She glanced around the yard. The barn, the bunkhouse, the porch—why did she feel like she’d missed it all so terribly? And her children? It seemed she hadn’t seen Callie and Jacob in ages. She nibbled her bottom lip.
“Is something wrong?” Frank asked. “You have a perplexed look on your face and you’re actin’ a might strange this morning.”
“Where are Callie and Jacob? I want to see the children.”
Frank put his hand on her shoulder. “You don’t remember?”
“Remember what?”
“When I took them to my mother’s house?”
“Why would you take our children there?”
His eyes widened and a broad smile crossed his face. “Did you say our children?”
“Yes, our children. I want to see them.”
He grabbed her by the shoulders. “Is it really you? Oh Mariah, is it?
Holding her at arm’s length, he searched her eyes. “It is you. I see that familiar sparkle in those beautiful green eyes.”
“Oh, Frank,” she clung to him, “then it really happened. I didn’t dream it?” She leaned back and gazed up at him. “I thought I was crazy. I have so much to tell you. About cars, buildings, swimming pools… I flew in an airplane.”
He peppered kisses across her face and eyes. “Well, I don’t know what that is, but I have a lot to tell you, too.”
* * * *
They sat on the front porch, having coffee, while Mariah shared it all. She told him about all the wonders of the twentieth century, starting with the hospital and ending with her airplane ride. She stared up at the sky. “You should have seen the buildings. They were so tall. And there were horseless carriages called cars, telephones… and machines that washed dishes.”
“Telephone, huh? Don’t suppose you saw something called a taxi?”
“Yes, taxis... lots of them. And the houses. Oh goodness, Frank, you wouldn’t believe the furniture and gadgets.”
“Well tell me everything. Taylor raised lots of questions and I think you have all the answers. But first, let me get us some more coffee.”
It gave her time to think about the only night she hadn’t told Frank about. It served no purpose. Although she and David had shared a bed, nothing had happened except she finally realized the meaning of true love. Not just loving someone, but sharing oneself totally with that special person—putting aside inhibitions and fears. Hearing David talk about his feelings for his wife and the passion they shared, had made her realize how much she missed Frank… showed her the changes she needed to make for him if she ever got the chance. Now the opportunity was here and he was in for a pleasant surprise.
When he came back out, he set their coffee on the table between the wicker chairs and walked to the porch railing. She rose and joined him. The aroma of honeysuckle hung heavy in the air. She placed her hand atop his and gazed across at their old barn. “You know, for as wondrous as it was to experience all those things I told you about, I wouldn’t trade my life here for any of it. All I wanted was to come home to you and the children.”
He draped an arm over her shoulder and pulled her close. “I never gave up hope, but I have to give Taylor credit. She was determined to find a way back, too. She’s a fighter that one. One thing for sure, though, she’s not a cook.” He gazed into his wife’s eyes. “For all Taylor’s shortcomings, I’ll bet somewhere in 2002, David Morgan is feeling just as happy as I am today.”
In Mariah’s mind, the thought that Frank had slept with Taylor niggled her, but based on the love shining in his eyes, Mariah knew the answer wasn’t important. He loved her and that was all that mattered. Taylor was a lifetime away.
Mariah took his hand. “Since the children are gone, why don’t we go upstairs and make up for some lost time.”
She led him into the house and to the bedroom. The look on his face was worth all the airplane rides in the world. Standing before him, she began unbuttoning his shirt, nipping at his exposed skin. His breath hitched and she took delight in his reaction. She paused for a moment and peered up at him. “It’s all so strange. We’ll probably never know how it happened or why.”
He tumbled her to the bed and nuzzled her neck. “Enough for now, but remind me… next time we hear a thunderstorm brewing, we’re headin’ for the root cellar.”
Mariah chuckled and worked to unbuckle his belt. “I may have never met Taylor, but I sure feel like she’s my sister in time. I hope she’s doing something equally as fun.”
About the Author
Born and raised in California, Ginger and husband Kelly, who happens to be her greatest fan, moved to Tennessee in 2004. Overcoming culture shock took a while, but she continues to write, finding inspiration in the vast number of southern historical areas. She’s multi-published in several genres, but her favorite remains historical romance with a western flavor. Besides writing and promoting her work, she always manages to find time to enjoy her grandson, Spencer. The cheerful and patient way he deals with his autistic challenges inspires her to keep doing what she loves—being an author and his Nee Nee!
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Time Tantrums Page 19
