A Lasting Love

by Mary Tate Engels

  Reid smiled proudly at Loren. "Mrs. Walker, this lady is a lawyer. And if anyone can help you, she can."

  Emmaline Walker nodded solemnly, accepting his words as fact. She showed neither elation nor hope, her face remaining placid. "I am ready to go now." She pointed toward the gathering of her associates, who were boarding a chartered bus for the journey back to their hotel.

  Loren raised her eyebrows at Reid, then decided to make the offer anyway. "Let us take you back to your hotel, Mrs. Walker. Reid?"

  "Of course. We'd love to. Give me a few minutes to get the car." He headed across the garden, stopping along the way to speak to the bus driver, informing him of their intentions to escort Emmaline Walker to the hotel.

  After discovering that Mrs. Walker had foregone the scheduled all-day tour of Washington, Reid drove her around the Mall and Capitol. They paused where the woman showed special interest—the colorful flower gardens and formal shrubbery, which were rarities in her near-desert world. She was enthralled by the common sight of the large oak trees and magnolias, and delighted Loren with her honest appreciation.

  As they pulled in front of Mrs. Walker's hotel, Loren pressed her card into Emmaline's hand. "This card has my name and phone number on it. If you can think of anything else to tell me about your son, please call me. I will be back in touch with you, Mrs. Walker. And we'll do something about your benefits, I promise." She smiled reassuringly.

  The old woman ran her finger over the embossed letters on the card. "Thank you for hearing an old woman's story."

  Reid opened the car door.

  Before she accepted his assistance, Mrs. Walker pressed a small box into Loren's hands. "I cannot pay you, but here. This is yours, for listening. And trying to help me. Now my granddaughter will be happy."

  "Thank you," Loren mumbled as the woman took Reid's arm. "I'll get right to work on this." Absently she gazed down and opened the box in her hands. A painful exclamation escaped her opened mouth, for there lay the gleaming Silver Star award. "Oh, no. I can't—" Her blue-violet eyes glistened, and she scrambled after Mrs. Walker.

  However, Reid stopped her, placing his hand on her arm and pushing her gently away.

  "But, Reid—" she protested.

  His dark eyes met hers, and he shook his head, then turned his full attention to Emmaline Walker, who hadn't even noticed Loren's approach.

  Loren watched helplessly as they walked slowly away from her. Reid's strong arm offered able assistance to a proud but aged Navajo woman. It was a beautiful sight. She turned her sad gaze back to the gift in her hand and salty tears dropped on the Silver Star.

  When Reid returned to the car Loren had wiped the shiny metal clean. She was clearly upset about the gift and with Reid, besieging him immediately. "Why didn't you let me return this? Do you know that she gave me her award? Why would she do such a thing? I can't keep this! You know I can't keep this Silver Star that was given for her son's bravery." Tears filled her eyes, and Loren felt very close to losing all control.

  Reid's arms encircled her shoulders, and she felt his warm understanding and compassion. This was something she had needed at times from Mark, but had never received. Reid's voice vibrated through her. "I know, I know, Loren, honey. Mrs. Walker put you in a difficult spot. But you've got to understand this situation from her perspective."

  "And you do?" Loren sputtered.

  "Not completely," he hedged. "But I can tell you it would have been an insult to return the gift to her right now. You see, many of the older Navajos still believe that any reminder of a person who has died is taboo. Therefore, she looks at this award differently from the way you and I do. So it wasn't anything more than a silver gift to you, someone who showed her kindness. She gave it in good faith."

  "But, Reid, I can't keep this," Loren protested again.

  His hand caressed her cheek. "Maybe we can return it to her family someday. I'm sure her daughters would value it."

  Loren blinked, trying to understand this woman who was so different from her. "I emphasize with Emmaline Walker. Caught between two cultures in a typical government snafu, and no one would listen to her."

  "Loren, you're amazing," Reid said quietly. "In that whole group of people today, there was one woman who needed you, and you managed to find her. I'm proud of you."

  She smiled wanly, feeling better with Reid beside her, giving the support she needed. Shrugging, Loren admitted, "It just happened. I really wasn't looking for her, or anyone in particular. Actually Mrs. Walker had given up on finding anyone who could help. When she said that the men wouldn't listen to her, my ears perked up."

  Reid kissed her lips quickly, then started the car. "You're wonderful. I can tell you’ve found your niche."

  “Just so you know, I didn’t find anything. I have worked very hard for my career and my niche, as you call it. The journey was not easy. And I don't intend to give it up."

  Her words echoed in the close quarters of the car, and they drove on in silence. Loren wondered why she had said such a thing.

  Reid pressed his lips together, pondering her words, knowing the inherent difficulties they represented.

  Chapter Seven

  Reid's rented car sped along the highway as he crossed the river and drove north into Maryland. The lush foliage on either side formed an avenue of deep green of a richness Reid had forgotten in the years since he had been there. The fresh, moist fragrance filled his nostrils and seemed to pervade his entire body, stirring dormant emotions. The heavy growth of trees, the thick green vines growing wildly, the humid, briny air off the bay, the times with Loren, all filled his memory with excitement. He was meeting her today in one of their old favorite haunts. He could hardly wait to see her again. It had been two weeks since their last time together. It felt like eons.

  Reid wheeled off the main highway, and after several miles turned again onto the small road that seemed to head back in time. Its narrowness was emphasized by huge water oaks that tunneled the old road. He could smell a definite saltiness in the air now as he neared his destination.

  Then he spotted it. The small shanty was seemingly a hundred years behind the times, and a hundred miles from anywhere. It had been a wonderful place to escape to, years ago, when only the two of them in the world mattered. Now both their lives were much more complex.

  Reid pulled to a stop in front of the place and smiled faintly at the weathered plank nailed over the doorway, claiming simply restaurant. Loren's car was already here, and he knew where to find her. He inhaled the damp, salty air and something kindled inside him. Reid knew he had to have her again, and he couldn't leave her this time. With long strides he avoided the front door, heading knowingly around to the back, to the small balcony porch that over- looked the inlet.

  When he saw her, Reid's heart pounded at the sight of Loren, sitting alone at the crude wooden table, looking out over the rippling water. He was filled with love and longing for her that six years and worlds of differences had not been able to obliterate.

  "Why don't we skip lunch and go someplace secluded," he murmured against her ear, his hot breath tickling her neck.

  "Hmmm, what a romantic idea." She turned to him with a happy smile. Their eyes locked for a moment in time and their love was obvious.

  Her hands reached up to caress his face and pull it possessively toward hers. Loren kissed him gently and lovingly. "Isn't this secluded enough for you? I wondered if you would even remember how to get here. It's been so long."

  Reid scooted his hips next to hers on the wooden bench and took her hand. His lips and that devilish mustache played over her knuckles. "Remember? Ah, mi amor, after all the time we spent here and around this bay? My heart remembers, Loren. I was serious about getting away, alone. I'm aroused just looking at you. It's been two weeks since—"

  "I know how long it's been, Reid."

  "You do?"

  "Of course. I miss you, too, when we're not together."

  "I miss your gorgeous body."

  "
Reid—" Loren gasped, blushing.

  "Without you I'm miserable, Loren. Not to mention unsatisfied." His teasing eyes were alight with passion, and he looked questioningly at her.

  Their rapt attention was broken when the waiter set a tall gin and tonic before Reid.

  "I ordered a drink for you. Hope you don't mind," Loren explained.

  "Fine." He nodded curtly to dismiss the waiter.

  "Reid, why don't we go ahead and order?" She squeezed his hand affectionately. "I have an appointment with a client in an hour."

  Loren had answered his question and, at the same time, crushed his hopes for an afternoon rendezvous.

  Reid sighed and gave her a wouldn't-you-know glance. "Okay. What'll you have?"

  "A soft-shell crab sandwich," she announced with satisfaction, then turned to Reid. "Try it. It's really great."

  He raised his dark eyebrows. "Whole fried crab? No thanks. I'll have a hamburger."

  When the waiter had left, she explained. "Reid, I'm sorry. It's just that I have a lot of work to do this afternoon. Several appointments."

  "I can tell you're a career woman. You can't even take time out for a little fun," he admonished, his dark eyes teasing.

  "I took the time to come all the way up here for lunch with you, didn't I?" She sipped her own half-empty gin and tonic.

  "Yes," he admitted. "And I'm glad you did. I must admit, I've been wondering why."

  Loren sighed and looked out over the water. The salty breeze lifted her tawny hair away from her face. "I... sometimes I come up here alone. Just to reminisce and enjoy. But always alone, because this was our place, Reid. And I just wanted to remember it again, with you this time."

  "It has been a long time since I've been here, but it seems the same. Unchanged. It's beautiful, and just being here turns me on to you something fierce." He nuzzled her earlobe. "I'd like to think our love is unchanged, too, Loren."

  "Oh, Reid, nothing stays unchanged." She quivered inside at his touch, his kiss, his admission of love. She knew it, and felt it too.

  "Maybe you're right, Loren. Actually I had another reason for calling you up today for lunch." His voice was low and serious. "I got a call this morning from home. It's my father. He's very ill."

  "Oh, Reid, I'm sorry," she said, covering his hand with hers.

  "I need to go back to see about him, Loren. And I want you to go with me. I'm going to wind up some business this afternoon and leave early in the morning."

  "Reid, I . . . can't. I have too many things to do this week."

  "You'll have this afternoon to cancel them and make other arrangements. Please come, Loren. I have always wanted to show you my world. This is your chance. It won't cost you a thing. I'm flying my plane and—"

  "Your plane?"

  He nodded. "Sure. It's the easiest way to get around these days. Wouldn't you like to go with me, Loren?"

  "Yes, but—"

  "Then figure out a way. It will be a mini-vacation for you. And a chance to see my world." His tone was decisive.

  "Your world?" she laughed. "You make it sound like another continent."

  He looked up at the thick-leaved branches draped over the lazy river. "It almost could be, Loren. It's very different from all this."

  "Reid, I just don't see how I can go. I have appointments all week, and—you will be back, won't you?" Her large eyes rose alarmingly to him. She wasn't ready to lose him yet.

  He shrugged. "Depends on Dad's condition. My work here isn't finished. I'd like to stay longer, make more contacts. I plan to return in a few days."

  "I am sorry about your father, Reid. But I wish you didn't have to go. I'm afraid you won't return." She dropped her eyes and dark lashes feathered her cheeks.

  "Then come with me. Don't make me go alone. I—I just want you with me, Loren." His finger lifted her chin while his thumb edged her lower lip longingly.

  Her eyes met his, and she knew there would come a time when his work in Washington would be finished. And then— what? "Oh, Reid, don't make me choose now."

  "All I want you to do right now is go to Arizona with me. A short visit."

  "I... well, maybe," she mumbled, then a flicker of light touched her eyes. "Maybe I could make it a partial business trip."

  "What business?"

  "My business with Emmaline Walker. Could we visit her?"

  "Emmaline who? Oh, you mean the Navajo woman we met."

  "Yes. I have her benefits straightened out and was just about to write her a letter. But I'd rather deliver the message in person. And I want to return her Silver Star."

  "Great. Fine. Whatever you say. Just so you go along."

  "Can you take me to Bisbee? Is that near Tucson?"

  "Sure," he shrugged. "No problem. It’s only a couple of hours away. We can handle it. I'm going to show you another world, Loren. I hope you'll enjoy it."

  "Oh, I know I will. What should I wear?"

  "No business suits," he warned, and they both laughed and shifted as the waiter placed sandwiches before them. Even this secluded place was too public for them.

  Reid's dark eyes were riveted to Loren's sandwich. "What the hell is that?" Scraggly bits of the contents were visible between thick slices of bread.

  Loren glanced down at the item, then back up at Reid with the most innocent expression she could muster. "A soft-shell crab sandwich. Want a bite?"

  He cringed in mock horror. "No way!"

  She giggled. "It's a crab that's caught while molting. These have no shell and are deep fried. They're delicious. Here, try it." She generously offered her lunch.

  "No, thank you," he said firmly.

  Loren took a bite. "Hmmm, they fix the best crab sandwiches here. I think it's the sauce . . . or the fresh—"

  "Loren, what is that thing sticking out?"

  "Just a crab leg."

  "That's what I thought." Reid eyed the food as if he thought it would hop out onto the table.

  "Don't look at it, or imagine anything, Reid. Just take a bite and enjoy the flavor." She leaned toward him. "You do like Maryland crabs, don't you? You know, Americans love baseball, motherhood, apple pie, and Maryland crabs.

  He pursed his lips. "I've had a few steamed crabs with beer, but it's not my favorite form of food." He still hadn't touched his hamburger.

  "Oh, for God's sake, Reid, try it." She challenged him by holding it inches before his mouth.

  There was no easy way out, so he took a bite. For one brief, frantic moment he thought the whole thing would return to embarrass them both. Mustering all his fortitude, Reid managed to chew the crunchy things in his mouth and swallow.

  Meanwhile Loren was laughing heartily at his facial expression. "Reid, you're positively green."

  "You will pay for that, young lady," he warned with a threatening gleam in his eyes.

  She shrugged. "I don't see what all the fuss is about. It's totally cooked."

  "The whole thing?"

  She nodded reassuringly. "The whole thing."

  "All of it? All?"

  "Of course," she smiled.

  "I think I'll stick to hamburgers," he muttered, taking a huge drink of the gin and tonic.

  "I can't believe you didn't like that, Reid. I was just sure—"

  "I'm the one who doesn't like seafood, remember?" he grated.

  She smiled sweetly and reached over to caress his face. "Oh, Reid, I remember. I remember . . ." she whispered.

  They finished eating and strolled down by the narrow river, content to be together in their little place that time forgot. Just to be together was so wonderful, so fulfilling, they could almost forget the outside world and all the problems that tugged at them. Almost . . .

  "Reid, I must get back to work. Appointments all afternoon, and I need to check with my business partner, Althea, to see if she can handle the office alone this week."

  He sighed. "Yeah, I know. I need to check with the airport and see if everything's in order for our trip tomorrow. I'm hiring a mechanic to m
ake sure the plane's in shape for a three-thousand-mile trip. We're leaving very early, around dawn."

  She nodded and slipped her hand into his as they ambled back to the cars. "Reid, what about your father? How is he?"

  "He's been hospitalized in serious condition. Lupe says he has a lung infection. Trouble is, he's just not strong enough to fight these infections anymore. Everyone at home is very upset, and I need to be there."

  "This won't be a very pleasant trip home for you. Are you sure you want me tagging along?"

  They halted between their cars. "Positive. Having you there will make it bearable. And give me some lovely diversion."

  She smiled. "Reid, why don't you come over tonight? We can leave together early in the morning."

  He cast her a grateful look. "Sounds like a reasonable, practical plan."

  She nodded pragmatically. "I'll see you later then. And thanks for meeting me here for lunch. I've loved it."

  Reid grasped her forearm and pulled her against his chest. "Loren, I love you." His whisper rocked through her as if he had shouted it to the world.

  "I know," she acknowledged, and mouthed, ‘love you, too’. They kissed and both drove back down the highway to the bustling city.

  As darkness fell, a full moon bathed the capital city, the Potomac, and the little town house on Prince Street in its luminous splendor. Inside, that glow was enhanced as Loren basked in Reid's loving arms.

  Reid's head and shoulders rested on a pillow against the brass headboard, and he cradled Loren's slender form against his golden muscles. His tanned hand contrasted with her cream-colored breasts while his thumb teased the tip to berry ripeness. He caressed her rib cage, waist, and hips, then rested his hand on her rounded buttocks. Occasionally he tugged her to him.

  "Did you tell Mark you were going to Arizona with me?"

  "What a thing to think about at a time like this. What's wrong? Feeling guilty?" She traced lacy figures in the dark mat on his chest.

  "Not exactly guilty. It's more like a burning rage inside me whenever I think of you two together or see that damned ring on your finger." His voice was a growl that vibrated through his bare chest and into Loren's being. She could feel the strength of his feelings on the subject.