by Carol Henry
Unable to stop them, tears streamed down her face. It was time to let go.
****
Hunter whistled as he walked down to the end of the Frenchman Bay Motel veranda to his room. Instead of going inside, he sat in the outdoor chair, propped his feet up on the foot rest, and smiled. The harbor lights sparkled, his insides hummed. His smile broadened. Juelle was everything he’d envisioned as a sexual partner, their time had been an eye-opening experience—this time was special. She hadn’t disappointed. She was warm, willing, and with him every step of the way. But their lovemaking had been much more than sex—she was a very sensual woman, once she allowed herself to give in to her feelings and set her guilt and inhibitions aside. Good, God. What the woman did to him—her touch was like a torch burning him up. Her kisses…whoever penned the phrase sweeter than honey sure did know what they were talking about. God, he was like a corny teenager all over again. He was in love.
Love? Not possible. He was leaving. He couldn’t be in love with Juelle. Could he?
He smiled, closed his eyes, and pictured the two of them on that blanket. They hadn’t been on it long—rolling into the sweet smelling grass was like an aphrodisiac. Or was it her womanly scent making his heartbeat go wild? He’d take making love on the blanket next to a motel room, any day.
He hadn’t wanted to let her go—could have stayed right there in her arms all night long. But the air had cooled their naked, sated bodies, putting a damper on their emotions. And damn, they had forgotten Makenzie was nearby until she whimpered. Juelle’s breathtaking body had tensed, and he wanted to kick himself, knowing she was going to be full of guilt.
While she methodically took care of Makenzie, he’d collected the remains of their impromptu picnic, and followed her to their cars. He’d waited until she had the sleeping baby buckled into the back seat, and then he gathered Juelle into his arms again. And couldn’t help himself—he kissed her. He smiled again just thinking it had literally knocked his socks off—yes! The woman wanted him again.
****
Juelle entered the Lobster Cove Grocery Mart, secured Makenzie in the cart, handed her Tilley the Teddy Bear, and wheeled the grocery cart inside. The baby supply section was two aisles over. She needed jars of junior foods even though Makenzie was well on her way to eating adult foods. Once her teeth came in, she would be able to eat a wider selection of table food. After adding several packages of disposable diapers, wipes, baby oil, and powder, she rolled the cart around the corner, deciding to stock up on cleaning supplies for the new house. As she rounded the aisle, she bumped into another cart.
“I’m so sorry.” Juelle looked up from watching Makenzie, smack-dab into Nora Spears’ frosty blue eyes.
“You!” Nora turned her cart and headed in the opposite direction, just missing a stock boy shelving paper towels.
“Nora! Wait!” Not thinking if she was making a mistake by following Sebastian’s mistress, Juelle followed the tall blonde with her cart. She had to clear the air—after all, they were bound to meet up again—Lobster Cove was a small community and the two of them couldn’t duck and dive around each other the rest of their lives—not to mention in grocery stores. “Nora. Please, wait.”
“Stop following me,” the woman snapped, and then stopped at the end of the aisle, positioning her cart in front of her so Juelle couldn’t get by, and glared. “What is it you want? Haven’t you done enough?”
Juelle wasn’t sure what Nora meant to imply, but it sounded as if she had been the one to cheat on Sebastian. She didn’t take the time to count to ten, but she wanted to. Instead, she held her breath for a fraction of a second before she lost control.
“I don’t want to cause a scene. What is done is done. I just wanted to make sure you understood that I didn’t request the hospital take Sebastian off life support. There is no way I could have done that and let my daughter grow up knowing I was responsible for making that choice.”
She waited for a reaction. Nora stood motionless, defiant. Juelle sighed, and then continued.
“Had Sebastian lived, I was going to divorce him. Had he truly loved me, he never would have cheated on me with you.”
“He loved me—he was going to divorce you…”
“I wish he had. Maybe it would have saved us all a lot of heartache.”
Tears rolled down Nora’s pale face leaving trails down through her perfect makeup. Juelle wanted to cry right along with her, but she had no tears left.
“I know we can’t be friends, but I hope we can both get past this—I’m sure we’ll be running into each other on occasion. Again, I’m sorry for your loss.”
Nora nodded, wiped her face with the back of her shaking hand, and walked out of the store, her cart left behind.
Juelle drew in a deep, steadying breath. So much for trying to make peace—at least Nora wasn’t ranting and raving like a lunatic this time.
On unsteady legs, Juelle gripped the cart handle and maneuvered her cart around Nora’s abandoned one, and wheeled Makenzie toward the checkout counter.
“I’m so proud of you, my dear,” Helen Troy, the store’s owner said, blocking her way next to one of the pastry tables in the center of the exit lane. “You handled the situation very well. That Nora Spears and her friends are so full of themselves. They are a rowdy bunch. It is such a nice change to see a young person like yourself not feel as if they need to have a shouting match in the middle of my store. My condolences on your loss, by the way. Such a young man to come to a terrible end. How sad. It was a lovely service and so nice of the Ladies of the Rosary Society to purchase all their meat and vegetable platters from my store for the luncheon. And that Father Zack—he did an excellent job, don’t you think?”
Mrs. Troy’s monologue, although considerate, was worrisome. Would the town gossip spread the word like wildfire? She said the only words that seemed appropriate without adding fuel to Mrs. Troy’s fire.
“Thank you, Mrs. Troy. Father Zack did give an excellent service. The Ladies always appreciate the excellent job you do, too.”
The woman’s smile, as she preened like a peacock, was instant.
“Why, thank you, my dear. I hope your mother-in-law is doing well?”
“Yes, thank you.”
With perfect timing, Makenzie broke into their conversation, kicking her feet and swinging Tilley around in the air.
“Oh, my. I’ve held you up too long. You best take care of this adorable child.”
“It is time for lunch.”
Mrs. Troy didn’t linger, for which Juelle was thankful. She was able to go through the checkout lane without any further confrontations.
When she arrived back at the estate, Juelle put Makenzie down for her afternoon nap, then went in search of Eugenia. It was time to clear the air, let her know she’d be moving out soon. She found her in the arboretum, a tray with her favorite flowered porcelain tea set laid out on the cherry side table.
“Eugenia. May I join you?”
“Yes. I’ve been meaning to talk to you. I want to spend more time with my granddaughter.”
Juelle attempted to keep her face from showing her surprise at her mother-in-law’s request and figured she failed.
“That would be wonderful,” she said, trying to regain her tact. “Let me know what you have in mind. I just registered her with the Hearts and Hands Child Care Center. I’ll be taking her to the center in the mornings. I know you’re busy in the afternoons, and some evenings, so if you have something in mind, I can work around your schedule.”
“Thank you. She’s all I have left of Sebastian.”
Juelle wasn’t surprised at the connection Eugenia was hanging on to—using Makenzie. She would have to be vigilante and make sure her mother-in-law didn’t take advantage of her granddaughter.
“And I would never take her away from you. Günter has assured me I’ll be able to move into the house on Aspen Avenue the end of next week. It’s not far from here, and you can visit her any time.”
&nb
sp; “What about McClintock and McClintock? Are you going to keep your half of the company?”
“Yes. That’s what I wanted to talk to you about. But first, I wanted to let you know in case you haven’t already heard, the Chamber of Commerce voted you in as a life-time member. You should have stayed for the rest of the meeting. The vote was unanimous, and everyone championed your praises.”
Eugenia cracked a smile. “I’m getting on in years. Someone else can take over my chairmanship of the Lobster Crawl Committee—someone with more energy. Time for the next generation to get involved. In fact, I’ll be stepping back from some of my other committees—I’m not getting any younger.”
“Eugenia, you’re not old. You are an important part of this community, and people know it. What are you going to do to keep busy?”
“Günter reminded me that I haven’t seen much of the world. I aim to see some of it before I grow too old and feeble to enjoy it.”
How advanced was Günter and Eugenia’s relationship? How long had they had feelings for each other?
“Good for you,” was all Juelle could manage.
“I want to know what your plans are for the family business. McClintock and McClintock is an important business here in Lobster Cove.”
“Yes, I know. Hunter and I have discussed the situation.”
“What are you going to do about the McClintock Scholarship Award Fund and the Fisherman’s Bereavement Fund?”
Had Eugenia resolved herself to the notion the business was no longer under her control? Her demeanor indicated as much.
“I’m glad you mention the funds. Hunter and I concurred—you will still control those funds if you wish. They’ve been a vital part of this community, helping students get an education they otherwise wouldn’t have been able to afford—like Keen Quinn and Maya Cruz. And the Fisherman’s Bereavement Fund speaks for itself.”
“Thank you for that, at least. I would be more than happy to continue on the Board of Directors for those funds, for now.”
“There is one issue I would like your input on. Hunter’s mother wants to give her inheritance back to the community of Lobster Cove, where it belongs. She asked Hunter to appoint me to disburse her inheritance by donating the money to organizations where it will do the most good. I’ve already targeted both of your funds anticipating your approval.”
Juelle expected Eugenia to bristle at Hunter’s mother’s request. But she was astonished to see her mother-in-law brighten at the offer.
“That’s very thoughtful and considerate of her. And she’s right. Her money belongs here in Lobster Cove, not some state that has nothing to do with the McClintock Company.”
Eugenia’s barb, meant to be considerate, had Juelle mentally shaking her head. Eugenia was Eugenia and would never completely change. But at least she showed her genial side for a change.
“If you’re okay with those, I’ll let Hunter know. He’ll have Günter take care of it. We were wondering if there were other organizations in need you might suggest—ones that would have a greater impact on the community as a whole.”
“The food pantry and the Hearts and Hands Day Care run by the Church of God are always in need. Of course the library. Let me think on it, check around, but keep in mind you shouldn’t spread the money too thin, so as not to make an impact.”
The two sat in silence for several minutes. Juelle was content her mother-in-law was being accommodating in regard to Hunter and his mother’s proposal.
“You aren’t wearing your wedding rings,” Eugenia huffed. “I trust it has nothing to do with Hunter McClintock?”
It didn’t take Eugenia long to get around to noticing, or mentioning it and acting her usual grumpy self. Instead of waiting for Eugenia to pounce further, Juelle turned and faced her mother-in-law and held up her hand.
“You have no say in whether or not I have anything to do with Hunter McClintock. Having taken my rings off had more to do with Nora Spears and Sebastian and their affair, than it does with anything or anyone else, including Sebastian’s death. Are you sure you didn’t know about their affair?”
“No. I was just as astounded as you. I’m sorry, Juelle. We might not have always seen eye to eye, but I wouldn’t have wished that on anyone—including Hunt’s first marriage. For many years I was unaware he had been married before—or had a son. Hunt was not an innocent in this. He could have spoken up before we were married. I don’t know why he didn’t. Maybe he thought it was too late. For whatever reason, he did stick by my side. And for that, I’ve always been grateful.”
Juelle wished Hunt had been there for his real son. Eugenia was right—Hunt was not an innocent bystander involving the lives of those around him.
“There is no erasing the past,” Juelle offered, wondering how they were all going to carry forward. “We can only look ahead and try not to make the same mistakes. It’s time to look ahead—for both of us.”
Chapter Thirteen
Juelle felt as if she was on pins and needles. She hadn’t seen Hunter since they’d made love in her new backyard, and seeing him now highlighted her desire to be held in his arms again. To taste his kisses. To make love with him one more time, before he left to go back home.
Her insides tensed, she clasped her hands in her lap under the table and prayed Mr. Jordan would put in an appearance soon. Eugenia entered, skirted around Hunter, who sat at the end of the conference table, and walked around to the other side. Hunter nodded in recognition of Eugenia’s presence. Eugenia’s lips formed a straight tight line as she returned the nod. Just when the air was becoming thick with mild dislike between the two, Mr. Jordan entered the room and sat down at the other end of the table. It felt like déjà vu, it resembled their first meeting in this very room.
“Good afternoon,” Günter said. “I have the results of the DNA test the present Mr. McClintock,” he paused and swung his right hand in Hunter’s direction, then continued, “requested be administered to prove Hunt McClintock is his father, and thus the legal heir, as stated in Hunt’s will, and the letter claiming to be his father.”
Eugenia twitched in her chair. After the congenial conversation they’d shared, Juelle hoped they weren’t going to have a repeat performance of the last time they were all gathered in Mr. Jordan’s office. She didn’t think Eugenia’s heart could take it. When no one spoke, Mr. Jordan cleared his throat, opened the folder he’d carried in with him, and continued.
“Now then, the reports show that in fact, Hunter McClintock is Hunt’s son.”
Eugenia gasped. Hunter didn’t so much as smile or act smug, even though he had the right. Juelle kept her eyes on her mother-in-law. Mr. Jordan wasn’t finished.
“As for the paternal confirmation of Sebastian’s test, I’m sorry, my dear, but it does verify Hunt was not Sebastian’s father.”
Tears welled in Eugenia’s eyes. She dabbed at them with a hanky. Once again, Günter was at her mother-in-law’s side.
“There, there, my dear.” He patted her shoulder and knelt down beside her. “This doesn’t change a thing. You’re well provided for, and Hunt was man enough to keep your secret all these years. He even provided for Sebastian, had he lived. He was a real father to your son all these years.”
Eugenia stood and looked at Hunter.
“I’m sorry,” she stuttered. “I didn’t know he had a child. Edward Miller, Sebastian’s biological father worked for Hunt. I found out I was with child after Edward was killed in a car accident. Hunt was kind to me and he seemed so alone. We consoled each other…”
“It’s in the past, my dear, it’s all over.” Gunter continued to pat her hand. “No one else besides the four of us needs to know about this.”
Mr. Jordan looked at Hunter for verification, then to Juelle. His eyes pleaded with them to conform to his wishes.
“If I am to take over the company—along with Juelle,” Hunter’s words were firm, and directed at Eugenia. “It will be with the understanding that everyone knows I’m Hunt’s son. As f
or Sebastian…” he paused, looked at her, then Eugenia, and continued. “There is no need to force the point. I do not intend to make an issue of it, nor will I back down from the truth, should it arise, once I leave this room.”
Eugenia inclined her head, wrung her hands, and sat back down. Juelle let out a breath.
Hunter stood and faced the couple across the table.
“Unless you need me to remain to discuss additional business, I’ll be leaving.”
“Not unless you need assistance in transferring the business.”
“Not at this time. I believe you can deal with all the details according to my father’s wishes, as well as my mother’s request. Juelle and I still need to discuss joint ownership.”
“Certainly. I’ll contact you when things have been finalized and put in place.” Günter stood and walked around the table to Hunter’s side. The two men shook hands.
Juelle stood, positioned the chair under the table, and made her way out of the conference room. What did Hunter have in mind? Hadn’t they already decided on the joint ownership of the business? The donors for his mother’s portion of the inheritance? What was left for them to discuss?
Hunter caught up with her, and ushered her outside. A short afternoon shower had left a rainbow over the harbor, and the fresh scent of washed earth steamed up from the ground as the sun drew the moisture out into the air.
“I’m scheduled to fly home early tomorrow morning. Have dinner with me tonight?”
She found herself nodding, even though it would probably be easier on her heart to say goodbye now. It was official—her world was falling apart all over again.
****
“Juelle, where have you been? You haven’t been in for several days. I am so sorry for your loss.” Mrs. Sullivan greeted her as she and Hunter entered Mariner’s Fish Fry. “Where is that darling girl of yours?”
