Second Chance Dreams (A Coverton Mills Romance Book 2) Page 19

  “I…I…hope…sh…she’ll be o…okay.”

  “We’re going to take some precautions to make sure she is.” Jude replaced the pliers on the hook. “I want you to go ahead and soak her foot in hot water and salts this afternoon and again in the morning. It could abscess. If she’s still showing pain after you soak it today, go ahead and give her one gram of Bute. It’ll make her comfortable and fight any inflammation that’s there. Keep a close eye on her, and let me know if there’s the slightest change. If I happen not to be here, call Neil or Red. Either of them will know what to do.”

  Doby nodded and put Moonflower back in her stall. “I ta…take you back be…be…fore I so…soak it.”

  “Thanks, Doby. I’d walk, but I don’t want to keep the senator waiting.”

  Doby frowned at him. There was a question in his eyes.

  “Yep, Doby, can you believe it? I’m going to marry a United States Senator.” He chuckled. “Who in their right mind would have ever believed that would happen?”

  •♥ •

  On Jude’s instructions, The Bed and Breakfast and More closed to the public after lunch on Sunday. They decorated with flower arrangements filled with wildflowers and set up an elaborate dinner buffet to serve Jude and Kay and all their invited family and friends.

  It surprised everyone there when one of the guests was Reverend Clyde Albertson. There was some speculation as to why, since Jude didn’t go to Coverton Mills Methodist church where the minister served. Most believed tonight was going to turn into an engagement announcement followed by a wedding rehearsal. More than a few hoped it would.

  At first, there were a few strained moments at the gathering. Nobody was sure if Kay was going to accept their apologies for their actions or not. It wasn’t long until they all knew she had no animosity toward them at all. Soon, everyone was relaxed, and it turned into a fun time for everyone involved. Just before the meal, Jude stood up and called everyone to attention.

  “We appreciate all of you coming for dinner on such short notice,” he said. “I thought it’d be easier to get you in a group so those who wanted to could apologize to Kay for believing those lies about her. And for those of you who don’t know what I’m talking about, suffice it to say, because of false information, we jumped to some wrong conclusions and hurt her feelings. Of course, Kay doesn’t want an apology, but we had to let her know how sorry we were, didn’t we?”

  “Absolutely,” Mavis said. “And thank God, she’s willing to give us a second chance.”

  “I second that,” Heather said.

  Several people in the room agreed with them.

  When it was quiet again, he went on, “As you know I was the biggest fool of all. I almost let this woman slip out of my life. But that’s not going to happen again.” He motioned for Kay to join him and when she stood beside him, he put his arm around her. “Besides welcoming her back to Coverton Mills, I wanted you to come here tonight so I could let you know she forgave me, too. Not only that, she’s agreed to become my wife.”

  Applause and calls of congratulations and best wishes filled the room.

  When it was quiet again, Kay said, “Thank you all for being here, and I look forward to becoming a part of this town.” She glanced up at Jude. “And most of all, I look forward to becoming Mrs. Jude Winslow.”

  Jude kissed her cheek and looked around the room. “You hear that, Brock and Seth?” His eyes rested on his friends, Brock Pendleton and Seth Armstrong. “You both can get that wishful look out of your eyes. She’s all mine.”

  There was a burst of laughter, and Brock stood. “I’m going to have to be on guard from now on. I’m not going to let any more of my friends snatch up the good ones like you and Alex have before I have a chance to make a play.” He walked forward. “At least I’m going to shake your hand and kiss the future Mrs. Winslow.”

  The party became lively, and it wasn’t long until they were eating and having a wonderful time. Most were finishing up their meals when the Reverend Clyde Albertson stood and called for everyone’s attention.

  “Folks, I know you’re all as excited and happy for Kay and Jude as I am. I had the pleasure of meeting with them this afternoon and I’m sure after people like Mavis and Heather give her a little training, Kay is going to make a pretty good farm wife. Not only that, I found out she’s a Methodist, so don’t be surprised if you run into her and Jude at Coverton Mills Methodist Church.”

  Jude nodded. “Since God helped me land her, the least I can do is go to church every once in a while and say thank you.”

  Everyone laughed, and the reverend went on. “Now, don’t any of you panic, but I guess you noticed there was no dessert on the food line. There’s a good reason for that. We’re going to have a special dessert in a few minutes. Kay’s housekeeper, Gilbert has been working on it all day, and from all the reports I’ve heard, he’s not only a wonderful cook, but he’s a fantastic baker, too.”

  Everyone applauded.

  Gilbert stuck his head out the kitchen door and nodded at the crowd.

  The Reverend Albertson went on. “Now, I’m going to ask Kay and Jude to come up front with me. As you may have noticed, they’re dressed a little nicer than the rest of us. Kay has on a lovely aqua colored frock and Jude is actually wearing a suit and tie.”

  Everyone laughed again.

  Jude stood and took Kay’s arm. Unnoticed by the crowd, Red and Darlene and Cole and Alisa also got out of their seats and joined Jude and Kay at the front of the room.

  “Now,” the reverend was saying. “As some of you have guessed, we might be here tonight to have a wedding rehearsal for these two wonderful people.”

  Gilbert slipped to the front of the room and placed a large bouquet of wild flowers in Kay’s arm. He handed two smaller ones to Darlene and Alisa. He then took a seat nearby.

  As the muttering died down, the reverend picked up his robe, slipped it on and added, “Well, let me tell you, you’re wrong about this being a rehearsal, folks. This is the real thing. We’re gathered here tonight in the sight of God and their friends and family to join Kay Littleton and Jude Winslow in the holy bonds of matrimony.”

  There was a stunned silence which was broken by a burst of applause and whistles and a few cat calls. Jude turned around to see all his school mates known as the Redwoods giving him the big thumbs up sign as they had when winning a game in high school. He grinned and gave it back to them.

  When everyone settled down, the ceremony proceeded. The photographer they’d hired slipped out of the kitchen to take pictures, and the wedding turned out to be lovely and casual at the same time. Just what the couple hoped it would be. Then, the Reverend told Jude to kiss his bride.

  Jude lifted Kay off her feet and gave her the kiss of a life time. The crowd broke out in thunderous applause and shouts. The couple hardly had time to hug Red and Cole and their wives before they were besieged by friends. Gilbert slipped into the kitchen.

  It took a while, but finally everyone settled down and Gilbert wheeled a beautiful wedding cake into the room. The waitresses followed with wines and champagnes from Alex’s vineyard.

  The party was still going at eleven o’clock when Jude announced it was time to take his bride away for a while. “Where you going on a honeymoon, Jude? It’s mighty late to be traveling tonight.” Neil poked his arm.

  “We’re not telling anyone except the ones who already know where we’re going on a honeymoon because the press would be after Kay like a blue-tick hound after a coon.” Kay rolled her eyes and he added, “I figure it’ll be bad enough when we get back to Washington next week.”

  “I know every woman in DC is going to want my man. My secretary already does.” Kay placed her hand on his arm.

  “Hey, you didn’t tell me that.” He grinned at her.

  “I had to get you locked down legal before telling you some things. The women of DC can be lethal.” She smiled up at him. “I know I have nothing to worry about, because as you once told me, we love ea
ch other.”

  He leaned down and kissed her cheek. “I meant it, too.”

  Red came up from behind them and put his arm around Kay. “I love you, Aunt Kay. Thank you for forgiving all of us idiots.”

  “I love you, too, nephew. I’m so glad I’ll be seeing a lot of you.” She put her arms around him and hugged him tightly.

  Neil pulled Jude to the side. “I’m serious, buddy. Is there anything I can do at your farm while you’re gone?”

  “I think I have everything covered. I told Doby to call you or Red if he needed you, but if you like, one of you guys can check on Moonflower in the morning. She had some glass in her hoof and I don’t want it to get infected.” He grinned and added in a low voice, “Do me one other favor.”

  “Sure. What can I do?”

  “Don’t you dare let anyone come anywhere near the cabin tonight.”

  CHAPTER 23

  “I’m hungry. How about you?” Jude slid his arm around Kay’s waist as they descended the steps in the cabin. It was mid-morning.

  “Well, if we’d have gotten up and made breakfast instead of you know what, you’d be full.”

  “But you know what is so much better than bacon and eggs.”

  She punched him playfully in the stomach. “It was fun, I must admit.”

  “The whole night was wonderful. It just gets better and better every time.”

  “I agree with that.” She looked up at him and he leaned down and kissed her. “You better stop that, big boy, or you’re going to have to wait longer for food.”

  “I can wait if ...” his words trailed off. “What in the world is that noise?”

  “It sounds like cars.”

  Jude shook his head. “If our friends think this is funny…” He released her and walked to the door. He frowned. “It’s Doby. Red and Cole are following him.”

  She came up behind Jude. “They’re trying to get him back into his truck.”

  “Damn, he must be strong. He’s fought them off. I’ll see what this is about, you wait here. It may be the mare. I told him to call Neil, not me.” He opened the door and stepped onto the porch. “What the hell is going on?”

  Doby was at the bottom of the steps. “Go…Got to se…see the sen…senator.”

  “What are you talking about, Doby?”

  “It’s okay, Jude. He looks desperate.” Though Kay was still wearing her silk robe and gown she came out the door. “Let him say what he has to say.”

  “Ple…please.”

  “If you insist on seeing him, Kay, we’ll have to go inside. You’ll freeze out here.” He looked at Cole and Red. “You might as well come in, too.”

  Once they were all seated in the living room, Doby said, “I try…tried…see…you…in…Wash…washing…ton, they…no…no…not…let me.”

  “I’m sorry. They should’ve let you see me.” She glanced at Jude. “Why did you want to see me, Doby? May I call you Doby?”

  He nodded. “I…try…ca…calling…but…my talk… th… they… hung…up.” She nodded and he went on. “I wa was in pr…prison ca…camp.”

  “Yes, Cole told me you were in a POW camp. I’m so glad you were able to get out of there.”

  “Go…got mes…message…for you.”

  She nodded again.

  “Cap…Captain…s…say…te…tell…ma…ma…mama…I’m… a…a…alive.”

  “I understand. Someone wants their mother to know they’re alive and you want me to find her. Is that right?”

  “No.” He looked frustrated. “Cap… captain… Lit… Little… Littleton.”

  Kay looked stunned for a second then her hand flew to her face. “Do you mean…are you saying…my Jimmy’s…alive?”

  “He wa…was.”

  “My Jimmy’s a…Oh…” Kay’s head went backward and she became limp.

  Jude caught her before she fell out of the chair. “Honey… Kay… Are you…”

  Cole came to their side. “Let me, Dad.” He took Kay’s hand and felt her pulse. He then looked at her eyes. “Get me a cold, wet cloth.”

  Red ran to the kitchen and Cole said, “She’s okay, Dad. She just fainted.”

  Jude looked at Doby. “Are you saying you were in a prison camp with Captain James Littleton of the US Air Force and you’ve been trying to get in touch with his mother?”

  “Ye…Yes.” He looked at Kay. “I’m so…sorry. No…body…let…m…me s…see her.”

  “Don’t be sorry Doby. If this is true, it’s the best wedding present we could ever receive. How was Jimmy?”

  “Ba…bad…but a…a…alive when I go…got out. I…I tr…tried…ha…hard…to see sen…senator. No wa…way I could… get t…to her.”

  Kay moaned then opened her eyes. “What happened?”

  “You fainted, honey.”

  She sat up. When she saw Doby, her heart pounded. “My Jimmy.” She reached for Doby. “Tell me about Jimmy. What have they done to him? Is he really alive? Where is he?”

  “Calm down, Kay.” Jude put his arm around her. “Doby told me Jimmy was alive when he was released. Jimmy wanted him to get in touch with you, but it seems he’s been thwarted everywhere he turned. Thank God, he wasn’t held back today.”

  “Oh, yes.” Kay closed her eyes. “Can it be true? Is Jimmy alive?” She reached for Jude. “Do you realize what this means to me?” Before Jude could answer, she turned back to Doby. “You’re sure it was Jimmy?”

  Doby nodded.

  Kay stood and took several deep breaths. “Are you okay, Aunt Kay?”

  She nodded. “Yes, Red, but right now I’ve got to stop being a mother and become a senator. Only clear thinking will get my son out of there.” She turned again to Doby. “Do you know where this camp is?”

  “If…if…I…h…had…a ma…map.”

  “I’ll get you a map.” She whirled to Jude. “Is there a fax machine here?”

  “No, but there’s one in my office at the house.” Before she could ask, he said, “Let’s all go there now.”

  “Let’s hurry.” She started for the door.

  “You need to get dressed, Kay.”

  “I’ll put on a coat.”

  “No. It’s below freezing out there. You get dressed. Boys, you all go to the house and we’ll be there in a few minutes.”

  “But…”

  “Kay, honey, think about it. If Jimmy comes home it won’t do him much good to have a mother sick with pneumonia.”

  “Okay. Okay. I won’t be but a minute.” She turned to the stairs.

  “As I said, you guys go on to the house. Red, you call Mavis and Neil. Tell them to meet us there. Don’t call anyone else. We don’t need a crowd. Don’t even let your wives know what’s happening yet.” He turned toward the stairs then paused. “Do let Gilbert know what’s going on. He needs to be there for Kay.”

  •♥ •

  An hour-and-a-half later, Kay was pacing around Jude’s living room with the phone in her ear. The fax of the map came through thirty minutes earlier, and they had spread it on the coffee table. Mavis was placing sweet rolls, fruit and the sandwiches Gilbert had made from the chicken salad she’d brought on the side table. He followed her with coffee and tea.

  Though everyone else was nibbling, Kay still hadn’t eaten anything and nobody was able to get her to. She was back on the phone arguing with someone in the Pentagon. “I don’t understand, General. If we know where the camp is, and we know there are at least six or eight POWs still there, what’s so hard about going in and bringing them out?”

  “Ma’am, you don’t understand…”

  “I just told you I didn’t understand. It makes no sense. You have troops in the area, the camp has the least amount of guards it has had in a while, and there are fewer prisoners there than usual. Are you waiting until they capture more of our men?”

  “That’s a ridiculous statement, Senator. You should know better.”

  “General, I know a lot of things you don’t. Are you going to rescue those men or
do I have to go over your head?”

  “Senator, there’s a possibility I could maybe check around and find out if your son is indeed there. I hate to do it, because it looks like we’re showing favoritism, but maybe I could get him out.”

  “I want my son out more than anything, sir, but he’d never forgive me if I sacrificed the other POWs for his life. He’s that kind of man.”

  “Well, if you refuse that offer, there’s nothing more I can do for you.”

  “Is there someone there who has one more star than you?”

  “I happen to be the highest ranking officer here at the moment!”

  “That’s too bad. Looks like I’ll have to go to the top.”

  “You wouldn’t be fool enough to go to the Commander-in-Chief on this, would you?”

  “You bet your little shiny star I would.” Without giving him time to answer she slammed down the phone. “We’ve got idiots running our government.”

  “I agree with you, honey, but try to stay as calm as you can.”

  She nodded.

  “Kay, honey, please eat a sandwich. Jude said you hadn’t eaten since last night.” Mavis looked at her.

  “I’m fine. I have to call the president before that idiot gets to him and warns him about my call.”

  “Aunt Kay, are you really going to call the president?” Red’s eyes were big.

  “Yes, I am, honey.” She dialed a number from memory. There was a long pause. Kay smiled at the room full of people looking at her. A voice asked who was calling.

  Kay’s friends listened to her end of the conversation.

  “This is Senator Kay Littleton. I want to speak to the president right away…Yes, I know he had a morning meeting scheduled. When will he be out of it? No. I won’t call him tomorrow. Have him call me as soon as he’s out of the meeting…No, that won’t do, either. I need to talk to him right away…Listen, I don’t have time to argue with you. Do you know about the budget bill he’s trying to get through the senate?…I thought you’d know about it. Now, take this number.” She gave the number of Jude’s house phone to the secretary. “You need to tell the president to call me at that number within the hour…No. I said within the hour. If I don’t hear from him by then, his bill has no chance of passing in the next ten years…Yes, it’s a threat. A threat he’ll understand. Have him call.”