I blinked at the idea of ‘negotiating terms’ with Michael. It would be a bloody disaster, and Ian laughed when I told him as much.
“I wouldn’t want to be in your position, that’s for sure.” He replied giving me one of his characteristically lopsided grins. I gave him a mock frown in return, my attention drawn back to the envelope. “Open it, love. Donate it. Save it for college. Heck, save if for our future children and when they ask…oh, what a story it will be.”
My eyes jumped to his at the mention of future children, and he kept his easy smile but it was belied by the seriousness in his eyes.
“Awfully confident, aren’t you?”
“Hopeful.” That one word had my heart racing as the logical part of my mind screamed at me how insane it all was. How could you contemplate forever with a man you’ve known barely a month?
But my heart.
She knew better.
Sometimes love showed up when it was least expected. We could blame timing or a million other things for why it didn’t work out, but in the end it was a choice. And I as I stared into his grey eyes and watched the color darken with emotion, I knew I’d always choose him.
The air around us was thick with the weight of our emotions. The sheer effort of breathing impossible as we stared at one another. The crackle of paper broke the spell as my hand clenched around the envelope.
“Perhaps you should go ahead and open it.” Ian said as the spell was broken and we glanced away from one another. I nodded, distractedly, my finger tucked under the edge of the envelope to rip it open.
Inside was a letter with a folded check.
Jane,
You probably have questions. If you don’t then you probably haven’t looked at the check yet.
I paused here and unfolded the check. My eyes narrowed in puzzlement at the blank amount. He’d made the check out to me, signed it, but left the amount blank.
I’m sure you’re curious as to why I haven’t filled in the amount. I can assure you it wasn’t an oversight. I’ve done the research to determine what you should be paid. Studied comparable salaries and taken into consideration the fact that Ian is an adult, I also researched salaries for addiction counselors. (Not that I believe my brother is an addict, but it was the closest position I could find that somewhat fit our situation.)
Ian laughed as I read this aloud.
I also considered the fact that housing and food were provided along with incidentals. It took some time, but I finally came to an amount that seemed fair according to market standards. So the question remains…why is there nothing written in the amount?
It’s because in the end I could not place a dollar amount on your presence in our lives. The number I’d come too seemed entirely too low considering the profound effect you’ve had on us. But as I considered increasing the amount, none seemed suitable, and I finally came to the conclusion that you are invaluable to us. Undoubtedly, Ian would agree.
I sniffled and Ian handed me a napkin from the pastry bag.
“I do agree with him.” Ian murmured and I nodded, reading on silently.
You are welcome to write in any amount you consider fair. I wish for you to know that you will always have your independence should you remain with us. Neither my brother nor I ever wish for you to feel indebted or trapped. This check is yours and should you choose not to write in an amount (something I’ve learned is entirely plausible with you) then keep it. It will always be honored should you choose/need.
You are family.
Your brother,
Michael
I sighed as I finished reading, holding the check gently now as I realized it represented conflicted emotions not only for me but for Michael. He’d understood the struggle I would face because he’d felt it himself. How do you put a price on family?
“Are you alright, love?”
I threw my arms around him and felt his start of surprise.
“I’m perfect.”
He settled his own arms around me, giving me a warm hug, and I swallowed back the last of my tears. A weight had been lifted from me, an unexpected gift from Michael and I was now ready to enjoy the day with Ian.
“So, where are we going?”
Ian gave me a bright smile as I sat back in my seat and he put the car in gear.
“You’re going to love it. I promise.”
That evening we returned to the hotel to find Michael already there. I checked the time to see it was just five o’clock and he normally didn’t come in until after seven.
“Is everything okay?” I asked, worried.
“Fine.” He replied, closing the paper he’d been reading and I spotted a cup of tea next to him. “I finished my business meetings early and thought I’d relax a bit before dinner.” He smiled and flicked a finger at us. “And what have you two been up to?”
I glanced back at Ian, whose eyes sparkled from the day’s adventure and let him tell Michael what we’d been up to.
“An airboat ride, brother. They put a giant fan on the back of a boat and you fly over the water and land. It’s quite the adventure.” Ian stole a biscuit from Michael’s plate causing him to raise an eyebrow before he reached over to tap my nose. “Is that how you came to be sunburned then?”
I wrinkled my nose and felt the tightness. “Yep. We also saw alligators. They ate marshmallows.” I nodded, pulling out my phone. “I have pictures.”
“I’m sure you do.” Michael answered dryly. He poured us each a cup of tea and I took it reluctantly. Hot tea was not my favorite no matter how often Michael pushed it on me, but I was thirsty.
“Oh!”
“Yes?”
“We got you a gift.”
“Hmm, how thoughtful. I can only imagine what it is.”
Ian and I exchanged a glance as I handed Michael the bag. He opened it, his forehead furrowed as he saw what it was. He pulled the long handle out and glanced at us.
“What in God’s name is this contraption?”
“It’s an alligator claw back scratcher!”
His attempt at pleased gratitude had us both cracking up and he grimaced, shoving the gift back in the bag.
“I’ll cherish it forever.” This pushed us into further peals of laughter and he waited with a martyred expression. “Are you quite finished? We have things to discuss.”
I straightened up and elbowed Ian to do the same. Michael sounded serious, which was completely normal but it just meant you had to pay attention to everything because you never knew when it actually would be something serious.
I wondered if he’d mention the check, but no. He didn’t. I should have known. It wasn’t Michael’s way to discuss matters he’d already settled.
“Apparently this weekend is a popular American holiday.” He started and I nodded.
“4th of July. Independence Day.”
“Ah, yes. The day the upstarts signed a document saying they were no longer loyal British subjects.” He added, the irony not lost on me.
“Another way of looking at it.”
“We’ve been invited to observe fireworks on the Mississippi river in celebration of the event.” I clapped my hands. I adored fireworks and knew they’d be beautiful from the river. “Based on your excitement, I take it you’d like to attend?”
“Yes.” I replied emphatically. Ian rested a hand on the back of my chair, his thumb idly stroking my shoulder. I was thrilled at the thought of watching the fireworks with him. “Are we riding a steamboat?” Ian and I had taken a steamboat ride on one of our many tourist jaunts and I’d enjoyed it immensely.
“I couldn’t say, but I would imagine so. If not, it can be arranged.” Michael answered and I shook my head. I had no doubt Michael would charter a steamboat to watch the fireworks if I desired it, but it wasn’t necessary.
Ian chuckled at the quick shake of my head.
“What day is it then?”
“Saturday. Which is tomorrow for those of us who keep up with the days of the week.” Michael replied with
a toothy smile.
“I can’t wait,” I said gleefully, snitching a mini quiche from the tea tray. I was starving even after eating half the marshmallows on the boat ride, and knew dinner would be late if Michael was taking tea at five.
“I’ll ring for another tray.” He mentioned as we both devoured the remnants of his tea.
“Good call, brother.”
The next day dawned bright and clear with no chance of rain to interrupt the night’s fireworks. Michael surprised us by spending the day with us, and I made it a point for us to go to the St. Louis #1 cemetery. Ian read from the guidebook, and the stories he told were so unbelievable we took the book from him insisting he was making them up. Turned out he wasn’t and the creepy stories were true or at least confirmed in the book.
“Glad we have the fireworks tonight,” I said with a shudder. “I don’t think I could sleep after that.”
“You aren’t bothered by things that go bump in the night are you, love?”
“It’s the living that make me nervous.” I replied as he bumped my shoulder. “Will Buster be going tonight?”
“Yes, he’ll meet us there.” Michael murmured, his gaze abstract as he took in the cemetery. “It truly is a city of the dead.”
“The cemetery or the actual city?”
“Both.” He answered, sending another more superstitious shudder through me.
That evening a driver dropped us off in front of the Riverwalk and golf carts stood ready to take us to the steamboat. After glancing at me, they waved off the offer of the golf cart and we strolled toward the boat. The evening’s attire was a little less formal and I wore a red knee length dress, the material lightly shimmering in the light. Ian and Michael had given a nod to the American holiday by wearing white and navy shirts, respectively. Together we were the embodiment of patriotism. A thought I found amusing since they were British.
The night was clear and even with the city lights I could see a few stars peeking out.
“There is nothing like the stars at night when you’re far away from the light pollution of a city.” I said, trusting Ian to guide me as I looked up. “They’re huge and bright. So many more than you can see here. It’s as if there a millions of pinpricks of light shining through a deep blue carpet.”
“You speak from experience.”
“Yes, it was always one of my favorite parts of mission trips. Seeing the stars from a different perspective.”
“I’ve been to cities all over the world but I’ve never seen stars like you describe.” He sounded sad at the thought and I tore my eyes from the sky to look at him. “Perhaps you can show me one day.”
“I would enjoy that.”
“Glad you blokes finally decided to show up. I thought the boat was going to leave without us.” Buster’s booming brogue caught my attention and I smiled as I saw his outfit. He’d decided to celebrate America’s independence with a Scottish kilt. “I’ve been putting lassies off all night asking me if I’m wearing anything under my kilt. As if it’s their business.”
“The boat would not have left without us.” Michael commented confidently.
“Did any of those lassies ask to take a peek?” Ian asked with a smirk. I tapped Ian on the arm and stood on tiptoe to kiss Buster’s cheek.
“Thank you for waiting.”
“Anything for you, lass.”
“Of course, anything for Jane.” Ian mocked him as he exchanged an exaggerated eye roll with Michael.
“Well, I appreciate it.” I said, tucking my arm in Buster’s.
“Wait a damn minute.” Ian gave us a disbelieving look as we walked past them. “I thought you were my date for the evening.”
“Perhaps when you learn how to treat a lady, lads.” Buster called back as we sailed on board the boat. We were offered champagne as we entered the deck which we both declined. “Need to keep my wits tonight, lass.” Buster gave an exaggerated shiver. “Not right fond of a tub in the water.” He gave an uneasy glance down at the river below us.
“I’m surprised. Why did you join us if you don’t like boats?”
He gave me a sharp glance. “With Ian’s unpredictable behavior I want to make sure he doesn’t take a drunken header off this box of matchsticks.” He shook his head. “My luck I’ll have to jump in after him and fish the blighter out.”
I patted the arm my own was looped through. “We’ll make sure that’s unnecessary this evening. I don’t think any of us wish to see you or Ian get wet tonight.” He harrumphed, his eyes moving constantly as he kept us as far away from the railing as possible. “You’re nothing but a big softie, Buster McTavish.”
“Aye, now, don’t be revealing my secrets, lassie. I have a tough enough time keeping them in line as it is.”
I laughed as I said, “Your secrets are safe with me, you big lummox.”
“And now you’re calling me names.”
“I would think you would consider that a compliment.”
“Maybe so.” He threw me a wink as we walked in to the dining room where a band played. The music was a lively swing that had my toes tapping as Michael and Ian joined us. Michael gestured to the band.
“Are you a fan?”
“I just like the music.” I nodded to the couples dancing. “What they’re doing looks fun.” The quick beat had them swinging around, the spins and fast footwork looked complicated and a little scary, but exhilarating.
“Does that mean you’d like to try it?” Ian murmured as he casually draped an arm around my waist.
“I would, but I’m terrified I’ll land flat on my face.”
“I would never allow that to happen.” His affronted tone made me smile.
“In that case, I would love to dance with you.” Right as I said it though, the band called for a break.
“Thwarted again.” He frowned. “At this rate, I may never get an opportunity to dance with you.”
“They’ll be back once we’re further down the river.” As we spoke I could feel the boat pushing away from the pier. “You will owe me a dance then, Ian Wright.”
“Do you have a dance card so I can write it in?”
“I do not.” His ridiculousness made me grin and it grew only wider with his next words.
“Then I guess that means they’re all mine.” His self-satisfied smirk had me tapping my knuckles against his stomach.
“And what may I ask, do you think is all yours?” Michael’s drawl only increased Ian’s smirk as he answered.
“Jane’s dances. They all belong to me this evening so I’m afraid you’ll have to find another lady tonight, brother.”
“Then how perfect is it that I should be here in need of an escort.” The simpering voice caused the arm around my waist to tighten as Ian’s face lost its lightheartedness. Buster’s gaze sharpened at Ian’s reaction and Michael’s face tightened almost imperceptibly. “You don’t mind if I join you gentlemen, do you?”
Michael’s infallible manners came to the forte at that moment as he said, “Of course not, Audra. I didn’t know you’d be attending the evening’s event or I would have had you join us sooner.”
Tension emanated from the man beside me and I kept my arm tucked firmly around him. An insidious idea had begun to occur to me about Audra’s unexpected presence in New Orleans. If it were true it would explain Ian’s inexplicable behavior of late. I knew she’d been at the gala we’d attended, but it didn’t explain the first drunken incident. Had Ian seen her somehow that night? Was she the girl he’d loved?
A quick peek at his face revealed a burning hatred as he stared at her and assured me she was indeed the woman who’d betrayed him. His gaze shuttered almost instantly, but it was enough for me to know this evening had just become a whole lot more complicated. I met Buster’s eyes and the tiny tilt of his head told me he understood. The likelihood of Ian actually jumping off the riverboat had just increased exponentially. Buster may not know why, but he did know Ian.
“We were just about to sit down for dinner. Yo
ur timing is impeccable.” Ian’s snide tone did not go unnoticed by Michael as he gave his brother a quick glance. He offered his arm to Audra who took it gracefully.
“Let me escort you to the table. You will, of course, dine with us.” His narrowed eyes warned Ian, but the brittle smile he gave in return warned me this was not going to be pleasant.
“And who are you?” Audra’s question drew my attention as we sat down. She was attempting to determine what my presence here meant and as I felt her gaze rake over me, she gave the impression I came up lacking.
“None of your business.” Ian replied shortly, sitting a little closer than the chairs intended. His posture was guarded and protective toward me and only succeeded in igniting Audra’s curiosity. It had been unspoken, but I knew Michael wanted to keep my presence in their life from coming to their parents’ attention. I hadn’t figured out why, but if we weren’t careful his reasons wouldn’t matter. Audra would know the truth.
“Ian.” There was no mistaking the rebuke in Michael’s voice or the warning in his eyes and I felt Ian shift microscopically further away from me. “My apologies, Audra. My brother has apparently forgotten his manners. Jane is a friend. She kindly decided to join us for the celebration this evening.”
“Your brother’s reputation precedes him.” Her smile was a little too familiar and I felt an unfamiliar jealousy spark inside of me. If she was who I thought she was then she knew Ian far more intimately than I did.
She also betrayed him in ways you never would, I reminded myself.
“I take no offense.” Her attention turned back to me then. “So, you live in New Orleans?”
The first course was set before us, delaying my answer and I felt Ian squeeze me knee. I smiled to let him know I understood.
“I’m actually visiting for the summer.”
I kept my answer short and sweet. If she wanted more she’d have to dig and from her frustrated expression she knew it.
“You have friends or family in the city?”
“A godfather.” My smile was pleasant as I dipped my spoon in to the mushroom soup in front of me. It wasn’t in my nature to be rude, but I also had no desire to tell this woman anything. At the very least she was there to spy on the brothers, but if my suspicions were true then she had also decided to torture Ian while she was here.
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