A smile softened her mouth and she shrugged a shoulder. What did she have to lose? She would enjoy his kisses, and after a week she would return to New York, her apartment and her profession.
Chapter 20
The weather decided not to cooperate. It rained steadily every day, letting up and finally stopping a day before Martin, Parris and Regina were to return to the States.
Their plan to take an excursion around the island on Sable’s brother’s charter boat was cancelled. Martin’s plan to take Parris and Regina to Dunn’s River Falls was also cancelled, and Martin’s promise to teach Regina to swim was put off until the rains stopped.
Regina complained that she was bored. She wanted to swim; she wanted to sail on a boat; and she wanted to leave the house and go out—anywhere.
Parris spent her time reading and watching countless American reruns and British sitcoms on one of the few channels broadcasting on the island while Martin spent hours bending over his power notebook typing a report of his last business trip and a draft of a proposal for a resort development in Belize. It had taken ten years for ColeDiz International Ltd.’s Belize investment to equal their Costa Rican counterpart, which was undergoing a process of downsizing.
Parris brushed Regina’s hair and braided it in a single plait. She wound an elastic band around the curling end. “You’re all finished. Now we’re ready to go.”
Regina turned, staring up at her mother. “Mommy, would you be mad if I didn’t go shopping with you and Sable?”
Cradling Regina’s chin in her hand, Parris lowered her head and brushed her nose against her daughter’s. “What do you want to do?” she asked slowly.
Regina smiled. “I want to go swimming.”
Parris let go of her chin. “You’d rather swim than go shopping?”
“I have to learn how to swim. When I go back to school I’m going to tell everyone in my class that I went to Jamaica on vacation, and that I learned to swim in the ocean.”
Parris returned her smile. “But what if you don’t learn to swim in one day. Remember, we’re going back home tomorrow.”
Regina tilted her chin and stared down her thin delicate nose, nodding slowly. “I will learn to swim in one day,” she stated confidently, arching her eyebrows.
The gesture and her confidence was so much like Martin’s that Parris smiled. “No, I won’t get mad if you don’t go shopping with me. But when I get back I want you to show me how well you can swim.”
Regina curved her arms around her mother’s neck and kissed her cheek. “Thanks, Mommy.”
Sable settled herself behind the wheel of Joshua’s Mercedes and she and Parris waved goodbye to Martin, Joshua and Regina, then set out for their drive to Montego Bay where they strolled about the restored Georgian structures on Church street and the public market on Fustic. The market was alive with a carnival-like atmosphere, and Parris felt herself caught up in the festive spirit.
She was shown breadfruit, ackee and callaloo. She sampled a spicy hot meat pattie and curried goat. Sable quickly recommended soursop, a delicious drink much like a milkshake to cool her overstimulated taste buds.
The two women smiled shyly after two young men offered to take them sightseeing. “Never you mind the honey words, Tomas,” Sable scolded mildly at the taller of the two. “I’ve heard about your tours, man. You take the ladies for a tour of your bedroom where all she sees is the cracks in the ceiling and your hairy chest.”
Tomas and his friend retreated quickly, hoping no one overheard Sable’s damning statement. Both of them earned a profitable living giving tours to wealthy women vacationing in Jamaica.
Parris laughed as the gigolos raced out of the plaza. She glanced at her watch. They had spent more than five hours shopping and sightseeing.
She smiled across the table at Sable. “I want to thank you for everything you’ve done for us this past week.”
Sable waved a hand. “It was nothing. Joshua and I rarely have guests so it was good to have some female company. Since I left my job as a secretary for a Kingston export company and moved in with Joshua I find that I miss the noise and the crowds of the big city.”
“How long have you lived in Ocho Rios?”
“A month,” Sable replied, blushing attractively. “Even though Joshua and I aren’t married I feel like a newlywed,” she admitted.
Parris thought of the months she had lived with Martin and the memories elicited a smile. “I wish you and Joshua happiness and a lifetime of love.”
Lowering her head, Sable murmured thanks. “Is there anything else you want to see?”
Parris patted her straw bag filled with gifts for Martin, Regina, her New York neighbors Stephanie, Scott and Calvin Edwards and her Jamaica hosts.
“No, I’m ready to go back now.”
It was Christmas Eve and Parris felt an exhilaration and a sadness as it came time to say good-bye to Joshua and Sable.
She hugged Sable, then kissed her cheek. “Merry Christmas. I left a little something for you with Joshua,” she whispered in her ear. She had bought a gold bangle bracelet for Sable after she saw the longing look in her eye after she’d tried it on in a little jewelry shop in Montego Bay. She knew the semi-precious stones circling the bracelet would be spectacular against Sable’s tawny-brown skin.
Sable blinked back tears. “Thank you. Be happy with Martin.”
“Thank you.” She gave her another hug, then turned to Joshua, extending her hand. “Thank you again for your hospitality. It’s been a wonderful week.”
He took her hand, squeezing her fingers gently. “You’re always welcome to come back with Regina. You don’t have to wait for Martin to bring you.” It was his way of saying that he was aware that she and Martin had not shared a bedroom during their stay.
Parris registered his open invitation, nodding.
Martin kissed Sable and embraced Joshua. “Thanks, buddy.”
Joshua bent down to pick up Regina. Her black hair was a striking contrast to his shimmering silver. She wound her arms around his neck. “What am I going to do now that my best girl is leaving?”
Regina rubbed her nose against his smooth cheek. “You still have Sable, Uncle Josh. She’ll take good care of you.”
Joshua stared at Sable, his pale gaze registering her smiling face. “You’re right about that, Regina.”
“We’re cleared for takeoff,” Martin informed them the moment he registered the pilot’s signal from the private jet.
There came a chorus of good-byes before Martin, Parris and Regina entered the aircraft.
Parris seated Regina and secured her seat belt before taking her own seat. From where she sat she could see Joshua and Sable standing arm-in-arm, watching the aircraft taxiing for takeoff. She waved through the small window and they returned her wave.
A smile lifted the corner of her mouth when Joshua’s arm circled Sable’s shoulders, bringing her cheek to his chest. And in the moment before the plane picked up speed, Parris saw Joshua lower his head and kiss Sable’s awaiting lips.
“What are you smiling about?”
Parris glanced across the aisle at Martin. “Joshua and Sable. I was just wondering that if they ever marry whether they would elect to live in the house in Ocho Rios or live somewhere else.”
“Don’t tell me you still believe that superstition about the house being cursed?”
“I really don’t believe it.”
“Either you do or you don’t, Parris.”
“I don’t.”
“Good.” Martin pushed a button on his seat, lowering it to a reclining position once they were airborne. He crossed his arms over his chest and closed his eyes.
Some time later Parris did the same.
“Wake up! Parris, wake up!”
She came awake immediately, blinking in the darkness of the cabin. “What is it?”
“We…”
Whatever Martin was going to say was cut off as the jet dropped several hundred feet.
“We c
an’t fly into New York,” Martin managed to say before the aircraft dipped and rolled again. “There’s a winter storm sweeping the coast from Georgia to Maine.”
Parris looked around for Regina. The child was still asleep, oblivious to what was going on around her.
“Where are we? Do we have to turn back?” The questions tumbled from her lips.
Martin made his way across the aisle, his hand going to the ceiling of the plane to steady himself before he sat down next to Parris and secured his seat belt. His eyes appeared abnormally large and bright in the muted light coming in through the windows. He held both of her hands in one of his, not permitting her to pull away.
“We’re going to put down in Florida.”
“No!”
Martin registered Parris’s scream of fear. He felt her shaking and tightened his hold on her hands.
“Don’t fall apart on me, Parris.”
Tears flowed unchecked from under her tightened eyelids. “Don’t, Martin. Please.”
“We have to, Parris.” His voice was very gentle, almost coaxing. “It’s going to be all right, baby. Everything’s going to be all right. I’ll protect you from Owen Lawson,” he promised. “He’ll never hurt you again.”
Martin held Parris while she cried silently, and he never thought it was possible but he felt her pain. Her pain and her fear. He had promised to protect her; and he would even if it meant giving up his own life; he loved her just that much.
He had paid Joshua to find her, and now he would pay Joshua to protect her. Parris was never to know that she would have an invisible bodyguard.
There was no rain in Florida as the pilot prepared to land at the West Palm Beach airport but high winds made the landing rough and bumpy.
Regina, having slept through the turbulence, woke up and looked out of the window. “Where are we, Mommy?”
Parris, eyes closed and jaw clenched tightly, could not answer.
Martin moved over to his daughter, staring down at her questioning gaze. “We’re in Florida.”
Her smile was dazzling. “Are we going to Disney World?”
Martin laughed, releasing some of his own tension. “No, cupcake. We’re going to visit my family.”
Her forehead furrowed. “Who in your family?”
“My mother and father. Your grandparents. You’ll also meet my two sisters, my brother and my sisters’ children. My sisters are your aunts and my brother is your uncle.”
“Like Uncle Josh?”
Martin stared at the expectant expression on his daughter’s face. Tenderness softened his gaze. “Yes,” he replied slowly. “He’s like Uncle Josh. And you’ll also get to meet your cousins. Some are near your age but most of them are older than you.”
“How old?”
“Twelve and thirteen.”
“How long are we staying in Florida, Daddy?”
Martin stared at Parris. Even though the aircraft had landed she still was seated, belt secured and her eyes closed. He had promised her that he would protect her but he knew she didn’t believe him.
“I don’t know, Regina.
“We can’t stay too long,” Regina stated. “I have to go back to New York and tell Scotty and my class that I learned to swim in the ocean.”
Martin sat, staring at his parents, frowning. His fingers tightened on the arms of the delicate chair, his grip threatening to snap the fragile gilded wood.
“I thought we could discuss this like three somewhat intelligent adults, but apparently I was mistaken. I intend to marry Parris, and it will not matter whether you approve or not.”
“How the hell do you expect me to react, Martin…”
“Sammy, please,” Marguerite Josephine Diaz Cole interrupted softly.
Samuel Cole paced the floor of his sitting room, his eyes wide with anger. “Not this time, M.J. Don’t expect me to act like a puffed up snob when he comes in here with that kind of news.”
M.J. rose gracefully from the matching chair that Martin occupied. Within seconds she composed her aristocratic features. “Don’t leave, Martin,” she pleaded softly as he stood up. A slight smile touched her mouth when he stayed his departure. “Your father and I are not opposed to your marriage,” she stated quietly. M.J. glanced over at her scowling husband. “It’s just that we’re somewhat surprised by your impulsiveness.”
Martin couldn’t help smiling as he turned to face his mother. “Ten years is hardly what I would call impulsive, Mother.”
“Why can’t you wait, Martin?” M.J. continued. “I can’t believe Parris won’t wait…”
“Don’t start in on Parris, Mother,” Martin said, cutting her off in an acid tone.
Samuel Cole glared down at his eldest son. Thick white eyebrows met in a frown. “Why do you want her after what happened, son? There are at least twenty other women I could think of who would make a better wife for you.”
Martin inhaled sharply, reminding himself that these two people were his parents. They’d been responsible for him when he was a child. Now he was a man. Only he was responsible for running his own life.
“I suggest we drop this subject—right now,” he warned. “And if she’ll have me, I’m going to marry Parris and you will respect her as my wife whether you like her or not.”
Rising to his feet, he turned on his heel and walked out of his parents’ sitting room.
Parris stood in the middle of Martin’s bedroom. She had to pinch herself to believe all that had happened since the jet touched down on a runway at the West Palm Beach airport under gale wind conditions.
Martin had not taken her and Regina to the house they had shared ten years before, but to his family’s home. He’d calmly informed her that he’d sold the town house condominium after she left him.
The Cole family home was as beautifully decorated as it had been ten years ago. M.J. had selected each furnishing with the precision of a professional decorator. Silk wall coverings, Aubusson rugs and a plethora of French antique pieces filled the twenty-four room mansion.
She remembered the first time she had come to the Cole estate, surprising Samuel and Marguerite Cole when Martin revealed he and Parris had been living together. The elder Coles exchanged knowing glances, realizing she had enamored their oldest son the way no other woman had done before.
Regina let out a soft sigh on the large bed, and fell into a deep sleep.
“You’re back.”
Parris recognized the voice immediately. Turning, she saw Marguerite Cole who was as strikingly beautiful at sixty-one as she had been at twenty when she married Samuel Claridge Cole. The once raven hair was now silver and stylishly cut, complementing a smooth, unlined tanned face.
As the daughter of a wealthy cigar manufacturer, M.J.’s classical features and dimpled smile was renown during pre-revolutionary Cuban society.
“Yes, I’m back, M.J.” Parris confirmed, smiling confidently.
M.J. arched a curving eyebrow, stepping into the bedroom. “For how long, Parris? Have you come back to make my son’s life a living hell again before you disappear for another ten years? I heard about how you married that wonderful police officer but left him after a month. Then you latched on to my son and left him. What kind of a woman are you anyway?”
Parris felt M.J.’s equal for the first time. “I’m a woman who happens to love Martin,” she confessed to M.J.
“Mom—my.”
M.J.’s gaze went to the bed for the first time and she recoiled as if she’d been slapped as Regina sat up, rubbing her eyes. Parris almost felt sorry for the woman.
Parris sat on the bed, pulling Regina to her side. “I suppose it’s as good a time as any for you to meet your granddaughter. This is Regina.” She had no way of knowing that Martin had not told his parents about Regina. The natural color drained from M.J.’s face as she moved slowly toward the bed, staring mutely.
“Madre de Dios,” M.J. whispered, reverting to her native tongue. She placed a trembling hand over her mouth. “I didn’t know. I d
idn’t know,” she mumbled over and over, staring at the child who had gone back to sleep.
Parris left the bed, moving quickly and holding the older woman as M.J. groped for a nearby chair. “M.J., are you all right?”
M.J. nodded, tears streaking her face. “Yes-s.”
She stepped back when M.J. blotted her cheeks with a delicate linen handkerchief. Her display of concern was the closest Parris had ever come to sharing any emotion with Martin’s mother.
“I’m sorry I fell apart.” A squaring of the shoulders indicated M.J. was back in control. She stole a quick glance at Regina. “Seeing the child came as somewhat of a shock. She’s so much like Martin.”
“That she is, Mother.” Martin walked into the bedroom, flashing a dimpled smile. His right arm curved around Parris’s waist.
M.J. raised her chin. “Why didn’t you tell us about the child?”
Martin released Parris. His gaze met hers as she gave him a questioning look. “You and Dad were too busy badmouthing Parris, and telling me why I shouldn’t marry her.” M.J. flushed and stared down at the toe of her expensive shoe before she rose to her feet.
She walked toward Martin who took her arm gently. They stepped outside of the bedroom. “I’m going to say this only once, Mother,” he began softly. “Parris is to be treated with respect for as long as she resides under this roof. I will not tolerate anything less from you or from the people you employ. Do I have your word on this?”
M.J. looked every inch a queen as she responded, “You have my word.” Smoothing down the slim black silk dress over her flat middle, she arched a curving eyebrow. “Dinner will be served promptly at eight.”
Parris waited until Martin returned to the bedroom, saying, “You can’t intimidate her into respecting me.” She had overheard their conversation.
“I’m not asking her to love you or even to like you, Parris,” he countered, his voice laced with annoyance. “I simply will not tolerate the hostility I know she’s capable of exhibiting toward you. And she has to get used to you because you and Regina are a part of my life, and I don’t want to let either of you go.”
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