Tears slid from her eyes and dropped on Steve’s shoulder. He gently wiped them away and kissed her. “I get the picture, baby.”
“There’s more,” She whispered.
Knowing she was determined to tell her story, Steve said, “Okay, honey, tell me the rest.”
“After a hard beating one night, I had to go to the doctor next day. I thought my arm was broken. It wasn’t, but I learned I was pregnant. On the way home, I decided I’d had enough. I wasn’t going to take a chance on losing my baby. I felt I had to tell Reggie about it, but if he refused to straighten up and become a real husband and father, I was going to ask him for a divorce.” She chuckled. “I told you I was naïve.”
He hugged her tighter to him.
“Well, you can imagine what happened when I told him. He was furious. He said I was not going to have the kid and he would kill me if I didn’t have an abortion. He said he’d had other girlfriends who’d had abortions and he knew just who I could go see. I told him there was no way I was going to do it. Of course he beat me up and left. I packed my clothes and decided I’d go home to Callie as soon as it was light. My mistake was not leaving that night. Anyway, he came in sometime after midnight. He had some friends with him. I’m not sure how many, but I think there were three or four.”
She shuddered, but before Steve could say anything, she went on, “He brought his friends into the bedroom and flipped on the light. He reached down and jerked the covers off of me and I’ll never forget his words. ‘Twenty bucks a pop, boys and I’ve got to have a hundred dollars tonight.’ They began to rape me. One after the other. I don’t know how many times.”
“Oh you poor darling,” Steve whispered. “Please don’t make yourself go on.”
“I have to, Steve.”
“If you must, but I want you to know, so far nothing you’ve said changes a thing between us. If any thing, it makes me love you more.”
She touched his cheek and continued. “Of course I fought them, but it did no good. As one was raping me the others stood around and laughed or made vulgar comments. I finally passed out saying the same prayer over and over, ‘Please God, don’t let this hurt my baby.’ It was daylight when I came to and they were gone. Somehow I managed to get out of bed and take a shower. Reggie had taken the old beatup car we owned, but I was too weak to drive to Charlotte anyway. I called a taxi and went to the bus station. When I reached Callie’s house, she was furious. She wanted to call the police and have them arrested. I insisted she take me to a doctor first. God had answered my prayer. My baby was okay and I was lucky there were no diseases as a result of the rapes. By then Callie had calmed down. I was ashamed of what had happened and I talked her into dropping the entire thing. I knew there wouldn’t be a case anyway. I couldn’t identify any of the men because I didn’t know them. The only one I knew was my husband and with my experience at the law firm, I knew at that time it was next to impossible to prove a husband could rape his wife. And I don’t even know if he did attack me that night, but I doubt it. All he wanted was money.”
She took a deep breath. “Later that week I called Mr. Winston and told him I was pregnant. I also told him I’d divorce his son, but I wanted to make it clear he’d have to pay child support. I think by this time the old man was getting wise to his son’s ways. Anyway he said he’d make a one-time settlement with me, if I’d never try to contact the family or Reggie again. I was desperate at the time, but I had enough law knowledge to make him put it in writing. I asked him for a hundred thousand dollars. He offered me fifty thousand. We finally settled on seventy-five thousand, which was a lot of money back then. It allowed me to buy a house, take care of the medical expenses and left some to put away for Diane’s future. With Sam’s help I was able to get a job with a law firm in Charlotte. I was almost ready to give birth when it hit the news that Mr. Winston had been indicted for embezzlement and fraud. This must have awakened Reggie because he called me and wanted to make up. He begged and pleaded and kept telling me how sorry he was for what he’d done, but I said there was no way on earth I’d ever live with him again. He said since I refused to take him back, he was going to join the army. I told him I didn’t care what he did. When Diane was two, the news came that Reggie had been killed in action. Though I tried to feel sorry for him, I felt nothing. I didn’t go to his funeral. I spent the rest of the years devoted to Diane. She was all I lived for.”
Though she was crying, Amanda chuckled. “Of course through the years, Callie and Sam have tried to set me up with other men and I went out with some. Most of them wanted to go to bed after one date. I became known as the one date woman. I wasn’t interested in ever sleeping with a man again. I didn’t think I ever would be. I hated men and I hated sex. Then...” Her voice trailed off.
“You met me,” he whispered.
She nodded.
“I’m glad I was the man who proved to you that when you love someone, sex is a beautiful part of it.”
“So you still want me?”
“Of course I do, my love. Why wouldn’t I?”
“Mama always said if I ever let a man use my body no other man would think I was fit to love.”
“Well, Mama was wrong. You could have slept with Reggie’s friends willingly. You could have slept with some of those one-night dates. You could have even had a long affair and it wouldn’t matter to me. I love the Amanda who’s here in my arms right now. The Amanda I fell in love with on the island. The Amanda who tells me I’m the only man she ever truly loved...”
“You are the only man I’ve ever loved.”
“And now I know why and it fills me with pride. I also know why you wanted me to clear up things with Janet. You were hurt by a husband and you couldn’t stand the thoughts of being a party to another woman getting hurt.”
“You know me so well.”
“And now I know you even better. I’m so glad you didn’t have an abortion. I’ll tell you why sometime, but I don’t want to go into now. I just want to hold you and let you know my love for you has no boundaries. It never will have.”
Amanda let the happy tears flow. Her heart swelled with love for the man who held her close to him and gently caressed her body. It wasn’t long until they both fell asleep.
Chapter 20
Twenty-Three Months Earlier
Amanda awoke to the sound of rain splashing on the palm roof of the hut. Steve was sitting on the other side of the hut looking at her.
“What are you looking at?”
“You.”
“A pretty sight, aren’t I?”
“You’re beautiful to me. I love watching you sleep. You make the cutest little faces.”
“You make cute little noises when you sleep.”
He grinned and winked at her. “It had just started to rain when I woke up. I knew there would be no fire to cook any meat or fish today so I went out and gathered enough fruit and sea purslane to last us a couple of days.”
“That was sweet of you, but are you planning on it raining that long?”
“Who knows? Want a mango?”
“What I’d really like to have is wheat toast and a cup of hot coffee with cream.”
“To get that you’re going to have to pretend. It’s coconut milk or water this morning.”
“Well if that’s the best you can do...” She sat up facing him.
He leaned over and kissed her. He then peeled a mango and cut it up for her. “Now you can’t ever say I haven’t made you breakfast and served it to you in bed.”
“I guess I can’t.”
Before he could answer the palm leaf which served as a door parted and a native stuck his head in. Amanda didn’t recognize him though he didn’t look very friendly. He looked about the hut and at them then withdrew his head.
Steve got up, pushed back the door and looked out. He saw the native look into the hut belonging to Ray and Joanna. In a minute he was moving on to the next one. Ray appeared at the door of their hut. He nodded to Steve and both men we
nt back inside their own hut.
“I wonder what that was all about.” Steve sat down. This time he sat beside Amanda.
“I don’t know, but I’d guess something’s happened and they think one of us had something to do with it.”
“Steve,” Ray’s voice called from outside.
“Come in,” Steve answered.
Joanna came through the door and Ray followed. They shook the water off themselves and sat down. “Ray was afraid to leave me in the hut alone.”
“I’m glad you came, Joanna. Would you like something to eat? Steve’s serving breakfast.”
“Thanks. I think I will.” She took a banana.
“Something’s going on with the natives,” Ray said, looking at Amanda. “Do you have any idea what it is?”
“Not a clue. I haven’t seen any of them lately except a few glances when we go to the lagoon. I’ll always acknowledge them by holding up my hand and they do likewise. Other than that, I’ve had no contact since they brought us gifts after the wedding.”
Ray finished eating a mango and said, “Joanna, you stay here until I get back. I’m going to check on the others.”
“Want me to come with you?” Steve asked.
“No. You stay here with the women, just in case.”
“Okay. You might want to look in on Mr. X.”
Ray nodded and went out the door.
In a little while he came back. “Everyone is as baffled as we are,” he said dropping to the ground. “That is except Mr. X. When he didn’t respond to my call, I looked inside. He was sound asleep.”
“I guess we’ll have to wait and see what happens next.” Steve cleaned his pocketknife and closed it.
“Looks that way.” Ray looked at Joanna. “Well, honey are you ready to go back home.”
She smiled at him. “May I tell Amanda?”
Ray kind of frowned and smiled at the same time. “I guess you might as well. Everyone is going to know soon anyway.”
Amanda looked at them. “What is it?”
Joanna smiled that crooked little smile she had. “I’m pregnant. We’re going to have a baby.”
“Oh, Joanna that’s wonderful. Congratulations to both of you.” She jumped up and hugged them.
“I’m happy about it and Ray seems to be kind of proud.”
“I’m very proud. They always told me I could never be a father, but I guess I’ve proved them wrong.”
“Maybe it’s this island air. Congratulations, man. Fatherhood is wonderful thing.” Steve shook Ray’s hand and hugged Joanna. He then looked at Amanda and said, “Maybe we better be careful. I don’t know what this island air could do to us. Strange things happen here.”
She laughed. “There’s nothing I’d like more than having your baby, but I’m afraid Mother Nature’s taken care of that.”
“I’ve asked Joanna to marry me,” Ray said. “I think our baby should have a proper family.”
“He’s so traditional.” She reached over and touched Ray’s cheek. “But I have to admit, I’m glad. When our little Jones fellow is born, he’ll have his daddy’s name.”
“Have you told Wilma? She’ll start planning the minute she hears.” Amanda grinned at them.
“Yeah. I was still bed-ridden when I learned I’d be getting married.”
Amanda playfully punched him in the abdomen. “You could have said no.”
He put his arm around her. “I didn’t want to.”
“We only pray we’ll be half as happy as you two.” Joanna took Ray’s hand.
“I suggest an early morning wedding because I don’t care how many times you’ve slept with her the women will insist you can’t see her until time for the ceremony on that day.”
“That is something we may consider.” Ray stood and pulled Joanna to her feet. “We’d better get back home. It sounds as if this rain’s getting harder.”
Joanna stood and shook her head. “You men! You’ll never understand what a wedding means to a woman.”
Steve looked out the door as they left. When he turned back to Amanda he said, “The natives are still out there in a huddle just inside the jungle. It’s as if they’re daring us to come that way.”
* * * *
June 6—4:00 PM
Charlotte, NC
Amanda and Steve had left Diane’s house and were now sitting on the beige sofa in Callie’s formal living room. Callie had wanted to spend some time alone with the couple before the family all came for dinner.
“I remember this is where you sat for your first interview,” Steve said.
“Didn’t she look lovely?” Callie asked as she eyed him.
“She was beautiful.” Steve smiled at her. “She told me you bought the clothes she had on. You did a great job. The dress looked pretty on her.”
Callie smiled, but before she could say anything Millie, the part-time house-keeper, came into the room. She had a tray with three glasses, a pitcher of lemonade and a plate with a selection of cookies. She sat them on the cherry wood coffee table.
“Thank you, Millie.” Callie began to fill the glasses. “I thought this would tide you over until we have dinner. Sam should be home from his board of directors meeting in a little while and he’ll fire up the grill.” She handed the glass to Steve.
“Thank you.”
“I hope you like steak. Amanda seems to want to eat a lot of beef. I guess it’s because it was a rarity on the island.”
“It wasn’t a rarity, Callie,” Amanda said. “It was nonexistent.”
“I love steak. I suppose Amanda’s told you I’m in the cattle business. We eat a lot of beef.”
“How did you like Amanda’s family, Steve?”
“I thought Diane was a lovely young woman. I saw a lot of her mother in her.” He smiled at Callie again. “Now that I’ve met you, I can see a family resemblance with your sister and your niece.”
Callie suppressed a smile. “Thank you. I’ve always been very fond of my niece.”
Steve went on. “The twins were wonderful. Kristy’s like the rest of you, very beautiful. Kenny seemed like a neat kid, too. I haven’t met Noah.”
“When they come for dinner you’ll meet him.”
“I’m looking forward to it.”
“Tell me about your family, Steve.”
He told her about them and she said, “It seems you have a nice family, too.”
“They’re wonderful,” Amanda joined in. “They welcomed me with open arms and I felt relaxed with them. I think little five year old Johnny especially liked me. Maybe it was because I think on his level.”
“He’s like all the Brookshire men, honey. He was charmed by you.”
“Did you stay with them while you were in Georgia, Amanda?”
“No, I didn’t, Callie. Steve’s redoing his family home for us. He and I stayed there.”
“Alone?” She cut her eyes at Amanda.
“Yes, Callie. I told you we were married. Why wouldn’t we want to spend some time alone together?” Amanda locked her arm in his. “I’ve missed Steve since I’ve been back and he missed me, too.”
“I missed her very much.” Steve smiled down at her then looked up at Callie. “Amanda told me you wanted to have a wedding for us. I think that’s sweet of you, Callie. I don’t mind marrying this wonderful woman again.”
“So, you’re willing to marry her?” Callie seemed a little taken aback.
“Absolutely. I’ll marry her in every State in the United States if I have to. This is the woman I intend to spend the rest of my life with.”
“No matter how many times we marry, our real wedding took place on a flowered-covered sandy knoll on that faraway island about two years ago.” Amanda smiled at her sister.
“And we’ve been happily married ever since,” Steve added.
There was a slight pause. Finally Callie said, “There may be some things you don’t know, Steve. Some things about Amanda’s first marriage, which she’s locked in her past. Things she’s never told an
yone. Things that could change the way you feel about her.”
“I told Steve, Callie.”
“I’m sure you told him you were married and maybe that Reggie abused you, but I doubt you told him everything.”
“If you mean the way her husband offered her body to those men for money, she told me, Callie.”
Callie looked stunned. “What do you think?” she whispered.
“I’m like any husband who loves his wife would be. I’d tear them apart with my hands if I knew who they were. But since that’s impossible, all I can do is spend the rest of my life proving to Amanda that Reggie was the exception not the rule. I want her to understand when a man really loves a woman as I do her, he’ll protect and cherish her with his last breath.”
A tear slid down Callie’s cheek. “Excuse me.” She got up and left the room.
“Did I say something wrong?” He whispered to Amanda.
She shook her head. “I think she’s touched by your words. Callie doesn’t like to show her emotions.” She leaned close to him. “I appreciate what you said.”
He slipped his arm around her shoulder. “I mean every word of it.”
“I know you do, darling.”
Steve slipped his finger under her chin and turned her head up to him. Without a word his lips covered hers. When he pulled back he said, “It’s been a couple of hours since I did that. Now we’re finally together, two hours are much too long to go without kissing you.”
“It seems like a lifetime,” she whispered.
Sam cleared his throat. “Sorry.” He came into the room.
“Hi, Sam.” Amanda smiled at him. “I’d like for you to meet Steve.”
Steve stood and shook Sam’s hand.
“I see Callie has set you up in the living room. She has to pull her formal act sometimes.” He took a breath and loosened his tie. “Why don’t I go get into my grilling clothes and we’ll move to the patio? It’s much more comfortable out there.”
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