What A Woman: Book Five (The Woman I Love Series 5)

by G S Binkley

  Mark rubbed his chin. “So, Ryan and I still get first dibs on everything you write…and Lacy might be interested in playing a bit part every once in a while.”

  The blonde patted her old friend on the back. “As always.” Gage looked around to find Lacy standing next to Ryan and a few of the crew. “We should get going…Dani’s got rehearsal for the school play she’s in and we promised the kids a weekend at the water park.”

  The executive would have envied his friend’s life but Mark had a wonderful relationship with his wife, Julie. That reminds me ‘our’ kids will be back from college in a couple weeks. Maybe we should make some family plans. With that thought, Mark headed off to find his wife. He was proud of the connection he had formed with Julie’s kids, Joe, Jr. and Jessie. It was tentative at first but soon changed into a very loving and caring relationship. Yes, our kids.

  **********

  True to their word, Lacy and Gage took their kids to the water park near St. Louis. All of them loved the water especially Gage and Hayley. As far as the little blonde was concerned, she might as well been a fish. Hayley so loved the water that the lake near their home was not enough for the little tyke so Lacy and Gage had a swimming pool added. Lacy’s brother, Hank and his best friend, Jason, installed the pool. Hank and Jason were also the ones who constructed the television studio where Lacy’s show Calley Carew was filmed.

  Dani begged off going with her family stating that she needed to study for her exams and the school’s play was next weekend. Dani had a major part in the musical. She was able to show off her choreographer skills since the play was a musical with dancing. Her friend, Lane Grayson, worked as the stage manager. Lane and Dani liked each other but had yet to affirm just how much. Their budding romance started out as friends. She would miss him this summer as Lane was going to upstate New York with his parents, Alexis and Dash Grayson.

  The last few years were very exciting for Dani. She learned to drive and her parents bought her a nice dependable car. For the last two years, Dani drove her siblings to school and back. She convinced her mom and Gage to get her a car for that purpose. Lacy didn’t get on board with the idea but Dani played her trump card when she talked with Gage on the side. Dani explained that if she had a car she could take the kids to school and Gage could sleep late. It was settled. Dani got her car. She’s so easy. Dani loved the blonde writer and as all the kids in the family felt Gage was their parent.

  After a long day soaking in the water and sun, the Ballant family arrived back home only to be met with bad news. Dani immediately grabbed her mom’s hand and headed for the door. “Grandma’s in the hospital.”

  Chapter Two

  After school was over, Lacy and Gage had planned to take the kids on a three week vacation out West. They had plans to travel through many of the western states in order to visit major landmarks. All that was on hold now with Lacy’s mom in the hospital.

  “Dad, what happened?” Lacy was frightened. Her mother was always in the best of health and she could just kick herself for insisted that all cell phones were turned off as not to be interrupted on their mini-vacation.

  Dan placed a comforting arm around his daughter. “She got up to go in the kitchen and just fainted.”

  Nathan Ryan was standing near them. “I’ve never known mom to be sick a day in her life.” He touched his mother’s hand as she lay on the hospital bed.

  Gage brought everyone something to drink but Lacy refused. “What kind of tests are they running?” She handed Dan and Nathan a cup each.

  “Just tests til they can find out why.” Dan barely spoke.

  They waited. And then waited some more.

  Finally, the doctor came in and informed the family of several factors that could have led to Lynn’s fainting but would need to do further tests in the morning and then wait for the results.

  Ironically, it was when Lynn opened her eyes that calm reined on those near her. “I heard.” Referring to the good doctor’s words. “We Ryans’ can get through anything no matter what they might throw at us.”

  Nathan squeezed his mother’s hand. “You’re right.”

  “Besides, we got over the shock of Lacy bringing Gage home, didn’t we?” Lynn’s gleaming eyes shone only love for her daughter-in-law.

  Lacy leaned in and hugged her mother. “Oh, mom, I love you.”

  Gage only pouted a moment. “Well, I’m so glad to be such a challenge for all of you.”

  Lynn pulled the blonde to her. “You know we love you.”

  “Yes, I do and I love you so very much.”

  **********

  It was a long night at the hospital and a short night of sleep since Lacy and Gage got up to take care of the kids. Stella had fixed breakfast and the kids were eating when Lacy and Gage stumbled into the kitchen.

  “Hey, mom.” Sammy shouted.

  Gage held her head. “Not so loud.”

  Sammy hopped down off his chair. “I was helping Dani with her acting yesterday when you were gone. How’s grandma?”

  Lacy settled down on the chair and accepted the coffee Stella offered. The actress usually didn’t partake of the liquid but it was much appreciated this morning. “She gets to come home today we hope.”

  When the kids yelled in excitement, Stella hushed them quickly. “What was it?”

  Derek moved next to his mom and hugged her. He could tell she had been crying at some point. Lacy put her arm around her son. “Thank you I needed that.”

  Not sure if Lacy was up to talk about the events of last night, Gage started to explain. “Yesterday your grandma fainted and so your grandpa took her to the hospital. Uncle Nathan was with them, too.”

  Lacy continued the explanation. “Your grandma has low blood pressure and that caused her to faith. She was a little dehydrated and they are checking to see if she has diabetes.”

  “They ran several tests to check out her heart and, well, an overall check-up.” Gage added when she saw that Lacy was still shaken up. “Listen, kids, I know you might be disappointed but I think we are going to put off our vacation this summer. Your mom wants to be here just in case your grandma needs her…us…all of us.”

  There was a long silence until Stella piped up. “Well that does it then…I got a whole list of things we can do this summer.” Their grandma then pulled out a small file box and started to read off each card. “First, bowling.”

  Everyone looked at Stella with confusion.

  Stella shrugged. “What? I made a list of all the things I never got to do with Gage when she was growing up but now I can do them with all of you…and we can be close to your other grandma to help her out.”

  The family resigned themselves to being the willing partners with whatever Stella had planned for them.

  Gage had to smile when her mom brought out that list. Long gone were any old feelings of abandonment or guilt or blame. Both Stella and Gage had made peace with their paths. And, Gage could never be mad at her mom ever again because Stella so loved all of them and showed it every day.

  **********

  The next week crawled by due to Lacy’s concerns about her mother. The tests revealed that Lynn was pre-diabetic and needed to change her diet and regimen. The doctors still wanted to do some more tests and Lynn was scheduled for more early next week. This weekend, however, was the high school play that their daughter was acting in and the whole family had reserved seats.

  As the lights dimmed on the auditorium, the stage manager, Lane Grayson called his crew to the ready. The music began softly as the lights rose on the stage, illuminating it just as two of the cast members began the opening act.

  As usual, Dani was brilliant and the family was quick to congratulate her and the rest of the cast and crew. The families of those students involved in the play hovered just outside the auditorium.

  A dark haired beauty touched Lacy’s arm. “Hi, Lacy.”

  Lacy turned around to greet Lane Grayson’s mother. “Alexis, how are you? The play was wonderful, don
’t you think?”

  “Yes, our children did a fantastic job.” The proud mother said before adding. “I haven’t seen you since…” Alexis was calculating the last time they met.

  Lacy thought for a moment. “It’s been several years. It was at Julie’s bachelorette party.” That memory brought back an uncomfortable thought for the tall brunette. It was when Gage became very inebriated at Mark Calico’s bachelor party after meeting an old friend from the blonde’s past.

  Alexis smiled as her memory of the event revealed itself. “Good times, huh?”

  Lacy had to laugh. “How is Chance?”

  Chance Mallicoat was the ever ready companion and assistant to Mark until Dash Grayson showed up after ten years of being missing. It was assumed that Dash had died in a fall after a fight with his half-brother, Jimmy Dancer.

  “Chance is great. As a matter of fact, we are going to upstate New York in a couple weeks. He’s been taking care of some businesses there.” Alexis neglected to add that since Dash’s return they were still sorting things out between them. “After the bonfire, of course.”

  “Oh, yes, the bonfire. Dani has been bugging me about going and I’m just not sure.” Lacy had a firm conviction that she could trust her daughter. It was the other people that would be at the party that she had reservations about. The concerned mom knew about high school parties and they all included alcohol and heavens knows what else.

  “Lane’s going.” Alexis winked at Lacy. “He’s quite smitten with your daughter. I’m sure he will watch after Dani.”

  Lacy and Gage had met Lane many times and he did carry himself to be very respectful and level-headed. With a deep breath, Lacy caved. “Then I guess she will be there.”

  “Well, I need to fine Lane.” Alexis hugged Lacy. “It’s hard to believe we live in the same town…we should get together more often.”

  Lacy nodded. “I agree. Call me when you get back from New York…maybe we can set something up.” Lacy paused for a second. “Gage and I haven’t had a real date night in forever.”

  “Mom!” Dani ran up to her mom. “Oh, hi, Mrs. Grayson.” The young thespian pointed back toward the auditorium. “I saw your husband and Lane a few minutes ago.”

  Alexis smiled. She really liked the young girl. “Then I guess that’s my cue.”

  As Alexis departed, Lacy gave her daughter the good news. “Yes to the bonfire under one condition.”

  “What?” Dani was excited.

  “Gage.”

  Dani rolled her eyes. “Oh, mom, if it were up to Gage none of us would ever leave the house.” A thought suddenly occurred to the young girl. I do have some persuasive ways with her. “Okay, I’ll talk to her.”

  Dan and Lynn congratulated their granddaughter as did Stella and the rest of the Ryan family. Even though several of Lynn’s children insisted that she not venture out to the play, the strong willed grandmother and mother of five would not budge on the matter. “This is one of my granddaughter’s major events in her life and I will not miss it for anything.” That settled the dust regarding any reservations her children raised about getting out and it being so early after her hospital visit.

  Stella echoed Lynn’s affirmation. “I’m with you on that one Lynn.” Gage’s mom had missed so many things in her own daughter’s life that she was not about to miss any of her grandchildren’s activities.

  **********

  There were only a couple more weeks before the school year was over and the summer activities began. As usual, the Ballant clan gathered around the table that Sunday afternoon so they could state their wish list for the summer. Since it was decided to not go on the extended vacation, the kids were eager to fill the time with other ventures.

  “Racing.”

  “No!”

  “Me, too. I’m going to race this year.” Sammy chimed in when his brother suggested it to his mom and Gage.

  Gage looked at Lacy for support but was denied. The blonde gave her partner a stern look.

  “Gage, sweetheart, Derek is very responsible and…” Lacy took her partner’s hand before she continued. “…why did you buy him that race car if you didn’t expect him to take it racing?”

  Derek jacked his arm in victory as did Sammy. “Hey, I need a race car, too.”

  “Why is it that you guys always gang up on me?” Gage whined.

  “Because we love you.” Dani stated the fact. One way to butter her up.

  It was then both Derek and Sammy nearly jumped on their blonde parent. “Hey!” Gage protested but loved every minute of it. “Fine. Racing it will be.” She turned to Sammy. “We’ll check out a car like Derek’s and get you one. Matter of fact…” Gage smiled. “I’ll get one, too.”

  And that’s when Lacy’s dark eyebrows shot up.

  “Race, Race, Gage gonna chase.” Hayley giggled. “Catch me.” The little blonde took off, through the door to the front lawn.

  Derek and Sammy followed suit. They both knew that Hayley would bug them until they participated in her games.

  “You do know, Gage.” Stella stole a quick look at Lacy. “She…will make you take lessons just like Derek had to before he started racing.”

  Growing up, Derek always loved his race cars and envisioned one day along with saving animals, he would get a race car. It was last summer when Lacy and Gage relented and bought him his very own race car. But first he had to take lessons. Now Sammy would be enrolled in the same school before he would be able to race.

  “I already know how to drive.” Gage assured everyone sitting at the table.

  “Ha.” Dani smiled. “Like a turtle.”

  Gage shot Dani an evil glare. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

  “That you’re slow.” Stella hugged her daughter before she took her leave. “I’m going over to Lynn’s house and visit a bit.”

  Lacy hugged Stella. “Tell her I love her.”

  “Will do.”

  Lacy got up and walked over behind her partner. She wrapped her arms around Gage. The dark haired woman’s lips tickled Gage’s ear as Lacy spoke. “We… will go check out some kind of car for Sammy. He’s not quite four years younger than Derek and he doesn’t need the same kind.” Lacy moved around her partner and secured a seat on Gage’s lap. “Now as far as your concerned and this racing business…”

  Before Lacy could say another word, Gage kissed her. “I was just kidding anyway.”

  “Good.” Before Lacy got up to go check on the three young ones, she whispered again in the blonde’s ear. “Dani’s got something to ask you and … I already said yes.”

  When Gage and Dani were left alone in the kitchen both of them wondered who would talk first. It was a standoff as Dani played with her half-eaten grilled cheese and Gage kept rubbing her right ear. The tingling from Lacy’s kiss still lingered.

  Dani broke the silence. “Mom said I could go to the bonfire…and I am old enough now. I drive the kids to school every day and I run to get things from the store when you and mom are…” Better not bring that one up.

  “We’re what?” Gage prompted.

  “Nothin’.” Dani offered her sweetest smile. “Gage, I’m a grown woman and I think I can take of myself. You know how responsible I am and…”

  “Dani.”

  “…I practically have to ramrod my siblings to keep them out of…” Dani argued.

  “Dani!”

  “…trouble.” It finally dawned on Dani that Gage was trying to get her attention. “Yes, Gage.”

  “You can go. I trust you.” Gage sucked in a deep breath. “Promise me though that if anything… if you need us, you’ll call.”

  Dani flew off her seat and hugged Gage. “Thank you and I will.” The young and very mature woman looked her parent straight in the eye with blue ones that reminded Gage of her mother’s eyes. “I do love you, you know.”

  “And I you.” It was times like these that warmed the blonde’s heart and she would saver these moments for eternity.

  Dani raced out th
e door to tell her mother.

  Over the next few days, Gage checked out race cars for Sammy over the internet. She then looked for racing events that Derek would be eligible to race in. When she informed Lacy about her findings, Lacy had a couple ideas of her own.

  “You know one day Hayley will want a car of her own.” Lacy snuggled next to her partner.

  “She’s only five. I think we have time.” Gage adjusted her pillow.

  Lacy kissed her partner’s cheek. “We could build a small race track for her and Sammy. He’s just too young to be in the same events as Derek.”

  It was true while Derek was going to be a teenager soon, Sammy was only nine. Derek didn’t start racing until last summer when he convinced his parents that he was mature enough. After several lessons and many hours of practice, Derek finally got to run his first race. He didn’t win but had tons of fun and both Lacy and Gage knew his desire to continue racing would not fizzle out that summer.

  Gage let out a heavy breath. “I know. They grow up so fast. I remember when Derek jumped in my arms when we were at the cabin on the lake. He was only three then.” So many wonderful memories flooded the blonde’s mind. “We had a lot of good times, Lacy, didn’t we?”

  Lacy crawled up on top of Gage. “Yes.” She kissed her lover. “We did.” Another kiss. “And it’s all because of you.” Lacy became very serious. “I don’t know where we would be without you.”

  Lacy’s words touched the blonde’s heart. Gage’s green eyes welled with unshed tears. “I don’t know where I would be without you guys.”

  Tonight was a night of slow and deliberate lovemaking. Gage explored every part of her lover’s body with delicate care and love. Lacy bathed in the luxurious attention her lover was giving her. When things started to heat up, Gage slowed her lover. “I want this night to last…forever.”

  It was well into the morning when both women finally fell quietly asleep.

  **********

  As usual, since Dani was going to a bonfire that night, the young children wanted a bonfire of their own. Lacy promised them that Gage would make a huge fire and they would all roast marshmallows.