Not sure why she wanted Chase to assist her, she decides maybe it’s her hormones. Sheriff Chase Peterson is a sexy man and he does seem interested in her, more than just for the investigation. Even if she has miss read the signals she figures it won’t hurt to have a sexy sheriff as a friend.

  Over the next several hours they talked, discussed favorite things and got to know each other. Through mutual agreement they began using each other’s first name, a feeling of familiarity as they started the process of becoming friends. They went for a walk up and down the hallway, with Chase rolling the IV stand beside her. He delivered her back to her room and helped her on the bed. He then leaned over brushing a kiss lightly on her temple. Straightening he had looked into her eyes then turned walking from the room. At the clicking of the door closing Stephanie released the breath she was holding.

  Since it’s still early in the evening, Stephanie turns the television on for background noise, not caring what is on the screen. She picks up the pen and paper then pulls the bed tray closer she starts doodling pictures of a vampire chasing a young lady; her latest assignment a cover for a horror book. After several attempts she sits staring at the drawing, the horror book is not a romance novel; yet the vampire and his victim looks like young lovers and have a remarkable resemblance to Sheriff Peterson and herself. Putting the drawing away she decides to end this madness, concluding she definitely needs to go to sleep.

  Getting settled in bed, Stephanie turns the bright overhead light off, closing her eyes she does her yoga exercises needing the calm to flow through her. Drifting to sleep, she sees an image of Chase and on closer inspection she sees he now has fangs as he beckons her to him. The image is real for her but she is not scared; she wants to help him. Smiling in her sleep she snuggles her pillow as her dream takes her closer to Chase.

  Stephanie wakes a couple of hours later with a feeling of happiness. Shifting a little on the bed, she picks up the drawing; there is just an enough light from the hallway for her to see the couple on the paper. Smiles she lays the drawing back on the bed tray, closing her eyes she goes back to sleep, this time it is a dreamlesssleep.

  Sitting waiting for Chase, Stephanie is excited but nervous at the same time. Her stomach is in knots feeling as if she needs to throw up. Is it the waiting, the fact she will see Chase for the first time since he kissed her temple, the drawing or is it her being in a car since her accident? Deciding it could be a combination of all four; she rubs her temple feeling the start of a headache. Pushing the call button she asks for a pain pill when the nurse checks what she needs. Within minutes Nurse Marty comes through the door holding a cup with her pills and a can of soda.

  “Here you go Stephanie, hope this helps quickly. I saw Sheriff Chase pull in the parking lot, he parked in the “no parking zone’, figured he thinks you don’t need to walk any further then you have too.” Laughing Marty watches as Stephanie takes the pills and washes them down with the soda. After swallowing Stephanie joins in laughing with Marty.

  Walking in the room Chase sees both ladies laughing, “Hey I want in on the joke.” Not understanding when they turn and looking at him laugh harder. “Now ladies, it is not nice to laugh at the law.” Smiling he enjoys the sound of Stephanie laughter. Not wanting to intrude he observes Stephanie and Marty exchange guilty looks before turning away.

  Recovering her composure Nurse Marty leans over giving Stephanie a hug, telling her to keep in touch. She then picks up the empty pill cup on her way to the door.

  Left alone with Chase Stephanie feels her nerves start to jump, telling herself to calm down; she moves to picks up her small overnight bag, a gift from the nurses. With a smile on her lips she turns back to find him right in front of her reaching to take the bag, their hands touch. Stephanie releases the handle to Chase allowing him to carry it. Looking up, she sees him leaning closer, knowing he is going to kiss her; she leans in as his lips touch hers. Just that light kiss has Stephanie wanting more as he pulls back. Looking in her eyes, he sees confusion, “We need to get on the road, it looks like it may rain, and I don’t want you out in bad weather.” Lifting her chin, when she drops her eyes, he continues “Stephanie, I am an old fashion man, I believe in courting a lady, so be warned Miss Tuney, I intend to court you.” Seeing the surprised look on her face, he takes her right hand and carrying the overnight bag walks with her out the door.

  Chapter Two

  Once Chase has Stephanie seated in his car making sure the seatbelt isn’t pressing on her ribs; he walks around to the driver’s side, entering the vehicle he twists to reach something in the backseat. He hands her a plastic grocery bag; opening it Stephanie screams with delight finding her purse inside. Taking her purse out of the bag she lays it on her lap; rubbing the leather. She can’t believe she actually feels better having her purse.

  Shaking his head, Chase grins, “My Mother told me to make sure I bring it today. She went this morning to your place to retrieve it for me.” He would never understand the connection a woman has with her purse.

  Turning her head to look at Chase, “That was so sweet of her to do this for me. I will have to thank her.” Stephanie continues rubbing the leather on her purse; her eyes sparkle as she smiles her appreciation. Facing the front of the car, she waits for Chase to start the engine.

  Still confused; Chase starts the motor, after releasing the brake he puts the car in gear. Pulling out of the parking lot he turns onto the highway as he concentrates on driving. After a few minutes Chase starts telling Stephanie about Dusten; he describes the town as if doing a tour. Pointing out local landmarks and sharing the town gossip. She asks questions as he continues with his stories. He has her laughing, keeping her distracted so she doesn’t notice when they drive by the area of her accident.

  Knowing Stephanie has prescriptions to be filled, Chase pulls into the parking area for the drug store, Wilson Drugs, the Wilson’s had been filling prescriptions for over fifty years. Helping Stephanie out of the car, he holds her elbow as they walk in the drug store. “Hello, Mr. Wilson, how are
you doing today?” Nodding to the man behind the counter, Chase keeps holding Stephanie’s elbow.

  “Fine today, thanks for asking young Chase.” the twinkle in the elderly man’s eyes shows he enjoys needling Chase. Standing up straight, Chase responds, “Now Mr. Wilson, I think I have outgrown the ‘young Chase’ remark. After all I am now the Sheriff of this county.” Seeing the smirk on Mr. Wilson’s face, Chase knows he will always be ‘young Chase’ this is not going to stop anytime soon, they have the same conversation every time they run into each other. Pulling Stephanie to stand in front of him, Chase introduces her to Mr. Wilson. Once the pleasantries are over; Stephanie steps closer to the counter handing her insurance card and prescriptions to Mr. Wilson.

  Mr. Wilson may be seventy-six years old, but he didn’t miss much and he sure didn’t miss young Chase being possessive of Miss Tuney. He can’t wait to get home so he can share this news with his lovely wife Elizabeth. After he relates his part, she will continue with the gossip mill. This is the best gossip this town has had since the rumors of Della falling in love with a Union Ghost.

  Clearing his throat, Mr. Wilson informs them it will be about an hour then suggests they go have a meal at the diner. Glancing at Chase he winks before he turns to start the process of filling Stephanie’s prescriptions. Eyes twinkling, Mr. Wilson decides today may be a day to close early. Hearing the tingle of the bell over the door, knowing the young couple has left his store, he continueswithhisprocess,grinninglikeafool.

  Walking beside Chase along the sidewalk, Stephanie feels the tranquility of the town. Small towns, how many had her Mother dragged Mitch and her too? This one was the same as the other small town she had been to, she bet her last dollar, Mr. Wilson would be telling anyone that would listen all about her and Chase coming to town together. Just them walking together on the sidewalk will be the dinner, oops sorry, the supper

  conversations around town. Smiling she decides she doesn’t mind being linked to Sheriff Chase; however, today he is actually just Chase since he is wearing casual clothes. He has on jeans, a dark blue t-shirt and the pair of well-worn brown suede cowboy boots. He looks like a sexy rancher. Without meaning to sound conceited she knows they make a good looking couple.