by Jenna Roads
As we pulled out, Logan asked, “Would it be all right to swing by my office and take a house key and drop it off at a vacation home, since we have some time to kill? It will keep me from having to do it later.”
I agreed and soon we were at his office. We went inside the building and into his office where he pulled a key from a cupboard. As we turned to leave, Logan’s sister came in. He walked up to her and introduced us.
She said, “So, you’re the one that has been keeping Logan busy this week.”
“Guilty,” I replied.
“Call me Megan,” she said.
“Nice to meet you, Megan,” I replied.
Logan said, “We are in a bit of a hurry. Catch you later, sis.”
We drove to a big beautiful house on top of a hill and Logan got out and placed the key in the agreed upon place and we were off again. Cheveyo called and Logan let him in the gate. After a few minutes, we were back at my aunts’ house. Just as we neared the door, a truck pulled in the driveway. It was his friend, Cheveyo.
Cheveyo had brought an incense pot and a bag of things. “I will need to be alone with the house. Can you two sit outside or something?” he asked.
“Sure. Is the back patio all right for us to be?” Logan asked.
“That would be good,” Cheveyo replied.
We let him in the house and then followed the stepping stones out to the back patio. I was so glad we both had on shorts, otherwise we would’ve been hot.
“What is he going to do?” I asked.
“He is praying a blessing over the house and trying to banish evil spirits and remove negative energy. His name literally means Spirit Warrior,” Logan informed me.
“We definitely need a spirit warrior. I wander what my aunt would say about all of this. She would probably have me checked into an institution if she knew,” I said.
Logan laughed and said, “She probably would have us both sent to an institution if she knew. I think you are right about us not telling her. This is too much to swallow.”
“Especially for me. I’ve always laughed at other people claiming ghosts. I’m not laughing anymore, I assure you.”
“Maybe Cheveyo will take care of this problem. I know he took care of mine before,” Logan said.
“What problem?” I asked.
“I had a new house which I was the caretaker of, that was built on some sacred land of some sort before and the spirits were upset. He took care of it, is all,” Logan replied.
“Well, I somehow feel better knowing it has worked before,” I said.
After a little bit, Cheveyo came out with incense going and chanting. He told us to go inside as he would need to do the outside as well.
We both went inside and peeked out as he went over the entire property chanting and waving his arms. In no time at all, he finished and came to the door. He told Logan he was through and time would tell.
Logan followed him to his truck and gave him a donation for his blessings on the house.
When Logan came back in, he grabbed my hand, and asked, “Are you ready to see some more places?”
“You must be exhausted because you haven’t slept.”
“Actually, I’m pretty wired.”
“If you are sure you are okay? Then I’m game,” I said.
“How about we drive down to Santa Fe?” Logan asked.
“I would love it,” I replied.
“We can pull into a drive-thru and pick up some food and continue on our road trip, if that’s okay,” he said.
We locked up and started out on our next adventure.
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
We picked up some burgers and fries and ate our food while we listened to the sweet sound of Jason Mraz singing “I Won’t Give Up.” Life was good.
I looked over at Logan and he was looking at me and my face turned red because he had this really sexy grin on his face.
“What?” I asked.
“Nothing, I was just enjoying the view. You are so beautiful, Isabella,” Logan said.
“Thanks, but you’re the sexy one.”
I asked myself if this could really be happening to me. Was I really sitting in the truck riding down the road with the sexiest man alive and he couldn’t keep his eyes off of me. I came here to New Mexico to run away from the weirdness of my life after divorce. Then, the first guy I met in the land of enchantment was the best guy I have ever seen in every way. That only happened in fairy tales. Wow, Taylor Swift is on the radio singing the lyrics to “Love Story.” You’ll be the prince and I’ll be the princess. It’s a love story, baby, just say yes.
I swear the radio was playing only to me.
Logan said, “Earth to Isabella, come in, please.”
“Yes,” I replied.
“Where were you?”
“I guess I was daydreaming.”
“I hope I was in it.”
My face flushed red as I replied, “As a matter of fact, you were.”
“Great. I just wondered if you would like to take a walk around a sculptured art gallery outside?” he asked.
“Sure, I like sculptures.”
“Some things are made of bronze and some of metal and a few of other materials. There are like eight acres of sculpture gardens. It’s pretty awesome.”
“There’s an inside gallery as well, and the place where they pour and make the statues of bronze. It’s called Shidoni Foundry. It’s in the village of Tesuque. Shidoni means friend,” Logan explained.
Just then, we pulled into the parking for the Shidoni Foundry. We got out of the truck and Logan asked me to wait just a second while he sent a couple text messages. I looked at my phone as well. I only had three messages. One was from my aunt who said to call her and my mother said the same. One was my friend letting me know she arrived in Maui. I would call them later. I was busy right now with Mr. ‘McDreamy.’
When Logan was finished, he grabbed my hand. We went strolling through the sculpture gardens like real lovers. The comfort and excitement of his hand with his fingers caressing mine made me want to squeal with delight, but I kept my composure.
The sculptures were amazing. The place was huge for sculptures. There were some talented people in this world and it was neat that they shared their works with us. There were Indians in full headdress and ones not. We saw sculptures of children playing that instantly filled your heart with joy. They had butterflies, animals, flowers, trees, angels, JFK, soldiers, dolphins, horses with riders and without. There were lovers and ponds with frogs and water flowers. I could go on for days at all of the neat art we saw.
We took a break and sat down on a bench to rest. “I’ll be back in a minute,” Logan said. He returned with two waters in his hand and gave one to me. I drank it up, not realizing how thirsty I was.
He had his arm around me. I thought to myself how I never did this many things with my ex the whole time of our marriage. It was just so different with Logan. I couldn’t even think of anything but him every waking moment. I felt like a little child. Everything was new as if I was discovering it for the first time.
“These sculptures are so beautiful, and neat and funny and crazy. I can’t even begin to imagine the work that goes into just one of these.”
“It is incredible. There are like 150 different artists who have done these. If it was a Saturday, we could see them pour the bronze into ceramic molds to make statues. They pour it at 2000 degrees. It’s fascinating,” Logan said.
“Two thousand degrees hot! Whoa, I would hate to get burned by that,” I said.
“Yes, no doubt it would be fatal. Do you want to look at the art on the inside?” he asked.
“For sure, I do,” I replied.
We strolled into the inside gallery and took a gazing journey through the multitude of cool art. Some pieces were breathtaking. The one that struck me the most was one where a man stood in front of a woman; she was looking up at him and he had his hands wrapped around her face looking into her eyes. Logan did this same thing to me. I tho
ught that was the sexiest thing a man could do. The couple was just lost in each other’s eyes.
We finished our tour and Logan grabbed my hand to hold it again on the way out. Back at his truck, he started to open the door for me and wrapped his arm around me, leaning in to kiss me. I eagerly awaited his lips that smothered mine and I lost all sense of place and time.
After we came up for air, he said, “Sorry, but I just couldn’t wait any longer.” His hands moved around my waist. He looked down at me and said, “I don’t know what you did to me, but I’m under your spell. I can no longer think of anything but you. I’m in love with you.”
“I feel the same way. I know I’m in love with you too.” He kissed me again, short and sweet, and let me in his truck. He got in as well and we pulled out of the Foundry. We made our way to the town square in Santa Fe.
“That was so fun. I loved it,” I said.
“I’m glad. I thought you might. I’ve been there several times and don’t get tired of going. They change the pieces and it’s always a unique place,” Logan said.
He pushed some buttons on the stereo and I heard The Script start up with “For the First Time.”
“Oh, I love this song,” I said.
“You mentioned you liked The Script. Same here. I wanted to play it for you,” Logan said.
“Thank you.” I leaned over and kissed his cheek. “You are something special, you know that?” I asked him.
“No, but you are,” he replied and gave me a wink.
We approached the town square and found parking right on the square. Logan told me that never happened here. Usually, you had to walk at least a mile. We wandered down in front of the shops, hand in hand, and there was everything for sale you could imagine.
The Native Americans were on the sidewalk selling their wares just like it was in Old Town Albuquerque. They were lined up and down the sidewalks in front of the adobe structures. There were beautiful colors everywhere, contrasting against the tan colored, warm adobe buildings. There were ristras hanging down from hooks. There were blankets, sombreros, T-shirts, statues, broomstick skirts, handbags, leather, instruments, paintings and food wagons.
There were shops, galleries and restaurants in a large square with side roads leading off from them. It was a colorful place. We stopped to hear someone playing a harp. Logan put some money in the collection jar for the pleasure and we continued to marvel at the arts and crafts and endless imaginations found in the place. Things were more pricey here than in Albuquerque. We traveled along the sidewalks with the smell of New Mexican food filling the air.
We stopped at a shop that had art made of stucco where some of the pictures are raised. One was a pueblo house and it had clay pots outside with rope around the pots sticking out from the stucco and painted in beautiful earth colors.
Another store had a full Native American headdress that was authentic. You saw skirts and fringed jackets made from hides and papooses. There were baby carriers, knives, hatchets, and arrowheads. Another store was full of the painted ponies that I’d seen in Albuquerque.
“My mother loves horses, so I think I’ll buy her one of these,” I told Logan.
Logan said, “I also need to buy something. I’ll meet you at the bench outside the store in fifteen minutes, okay?”
I agreed and started looking over all of the beautiful ponies. Each one was unique and different, and done by many different artists, but they were still affordable. I chose one called ‘blue medicine.’ My mother’s favorite color is blue, and on the backside of the horse, there were handprints of children and stripes and handprints on the forelegs. It had a leather saddle with beads and shells and feathers tied to his tail.
I carried it to the counter to pay. I was told the woman who made this design stayed up long hours finishing it before passing away. She wanted to leave this symbol of healing and support for those in need in her community. Wow, that made the pony a way more special choice. My mother will love it. One Christmas present down.
I left the store and made my way out to meet Logan and found him already at the bench. I couldn’t resist showing him my prize horse and telling him the story of the artist and how the hands represented healing.
“And who couldn’t use that,” I said him. He liked it. I looked over and he had a dark black bag in his hand.
“What did you get?” I questioned.
“I will show you in a little bit. But first, let’s find a place to eat dinner, if that’s all right?” he asked.
“I am starting to get a little hungry and thirsty. I am so good with that idea,” I replied.
We chose a place upstairs that looked like real authentic New Mexican food. It was decorated real earthy and pretty with greenery everywhere and statues and painted tiles. Logan whispered something to the waiter and he motioned for us to follow him. He took us to a secluded table in the back with an outside view and candlelight flickering. There were blue and red flowers on the table. The waiter took our drink and appetizer order and Logan thanked him.
He came back almost instantly with our drinks and appetizer of nachos. I loved nachos and that was really all I needed for my meal. We dug in and Logan scooted in closer to me on our adobe type seating of a half moon. He raised his glass of soda up to me.
“Cheers,” he said. I raised my glass and he said, “To having dinner with the prettiest girl in the room.” After we took a drink, he continued, “Thank you for the pleasure of your company.”
“I’m so happy to be your dinner date.” He reached for my hand and hung onto it while we finished our nachos. Our other food arrived and it smelled so good. I got the Chimichangas and he got Chile Rellenos. One bite of my food and I was in love. “This is divine and the peppers in it are just right,” I said.
“Mine is great, too. I’m glad you like it,” Logan said.
“Have you been here before?” I asked.
“Yes, quite a few times.”
“I guess that explains why we got the best table in the house.”
“I have brought a few clients here,” Logan said.
“Just clients,” I said.
“Until now, it has just been clients. But you can hardly be called a client anymore,” he said.
I smiled and went back to enjoying my food. We both finished our meal. The waiter took our plates and offered dessert and we both declined. Logan told him he would have another soda and motioned at me and I told him no thanks. After the waiter brought the drink, Logan turned to face me.
“I have something I need to say,” he said.
I told him, “Okay.” At that moment, panic welled up inside of me.
He said, “I know we have not been together very long, but it didn’t take any time for me to realize how special you are. You are the first thing I want to see in the morning and the last thing I think about at night and the span of time in between that as well. I think you are smart, funny, sexy and amazing. I don’t want to be anywhere in this world other than with you.”
“I know you just moved here and don’t really know anyone, but I want to be the only one you are seeing.” He placed his hand in the black bag and pulled out a ring box. My face flushed and it got real hard to breathe as my heart raced away.
“I want us to be exclusive, so I want to give you this ring that signifies that to me. And by accepting it, you agree we are exclusive; kind of like a promise ring.” He opened the box and it was a gorgeous turquoise heart ring. “Will you see only me, Isabella?” he asked.
I choked out the words, “Of course, Logan. I feel the same way. You are intelligent, adventurous, fun and very handsome. And did I say how good you smell? Please never stop wearing that cologne. It’s intoxicating. I only want to see you, too,” I replied.
He placed the ring on my finger and it fit perfectly.
“It is so beautiful. How did you know my size?” I asked.
“Well, I didn’t, but they assured me I could bring it back. The man told me this was the size the majority of girls wear,
so I went with it. It came from the Kingman Turquoise Mine which is the oldest, like 1,000 years old, and has the most beautiful sky blue colors. I got turquoise because it stands for happiness, good fortune and health and is a treasured stone here. I’m so glad it fits,” Logan said.
“Oh, it is just stunning. Thank you so much! I love what it stands for and I just love you. I’m officially yours,” I said.
“I didn’t want any other guys getting any ideas,” he said.
I held my hand out in front of us to admire it and Logan smiled that gorgeous, happy smile. I could get lost in this very moment forever.
Logan grabbed my hand and asked, “Are you ready to go home? We still have over an hour’s drive back.”
“Yes, I am ready,” I replied.
Logan paid for the meal and we were off again. Just as soon as we got on the street, my phone rang. It was my Aunt Carol again. I answered it this time.
“Hello,” I said.
“Isabella, I have been trying to reach you. I just wanted to check and see how things were going for you,” Aunt Carol said.
“I am fine. Everything is going good,” I said.
“Well, that is good. How is Logan doing?” she asked.
“Logan is fine, too,” I said.
Logan grabbed my arm and said, “Tell her I need to talk to her.”
I shook my head no, and he gave me a look that said he is going to.
I said, “We went to Santa Fe today and we are just now leaving to go home. He took me to the Shidoni Foundry and we walked the streets of Santa Fe. The people here are amazing at making things and the place is so pretty,” I said.
“Oh, I am so glad you two are having a great time. If you’re still with Logan tonight, that is a sign everything is good,” she said.
“Everything couldn’t be any better,” I chided.
“I won’t keep you then. I will let you get back to your date, I mean, Logan. ’Bye, dear. I love you,” she said.
“ ’[LEB2] Bye, I love you, too,” I said.
We made it to the truck and got in. As we were pulling out, Logan asked, “Why didn’t you let me talk to her?”
