Forever a Stallion

by Deborah Fletcher Mello

  “This family has definitely had its fair share of weddings and baby showers!” an elderly woman intoned. “It’s been a blessing!” She swiped at a tear that pressed anxiously at the edge of her eye.

  Phaedra paused to look where the voice had come from. Seated on the couch was a woman close to her mother’s age. She looked quite smart in a two-piece dress suit the color of sweet tea. She smiled when she saw Phaedra staring. Phaedra smiled back as she lifted her camera and took a snapshot of the woman’s smiling face.

  “Don’t you start crying, Aunt Juanita,” someone scolded. “If you start you’ll have us all crying up in here.”

  The women all laughed, the warmth of it echoing around the room.

  “Y’all know I’m gonna cry,” the woman named Juanita said. “The last of my babies is getting married,” she said with a loud sniffle. A blanket of silence dropped down against the room as they all stopped to take in her comment.

  Phaedra’s gaze danced from face to face as she took them all in. Juanita caught her staring and Phaedra fiddled with her camera as the woman stared back.

  “Are you from around here?” Juanita asked, her question directed at Phaedra.

  The young woman met the matriarch’s curious gaze. “No, ma’am. I’m from New Orleans,” she said softly.

  Juanita smiled, still staring. “You look like you could be related to the family,” she said, “like one of the cousins. Doesn’t she?” Juanita queried, moving the rest of them to turn and stare a second time.

  Joanne glanced in Phaedra’s direction. “You really do,” she said with a slight giggle.

  Phaedra only smiled, resuming her picture-taking.

  Marah interrupted the moment. “It’s time, ladies. This wedding will start on time,” she said, her tone commanding as she shifted into wedding planner mode.

  There were nods of agreement as each woman paused to take one last look at her reflection in the wall of mirrors that decorated the space.

  The woman they called Aunt Juanita stood up, moving to the center of the room toward the bride, who suddenly looked as if she’d turned two shades of green.

  “Everyone join hands,” Juanita said as she gestured for them to move into a circle around Joanne.

  Phaedra moved back against the wall, mindful not to intrude upon the moment. She listened intently as the woman began to speak, her camera at eye level as she captured the moment on film.

  “This family is a beautiful thing to behold,” Juanita said. “I have watched John, Matthew, Mark and Luke grow into wonderful men. I know that if their parents were here today they would be very proud. Each of them has chosen an amazing, wonderful woman to carry the Stallion name and be with them by their sides. They got that from their daddy because their mother, Irene, was an amazing woman and the best friend I could ever have had.”

  Juanita paused to press a lace hankie to her eye. Her gaze paused on each face as she called out their names. “Marah, Michelle, Katrina and now Joanne, each of you is the most important thing in your husband’s life and the lifelines that will continue this family. Don’t you ever forget it and don’t ever let anyone tell you otherwise.

  “Marah, business is important to John, but it will never be more important than you are. Mitch,” she said, calling Michelle by her family nickname, “I never thought there would be anyone who could tame that wild Stallion, but you did, and Mark’s love for you and that baby girl of yours has no limits.

  “Katrina, you told me on your wedding day that Matthew seduced you, but you’re the one who actually swept Matthew off his feet. I have never seen him happier.” Juanita reached for Joanne’s hand, squeezing the woman’s fingers beneath her own. “And now our baby boy is getting married. Joanne, you and Luke were both lost until you found each other’s arms for support. He is a better man because of you and I couldn’t be more proud.

  “So, baby girl, you enjoy every minute of this very special day. May you and Luke grow in your love for each other and may you both find joy and happiness for the rest of your days. Welcome to our family. We love you and we couldn’t be happier for you both.”

  “Amen to that,” Marah chimed, everyone echoing those sentiments.

  Joanne fanned her hands in front of her face, fighting not to bawl like a newborn baby. “Thank you,” she said, fighting back the tears. “I love you all so much,” she said as her mother wrapped her in a warm embrace.

  Juanita moved toward the door. “Well, let’s go get you married!” she said, the rest of them following behind her.

  And as they moved out of the room, in the direction of the family chapel, Phaedra swiped the tears from her own eyes, snapping one more photo for the Stallion wedding album.

  Chapter 4

  Mason Boudreaux was all partied out as he moved from the tented reception area back toward the Stallion family home. Guests were still enjoying the Stallion hospitality as they moved from the banquet tables laden with a surplus of food to the dance floor and back again.

  Outside, the sun was in the final moments of its descent, the backdrop of a darkening sky heightening the rise of an almost full moon. Small white lights twinkled from the trees that lined the property, casting a seductive glow over the landscape. Looking out over the magnificent view, he couldn’t help being touched by the magnitude of it all. He took a deep breath, filling his lungs with the warm evening air.

  As he slowly strolled in the direction of the family’s home he couldn’t help noticing the beautiful woman who stood with her camera in hand snapping photographs. He had noticed her earlier in the day as she’d taken photographs of the crowd at the rodeo and he’d noticed her during the wedding ceremony and again at the reception. In fact, so in awe of her, he’d spent a good deal of time noticing her, almost forgetting why he was there in the first place.

  The exquisite woman was casually dressed in black slacks, a white button-down dress shirt and red Durango cowboy boots. The slacks were cut low against the curve of her round hips and she had the tiniest waist of any woman he had ever seen. Having more leg than torso, she appeared model-tall despite her petite stature. The lengthy appendages gave her the lean, lanky look of a gazelle, and the curvature of her full bustline showed that she clearly had more than a handful. Her flawless complexion was milk chocolate, so rich and decadent that with her distinct features he could easily see her posing on the other side of any camera.

  He wasn’t quite sure what she was focused on as she stared out in the distance, but with the large telephoto lens and the light that flashed with each snap he was intrigued, curious to discover who she was and what she might be up to.

  He casually strolled to her side, his movements so stealthlike that Phaedra didn’t notice him until he was standing directly behind her. She jumped, suddenly taken by surprise as the man stepped into her space.

  “Good evening,” Mason said, a bright smile warming the curvature of his face.

  “You scared me,” Phaedra gasped, pressing a hand to her chest.

  Mason’s smile brightened. “My apologies! I didn’t mean to frighten you.”

  “That’s what usually happens when you sneak up on a person,” she said, her heart still racing.

  “I wasn’t sneaking,” Mason said casually. “You were just distracted. What are you photographing?” he asked as he looked off toward where she’d been staring.

  Phaedra was still eyeing him with reservation. When he cut his eye at her and back toward the landscape, a wave of heat suddenly coursed up the length of her spine. He cut his eye at her a second time, a wry smile pulling at his full lips as he waited for her reply.

  Phaedra tilted her camera so that he could see the LCD display, depressing the display button so that he could view the images she’d just taken. “Foxes,” she said nonchalantly. “There was a family of red foxes scurrying along the fence line.”

>   The man nodded as he met her gaze. “Interesting,” he said, his deep voice echoing through the evening air. He extended his hand. “I’m Mason Boudreaux,” he said as he wrapped Phaedra’s fingers beneath his own.

  “Phaedra,” she answered, the heat he radiated causing her to take a swift breath. “Phaedra Parrish.”

  “It’s very nice to meet you, Phaedra Parrish.”

  Phaedra smiled, hoping he wouldn’t notice the blush that heated her cheeks. “The pleasure is all mine, Mason Boudreaux.”

  “You have a very distinct accent,” Mason said, noting her deep Southern dialect with its hint of French Creole syntax. “Where are you from in Louisiana?”

  “Good ear,” she said, smiling sweetly. “New Orleans. Born and raised.”

  He chuckled softly. “Me, too, although I live in Arizona now.”

  “I don’t hear any accent,” Phaedra said, eyeing him with a raised brow.

  Mason laughed, shifting into the familiar phonology. “Y’all headed up da house o’ ova back da fields?”

  Phaedra laughed with him, the warmth of the sound teasing. “So, why Arizona?”

  Mason became pensive, hesitating in reflection for a brief moment. “My family was displaced after Hurricane Katrina,” he finally said, noting the 2005 category-five storm that had been one of the worst natural disasters on record. “I’d already had a house there and my parents decided to stay when their home was destroyed.”

  “They didn’t want to go back?” Phaedra questioned.

  Mason shrugged. “They did and actually, they’re back and forth as it suits them. We’re still rebuilding the family home, but it’s been slow going. That storm really broke their spirits for a bit. And it didn’t help that my sister shared its name,” he said with slight chuckle. “For whatever reasons, they haven’t been in any rush.”

  Phaedra nodded her understanding. “My mother refused to leave. I was traveling so much for business that she couldn’t imagine herself being able to adjust anywhere else. It took everything we both had to repair the damage after the storm, but it was worth it. New Orleans was her home and she was determined to live out the rest of her life where she was happiest. She passed away a few weeks ago,” Phaedra said, her voice catching in her throat as she thought about her mother.

  “My condolences,” Mason said, taking a step in her direction. He drew his hand against the length of her arm. “I’m very sorry for your loss.”

  Phaedra nodded ever so slightly. His touch was so powerful that her mind suddenly turned to mush. Phaedra couldn’t begin to fathom why she was reacting so intensely. She took a deep breath as she took a step back, suddenly needing to put some distance between them.

  Feeling the same thing, Mason crossed his arms over his broad chest, locking his hands beneath his armpits. He hadn’t meant to be so forward. There was a brief pause as both pondered how to move past the awkwardness of the moment.

  “So, did you enjoy the wedding?” Phaedra asked, wanting to move the conversation in another direction.

  “I did. How about you?”

  She nodded. “They throw quite a shindig around here.”

  Mason laughed. “Yes, they do.”

  “Are you family?” Phaedra asked, curiosity tinting her words.

  “By marriage. My sister Katrina is married to Matthew Stallion.”

  Phaedra’s head bobbed against her thin neck a second time. “Your sister, she’s pregnant.”

  “You’ve met?”

  “Not formally. She was with the bride when I took photographs earlier and I noticed.”

  The man nodded. “This will be her second child, their first baby together. We’re all very excited. So, are you related to the Stallions?” Mason asked, having noted a resemblance between Phaedra and the brothers.

  There was an awkward pause as Phaedra turned to stare out into the distance. She suddenly wished there was someone with whom she could share her story. Mason appeared to have a compassionate spirit, the breadth of it tempting Phaedra to drop her guard and spill her secret. But Mason’s connection to the Stallions made him a highly unlikely ally. After a pause, Phaedra gave a deep sigh and said nothing at all, pretending as though she’d not even heard the question. She lifted her camera, aimed it directly at Mason and snapped the shot, once, twice and then a third time.

  Mason found himself smiling, not expecting to suddenly be the center of attention. He shook his head as Phaedra smiled back at him. After a quick moment of silence, Mason spoke. “Well, you look busy, so I’ll get out of your way. This was fun, Phaedra Parrish,” he concluded, moving as if to leave her side.

  Phaedra smiled, meeting his gaze. “Perhaps we’ll run into each other again in N’Orleans,” she said brightly.

  Mason grinned as he lifted his hand in a slight wave. Then as if a lightbulb had gone off in his head, he spun back toward her. “Phaedra, are you doing anything tomorrow?” he questioned.

  Phaedra met his gaze. “What did you have in mind?”

  “I was thinking breakfast, sightseeing, lunch, maybe even dinner. I haven’t had an opportunity to explore Dallas yet, so we can make a day of it if you don’t have any plans.”

  She hesitated only briefly, then nodded, excitement painting her expression. “That sounds like it would be a lot of fun. I’d like that a lot.”

  “Where are you staying?” Mason asked.

  “The Four Seasons.”

  “I’ll pick you up in the morning. Will eight o’clock work for you?”

  “I’ll be ready at eight,” Phaedra answered.

  Mason tossed her a quick wink of his eye. “See you tomorrow, Phaedra Parrish!”

  Her eyes widening in delight, Phaedra watched as Mason eased his way in the direction of the large homestead. He paused briefly on the front porch to toss her one last wave before he disappeared inside. Lifting her eyes to stare at the moon, Phaedra bubbled with excitement. She suddenly couldn’t wait for tomorrow to happen.

  Chapter 5

  Phaedra was only slightly taken aback when the luxury limousine pulled up in front of the Four Seasons Hotel, the driver beckoning for her attention. She was a bit perturbed when there was no sign of Mason Boudreaux, only instructions for her to be delivered to where he was. Granted, she didn’t date often, but when she did she was accustomed to the man actually picking her up. She considered casting one strike against him but hesitated, deciding to at least wait to see where he was waiting for her before she put him on her short list.

  When the vehicle pulled into the circular drive of Briscoe Ranch, Phaedra’s stomach suddenly did backflips. She hadn’t anticipated returning to the Stallion family home so soon and definitely not as the guest of a man she’d just met. Nervous tension creased the lines of her forehead. Since the wedding and the close proximity of the brothers, Phaedra had been in turmoil trying to decide if, when and how she might be able to tell them who she was and what she’d recently learned about her paternity.

  * * *

  As the driver came to a halt in front of the family home, Mason stood at the foot of the stairwell, anxiously awaiting Phaedra’s arrival. He’d tossed and turned most of the night thinking about the beautiful woman who’d captured his attention, and he’d been overly anxious to see Phaedra again. He brushed the driver aside as he leaned to open the limo door.

  “Good morning,” Mason said eagerly, reaching for her hand.

  “Good morning to you,” Phaedra answered as she stepped out of the vehicle, clasping Mason’s hand for support. She gave him a hesitant smile. “I wasn’t expecting all this,” she said, gesturing at the car, the driver and their surroundings.

  Mason laughed warmly, a chuckle rising from deep in his midsection. “Neither was I. But it seems I was expected at the family breakfast this morning and although I tried to get out of it, the family
wouldn’t let me. So it just made sense for me to send the car for you to join us while my sister lectured me on what I should and shouldn’t do on our date today.”

  Phaedra laughed with him. “Instructions! So you don’t date often, I take it.”

  “Apparently, to hear my sister tell it, not the right way!” the man answered as he cupped his hand beneath her elbow and guided her up the deep steps to the front door.

  “Are you sure I won’t be intruding?” Phaedra asked, anxiety spinning in the air around her.

  Mason shook his head. “Not at all. In fact—” he started just as the front door was thrown open, Marah and Katrina stepping outside to interrupt.

  “Good morning!” both women said simultaneously.

  “Good morning,” Phaedra answered, her eyes widening.

  Katrina leaned to give her a warm hug. “Welcome! I’m Katrina Stallion, Mason’s sister, and I’m so excited to see you. We didn’t get a chance to officially meet yesterday.”

  “I’m Phaedra,” she responded, tossing Mason a quick glance.

  The man shook his head. “Be careful,” he cautioned, his tone suddenly serious. “If you stand still too long, I’m told, these two will have you married and pregnant before you realize it.”

  Katrina rolled her eyes skyward. “Ignore my brother, please. Not that it would hurt him to be married and pregnant,” she said as she cradled her bulging belly. “We’re just excited to see him with a woman our parents would approve of.”

  Marah laughed. “And Phaedra’s not running yet, so there’s still hope we haven’t scared her off!” she said teasingly.

  Phaedra laughed with them. “I don’t scare that easily,” she quipped as they welcomed her inside the large home.

  “That’s good,” Katrina said, “because we enjoy giving Mason a hard time. But really, we’re delighted you could join us for breakfast, although I admit it’s not like we gave you much of a choice.”

  Mason shook his head as he instinctively reached for Phaedra’s hand, clasping her fingers between his own. Her comfort level rose exponentially.