by Melissa Good
Winds of Change Pt 1
Copyright © 2015 by Melissa Good
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Other Titles from Melissa Good
Other Yellow Rose Books
About the Author
Visit Us On Line
ALSO BY MELISSA GOOD
Dar and Kerry Series
Tropical Storm
Hurricane Watch
Eye of the Storm
Red Sky At Morning
Thicker Than Water
Terrors of the High Seas
Tropical Convergence
Stormy Waters
Storm Surge: Book One
Storm Surge: Book Two
Other Titles
Partners: Book One
Partners: Book Two
Winds of Change Pt 1
by
Melissa Good
Yellow Rose
by Regal Crest
Texas
Copyright © 2015 by Melissa Good
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopy, recording, or any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher. The characters, incidents and dialogue herein are fictional and any resemblance to actual events or persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.
Print ISBN 978-1-61929-194-2
eBook ISBN 978-1-61929-193-5
First Printing 2015
9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
Cover design by Acorn Graphics
Published by:
Regal Crest Enterprises, LLC
229 Sheridan Loop
Belton, TX 76513
Find us on the World Wide Web at http://www.regalcrest.biz
Published in the United States of America
Chapter One
A STEADY FALLING of snow dusted the yard and gates outside the window of the broad, three story mansion tucked near the crest of a hillside in Saugatuck, Michigan. Thick clouds clustered overhead, and two men were steadily shoveling the snow from the circular driveway, while two more were brushing off the tops of the multitude of cars parked along the curb.
On the second floor, the lights were on along the series of bedrooms, and in the corner one on the end the occupants inside busied themselves in dressing amidst the scents of apricot body wash, silk, and lightly spicy perfume.
“They’re going to regret asking the wedding party to go strapless.” Kerry regarded her reflection in the mirror with a sense of slightly wicked bemusement. “I think Mom forgot about the tattoo.” She studied the snake pattern on her chest, fully revealed on the tan skin over the neckline of her pale blue, floor length, snugly fit gown. “Besides, is this the weather for this kind of thing?”
“Could be worse.” Dar eased into position behind her, putting her arms around Kerry and giving her a hug. “Besides, who cares? You look gorgeous.”
“Thank you.” Kerry bumped her gently. “I’m glad I picked this one out myself. The one the bridesmaids are wearing reminds me of my prom.”
“Mm. You have exquisite taste.” Dar kissed the top of her head.
“Well, sure. I picked you, didn’t I?” Kerry chuckled as she was squeezed again and released. “I can’t believe it’s snowing. My sister said it’s been in the sixties all month.”
“Knew I was coming and had to drive,” Dar said. “Anyway, isn’t snow at your wedding supposed to be lucky?”
Kerry eyed her with a tolerant smile. “No.” She lifted a pair of sapphire earrings and fastened them to her ears as she watched Dar get into her burgundy, knee length dress and settle the mid arm length sleeves. “Are those supposed to be that short?”
“No.” Dar turned the cuff of the sleeve up one turn. “But I didn’t have time to get something custom done.” She looked up and met Kerry’s eyes in the mirror. “Look awful?” She smiled at Kerry’s rolled eyes. “We could discuss a sleeveless option. I’m sure your mother has a pair of scissors around this place somewhere.”
Kerry merely chuckled. “Now that we’re doing this, I kinda wish I’d turned my sister down on being in her wedding party.” She sighed. “It would be more fun sitting with you and Mom and Dad in church.” She finished fastening her other earring, then adjusted the crystal necklace that settled right above her breastbone.
“Won’t be long.” Dar put her hands on Kerry’s neck and massaged her gently. “My mother’s loaded her purse with paint gun balls, by the way.”
“What?” Kerry paused, turning and looking up at her.
“Mm.” She’s got a slingshot in there too. She hears anyone making remarks about either of us, she’s gonna let go with it. Hope your mother doesn’t mind green paint stains.”
Kerry blinked, unsure of whether to take her seriously or not. Dar’s expression was mild and had a hint of gentle questioning, but after a moment, she saw the twinkle appear in her very blue eyes and relaxed. “Hon, you nearly got me there. I wouldn’t put that past your mom.”
“Me either,” Dar said, cheerfully. “C’mon, Ker, you’ve got the service, then a party, then tomorrow night we’ll be home in time to share a glass of champagne in our hot tub for New Year’s.” She picked up the brush on the dresser and moved it through Kerry’s pale blonde locks. “Chill out.”
Kerry felt the tickle of the brush tines on her scalp, and considered the words. Was she unchilled, really? She let her eyes flick around the green tinted walls of the suite in her mother’s home and had to admit that yes, in fact, she was a little uptight, even though their visit so far was benign.
There were just too many bad memories here. Even though her father was gone, and her mother had stopped trying to reorder her life, still, she was hyper aware of the eyes on her, and the constant judging that seemed to permeate the place no matter how many changes it had recently seen.
“Hey, at least your uncles won’t be here.” Dar leaned over and blew gently in her ear.
“Yeah, that’s true.” Kerry turned and put her arms around her partner. “Thanks, Dardar.”
Dar returned the hug, giving Kerry’s back a little scratch. “Anyway, it’s nice to have a little break, even if it’s here. Too much going on otherwise.”
True. Kerry released her, then went over to sit down and put on her shoes. They were mid height heels and matched her dress. “You wearing hose?”
Dar shook her head. “Nope. They’ll never tell with this tan, or yours either.”
Also true. She regarded her companion’s long legs. “You have sexy knees,” she commented, after a moment of silence.
Dar rolled a droll look in her direction. “What’s sexier, this scar or this one?” She pointed at both, jagged white lines that bisected the front of her joints.
Kerry chuckled. “They just give you character.” She got up and looked out the window. “The limos are here,” she said. “Must be time to go.”
A soft knock came at the door. “C’mon in.” Kerry picked up her full length leather jacket and shrugged it on, looking over as the door opened and Ceci Roberts stuck her head in. “Hey, Mom.”
“Ah.” Ceci entered and sauntered over. “You ready? I heard that major-domo of your mother’s inserting another baseball bat up his ass downstairs. I think the cars are here.” She came over to stand next to Kerry, b
oth of them about the same height, and with Ceci’s silvered blonde hair, appeared more related than Ceci did to her tall, dark haired daughter.
Dar snickered and stood up, going over and removing her own jacket from the closet. “Glad I’m driving the rest of us. We’re gonna stop at BK before the pâté parade, want me to get you a fish sandwich?”
Kerry sighed. “Wish I was going with you,” she said. “I have to ride with my mother and three of Angie’s sorority sisters.” She fastened her jacket and put a dark green pashmina scarf around her neck. “When’s our flight tomorrow?”
Ceci patted her on the back. “Try to have fun,” she said. “Say mean things with big words they won’t understand.”
Kerry pondered that. “Hm.” She grunted thoughtfully, as she followed Dar and Ceci from the room, pausing to join Dar’s father, who was loitering in the hall. “Hey, Dad.”
“Kumquat.” Andrew was in his naval dress uniform, with an all weather parka over it. “Dardar, you want me to drive in this here stuff?”
“No,” Ceci answered for her, taking his arm and leading him to the stairs. “She has to learn to drive in snow, Andrew. She’s going to be spending a lot of time in it if the government keeps pecking at her.”
Dar and Kerry strolled after them. “That remains to be seen,” Dar said. “Far as I’m concerned, I’m still retiring in three months.”
“Me too,” Kerry said. “We’ve got travel plans.” She reached out and took Dar’s hand, interlacing their fingers. “They’re pretty persistent though.”
“Gov’mint,” Andy groused. “Always wanting you to do something.”
Dar and Kerry exchanged glances. “They still calling you, Dad?” Dar asked.
“Jackass,” he said. “Told them ah do not want to be no consultant for nothing for ‘em.”
They walked down the staircase as a group of other people came in from the hall, a gust of cold air blowing in from the now open door. The entry’s marble floor reflected the sconces and chandelier, and the buzz of voices started to echo.
Kerry paused as they waited near the bottom of the steps for the crowd to clear, spotting her mother standing near the grand entrance, talking to her staff, while the rest of the wedding party assembled. “Dar?”
“Hm?” Dar removed a pair of gloves from her jacket pocket. “Here, these are yours.”
Kerry took them. “Next time I volunteer for something like this, spank me.”
“Hang in there, hon.” Dar draped an arm over her shoulders. “It’ll be over before you know it.”
She knew that. Kerry put her gloves on and sighed, content to stay in her little huddle of Roberts before she had to join the wedding party assembling at the door.
“Ah, Kerrison.” Her mother spotted her and headed over. “All ready?” She turned to the others. “I am so sorry we don’t have room in the limos for you to join us. Would you like my driver to take you over to the church?”
“We’re fine,” Ceci answered graciously. “But if there’s not much room, maybe Kerry should ride with us. After all, she knows how to get there. I’d hate for Dar to get lost and end up at Dairy Queen.”
“Ah, wouldn’t.” Andrew muttered, under his breath.
“Oh.” Cynthia Stuart seemed taken aback. “Well...” She half turned. “Kerrison, would you mind terribly? Then Aunt Mildred can ride with us. She’s quite upset.”
“No, Mother. I’d be glad to,” Kerry answered in the warmest, most sincere tone possible. “I know Aunt Mildred really wanted to be with you. Please, let her take my place. We’ll meet you over there.”
Cynthia smiled. “Thank you,” she said. “Let me go let her know. See you at the church shortly.” She hurried away, leaving them to edge down the stairs and thread their way through the crowd.
“That was slick,” Dar commented, as they ducked out the front door and she blinked at the snow hitting her face. “Nice job, Mom.”
Ceci chuckled as they walked past the waiting limos. Each one had at least one doorman standing by. They picked their way carefully past the clouds of exhaust obscuring the snow slick driveway to the bottom of the entrance, where a dark blue SUV was parked.
Kerry glanced behind her as they got to the car, watching the swirl of activity around the limos as the rest of the wedding party got situated. She imagined herself getting into the car with them, the women and her relatives so far nothing more than a collection of disapproving eyeballs she’d had to deal with over breakfast.
Why had she thought it would be different this time? Because her mother had visited her in Miami and liked her cabin? She got in the car and repeated the question aloud. “Thanks, Mom. I have no clue why I thought things would be that much better this trip.”
“Well.” Ceci got in behind Dar, while Andy folded his long legs in behind Kerry’s seat. “Just think of being here for your sister, kiddo. The hell with everyone else.”
Dar put the car into drive and eased forward, leaving the brightly lit mansion behind.
THE CHURCH WAS already filling when they got there. Dar parker as close to the building as they could in deference to the worsening weather. Kerry spotted the press, and as they climbed up the steps to the front door of the stately brick church, the press spotted them.
Andy got between them and the photographers, and they made it to the door and inside before the cameras could catch them. “Jackass.” He shook the snow off his shoulders as they cleared the door, almost crashing into a tall, spare man with a priest’s collar. “Sorry ‘bout that.”
The man’s face twitched as he recognized Kerry. “Miss Stuart,” he said. “Your sister is in the second dressing room. She was asking for you.”
Kerry took a breath and released it. “Thanks.” She touched Dar’s arm. “Go on in and sit down. I’ll meet up with you after the service.”
Dar patted her on the side. “Say hi to Angie for me.”
“I will.” Kerry ducked past the pastor and slipped into the inner hallway that led to the schoolrooms and side chambers she remembered roaming through as a child. The smell was still the same, a mixture of wax and old paper, the wooden floorboards creaking a little under her steps.
Happy memories, the earliest of them. A time when Sunday school was just a time to gather with her friends, and listen to Pastor Robert, then himself just out of seminary, teach them basic, simple lessons that held no charge and didn’t weigh them down morally.
She remembered being at Sunday service, with her family sitting in the first pew, not understanding why everyone paid so close attention to them, or why her father was always the center of attention.
The place rubbed her raw now. She found the second dressing room and knocked lightly on it, loosening the belt on her coat as the door opened and swung back. She spotted her sister inside. “Hey, Ang.”
“There you are!” Angie looked up from fiddling with her bouquet and waved her inside. “I thought you’d never get here.”
Kerry smiled and entered, removing her scarf and hanging it on the coat rack just inside the door. “I skipped the limo,” she said, “or I’d still probably be on Mother’s doorstep.”
“Ugh.” Angie got the ribbons sorted and put the bouquet down. “I should have stuck to my idea of having it be just Mom, you, Mike, us, and the justice of the peace.” She turned as Kerry stripped off her coat and hung it up. “Dar outside?”
“I left her and her folks with Pastor Durham.” Kerry turned to face her. “I figure if he survives he’ll just shut up and marry you without any commentary.”
Angie grinned. “I love that dress. You look gorgeous.”
Kerry felt her shoulders relax and she grinned back. “You too. I really like that lace top.” She joined Angie, who was wearing a cream colored dress, simple and elegant, strapless as her own was and flattering to her somewhat angular figure. “Was the strapless bit your idea of rebellion?”
Angie chuckled. “Hey, it’s my second time,” she said. “They say you’re supposed to know w
hat you’re doing after the first, and none of this princess neckline stuff or veils. Besides,” she studied Kerry’s chest, “I wanted everyone to see my sister’s gorgeous tattoo.”
Kerry glanced down at the mark, the snake’s intricate scale pattern glistening slightly, its sinuous body wrapping in and out of Dar’s name inked clearly and distinctly on her skin. “Everyone’s going to freak.”
“Yeah, I know,” Angie admitted. “But I may break dance with Brian at the banquet so at least they’ll all be loosened up for it.” She gently touched the tattoo. “Are you mad?”
“No. Everyone’s going to be pissed off at me on general principles. Might as well give them a solid reason.” She sighed. “Too bad you and Brian couldn’t have gotten married down at our place last week.”
“I wish.” Angie patted her shoulder. “But remember Mike stayed those extra two days?”
“Yeah?”
“He got his nose pierced.”
Kerry covered her eyes with one hand. “Jesus.”
Angie chuckled. “So don’t worry, sis. You really are going to turn out to be the Republican in the family.”
PASTOR DURHAM CLEARED his throat. “You are friends of Kerrison, I believe?” he said, in a chilly voice.
Dar regarded him, then extended her hand. “We met in the hospital,” she said. “I’m Dar Roberts, Kerry’s partner.” She waited for him to very reluctantly shake her hand. “These are my parents, Andrew and Cecilia Roberts.”
He released her. “Yes, I recall seeing you there,” he said. “I’m Charles Durham, the family pastor.” He gave them a brief nod. “Excuse me. I need to prepare for the ceremony. It will be held in there.” He pointed at the entrance to the nave. “Someone will seat you.” He turned and went through a side doorway, shutting it behind him with a distinct bang.
