Horizons (27 page)

“We pooled our resources,” Zach told them. “Each of us, in his or her own way, had something valuable to contribute. Even Earl Roberts, who came up with the idea of a slingshot for shooting pigeons.”

One reporter said, “I suppose it had one of those leather slings, like David had in biblical times.”

Zach laughed and shook his head. “No, it had an elastic sling, believe it or not. Much easier to use.”

“Where’d you get the elastic?” the man inquired curiously.

Zach nodded toward Kelly, who, with a charming blush, took up the tale from there. “Actually, it came from the waistband of my pantyhose.”

Everyone laughed. “Very ingenious,” someone called out.

“We thought so,” Kelly admitted. “Zach also employed my dental floss in lieu of fishing line. It worked very well. And Blair, with her vast store of knowledge was a godsend. I don’t know what we’d have done without her. As Zach said, we all contributed something: Gavin, his army training, Zach’s leadership and engineering expertise, Alita her bravery and Latin lore, and Frazer his familiarity with the islands and selfless heroism.”

“And Kelly’s skill at popping bones back into place, and her sewing talent,” Alita put in. “Not to mention her endless optimism. She and Zach became our leaders from the start.”

“Didn’t you argue, or get on each other’s nerves?” another reporter asked.

“Did we ever!” Gavin confessed, as the others nodded in avid agreement. “But we learned to put up with each
other, to make allowances for our differences, and to pull together for the good of all. In the end, we’ve become good friends. I’ll always be grateful for having the opportunity to get to know these people. I hope we’ll continue to stay in touch with each other.”

“We’re like family now, regardless of race, religion, gender, or nationality,
”
Blair put in proudly. “I wish the world at large could learn to get along as well. It would certainly solve a host of problems and eliminate a lot of strife.”

The next question was directed toward Alita. “Rumor has it one of the major movie studios wants to make a film about your experiences on the island and would like to have you star in it, Miss Gomez. Is that true?”

Alita flashed her beautiful smile. “They have contacted me about it, but I told them I want Blair to write the script, or the book from which it is adapted. Nothing is settled yet, of course, but we are negotiating.”

“Corporal Daniels, how did your
fiancée
react upon discovering you’d spent the past couple of months marooned with three lovely ladies, most particularly Miss Gomez?”

Gavin grimaced. “She’s not thrilled about that part of it, but she is happy to have me back alive.”

“What about you, Ms. Kennedy?” another reporter asked. “Or should I say, Mrs. Sanders?” she added slyly. “Your husband appears to be rather irritated with you, especially after that kiss you and Mr. Goldstein exchanged aboard ship. We’ve heard he even moved out of your hotel room.”

Kelly’s face hardened, her eyes like emerald glaciers. “I would suggest you check your so-called facts more carefully. I filed for divorce from Mr. Sanders three weeks prior to the plane crash, and fully intend to pursue it to its conclusion, which is why Brad and I are not sharing a room. Not that any of this is your business.”

“Were you acquainted with Mr. Goldstein previously? Is that why you want a divorce and went to Australia?” the reporter persisted.

Zach jumped in to reply, “Kelly and I met for the first time aboard the jet, mere hours before it crashed, and, on her behalf, I resent your implications.”

Someone else called out, “Be that as it may, there’s still that kiss, and the report that you and Ms. Kennedy intend to adopt the Australian child. That would suggest the two of you have formed some sort of close relationship. Would you care to comment, Ms. Kennedy?”

“I consider that a private matter, sir,” she answered stiffly. “Since there are other people involved, I will leave it to Zach to respond at the appropriate time.” She couldn’t help glancing at Zach’s family, at Becky in particular, seating in the front row.

Zach caught the gesture, and immediately realized that Kelly was trying to protect his daughter. He also knew that it was no longer necessary, and that the news media would persist relentlessly until they ferreted out the truth, so he might as well give them enough to satisfy their curiosity.

“Kelly and I intend to marry, once her divorce is final,” he announced. “Then, if Sydney’s family cannot be located, we intend to make her a part of ours. That’s it, in a nutshell, plain and simple. No love triangle, no scandalous affair, just two fellow castaways who have fallen in love.” He ended with an endearing grin, “Sorry to disappoint you, but that’s basically all there is to it, nothing more interesting to add.” His smile grew. “Except, perhaps, that Kelly has expressed a strange desire for an engagement ring from a bubble gum machine.”

Chapter 26

T
he press conference concluded on that lighter note. The reporters filed out, leaving the friends and their relatives behind. One look at Becky’s petulant face, and Kelly was almost tempted to call the media back, sure she’d rather go another round with them than Zach’s daughter. There was no help for it however. Zach wanted her to get to know his family, just as her folks were anxious to meet Zach. Plus, Blair wanted to introduce her husband and children to them, Gavin wanted to introduce his family and
fiancée
, and everyone was eager to make Alita’s acquaintance.

“Just a quick chat,” Zach told Kelly. “We’ll get together again for dinner later.”

At the mention of dinner, Kelly’s stomach growled, loudly enough for Zach to hear. He chuckled. “Too busy getting beautiful to take time to eat?”

“Something like that,” Kelly acknowledged. “I had to get in some speedy shopping for Syd and me. When I say
‘we simply had nothing to wear,’ you can take me at my word.”

“Oh, babe, I’m sorry. It was thoughtless of me not to realize that and offer to take you and Sydney down to the stores. My folks brought clothes from home, and I just assumed yours did, too. Still, I should have remembered Sydney would need things.”

“Mom and Dad presumed Brad would bring some of my things, but he didn’t pack so much as a hair bow for me, though he brought three suitcases full of clothes for himself. Alita helped with Sydney, and we managed to
ti
me it right to the minute. While I was getting spruced up, she and Syd chowed down on cookies and soft drinks at the beauty shop, but I didn’t get a chance to eat and Sydney hasn’t had her nap.”

“What about money? Did you have enough?”

“I’m okay for now. It’s a long story, and I’ll fill you in later.”

On their way across the room to greet Zach’s family, they passed Blair and her small entourage. Anton, in a very superior tone, was saying to Blair, “What makes you think you have the talent to write a book? While I admire you for wanting to try, dear, I wouldn’t want to see you humiliate yourself.”

Kelly pulled up short, tugging Zach to a halt with her. Determinedly and quite deliberately, she approached Anton, thrusting her hand out in a manner he couldn’t ignore. As they shook hands, she said,
“
You must be terribly proud of Blair, Mr. Chevalier. Her intelligence must be legendary around campus. I’ll bet she puts all the professors with their masters and doctorate degrees and diplomas to shame with her quick mind and wit.”

Zach took his cue from Kelly. “I have never met anyone with as rounded an education as your wife, Chevalier. She amazed us at every turn. She knew more about the flora
and fauna of the islands than all of us combined. She was the one who showed us how to wrap our food in seaweed and palm leaves and bake it in the coals of the fire, among other invaluable information. Gavin swears she’s a walking encyclopedia.”

“Thank you, but
…
”

“Oh, I simply can’t wait to read her book when it comes out!” Kelly interrupted. “I’ll bet it’s a bestseller, and after all she’s been through she certainly deserves the acclaim, not to mention the royalties she’ll no doubt earn.”

Blair beamed. “Thank you.”

Anton frowned. “I can’t fathom where she’ll find the time to write.”

“That’s where you come in, old fellow,” Zach announced, giving the man a companionable slap on the back. “It’s a new age, and with the number of single parents, or both working in order to make finances stretch, we men have to pick up the slack at home. No more excuses for us. We have to pitch in with the cooking, the laundry, and the child care, which is only fair. If wives are supplementing the family income, we men have to help hold up the housekeeping end of things.”

“I
…
I wouldn’t
…
I’ve never
…”
Anton
sputtered.

“High time you did your part, then, I’d say,” Kelly proposed curtly. “After all, slavery was abolished a long time ago. A woman has as much right to follow her dream as a man, and much more opportunity these days. The working market is really beginning to open up to the female population. Moreover, I would hope the average male has the mental capacity to figure out how to operate a microwave or a washing machine. He’d be a sorry specimen if he didn’t. And any literate person should be able to follow the instructions in a cookbook or on a package of diapers, or read a grocery list, which should put you ahead of the game from the start.”

“Besides, a man should get to know his children, to spend quality time with them while they’re young,” Zach added helpfully. “They grow so fast, and before you know it they’re off and married. What a pity, to be too busy with professional obligations in those precious years, only to retire and find them gone, involved with their own lives, little more than familiar strangers. Believe me, if there is one thing I’ve learned from being marooned on that island, it’s that family is important, life is short, and we need to make the best of our time with them.”

“I’m sure you’re right,” Anton said. “Still
…
”

Sydney chose that moment to start fussing. Kelly jostled her and patted her bottom. Zach reached out and plucked the little girl out of her arms, cuddling the toddler close.

“You just think about it, Anton,” Kelly suggested.

“Listen, Syd’s getting tired. We’ll talk again at a better time.” Zach shook Anton’s hand and said in parting. “You’ve got a wonderful woman there. Cherish her.” He leaned to give Blair a kiss on her cheek. “We’ll see you later, pixie. You look adorable.”

“
Z
ach, you were terrific!” Kelly praised.

“You weren’t so bad yourself, champ,” he returned with a wink. “If nothing else, we certainly gave him food for thought.”

Kelly rubbed her tummy. “Don’t mention food again, unless you’re prepared to feed me.”

“First my family, then yours,” he cajoled.

Kelly would rather have faced the Inquisition, but she stiffened her spine and forged ahead, pasting a smile on her face. “Did you tell them about our plans earlier, or did they just learn the good news along with the media?”

“I told them all right away, everything except that we’re
already expecting a baby. I thought I’d spring that on them later, after they’ve had time to absorb the first shockwave.”

“And?”

“Everyone seems to be reserving comment until you all get better acquainted—except Becky.”

“I knew it! She resents me already.”

“What about your side?” he asked.

“Same as yours. But they know about the baby. They’re all curious about the handsome man who got me pregnant so quickly.”

“Great!” he groaned. “They’re probably planning the shotgun wedding as we speak. Does Brad know?”

“Not about the baby, unless he overheard one of us talking. Not that it matters much. Everyone will know in a couple of months.”

Zach chuckled. “Nah, they’ll just think you’re getting fat. Letting yourself go to pot, now that you’ve got me properly hooked.”

Kelly swatted him, careful to maintain her smile as she muttered, “Conceited ass!”

I
ke Goldsten’s first
question
was, “Are you related to President Kennedy?”

Kelly shook her head. “I doubt that, sir, since they’re Catholic and my family is Protestant. Unless the clan split allegiance somewhere down the line,” she qualified.

“That’s a shame,” one of Zach’s sisters remarked. “I was hoping you could introduce me to Arnold and Maria so I could get their autographs,” She smiled and presented her hand in greeting. “Hello. I’m Beth Moyer, in case you don’t recall. I know how hard it is to remember names and faces when you meet so many people at once.” She gestured over her shoulder. “This is my husband, David,
our son Gabe, and our daughter Myra, ages twelve and ten respectively.”

Kelly shook hands all around. “Pleased to meet you. Again. Sorry about the autographs, but at least you’ll have Alita’s.”

“Zach was telling Becky that you run a health club and beauty boutique of some sort,” Zach’s mother put in. “Does that mean you intend to keep working once you and Zach are married?”

“I suppose I’ll hire a competent manager for the club in Phoenix, just as I have for those in Australia and Houston,” Kelly told her.

Sarah’s brows rose. “You have three of them?”

“At the moment,” Kelly replied evenly. Privately, she wondered if she would still own any by the time she and Brad were finished fighting it out.

Zach’s second sister spoke up, rattling off rapid-fire introductions. “Hi. Leah, Pete, and Seth Levy,” she listed, pointing to herself, her husband, and infant son. “What kind of clothes do you carry in the boutique?”

“Mostly ladies’ intimate apparel and exercise outfits, though we are expanding into other areas.”

“Oooh, sexy stuff!” Beth enthused. “Do you carry teddies? I simply love those things—and so does Dave. For me, not himself,” she clarified with a blush.

Kelly chuckled. “I rather assumed that.”

“And you own beauty shops as well?” This from Leah. “That explains your fabulous hair, I suppose. Doesn’t she have lovely hair, Becky?”

Becky shrugged in apparent disinterest. “I guess so. Is it real?”

“Becky Ann, what a question!” Sarah declared.

“Well,” the girl pouted, “Dolly Parton wears a wig a lot.”

“Kelly’s is real,” Zach said, hiding a grin. “Color and all."

In an aside to Pete, Dave murmured, “Zach should know, I would imagine.”

“Hush!” Leah jabbed her husband in the ribs. “You’re embarrassing Kelly. What sort of impression is that to make?”

Kelly fought to ignore the comments, remarking to Becky. “You’ve got your daddy’s thick black hair, and I’ll bet you got those big brown eyes from your mother, didn’t you? Zach showed me a picture of her, one he carries in his wallet. She was a beautiful lady, just like you’re going to be someday.”

Becky lifted her chin in a haughty pose. “My mom was the most beautiful woman in the world. Daddy loved her. He still does. He told me so.”

Into the strained silence, Kelly said, “Of course he does, Becky. I know that, and it’s one of the first things I liked about him.”

Becky maintained the attack. “Gramma says you already have a husband, but you’re getting a divorce from him, just like you’ll probably do with Daddy after you get all his money.”

Beth let loose a startled gasp. Sarah’s abashed groan was echoed by Ike’s. Leah grimaced.

Zach took a step toward his daughter. “Rebecca,” he warned, “You’re way over the line.”

Kelly waved him back. “It’s okay, Zach. I understand.” To Becky, she added, “How can I explain this to you? I made a mistake when I married Brad. He turned out not to be the nice person I thought he was, and I’m very sorry about that, but it made me fall out of love with him. You see, Becky, among other things, Brad didn't tell me he didn’t like children. But I do, and so does your dad. In fact, your father and I have much more in common, which
makes me very sure that he and I will love each other for always. At least I hope so, because I love him very much, with all my heart. I’ve never loved anyone more than I love your daddy. And I’m here to love you, too, anytime you’re ready.”

“I’m not ready,” Becky insisted stubbornly.

Kelly sighed. “Somehow I figured that. Let’s just give it some time, shall we? There’s no rush.”

Sydney begged to differ, and voiced her complaint loudly. “Pee pee! Gotta pee pee!”

The tension broke as everyone laughed.

“Another country heard from, and this one
is
in a rush!” Zach exclaimed. “Do you want to take her, Kelly, or shall
I?”

Kelly reached for the toddler. “I will. She needs her nap, and I need something to eat. I’ll put her down in her crib, and order up from room service. I wouldn’t mind a short rest myself, before we have our first session with the airline officials.”

“I’ll carry her, and walk up with you,” Zach offered. “Becky, you go with Gramma and Grandpa. I’ll be along soon, and you and I are going to have a little talk about your manners, young lady.”

“
S
orry about that,” Zach told her as they entered the elevator. “We didn’t even get to spend any time with your family.”

“That’s all right,” Kelly assured him with a grim smile. “I’m sure they’ll keep the rack oiled and ready for you. We come from a long line of ancient Irish warriors, and from everything I’ve heard, they really knew how to turn the screws.”

Zach pulled a face. “Ah, something to look forward to
with anxious anticipation. Thank you, sweetheart. You’ve just made my day.”

Kelly opened the door to her room, and almost backed over Zach when she saw Brad reclined comfortably on her bed. “How did you get in here?” she demanded.

Brad gave her a cat-in-the cream smile. “I had the maid let me in.” His mile dissolved, his eyes hardening into ice-blue chips. “I want my money, Kelly. Now. Give it to me, and I’ll leave peaceably.”