Bountiful Harvest

by Darlene Tallman

  Frank realized he needed to calm the boys before Dorrie returned, so he hugged both boys to him, kissing their heads and simply said “I’m grateful for second chances. Let’s get the puppies and go see where your momma is, okay? I know your grandparents are coming today and us guys will be busy setting these two up when we get back to your house.”

  Walking toward where he knew the sanctuary volunteers were, he saw Dorrie walking toward them, carrying a little dog in her hands that looked like a beagle basset. Long floppy ears, wrinkles, and a tail that was wagging to beat the band as the saying goes.

  “Frank, I think I’ve lost my mind! This is Maisie Lou and she’s a bit older than the puppies, but she saw me and made a beeline toward me and begged to be picked up. The workers said she’s never done that before. Thinking she may have claimed me? Good grief and gravy, what on earth am I thinking adopting three dogs?!?!”

  Laughing as he reached her side, he leaned over and kissed her temple while reaching down and petting Maisie. “Sweetheart, that’s how I adopted Lily. She was sitting there ignoring everyone else that day and when I walked into her kennel area, her head perked up and she ran to me and jumped up into my arms. I think you need a dog who will be devoted to you too, because the puppies have claimed the boys.”

  Feeling like she was drifting in an alternate universe because this was something a family should do, she glanced up at him and said “Well, then I guess we are adopting three dogs!”

  The paperwork itself didn’t take too long, and because she was adopting three dogs, the sanctuary wanted to give her a discount. Dorrie was adamant that they pay the full price (even though she knew her account was going to take yet another hit) because “there are other dogs who need to be rescued and saved and vetted. This will help you do that.”

  The ride home was chaotic at best, with the boys holding the pups who had “claimed” them, and Dorrie sitting beside him in the front seat with Maisie laying on them both. Pulling into her driveway, he glanced back at the boys and said “You two need to put the dogs in the backyard so they know where to go, okay? Your mom is going to make a list of everything you’ll need and us guys will run out and grab it so we can get the dogs settled before your grandparents come, okay?”

  Looking at him, Dorrie said “That sounds like a plan; do you think we could order pizza for dinner because I’m not sure what time they’ll actually get here and if I know my dad, he’s going to want to get those few things done tonight and won’t want to go out to eat.”

  Hopping out of his truck and going around to the passenger side, he helped her down with Maisie, then handed the leash to Tony, who was busy trying to untangle his puppy from the leash. “Boys, you need to hurry so we can get this done and then you can play with the dogs in the backyard, okay?”

  “Yes, sir!” they chorused. With her small hand encased in his, he walked toward the front door, opening it when she gave him the keys. “Dorriegirl, while the boys are out back and we are working on that list, gotta share with you what happened at the dog farm, okay? As far as dinner goes, pizza sounds good; maybe later once your folks get here, you and your mom can go get it.” “Okay, Frank. Although the tone of your voice says this may be something I don’t want to hear.”

  “No, no, nothing like that at all! Listen, the boys asked some questions about us, why I was holding your hand and kissing you. Tony shared that his dad used to be mean to him while you were dealing with DJ and his illnesses, and that he never did that to you, he was always mean to you. Sweetheart, I say this with a lot of respect, but I think, based on the way both of the boys acted, they could benefit from talking to someone so they know how a real man should treat a woman and also how a dad should treat their kids. I also shared with them how I feel about them because they were afraid they were just in the way. I pray I didn’t overstep, I was gentle about what I said but I let them know that I would always treat you and them with love and respect.”

  Standing there completely stunned, Dorrie just looked at him. With thoughts flying through her mind, all she could grasp and hold onto was the fact that she hadn’t protected her boy, her precious oldest son, from the poison that his father spewed. Seeing her expressive face go through a range of emotions, he caught that she was feeling guilt above all. “Sweetheart, your boy doesn’t blame you. He knows it was on his dad, okay? Don’t feel guilty for things you didn’t know about; he protected you because he knew you were overwhelmed taking care of DJ.” Wiping the tears that were now silently flowing, he cupped her face in his hands and leaning in, he softly said “Dorrie-girl? I told the boys something and I need to tell you too, okay?” Seeing her nod her head as she fought for control, he waited patiently, knowing deep in his Spirit that today was a pivotal day.

  “Dorrie-girl, I love you, warts and all as my mom used to say. I started falling for you months ago and those feelings have done nothing but get stronger. You and the boys mean everything to me, and if you didn’t get it before, someday, I will be asking you to be my wife and helpmate and partner. For now, since we are so new, I am asking you to be my old lady, which is the MC way of claiming a woman and making it known that they are ‘the one’ for them. Will you be my old lady for now while we grow into what God wants us to be? I want you on the back of my bike when we do charity runs. I love you, sweetheart, and promise you that the memories we make in the years to come will show you just how much.”

  With more tears flowing, because he still didn’t know it all but was pouring his heart out, she looked at the man standing before her, tall, muscular in a way that you knew it was from hard work, with tattoos and hair that was a bit longish but looked perfect on him and realized, deep in her bones, that the little voice she had been hearing had been God’s voice telling her that His plans for her included this man. “Frank, yes, I’ll be your old lady. And, for the record, I adore you. I know we are still new in one way, but in another, we’ve spent so much time together that we aren’t. I cannot wait to see the plans God has for us.” Raising her face up, she initiated a kiss, intending it to be short and sweet.

  It was. To start with. Until Frank took over, pulling her into his arms and then cradling her face while her arms wrapped around his waist, feeling the muscles. With a soft sigh, she opened her mouth to him, letting him initiate a kiss that went from soft and sweet to hot and scorching. Heart pounding in her ears, she could tell that this man may have excellent control when it came to their physical relationship, but right now, his body was telling her just how much she meant to him and how badly he wanted her.

  Slowly parting, Frank leaned his head on her forehead and speaking in a whisper, said “Dorrie, I love you. All of you. The good, the bad, the ugly. I know with Him we will overcome anything that comes our way.”

  With a radiant smile, she answered “I know and I’m looking forward to our journey. Now, we have a list to make for three dogs so you guys can go and get it!”

  Twenty minutes later, with the list in hand and refusing her money despite several attempts, Frank and the boys headed out to the local pet store. Once they were gone, Dorrie went back into the house, picked up the phone and started a group text to Nancy and Renee.

  Dorrie: Hey girls, what’s up? You will not believe my day. At.all.

  Nancy: What’s going on? I thought your parents were coming in today? Dorrie: Not until later this afternoon. We’re getting pizza tonight and then tomorrow, Frank is taking us all to that buffet, Buckner’s, so I don’t have to cook.

  Renee: Sweet! He’s really got it bad for you.

  Dorrie: Girl, you have no idea!!! Oh my God, oh my God, oh my God!

  Renee: Spill it. We’re your posse and want to know what’s going on, right Nance?

  Nancy: Absofreakinglutely! Now, spill. Dorrie: Well, we went to the dog sanctuary today and came home with three dogs! Two puppies who are littermates and a little girl who is a bit older, maybe seven or eight. She’s mine. Then, when we got home and the boys were outside with the dogs? Frank and I talked.
Well, he talked and my heart imploded.

  Renee: Three dogs?? Plus, your cats? Good grief. You’re nuts!

  Dorrie: That’s all you took away? Oh wait. I didn’t tell you the rest of the story.

  Nancy: Figures. You’re not Paul Harvey! What else? Dorrie: Well, apparently the boys talked to Frank quite a bit. Nance, Drew was mean to Tony all those times I was with DJ at the hospital! Breaks my heart that I didn’t protect him. Frank feels that the boys would benefit from talking to someone and I think I agree. They were thinking they were burdens, but Frank told them that they are precious and loved. I wanted to cry hearing how my boys felt. Oh! And they asked Frank why he was kissing me and holding my hand.

  Renee: And...what did he tell them?

  Dorrie: He said he told them what his intentions were for me, for us.

  Nancy: Those are? I mean, I suspect I know what it is, but wanna hear it anyhow! Dorrie: He told me he loved me today. I can’t say those words, yet, but told him I adored him. Then? He asked if I would be his old lady, which he says in the MC world is considered the same as being his wife!

  Renee: Holy crap! What did you say? You can’t live with him, that wouldn’t be good for the boys! Dorrie: Well, duh. After Drew, I have all sorts of hang-ups anyhow, so it’s going to be awhile before you-know-what is even considered.

  Nancy: Yep. Like, until you’re legally married perhaps? Dorrie: Bahahhaha. You know me too well! I mean, Frank is 100 percent all man, trust me, and well, we all know that that part of my life with Drew was definitely “less than” so what if I’m cold like Drew said? What if Frank decides he doesn’t want me like that if he does ask me to marry him? What then?

  Renee: Breathe. Just breathe. He pretty much asked you to go steady, asking you to be his old lady. Dorrie: Yeah, I forget that you know this stuff, since your hubs is in the MC too. You do as well, Nance. Y’all are going to have to help me. I don’t know what to do.

  Nancy: Well, how do his kisses make you feel?

  Dorrie: Cherished. Hot. Bothered. Loved.

  Renee: Well, I believe that when “it” happens, you won’t have any problem reacting to him. I think he knows what he’s doing, he sure has confidence.

  Nancy: Not to mention, he’s hot! And, I love my Joey to pieces, but I’m not blind. That man looks at you like you are the finest gourmet meal and he hasn’t eaten in years.

  Dorrie: Well, I’m going to call my therapist so she and I can talk about this and I will talk to Frank as well. I’m nowhere near ready to break that bottle open. Not yet.

  Nancy: Y’know, you would have made a great Catholic! You are carrying guilt for something you haven’t even done yet. Seriously, just wait. Get to know him. His likes, his dislikes. His daughters. If it happens before you get married, so be it, but if you wait, I believe God will honor that decision a hundredfold.

  Renee: Yep. I agree. In the meantime, we are going to get your head on straight about you. Expect a lot of in-depth sex discussions. I don’t care if you blush whore red. You had a crappy first husband who didn’t know what he was doing and consequently, you need to learn about what you like.

  Nancy: I’m in! She deserves a happy life in that area. Dorrie: Why do I think I should have kept this to myself? Rolling on the floor, laughing my butt off.

  Nancy: Nope. We would have known. Somehow.

  Renee: Yep. Okay, gotta run. Cory wants to “take a shower” hehehehhe. Nancy: I’m gonna go see if Joey wants to “take a nap”... Dorrie: Bye y’all. Thanks!

  Heading back to the boys’ room to make sure she had gotten all their stuff packed, she shook her head laughing at her two besties. Good grief and gravy, she was a grown woman with two kids so it shouldn’t be a big deal. But she knew what God said about waiting, so she would wait. She was just worried that what she knew wouldn’t be enough to satisfy Frank and it would devastate her if he turned away.

  Chapter Ten

  Saturday afternoon

  “Grandma! Grandpa! We got PUPPIES!!!!” yelled the boys as they ran down to their grandparents’ car. “Well hello my sweet boys! Look at how big you’re both getting!” said their grandmother, getting out and wrapping her arms around the two little boys. “Do they have names yet? Are they boys or girls?”

  “Tony named his Chief and I named mine Miracle,” answered DJ. “Momma got a dog too but she already had a name, it’s Maisie.”

  “Hi, mom, dad. Boys, let your grandma get out of the car for heaven’s sake!” “Hi sweetheart. They’re fine. Come give me a hug and I want to meet this young man of yours,” said Margie, while pulling her daughter in for a hug.

  Blushing slightly, Dorrie looked at her mom then led the way to the porch where Frank was coming down the sidewalk. “Mom, Dad, this is Frank Jameson. Frank, these are my parents, Margie and John Chesterfield.”

  “Pleased to meet you, ma’am, sir.” “Likewise, young man. Dorrie, do you have that list I gave you? I want to get to these few things and I know two little scalliwags who can give their old gramps a hand.”

  “Grandpa, what are scalliwags?” asked Tony.

  “They are little boys who help their grandpa when he needs it,” his grandpa answered, with a bit of a chuckle.

  “Mr. Chesterfie-“

  “Call me John, Frank.” “Okay, John, I’d be happy to give you a hand with that list as well. I’m sure that Dorrie and her mom will keep themselves busy, and she already planned on ordering a pizza or two later. She and I want to take you and Margie to this buffet we found after church tomorrow before you hit the road if that’s okay by you.”

  “Sounds good to me! You ladies go make yourselves comfortable once you get me that list, Dorrie. I’m sure we’ll have to head into town to the hardware store. Do the dogs have dog houses for when they are out in the yard?”

  “No dad, they don’t. I do want a doggie door but need the one that allows it to open only with a collar signal because I don’t want the cats roaming free.”

  “Add it to the list.”

  “Yes, sir. Will you at least take my card this time?” Dorrie asked.

  “Nope” her dad replied, at the same time she heard Frank say “Not today, Dorrie-girl.” Shaking her head, she linked arms with her mom and headed into the house to grab the “to do” list her dad had been having her generate.

  After her dad, Frank and the boys went to town, she sat down with her mom at the kitchen table.

  “So, Frank? He seems like a nice man.” “Mom, he’s unlike anyone I’ve ever met. Very even-keeled, loves the boys, is active at church and with his motorcycle club.”

  “A keeper, then?”

  “Well, he’s mentioned his intentions a few times and they are all good.” “What are his intentions? Don’t keep your mom in suspense young lady!”

  Laughing, Dorrie set about filling her mom in on all that was Frank. Trying to explain what an “old lady” was, however, had her laughing because her mom, for all her smarts, wasn’t getting it.

  “So, he is your husband in the MC world but not in real life?” “Kind of, mom. That’s a cherished position to the MC, and while some of the MCs out there don’t necessarily marry their old ladies, because Frank belongs to a Christian brotherhood, they do marry theirs. But before you ask, he has not asked me to marry him!”

  “Okay, okay. I think I understand now.” “Now that we’ve covered that do you want to help me whip something up for them to snack on while they work? You know how the boys are!”

  “Absolutely, sweetheart. Oh, and your Frank is one hot tamale.” Shaking her head and laughing, Dorrie headed into the kitchen and started pulling out things to make a plate of minisandwiches. While in there, she went ahead and made a pitcher of tea for her dad, and one of lemonade for the boys and Frank. She was sticking to water and her mom was on her afternoon coffee binge, so all was right.

  ***

  Later that afternoon

  “Dorrie? Can you come out here for a second?”

  Hearing Frank call her, she got up from the
table where she was writing a list up for her mom for the time the boys were gone, and headed out the back door. “What’s up?”

  “What do you think, sweetheart? Will this work?” Looking around, she saw that they had fixed all the little niggling things that her dad had noted, plus managed to put a coat of varnish on the deck railing, and now had her back door into the backyard off while they worked on putting in the new doggy door. When she had raised her eyebrows at her dad for not only getting that, but also the three new dog collars, he just shrugged.

  “I am beyond speechless and thrilled at everything you guys knocked out! I’m about to order the pizza and mom and I will head in and pick it up. Do you and my dad want me to snag some beer?” she asked him.

  “Sure. How about some root beer for the boys? Nothing like pizza and ‘beer’ after a hard day’s work!” he chuckled. “Okay. I’m sure the door will be finished by the time we get back, then,” she said as she started to walk away.

  “Dorrie-girl? C’mere, please.” Turning back, she saw he was closer and he pulled her toward him to place a quick kiss on her head. She didn’t know it, but he had already talked to her dad and had his blessing to continue moving forward. Not that he wouldn’t have, but he wanted a good relationship with his future in-laws.

  “Love you, beautiful. Now go get the pizza; your men are going to be starving by the time we finish and get cleaned up.”

  “Aye, aye, captain.” Laughing, she went inside and grabbed her phone to call the pizza parlor and place a pick-up order, then snagged her purse and her mom and after a quick “We’ll be back soon, guys!” headed into town.

  Because it was going to be a good twenty or so minutes before the pizzas were ready, she stopped into the grocery store to grab some more beer, root beer and the wine coolers that she and her mom enjoyed from time to time. While at the check-out, she saw Miriam, the one person who had been absolutely detestable toward her throughout school. In fact, she was still a nasty piece of work most of the time. She had taken great pleasure in spreading gossip when Drew died.