A Love for all Ages (Crockett County Trilogy Book 1) (40 page)

“What?”
Maria rests her chin on her hand looking baffled
at Stephanie.
Laughing Stephanie explains, “We found a map for buried
gold on the property.
I think the men want to go dig for treasure.”
Chase using his professional voice, “We would not dream of
going without you two.
We were just going over the best way to
get started.”
Rising from his chair, “I will go fetch the diary and the
map then we can plan the details.”
Rising his eyebrows comically
he turns away.
Stephanie watches Chase walk away, smiling lovingly at him.
Loving him as she does Stephanie realizes Chase is distraught Steven
had got inside the house.
He will be blaming himself, she will need
to reassure him that both she and the baby are fine.
He had
stayed calm and maintained the situation with his professionalism.
Stephanie had watched Chase earlier in awe as he had taken control
of Steven; even with Steven having the gun Stephanie knew Chase
was the one in charge.
“Maria, this was all about Union gold buried over a hundred
years ago.
The murders, the break-ins, the attempted murder was
all for gold.”
Seeing her eyes widen with shock Andy chuckles.
“I
didn’t believe it either when I first came here, but the facts are the
facts.”
Looking at Stephanie Maria asks, “How much gold is buried?”
Shrugging her shoulders, “I don’t really know, everything
says it’s a trunk full, it was to be the soldiers pay.”
“Wow, so when you find it, what are you going to do with it?
You will be rich, like really rich.”
Fascinated Maria stares at
Stephanie.
Again she shrugs her shoulders, “I don’t know, I think if we
find it we can decide then.”
Chase returns to the table, he hands Stephanie the diary
then lays the map on the table.
Everyone leans closer for a better
view as Chase explains, “JoEllen wrote she had the trunk buried
behind the work shed.”
“According to the map, the work shed would be out back, I
have walked the property over and over since staying here and I
have not seen a work shed.”
Andy looks over Chase’s shoulder
toward the back yard.
“Your right, the shed is long gone; we just have to figure out
where it used to be.”
Looking at Maria Stephanie giggles, “I feel like we are in an
adventure movie.”
“Let me get this straight, we are really going to search for
gold using this old drawing?”
Tapping the picture Marie glances
doubtfully at Andy.
Grinning he responds, “I think it will be fun, after all it will be
a good break from all the stress we have had lately.”
Staring at
Maria he thinks about them spending time together away from
police work, them getting to know each other on a personal level.
Remembering the kiss they shared earlier has excitement growing in
the pit of his stomach.
“I think we should get started about 10 o’clock that will give
Stephanie time to get over her morning sickness.”
Smiling at
Stephanie he sees her blush.
Reaching across the table Chase picks
up her hand bringing it to his lips, kissing her palm.
“It has been a
long day, I think Stephanie needs to go upstairs and take a long
bubble bath.”
Rising from his chair Chase pulls Stephanie with him
as he moves to the door.
Looking over her shoulder Stephanie giggles, “I will see you
two in the morning.
The Sheriff has spoken.”
Laughing she
follows Chase inside the house.

Upstairs in their room Stephanie sits on the side of bed as
Chase begins filling the tub with water.
Squaring her shoulders she
stands up, walking to the bathroom door, “Chase, I have something
to say and I really need you to listen to me.”

Adjusting the water temperature he looks up, “Sure Honey,
what is it?”
Licking her lips Stephanie stands gazing at Chase.
After a
few seconds she blurts, “If we find the gold, I want to open a clinic in
memory of Mitch.”
Standing before her Chase envisions the most beautiful
woman in the world.
Placing his hands on her shoulders, “That
sounds like a wonderful idea.”
Chase recalls Steven ranting about
Mitch wanting to open a clinic here; he understands Stephanie’s
desire to honor her Brother.
This wonderful woman wants to help
others as her Brother had planned.
“Do you want to have the
clinic here at the house?”
Shaking her head no, “I don’t know what type of clinic Mitch
wanted; last I knew we were moving to California.
I can only
assume Mitch found out about his inheritance after we spoke.
He
was always making spur of the moment decisions.”
Taking a
breath she continues, “Mitch had worked at clinics for addictions
and at regular health clinics.
I want to open a health care clinic, I
think our county would benefit significantly and I feel that would
have been important to Mitch.
He would want me to do what is
best for our community.”
Tears fill Stephanie’s eyes, “This is going to be a challenge for
me and I will need your help.
Earlier I heard Mitch was going to
make the clinic here, but I was thinking either find a place to buy or
build in town.
This is our home; I want to raise our child here.”
Inquiring, “Do you object to us living here?”
Pulling her close, “Honey, we can live in a cardboard box as
long as we are together.”
Smiling he adds, “But like you I would
love to make this our home.”
Deciding this was the time.
“Stephanie will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?”
Shifting a few inches away from him Stephanie smiles, “I will
be honored to marry you.”
As Chase pulls Stephanie tighter in his
arms, he lifts her off her feet and begins to swings her around.
Placing her back on her feet, “I love you.
I wanted to have
a quiet dinner, give you flowers and have my Grandmother’s ring.”
Appearing disappointed Chase bends down kissing Stephanie
tenderly on her lips.
Laughing, “This is perfect, if we wait for quiet, you would
never be able to propose to me.” Raising on her toes Stephanie
plants a loud smooch on his lips, “I love you with all my heart.”
Glancing at the tub, “I think the tub is full enough.”
As Chase
quickly shut off the water Stephanie suggests, “I think you should
join me in my bath.”
Straightening Chase agrees, “I think a shared bath sounds
wonderful.” Watching as Stephanie begins undressing Chase
smiles as she slides the pants down her shapely legs.
When she
reaches for the hem of her t-shirt he step close, helping her Chase
lifts the shirt up then over her head. With Stephanie standing
before him wearing only her under garments, he grins as his eyes
travels up and down her body.
Making eye contact with her, “You
are beautiful both inside and out.
I am a fortunate man to have
your love.”
Kissing her lightly on her forehead, “I will always care
for you to the best of my abilities.
You are the only woman in the
world for me.”
“My Darling, you make me happier than I ever imagined.
I
had given up on ever finding love.”
Pleased Stephanie places her
hand on his chest, “With you I have found a love for all times.
I
believe our love is as strong as the love Archibald and Della have.”
Laying his hands on her cheeks, “I wish you could see
yourself as I see you.
You are an astonishing woman.
You take
my breath away with your love.” Kissing her lips briefly, “Now
finish getting naked woman; otherwise I will have to redo your
bath.”
Turning away Chase starts removing his clothes; Stephanie
quickly twists her hair up then puts a clip in to hold it on top of her
head.
When they are both undressed Chase helps Stephanie in the
tub.
Once Stephanie is seated Chase step over the rim setting
down he pulls her backwards against his chest.
Chase slides his arms around her waist, closing his eyes he
gives a silent prayer thanking the Good Lord that Stephanie was not
hurt today and for allowing him to have her in his life. Placing his
hands over her stomach he adds a special prayer for their baby,
asking only for the baby to be healthy.
Laying in Chase’s arms Stephanie feels his love surrounding
her, giving her strength to face all their tomorrows.
With his hands
resting on the area holding their baby she says a silent prayer
thanking God for all her blessings.
With the water temperature decreasing Chase decides bath
time is over, “We need to get out and get you in bed.”
Kissing her
head, “It has been a long day.”
Setting her hands on the rim of the tub Stephanie pushes up;
as she steps out of the tub she grabs a towel.
“I am tired.”
Turning to Chase she watches as he pushes the lever to release the
water, then steps out of the tub onto the bathmat.
Done drying
Stephanie hangs up her towel, moving slowly she walks into the
bedroom.
Chase joins her in their room, “We don’t have to get up early
so you can sleep as late as you want.”
Getting into bed Chase pulls
her close.
“I love you, get some sleep Honey.”
Snuggling in his arms Stephanie tells Chase drowsily, “I love
you too.
Good night.”
For the past several hours the men have been digging holes
in the back yard.
Stephanie and Maria had decided to go to the
house to fix a picnic for lunch.
As they walk back towards the men
they see them filling the hole they just dug.
Both men’s shirts are
drenched with sweat.
This humid air is not good to be digging for
gold.
Moving to stand under a tree Stephanie spreads the quilt on
the ground, sitting down she begins unpacking the food.
Maria
grabs two bottles of water, going to stand by the men she hands
one to each.
Glancing over at Stephanie she asks, “Do you think
the gold has already discovered.”
Chase takes a long drink of the water before answering, “No,
I think the map is misleading.”
Looking at Andy, “We have dug six
places.
Either we are wrong about the area or the map is drawn
wrong.”
Lifting the bottle to his mouth he drinks the rest of the
water.
“Maybe you should buy a metal detector.”
Maria laughs
when both men look at her scowling.
Holding up her hands in
surrender, “It was just a suggestion.”
Peering at Andy tired and
sweaty has Maria thinking about last night.
After Chase and
Stephanie had gone upstairs Maria had told him about her decision
to resign from the department.
Andy had listened to her reasons;
he hadn’t judged her or wasn’t condescending.
He had calmly
asked about her plans for the future.
Upon admitting she wasn’t
sure about that part yet, he had informed her he was considering
retiring to open a consultant/security business; asking her to think
about them going into business together.
When they had gone upstairs Andy had showed her to the
guest room, as he stood staring at Maria from the doorway, he had
stepped inside her room closing the door behind him.
Maria had
stood nervously as he moved towards her; he had stopped just
several inches from her.
Gazing into Andy’s eyes dark with passion
Maria had placed her hands on his shoulders, sliding them around
his neck.
That was all the invitation Andy had needed, he lowered
his mouth to hers, kissing her ravenously. With her responding to
him Andy had moved them to the bed.
The next several hours
they spent exploring each other’s body.
Bringing her thoughts back to the present; Maria blushes
when she notices Andy watching her closely.
Reaching for their
empty water bottles, “Lunch is ready, you two need to eat.
Stephanie fixed enough food for an army.”
Turning she walks back
to Stephanie.
Stephanie and Maria sit Indian style on the quilt while they
wait for the men to join them.
When they had been in the kitchen
Maria had told Stephanie about her night with Andy.
Maria had
been so ecstatic she had hugged and thanked Stephanie for her
advice.
Stephanie shifts to face Maria, “You and Andy look good
together.”
Smiling her thanks as the men join them on the quilt Maria
begins handing plates to everyone. As they begin spooning food
she asks, “Any idea where to dig now?”
Chase looks at Stephanie before answering, “I think we need
to check the facts again.
We have the means to find out where the
work shed was.”
As Stephanie’s eyes sparkle with understanding
Chase smiles.
Andy looks at Chase then at Stephanie as he draws the same
conclusion he laughs.
Noting confusion in Maria’s eyes he
searches for a way to explain.
“Maria…..”
Stephanie interrupts as she yells, “Archie we need you.”
Maria jumps upon hearing Stephanie shout.
“Let me explain.
I
want you to listen carefully; don’t say anything until I am done.”
Looking over Chase’s shoulder Stephanie she sees Archie appear.
Grinning Stephanie turns back to Maria.
here I asked if you believed in ghosts.”
continues, “For over a hundred years a Union soldier has been stuck
here, he was killed on this property and has been unable to move
on.”
“When you first came
At Maria’s nod she
Noticing Maria about to comment Andy holds up his hand to
stop her.
“I know this will sounds crazy but just listen.”
Picking
up her hand Andy lays it on his thigh then places his hand over it.
Nodding her head Maria remains quiet as Chase begins
speaking, “The Union soldier is Archibald Butterworth, he is
Stephanie’s Great Uncle.”
Twisting to look over his shoulder Chase
turns back to Maria, “He is standing behind me now.”
As her eyes
widen with shock, “He is a great man.
A man of honor, he will not
hurt you.”
Before anyone can interrupt Maria exclaims, “I knew I could
sense something about this house.
It was as if I was being
welcomed.”
Looking at Andy she sees relief in his expression.
“I
have never experienced anything supernatural, but I always
believed there are things in this world that can’t be explained.”
Maria turns her attention to the space just behind Chase, “I
would be privileged to be able to meet you Sir.”
As she sits quietly
she witnesses a shimmering shape forming behind Chase.
Steadily
the shape becomes clearer, a man wearing a faded blue Union
uniform stands staring at her.
Archie bows slightly, “It is my pleasure to meet you, Miss
Maria.” Moving to Stephanie he kneels beside her.
Glancing at
Maria he winks, “You may call me Archie; Sir seems too formal for
friends.”
Giving Stephanie his attention, “You called for me?”
Observing Maria for signs of fear Andy decides she is amazed
not scared of Archie.
Andy lifts her hand from his leg; bringing it to
his lips he kisses the top of her hand.
Laying her hand back on her
lap, he retrieves his plate then begins eating.
Remembering his
shock of discovering Archie’s existence he knows she will have
questions, he is prepared to answer each one.
Allowing Maria
time to adapt to Archie he remains silent.
Following Andy’s lead, Maria picks up her plate.
As she
eats her mind is busy trying to rationalize Archie.
Determined to
speak with Andy in private Maria pushes her questions aside as she
listens to Chase questions Archie.
“Do you recall a work shed being here?
Della’s Great,
Great Grandmother JoEllen had the trunk with the gold buried
behind the work shed.
The map with directions shows the location
but with the work shed gone and newer structures built we don’t
know where to search for the trunk.”
Scratching his head Archie closes his eyes trying to picture
the grounds at the time of his death.
“Do you think if we find the
gold I will be able to be with my Della?”
Opening his eyes he
begins studying the yard.
“Honestly I don’t know.”
Glancing at Stephanie briefly
Chase considers Archie’s situation.
“I don’t think you have been
here just to discover the gold.
It may be connected or it may not.”
Laying her hand over Archie’s hand Stephanie sees his
sorrow reflected in his eyes.
“I know this is difficult for you being
here without Della, but we will continue to search for a means to
release your spirit to go be with her.” Sadness fills her heart as
Archie gazes at her with tears in his eyes.
“I love you Archie, I will
miss you when you’re gone; however, you being with Della is more
important than anything else.”
Smiling sadly, “If finding the gold
doesn’t work then we will figure out some other way to help you.”
“I know I don’t know all the details so you may have already
tried this but have you tried to contact Della through a séance?”
Maria looks at Archie as she asks.
Shaking her head Stephanie answers, “This started a long
time before Della.
They fell in love after Archie had already been
killed and was a ghost.”
Archie rises up then floats to the back of
the hay barn.
Observing his posture she understands his anguish,
turning back to Maria.
“He has been trying to find a way to leave
since he died.
Then years later he fell in love with Della, at first
they would search for a way for him to leave, then as their love grew
they stopped searching. Since Della passed away several years
ago, Archie has been lonely, he loves her and he wants to be with
her.”
Chase rises up from the quilt, “I am going to go talk to
Archie.”
Before walking away he bends down kissing Stephanie’s
lips.
“Oh my, I didn’t mean to upset him.”
Watching as Chase
joins Archie by the barn, Maria asks Stephanie, “Should I go
apologize?”
Concern has Maria frowning.
Before Stephanie can respond Andy answers, “No, you were
just trying to help.
Besides I think it’s a good suggestion.
I don’t
think anyone has tried to contact Della.”
Andy raises his eyebrow
inquisitively at Stephanie.
As she negatively shakes her head he
continues, “We may want to check into how to do a séance.”
Hearing Chase holler they turn their attention to him, “Hey,
Archie thinks he knows where we should dig.”
Laughing he
watches as they raise to their feet and sprint to him.
Pointing to
the ground just inside the hay barn, “Archie thinks the work shed
was here, it was tore down when this barn was built, he thinks this
outside wall is about three feet past the spot of the shed.”