I quickly became an idiot about that jacket, wearing it around the house on Saturday, much to my parents' amusement. Who knew I could be such a girlie girl? Mom reminisced about her high school days and a boy who'd broken her heart. Unlike Cooper's parents, mine had met in college. I'd been a late addition, one that came long after they'd given up on getting pregnant. That meant my parents were ten years, if not more, older than Cooper's mom.
Promptly at seven that evening, I drove to Chick-fil-A for my guy's dinner break. I ate with him this time. While we chewed, swallowed, and sipped, we talked.
"I'm going back to the farm tomorrow," said Cooper. "Come with me? The weather should be perfect."
I squelched my instant negativity. "Sure. You're not going to pitch that tent, are you?"
He shrugged. "That's still under consideration. Marty wants to see it, too, and so do Jenn and Joey."
"Mind if I ask Brynn?"
"Not at all."
"What about Tyler and his girlfriend?"
Cooper's eyebrows shot up. "He's got himself a girl?"
"Yeah, though he hasn't been brave enough to introduce her yet."
"Excellent." He seemed unusually pleased. "Ask them all. We'll have a picnic."
If anything could erase lingering bad memories about that homestead, a picnic in the sun would surely do it. So I made a few calls, and by the time I left Cooper that night, we had an outing planned.
I stopped at the grocery store on the way home to pick up the things I'd promised to bring--hotdogs, buns, and Coke. Brynn promised to furnish baked beans and chips. Marty said he'd bring a chocolate cake that I felt sure his mom would be baking. Tyler volunteered more drinks plus all the paper products.
On Sunday, Cooper picked me up at nine, a couple of hours earlier than we'd told everyone else so we'd have some alone time. Or so he said. I wondered if he just wanted to be sure there were no spirits lurking. I know I did.
The house looked so different in the light of day. Though the paint was peeling, it wasn't half as bad as I'd originally thought. Once we went in, the inside looked better, too, and I noticed Cooper inspecting the ceiling for dark spots that would indicate a leak. I could tell he loved that there weren't any.
He went back to his truck and got a broom I hadn't noticed from the bed. He also lifted out a box filled with all kinds of stuff--Windex, an all-purpose cleaning spray, rags, trash bags, a bucket with water in it. How all that water hadn't sloshed out en route, I just didn't know. We spent the next hour sweeping the living room floor and wiping down all surfaces in the kitchen. And while Cooper tackled the panes in the front windows, I picked up trash in that one nasty bedroom in back.
Something about that room gave me the creeps. Maybe it was the nature of the trash, I thought, eyeing the bag I'd filled with old newspapers, Styrofoam cups, and take out containers. I even saw a Spinelli's pizza box, which made me wonder if a transient had been here at all. This indicated take-out since no one would deliver this far. Plus, Spinelli's charged way too much for their food, which should've eliminated a homeless person. When my gaze landed on a condom I nearly freaked. I used the broom and dustpan to get rid of it.
What the heck had gone on in here?
We definitely needed to get that mattress out of the house, but I wasn't going to touch it without wearing gloves. A little suspicious of all this cleaning, I casually made my way to the truck at one point to see if Cooper had tucked a tent in the bed, too. But there wasn't one. When I returned to the house, he crooked a finger at me. I went straight to him, loving the way his strong arms felt wrapped around my body. Abandoning our chores, we kissed...as in a lot. I wished we were older and married, alone in a house that had been in his family for years.
By the time I heard the crunch of gravel that announced our fellow picnickers, half of the house looked pretty dang good inside and we'd both been thoroughly kissed. The porch was just as clean, since he'd swept it before we started making out.
Marty, Brynn, and the kids got out of the truck and joined us. I saw Brynn had a covered baking dish. Jenn carried a sack with chips in it. We took everything inside, and I gave them a tour. Since Cooper had opened all windows to air out the place, I could hear everything he and Marty said to each other. Their excitement was a palpable thing, especially to me. I loved listening to them bat around ideas about what could be done with the property.
When Tyler got there in his dad's truck a short time later, Brynn and I darted out of the house to meet his woman. Model gorgeous, she waited until he opened her door to get out. That was eye opening to Brynn and me since he'd never done that for either of us.
First thing, I noticed that she stood just a forehead shorter than Tyler. She wore her honey-blond curls loose today, and they fell halfway down her back. I marveled that I hadn't really noticed her at school, but with a senior class so large it probably wasn't that weird. We undoubtedly passed in the hall on a daily basis, me slipping by without really seeing her for two reasons: my height and her gender.
"This is Heather McGee," said Tyler, getting introductions out of the way. "Heather, meet Brynn Tucker and Mia Tagliaro. The rest of you know each other, right?"
"Yeah," said Marty, who clearly did. "Didn't know you guys were going out, though."
She gave us a smile. "That's because we just happened. Right, sweetie?" Heather blew him a kiss.
I nearly threw up in my mouth, but then I had on a letter jacket, so I could hardly judge her for being such a girl. When Brynn's arm grazed mine, I could feel her silent laughter and deliberately stepped aside so I wouldn't lose it. Seeing Tyler so attentive to any female gave me hope for things equally impossible: world peace, global cooling, cures for cancer and AIDS.
After everyone got a good look inside the house and barn, which felt absolutely benign, thank goodness, the guys made a fire in the backyard, using wood stacked on the porch. Sheltered from the rain and years dry, it soon blazed. I noticed that Cooper kept a constant eye on it, but didn't worry. It had rained off and on all week. The damp ground would keep things safe enough.
Soon Cooper and I sat on the back steps to eat, balancing our paper plates. I couldn't think of a time more perfect and loved everything from the bright blue sky and autumn trees to the sounds of rural Louisiana. I especially enjoyed the rustle of the wind that loosened leaves from their branches and showered us with color every few minutes. Jenn and Joey had a ball roasting marshmallows. We even made s'mores. And I think we all lingered there until three because everything felt so peaceful and perfect.
We were the last ones to leave, of course. Before Cooper locked up, I led him inside the house, stood in the middle of the living room floor, and pointed a spot on the floor next to me. With a grin, he sat, legs crossed campfire style. I straddled his lap and hugged him for the longest time, relishing the steady beat of his heart and his warm breath against my cheek. Then I kissed him.
With shadows lengthening around us, we stayed in our own little world, kissing and touching. Though a few articles of clothing might've gotten pushed aside, we didn't get naked or have sex. Not that I wouldn't have if he'd wanted to. Though he didn't know it, I was so hot for him I ached, a brand new sensation. Cooper meant everything to me. And I'm sure if he'd had any idea I was that willing--eager, actually--nothing could've stopped us from hooking up.
But he didn't have a clue, so we wound up leaving around four with me still a virgin. Was he? Didn't know; didn't ask. We had forever to learn each other's secrets.
At least I hoped we did.
On the way home, I wondered if an eighteen-year-old girl could really know her heart. A glance at Cooper assured me I could. That boy had forever tattooed across his forehead as far as I was concerned. I would never let him go as long as he wanted me, too.
Simply put, we were a perfect fit.
I thought about his house, which had so much potential as a future home for him. Not seeing any spirits around had not only given me a good feeling about it, I now felt sure I'd done the right thing in calling Detective Simms out there. If the ghost I'd run through that night had just been murdered, then he and his men would surely find proof of it. So I could now leave homicides behind and focus on spirits who'd found peace in death. I sincerely hoped none of them let any more murdered women slip their way into my psyche.
"What are you thinking about?"
"White dresses, veils, honeymoons."
Cooper choked on his own spit. Cough. Cough. Gulp. "Er. Might be a little soon for that."
"Who said they had anything to do with you?"
Now his jaw dropped. "If you're planning on marrying someone else, you can just forget it."
I hooted at that.
"I'm serious."
"And I was lying. Though I do have a very strong feeling--and you know how strong they can be--that when I do walk down the aisle, it will be with you."
"Promise?"
"Of course."
"Good."
Keeping his left hand on the steering wheel, fingers out, he used his right to pull off his class ring. Cooper handed it to me. "A token of my sincerity."
"I already have one." I tugged on the edges of the jacket so he'd know what I meant.
"Here's another."
Unbuckling my seat belt, I stretched across the console and slid the ring back onto his second finger. "I'm not taking your senior ring, okay? But you've given me a great idea." Now I tugged off my own, which no longer represented a senior year at Ville Cachée, though it still held meaning. I shoved it onto his pinkie, right hand. It fit. I took that as a good sign.
He grinned and didn't even pretend to argue. Smiling at his reaction, I settled in again and buckled up. I made him come into my house for a little while when we got there. Did we announce our kinda sorta engagement? Not even close, but we did let Mom talk us into a game of Uno. So it was late when I walked him to this truck.
Our goodbye kiss felt extra special. I sensed a layer of depth I credited to near sex and sincere promises and honestly couldn't think when I'd ever been happier.
* * * *
The following school week lasted two whole days with us off Wednesday through Friday for Thanksgiving. Cooper ate lunch with us Thursday, traditional American offerings that included turkey, dressing, mashed potatoes with giblet gravy, and pumpkin pie. My parents, who'd been born in the states, did throw in one Italian surprise--albicocca gelato that actually complimented the pie. I explained to Cooper that albicocca meant apricot.
Though I offered to help with clean up, Mom shooed us out the kitchen door. We sat on the back deck steps without minding that the wind had a bite to it. I loved autumn and spring, which I considered transition seasons. Summers could be so hot. And winter usually brought us ice instead of snow, always stressful, especially when I had to drive on it.
I rested my head on Cooper's shoulder. "Have you heard from your mom?"
"No."
"What will she and Patrick be doing today?"
"The Marsh Thanksgiving tradition includes ham and sweet potatoes, eaten at dinner. There are always homemade cloverleaf rolls and a pecan pie, both made by Mom who is one heck of a cook."
"Bet you miss her meals, huh?" I kept my question soft to avoid jarring his thoughts.
"Yeah." It took a second, but he finally heard what had probably been an unconscious and therefore sincere reply. "But I'm doing okay."
"Will you get mad if I suggest something that's for your own good?"
Cooper's gaze narrowed. "Suggest it, and I'll let you know."
"Why don't we go by your house and wish your parents a happy Thanksgiving?"
"Mia--"
"Cooper--" I mimicked his impatient inflection exactly.
He groaned. "I know I'll be sorry if I do."
"Because?"
"Patrick has a knack for setting me off, and I'm not sure another clash won't do my mother in."
"Is that why you left? To save your mother some heartache?"
He just looked at me.
"It was!" I punched his arm even though I was glad he hadn't been run off.
"Ouch. I told you not to hate her."
"And how could I not thinking she and her husband kicked you out of their stupid house?" I stood and brushed off my butt. "Come on. We're going over there now."
"God you're bossy."
"Well, someone has to be. How else will you know how to live your life?"
That earned me his wry laugh.
I could tell my parents were thrilled that Cooper was going to see his mom. They undoubtedly saw things from a parents' point of view, perhaps imagining their lives if I'd run away.
We got to Martinsburg mid-afternoon. Cooper sat in the car for a moment, his eyes on the house. Though he looked calm enough, his fingers, drumming on the steering wheel, told a different story.
"Just do it."
With a shake of his head he got out of the truck. So did I. We met near the front left fender and walked to the door together. Once there, Cooper gave himself an all-over body shake as if trying to loosen up tensed muscles. He next tipped his head from side to side to get the kinks out of his neck.
I felt so sorry for him. This had to be torture.
He rang the bell.
A side curtain shifted slightly and dropped into place again. The door flew back. Natalie Marsh stood there, clearly nervous as heck but managing a smile. Was she that dominated by her husband? Now I felt sorry for her.
"Cooper. Honey. What a surprise. Have you come for dinner?"
"No. We've already eaten too much. Can we talk? As in alone?"
She glanced over her shoulder instead of answering.
"Who is it, Nat?" Marsh's question from another room made me jump.
Natalie hesitated before calling out. "It's Cooper."
I heard the footrest of a recliner slam down. A heartbeat later, Patrick Marsh strode into the foyer. "What's up?"
"I'm here to talk to Mom."
"Good, good. It's past time. Come into the living room." He started in that direction, motioning for us to follow.
"Just Mom."
Marsh stopped in his tracks. "I think I should hear anything you have to say."
"So you can interpret for her and not get anything right?"
"Now you listen here--"
Natalie held up her hands, stopping the argument before it started. She caught Cooper's eye. "I don't mind if you don't."
"But I do mind. This is between me and you, Mom. It has nothing to do with him."
Her eyes began to fill. "But we're a family."
I could tell Cooper hated those tears. His sigh confirmed it. "Don't cry, okay? He can listen in if you really want him to."
Whew. One hurdle down. How many to go? We all walked into the living room. Marsh muted the TV, though he didn't turn it off, which told me he didn't rank this conversation higher than the holiday football game now playing out. That wasn't very encouraging.
I waited to see where Cooper would sit. He chose the couch, perching on the edge of the cushion. I took a spot right next to him. Natalie sat on the arm of her husband's recliner.
"I saw Grandma Ruby the other day," Cooper said, jumping right in.
That surprised Natalie. "She was in Martinsburg?"
"No, Mia and I went to Nacogdoches."
"Oh."
"She told me she's written lots of letters and cards and sent gifts through the years. What did you do with them?"
Natalie and Marsh exchanged a quick look before she answered. "Pa-- I mean we thought it would be better for all concerned if you believed your grandparents never made attempts to know you. It's not like there would ever be a reconciliation, and I wanted to protect you from that man."
"'That man' being Grandpa Mel?"
Natalie nodded. "Yes. Brett's father was an obnoxious son of a bitch, and I offer no apology for my honesty. I'll never forget or forgive the things he said to me when your dad and I told him we were pregnant. He did not deserve a grandchild as precious as you."
Whoa. Did she hate her in-laws or what? I swallowed hard.
But Cooper kept his cool. "Well he's dead now, and Grandma told me I inherited the old Ray home place. She gave me a key to the house. I'll be getting the deed in the mail any day."
Marsh snorted. "And just what will you do with that eyesore?"
"Believe me, whatever I do won't involve you."
Cooper's mom, no doubt sensing an impending explosion just as I was, tried to shift gears. "You should know that I'm not the only one who didn't like Mel Ray. His own son couldn't abide the sight of him."
"Yeah, well they're together now and getting along just fine."
Natalie gasped and put her hand on her heart. "You've seen them." It wasn't a question. After all, she knew what her brilliant son could do.
"Mia has."
Marsh visibly tensed at this news. Natalie's gaze shifted to me. I saw nothing but resentment in those flashing green eyes of hers. "This is all your fault."
Cooper jumped up, his cheeks staining scarlet. "Don't even go there."
"Well, we were doing just fine until she showed up--"
"I'm not kidding..."
I could tell he was counting to ten or something, very admirable considering the situation. Personally, I wanted to throw a sofa pillow at his mom and his stepdad. Or maybe that ham I smelled cooking would make a more lethal projectile.
Cooper drew in a shaky breath. "You're so blind, and I don't understand why. Patrick Marsh is no different than Grandpa Mel. He's a bully who insists that everything has to be done his way. I feel sorry for you and Grandma Ruby. You're both victims with no choice but to give up your sons to get a little peace."
Marsh sprang from his chair, nearly knocking his wife off the chair arm. "That's enough!"
Cooper ignored him, his gaze glued to his mother. "You know it's true."
"Leave now." Marsh took his stepson by the biceps as if to drag him to the door.
I caught my breath. Bad move, dude.
But Cooper didn't slug him or anything. Instead, he jerked his arm free, grabbed my hand, and strode out the front door. I could barely keep up as he charged down the sidewalk to his truck. We both jumped inside it. He started the engine and shifted into reverse, shooting out of the driveway and into the street.
A car honked, my first indication that we'd barely avoided a wreck. As Cooper shifted again and hit the gas, I saw that car turn into the Marsh drive and noted Arkansas plates.
Then we left them all far behind.
I expected him to take me straight home or maybe to Marty's. Instead, he drove to his house in the country, I guessed because he didn't feel like he belonged anywhere else. By then dusk had arrived, but preoccupied with Cooper's melodrama, I felt no fear of the impending dark.
Silly me.