Wildflower (23 page)

“So which farm is yours?”

“Turn left down the next road.” Abby did so
and the narrow road sloped downward toward the sea. She smiled
brightly as she saw the neat little farm on the right. “That’s the
one,” sighed Hazel, pointing the way. “The old homestead. The one
place I swore never to return to, but here I am.”

“Relax sweetheart, I’ll protect you,” smiled
Abby as she squeezed Hazel’s finger gently once again.

“Thank god for that,” sighed Hazel as the car
worked its way slowly up the long elm lined driveway.

There were several other cars parked in the
farm yard as well, two more rentals as well as three out of
province plates and several locals. As Hazel stepped out of the car
a tall gangly boy in his late teens ran to her and swept her into a
hug. “Hazel, you did come,” he shouted enthusiastically. “They said
you weren’t going to come home, but you did.”

“Yes I did,” smiled Hazel as she returned the
hug then hugged the three other men who’d come out of the house to
greet her. Suddenly all the men fell silent as a golden haired
goddess, who looked like a movie star from the old movies, stepped
out of the car and favored them with a dazzling smile that nearly
melted their knees. “Gentlemen, put your eyes back in your heads,”
laughed Hazel, “I want you to meet someone. Abby, these are my
brothers, Donnie, Ralph, and Terry, and this is my dad, Walton
Fillmore. Boys, this is Abigail MacKai.”

“A pleasure to meet all of you,” said Abby
with a smile for each of them as she shook their hands. “Mr.
Fillmore, thank you for extending the hospitality of the house to
me in this time of sorrow.”

“It’s a pleasure, Miss MacKai,” he smiled as
he shook her hand warmly.

“Oh gods Miss MacKai,” breathed Donnie, the
eldest of the boys, “please tell me you don’t have a boyfriend.”
The others laughed at him, but Abby turned those crystal blue eyes
on him, and he felt like she was looking right through his
soul.

“No sir,” she replied softly after a moment.
She was still gazing into his eyes and he was completely
mesmerized. “I have no boyfriend at all, nor do I want one.” She
grinned wickedly and winked at Walton. Hazel was blushing
furiously, but she did not release Abby’s hand.

Walton led them inside and Hazel introduced
Abby all round. Hazel was impressed at the way Abby seemed to
remember everybody’s name and their relationship to each other.
Abby’s manners were impeccable and her looks seemed to grant her
royalty status. Within a few moments of their arrival, Abby had the
whole family worshiping at her feet.

Sometime during the course of the day their
bags had migrated to Hazel’s old bedroom. Abby had somehow managed
to move herself from the center of attention to waitress as she
carefully attended to many of the older women. Even though she was
serving the elderly ladies, her eyes were always on Hazel,
anticipating her needs and trying to meet them.

“My god Hazel,” whispered her father as he
watched Abby serving tea to the older women, “she’s amazing. I can
understand why you hurt so badly when you thought you’d lost her.
Is this a permanent arrangement?”

“I don’t know Dad. Actually, Abby and I
haven’t had five minutes alone to discuss where this is going or
where we want it to go. I am madly in love with the woman,
but...”

“But she has not as yet declared
herself?”

“Yeah, that’s about it.”

“I don’t think you need to worry Hazel. She
went to a lot of trouble to track you down, and a lot more to bring
you here. I think you’re on pretty firm ground.”

“So, talking about me are you,” grinned Abby
as she suddenly appeared and tucked her arm through his.

“How did you know?” he asked sheepishly.

“You kept glancing at me as you spoke; it’s a
real giveaway. So what were you wanting to know?”

“When I’ll get my picture?”

“Dad,” hissed Hazel, “shut up.”

“Now what picture would that be?” asked Abby,
smiling with delight as Hazel blushed to her roots.

“The one of the two of you together; Hazel
promised to send me one as soon as she found her wild...”

“Dad...”

“Would an eight by ten be sufficient?” asked
Abby, “or do you want something larger for the wall.”

“Oh something for the wall would be nice,” he
grinned.

“Very good, now you know what you’re getting
for Christmas.” Hazel was blushing furiously, but there was a wild
hope rising in her as well. Perhaps Abby did want this to go long
term after all.

As bed time rolled around, Hazel’s mother
began to look quite uncomfortable. “Miss MacKai, that bed in
Hazel’s room is quite small,” Lilly said at last. “Mabel has a
whole room available at her house.”

“Thank you Mabel,” smiled Abby as she nodded
at the older woman, “perhaps another time. I would prefer to remain
close to Hazel now.”

“But the bed is so small.”

“We’ll snuggle,” smiled Abby sweetly, “it’s
not a problem. It’ll be just like the pajama parties in the old
days.”

“But...” Hazel’s mother ceased her objections
as Abby turned those eyes of fire and ice on her. “If you would
prefer Lilly, Hazel and I can seek out other accommodations,” said
Abby, a trace of pure ice creeping into her voice.

“No, no, that won’t be necessary,” Lilly
replied hastily as she averted her eyes.

“Lilly,” said Abby warmly as she reached out
to touch the woman on the arm, “I know you are just concerned for
our comfort, but trust me, we’ll be fine.” Lilly nodded her head
and let it go.

“That woman is all class,” Walton mused
softly to himself.

The bed was indeed small, and with Hazel’s
height, she filled most of it. “I’m really sorry Abby; I’ll grab a
blanket and sleep on the floor.”

“Forget that,” grinned Abby. “If you think I
am giving up this chance to snuggle with you, you are very much
mistaken. Now get in that bed.”

“Yes ma’am,” giggled Hazel as she got into
bed and tried to make room for Abby. It was indeed a snug fit for
them both.

“There now, this isn’t so bad at all,” smiled
Abby as she cuddled into Hazel.

“Abby this is driving me crazy.”

“Really?” grinned Abby as she turned and
squirmed up so she could hold Hazel’s head against her breasts.
“How so?”

“Stop teasing me,” hissed Hazel softly as she
lightly pinched Abby’s butt making her yelp. “Sshhh, my parents are
on the other side of that wall.”

“You started it,” giggled Abby. “Come back
here now and let me hold you. So how is this driving you crazy?”
She got no answer, but she felt the soft tremor in Hazel’s body and
the dampness of the tear that fell on her breast. “Oh Hazel, I’m so
sorry.” Hazel said nothing, she just hugged Abby fiercely.

“Hazel,” Abby whispered softly, “I know this
is not the best time or place for this, but there is something I
feel I must say to you now.” Hazel cringed as she waited for the
bomb to fall. Abby wasn’t going to be able to do the girl-girl
thing and Hazel’s world was about to end. She lay very still in
Abby’s arms. “Hazel Fillmore, I have fallen madly in love with
you,” whispered Abby, “and I want you to marry me.”

It was a long moment before Hazel could move.
Finally it sunk in what Abby had just said. She pushed back and
gazed deeply into Abby’s eyes. “Please don’t tease me like this
Abby,” she whispered softly. “You know darn well that I am in love
with you.”

“So, is that a yes? Hazel, I am not teasing
you, I am begging you. Please marry me and stay with me
forever.”

This time Hazel did not hesitate. “Yes I
will,” she whispered softly. She had no chance to say anything more
as Abby’s lips were pressed tightly to her own. There was a fiery
passion in that kiss and Hazel melted under its heat. With a soft
moan she wilted completely into Abby’s arms.

“I am quite serious, Hazel my love,” breathed
Abby as their lips parted. “I wanted to wait for a better time, but
I could wait no longer.” She kissed Hazel again, and this time it
was she who melted as Hazel came alive with passion and desire.

“More,” breathed Hazel as their lips parted
slowly. The passion was clear in her eyes, and she was thoroughly
aroused. Her hands took on a life of their own as they began to
explore Abby’s curves.

“Hazel Fillmore, you parents are on the other
side of that wall,” giggled Abby. “Yes my love,” she relented as
she pulled Hazel closer and kissed her gently, “there will be
plenty more, and our time will come soon enough. Come here to me
now, I want to hold you while you sleep.” She pulled Hazel against
her breast and cuddled her there as they drifted off to sleep. On
the night before her grandmother’s funeral, lying in her childhood
bedroom, Hazel Fillmore had just been proposed to and accepted. The
wildflower had declared herself and all was well in Hazel’s
world.

Life Story

Abby awakened slowly and stretched
luxuriously. With a yawn and a sigh she relaxed completely,
starting to drift off again. Suddenly she sat bolt upright, there
was far too much room in the bed, Hazel was no longer there with
her. Abby listened carefully; there was a soft buzz of voices from
somewhere downstairs, Hazel’s among them. With a warm smile Abby
arose and padded to the bathroom. It was busy so she returned to
the bedroom and dressed while she waited her turn.

A short while later all conversation in the
kitchen stopped as Abby entered. She was dressed in jeans, T-shirt,
and her hair was pulled back in a pony tail. Her smile lit up
Hazel’s world as she greeted everybody warmly. “This is so unusual
for me,” Abby said as she sat and Hazel served her breakfast, “I’m
usually the first one up.”

“This is farm country missy,” remarked
Donnie, “folk have to be up in the morning.”

“Your dad woke you up did he?” grinned Abby.
Everybody laughed as he blushed to his roots.

“How did you know?”

Abby reached over and took his hand, turning
it over. “You are not a farmer anymore sir, I felt no calluses on
your hand when we met yesterday. I did feel them on your father and
Terry. I therefore concluded that Terry was the only one still
working the farm with his father. Since you do not farm, you would
have no reason to keep farm hours, but your father, being a natural
born tease, would surely take great pleasure in waking you up early
as he once did. So how am I doing?”

“You are way too sharp. You’re giving blondes
a bad reputation.”

“It’s a very bad mistake to discount someone
because of their looks,” she responded coolly as she released his
hand and returned to her breakfast. “You have a habit of
discounting women Mr. Fillmore, and that is in part why your
business is failing.”

“Now you’re starting to scare me Miss
MacKai,” he responded softly. “How did you know I’m in financial
trouble?”

“I’ve lived and worked in the business
community in New York as well as San Francisco,” she replied. “I am
now a self employed consultant, and this is what I do. You dress
well sir, but there are signs of wear on both your clothes and your
face as well as an edge in your manner. By the way you spoke to me
when we met and again this morning I would guess you’ve been
fleeced in a divorce by a blonde who was a lot smarter than you
gave her credit for. How am I doing?”

“Sadly, you are right on the money. So you’re
an independent consultant, what do you charge?”

“This is neither the time nor the place to
talk business,” she replied more gently as she reached over and
patted his hand. “You can always contact me through Hazel. Give it
a week then call; we’ll see if I can be of any help.”

“More tea sweetie?” asked Hazel as she put
her hand on Abby’s shoulder and smiled. She was enjoying seeing
Abby take the wind out of her older brother’s sails. Donnie could
be such an arrogant ass sometimes and he had always teased Hazel
unmercifully when she was a child. She poured Abby’s tea then sat
beside her, still smiling.

“What are you looking at me like that for?”
asked Abby as she noticed Hazel’s smile.

“Honey, this is the first time I have ever
seen you in anything but retro glamour outfits,” laughed Hazel.

“Oh yeah? Listen, this city girl can do the
jeans thing too you know. Actually, I brought jeans and boots in
hopes of getting a tour of the farm. Any chances?”

“Finish your tea and away we go.”

“I’ll just run up and hang up my dress so the
wrinkles fall out of it,” smiled Abby as she rose from the table.
“Shall I hang up yours as well?”

“I’ll come with you,” replied Hazel softly,
dropping her gaze.

Abby was a bit puzzled, but she said nothing
until they were in the bedroom alone. “Honey, what is it?”

“I don’t really have a proper dress Abby,”
sighed Hazel, “that red one I wore to the dance is the only one I
own and I can’t wear that to Gran’s funeral. I know you should
always have one for occasions, but I have never been in the right
tax bracket, if you know what I mean.”

“How far is the nearest shopping center?”

“Abby, I can’t let you...”

“Did you or did you not agree to marry
me?”

“Yes I did,” replied Hazel as she pulled Abby
into her arms and kissed her gently.

“Then will you call it an engagement
present?” breathed Abby as their lips slowly parted. “Every girl
needs a little black dress, and with the right accessories it can
work for any occasion. Honey, it’s Ok, we can afford it no problem;
please let me do this for you. You need a dress for today; my world
famous photographer has to be properly attired.”

“Alright,” sighed Hazel as she gave in. She
really did want to have a nice dress for the funeral; the locals
would have a field day if she showed up in her black work pants.
“We’d better get a move on if we’re going to be back in time.”

“Change of plans,” announced Abby as they
swiftly descended the stairs. “I need a few supplies so we’re off
to town. We’ll be back in plenty of time, I promise.”