by June Faver
Big Jim drew back, an exaggerated look of shock on his face. “Afraid of horses? How could anyone be afraid of Ebony? Look at that sweet face.”
Angelique had to agree the horse’s face was sweet. “But I could never get up on her back. I would be terrified. They’re so big.”
Big Jim let out a snort. “These Arabs are only about five feet at the shoulder.”
“They look bigger.” Angelique shook her head. “I don’t understand why you raise so many of these black horses if you can only ride one at a time.”
“Because,” Big Jim said with a smile, “they are so beautiful. They give me great pleasure.” Big Jim became serious, his smile fading. “It’s my job to help you feel at home in the saddle. Don’t worry, honey. I won’t ask you to do anything you’re uncomfortable with.”
Angelique released a breath she hadn’t realized she’d been holding.
“But now I’m gonna walk you ladies back to the house and get to work cleaning up the stalls. I wanted you to get a look at my Arabs. I think they’re almost as pretty as the two of you.”
* * *
Derrick had a pretty good day at work. The deputies all reported in without any trouble. Derrick reasoned that it was the weather. Generally too cold for much in the way of crime to occur. The road crew was slow in making its rounds spreading sand on the slick roads. Not good for a speedy getaway.
On the other hand, there was an uptick in domestic disturbances, probably due to people staying home. One husband had been taken into custody for being drunk and disorderly, but he insisted it was his wife who had driven him to drink. His wife was unaware of this since she had been Christmas shopping with her mother in Amarillo.
So, as his work day was drawing to a close, Derrick was trying to figure out a way to see Angelique again without bombarding her with his presence…and he was pretty sure that Big Jim Garrett might also prefer that Derrick space out his visits a little.
Finally, before he left for the day, he called the Garrett ranch landline. Unfortunately, it was Big Jim who picked up the phone. “Um, hello, sir. It’s…it’s Derrick Shelton.”
“Well hello, son. What can I do for you today?”
“I’d like to talk to your daughter, Angelique, if she’s available.”
Silence…
Then a deep sigh. “Well, let me see if she’s…available.”
Derrick heard Big Jim set the receiver down on something hard. He waited a while and then waited even longer. Finally the receiver was picked up again.
“Hello?”
Just hearing her voice caused his heart to squeeze up. “Hi, Angelique. It’s me, Derrick.” He rolled his eyes. Dumb. Really dumb.
“Hi, Derrick.”
Another silence while he groped for something to say that didn’t sound completely inane. “Um, I wanted to check on you. You were so tired the other night. Feeling better?” He cringed. She must think he was an idiot.
“How sweet,” she said. “I’m feeling fine, thank you very much for asking.”
Emboldened, he decided to go for it. “I was hoping you might be willing to let me take you out to dinner Friday night…you and Gabi, of course.”
“Sure, as far as I know that will be fine. I’d like to see you again, Derrick.”
He liked that she didn’t play games. He liked that she wanted to see him too. “I’ll pick you two up Friday about six, if that’s okay. We can have dinner at the steak house or anyplace you like.”
“Anyplace I like?”
“Sure thing. You pick the place.”
She cleared her throat. “How about your place?”
Derrick sat up straight, not sure he’d heard her correctly. “My place?”
“Yes. Is that okay?”
“Of course it is.” He was thinking he would have to do a serious cleanup of his bachelor house, which his mother referred to as his sty. “Whatever you want. I can pick up something for dinner.”
Angelique heaved a sigh. “I want to cook. I need to cook.” Another sigh. “My dad won’t let me cook. He is so sweet. He keeps cooking all these really fabulous meals for me. I love him, but I really love to cook.”
“Uh, sure. Whatever you want. I can shop for anything you need.”
He heard her giggle. “Oh, that will be awesome. I’ll make a list. Do you like shrimp?”
“Who doesn’t like shrimp?”
“That’s wonderful. I am going to make your taste buds sit up and take notice.”
Derrick hung up, feeling dazed and confused. He had a date with Angelique, and they were going to spend an evening relaxing at his home instead of making polite conversation in front of the entire community, or as much of it as would fit in the steak house.
* * *
Angelique couldn’t stop grinning. She was going to have a chance to get back into the kitchen.
Derrick’s kitchen.
Of course he wouldn’t have all the fabulous ingredients always on hand in Sofie’s kitchen, but she would figure out something easy and maybe without all the ingredients she usually added.
She tried to think of something she could whip up to give Derrick a taste of New Orleans without all the fixings at hand. Maybe jambalaya…maybe étouffée? No, he wouldn’t have all the spices and special ingredients.
Angelique heaved a sigh. She really wanted to have the chance to impress Derrick with her cooking skills. She pondered that for a moment, but quickly put it aside, unwilling to examine her relationship with the handsome sheriff too closely. It was enough that he liked her.
She checked out Big Jim’s cupboards and found that he was well stocked with a number of the spices she would need. Since she had no way of knowing what was in Derrick Shelton’s kitchen, she thought maybe she could mix up her own little bag of Cajun seasoning right here in Big Jim’s kitchen…his manly domain.
Angelique set out some of the spices, lining them up in a row on the countertop and finding most everything she needed to whip up a righteous Cajun dish that would make her mother proud. She presumed these were the ingredients of Big Jim’s super-secret barbecue dry rub.
Unexpectedly, Angelique’s eyes teared up. Her mother’s recent passing left a raw place that didn’t take much to wound anew. So many things they would never again be able to share. The fact that Sofie would not get to see Gabrielle grow up was the greatest tragedy. Gabrielle had been the apple of her grandmother’s eye.
And now, thanks to Sofie’s deathbed admission, Angelique had been able to locate her father and flee to a safe haven.
She pressed her lips together, stanching the urge to break down. She had not taken the time to mourn truly, since without Sofie to intervene, Alphonse Benoit had made the move to take Gabrielle. Unfortunately, he had the law on his side, having bribed a local judge to declare Angelique an unfit mother so he could gain custody of his granddaughter.
Not gonna happen. Not while I’m alive.
“What are you up to, little missy?” Big Jim’s deep voice jolted her out of her reverie. “Are you rearranging my cabinets?”
She managed a smile. “Nothing so ambitious. Besides, everything looks good. I was checking on your spices and herbs. I might want to cook something someday.”
Big Jim cocked his head to one side.
“You know, I’m from Louisiana. I cook Cajun and Creole recipes…like my mom. Did my mother ever cook for you?”
Big Jim’s lips tightened and he looked sad, shrugging his shoulders. “We were kids then. She lived on campus in a girls’ dorm, and I shared an apartment with another Ag student.” He shrugged again. “We went to dances or to a country bar on the edge of town. That Sofie, she was born to dance.”
Angelique nodded, recalling her mother’s love of music and how music would cause her to sway, without being aware of the movement. “She had a great singing voice.”
Big Jim shook his head. “I don’t recall an occasion where Sofie was singing.”
Angelique smiled. “Well, she had a remarkable singing voice. After I was born, she made a living for us by singing. She had a regular gig at one of the popular clubs down in the French Quarter.”
“I’m sorry. I wish I had known.”
“Aww, it wasn’t so bad. When I was really little, one of Mom’s friends took care of me while she was working, and we had daytimes together.” Angelique shrugged. “And when I was a little older, I got to go with her. I grew up listening to her sing, and I grew to love the blues.”
Big Jim reacted by raking his fingers through his thick silver hair. He heaved out a sigh. “I should have tried to find Sofie after our freshman year. When she didn’t return, I figured she had other interests. You know? I figured she had transferred somewhere else.” He fisted his hands at his waist. “Sofie was as smart as a whip. She could have been anything she set her mind to. You know, lawyer, doctor? She was that smart.”
Angelique reached out to place her hand on his shoulder. “I’m sorry you two didn’t end up together, but you have had a great life here. I mean, your family has done quite well. And me? I survived…at least I have so far.” A shiver that could have set off the seismic charts coiled around her spine.
* * *
When Derrick picked her up, Angelique was in an exceptionally good mood. Her beautiful eyes sparkled, and her dimples flashed every time she grinned, which was often.
Big Jim was entertaining his granddaughter for the evening. Although he did give Derrick a stern look that seemed to imply he was to keep his hands off Angelique.
“I’m so excited,” she said. “I hope you like my cooking.”
Derrick reflected that she seemed to be more interested in cooking for him than actually being out with him. She must be some kind of great cook.
She directed him to drive her to the local grocery where they shopped, him pushing the cart. This felt very complicated to him, especially when he got nods and smiles from some of his constituents.
“Good afternoon, Sheriff,” the preacher said. He was shopping with his wife. “I don’t believe I know your…lady friend.” He nodded toward Angelique.
Derrick took Angelique’s hand. “Sir, this is my friend, Angelique Guillory. And Angelique, this gentleman delivers great sermons every Sunday, rain or shine.”
Angelique dimpled. “I remember. I’ve been to a couple of services with my father.”
The minister’s brows climbed up almost to his hairline. “I saw you with Big Jim Garrett, but I didn’t notice your father.”
She cocked her head to one side. “Big Jim is my father.”
Derrick was proud that she was so open and not embarrassed by the happenstance of her birth. He saw that the minister was floundering for a response.
“Oh, your father…” The minister’s voice faded, but his eyes were wide open. His wife however, looked as though she had swallowed a sour pickle. Her lips were pursed, and disapproval was written all over her face.
“We’ll see you on Sunday,” Derrick called as he pushed the basket down the aisle. “What’s on your list?”
“Well, I’m gonna make you the best jambalaya you’ve ever put in your mouth. We need some chicken breast and smoked sausage to start with. My mama would have her own broth, but I’m afraid we’ll have to use some of the canned variety.”
They meandered around the store, while she chose items and put them in the cart. By the time they arrived at Derrick’s ranch house, it was around five o’clock. There was plenty of sun, but the temperature was dropping. He hustled Angelique into the house, his arms filled with groceries.
“You leave your door open?” she asked, twisting the knob and swinging it wide so he could enter with his load.
“Sure. I’m not exactly known for my vast wealth or worldly possessions.”
“Oh, what a nice house.” She did a complete turn, gazing around at his front room. “Very cozy.”
“Thanks. I grew up here.” He made his way to the kitchen and unburdened himself on the wooden table. He straightened the bags and turned to gaze at Angelique.
She was looking around his kitchen in apparent delight. “This is wonderful. It doesn’t look like a bachelor pad.” She set down the bag she carried alongside her handbag. “I mean, everything is so neat.”
He chuckled, recalling the state of his house when Angelique had first suggested they dine in. “Well, I did straighten up a bit for your visit.”
“Everything looks great. Like a picture out of a magazine.”
At first he thought she was kidding, but he recalled that she told him she had always lived in a small apartment in the French Quarter. Maybe his place looked better than he thought. “It’s nothing compared to Big Jim’s place.”
Surprised, she turned to him. “It’s not a contest. The Garrett ranch is like a family compound. Both of the older two sons and their families live on the property, and it’s got a lot of animals too.” She started unloading the groceries from the bags. “I need a pot to cook the chicken in.”
“Oh, no,” he said. “I didn’t mean to be making comparisons. I meant that you were used to a big ranch, and this is just a small family homestead.”
She rinsed the chicken breasts and placed them in the saucepan he presented. “I think it’s absolutely perfect. Family homestead, huh? So where is the family?”
Derrick emptied the rest of the items from the bags and put the empties in his recycle bin. “Family? Well, my parents retired and left me the property. They moved to San Antonio to take care of my grandma.”
“San Antonio? Like the Alamo and all that?” Angelique was working efficiently, obviously used to being in the kitchen.
He settled at the table, where he could watch her and be out of the way. “That’s the place. They’ve always loved the River Walk and downtown area. So they moved in with my mom’s mother to make sure she’s cared for. My dad was ready to turn the reins over to me.”
“How cool. What a great family.” She had chopped the onion and pepper and was now slicing the smoked sausage.
“It’s my family. I have a sister who married a Marine. They move around a lot.”
“Sounds wonderful to me.” Her face was averted, and somehow her mood had fallen. “I-I never had that experience. It sounds like something I may have read about in a book.”
He regarded her steadily. “I’m sorry you didn’t have the picture-book family growing up, but you turned out great. Now you’re connected to your real father and he is crazy about you.”
She turned, with what he thought was a hopeful expression. “You think?”
“I know.”
When the meal was on the table, Derrick was amazed at how beautifully presented it was. Angelique had even garnished the jambalaya with a little cilantro. He inhaled an appreciative lungful of the aroma.
She was seated beside him, looking anxious, as though it was important to her that he enjoy her handiwork. “Try it, please. I didn’t add as much of the hot sauce as usual, because I didn’t know how you like your food.”
He scooped up a big spoonful, hoping it wasn’t lethally hot. “Hey, this is delicious.” He could taste the mélange of all the delicious flavors. The chicken and smoked sausage complemented each other as the vegetables and spices melded together to create a tasty dish. “You should open a restaurant. We only have a couple of places to eat out here in Langston. You could make a mint serving up food like this.”
Angelique was grinning. “Glad you like it. I love to cook, but Big Jim does, too, so he is always cooking for me. It felt so good to be able to have some time in the kitchen again.”
Derrick reached for her hand and brought it to his lips. “My kitchen is your kitchen. Any time you need to flex your cooking muscles, just let me know. Call me and I’ll pick up whateve
r you need in town.” He released her hand so they could gobble the delicious meal. He was happy that she was happy. He sensed that this beautiful woman needed to fulfill herself, and he was willing to be there for her to help make sure that happened.
Chapter 9
Angelique felt as though she was floating on the ceiling. Somehow, seeing Derrick gobble up her jambalaya made her feel accomplished. Yes, it was tasty. Not her best, but she would have to acquire a full array of her usual fixings, the things that were standard in Sofie’s kitchen. As long as Angelique kept her mother’s recipe alive, it was as though a part of Sofie’s legacy lived on.
Angelique would teach Gabrielle these recipes, and she would teach her children. The descendants of Sofie Guillory would carry on the traditions built around food.
“Seriously,” Derrick said, “this is the best food I’ve eaten in a long time. You should open a restaurant.”
Angelique chuckled. “Yeah, I’ll take that bag of money I keep in my back pocket and open a restaurant, with a little chair in the corner for Gabrielle.”
Derrick shrugged. “I’d eat there all the time.”
“Nice, Derrick.”
When they had finished their meal, Derrick helped clear the table. He loaded the dishwasher while she put the rest of the jambalaya in a covered container and stored it in the fridge.
When she turned around, Derrick was right there, smiling. She was glad the refrigerator was at her back, because the warmth radiating from his expression made her feel swoony. But she didn’t want him to think she wasn’t ready for whatever was to come, so she reached for him, wrapping her arms around his neck and pulling him close.
Derrick lowered his lips to hers, slowly.
Her heart was trying to break out of her chest, echoing in her ears. Then their lips touched and the swoony feeling took over. The kiss deepened and Derrick’s strong arms circled around her, drawing her away from the sturdy appliance and crushing her against his rock-hard chest.
It had been so long since Angelique had felt any reaction to a man other than fear. And now she was wrapped in the arms of a strong, healthy, and totally delicious man.
