Country Heaven

by Vicki Green

  Just as soon as he walks out the door, Tina, Mac and Dallis walk in, all carryin’ bags and then I see Colby rollin’ in behind them in his wheelchair. I can’t believe how lucky I am to have such great friends. “I have eggs, bacon, sausage, biscuits, pancakes, waffles, toast, and all the fixings,” Tina announces as she starts removin’ the contents from a bag at the table. The smell of delicious food hits me hard and my stomach growls. Sadie leans up and kisses me then scoots off the bed.

  “Where are you goin’, darlin’?”

  She turns her head and smiles. “I think I’m in need of a shower and my teeth need a good brushing.”

  “Oh! I have some clothes for you. Do you need help?” Tina yells and then runs over picking up a small bag and then takes it to Sadie.

  “No, I’m good. I just may be a little slow so be sure and save some of the food for me.” She smiles, looks at me and blows me a kiss then walks into the bathroom.

  I hit the button to raise the bed, stoppin’ when pain hits me a little. “Uh, Colby?” He turns and looks at me. “Can I get a minute?” He nods and rolls himself over close to the bed, puttin’ his hands together in his lap. I nod. “So, how are you? Are you hurt badly?”

  “Not too bad. I’ve got burns up and down my arm. They may have to do some plastic surgery later and I hurt my leg. I’m just glad to be alive, my friend. How are you doin’?”

  “Well, they keep me pretty doped up on pills so I’m ok but I’m also thankful to be alive to talk about it. I understand I have you to thank for that.” I reach over and he takes my hand, shaking it. I pull back and smile.

  “Ah, you’d have done the same for me.” He smiles back.

  “Sadie said somethin’ last night about you savin’ both of us but I haven’t heard what all happened while I was in the barn.” My eyes widen as my brows raise, wantin’ him to fill me in.

  He laughs, shakin’ his head. “Oh, no. I think that’s for her to tell you. She’ll kick my ass.” I laugh, wincing with the movement.

  “And I would too!” We both look up and see Sadie standin’ there. She may not be wearing any makeup, has one of my t-shirts on that hangs down to her thighs, and what looks like what I’ve heard people call yoga pants on, with her long hair wet and up in a ponytail, but she’s the most beautiful woman I’ve ever laid eyes on. And she’s mine.

  Sadie

  I finally released my tears while in the shower, thankful that no one could hear me over the rushing water. I just got so emotional after him telling me last night what all happened, what he went through. He could have died. But then I put my big girl panties on, so to speak, and got dressed. When I walked back into the room, I hear him talking to Colby about saving him and then he wanted to know what happened to me. I want to be the one to tell him and I was relieved that Colby told him I should. I look at both of them and smile then walk over to the table and start piling food on two plates.

  “Damn, girl. You hungry?” Tina laughs and then puts her arm around me, hugging me tight, then releases me so I can finish.

  “What’s been happening over at the shop?” She looks at me and starts biting her lip but then smiles.

  “Oh, I closed her up tight.” My eyebrows raise. “Hey, the whole town’s been concerned about you and Memphis and they totally understand. You need time to heal and we both know there is no way I can run it by myself.” True, she has a point.

  “You know you could put a help wanted sign up. I think business grew so much so quickly we could use the help when I get back there anyway.” I pick up the plates and start to walk over to Memphis.

  “Good point. I’ll do it after I leave here.”

  I smile as I set down the plates on the long table over his bed and then sit down next to him, leaning over and pressing my lips against his. “No fair. You got to brush but I can’t get up to do that yet.”

  I give him another kiss and then pick up his fork, handing it to him, then pull the table closer so he can reach. “That’s okay, babe.” I scoop up some eggs and close my eyes as I put the fork in my mouth. I look over at him, chew, and then swallow. “I’ll bring yours to you and a cup when we’re done.” I go back to eating and close my eyes again. I turn my head noticing he hasn’t moved. “What?” I ask with a mouthful.

  He chuckles. The sound I’ve been waiting to hear, what I’ve been missing. “Always takin’ care of me, down to my teeth and minty fresh breath.” I play smack him, afraid to touch him anywhere, really not wanting to hurt him. He takes a big bite and moans. Damn, that moan!

  It’s a nice day. We all sit around talking and laughing. Tina brings us more food for dinner and it was so good. I had no idea just how starved I was. Mac and Dallis stayed away the rest of the day, sayin’ they needed to tend to the chores, and I cringed when Memphis asked if he had a barn left standing. Dallis looked down and Mac shook his head. I know that he’s worried as they’re calling for snow next week and it could be really bad.

  We’re lying in bed, a movie is on but the sound is off. He’s asked what happened when he was in the barn and I’m hesitant to tell him. I know he needs to know, but I’m worried he’ll get too upset. He’s playing with my fingers as I take a deep breath.

  “It was Jag.” His eyes widen and I tighten my fingers with his. “He set the fire and then he came after me. He tried to take me with him but I fought him. Then when we were struggling, Colby….” I swallow hard and look down. He releases my hand and cups my face with his hand. I look up, tears filling my eyes. “Colby shot him and he fell on me then I watched him drop to the ground. I ran to the barn and when they…. When they tried to revive you and couldn’t….” I shook my head, my tears falling. “I couldn’t live without you, Memphis.” I buried my face into his chest and start crying. He puts his arm around me, rubbing my arm, the sling moving up and down.

  He leans down, his head against mine. “Cryin’ is good for the soul. Cleanses us from the inside out. Let it go, darlin’. Let it all go. You’ve been so strong and through so much.”

  He held me for such a long time, whispering comforting words, holding me tight. We both feel asleep with the TV on.

  “I can walk. I’m just slow,” he chuckles as we walk to the house. Mac and Dallis are on either side of him, helping him, while I walk up the steps of the porch and open the front door. I immediately go inside and walk to the couch, pulling down the Afghan getting it ready. He comes inside and the guys lead him over to the couch and help him sit down. I fluff a pillow up behind his back and place the Afghan over his lap. He laughs. “I’m not an invalid guys, but I thank ya for your help.” He looks around and then back at me. Mac and Dallis leave to go do chores. “Where’s Colby. I figured he’d be here since he got out before me.”

  I sit down next to him and smile, pulling the Afghan up higher. “He went home. Thought he’d get more rest there. Tina took her stuff over there to help out.” His brows raise up high as his mouth turns up into a grin. “No, it’s not like that. Shit, they’re like brother and sister now. Ewww.” He laughs and reaches out for me, grabbing my arm and pulling me into his side. I lay my head on his shoulder and play with a button on his shirt. He becomes quiet and I look up. His jaw is clenching and he’s concentrating, worried about something. “What are you thinking so hard about?”

  He looks down at me, his face is sad. “I’m just worried about the animals with winter comin’. No way can Mac and Dallis build an entire barn by next week. I won’t be any use for a while. I guess for once, I don’t know what to do.”

  A knock comes on the door and I slowly get up to answer. When I open it I gasp. Memphis turns his head to me, concern on his face. I step back and watch as tons of people start walking in, the guys carrying tools and the women carrying covered dishes and grocery bags. It took forever before they stopped coming in there was so many. It’s like the whole town showed up. I started to close the door when it was pushed back and more started walking in. I’m amazed and shock by the outpour of love. Henry stops in front of me and
gives me a hug. I’m wiping away tears when he walks over to Memphis.

  “What is all this, Henry?” Memphis asks in confusion.

  “Son, these people, nearly the entire town, are here to build you a barn.” Henry smiles.

  “But how?”

  “We’ve kinda been walkin’ around town and visitin’ the farms around.” My head turns as Colby and Tina walk in. Colby stops and smiles at Memphis. “Guess the town wanted to help out. The women brought enough dishes and groceries to feed everyone and even enough to stock you up for a while.” Henry smiles, rocking back and forth on his feet.

  Memphis’ eyes fill with tears and he wipes them away quickly. “I don’t know what to say. I’m so thankful to everyone. I just….” He looks at me and I walk over to him, sitting down beside him and put my arm around his waist.

  “I think you did fine, babe.” I smile at him and look up at Henry.

  “Well, I’m gonna go help. I’ll see y’all in a bit.” Henry smiles and leaves the room.

  I look at Memphis and kiss him hard. “Guess the town folk kinda like you.” I lay my head on his shoulder and we sit in the quiet.

  Chapter Twenty

  About six months later….

  Memphis

  “Sadie! Hurry up or you’re gonna be late!” That’s the fifth time I’ve told her. I just don’t understand women. Why does it take so long for them to get ready? We’re finally going out on an actual date and she’s taking forever. I look down at the time on my phone and sigh. “Sadie! Come….” I turn around and stop, my mouth droppin’ open. She’s standin’ on the last step, lookin’ so beautiful she literally takes my breath away. “Holy shit.” She smiles, takes the last step and walks to me. Her black dress flowing with her movement, those hips of hers swayin’ and her legs look like they go on for miles. I look down and almost moan when I look at the high heel black shoes she’s wearin’. Damn!

  She stands before me and twirls. “Too much?”

  I walk the two steps and wrap my arms around her, pullin’ her up against me. “Darlin’, what you’re wearin’ should be a sin but I’m ready to go to hell with ya.” I cover her mouth with mine. She tastes of mint and lilacs. I rub my nose over the side of her face, over to her ear and then down her neck. “Damn, you smell great.” She giggles, somethin’ I’ll never get tired of hearin’. I start nibblin’ on her neck.

  “I thought you said we were gonna be late,” she says as she tilts her head to the side so I can get to more skin.

  “Mmmmm,” I answer.

  She smacks my arm and starts gigglin’. “If you don’t stop we might as well go upstairs and get undressed. At this rate, you’re getting me too hot and bothered to go out.” My eyes move up to hers and I shrug my shoulders.

  “Okay.” I smile and extend my arm to her. She puts arm through mine and smiles back. “My lady.” We walk to the door and out to the garage. I open the door for her and then walk around and get in the driver’s seat.

  We listen to the radio, holding hands. I concede and let her find her kind of music. I haven’t been able to convince her, yet, that country music is the best. We only have one semi fancy restaurant in town but their food is really great and so is the atmosphere. I park the car and place my hand on hers when she starts to open her door. She smiles and sits back. I get out and walk around, open her door, holdin’ out my hand. She looks up at me from under those long lashes and takes my hand. We walk into the restaurant, Mirna seating us quickly. I asked for a corner booth in the back. The tables have red cloth tablecloths and napkins. Candles are lit on each table and the overhead lights are dim. It’s actually pretty romantic.

  She sits down and I walk around, slidin’ in beside her. She unfolds her napkin and places it on her lap so I do the same. Hey, I’m not used to takin’ a woman out to a nice place like this. I have manners. Ma taught me to say thank you and no thank you but I might not be what she’s used to. I look up when Irene walks up with her notepad out. “Hey, Memphis. Sadie. What can I get y’all to drink?”

  Sadie opens her mouth to speak but I beat her to it. “Let me have your best champagne please.”

  “Oh, how nice. Y’all celebratin’ somethin’ special?” Irene asks.

  I look at Sadie and pick up her hand. “Yes, we are. Our six month anniversary.”

  “Aww, that’s sweet. I’ll be right back with your champagne.”

  Sadie smiles at me. I can see the wetness in her eyes. “Champagne and everything. You’re so sweet, babe.” She leans in and kisses my lips.

  “Nothin’s too good for you, darlin’.”

  We have a great dinner of steak, baked potatoes, salad and rolls and for dessert strawberry cheesecake. I fill our glasses with the rest of the champagne then pick up my glass holdin’ it in front of her. She smiles and does the same with hers. Then, I slide out of the booth and down onto one knee. She gasps, setting her glass down and coverin’ her mouth with her hands.

  “I believe things happen for a reason. I think it was more than just your daddy findin’ my ad online that brought you to me. I think God showed it to him. You were meant to come here, see the beauty in the land, learn from it and you did but more than that, you captured my heart, took my soul into your lovin’ hands and gave me life. I love you so much, my Sadie. Will you marry me?”

  Tears stream down her face but she slides towards me and jumps out of the booth. We fall on the floor as she kisses me all over my face and then covers my mouth with hers. People start clappin’, whoopin’ and hollerin’. She finally pulls back for some air, lookin’ into my eyes. “Is that a yes?” She giggles. The sweetest sound ever.

  “Yes! Oh, my God! Yes!” She says laughin’.

  We both stand, she brushes her hands down her dress, and then I take her left hand, pullin’ the box from my pocket. I place the ring on her finger. She looks down, watchin’ me, then looks up into my eyes. Her green eyes that sparkle when she looks at me are wet again. I put my arms around her, holdin’ her close. Sounds of clappin’ all around us. I kiss her hard, ‘cos I can, and keep her by my side as I dig out money, settin’ it on the table. Then, I take my girl home.

  We stumble as we kiss all the way to the door. It’s hard unlockin’ it since I won’t remove my lips from hers. I finally manage and kick the door open then push against it closed with my boot once inside. I fumble lockin’ it then I bend down, liftin’ her in my arms. I can’t believe she’s so light, not gaining a ton of weight with all this food around and the coffee shop but she’s just as skinny as she was when she first got here. I carry her upstairs our lips never unlockin’. I set her down after we get into our room, kissin’ and undressin’ each other in a frenzy. We walk back until her legs hit the bed and fall down together. I finally release her mouth, helpin’ to pull her up the bed then I climb in between her already spread legs. I’ve never been able to get enough of her.

  I kiss all the way down her body, my hands holdin’ onto her hips. She moans deeply when I cover her wetness with my mouth. I look up and watch her grippin’ the sheets in her hands as I suck on her clit, her hips buckin’, makin’ her body bob up and down. I replace my mouth with my thumb as I plunge my tongue into her. She screams out, her legs clampin’ around my head. Damn, I love how she responds to me. I can tell she’s getting’ close as her legs begin to shake so I move up her body and push inside her, hard. I move in and out faster, harder with every thrust, not able to slow down. Her hands release the sheet, and she grabs my upper arms, squeezin’. We’d found our perfect rhythm a long time ago and move together as we both become heated in desire, in our love. Her inner walls begin to clamp around my cock, and she tilts her head back, her eyes shuttin’ tight. When she screams my name, I find my release, expelling all my love inside her, and I call out her name.

  I collapse half on her, half on the bed, my arm thrown over her flat stomach. Her body has a light sheen of sweat but then so does mine. We lay there pantin’, our breathin’ labored. I turn my head to the side. She’s starin�
� at me, a huge smile on her face. “I think maybe we need to get cleaned up, darlin’.” I wink.

  She laughs and pulls at my arm. Then she looks at me, intenseness in her eyes. “I’m ready for round two, babe. Let’s go.” She wiggles out from under me and jumps off the bed. My eyes follow until she is out of my vision. I guess it’s time for round two. No arguments here.

  Sadie

  “No. I think those should move over to that shelf and put these here.” Tina and I have been arguing for a half an hour on where the new pastries should go on the display shelves. The door opens, and Colby walks in. He walks to the counter smiling. “You’re usual?” He nods, and I get busy getting his coffee and cinnamon roll.

  “So, when does she get here? Are you nervous?” I hear Tina ask the very question I’ve been wondering about all morning.

  “Yes, I’m freaking nervous and she should be here in a few hours.” I turn around and hand him his coffee and roll. He pays me and then gives me a worried look. “Sadie. Do you have time to go sit for a spell?” I look at Tina and she winks.

  “Sure. Go sit down and I’ll get me a mocha.” He smiles and leaves. “Dang, he’s so totally nervous. Poor thing,” I say to Tina. She nods and walks to the back room. I fix myself my awesome mocha and walk over to the table and sit. “Okay. Spill. What’s going on?”

  He looks down and fidgets with his hands around the coffee cup then back up at me. “I dunno. What if she’s some kind of murderer or what if she’s just plain insane.” A laugh bursts from my mouth and his eyes widen. I press my lips together and lower my brows. “I don’t know how Memphis did this. Maybe placin’ an ad online was a stupid thing to do. I must be crazy!” I really have to keep my lips pressed together hard in order for the laugh that’s bubbling up inside me from spewing out. I finally contain it and reach over covering his hand with mine.