The Best Laid Plans (Brothers of the Bayou)

by Peterson, Renee

  Lacy stifled a laugh when Beaux shot her a warning glare at his mother’s use of his full given name. Dutifully, he went over to grab the basket calling over his shoulder to ask if she also wanted the peppers. She yelled back yes, and led Lacy into the house, fawning over the woman who had captured her youngest son’s heart.

  Throughout the morning, Mrs. Chauvin observed her son with this new woman in his life. When Jared had let the information slip in conversation yesterday, her heart raced with joy. She loved all her children equally and for different reason, but of all her children, Beaux was the one she related with most. Jared and Mary were impulsive, often following a whim without care of the consequences. Rafe was very deliberate in every action he took, focused with tunnel vision on a single goal. Beaux was the heart of the family. He was reserved but cared deep and fell hard. He was giving and selfless, the first to help at a sign of need. Many a time, she had kneeled in church, reciting prayers he would find a wife who could return all that he offered. When he had proposed to Daniella, her heart was broken, knowing her son could never be happy with that woman. But Lacy? Mrs. Chauvin smiled, nodding her head. Yes, she could see as clear as the day, Lacy was the one she had prayed for all these years. Her heart clenched, as she felt danger and strife would come to them soon, but held tight knowing they would survive and be stronger for it. Never once had her instinct failed, and she knew it would not start now.

  They left Beaux’s mom’s house in the early afternoon.

  “Thank you, Beaux,” Lacy said out of the blue as they drove away.

  “You’re welcome, but for what?”

  “For taking me to meet your mom and also for this week.”

  “Thank you for agreeing to go. I know how much that was asking, but I knew I had to.”

  “She is great Beauregard. Meeting her gave me a further glimpse into you.” She couldn’t help using his full given name.

  “It’s an old family name, a’ight. No one but mom gets away with using it.” He feigned embarrassment, but she knew it was an act. He was entirely too secure and confident to let a name affect him.

  “Is that so? And just what will you do when something does use it, Beauregard,” she taunted.

  “Usually a pop in the mouth is sufficient but you ma chère dictate something different altogether. Keep it up and you’ll find out.”

  “Hmm, I guess I better behave then before Beauregard shows his angry side.”

  Beaux stopped the truck dead in the middle of the road and kissed Lacy until she was breathless and couldn’t speak. Without a word, he started the truck and continued down the road with a satisfied smirk.

  “Maybe I should call you Beauregard more often,” she replied minutes later and was rewarded with a seductive wink. “What’s the plan for the rest of the day? Are there any more secrets to be revealed?” she asked.

  “We are going for a ride.” Something in his tone told her this wasn’t going to be a normal ride and her blood coursed through her with excitement. An almost hidden dirt road lay ahead, and Beaux turned the truck on it, following until its end. He dug out a bag from the cab of his truck and pulled out a bottle of insect repellant, tossing it to Lacy with instructions to apply it all over. Then he pulled out a picnic basket, laced his other hand with Lacy’s and led her down a worn path. At the end, a pirogue was awaiting them.

  When Lacy squealed in delight, Beaux fell in love again. She was quickly becoming enthralled with life here, and he was thrilled to see her embracing what his life had to offer. Somehow, someway, he knew they could close the thousand mile gap between their lives once she returned to South Carolina.

  “I’m so excited. I’ve always wanted to ride in a canoe.”

  “Ah chère. This is a pirogue. They are very similar, but see the flat bottom? My dad and I made this one together when was still in high school.”

  Beaux carried the vessel over to the water and held Lacy’s hand as she stepped in. Next, he set the basket in and carefully sat himself down. Grabbing hold of the paddles, he pushed them off for an up close and personal view of the Louisiana swamplands.

  Lacy’s eyes darted around taking in the wetlands surrounding her. She didn’t want to miss any of it. Never would she have imagined herself floating around a swamp, let alone be able see the beauty in it. Beaux spotted a blue heron just as it grabbed a fish from the water. He nudged Lacy bringing her attention to it and then an egret on the other side. As they drifted along, Beaux reached out to grab a lotus and tucked the flower behind her ear. Further down an entire log was covered with turtles. Lacy had never seen a more raw and beautiful sight in nature, than during this tour. Staring at the man before her, she could truly see this land becoming her home.

  A subtle movement to her right caught her attention. She looked over and froze in fear. Two eyes stared back at her daring her to move. She opened her mouth to scream but nothing came out. Frantically she waved her hands in an attempt to draw Beaux’s attention to it.

  Were Lacy not so completely terrified, Beaux probably would have found the situation almost comical. He couldn’t fault her reaction; most people not from this area had a similar reaction when they saw their first alligator. “Shush,” he whispered. “Everything’s fine. They won’t disturb you if you don’t disturb them.” She looked as though she didn’t want to believe him, but to her credit she lowered her arms and dared a glance back. The alligator in question was small compared to other ones Beaux knew were lurking about, but kept that information to his self. He rubbed Lacy’s arm as if it would transfer strength to her until her fear dissolved.

  His original plan was to dock a little further down and watch the sunset, but he quickly amended plans when he realized being in the marsh after dark was not something Lacy would enjoy at this point. His heart swelled at the valiant attempts she made to integrate herself into his life and activities he enjoyed. It swelled even further when she found enjoyment from them. Previous women in his life had never even afforded him the opportunity to show them this sacred gift of beauty God had given Louisiana. They simply saw it from afar, taking for granted that it held no beauty or allure, but like most things in life, the beauty inside required the most appreciation. There was another dock, not far past where the truck was parked. If he docked there, they could still watch the sunset and return to the truck by dry land.

  He paddled them around as they began their return trip. This time when Lacy saw the alligator she stared back at it in awe, no longer convinced it would pounce and attack them. Beaux continued until a few hundred feet past their starting point. Standing up, the held Lacy’s hand before lifting her up, and tied a rope between the dock and pirogue. He took the basket, spreading the thin blanket over the wooden planks and laying their dinner out before them. There they remained, watching shoulder to shoulder, as the sun lowered itself toward the ending the day. Shades of orange and pink reflected off the waters during the twilight hours until the sky turned gray and stars twinkled above.

  The time had come for the dialogue neither wanted to have, for that would require acknowledgement that in two day half of a continent would separate them.

  “I wish I could stay here with you Beaux. I wish I had more time and that my class did not start Monday.”

  “Me too, Lacy, me too.” He felt a stab in his chest at the mere mention of her leaving.

  “I can come and stay with you the weeks I don’t work,” he offered.

  That was more than Lacy could have hoped for. “I would love that.” Did she trust her heart enough to put it on the line with the idea that been forming in her head? It was now or never, before she lost her nerve. “Beaux? I was thinking. My class is only four weeks long. After that I’ll have my degree and there’s nothing to keep me in South Carolina. The only family I have that counts, is Sara.” She paused to gauge Beaux’s reaction before she continued.

  With his voice full of emotion, he asked the question they both knew was the answer. “Move here with me please,” Beaux held his breath, wit
h a silent petition to the heavens that the resolution could really be this easy.

  When Lacy whispered yes with tears of relief and joy flowing down her face, Beaux took her in his arms, kissing away her tears. There on the dock, on a hot summer night, they made sweet love full of promises and faith to carry them through the future.

  Chapter 5:

  Beaux stopped by the bar to pick up the tables and chairs for the boil that afternoon.

  “Have you seen Jared this morning?”

  The bartender flipped her hair with a sniff. “Nope, probably still in bed with the blonde he left with last night.”

  “Ok, thanks.”

  Shit. Jared had called him yesterday but of course Beaux had left his phone home. He dialed his number again but still no answer. Waiting until afternoon to find out the information was not an option. He checked his watch. If he hurried, he could swing by Jared’s house before going to Justin and Sara’s. Double shit. There was a car in his driveway, not belonging to anyone he recognized. He usually kicked his one night stands out by this time and Beaux didn’t want anyone hearing what Jared had to tell him.

  Pulling his phone out, he tried calling him one last time. Still no answer so he had no choice but to wait or go knock on the door. He walked up and rapt on the door but didn’t hear anyone coming. “Damn it Jared, open the door or answer your phone,” he yelled from frustration. A few minutes later, he heard footsteps followed by Jared opening the door still zipping his pants. He walked out on the porch, closing the door behind him.

  “Rachel said you left with a blonde. I thought you kicked them out by seven?”

  “I’m not in the mood Beaux. I only took the blonde home last night to keep her from driving drunk, not that I owe you any explanations. I really wish you hadn’t come over” Beaux gave him a doubtful look, since the entire town knew his brother’s reputation. “Seriously, little bro.”

  “Whatever, your sex life is not my business. I just need to know that you found out.” His irritation was showing even though he knew his brother was going out in a limb to do some digging, but his nerves were frayed.

  Jared glanced back at the door. “Let’s walk.” They went to Beaux’s truck leaning against it while they talked.

  “Landon is an alias. Neil’s real name is Oden Lantino. His brother that goes by Sam is Oscar Lantino. Normally, I wouldn’t ask, but I need to know why you wanted the dirt.”

  “Neil or Oden whatever his name is is Lacy’s dad. Something she said was off and didn’t add up with other things I heard.”

  “Damn it Beaux, you have no idea what you have just walked into.”

  “What aren’t you telling me Jared?”

  “I wish to God I could tell you everything but I can’t. All I can say is that you’ve just shacked up with the daughter of one of the south’s largest drug dealers.”

  Beaux froze. “If this is one of your jokes it’s not funny Jared,” but he knew by the strained look on Jared’s face and the churning in his own gut, this was no joke.

  “I’m sorry bro. I really am. You need to be careful. Her father is a very dangerous man and I hear things will be getting ugly very soon. I really can’t say more. My ass would be fired if they knew what I already told you.”

  “Thank Jared. I appreciate it.”

  Jared clasped his hand on his little brother’s shoulder. “For what it’s worth, I like Lacy. She’s good for you Beaux. Do you what you need to keep her around.” Beaux didn’t miss the double meaning in Jared’s final sentence.

  Getting back in the truck, he sped to Justin and Sara’s house. He didn’t have to return to work for another week still, and he prayed Lacy would go along with his plan. She needn’t know what Jared had told her but he couldn’t leave her now. Justin would have to be clued in though. By all appearances their suspicions just might be true.

  People were already gathering by the time Beaux showed up. Lacy greeted him before he could step out, ready with a hug and kiss, as if he hadn’t just dropped her off an hour and a half ago.

  He was grateful they had dropped the boiler and extra coolers off first before going back out for the tables and chairs since he had been gone longer than expected. A group was gathered around rinsing the eighty pounds of crawfish, while a few came over to help unload the tables and chairs. Beaux opened a beer, grabbed one for Justin and went in search of him confident he’d want to know right away. Fortunately he found him alone inside the house where no ears would overhear. He relayed the information Jared had told him that morning.

  “What the hell? That’s all he told you?”

  “He knows more, but he can’t, or won’t say.”

  “What should we do?”

  “There’s not much we can do beyond keeping the girls close. I was thinking of driving Lacy home instead of sending her on the plane.”

  “And what about when you have to go back to work?”

  Beaux frowned, scrunching his eyes. “I haven’t figured that out. I still have a week.”

  “We’ve been through some tough shit, but this about takes the cake. How much are you telling Lacy?”

  “I don’t know. She has suspicions already of her dad, but I don’t think she has a clue of the magnitude. And I can guarantee she doesn’t know the names are an alias.”

  “Do you mind if we keep it silent from them for now? Sara is already stressed about the baby. This may just put her over the edge.”

  “I hear you. I think that’s probably best anyway.”

  “We better get back out before people miss us. I know a certain little auburn kept looking for your truck from the moment you pulled away.”

  Beaux’s heartstrings tugged and he went outside to find Lacy.

  “Can we talk for a minute, Lace?” he gently asked luring her away from the crowd.

  “What’s going on Beaux?”

  “I was thinking why don’t I drive you back to South Carolina? Work doesn’t need me for another week and I can’t stand leaving you yet.”

  Lacy grinned, sliding her hand up his shirt. “I like that idea. Are you sure you wouldn’t mind?”

  With a soft growl, he groaned as Lacy twirled his chest hair around her finger. “Never.” Lacy continued playing under his shirt. “Dios, girl, people can see us”

  “Do you care?”

  “No.” And he pulled her into the shed where they had more privacy.

  Beaux left the crawfish boil to go home and pack a bag. Lacy and he would be leaving tonight to ensure they had enough time. On his way, he called his mom to let her know he’d be out of town.

  “Be careful son and protect our girl, yeah.”

  “That’s the plan mom.”

  “I love you Beaux. Call me when you get there.”

  “I will do. I love you too.”

  The short conversation with his mom messed with his nerves even more. He could have sworn she knew something he didn’t. Would Jared have told her more? That didn’t make sense. Then again, his mom had always had an uncanny sixth sense. He shook his head as though that would clear out the thoughts that were plaguing him. Why had he left Lacy back at Sara’s? Not that he was worried about her there, but he missed her. How was he going to handle going back to work?

  He ran into the house packing a bag as fast as humanly possible. As an afterthought, he reached into his night stand grabbing the Kimber 1911. Better safe than sorry he thought. His life had been turned upside down in the matter of a week but in that short time, Lacy had become his world. He checked his phone one last time, hoping for another call for Jared. He would have called him to tell him of the change in plans but knowing Jared, he was probably out in town already looking for another conquest. Mom would tell him anyways tomorrow. For a man who had no respect for other women, Jared respected his mom above all else and called or dropped by every day that he could, especially since their dad died. Beaux doubted his mom knew the extent of Jared’s escapades but that didn’t concern him. Right now he just wanted to get back to Lacy. One las
t check told him he had everything, so he locked up and went back to get her.

  Sara and Lacy were embraced in a long hug when he arrived, promising to talk every day and reminding each other Lacy would be back to stay in just four weeks.

  Lacy patted Sara’s stomach. “You be nice to your mommy little one. Give her some rest until Aunt Lacy can come back and take care of her.” A maternal instinct welled up inside her and she pushed it aside. The relationship was so new and fresh that she couldn’t even hope to imagine having his kids yet.

  Beaux gave Sara a quick hug and Justin a handshake.

  “Take good care of her Beaux,” Sara called out as they loaded into the truck. The dark night hid the worried looks on Justin and Beaux’s faces.

  Thirty minutes later, they were on the interstate heading east. Lacy snuggled in close to Beaux and he draped his arm around her shoulder. They drove in companionable silence until reaching the Alabama state line.

  “Can we pull over at the next good place to stop?”

  “Sure. I could use some coffee.”

  A large truck stop was just a few miles down the highway so they pulled off. Beaux closely watched the car behind them as it also pulled off. The car looked familiar and had been following them closely for miles, even when he slowed down to a considerable speed. There were two passengers; a male and female in their late twenties, but neither got out. Beaux trained his eyes on both Lacy and the vehicle while they finished in the store. As he was walking out with his coffee, he saw the scratch on the fender and remembered where he saw the car. Damn it someone had some explaining to do and quick. Without alerting Lacy, there was little he could do right now but keep as much distance as possible until he had answers. Fifty miles down the road, the car was still trailing them and he’d had enough. He feigned exhaustion suggesting they get a hotel for the night. Lacy was rubbing her eyes and quickly agreed. The next exit boasted a variety of accommodations and they took the first one they came to. Beaux’s eyes scanned for the car, not stopping until he saw it at a neighboring hotel. At least they had that much sense he thought sardonically.