For Justice

by Jeannette Winters

  Then she remembered how Renzo tried talking with her. She had brushed it off as inconsequential compared to what had been building up between them. I thought he wanted to talk about work, and maybe it was about us all along. If I hadn’t been so busy throwing myself at him, I’d have a clue what that was, wouldn’t I?

  She’d been so blinded by her own desires she hadn’t connected the dots. Not until now. It was the only thing that made sense. He’d distanced himself ever since their passionate night in Tabiq. When he found out she was leaving, he drove her to the airport. Couldn’t get rid of me fast enough.

  Renzo had her stay with his sister, but that most likely was to keep her in a place he could ensure she’d stayed put, out of his way. He hadn’t included her in the debriefing meeting at Alex and Ziva’s home. Maybe all this was his way of letting her know she didn’t cut it for his team. Ugh. I hate feeling like this.

  What else could she do? If she took their steamy night of lovemaking out of the mix, what was left? His actions spoke louder than her heart. My breaking heart.

  At times like this, she wished she had a close girlfriend she could reach out to and cry on her shoulder. Someone who would tell her she was overreacting and how much Renzo truly loved her. But the reality was, she didn’t have any close friends, at least not at the level she needed. It wasn’t because people hadn’t tried to befriended her; she surrounded herself with coworkers but never allowed them to get too close. Hydria couldn’t handle people she cared about leaving, disappearing from her life. First it was her parents and then Renzo, years ago, walking away. After that, she’d closed herself off and focused on her career. I can’t hurt if I don’t feel. And up until now, that had worked fine.

  If she doubted that, the proof was how much her heart ached from feeling too much for him. Ever since Renzo popped back into her life, she felt as though a battle was going on within her. One that wanted the old Hydria back. The woman who existed before she lost her parents. I had hopes and dreams like every other girl. A family. A home. And in a moment, they all shriveled away. I thought they were gone forever.

  Being with Renzo was only part of the change within her. Staying with Melissa made her think what it would’ve been like growing up with a sister. Hydria loved Steve, but he was ten years younger than she was. Growing up, it didn’t seem like they were ever in the same place mentally. When I was a teenager, he was just a pain in my butt. When I was a young adult, he was a responsibility. Maybe now it’s time for us to learn how to be friends.

  This past week showed her she was missing family life more than she knew. Even though Melissa’s brothers were overprotective, Renzo included, there was no doubt how much they all loved each other. Funny, because there weren’t words she heard them saying. It was only visible through their actions. I could live without hearing the words, as long as Renzo’s actions reflect what I need.

  That was the bottom line. Hydria needed Renzo to call her, tell her he missed her. With him not fulfilling those needs, her instincts said to pack her things and run back to LA. What for? There is nothing there for me. If my future isn’t here with Renzo, then . . . then . . . Hydria couldn’t think about not being with Renzo.

  She decided she was going to do something she should’ve done the first time. I’m going to fight for what I want. The first thing was to look for a job in Rhode Island. She’d already made up her mind she was done with law enforcement, but she hadn’t told Bennett she wouldn’t be going back to Tabiq. Guess that’s another thing I need to sort out.

  At first, she thought a morning run would eliminate all her frustration. It was going to take a hell of a lot more than that. She needed to make a checklist and make a plan. And I know who I’m going to recruit to help me too.

  Hydria’s cell phone rang again. Please be Ren. Looking down at the caller ID, she saw it was Melissa.

  “Yes, I ate breakfast. No, I don’t need anything.” Hydria teased as those were the same two questions Melissa asked each morning when she checked in.

  “My, you’re snarky this morning. But you’re also wrong. I was calling for an entirely different reason.”

  Well, that’s refreshing. “Sorry. What can I do for you?”

  “I’ve been invited to a wine tasting tonight, and I truly don’t want to go alone. I also can’t back out.”

  “And Jada or Deanna don’t want to go?” Hydria could use a nice glass of wine tonight, but she wasn’t sure how good of company she would be.

  “You know how it is; they are both tied up with their sweethearts. Besides, why should I go alone when I have a friend needing a night out as badly as I do?”

  “Good argument. Okay, I’ll go.” I definitely am not in the mood for watching a love story tonight.

  “Great. Let’s make it our mini vacation. I’m picking you up in two hours. We’re going to do manicures and pedicures, and I saw this dress I have wanted to get and finally I have an occasion to wear it.”

  “I thought—” The line went silent. I thought this was a simple jeans and T-shirt wine tasting. Out for an hour and back home to make my plans. Hydria was already committed to going. For once, I’d love for Melissa to not tell me and then hang up. Bossy. So much like her brother. No wonder I love her. The only thing left to do was take a shower and prepare for a girl’s day/night out. As she pulled off her sneakers, she looked at her toes and feet. They were as rough as the rest of her. Guess I need this more than I know. I wish everything else in my life would come together so easily. She laughed to herself as she headed for the shower.

  Chapter Fifteen

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  Renzo paced the room again. Muriel truly meant what she said about Mulberry Vineyards going all out to make this something to remember. He was inside pondering which bottle of wine he would use. Muriel’s son, Marvin, went to great lengths to describe the differences and the process for making each. One grape is the same as another as far as I’m concerned. Renzo didn’t voice that in fear Marvin would have a heart attack right there.

  “I have a sweet white wine I’ve been saving for a special occasion. My mother insisted I break it out tonight.” Marvin pulled out the bottle from behind his back. “What do you say, will you honor me by using this one?”

  Renzo didn’t know much about wine; if he were in a brewery, he’d have an opinion. “I’ve trusted your mother this far. She’s . . .”

  Marvin chuckled. “Pushy. But trust me, she means well. When I met my wife, my mother sent her flowers, explaining how, through all my faults, there was someone wonderful inside.”

  “And yet she married you? I would think she would’ve run.” I know I would’ve.

  “Nope. She said it was like my mom welcoming her to the family. And as you can see from all the white fairy lights decorating my vineyard, and white roses all over the place, those two are best friends now. From the number of family members already here, and how they are talking about Hydria, I can see your family is going to welcome her too. So may I give you a bit of advice?” Marvin asked.

  And if I say no will you tell me anyway? As he’d called each of his family, they’d given him their words of wisdom. Steve didn’t have advice as much as a warning not to hurt his sister. The last thing Renzo wanted was to hear more. Even strangers seem to have something to say. “Sure. Why not?”

  “You have it all planned. Probably even what you’re going to say. Am I right?” Marvin asked. Renzo nodded. “When it comes to telling someone you love them, it doesn’t need to be a poem, or a love song, or a story. It just needs to be you.”

  Me? Then why would she say yes? “Thanks, I’ll remember that.” He had no intention of leaving this all to chance. He’d stayed up all last night thinking of one thing. Getting Hydria to understand what she means to me. What she always has meant. He reached into his pocket and pulled out the box containing the engagement ring. “When Hydria comes up to sample the wine, I want you to hand her the bottle with this around the base of the cork and then walk away. Everyone knows that is the
cue for me to make my entrance. Got it?”

  Marvin nodded, and Renzo watched him insert the corkscrew and remove the cork. Reaching into a drawer, Marvin pulled out a small tapered cork that had a crystal heart on top. “This should work perfectly. Small enough for the ring to fit around it.” Then Marvin placed the engagement ring around it before inserting the new fancy cork into the bottle. The black onyx and gold band was beautifully visible around the cork.

  Yeah. I thought of that all by myself, thank you. There was no way anyone would believe that.

  “Please don’t tell me you’re giving the owner a hard time,” Deanna’s voice warned from the doorway.

  Rafe interjected, “From the look on the guy’s face, I’d say yes.”

  Marvin took the bottle and placed it under the counter. “Not at all. Mr. Turchetta and I were finalizing the details.” He turned back to Renzo and said, “I noticed another vehicle has pulled in. Could this be your young lady?”

  Renzo knew all the guests had arrived except Melissa, who was bringing Hydria here. “It should be.” Because if Melissa shows up alone you might as well kill me now.

  “Okay people. It’s showtime,” Muriel said as she ushered everyone out of sight. “Remember this is supposed to be a surprise.”

  He couldn’t believe how Muriel was able to usher grown-ass men out of the room, ones who had given drill sergeants a run for their money. Within seconds the room was cleared except for Muriel and Marvin. Renzo took one quick look around the room, and everything inside was as he liked. All old wood planks, a simple homemade bar, and an old-fashioned wood stove in the corner. Although the days were warm, the night air could be cool for someone from LA. There was no doubt Melissa was going to pull off her end of the deal and not let on why she and Hydria were going to Mulberry Vineyards. Steve confirmed he provided Hydria with a plausible excuse why he couldn’t see her today. Now with all the other vehicles parked off-site, the scene seemed to be laid out perfectly. Hydria has no idea what I’m about to do.

  Renzo nodded to both Marvin and Muriel, and he went into the office, which gave him the perfect place to watch and hear everything. He couldn’t believe he was nervous. The last time he felt like this he was in high school, asking a girl to dance. And she shot me down. Usually Renzo was confident and fearless. He almost wished he had Gabe’s humor to distract him or his brother Josh’s way with words. Both seemed to work well with the ladies. What do I have? Definitely not a romantic bone in my body.

  He heard the car door close and rehearsed his proposal in his head.

  Hydria, you’re a breath of fresh air on a smoggy day. You’re fresh cool rain in a drought. Your smile is brighter than the sun and your heart bigger than the moon. He pulled out his cue card and made sure he had it right before continuing. You’re my beginning and my ending.

  Renzo had written these words and knew they represented Hydria one hundred percent. There was no need to study them any longer. They’re practically engraved on my brain after saying them over and over again last night.

  He heard Melissa’s laughter as they entered. “No, it’s not closed. Maybe we missed the crowd. That’s a good thing, right? You said you weren’t in the mood for a big commotion tonight. Can’t get more low-key than this. Heck, looks like we have the place to ourselves.”

  Overkill, Melissa. Renzo expected Hydria to become suspicious, but she didn’t blink an eye as she walked inside. He couldn’t take his eyes off her. He knew she was beautiful, but wow. She was wearing a sundress with multi colored flowers all over it. He’d never seen her wear anything other than a police uniform or something casual and practical like his camo T-shirt in Tabiq. She had on sandals that shone with glitter. Whatever it was, it brought his attention to her toes which were painted red to match her fingernails. He’d always seen her as an attractive woman, but right now, she looked as delicate—precious—as the flowers on her dress. I like. Very much so.

  “Actually after all the running around you had us do today, this is nice. It’s so quiet and peaceful here. I swear I heard an owl outside. Do you think they’ll allow us to do the taste testing outside?” Hydria asked.

  Muriel waved the ladies over to the counter. “Welcome to Mulberry Vineyards. Is this your first time here?” Both women nodded. “Well then, I have just the right wine to start you off.”

  Renzo watched both Hydria and Melissa step forward. “Isn’t this exciting?” Melissa asked.

  “It’s nice. Thanks for dragging me along,” Hydria replied.

  Marvin walked over to stand by Muriel. “Hello. Welcome to Mulberry Vineyards. This is family owned and run. I’m Marvin, and this is my mother, Muriel.”

  “Nice to meet you both. You have a . . . lovely place here. So . . . relaxing,” Hydria stated.

  “Thank you. We have something special for first-timers.” He pulled out two glasses from below the counter and placed them in front of the women.

  Melissa, as planned, said, “Oh, I left my purse in the car. You start, Hydria, and I’ll be right back.” She didn’t wait for an answer and was out the door before Hydria could say a word.

  Good job, sis. Renzo’s heart was pounding as he watched Marvin reach beneath the counter.

  Marvin placed the special bottle in front of the glasses and said, “We’re laid back here. Why don’t you pour a glass for both of you?”

  Once Hydria reached for the bottle, Renzo opened the door to the office and stepped out. “Maybe I can be of assistance?”

  Hydria spun around, and he saw the shock in her eyes. Not only his sudden appearance, but Steve and Renzo’s family had entered and were standing behind him, ready to bear witness to this once in a lifetime event. Hopefully to her saying yes.

  “What’s going on . . . I thought . . .” Hydria stammered, as she looked around the room.

  Renzo walked over and took both of Hydria’s hands in his. “Hydria, you’re a breath of fresh air on a smoggy day. You’re fresh cool rain in a drought. You’re my—Damn it. This isn’t right,” Renzo blurted. “Fuck. That’s not what I mean either.” She giggled, and somehow that helped him get his act together.

  “I mean, us, we are right. But all this,” Renzo pulled out the index card he had written his proposal on and tossed it on the counter. “It’s not me. I don’t have fancy words.” Pulling her hands to his chest, Renzo declared, “I’m ornery, stubborn, bossy, and I have a tie on right now, and it feels like a noose. I’m a long-haired, jeans and T-shirt, beer-drinking guy. You’d have to be a damn fool to consider marrying a man like me. But I’m hoping you can look past my shortcomings and tell me you love me anyway.” And then she smiled, and he knew he’d done the right thing. She was the right thing. The right one.

  Hydria nodded and said, “With all my heart.”

  It wasn’t a yes, but then again he hadn’t officially asked her either. Yet knowing she loved him was a damn good start. “Let’s toast to a woman who is crazy enough to love a man like me.” Letting go of her hands, he reached for the bottle of wine and held it up so there was no way she could miss the ring. When her eyes made contact and widened, he said, “Dare I ask?” He watched her eyes glisten, and she nodded again. He placed the bottle back on the counter, pulled the cork up slowly and let the ring drop into his palm. Renzo felt her watching every movement. Then dropping down on one knee, Renzo held up the ring to Hydria and once again started his speech, “Hydria, you’re a breath of fresh air . . . I love you. I would be honored if you’d accept this ring and be my wife.”

  Tears rolled down her cheeks as she cried out, “Yes. Yes, I love you too, Ren. Nothing would make me happier than being your wife.”

  Renzo slipped the ring onto her finger and pulled her into his arms, claiming her lips. The roar and cheers from the family echoed through the restaurant. When he released her, Renzo said, “I hope you know it’s not only me you get. You’re stuck with this crew too.”

  Hydria looked around the room then back into his eyes. “I wouldn’t have it any other way
.”

  Steve walked over and slapped Renzo on the back, “Congratulations.” Then he bent and kissed his sister on the cheek. In a softer voice, Renzo heard Steve say, “You look beautiful.”

  “Thank you, Steve.”

  “I think you found the family you always wanted and deserved.”

  Hydria let go of Renzo for a moment and hugged Steve. “We’re a package deal too, you know.”

  Melissa joined them and added, “You got that right. You don’t get one Turchetta without getting us all. That means you too, Steve.”

  Gabe chimed in, “I hear you like to fish, Steve. Why don’t we go outside, and I’ll tell you about the big one I caught.”

  As far as Renzo knew, Gabe never fished, at least not in the way they were discussing. If it wasn’t on a computer, he didn’t do it. Oh good luck to the woman who gets stuck with Gabe. He’s the most longwinded man I know. But Gabe was also a master at welcoming others. Renzo smiled as he watched Steve being ushered outside with the rest of his family. He was the happiest man alive. Not just because the families were getting along, but the only woman he ever loved said yes. He looked back at her and said, “You know you never tasted the wine.”

  Hydria gave him a playful wink and a saucy reply. “I’m kind of a beer drinker myself.”

  Renzo knew otherwise. He’s seen her with some other officers at the bar after work. She always had a glass of white wine. But he loved her more for joining him, even if it was only this one time. Like I said, she’s amazing.

  Muriel chuckled to herself, bent below the bar, and came up with two cold beers. “I believe in always being prepared.”