Southern Secrets

by Shelley Stringer

  “I never even told Everett what I wanted them to play, how did they know?” I asked him wonderingly.

  “Everett and I asked Laurilee to help us. She said it had to be this song.” He leaned down, and kissed me softly. “You’re absolutely the most beautiful woman I have ever seen. Do you have any idea how stunning you are in that dress?”

  I shook my head. “No comparison to you in that uniform,” I replied, gazing into his eyes. “You’ve never been more handsome to me, I can’t wait to get you…Hey, I don’t know where I’m going to get you alone tonight!” I frowned at him.

  “You’ll know soon enough.” He pulled me in closer to him, waltzing around the floor. Everyone applauded when the song ended, and then the other couples joined us on the dance floor. Ty and Constance couldn’t keep their hands off one another, and I caught Uncle Lon watching from across the room. Sam and Olivia were dancing beside us, and their difference in size was almost comical. I suspected Sam could pick Olivia up with one hand and hold her over his head. I smiled knowingly… it seemed Sam had made a full recovery from his injuries, mental and otherwise.

  “Unca Banin, pweese, dance wif me!” Ava Grace squealed, jumping up and tugging at his jacket. He bowed, and then picked her up and held her against his chest, dancing out into the crowd. I turned into Everett, who quickly took me into his arms.

  “Everett, everything was so beautiful! You and Mr. Philippe are amazing! I still don’t know how you pulled this all off in four weeks.”

  “Super human speed, intellect, all that jazz,” he tapped his head, and then laughed. “It helps if all of your closest friends are gay designers, florists and decorators!”

  I laughed, and then brushed his blonde locks back behind his ear. “You know, you’re the sister I never had.” I kissed his cheek. “Are you ever going to tell me who your type is, so I can play matchmaker?”

  “Bebe, you aren’t anywhere near ready for my story, believe me. When you are, I will let you know. Here, now, someone else wants to dance with you.” He beamed as he turned me around. Mr. Jackson was waiting behind us, looking distinguished in a dark grey pinstripe suit.

  “Why, Mr. Jackson, I’m so glad you came!” I exclaimed.

  “Chile, I wouldn’t have missed dis here shindig for all the tea in China! Can an ole’ man have a dance wid de bride?”

  “I’d be honored!” I curtsied, and then took his hand in mine.

  The photographer snapped our picture as we danced to a slow song, and though feeble, he managed the steps with agile grace. I caught Banton watching us from across the room, a deep, satisfied smile on his face as he conversed with his commander. I could tell he was glad the old gentleman had come.

  “Things seem to have calmed down a bit, what wid dem night crawlers cleaned out by yo young mens.” Mr. Jackson motioned to Banton, John and Sam and the other SEALs as they all gathered together for a toast.

  “You know something about it?” I asked timidly.

  “I knows everything dat goes on ‘round our place. I’m just happy to see you young-uns a settlin’ down. You sho had me scared, when you went a-missin’. You gots to be careful, Mrs. Chandler. You gots dem babies to think of, now.

  “What? How did you know?” I whispered, incredulous.

  “I gots my ways.” He grinned a toothy grin at me. “You gots troubles, you come and sees ole Mr. Jackson. I knows more’n you thinks. Dem spirits, dey will talk to you in yo house. You stay safe, and keeps de gris-gris close. Ask for de protection from the Almighty, and from the saints. Dis fight ain’t over yet. Dey want you, and yo man. You gots to figure out why, and fight dem. Dis ol’ man, I’s always around. You needs me, you calls me, okay Chile?

  “I will, Mr. Jackson. Thank you.” I whispered, hugging him. Chill bumps formed on my arms.

  The dance ended, and Banton came to claim me once again.

  “Sweetheart, you look a little pale. Are you all right?”

  “I’m fine.” I beamed at him.

  “I keep forgetting you get tired easily, you’re carrying two babies. Do you want to rest awhile?” he asked, stroking my cheek.

  “Who are about the size of beans right now, Banton. No, I’ve had enough rest. Let’s dance!” I exclaimed, just when the band struck up a fifties rock and roll number. I knew how to jitterbug, but I had no idea if Banton did. I held my hand out, and he grinned, swinging me around and pulled me in as if we’d practiced. Constance and Ty weren’t doing so badly, and John and Brie seemed to be picking the steps up while they watched us. Pretty soon, the entire room circled us, creating an audience. We swung around each other in unison, and at one point, Ty even picked Constance up and swung her around his body and then upside down, and then back upright. Everyone applauded when the song came to an end, and all of us shared hugs, breaking to catch our breath.

  “I’ve never had so much fun dancing at a wedding. Ty, go and make some more requests,” Constance urged him.

  Uncle Lon came up behind her.

  “Nope, sorry, but the old folks have this one!” He laughed, taking Aunt Sue’s hand, and swinging her around into his arms.

  The lead singer began to croon “Unforgettable.”

  “Come on, Andie-girl, this one is mine.” John declared, pulling me into his arms. Banton did the same with Brie.

  “Chandler, you’re a beautiful bride. I’m happy for you two. He’s my best friend…the only brother I’ve ever had, and I couldn’t have picked anyone better for him.” He grinned as I kissed his cheek.

  “So when do we get to do this again, for you and Brie?” I asked.

  “As soon as we can manage it. I don’t think her parents are extremely happy about it, it took them a little by surprise, but I think they will come around.”

  Uncle Lon found me from across the dance floor. “I think this will be our song,” he said, reaching out to me. “I’d be so honored to take your dad’s place and dance the father-daughter dance with you.”

  “Of course.” With misty eyes, I took his hand. The dance floor cleared, everyone pausing to watch. We slowly made our way around the floor to I Loved Her First, and then something began to flash on the wall over our heads. A slide show began to play pictures of me and my dad through the years. As the song ended, a picture remained, of my dad hugging me on prom night, his eyes full of tears and mine sparkling. Everyone applauded.

  I ran over to hug Aunt Sue. “I know you’re the one who put the video together! It’s wonderful…I just love it.”

  “There is a lot more, that was just the short version. It starts with your parent’s wedding and goes through all of your years growing up. It’s part of our gift to you. I’ve also started putting all your mother’s pictures in special albums for you, for you to add to. Your mother would have done it for you, so I felt I needed to.”

  “That’s so wonderful, thank you.” I smiled through my tears, kissing her on the cheek.

  Banton came to claim me once more.

  “I think it’s time for us to cut the cake, throw the bouquet and everything…” He flashed his dimples, and then placed his hand at the small of my back, escorting me over to the serving tables.

  After we’d fed each other cake and toasted with champagne, it was time for the garter. Banton made quite a sophomoric show of sliding the garter down my leg with his teeth, his big dimple showing. He had an eager audience egging him on, with Constance’s brothers Cade and Drew, and all the SEALs. Aunt Sue was right beside him to save the antique heirloom, and replace it with one he could toss. Of course, he flicked it right into John’s waiting hands.

  No one was surprised when I tossed my bouquet of red roses right at the little crowd of Laurilee, Constance and Gabriella. But everyone was surprised quiet little Brie came down with it, and then jumped up into John’s arms.

  After changing into a short silk dress in which to leave the church, I met Banton in the hallway. Smiling, he pulled me in for a kiss just as the double doors opened. A cold blast of air took my breath away. The crowd
parted, and our limo came into view.

  Everett turned, fury radiating from his body. “Holy Mary, Peter and Paul…now I’m embarrassed. And that is an impossible feat! Boys, Boys, are you in TROUBLE…” He was off in a flash, chasing after the errant males in the wedding party. Constance’s brothers, the evil cousins, had enlisted the help of the SEALs and decorated our limo in the most embarrassing display of condoms, lacy underwear, high heels and sex toys one could ever imagine. Taking in the display, my face turned crimson, for I suspected Aunt Sue’s garden club and extended family would be talking about it for years.

  Aunt Sue and Uncle Lon were beside me as we loaded into the limo. We all laughed, shaking rice from our hair and clothes.

  “Your Mother and Father would be so proud of you. I know they were here with you today.” Aunt Sue kissed me on the cheek.

  “Be happy, sweetheart, and know we love you – you’re as much our child as Constance or the boys. You can always come home,” Uncle Lon said, hugging me to him and glaring over my head at Banton as if he thought he needed to protect me.

  “I know, thank you, Uncle Lon. I love you both!”

  Constance just stood behind them waving, with big tears in her eyes. Ty had his arms wound around her from behind.

  “Chandler Ann, take care of those babies, and call me the minute you get home!” Laurilee whispered in my ear. Banton pulled me closer to him after he crawled into the limo. I smiled through my tears at her, waving to the crowd.

  Chapter Three

  I fell back into Banton’s arms. He kissed me on top of my head and sighed.

  “Was it everything you hoped for?” he asked, stroking my arm.

  “Yes, it was a dream. It was so beautiful! Everett and Philippe worked so hard. And your mother and sisters are so good to me. Your mother let me wear her bracelet, did you notice?” I asked, looking up at him.

  “Yes, I did. She loves you like a daughter, you know.”

  I caressed his cheek. “I love your family, and I love you. More than anything I could have imagined.” I turned to kiss him as he slid his hand up under the short silk fabric of my dress. I was eager to be alone with him and start our night together.

  “Um, are you going to let me in on where we are going?”

  He smiled a cryptic smile and shook his head. “Here, lie back in my arms, close your eyes and relax. I know you’re exhausted. Claudia reminded me pregnant women tire quickly during the first few months, and she doesn’t even know about the twins.” He placed his hand over my abdomen and caressed it as he watched my face. Kicking my heels off, I curled up beside him on the seat and lost myself to the soft music playing in the background. He rubbed my shoulders while we exchanged kisses and talked about the wedding.

  “Things seem to be heating up quite nicely between Ty and Constance,” he commented, leaning his head over on top of mine.

  “Has he said anything? Are they dating, officially?”

  “Oh, yeah. He’s asked me the proverbial twenty questions about her family, how Mr. Lon and Mrs. Sue would feel about her dating an older guy.”

  “Sounds kind of serious. How much older is he?” I turned to look at him.

  “He’s twenty-seven. Not quite the age difference separating us.”

  “Oh, yeah, you’re ancient.” I retorted. He kissed my nose.

  “Has he told her anything about…about the SEALs?” I asked.

  “No, I don’t think he will, not unless he has to. He’s already worried, Chandler.”

  “About what?” I turned to look up at his face.

  “About the genetic question. After what happened to you, and to John…to me, he’s frightened for her. He wanted me to ask you if she carries the gene too. Do you know?”

  “I don’t. We’ll have to ask Everett, he’s the one who told me I carried it,” I replied, stroking his face in the darkness. “I guess there’s a fifty-fifty chance. If I got it from my mother, then she should have it too. I just don’t know.”

  “I know how Ty feels. John has the same problem. If someone else had been attacked before you, I would have done anything to prevent you from being attacked…even if it had meant leaving you to keep you safe.”

  “I would have gone crazy if you’d left me. Don’t even say it.” I looked at him pleadingly.

  “It all worked out for us. Thank goodness you’re a carrier, and I got to you in time. But it has the others worrying. We know we draw Orcos in because of their sense of us. We make any human around us a target.”

  “If she doesn’t carry the gene, you think he’ll break it off with her?”

  “I don’t know, Andie. I just don’t know.”

  “That’s silly. She’s around me and I draw them in. It’s the same.”

  “Not really. Not like being with the SEALs. They want us badly.” He frowned, caressing my cheek. The lights began to gather outside the tinted windows of the limo, and I could make out the lights of the airport.

  “Okay, now will you tell me?”

  “Patience is a virtue…” He touched my nose playfully. Once the limo stopped at the gate he opened the door, pulled me out, and helped me on with my fur coat while the limo driver unloaded our bags.

  He escorted me through the glass doors, bags in tow, the driver following behind with the rest. He checked our bags in and then escorted me down the corridor past several gates, stopping at the gate marked “Houston, Texas.”

  He turned and grinned at me.

  “Houston’s just a stopover, isn’t’ it?”

  “Good deduction. You’ll know soon enough.” Sinking down into a seat facing the windows, he pulled me down onto his lap while we waited for the plane to board. We had just enough time to check our cells for texts and missed calls before we were called and seated on our flight. Forty-five minutes later, we were down the tunnel again at the airport in Houston, and across the terminal to another gate.

  “This is kind of a treasure hunt.”

  He nodded up at the next gate.

  “Aspen?” I asked, watching his eyes sparkle.

  “A big cabin close to the slopes, we have it all to ourselves. We can sit by the fire, watch it snow, drink cocoa, and do whatever else comes to mind!”

  “And Everett knew about this? Are you sure he packed…”

  “Absolutely. He had a lot of fun picking out this wardrobe, believe me!” He flashed his dimples and ushered me down the tunnel on to our next plane. We settled down in our seats, and after we took off, he clicked off the lights and urged me to rest.

  “This flight will be a little longer. I know you’re tired.” He pulled me close to him, and I snuggled in for a quick nap as he pulled a blanket over me. It seemed I’d dozed only a few minutes before I felt the plane touch down, and I could see mounds of snow lining the runway outside the windows of the plane in the darkness.

  “We’re here!” He exclaimed, kissing the top of my head to wake me.

  * * *

  One quick twenty minute ride from the airport later, we were pulling up in front of the largest log cabin I’d ever seen. Snow was falling softly in the dark, and since Banton had rented a car for the last leg of our journey, it was just the two of us to unload our bags. I followed him to the trunk of the car.

  “No way. You don’t carry a thing!” He leaned over and kissed the end of my nose.

  “But Banton, I can carry…”

  “No. But, come here.” He handed me the camera bag, and then he put his arms behind my shoulders and knees and swept me up off the ground. Rushing up the log steps to the massive front porch, he swung the large front door open and deposited me across the threshold.

  “Here you go, Mrs. Gastaneau, stay put now. I’ll just be a minute…” He hurried back out in the snow to retrieve our bags. I wandered around switching on lights. The foyer opened into a spacious great room and someone, probably the cleaning crew, had a blazing fire going in the fireplace. It was already warming the room up quite nicely. There were three huge leather and cowhide sofas pla
ced in front of the massive rock fireplace, and a room-sized fur rug lay in the floor in front of it. The entire back of the room was covered in floor-to-ceiling glass, showcasing the outline of the mountaintops in the moonlight. A staircase ran along the wall to the right, and a large loft ran the length of the room over the kitchen and dining room area.

  “What do you think? Will it do?” He asked, dropping the last of the bags in the foyer.

  “It’s magnificent. I love it!” I exclaimed. I rushed over and put my arms around him.

  “I know we talked about the beach, but I couldn’t take you that far away, not knowing what might happen with the babies. If we had to, we could get back to Dr. Renault in four hours. I just couldn’t take any chances with your health or the babies.”

  “It’s all right. I love you for taking the precaution.” I wound my arms around his neck. He picked me up and carried me into the living room and placed me on one of the sofas.

  “You relax, and I’ll go see what they left us in the kitchen,” Banton called over his shoulder, disappearing around the corner. He returned moments later, with a bottle of champagne and two glasses, and one small bottle of Perrier water. He popped the cork on the champagne, pouring a glass for himself and a tiny bit in a glass for me.

  “A toast – to us. To our happily forever-after.” He handed me my glass and I touched it to his, and then we both sipped, gazing at each other. He immediately poured my glass full of the Perrier, and then handed my glass back to me.

  “You stay here on the sofa. I’ll take the bags up to our room, and I’ll be right back.”

  “Okay.” I was already getting a little groggy. It had been a long, emotional day, and with the two airplane rides, I was jet-lagged.

  A few moments later, he bounded back down the stairs to find my eyelids drooping.

  “Here, I’m sorry. You’re exhausted.” He pulled the heels from my feet, rubbing my feet between his hands. I watched his eyes darken, and I found myself wide-awake.