Unbreakable Bonds (26 page)

“Sounds good.” Levi got on his bike.

She did the same and they headed off. They chatted as the rode and stopped to pick up Heather, who joined them on her own bike before heading and getting Rachel and Matthew. It was the first time they all had gotten together for a while, with all of them being so busy. As they rode, Ta-Mara listened as Matthew and Levi talked.

“So are you up to me finally taking you fishing next week?” Matthew asked.

“Sure.” Levi’s brow furrowed. “Do I need to wear something particular to go fishing?”

“Clothing.” Matthew grinned. “Nakedness scares the fish and would scare me too to see you that way.”

Levi chuckled. Ta-Mara enjoyed the way the men interacted. Since the barbecue, Levi had become more comfortable with Matthew. She wasn’t sure all had been said but she was glad they seemed on their way to building a friendship.

“You look happy,” Rachel said to her left.

Heather spoke from her right, “And content. I’d say very sexually satisfied.”

The two women chuckled. Ta-Mara glanced between them and laughed.

“Nosy women.” Ta-Mara briefly looked at Levi then back at them. “I’m happy and all what you said.”

“You look a little tired. Tell Levi I said he should let you get more rest,” Heather teased.

Although it was said that way, Ta-Mara saw her concern. She kept her face so it didn’t reveal anything. Hell, she didn’t even know how to explain what was happening with her. Experiencing things as Calliope was a bit much to share with them. Yes they knew about Levi and had accepted that, but how could she possibly explain that she was experiencing things about a woman who had died so long ago. She was living her life and didn’t know if it was real or imagined. Even with them being understanding about Levi, she didn’t think this would fly over well. She hadn’t even mentioned it to Levi and still didn’t know how to start with him or her friends.

“Ta-Mara,” Rachel called.

“Hmmm…yeah?”

“Are you okay?” Rachel looked concerned.

“Yeah,” she replied by rote.

They didn’t ask anything further. Instead they chatted about what they had been up to. Absently Ta-Mara listened as Levi and Matthew continued making plans for their fishing trip.

* * * *

“I’m getting ready to go,” Levi said.

Ta-Mara glanced up from her book she was reading. “Ha—”

The phone rang and since he was closest, Levi picked it up. “Hello… Hey, Matthew.” He was silent for a while then said, “That’s okay. If you need my help, let me know. We’ll go out another time then. Okay, bye.”

When he hung up he glanced at Ta-Mara then came over to sit beside her. She leaned forward looking at him.

“We’re not going today. Matthew had to go out with John to check on their traps. They’ve been having some trouble with their lines disappearing.”

“Okay.” She frowned. “That’s not good.”

“Does he know what has been happening?”

“He didn’t say much.” Levi shrugged. “But he sounded stressed about it.”

“I hope everything works out.”

“Me too.” Levi shook his head. “I feel bad about it. They depend on what they bring in to live on. I told him if he needs help to let me know.”

“I heard.” Ta-Mara moved closer. “That was good of you to say.”

“Matthew is a good guy.” Levi sounded surprised then. “But John I don’t know so well.”

Ta-Mara thought of the continuing images she had of John and Calliope. Then her own interactions with him. John didn’t say much and she didn’t know him either. He was more of a friend of a friend than a direct one.

“I don’t either.” Ta-Mara snuggled against Levi. “Maybe we should have a get together with everyone and invite him. We should get to know him since he is Matthew’s business partner and friend.”

“Maybe—”

The phone rang again and Levi rose and went to answer. “Hello… Yeah she’s right here. It’s for you, Ta-Mara.”

She went over and accepted the phone. “Hello.”

One of the neighbors who had been helping out at Jessie Mae’s as her daughter worked said, “Ta-Mara, I’m sorry to bother you but I have an emergency. Can you come sit with Jessie Mae?”

“Sure. I’ll be there in a few.” She hung up then turned to Levi. “I’m heading over to Jessie Mae. I don’t know when I’ll be back.”

“No problem.” Levi came over and kissed her gently. “Tell Jessie Mae I said hi.”

“I will.” She hurried to grab her shoes and a few things before heading out.

She walked through the trees separating their properties and when she pushed the branch out of her way, Ta-Mara blinked. The landscape didn’t look anything like she was used to. Suddenly a woman rushed across the area looking behind her.

“I need to get away from him.”

At the words, Ta-Mara recognized Calliope. She looked at Ta-Mara then narrowed her eyes and came closer. Calliope stopped a few steps away from her then stared at her. Ta-Mara’s eyes widened and she stumbled a step back and the area reverted back to how she recalled it.

“Oh my God.” She lifted a shaking hand, placing it over her mouth. “Not a dream or flashback. I could swear she talked to me and saw me, but that’s not possible.”

She looked around and didn’t see anything to explain what just happened. Ta-Mara bit her lip, hurrying on to get to Jessie-Mae’s.
Another thing to add to a long line of weird
. She glanced back over her shoulder and when it was her usual path, she shrugged and decided to ignore it as a strange foible.

Chapter Seventeen

Ta-Mara sat back on her heels and stared off into space. She yawned, feeling the tiredness that had been her constant companion for the last few weeks. It was the sexual dreams Ta-Mara hated the most since she felt like an interloper to their love. Yes it was arousing, since she herself knew how it was to make love to Levi, but living it through Calliope’s thoughts and to feel him do it to her was not something she wanted to experience. Through the weeks, she’d gained a deeper understanding of Calliope and Levi’s relationship—the struggles they’d undergone to be together, their courage for standing up for their love during the time they’d lived. She’d gained even more respect for them as a couple and for Levi, who she knew so well. Ta-Mara had no idea why she had a front row seat to what had happened between Calliope and Levi. That was bugging her—even more so now because she’d not gone near the book.

She much preferred just having read it rather than feeling as if she lived it. Rubbing the back of her neck, Ta-Mara didn’t know how much longer she could go on like this. Levi was looking at her, seeming more and more concerned. She couldn’t form the words to tell him what was happening. Each time she thought of it, her throat closed up. Firm hands touched her shoulder and dug deep. Recognizing Levi’s touch, Ta-Mara relaxed back into his ministrations. She lowered her head, giving him better access.

“Right there.” Ta-Mara groaned.

“You’re so tight.” Levi pressed a kiss to the back of her neck then went back to massaging the knots in her shoulders. “You’re not sleeping well. Tell me what is wrong, Ta-Mara.”

She couldn’t. Hell, she didn’t even know how to say it.
Hey, Levi I’m dreaming of your dead lover. I know all about what you all did and what happened. How do I compare to her? Maybe I should let you call me by her name again.
At the last two thoughts, she felt bad. Not sleeping was making her wacky.
Ta-Mara could only imagine what he would do or say. None of it would be good. He’d probably look at her as if she’d lost her mind and would want to take her to the hospital. She wouldn’t blame him for doing so.

“I’m okay.” Ta-Mara faced him. “Just a little worn down.”

“You work too hard.” Levi put his hand on her side. “You need to rest, Ta-Mara. You go to work all day then help so many people.”

“They need it and I can do it.” She shrugged “You should talk. Your business is taking off and you’re hectic too.”

“I know.” Levi gave that smile she loved. The one that showed he was humbled by people wanting him to work for them. Levi didn’t know that it was his talent that got people calling him however once he was there it was openness that made them hire him. His honesty made them confident in their decision to have him there.

“I’m so proud of you.” She kissed him.

Levi pulled her into his lap. “Are you done cleaning?”

“Maybe.” She put her arms around his neck. “What did you have in mind?”

“A bath where we soak and I can take care of you.” He kissed her hard. “Then maybe I’ll let you have your way with me.”

“Sounds just like what I need. How’d I get so lucky?”

“I’m the one who is lucky.” He kissed her again.

Ta-Mara returned it. Levi was wrong—she was the one who was lucky to have him. She thought of the marks on his throat when he’d first arrived. He’d never said, but she thought they were from someone trying to hang him. Yes, she was lucky that he hadn’t died and had instead come to this time to be with her. He was hers, and no matter what dreams she had, Ta-Mara wasn’t about to give him up.

* * * *

“I’m heading out.”

Ta-Mara glanced up from where she was stretched out on the couch. She felt so much more rested today. Last night after Levi had pampered her, there had thankfully been no dreams.

“Looking good.” She smiled. “I like the hat.”

“Thanks for getting it for me.” Levi took it off, looking at it. “Are you sure it doesn’t look strange? I don’t understand why one would need a hat for fishing.”

Levi was finally going fishing with Matthew. They had both had been so busy and although they’d made plans to go, either Levi or Matthew had ended up canceling.

“It’s not for fishing, per se. It’s for you to shade your face.” Ta-Mara wiggled her fingers. “I don’t want you to get sunburn.”

Levi looked at her as if she was nuts. “Ta-Mara, much of the work I do is outside.”

She knew that and his skin had become tanned because of it.

“Fine, you caught me.” Ta-Mara pouted. “I just wanted to buy you something.”

Since Levi had started working and making his own money, he hadn’t wanted her getting him anything. He insisted she had already done too much. She’d agreed only if she was allowed to for special occasions.

“Ta-Mara—”

“It’s your first fishing trip,” she interjected. “So it’s an occasion. As per our agreement, I can buy you something.”

“Why do I think I’m going to regret agreeing to that stipulation?” Levi narrowed his eyes. “That you’re going to find loopholes in it.”

“Because you know me so well.” Ta-Mara chuckled.

Levi came toward her. “When are your friends arriving?”

“Any minute now.” She sat up, kissing him.

“Have fun.” Levi straightened then headed for the door. “I’m heading to docks to meet Matthew and his partner John.”

“Drive safe.” Ta-Mara waved. “Say hi to Matthew for me.”

Levi has started taking her vehicle more and more. He dropped her off at work in the morning then headed to whatever job he had then came back to pick her up.

“I will,” he said then went out of view. She heard the sound of the door opening then Levi. “Hey, ladies.”

Her friends replied then the sound of the door closing echoed in the house. Ta-Mara sat up and smiled as Heather, Jasmine and Rachel came in.

“Hey.”

“Hi,” they all echoed.

Ta-Mara looked at Heather and noticed she looked upset. “What’s wrong, Heather?”

The other women glanced at Heather. She blinked then her lips wobbled and tears fell from her eyes. Ta-Mara rose, pulled Heather down beside her and rubbed her hand up and down her back. She looked over her head at Rachel and Jasmine. They didn’t look like they knew what was going on.

“I told my family about Matthew and that I’m pregnant,” Heather said in a rush.

Ta-Mara waited for her to continue, but when she didn’t she urged, “And?”

“Dad pitched a fit and said I was lowering myself for Matthew. That I was a whore having a child outside of wedlock.” Heather smiled tremulously. “But it’s okay. Matthew loves me.”

“He does.” Rachel sat on the center table.

Jasmine sat beside her, taking Heather’s hands in hers. “Hell, even if he flakes on you when you tell him, we’ll be here. Raise the baby ourselves. The little one will have four mamas. We’ll put the fear of God in anyone who tries to hurt him or her. Including your asshole dad.”

“Matthew won’t flake on me.” Heather lifted her hand. “Before I even told him I was pregnant he asked me to marry him. I told him after I said yes. He was mad at first I hadn’t told him right away, but thrilled he’s going to be a dad.”

“He asked you to marry him.” Ta-Mara hugged her then held her out. “But wait, why did you dad say you were having a baby out of wedlock if you are engaged?”

“I didn’t get a chance to tell him. He lost it when he heard what Matthew did. Said he wouldn’t be able to support me, much less a baby. I don’t need him supporting me. This is a fifty-fifty partnership. I’m a doctor in the hospital and he’s a fisherman. We’ll be a team.”

“Yes, a team,” Jasmine said. “He’s a good man.”

They all looked at her.

“What?” She scowled then grinned. “Anyone who stands up to me is good in my book.”

They laughed.

“Let’s celebrate. Champagne.” Ta-Mara squeezed Heather. “Milk or juice for the expectant mother.”

“I’m going to be a mom.” Heather grinned.

She glowed, and Ta-Mara wondered how it would feel if she was getting married to Levi and pregnant with his child. She put her hand over her womb and sighed.

You all would make a lovely child together.
Ta-Mara glanced up and went still.

The ghostly figure of Calliope stood before the window with a soft smile on her lips. She inclined her head and faded.

“Ta-Mara, are you okay?”

Heather’s question drew her attention.

“Yeah. Let me get that champagne.”

The others rose with her and they went toward the entry of the living room. Ta-Mara looked back and, not seeing anything, she wondered if she imagined Calliope. She was awake, so maybe she had. She dismissed it as being fanciful as she exited the living room.