A Good Time Was Had By All

Chapter One

Beyond a shadow of a doubt, Rachel knew she was trapped in hell. Some perverse little voice in her head had convinced her traveling by car would be better than flying. Oh, wait, traveling by car and getting lost in some backwoods that didn’t appear on the map she’d been given by the rental company. Heaven forbid she forget that little detail. Perhaps that stupid voice knew something she didn’t, but she preferred to think she’d been taken.

At present she leaned against said rented lemon. Before it had finally given up the ghost, she’d been ready to turn around and head back to civilization. Not seeing a route sign or mile marker for ages should have been a tip off, but no, she just had to be so independently stubborn! Now she and it sat along one of the most deserted roads in North America. Was she having fun or what?

Rachel ground the low heel of her shoe into the loose dirt. Right now she’d give good money for a cell phone, for any link to humanity. When she made it home to Bay City she’d make sure she was outfitted with the latest communication gizmos even though she despised the things. Anything would be better than her present situation.

Wiping the sweat from her neck, yet again, she scanned her surroundings. There were few trees to provide protection from the scorching August sun and without the air conditioner to cool her, she’d been forced to strip down to the basics. Now she stood clad in only a skirt and sleeveless shell. Every other bit of business attire had been abandoned hours ago. Hours in which her skin had started to burn and not a soul had driven by.

But as hot as she was, Rachel knew it would be dark all too soon. Now she wished she’d walked for help when this ordeal began instead of waiting for help. With any luck she could pass the night in relative safety. Not much of a comfort, but at the moment she’d take what she could get.

Rachel shot to attention as her ears picked up a noise in the distance. A car! A mode of transportation! She didn’t care who it was or where she had to ride--she’d ride on the fender if it meant getting out of the mess she’d landed herself in.

Her salvation crested a hill only a half-mile away. Thankfully it slowed as it neared, almost losing its load in the process. Rachel nearly leapt with joy when she noticed the nice-looking elderly couple in the truck’s cab.

"Havin’ a bit of trouble?" asked the man as he removed his cap.

"You have no idea. I’ve been out here for hours waiting for someone to drive by."

"Not many use this old road anymore," the woman said. "Where ya headed?"

"I’m lost and I’m thirsty, so wherever you’re going is fine with me."

The man gave a short bark of laughter. "We’re headed to Apple Creek. It ain’t like there’s no other place to be ‘round here. Hop in and we’ll give you a lift."

Rachel did so willingly. Maybe her luck was taking a turn for the better.

*(*

"It’s quiet without her."

Carl’s subdued words were swallowed up by a perfect summer night. A gentle breeze swept sweet scents in from the outlying orchards while a blanket of stars kept watch. By all rights, his heart should be at peace. After all, he was surrounded by a loving family. He also possessed the support of an entire community who respected him for who he was rather than his money and power. Yet…

"I know," Lorna agreed. She stretched a bare foot to the smooth porch plank and pushed. For long minutes the creak of the swing and the chirping crickets filled the silence. "You get used to having the little worm around I suppose. You know, sometimes I forget life wasn’t always like this. Not that my life is perfect the way it is, but…could be worse." She patted her still flat tummy. So much for error proof tests.

"I never imagined it could be this way. In all my far-flung fantasies…" Carl stopped, at a rare loss for words.

"But it’s not perfect, is it. Something’s missing."

"Morgan," he said. It wasn’t a question either. He knew her far too well.

"Yep, even though I don’t want to miss him. And I won’t even point out your problem."

"I’m a big boy Lorna. You can say her name without fearing I shall fall apart."

"I can’t consider the sheer gall of that woman without thinking about what an idiot she’s been." Lorna pummeled her fist against the swing’s arm. "She returned the flowers, wouldn’t return your calls and threatened you with legal action."

"Lorna…"

"She stomps all over your heart and you just lay there and take it!"

"Lorna." The soft use of her name held a hint of steel. He would allow no one to speak ill of his Rachel. "Let it go—I know I have."

She opened her mouth to speak then wisely changed her mind. No need to argue during one of his moods. She’d never been good at lightening his load anyway. If only Cindy and the baby were here tonight. Or little Norie.

"Will you pick the little one up tomorrow or shall I?" His chair protested his shifting weight.

"I’ll get her. Actually, I think I’ll head up to bed. The benefit’s tomorrow night and I need every last brain cell to withstand the Applettes."

"Not that blasted benefit again. The very idea is preposterous."

"I know, I know. Gee, how many times have you told me that? Six? Seven hundred? It’ll be a big success Carl. I promise you—Apple Creek will be buzzing about this for weeks, months after it’s over."

Carl harrumphed at the very thought. "Feeling a wee grand tonight?"

"Goodnight Carl." She rose and crossed to place a kiss on his cheek. "Don’t stay up too late," she admonished. As if it would do any good. Tonight he was someplace dark, where even the stars would be of little use.

..to be continued…