Love's Paradise

by Celeste O. Norfleet

  “I gather he said no.”

  “Of course he did. He’s one of those don’t-stand-in-the-way-of-progress people. He’d steamroll the pyramids to make way for a parking lot and shopping mall if given half a chance. I’m sorry. I know I sound callous. When I think about it I get so angry. How can he not see the importance of finding out for sure? If I’m wrong, then so be it. But if I’m right and what’s on his property is the actually the wreckage of the Crescent then it changes everything. History gets rewritten. It means the Crescent never made it back to Africa, which refutes what historians have long believed.”

  Madison and Kennedy could see and understand her passion. They nodded. “Okay, so what can we do to help?”

  “I’m going to try and convince him to see what he’s sacrificing. If that doesn’t work I’m going to my uncle’s office. He’s a judge. I’ll ask him to grant me an immediate injunction.”

  “Can he do that without sufficient proof?”

  “I have proof, sort of. It’s probably tenuous at best. I’ve pulled maps and charts and a ledger that was found a century ago. There’s a possibility it could put the Crescent in that exact location if it were shipwrecked.”

  “Will you have enough time? How long do you think an emergency injunction would last?” Madison asked.

  “Seventy-two hours, that’s not a lot of time,” Kennedy said, having had experience with injunctions before.

  “I’m hoping I can gather samples and at least get the process started. If time runs out I’m hoping I can get a court order.”

  “You know his lawyers are going to be all over this,” Madison said. “Can’t you talk to him, maybe explain the historical significance of this find?”

  Sheri shook her head. “I tried. He’s adamant. He won’t listen.”

  “Maybe he just needs the right persuasion,” Madison said. Kennedy nodded her agreement.

  “Like what?”

  “Show him Crescent Island. Let him see and experience the history and magnificence of what the locals call God’s garden.”

  Sheri took a deep breath and released it slowly while shaking her head. “I have to tell you there’s more to all of this. We’ve met before.”

  “When?” Madison asked.

  “About nine months ago, Mamma Lou introduced us.” Madison and Kennedy looked at each other. “She was playing matchmaking.”

  “I assume it didn’t exactly work out.”

  Sheri shook her head. “Not even close. I think we purposely turned away from each other just because Mamma Lou tried to put us together.”

  “So what’s he like?”

  “He’s a typical know-it-all, egocentric, condescending, pain in the neck.”

  Madison and Kennedy laughed. “Now what’s he really like?”

  “He’s intelligent, attractive, sexy, funny and very talented. He’s an architect and his work is brilliant.”

  “Sounds like you might kinda like him,” Kennedy said.

  “Yes, I’m attracted to him,” Sheri admitted.

  “Is that all?” Madison asked. Sheri didn’t respond.

  “Truthfully, I don’t know what to think. He drives me crazy and sometimes all I can think about is seeing him.”

  “That sounds very familiar,” Madison said smiling. Kennedy nodded.

  “What do you mean?” Sheri asked.

  “It was the same way with me and Tony when we first met. The man drove me insane. Everything about him was wrong for me. He was all those things and more. After a while I saw beyond all that other stuff. I have a feeling your guy is the same way. Maybe you should look beyond what you see.”

  “Same with me, when I first met Juwan we argued constantly. There was no way we were ever going to get along. Then all of a sudden I saw his heart and his spirit. I fell in love without even knowing it was happening. I believed I was saving him from deportation. What I got instead is a fairytale life as a real princess. My life has never been the same.”

  “Yeah, but that’s you guys. You both met incredible men and now live incredible lives. It was a once or rather twice in a lifetime thing. That’ll never happen to me and certain not with Jordan.”

  “You never know.”

  “When we kissed…”

  “Wait, you kissed?” Kennedy asked. Kennedy and Madison looked at each other then back at Sheri. Sheri looked mortified.

  “Not just that. Last night I went to the construction site to talk and one thing led to another and we made love. I know, I know. It’s crazy. It’s wrong, it’s unprofessional and I still don’t know what happened. One minute we were arguing and the next thing I knew we were in each other’s arms kissing like we were long-lost lovers. He had a bedroom in his trailer and we made love. I swear my toes curled, my knees buckled, my stomach felt like I’d swallowed a jackhammer and every nerve ending in my body liquefied like hot lava.” She shivered.

  “Wow, that sounds like some kind of incredible evening.”

  “Believe me, it was. The man is talented and I’m not just talking about as an architect.” She looked at Madison and Kennedy, knowing they knew exactly what she was talking about. Sheri sighed, shaking her head and licking her lips. “Now I don’t know what to do. I’ve lost all credibility in this.”

  “Maybe not,” Kennedy said hopefully.

  “Yes,” Madison added quickly, “maybe not.”

  “Yes, I have, I know it. After we made love do you really think he’s going to listen to me or take me seriously?”

  “Make him listen.”

  “Yes, find him, take him out and show him the Crescent Island you know and love. Show him your passion. Maybe he’ll see it, too.”

  “He wants to meet tonight at the party.”

  Madison looked at her watch. “Oh, speaking of tonight, we’d better get going. It’s getting late,” Madison said as she and Kennedy stood to leave. Sheri came around to the front of her desk. “We’ll see you tonight, right?”

  “Yes, I’ll be there. But I’m not staying long. My grandmother and Mamma Lou are still on a matchmaking mission and you know what that means,” Sheri said.

  “Definitely,” Kennedy said, and then hugged Sheri warmly.

  “Are you leaving now?” Madison asked, hugging her next.

  “No. I have a few more things to take care of here. But I’ll see you guys tonight.”

  “Okay.”

  Madison and Kennedy left Sheri’s office and took the stairs down to the main level. The museum was closed and completely empty except for the security guards still at their station. Madison and Kennedy signed out and left. While heading to the car, Madison smiled happily. “How does she do it?”

  “Mamma Lou? I have no idea,” Kennedy said.

  “She introduced them months ago. They dismissed each other and now they can’t keep their hands off each other. It’s like some kind of matchmaking ESP.”

  Kennedy shook her head. “Yeah I know, she’s right in the center of Mamma Lou’s bull’s-eye and doesn’t even know it. Think we should warn her?” Kennedy asked.

  “No way, let’s wait and see. You never know, love comes to people in the most peculiar ways,” Madison said.

  “Okay, now you’re scaring me. You’re starting to sound just like Mamma Lou.”

  They laughed as they got into the car. “Sheri didn’t mention his name, who do you think it is?” Madison asked.

  Kennedy shrugged. “I don’t know, but I have feeling we’re gonna find out real soon.”

  Madison smiled and nodded. “Me, too. It’s the perfect day to observe romance in the making, isn’t it?”

  Kennedy looked at her sister shaking her head. “Careful or we’re gonna have to start calling you Mamma Madi.”

  Chapter 14

  Camille Rantone and Louise Gates sat outside under the covered patio with the fireplace blazing on Friday evening. Earlier that day they had watched the sun dip below the horizon, and now patiently waited for the guests to arrive. There was a warm luminous glow surrounding them
as they talked quietly and anticipated enjoying the approaching evening. “Thank you, Louise, it’s the perfect evening to have this celebration,” Camille said.

  Louise nodded. “It’s my pleasure, Cam, and you’re right, this is a gorgeous night. It’s hard to believe it’s already fall. Where does the time go?”

  Camille sighed as her eyes watered. “I’ve been asking myself that a lot lately. I see so much. But I didn’t see our enduring friendship. Do you know we met more than sixty years ago? Since then our journeys have taken so many twists and turns along the path to love and happiness. Life, death, joy and sorrow, our friendship has lasted through it all. You were there when my world fell apart so many times—the deaths of two wonderful husbands.”

  Louise reached out and took Camille’s hand. “And you were there for me. We’re family, Cam, sisters of the heart. Ever since the evening we met in that tent when Emma begged me to go in and see you.”

  “I miss her,” Camille said softly.

  “Yes, me, too. So very much,” Louise muttered quietly. “Her life and her work are a testament to the woman she was. She achieved everything you told her she would. Thank you for that.”

  “Oh, my, how in the world did we get to such a sad place?” Camille asked. “Tonight is supposed to be a celebration of life and history.”

  “We’re old, we’re allowed. So have you spoken with Sheri?”

  “Earlier, she’s coming.”

  “Good,” Louise said.

  Camille sighed. “To tell you the truth, Louise, I’m not sure what to do anymore,” Camille said. “Sheri is just so much like her mother, stubborn and pigheaded. And she keeps her head in those books. How is she ever going to find someone if she never leaves the museum?”

  “Give her time, Camille. She’ll come around.”

  Camille shook her head again. “But will it be too late? I wish I could see her future like I can see everyone else’s. I see strangers with perfect clarity.”

  “Your gift doesn’t work like that and you know it. You can see everyone’s future except those closest to you. It’s your love and emotional attachment that blocks you. It blinds you to the truth, the future, in your loved ones. Sheri’s your granddaughter. You’ve never been able to read her before and you never will.”

  “I know. That’s why I need you to do this for me. Find her match. Find a man who will appreciate her passion.”

  Louise glanced around slowly to make sure that Colonel Wheeler was inside. She was free to talk openly. “I promised Otis I wouldn’t do any more matchmaking until I picked a date for our wedding, but I think this would be considered an emergency and just one last time would be okay. After all, she is family.”

  Camille reached over and held Louise’s hand. “Now you know I can’t see your future anymore. But I do know your wedding will be a spectacular event right here at this house. There’s also a feeling of warmth surrounding you. That much I do see.”

  Louise nodded. “That was just the confirmation I needed. I was thinking the exact same thing, getting married right here at the manor. The family together where it all began, it’s the perfect location.”

  “I agree. It’s so lovely here, particularly in spring,” Camille said.

  “Yes, a spring wedding would be ideal. The weather would be perfect, not too cold and not too warm. Yes. That’s it.” She nodded decisively. “Now let’s get back to the business at hand—Sheri,” Louise said quietly as she leaned closer. “I believe I have the perfect man in mind for her. I invited him tonight, but I’m not sure if he’ll come. He’s about as stubborn and determined as Sheri is. I introduced them a few months ago, but they fought so hard against the attraction nothing came of it. There was definitely a spark. Now I believe the timing is just right again. They’re that perfect match of opposites attract. They’ll do very well together.”

  “If they give love a chance,” Camille said wistfully.

  “Yes, but I’m hopeful they will, perhaps even tonight. Then if we’re lucky, we’ll get a chance to see the spark ignite once more.”

  Camille sighed. “I’m almost ninety years old. Time isn’t exactly on my side these days. I’d love to see her happily married soon.”

  “Don’t worry, Cam. I’m already on the job.”

  “On what job?” The question suddenly coming from behind them surprised the two. They turned and looked up. Colonel Otis Wheeler stood with his arms crossed “What are you two ladies up to?” he queried, knowing the answer to his question. When Camille and Louise put their heads together things happened.

  The women did their best to look innocent, but failed miserably. “What on earth makes you think we’re up to something?” Louise said. “We’re just sitting here enjoying the evening and having a great conversation about spring weather.”

  Colonel Wheeler chuckled. “Uh-huh, right,” he said, not buying a word of it. “Now I may not be able to see the future and I don’t have the gift of matchmaking, but I do know a couple of scheming ladies when I see them.”

  Camille laughed heartily as Louise pretended to be insulted.

  “Well, now, how do you like that,” Louise said. “So much for love and trust.” Then she turned to Camille, who was still laughing. “Now, don’t you go encouraging him.”

  “My darling,” Colonel Wheeler said, taking Louise’s hand tenderly. “I do trust you and you know I love you. I also know when you’re up to something. And you, my dear, are always up to something. Matchmaking, I’d surmise.”

  Still pretending to be innocent, Louise opened her mouth in shock. Camille laughed harder. Unable to keep a straight face, Louise finally joined in the laughter. “I think I just got my answer,” Colonel Wheeler said.

  “Hey, sounds like there’s a party going on out here.”

  Camille, Louise and Otis turned around to see Tony and Madison walking out onto the patio with their twins, Johanna and Jonathan, running behind them. “Look who’s here,” Louise said, opening her arms for the twins to come to her. They ran and were immediately swallowed up with hugs, kisses and love. Everyone started talking all at once. It was the beginning of a joyous celebration. A few minutes later Randolph and Juliet walked in along with Kennedy, Juwan and their newborn daughter, Nya. A number of guests arrived soon after. Family, old friends, new friends and somewhere along the way Louise and Camille realized this was all the time they needed.

  Chapter 15

  For years Sheri grew up going to Gates Manor thinking it was no big deal. Her mother and grandmother would bring her along, and Louise Gates became like another grandparent to her. Louise’s grandsons, Antonio and Raymond, were like her big brothers. As kids they teased and drove her crazy. In turn she’d follow them everywhere. They’d all hang out together and she tried her best to tag along. As they grew older, their paths took different directions, but they still stayed close. It wasn’t until she was in high school that she realized how special a gift it was to be part of the Gates family.

  In her college years, they grew even closer and seemed to always be around one another. They visited each other in college and traveled together during breaks. All of her college friends had crushes on Sheri’s brothers, Daniel and Mark, as well Tony and Ray. Everyone knew the Gates family on Crescent Island and she was part of the family.

  Going to a party at Gates Manor was in some people’s minds akin to attending a state dinner at the White House. Few were invited and if you were blessed enough to be included, it was definitely a good idea to go. Louise Gates was the unofficial first lady of Crescent Island. Everyone knew her and adored her.

  As usual, the stately old house looked spectacular. Built in the 1960s, it was impressive from every angle. The front porch was completely illuminated when every light in the house was on. It was stunning. She hurried along the redbrick driveway then walked up the steps to the wraparound porch, hoping to have a nice relaxing evening with her family and friends as long as she could steer clear of Mamma Lou and her matchmaking.

  As she open
ed the door and walked in, a sense of joy and happiness hit her. It was good to be surrounded by family and friends.

  “Sheri, there you are. You look beautiful,” her mother said, crossing the room to meet her. She linked arms with her daughter and tilted her head to the side. “I have the perfect man for you.”

  “Oh, Mom, please, not you, too.”

  “I’m afraid so. But trust me on this one, he’s perfect. Now where did he go? Ah, there he is talking to Tony. Come on, I’ll point you in the right direction. Go introduce yourself. He’s in the family room.”

  “Okay, I will, but first I want to see Grandma and Mamma Lou.”

  Following his GPS directions, Jordan arrived at the entrance to the manor in less time than he’d expected. He stopped and looked up at the iron gates then down the illuminated driveway to see the stately home perched on a small hill. “Now this is what I call a driveway,” he said aloud. The car behind him flashed its lights. He glanced in the rearview mirror, waved then drove up the extended driveway and rounded the circular path in front of Gates Manor.

  He drove back down near to the end of the driveway, parked and got out. He looked up, admiring the home as he approached. A white colonial mansion, it was nothing short of magnificent. Stately and dignified, it reminded him a lot of its owner, Louise Gates. The road was lined with what looked like century-old oak trees that stood like royal sentries along the path. It was all wonderfully dramatic.

  The building itself was rectangular, with a wraparound porch connected to a covered portico with huge white columns. Jordan walked up the wooden steps to the porch and rang the doorbell. Seconds later the door was answered. An attractive middle-aged woman greeted him with a warm, welcoming smile. “Good evening, please, come in. Welcome to Gates Manor.”

  “Thank you, good evening,” he said, walking into the foyer. “I’m a guest of Louise Gates.”