Peony Red (The Granite Harbor Series Book 1)

by J. Lynn Bailey

  “Had it engraved.” He slowly tries to slide it off my finger but I make a fist.

  Eli’s head whips back to me.

  “You’d better give it back.” I smirk.

  “Oh, baby, without a doubt.”

  When Eli slides the ring off, I see, inside, it says, Lettuce eaters forever.

  I drop my head back and laugh.

  Eli does, too, his low, throaty laugh. “When I was at Mrs. Kay’s shop in town, buying it, Mr. Kay looked at me through the tops of his glasses and said, ‘You want it to say what?’ Then, Mrs. Kay muttered something about crazy young kids and their lettuce.”

  “It’s perfect, Eli,” I say as he slides it back onto my finger. “I have to ask you a very important question.”

  “What’s that?” He wraps me up in his arms again.

  There’s nothing between us, our bodies, but our skin.

  “You want kids, right?”

  “Absolutely.”

  “Good. Even if you had said no, I would have accepted it.”

  “Well, I wouldn’t have made you do that. Hey, let’s make a baby right now.”

  I laugh again. “I think I want to be married to you for a bit before we have children. I want to have the freedom to make love to you whenever and wherever. I want to spend a few quiet nights on the porch at your place.”

  “Wait. What? My place? You want to be in Granite Harbor?”

  “Wherever you are, so am I.”

  “What about your family, Alex?”

  “Don’t worry; it will all work out. I can work from anywhere. You love your job. I can’t ask you to leave because of my family. Besides, it’s three thousand miles and time. It might do me some good.”

  There’s a long silence between us. It’s a good long silence.

  “What about your dad?”

  My dad isn’t something I’ve discussed with Eli. “How do you know about my dad?”

  “Alex, I can’t ask a woman to marry me without checking with her father first. Your mom took me down to Sunny Springs.” He’s pinching the skin between my pointer finger and thumb.

  “You were in Belle’s Hollow?”

  “Yes.”

  Tears threaten to fall. “Wh-what did he say?”

  “He told me three things. Love her when she’s tired. Never let her cut your hair. Don’t ever give up on love.”

  A tear falls from my eye, and I laugh at the same time, thinking about all the haircuts I’ve given him and how he never once complained. I tell Eli this, admiring the beautiful ring on my finger.

  “So, you want kids?”

  “Absolutely. Twelve of them.”

  “I don’t know about twelve, Warden Young, but I’ll go for a few—for now.”

  “Well, if we’re not going to try for a baby, they say practice makes perfect.”

  “This is true. We’d better be damn sure we’ve mastered the art of sex before we bring babies into this world. Come here.”

  January 28, 2018

  Golden Globes

  “Alex, you look amazing tonight. What are you wearing?” the reporter asks.

  “I have no idea. It’s a deep purple, and it’s comfortable; that’s all I know.”

  She laughs an awkward laugh. Eli’s hand tightens around mine.

  “And who is the stunning example of a man you have with you?”

  “This is my fiancé, Eli.”

  Eli looks back at me as if I were the only person on the red carpet tonight. He looks so handsome in his suit.

  “That’s so exciting. Have you set a date?” the reporter asks.

  I look to Eli.

  Yes, but we aren’t telling the world yet. We’re not ready.

  “We’re working on it.”

  “Well, congratulations, you two, and enjoy the show.”

  “Thank you.”

  Eli leads me down the red carpet and turns back to me. “Alex, where to next?”

  I love the sound of that. “Anywhere with you, Eli.”

  The plane is only a fifty-seat plane with lots of bumps along the way. In order to get to Belle’s Hollow from Los Angeles, you must fly through San Francisco first. Getting into the Arcata–Eureka Airport (near Belle’s Hollow) from San Francisco International is like riding in a tin can after you’ve just test-driven a town car. The flight rejuvenates your faith in God.

  I’ve been flying up here for years.

  Poor Eli, on the other hand …

  What it took to get him on an airplane all the way across the country, took a lot of guts, and maybe a lot of love, too.

  Every air pocket we hit, he just about jumps out of his seat. I’d say the two scariest landings I’ve taken part in include landing at home and in Las Vegas. I think there needs to be a T-shirt made that says, I survived the plane ride to Arcata–Eureka Airport.

  We’re on the flight back up to Belle’s Hollow from San Francisco. From there, Eli will fly home, back to Granite Harbor, and I’ll move out when I get everything situated at home. Pack up Larry, my stuff. We’ll sell the house in Belle’s Hollow. It’s time to let go of the past, but I’ll fly back and forth to help my mom with dad. Eli was reluctant to leave me, but he knows I can survive on my own—now.

  “I know you probably aren’t ready to talk about it, but when you are, I’d like to know what happened with Clay.”

  I shrug. “I’m ready now.”

  Eli’s eye studies me. Our hands are interlocked.

  “The most scared I’ve been in my life was when I lost Kyle and when you went into that burning outhouse.”

  Eli’s hand tightens around mine.

  “When Clay showed up at my door, it was eerie. Was I scared? Yes. But it’s almost like my adrenaline kicked in before I had a chance to fully feel the fear. I-I don’t know if that makes sense. Anyhow, when he walked in, the phones started to ring. It was really weird. Both the house phone and my cell phone. When I told Clay I could make the ringing stop, he agreed to let me.”

  Eli grinds his jaw.

  “And Kyle was the one calling on my cell phone.”

  He cocks his head. “What?”

  I nod and look down at our hands. “My phone was on my nightstand where I’d left it. Right where the gun was. I think it was Kyle’s way of reminding me of the gun.” I shrug. “I think it threw Clay for a loop. He couldn’t focus. He was really scattered. I think things happen for a reason, Eli.”

  He leans down and kisses me on the head. “I might throw up.”

  “I’m all right, Eli.”

  “I know, but when I think of how close I came to losing you …”

  “When he told me what he’d done to Randall and Lila, I knew, if I didn’t act, I’d be next. And, if he lived and I didn’t, he’d move on to other victims.” I shake my head and stare at Eli, straight in the eyes. “I wasn’t going to let that happen. So, that’s why I don’t feel any guilt. I don’t have any remorse. I had to do what I had to do.”

  “But you have nightmares.”

  Eli had to pull me from the deep awfulness my mind traveled to one night in LA. Clay had killed Eli in my dream, just like he’d killed Kyle. The mind can be a fucked up place to live. That morning, I told Eli what the dream was about. We promised never to keep secrets.

  “I’m glad Kyle taught you how to use a gun.” He tucks me under his arm and pulls me to his chest.

  “I never thought I’d have to use one, but I’m glad I know how.”

  Eli kisses the top of my head.

  Over the loudspeaker, we hear the flight attendant say, “Please buckle your seat belts and prepare for landing.”

  “You bet your ass we’ll buckle our seat belts,” Eli whispers under his breath.

  Twenty-Nine

  Eli

  May 19, 2018

  Pop adjusts my tie. “You clean up well, Striker.” He takes my cheek in his hand, like he used to do when I was a kid. “Your mom is very proud of you today.” He pauses. “You made the right choice with Alex. She’s a keeper.”
r />   We look in the mirror together, and I’m the spitting image of him but younger.

  “You raised Mer and me right, Pop. I hope you know that. Despite what you might think sometimes, you raised us with integrity. Raised us to be honest. To own up to our mistakes. You taught us that being happy is far better than being right.”

  Pop has tears in his eyes. I’ve never seen my dad cry.

  “Fate, son. Fate. You got right-headed. The rest followed.”

  Merit pops her head in the room. She’s in her pink bridesmaid dress. Ryan, Ethan, and Aaron come in through the back door of the room we’re getting ready in.

  “We’re on in five, little brother.” Before she shuts the door, she pops her head around again. “Oh, and you clean up well, boys.” Merit catches Ryan’s eye on the way out.

  Alex was definitely in the media’s eye, but everyone treated them like human beings, not celebrities—though they did get some special treatment. At Oceanside Deli—now a deli in town where Hello, Good-Pie used to be—a special was added to the menu—the Alli Burger. And the description says, Inspired by Alex and Eli, a Granite Harbor love story that keeps living—with extra lettuce. I’m not quite sure where they learned about the ongoing inside joke.

  Alex chose to get married in Granite Harbor. She said there were too many memories in Belle’s Hollow. She wanted something new. Something fresh. A new beginning. I respect that, but I would have married her in a courthouse. I would have married her anywhere.

  We chose springtime to get married—the quicker, the better. We didn’t want to waste another day apart.

  I stand next to the pastor. Ryan is next to me, then Aaron, and Ethan. Rookie is sitting at my feet, his ears at attention. Half of the Maine Warden Service is sitting in the audience with their wives and husbands. Hell, most of Granite Harbor is here. I’m almost positive, if you walk down Main Street right now, you’ll see signs that say, Closed. Be back in an hour. Attending the Young wedding.

  Ryan leans in. “You ready? I have a car waiting in back if you panic.” He gives a slow chuckle as he leans back into standing position.

  Bryce, Merit, and Lydia are standing on the opposite side, impatiently waiting for Alex, just like I am.

  I haven’t seen her since last night.

  We chose to get married in a bed-and-breakfast. Alex fell in love with The Harbor Inn.

  The music stops, and everyone stands and looks back toward the inn.

  There are defining moments in our lives. Moments we flash to that make us stronger, wiser, braver. That give us courage. There are moments that bring us to our knees. This is one of them.

  Alex’s hair is up off her neck, and Philip’s jean jacket is over her white dress. I feel my heart start to pick up pace with each step she takes toward me, toward our future. I feel the knot that begins to form in my throat because I’ve never seen anything as perfect or as beautiful as the woman moving toward me. Everyone in the audience has disappeared, and it’s just Alex and me.

  The space around us grows quiet, and the pastor says, “Who gives this woman to be married to this man?”

  “Her father and I do,” Meredith says.

  Philip passed not long after I asked him for his daughter’s hand in marriage. Meredith packed her belongings, sold the house, and moved out here with us. Meredith doesn’t have to lean in and tell me to take care of their daughter. She knows I’ll always put Alex first. Always keep her heart well. Love her. Give her what she needs. Give her room to grow. Be independent. Bring her soup when she’s sick. Help heal old wounds.

  Rookie groans quietly, and it brings me back to the crowd of people. He puts his paw up toward Alex.

  “Yeah, me, too, boy.”

  She bends at her waist and gives him a kiss on the head. “You’ve got a beautifully handsome dad, Rookie.” She only says it to where I can hear it.

  I take her hand and gently pull her up. I stare into her eyes. Before the pastor begins, I lean in and whisper, “A thousand times I do. I will. Always. Forever.”

  Before he says, You may kiss the bride, he says, “And, Eli, will you promise to love and cherish the Golden State Warriors for as long as you both shall live?”

  I laugh, as does everyone else. “Absolutely. If that’s what it takes.” I look at Alex, who’s laughing. “Well played, Mrs. Young. Well played.”

  She leans in and pulls my hands around her hips, and she holds my cheeks in her hands. “Kiss me, husband.”

  “I now pronounce you Mr. and Mrs. Eli Young.”

  Epilogue

  Alex

  One Year Later

  We’re at the Mud Challenge, which is an obstacle course full of running, climbing, and mud. Maine Warden Service has a team, which consists of Eli, Ryan, Aaron, and Ethan. They go head-to-head with the New Hampshire Warden Service, and every year, it’s a battle to the finish line. Although it’s fun for all the wardens to gather from both states, the grand prize is bragging rights for another year. Money is raised for a great cause, which, this year, is for animal rehabilitation.

  Merit, Brand, my mom, and I are standing at the finish line, waiting for our team to come around the bend. They have to finish as a team, all four crossing the finish line at the same time.

  I grab Merit’s hand because the contraction I feel is way stronger than I’ve felt within the past few. I’ve been able to hide them until right now. It’s like my stomach has a major cramp, one that grows increasingly quick and hard.

  Merit squeezes back. “Exciting, right?”

  I let out a loud breath, praying to God she didn’t hear it. “Absolutely.”

  It passes.

  I breathe in again, and I look up just in time to watch all four guys—Eli, Ryan, Aaron, and Ethan—come around the bend at the same time the New Hampshire Warden Service does.

  Breathe, I tell myself.

  It’s head-to-head with the eight guys running for the finish line, muddy and eager to win.

  It’s almost a photo finish before another contraction comes on.

  I squeeze Merit’s hand so hard, I let out, “Oh my God, Merit, the baby is coming!”

  “No, it’s just the guy—oh my God! Oh! Oh!” She bends down with me. “Is the baby coming?”

  “It-it feels like it.” I try to breathe.

  Pop is already headed in Eli’s direction, and my mom is on the other side of me. I look up just in time to see Eli sprinting toward me.

  “Baby, oh, baby. Look at me.” Eli reaches for me. “Sam! Sam, we need to get my wife to the hospital.”

  Sam is the EMT on staff in case of serious injuries—or baby deliveries.

  “You’re all right, baby.”

  “You’re all muddy, Eli.” The pain only slowly eases up.

  I look into the eyes of my handsome husband’s face. He’s muddy from head to toe.

  “Let’s go have our baby, Alex.”

  He and my mom lead me to the ambulance.

  “We’ll be right behind you in the car!” Merit yells with Brand.

  Three Days Later

  I watch in the doorway as my beautiful husband holds our daughter, Emily, staring out the window, explaining the difference between a passenger pigeon and the Labrador duck.

  “They’re both extinct,” he says, “but nevertheless, very important.”

  Rookie is at the foot of Emily’s crib. He hasn’t left Emily’s bedroom since she was born. They say German Shepherds have the instinct to protect. I have no doubt that our Rookie loves Emily just as much as we do. Larry is at the door with me, unsure of why all the attention has been taken from him and put on this little thing bundled in a blanket.

  “Hey.” I touch his shoulders and slide my head around to see what our daughter is doing.

  “She’s fast asleep.” Eli turns.

  We both stare at her, in awe of what we’ve created.

  “She’s got your lips and your long eyelashes.” Eli leans over and kisses my forehead.

  “She’ll have your heart.” I tuck m
y hands under his arms.

  “Just my luck, she’ll also crave the outdoors. Want to ride snowmobiles. Ice-fish. Hike. I’d rather just keep her in a bubble, protect her from everything,” he sighs.

  “But, if we did that, she wouldn’t get the full beauty of what life has to offer.”

  “I know. So, I’ll start praying now.”

  I chuckle. “You ready?”

  “I am.”

  Ryan, Ethan, Aaron, Merit, Lydia, Bryce, Brand, and my mom are all inside when we pull into Brand’s driveway.

  “Sorry we’re late. Emily has the uncanny ability to blow up her diaper every time we’re heading somewhere,” I say as I set the diaper bag down.

  Brand walks over to his son. “Well, let me get my hands on that little dickens. You come to Papa, young lady. I’ll show you the ways of Maine.”

  Pop takes her from Eli, and my mom follows close behind.

  It’s really sweet to watch our parents fight over their granddaughter. Maybe it’s companionship, maybe more, but Mom and Brand have been spending a lot more time together.

  I think back to a year ago.

  The postcards.

  I received one. My mom received one.

  Was it terrifying when Clay told the story? Without a doubt.

  People can make awful choices, ones that torture our souls, make us play the what-if game. But, if Mom and I hadn’t received those postcards that I seemingly thought were for me, we wouldn’t be here. We wouldn’t have a new start. We’d have stayed. We’d have still lost my dad. Nothing would have brought back Kyle. And we’d still be surviving.

  Today, we’re living.

  We all have our own stories—perhaps some baggage that comes along with it, too—but the one thing we can all rely on will always be one another. I’ve learned that here, in Granite Harbor.

  I’ve also found that, if you take a chance and eat the lettuce, it will all be worth it.

  The End

  Acknowledgments

  My family and I started watching North Woods Law a few years ago. My interests were piqued when the cameras stopped rolling. I wanted to know what had happened behind the scenes, with their families, in their personal lives. So, I decided to write my own stories.