Tag: Generation Four

Danae, Andy, Darcey, Clint, Charlotte, and Devin all sat in the stadium for the championship game, waiting for the team to take the field in their most important game of the year.  It was an experience that none of them had ever had before, sitting in the VIP box, with a catered meal, with Emmitt, and Lionel and Tarah O’Reilly, the new owners of the Starlight Shores Llamas. Lionel popped a bottle of very expensive champagne open, and poured glasses for everyone, except for Darcey. Tarah, recognizing the three-month baby bump, poured the expectant mother a glass of nectar.

“To the championship, to the best Shores Llamas team this city has seen in a long time. To the team captain, Travis Jones, and the head coach, Aaron Hall. Thank you for your support through the transition, and well past. Tarah and I are very appreciative for all of you.”

“Here here!” concurred Tarah, and they all clinked their glasses together.

Emmitt walked to Charlotte and kissed her hand. “Thank you for letting us have Travis down on the field tonight, even though he won’t be playing. It was important for him to be on the side with Aaron.”

“He would have been broken, sitting up here watching. There’s no other way I’d have let this go tonight,” she told him. And it was true. Since his injury, Travis had made tremendous progress, but he said if the team went to the championship, he needed to be on the field, even if he couldn’t play.

*****

Down in the locker room, Aaron and Travis led a last-minute team meeting and pep talk. “Gentlemen, as your team captain, I couldn’t be prouder of each and every one of you. Since my injury, you all have stepped up and brought your A-game, making today possible. This game is crucial, but it’s not the end-all, be-all. If we win, we rejoice, and if we lose, we still rejoice. Go out there, give it your best, and have fun.”

“Guys, I can’t say anything more than what Travis said. I’m proud of you all. Give ‘em hell, boys!” Aaron dismissed the meeting and led the team out onto the field.

Travis, though he was dressed to play, was not cleared to play. But Charlotte knew it was very important for him to be with the team. He’d already missed all of the post-season. Missing the championship game would have been devastating to him.

The team was playing well, and going into the end of the first half, they were up five points, score 8-3. The mood in the VIP box was cheerful, with Lionel and Tarah hosting a great party. It was really Charlotte’s first time meeting and socializing with them, and she was impressed that they were such gracious hosts. The box phone rang, and Emmitt answered it.

“Charlotte, it’s for you,” he smiled and winked.

“Hello?”

“Hey baby,” came Travis’ happy voice. “Are you enjoying the game so far, honey?”

“Of course I am! We’re having a great time up here with Lionel and Tarah. How are you feeling?”

“Mentally, I’m super! We’re on the cusp of my first championship! My leg is throbbing to beat the band, however.” Travis sounded blissful, and it made her happy.

“Don’t overdo it, honey. I don’t have my bag with me.”

“Oh, don’t worry about me! I’m good.” She heard some commotion in the background. “Baby, I have to go. We’re going back out. I just wanted to tell you how much I love you. And thank you, for everything.”

“I love you, Travis. Go win us a trophy.” Charlotte made a kiss sound on the phone, and they hung up.

Danae was smiling at her. “Is he happy, Mama? I can tell by the look on your face he is having a good time.”

“He is having the time of his life, baby girl.”

Clint looked down onto the field from the box, and couldn’t believe the view. “This is amazing.” Being part of an affluent family still astounded him from time to time, much like it did with Travis when he and Charlotte were first married.

Darcey sidled up to him and snuggled up. “This is what it feels like to be a Jones, Boo.” Clint laughed.

During the second half of the game, the opposing team brought the score close, and it looked like the Llamas might lose. Aaron looked to Travis for some advice.

“What should we do, Travis?”

“Get someone fresh in the game. Trey looks beat. He’s been out almost the whole game.”

“Without Smith, we’re doomed,” Aaron countered.

“How about Searcy?” Travis suggested. Wyatt Searcy was a late-season trade from Appaloosa Plains, and though he was talented, he didn’t usually get to play much.

“I’m glad I have you here, Travis. Searcy! You’re up. Take Guzman with you, and get Smitty off the field.”

A nearly exhausted Trey Smith hobbled off the field. “Who took me out of the game?” he asked, breathing heavily.

“I did, buddy. I know you have to be wiped out.” Travis motioned for him to sit.

“Stroke of genius to put Wyatt in there. He’s a good player. Give him a chance to shine, and he won’t disappoint us.” Trey grabbed a sports drink from the cooler, and sat back on the bench, trying to recover. “I sure do miss you on the field, old man,” he joked with Travis. Both men smiled.

After the player switch, Wyatt came alive, playing much like Travis did at the beginning of his career. Light on his feet and agile, he was able to help the team pull ahead and stay there, scoring the winning goals. As the clock ticked down, and it was certain the Llamas would win their first championship in over twenty years, the fans in the stadium erupted in cheers. The opposing team accepted their loss gracefully, and players on both teams congratulated each other on a game well played. Wyatt, virtually unknown before Travis put him into the game, was named the MVP and recognized as the player with the most potential on the team.

Up in the booth, Lionel and Tarah popped open another expensive bottle of champagne and poured a glass for everyone. Darcey sipped on nectar as they all toasted to a great game well played. Charlotte couldn’t wait to see Travis. He had to be floating on a cloud, and she imagined he would be euphoric for days. Five minutes later, the box phone rang, and Emmitt answered it.

“Charlotte, it’s for you,” his happy voice sang out.

“We did it, honey,” Travis said on the other end. “We won a championship!”

“I’m so proud of you. They said up here you made the decision to put Wyatt in to play. He was great.”

“I did. He did not disappoint me, or any of us. This is one of the best days of my life. Baby, I love you so much, honey. Tell the kids I love them. We have a team meeting, and I have a presser afterward, but I’ll be up in the booth after awhile.”

“I love you, Travis. So very, very much.” Charlotte hung up the phone, beaming with pride.

*****

Charlotte helped Travis into the house. Tonight, they had it all to themselves. Devin was invited to a team after-party, which Travis gave him permission to attend in his place. Danae was staying with Andy for the night, and Darcey and Clint went home. Though his mood was happy, his face showed a different story.

“You’re in pain, aren’t you baby?” she asked him, as she kissed his forehead.

“Horrible, yes.” His leg was healing, but it was taking longer than he wanted. But now that the season was over, he had time to recover.

“Do you want a shot to help you sleep?”

“No, I’ll be okay. The doctor doesn’t really want me on that stuff anymore.” He sat down in the living room chair and slumped over. “I’m so tired.”

“Sweetie, are you sure you don’t want something for the pain? There’s no shame in admitting you need it, you know.”

“I know. I was hoping we could do something else to get my mind off of it.” He winked at her.

She shook her head. “You can’t be serious,” she laughed.

“Oh, I’m dead serious,” he replied. “In fact, if I can get myself up these stairs, I’m going to rock your world.”

“Well, at least we don’t have to be quiet tonight,” she flirted.

---

The alarm sounded early that Saturday morning. No one had to be at work, no one was attending school. But the day came with dread because it was the morning of Danae’s wedding. Travis hadn’t slept well the night before, knowing that this day would be simultaneously one of the best and one of the worst days of his life. His Punkin, his sweet little Danae… today, he would give her away to a man he felt like he’d known forever, the son of his best friend, Emmitt Murphy. But, even knowing such an upstanding young man would be her husband gave him little comfort.

Charlotte had felt this same sadness, the same sense of loss when Darcey was married six months prior. Now, it was Travis’ turn, and he found he was equally not ready to say goodbye to his little girl. He had gone into the attic and retrieved one of her favorite childhood toys, a stuffed doll, and sat with it. We used to have so much fun with that doll, he thought. He’d talk through it for her, making it seem so alive, and it made her giggle. As he ran his fingers over the doll’s face, tears streamed down his face. Oh, what he would give to hear both of his baby girls giggle, just one more time. And inside, a piece of him died.

Travis set the doll down on top of a box of old toys and walked cautiously down the steps from the attic. No one else was awake in the house. He tiptoed to Danae’s bedroom and watched her sleep for the last time. Today, she was just his daughter. Tomorrow, she would be someone’s wife. Overcome with emotion, he walked quietly back to his bedroom and snuggled up with Charlotte.

She awakened when she felt him touch her. “Mmm, good morning honeybear,” she purred, barely awake. When he didn’t answer her right away, she woke up fully. “Baby? Are you okay?”

“No, honey, I’m not.” He breathed a heavy sigh. “I appreciate how you felt on Darcey’s wedding day, love. I don’t know how I’ll make it through this.”

“You’ll make it through the same way I did,” she replied, trying to soothe him. “With me by your side, every step of the way.”

“I love you, my queen. Queen Charlotte. I think that’s my new nickname for you, honey.”

“It has a nice ring to it,” she giggled. “But I’m no queen. At best, I’m a princess wannabe.”

“Queen is easier to say,” he joked. “Oh, if I could just laugh like this all day.” But he knew he wouldn’t.

Charlotte turned over to face him and wrapped herself around him. “We will make it through this. And tonight, when it’s over, we can make it better, together.”

“I like the sound of that,” he cooed. “Care to join me in the shower?”

“I could very well do that,” she agreed.

When they finally appeared downstairs, Danae was making breakfast. “Good morning, lovebirds,” Danae smiled, and winked at her mother. “Breakfast will be ready soon.”

“Here, sweetie, let me finish. Let me spoil you one last morning.” Charlotte took over cooking duties and allowed Danae to sit. The bride poured coffee for both her mother and father and a cup for herself. Even though the morning looked the same at the moment, all three of them realized the family dynamic was getting ready to change drastically.

“Cakes are up,” she announced, as she placed the last one on the serving platter. Danae took a few and gave them to Travis. She noticed he was already limping, and it would be a long day.

“Here, Daddy. So you don’t have to get up.” She set the plate down in front of him and smiled sweetly at him.

He hugged her and kissed her forehead. “Thank you, Punkin,” he said, choking on his emotions.

*****

Charlotte brought Danae to the chapel, to meet Darcey there. Hers and Nae’s gowns were already there, but Darcey had a maternity outfit on, as she was expecting their first child. They already knew the baby would be a boy, so Charlotte and Travis would have their first grandson in about 19 weeks’ time.

Darcey held the gown for Danae as she wiggled into it. The dress fit her beautifully, and for the third time would be worn as a young bride walked down the aisle in it. Charlotte zipped it for her, as Danae smoothed the fabric under her hands. “Oh honey, this is perfection,” she gushed. Though she never wore it down, Danae’s hair was halfway down to the middle of her back, and thick like her mother’s. But Charlotte brushed it, putting it into Danae’s signature look, an elegant updo she had worn since her early teen years. Darcey put the finishing touches on her makeup, and she was ready.

Travis knocked lightly on the door, signaling that Andy was in place and ready. Charlotte came out first and smiled at her husband. “You’re going to need this,” she said, handing him a clean handkerchief. She kissed his cheek and walked down to her seat on Devin’s arm. Darcey appeared next in her maternity gown, with Clint waiting to escort her down the aisle.

Danae opened the door to the bride’s room, and Travis fell to pieces when he saw her. “My sweet little Danae,” he cried. “Oh, how you remind me of your Mama.” He hugged her and kissed her cheek.

Gently, she wiped a tear from his eyes. “I love you, Daddy,” she smiled at him. “Thank you for such a beautiful wedding. And thank you for loving me, no matter what.”

“I love you, Nae Nae. You’ll always be my little girl.” He held his arm for her, and together they stood at the back of the chapel. “You are perfection, Danae Elizabeth. Andy is a blessed man.”

“You’re going to make me cry!” she exclaimed as they began to walk down the aisle. When they reached the arch, he lifted her veil, kissed her cheek and gave her to his best friend’s son. Emmitt was doing okay until he looked at Travis and saw him weeping. He shook his head and wiped a tear from his own eyes.

Andy and Danae exchanged vows and rings, and suddenly, Travis and Charlotte added another son to their family, and Emmitt added a daughter he never had and always wanted. And with the conclusion of the wedding ceremony, the best friends were now in-laws. From now on, they would share holidays, birthdays and grandchildren.

After Danae and Andy danced for their first time as a couple, Danae approached Travis to dance with him for their last dance. He held her close and they swayed to the music, and tears rolled down his cheeks. “I remember teaching you to dance, Nae. You stood on my feet, and we danced together. Remember, Punkin?”

“How could I ever forget, Daddy?” She rested her head on his shoulder, and she cried when she felt him tremble. “Don’t cry, Daddy,” she whispered in his ear.

“My sweet, little Danae,” he whispered back, and she smiled. “You will always be my little girl, honey. Forever.”

“Forever.”

The party was starting to wind down, and Travis was a mess, but he had one last thing for Danae. He pulled both of them aside. “Your Mama and I paid for a few nights at the beach for you, since I know you can’t get away on a honeymoon. She left a bag with clothing and some other things at the inn, so all you have to do is show up.” He wrapped Danae in a tight embrace, for the final time that evening. “I love you Danae. Go, be with Andy. Spread your wings and fly.”

After they left the party, Travis was truly exhausted. His leg was throbbing and he was emotionally worn out. Charlotte was expecting him any moment as she chatted with Emmitt and Christopher.

“Hey baby,” he said weakly. “I’m done, honey. Are you ready to go?”

“I am,” she replied. “Thanks for coming Chris. Emmitt, we’ll see you soon, honey,” Charlotte hugged him, turned to Travis and said, “Let’s get you home, sweetie.” She drove them home and noticed Travis wincing in pain most of the way, even though the drive was fairly short. “Do you need your crutches, love?” she asked when they pulled into the garage.

“No, I’ll be okay. I just need to stretch out a bit.” They walked through the back door together, and he just decided to go right upstairs. “I’ll meet you in our bedroom,” he winked at her. Slowly, Travis hobbled up the steps. He got about halfway up when he couldn’t go anymore. “Charlotte!” he yelled.

“Are you okay?” she asked from the bathroom, as she removed her makeup and fixed her hair.

“No, I need you.” She rushed from their bedroom and saw him sitting on the stairs, about five steps from the top.

“Tell me how to help you, and I’ll do it,” she said.

“Do you have that shot you keep offering me?” He knew it would knock him out if she did it, but he was desperate.

“Are you sure, honey? Do you know what you’re giving up if you do that?” She didn’t mind, but she wasn’t sure he minded.

“I might sleep on the steps if I don’t have some help.” He sat there, frustrated. “I wish I’d never been hurt. Things would be so much better right now.” The emotion of the day, his frustration with the pain and things that were so far beyond his control caught up with him. When Charlotte got back to him, injection prepared and ready to go, he was sobbing, holding to the railing for dear life.

“Oh sweetie,” she cried. “I’m so sorry.” She sat on the step next to him and just held him. “Shh, it’s okay,” she tried to comfort him. “I don’t want to give you this medicine while you’re on the steps, love. It’s not safe. Help me help you, baby.”

He dried his eyes and gathered his composure. With his last bit of strength, he stood up, groaning from pain. Charlotte stood next to him, holding onto his belt, encouraging him to step with his good leg. “One more step, baby,” she said, as he arrived at the top step.

He stumbled to the chair outside the twins’ old bedroom and collapsed into it. “I… made… it.”

“Do you still want that shot, honey? You’re here.”

“Yeah, I can’t do this anymore. I’m sorry to disappoint you tonight, but I’m in misery.” He wept softly, though he wasn’t sure if it was emotions or pain that made the tears come.

She took his hands and pulled him up, and hugged him. “You’re not disappointing me, baby. I understand. Let’s get you into bed, and I’ll get you some help.” She put her arm around his waist, and walked with him into the bedroom, got him undressed and into bed. Her heart broke to see him so uncomfortable, so sad about Danae. “Are you ready, honey?”

“Oh yes. Take this pain away,” he cried. He rolled onto his side and groaned.

She rubbed some alcohol onto his skin and gave him the injection. Within minutes, he felt better and started to get sleepy. “Rest, honey. Tomorrow is another day.” She undressed, and climbed into bed with him, curled around him, and fell asleep.

“Thank you, my love…” his voice drifted off in peaceful slumber.

---

Darcey’s baby was due in two months’ time, and once he arrived, Charlotte knew there would be little chance to get away. So she decided to surprise Travis for a change and booked a week vacation to Isla Paradiso at the same resort. This might be the last time we ever get away, she thought. His leg had healed, but Travis was still in physical therapy, trying to regain the strength he had lost while he was recovering.

She had already cleared his time off from work and had plenty of vacation time she had accrued at the hospital and never used. Charlotte was excited for him to come back from therapy that evening. She made his favorite dinner, lobster thermidor, and had it ready when he came home, with a bottle of sparkling nectar, already poured. When he walked into the house, the lights were dimmed, and candles illuminated the dining room. She was dressed in the red, skin-tight dress he had bought her in Isla Paradiso.

“Welcome home,” she purred. “I have a surprise for you.”

“Wow, aren’t we going to have dinner first?” he asked, looking at her.

“That isn’t the surprise, silly,” she flirted with him. “Here, sit. Relax.” She pulled a chair for him, and he sat down. She walked to the kitchen and served two plates of dinner, and brought one to him. In the candlelight, her hair didn’t look as grey as it did otherwise, but either way, she looked gorgeous to him.

“What is all of this for, my love? Is Danae pregnant, and you’re telling me?”

Charlotte giggled. “If she is, she hasn’t said anything.” She took his hands in hers. “No, I have a real surprise for you. It’s my turn to give you something that you will love.”

“The suspense is killing me, honey. What is it?” Travis was nearly on the edge of his seat.

“We’re going to Isla Paradiso, just the two of us, for a week.”

“Aww baby, that is awesome! What about work, though?”

“Already taken care of. Emmitt approved your time off, and Dee approved mine. We’re all set!”

“When do we leave?”

“Saturday morning. Two more days, and we will be in paradise.”

“Why wait?” Travis smiled. He took her hand and led her to their bedroom, and locked the door behind him.

Up Next: Chapter Twenty Three, Generation Four

“Hey Jones,” Trey greeted Travis. “First day, new season. Are you stoked?”

“You know what, Smitty, I feel like I’ve never been in better shape. I’m on top of my game. I’m energized. Let’s see if I can translate that into a win for the season opener.” Travis felt good, and he was excited to play.

“I have confidence in you, Captain. Let’s go give ‘em hell, buddy.” Smitty clapped him on the shoulder as he finished lacing his shoes. “You know, these new uniforms are sharp.”

“Yeah, they are. So much nicer than the lime green and yellow. I love Armand, but his taste in color was pretty bad.” Travis chuckled. The new uniforms were royal blue, trimmed in white, and they were very handsome. “Is Emmitt around for the season opener? I haven’t seen him yet.”

“I think he’s in the press booth with the big man.” Smitty stretched and reached for his water bottle. “You know, I think I’m nervous!”

“No reason to be nervous, Trey. Just play off me like we always do. We know the plays. I feel better prepared for this game than I have for the past 10 years under Neil, and I’m 10 years older. We’ve got this.”

The team gathered together for one last pep talk, and Aaron led them onto the field for their season opener. Travis played like a man 20 years his junior, and easily led his team to their first victory with Aaron as coach. After the game, Travis sat by his locker, a towel wrapped around his waist, when Aaron walked to him.

“Great game today, Travis. I’m impressed. You have a natural talent for the game. I can see why Mr. O’Reilly wanted to keep you on the roster.”

“You know, Aaron,” Travis replied, “I have been so energized with this whole transition. Emmitt, the O’Reillys, you. I never realized how stale I had gotten with Neil as the head coach. Sometimes, change is the best move someone can make.”

“Wise words, Travis. But you know, the honor is all mine. I can’t believe I get to coach a legend. I have to admit, I’m a little starstruck.” Travis blushed a deep, hot red. “Keep up the good work. See you tomorrow!”

Travis got dressed in his PR outfit, and on his way out to the field for publicity photos and fan meet and greet, he heard Charlotte’s name. Looking toward the guys, he backed up, his temper flared up burning hot.

A team veteran, Craig Guzman, joked with a rookie. “…and Jones, dang, his wife is totally doable. Man, that Charlotte is hot stuff. I’d like to just —”

“Say that to my face, Guzman.” Travis walked and stood at the end of the lockers, his fists clenched and rage in his eyes. “Tell me how ‘doable’ you think my wife is, and we’ll see if you spend the night in the ER with her fixing your broken face.” Aaron immediately heard Travis yelling, and ran toward the voices.

“Travis, what’s going on here?” Aaron asked.

“It seems Guzman here thinks my wife is ‘hot stuff,’ and ‘totally doable.’ See, Neil, he encouraged this from the players. So, I was just asking Mr. Guzman here to tell me to my face how ‘doable’ my wife is.”

“Is this true, Craig? Did you say this to someone?” The rookie backed away, not wanting to catch a beat down for laughing at it.

“It’s a joke, man. Everyone jokes about her because it gets under his skin. We don’t mean nothin’ by it. Neil was right, Jones. You’re way too uptight.”

“You’re sitting the next game out, Guzman,” Aaron spat. “I am not Neil, and I don’t tolerate this nonsense, from any of you. Wives, kids, pets, whatever. Off-limits, effective now. I can’t believe I have to even address this with you. Grow up.” He turned to Travis and noticed his temples throbbing as he clenched his teeth. “Come on, man. He’s not worth it.” He took Travis by the elbow and coaxed him away.

“I’m sorry, Aaron, but there are two things I will not tolerate from anyone, here or anywhere. One is picking on my kids. Two is disrespecting my wife. That woman is my life, and I won’t have these chuckleheads talking about her like that. I told Armand I’d flatten the first one I caught. Guzman is lucky he doesn’t still own the Llamas, or he’d be on his way to the ER right now.”

“You shouldn’t have to put up with that. I will address it with the team in a meeting tomorrow before practice. Going forward, there is a zero-tolerance policy.”

“Thanks for having my back, Aaron. I like you already.” Travis smiled and picked up his duffel. “I think I’m going to skip the publicity tonight and head home. I miss my sweet Charlotte.”

“Anytime, Travis. I have to look out for my star, you know.” He smiled and walked Travis to his car.

*****

The twins were graduating from college just a week before Snowflake Day, and Charlotte was looking forward to their arrival back home. The Dean at the university invited Travis to be the commencement speaker, and he was thrilled to have the opportunity. And as long as Travis was going, Charlotte thought Devin might like to see the campus and decide if that was something he wanted. Because Chris and Greg were so fond of Darcey, they wanted to go, too. It was a family trip, and though it would be quick, Charlotte couldn’t wait.

The family of five took up most of the first-class section of the airplane. Chris sat by himself, already plugged into his music player, the two cousins sat together talking about games and sports, and Charlotte and Travis snuggled together in a back row seat. “It’s been a long time since we’ve been to campus, honey,” he said casually. “It will be weird going back.”

“It will.” She missed the twins, and she couldn’t wait to see them. “I hope there is enough room for everyone. Darcey made it sound like the house is pretty small.”

“I’m sure the kids won’t mind sleeping on the floor. One night won’t kill them. They’re young and flexible.” Travis laughed. “I remember spending most of my teenage years on the floor in my bedroom. Man, it was cold in that house. I was always sick.”

“That’s terrible, sweetie.” She touched his cheek, and he kissed her hand as it passed by his lips. “But look how far you’ve come from there. Your story has inspired hundreds of thousands of people.” She smiled at him, so very proud of all his accomplishments.

As expected, Travis and Charlotte met Clint and instantly loved him. She had to admit that Clint’s love looked very good on her daughter. Suddenly, she realized she was the mother of two college graduates, and she felt old. The kids all set up in the living room for the night, and Danae offered for them to take her bedroom. As guilty as she felt, Travis had a game the evening before and had gotten a slight injury and was sore, so Charlotte didn’t argue it with her. What they hadn’t planned on, however, was Clint living at the house and sleeping with Darcey in her bed. Travis expected a fight from her when he told her that was going to end that night, but she yielded with no argument, as long as Clint was able to keep the bedroom.

Travis joined Charlotte in Danae’s bedroom, where she was dressing for bed. “They’ve been sleeping together, baby. She says it’s been innocent, but I know better.” He shook his head. “That poor man. He must be miserable.”

“Did you stop it? Did she keep her promise? I don’t even want to think about it.”

“She says they did. Did you know he has a ring, too?” He was still in shock.

“She mentioned it when she first started dating him.” Charlotte shook her head. “I don’t like that, honeybear. I’m glad you put a stop to it for tonight, but what’s done is done.”

“I like Clint, but I’m disappointed in Darcey. She should have known better.” Travis pulled his pajama pants on and tied his robe around his waist. “Remember when we stayed in my dorm? I took a cold shower every morning.”

Charlotte snickered. “It looks like you could use one now, honeybear.”

“Do we dare? In a house full of kids?” Travis winked at her.

“Why not? We can be quiet,” she purred.

Travis laughed. “That’s not our MO. Remember, our daughter’s boyfriend is in the next room. The girls might be used to it, but he won’t be, I can guarantee it.”

“Ooh, you’re right,” Charlotte pouted in mock frustration. “I guess we can wait until we get home.” Nevertheless, she kissed him passionately, just to tease him.

“Woman, you’re killing me. That cold shower is looking better all the time.” Travis smiled impishly.

They climbed into bed together snuggled up, because it was chilly in the room.

*****

Travis was in the bedroom, trying to get dressed in his PR uniform. Although he was excited about the commencement address, he had to admit, he was nervous. But, the girls had no idea, and he couldn’t wait to surprise them. “Charlotte!” he called, summoning her. “I can’t tie this thing. I swear I have it, and I try to make it neater, and then I don’t have it.”

She giggled. “Someday, my love,” she sang, effortlessly tying it, completing the look. “The girls are going to be so surprised.” Charlotte was bursting, trying to hide it.

“I can’t wait,” he said calmly. “It’s a day they’ll never forget.”

The twins were shocked to see their father take the stage for the commencement address, and were so very proud to be his daughters. He sat on the stage and watched with pride as they received their degrees. When the last graduate was called, the stage disappeared in a flurry of caps. As they had arranged beforehand, the family met outside before Charlotte, Travis, Chris, Greg, and Devin left for home.

“We’ll see you tomorrow,” Travis said, looking at his watch. “We’re cutting this close. Our flight leaves in 90 minutes.” He and Charlotte hugged the twins one last time, and everyone piled into the car, waving at the three of them as they drove away.

---

The twins and Clint had been home from school for a couple of days, and the house was gearing up for the holiday. Travis was just finishing a workout in the spa room when Clint approached him. “Sir, can I talk to you right quick?”

“Clint, you can call me Travis, or dad, whatever you’d like. But please don’t call me ‘sir.’ It’s much too formal.” He smiled at the young man. “What’s on your mind?”

“Travis, I think you know I love your daughter. I want to marry her. I have my mother’s ring to give her. It’s a family heirloom that she gave to me before I left Bridgeport, figuring I’d never go back.” He opened the ring box to show Travis. “I don’t want to ask her, though, if you don’t approve of our relationship… if you don’t approve of me. I guess,” he stared at the floor, suddenly nervous, “I’m asking for your permission to marry Darcey. I love her so much, I can’t imagine being without her.”

Travis wasn’t surprised to hear Clint’s question or his confession. Based upon the week he had been sleeping in the loft, and being with the family, Travis knew this was coming. He and Charlotte had spoken about it at length since the graduation trip, and they both agreed he would be welcomed into the family. “Clint, we would be honored and pleased to have you as a son-in-law. You have my blessing, and I speak for Charlotte as well. Welcome to the family, son!” Travis gave him a quick hug. “When are you planning on asking her? She is going to flip out.”

“Snowflake Day,” he answered. “I have been planning what I’m going to say since we met. I think I have it memorized by now.” He pushed his glasses up onto his nose and brushed a lock of hair from his face. “I was going to have the stone set into a different setting, but there’s just no money for that now. Someday, though, I’ll take care of it.”

“Well, I understand that,” Travis said. “When I bought Charlotte’s ring, I paid less for it than I did my textbooks at a pawn shop. Darcey is just like her mother. She will love and cherish that ring as it is, because you gave it to her. Trust me on this one.”

“Thank you, Travis. Your approval means the world to me. The last thing I wanted to do was break her heart, and walking away from her would have hurt both of us beyond comprehension.”

“You’re a good man, Clint. I couldn’t ask for a better match for her.” Travis glanced at his watch. “I’d love to stick around and chat, but I have practice for a game on Snowflake Eve.” Clint thanked him again and went upstairs to find Darcey.

Rather than shower before practice, Travis decided to just get dressed and head to the stadium as he was. He discovered his new car wasn’t cut out for running in the snow, so he took Charlotte’s little old orange car and kept his in the garage. Grabbing his duffel from the trunk of the car, he sprinted toward the home team locker entrance and walked inside.

“There’s the star of the show,” Aaron greeted Travis. “You’re just in time for the team meeting.” The coach referenced some notes on his clipboard and brought the meeting to order. “Okay gentlemen, I know we talked about this two weeks ago, but I heard some of you talking about things that don’t concern you, so I’m going to repeat this one last time. Wives, husbands, children, pets, any family member who does NOT play on this team is off-limits for discussion in this locker room. I understand that my predecessor encouraged this type of talk, but in MY locker room, this is forbidden, and it will be punished. Mr. Guzman has already sat out one game, and a rookie has received a verbal warning to this effect. The second offense is a five-game penalty, and third offense, you’ll be looking for a new contract with a different team. This comes from Mr. O’Reilly himself. Zero tolerance means zero tolerance. Any questions gentlemen?” Aaron looked around at the pale white faces and smiled to himself. “Since no one has questions, I’m expecting full compliance with this.”

Travis stood and spoke. “Today is the last practice for the final game this calendar year. Even though we don’t have another game until next year, I need you to be here at every practice between tomorrow’s game and the next game. As always, we have the holiday off, but I expect you all to be back the day after, with your mind clear and on the game, unless you have a pre-approved vacation planned. We’re doing a great job so far this season, and we’re on target to make the playoffs. Let’s make the most of today’s practice, and win our game tomorrow.” Travis yielded the floor, and Aaron dismissed the guys for practice.

*****

Charlotte was awakened by the sensation of kisses on her skin, and she opened her eyes sleepily, gazing into the eyes of the man she loved. “Happy Snowflake Day, baby,” he whispered, brushing a lock of hair from her face. “Our children are home, it’s snowing, and you’re here in my arms. What more could a man ask for?” He kissed her tenderly.

“Mmm, good morning, honeybear,” she purred. “Happy Snowflake Day.”

“Devin has been up for a couple of hours already, sitting on the step on the staircase. He will always be excited for this holiday.” Charlotte smiled at Travis and stroked his cheek. “I think the boys are downstairs playing games together and bonding.”

“I’m going to hop into the shower while the boys are playing, and then I’ll make breakfast for everyone before Chris and Greg get here. Could you start the coffee pot for me, baby?” Charlotte took the tie from her ponytail and brushed her long, brown hair, trying not to notice the increasing number of grey hairs peeking through.

“I’ll do one better, my love. I’ll bring a cup to you.” Travis kissed her neck and watched her react to his touch.

“Not necessary, but I would love that.” She kissed his nose. “Let Devin know I’ll be downstairs shortly to start breakfast. I’m going to make pancakes.”

“You got it, honey.” Travis pulled his pajamas on, tied the robe around his waist, and walked to the steps as Charlotte ran the water for her shower.

Travis appeared in the stairwell, smiling at his son and his future son-in-law bonding over a console game on the large screen television. “Good morning gentlemen,” he beamed. “Happy Snowflake Day.”

“Dad, when is Mama getting up? I’ve been waiting since five.” Devin was getting anxious.

“She’ll be down in a few minutes to make breakfast. She’s in the shower, son.”

“Can I wake the girls?” he pleaded. “It’s time for them to get up, too!”

“Okay, but be gentle. They were up late last night giggling.” Travis smiled. He sure missed his girls.

Devin ran up the stairs and nearly knocked Charlotte over in the hallway. “Careful, honey,” she warned him.

“Darcey! Danae!” Devin shouted. “GET UP!” He burst into laughter and continued to make noise, exactly the opposite of what Travis told him. “Come on! It’s Snowflake Day!”

Travis laughed at Devin’s noisy outburst. He knew the boy had no intention of being quiet and waking his sisters peacefully. Since the girls had come home, Devin was much happier and much more outgoing, more like himself, and both Travis and Charlotte were thrilled to see the change in him. Darcey was the first to walk down the steps, eager to see Clint. Travis smiled as she walked to him and kissed him tenderly, sharing a sweet exchange. Devin slid down the railing and jumped off the banister at the newel post. “Danae is coming!”

Charlotte made breakfast for everyone and waited for Christopher and Greg to come before they tore into gifts, as it was Chris’ birthday. Travis already had the tree lit up, and it was so pretty with multi-colored lights, garland, and tinsel. Charlotte and Devin had decorated it for the second year in a row, as that had been the twins’ job before they left for college. Holiday music was on the stereo, and the girls had already started making dinner for the family together in the kitchen. The mood was festive, and the family was together. Charlotte was a happy mama.

Chris and Greg arrived shortly after breakfast after he picked Greg up from Cade’s house. Even though they were divorced, she was still entitled to see their son on the holidays. But Greg chose to spend the bulk of it with his dad, Aunt Charlotte, and her family, instead of his mother and stepfather. Clint brought Darcey another cup of coffee and sat down with a fresh cup for himself, his mother’s heirloom ring in his robe pocket, and excitement clearly on his face.

Travis could tell Devin was chomping at the bit to tear into the gift pile, so he gathered the family around the tree, and they started handing out gifts to each other. Clint seemed to feel out of place as he looked around uncomfortably. Charlotte felt terrible that he really only had one gift under the tree, and it was something she had to talk Darcey into buying for him. Only three of them knew Clint’s plans for the morning, and they all sat with great anticipation, waiting for him to surprise Darcey. But as everyone finished with gifts, and the mess was mostly cleared, Clint still sat, looking as though he was in awe of the whole holiday experience.

“I almost forgot,” Clint said out of the blue, pretending to find a square ‘lump’ in his robe pocket. “I have something special for you, my love.” He took Darcey’s hand and spoke the words he had rehearsed hundreds of times in his head. “Darcey, from the moment we met at that party, I have loved you. Love at first sight was never my thing, but when I met you, all of that went out the window. Kitten, the past two years with you have been nothing short of amazing, and I hope we can spend the rest of our lives together.” He reached into his pocket and brought out a black silk box. “Darcey, honey, will you marry me?” He opened the box, revealing the diamond engagement ring.

Darcey couldn’t speak, her eyes welled with tears. All she could do was nod, and she did so emphatically. “Yes! Oh my goodness, yes!” she finally squeaked out, threw her arms around him, and kissed him.

Clint smiled as he brushed a lock of hair from his face, adjusting his glasses and trying to look casual. “I was hoping you’d say that.” He took the ring from its box and slipped it onto her finger. From the corner of his eye, he saw Charlotte as she wiped the tears from her own eyes, and hugged Travis.

Danae looked as though she was caught off guard, but beamed at her twin. “See, Clint? I told you you’d make a great brother-in-law.” She hopped up and hugged them both, and then went to sit beside Devin. Travis stood and shook his hand, and Charlotte hugged both of them.

“Who would have thought my sweet little niece would be engaged before my son,” Chris said, taking a dig at Greg lightheartedly. “Darcey, I’m so proud of you, sweetie.” He shook Clint’s hand, and said, “If you hurt this little girl, we’re going to have a problem,” and then winked. “But I know you won’t.” He remembered when he looked at Cade that way, and for a brief moment, he felt sad.

“Thanks, Chris,” Clint replied. “This woman is my life. I will never hurt her.” He hugged Darcey close, and they kissed tenderly.

After the festivities of the day were well over, and the kids were in bed for the night, Travis and Charlotte were left sitting by the hearth, watching the flames dance as they burned the log he had placed on the fire. She poured the last two glasses of wine from the bottle and snuggled up next to him. “Today was perfect,” she finally said as she twirled the wine inside the glass. “The twins outdid themselves on dinner. Darcey is now engaged to be married, and we have another son.” She took a sip of the wine, and savored the semi-sweet drink.

“My goodness, Charlotte,” Travis said, as he gazed at her. “You are so beautiful.” He had never seen her so happy and content. “And you’re right. Today was perfect.” He traced the lines of her face with his fingertips and caressed her cheek. “I love you so much, baby. Happy Snowflake Day, honey.”

He was right. Charlotte had never felt so at peace, so content and happy than she did that day. “Travis, I love you too.” She smiled as she kissed him. “Happy Snowflake Day, baby.”

---

Charlotte put on a fresh, clean lab coat, attached her hospital credentials, and with her stethoscope around her neck, she welcomed Darcey to her first day as a resident. The younger doctor had already been made aware of policy, procedure and county law, and had studied diligently through her weekend. While they did the rounds in the ER that morning, Charlotte constantly questioned and tested Darcey’s instincts and skills, and each time she rose to the occasion, correctly identifying the proper course of action. It seemed like just yesterday that Charlotte stood in her shoes, with Rog teaching her, guiding her, molding her to be the skilled doctor she was, at the top of her career and flourishing. Sometimes she wished that Rog could see her now, filling the role he once did, mentoring her own daughter as he had with her.

At lunch, the two women sat together, discussing patients, college and work. “Are you finding everything okay, honey?” Charlotte asked her. “You know where the lockers and break rooms are, right?”

“Yes, Dee was very helpful last week. I still feel like there is much to learn about technical stuff, policies, laws. I know I absolutely cannot treat anything major without express consent.” Darcey remembered all too well the day Charlotte was taken from the house in handcuffs.

“Well, you’re a long way from your surgical residency yet, honey. You shouldn’t have to worry about that for a while. I’m surprised you remembered that, Darce. That was so long ago.”

“Are you kidding, Mama? I will never forget it as long as I live. I was petrified.”

“You’re not the only one, kiddo.” Charlotte smiled at her daughter, so proud of the young woman she had become. “Are you done with lunch? Patients wait for no one.”

“Yep, I’m ready.” Darcey took both of their trays and disposed of their trash, and joined her mother back on the floor.

When the day was done, both women carpooled back home together. Darcey was tired, having been on her feet for most of the nine-hour shift. Clint was not home from his first day of work at the police station. Though he had an interview with the game developer, he hadn’t heard back yet, so he took the other job, as it was a sure thing, the money was good and had decent benefits.

Darcey flopped down on the sofa in the living room by the fireplace and opened her medical journal. Immediately, she began studying from it, taking notes and quizzing herself on the material within. Charlotte had a journal to research as well, but dinner wouldn’t make itself. Travis was at practice at the stadium, and Devin and Danae were playing on the console together, each one talking smack about the other. “Nae, can you come help with dinner please?” Charlotte asked her. “Please set the table and keep an eye on this sauce so it doesn’t burn? I need to get changed.” Charlotte walked upstairs, leaving Danae to tend to the kitchen.

“Sure Mama,” she said, half of her attention on the game, and the other half on her life, and its lack of direction. Danae knew she needed to work, but four days past the holiday, and there was still no prospects on the horizon for work or a boyfriend. Though she was happy for Darcey, she was insanely jealous that everything was working out in her sister’s favor while she had to struggle with her life. It isn’t fair, she thought. I deserve to be happy, too.

Suddenly, Danae smelled something burning and looked at the stove. The sauce had been boiling and spattered all over the stove, making a huge, burned-on mess. She rolled her eyes, and walked toward the kitchen, holding her nose. Taking the spoon from its rest, she stirred the sauce, hitting a solid black layer of burned sauce on the bottom. “Aww man!” came the distressed cry from the kitchen, just in time for Charlotte to hit the bottom step.

“Nae, were you watching that sauce like I asked you?” Charlotte rolled her eyes. She already knew the answer. “You know, young lady, you have been home all day. Your bed is still not made, and you couldn’t get off your butt long enough to do me a quick favor. I want you in a job by the end of this week, or we will have to discuss other arrangements for you.”

Danae got angry. “Why do I even bother? Nothing I ever do is good enough for you!” She yelled at Charlotte. “You know what? Maybe I WILL move out! Maybe you love Darcey better anyway, and you wouldn’t miss me!” Danae stomped up the steps, pounded her way across the floor, and slammed the door.

“Give me patience with that one,” Charlotte said out loud, to no one in particular. She sighed deeply, throwing away the pasta sauce she had been cooking. It was nearly dinnertime, and Travis would be home soon. But thanks to Danae, she had nothing ready. “Darcey, honey, your daddy and I are going to go out for dinner. Will you and Clint be okay fending for yourselves?”

“Of course, Mama. I’ll make something for the four of us.”

“You’re such a good kid, Darce,” Charlotte said, setting the burnt pan in the sink to soak. “I know I need to talk to her, but I might kill her first.” She sat down in the dining room chair and slumped in defeat.

“Are you okay, Mama?” came Darcey’s concerned question.

“I will be, sweetie. I’m just frustrated with your sister.”

Travis came through the door thirty-five minutes later and smelled the remains of dinner hanging in the air. “Well, that doesn’t smell like your cooking, love. What happened?”

“Ask Nae,” came the simple, two-worded answer. “I’m done with her, Travis. I don’t know what I’ve done to her, but she is not liking me today.”

“I’ll go talk to her. I’m guessing you made reservations?”

“Yes, love.”

“I’ll be back in a few minutes.” Travis climbed the steps to the second floor and knocked softly on Danae’s bedroom door. “Nae?”

“Hold on, Daddy,” came the sniffly reply. He heard the lock open, and he turned the doorknob to see Danae walking back toward her bed, tears in her eyes.

“Danae, sweetie, what is wrong? I don’t like hearing that you’re fighting with your mama. What’s going on?”

“Mama says she will kick me out if I don’t have a job by the end of the week, Daddy.” She sniffled and blew her nose.

“Now, why did she say that, Nae? She doesn’t ask much of you.” He sat and patiently waited for her to explain herself. But all she did was look at him as her eyes welled with tears.

Danae started bawling as though her heart was simply broken into a million shards. “Why does Darcey get everything, and I have to fight for everything? Why? It’s not fair, Daddy!” He held her as she sobbed.

“What do you mean she gets everything? She studied hard for that job, and she deserves it.”

“But everything comes so easily for her. She has the perfect fiancé, the perfect job, the perfect life. And what do I have? A worthless degree, no job, no man…” her voice trailed off.

“Honey, you’re still so young to be this troubled. The job market will pick up, and as soon as people hear your voice, sweetheart, you’re going to be as big as your great-grandma.” Travis didn’t know much about stuff that wasn’t sports, but he did know Danae like the back of his hand. He had already sensed she was jealous of Darcey, though he wasn’t sure why.

“But I have to be working by the end of the week, or Mama says I’m out.” Danae cried all over again, clinging to Travis as she cried.

“Oh honey, I’m sure she didn’t say that. But I do know she was frustrated because you didn’t do something she asked you to do. How about I talk to her at dinner, and we can talk again later, okay?” He kissed the top of her head and squeezed her shoulders. “Just stop crying, and lay down for a while honey.” He got up from her bed to leave and turned around. “Are you okay, Punkin?”

“I will be, Daddy. I just … I want to find someone like Clint for my own.”

“I know, sweetie. Your time will come, I promise you.” Travis walked back to her and hugged her. “When you least expect it, you will find your prince.”

Danae smiled.

Travis made his way back down the stairs, deciding to wear his PR outfit to dinner. Charlotte had on a pair of old faded blue jeans and a tee-shirt, so he figured she wasn’t planning on The Tower that night, not that they could have gotten in anyway. His uniform would be perfect, without the forsaken tie.

He drove them to the restaurant off the strip and had the valet park his fancy car. They walked in together, and Travis seated her first, and then sat down beside her. She looked tired and worn, at her wits end. Danae had always been a handful, but he had never seen her this distraught.

“So, what happened tonight, baby?” He asked her, taking her hand. “Danae says you want to kick her out if she doesn’t have a job by Friday. I know you have a good reason for it.”

“I asked her to do one thing, and she couldn’t even do that for me. She was so wrapped up in that stupid video game to pay attention to what I had asked her. Then her bed was unmade, again. What does she do around the house all day that she can’t at least make her bed, Travis? Am I being so unreasonable by asking that?” Her frustration was apparent.

“No, I get it, baby,” Travis said, agreeing with her. “She should be doing stuff to help you, especially since she isn’t working right now. But she is incredibly jealous of Darcey, and I think that is where this stems from.”

“Because of Clint?”

“I think it’s the whole package. Danae feels like Darcey had everything she’s worked for just handed to her. The job, the man, the life. I tried to tell her how hard Darce worked for what she has, but it didn’t seem to make much difference.”

“But she has no right to be jealous, baby. Darcey worked so hard to get where she is.”

“I know that. You know that. But in her little Danae head, it’s killing her. She and Darcey have never been competitive, but one of them has never pulled ahead of the other, either. Darcey held back in school for Danae, and I know she doesn’t realize that. And poor Darcey, she had given up so much to stay with her in school. She could have been graduated from college four years ago had we given her the go-ahead to, and if she had wanted to. She is exceptionally bright, so much like her mama.”

“You flatter me, Mr. Jones,” she flirted.

“I’m serious, honey. Danae never had to experience what we knew would happen eventually. They are not equally yoked when it comes to smarts. Danae is more creative and spontaneous, while Darcey is analytical and regimented. But Danae has never been in a position where that difference is so blatantly obvious.” Travis kissed Charlotte’s fingers. “She doesn’t like it.”

“Okay, I’ll give her that. But why the attitude? Why is she taking it out on me?”

“She doesn’t feel like you understand. Darcey is a genius, like you, so you gravitate more towards her. You always have, honey. It’s not your fault any more than it’s my fault Danae is attached to me.” Travis gazed into her beautiful blue eyes. “I suspect that Danae has feelings for Clint. She hasn’t said so, but watching her, I get the feeling she does. She has to know how bad it will end for her if she tries to make a move on him.”

“Oh honey, that would not be good. Do you think she would?” Charlotte hadn’t noticed anything with Danae and Clint, but she would definitely pay more attention.

“I hope not if she still wants any kind of good relationship with her sister. Darcey will not walk away from him, even for Danae. And she shouldn’t.” Travis sighed. “I’ll talk to her when we get home.”

*****

Travis paced the floor nervously, trying to think of a delicate way to speak with Danae about her sister and Clint. There’s no easy way to do it, he thought. Taking a deep breath and exhaling loudly, he knocked gently on the twins’ door. “Nae?”

“Come in, Daddy,” she answered. She was still sniffling, and her sadness broke Travis’ heart.

“Sweetheart, we need to talk.” He still had no idea how to approach her with his question.

“What about?”

“Clint.” There was just no way around it.

“What about Clint, Daddy?”

“Honey, do you have feelings for him? I get the impression you would like more from him than you can have.”

“Well, I used to feel that way about him. And then I talked to Darcey about it. She was angry at first, but then she wasn’t. I don’t know, Daddy. Sometimes, I wish he had seen me first, instead of Darcey. Maybe… maybe I’d have the perfect life, and she would be jealous of me.” She choked back a sob. “I know that’s awful for me to think that about my own sister.” Danae looked at Travis, desperate for him to understand. “I guess I never really got over my crush on him after all.”

“Nae, you know you can’t have him. First, he wouldn’t leave your sister for you, and second, if you want to stay close with Darcey, you can’t approach him inappropriately. I know you love Darcey more than that.”

“I do, which is why I can’t deal with him being here. I want more than he can give me.” Danae looked extraordinarily sad. “I’m a terrible person.”

Travis hugged his daughter. “You’re not a terrible person, Danae. You’re just lonely. I understand, Punkin.” He looked her in the eye. “I mean it, Nae. You will find your prince when you least expect it. Maybe he will be someone in your career. Maybe an old classmate? Just remember to keep yourself for your husband, whenever he comes.”

“Thanks, Daddy. I guess I owe Mama an apology, huh?” Danae wiped tears from her eyes. “I’ll upload my resume to the city job board tonight. Maybe I’ll have something soon.”

“That’s the spirit,” he encouraged her. “You’re going to be okay, Nae. I promise you.”

Charlotte was cleaning up the dishes from dinner that never got made, when Danae came down, looking remorseful. “Mama, I’m sorry I snapped at you earlier. You were right. I’ve been so distracted, and so sad. But I’m going to have a job by the end of the week, whether it’s in my field of study or not.”

Charlotte walked to her daughter and embraced her. “Sweetie, it’s okay. Things will look up soon. You’re too talented for someone not to notice. And when you finally find your niche, you’ll blossom.”

“Thanks, Mama. I love you and Daddy. Please give me a little longer before I have to move out. I have nowhere to go.”

“You don’t have to worry about leaving, Danae. But please, if I ask you for a favor, help me out a bit?”

“Of course I will. I’m so sorry I ruined dinner. Darcey is a good cook, but nothing like you.”

Charlotte smiled at her younger daughter. “You’re a good kid, Danae. You have a kind, generous heart, and you think of others before yourself. Never change, okay?”

“I’ll try not to.” Danae hugged Charlotte, and turned to go. “I’m tired.”

“Sweet dreams, Nae,” Charlotte said to her, as she climbed the stairs to her room.

Travis was relaxing in bed, watching the late-night news when Charlotte finally came up the stairs. “There you are,” he said, smiling. “I was wondering if you had fallen asleep downstairs.”

“No, I was just talking with Danae. She apologized to me, but she never really went into what’s bothering her. I wish that girl would open up to me.”

“Well, I got her to admit that she has feelings for Clint. She’s not dealing with it well, either, but I reminded her how much Darcey means to her, too. I hope she doesn’t throw that away for something that will never materialize.” Travis untied the belt on his robe and sat up, taking his robe off and throwing it on the chair.”

“I hope not, honeybear.” Charlotte brushed her hair and put it back in a messy bun. “I’m worried about her.”

“I think she’ll be okay, baby. Once she lands a job or signs with the talent agency, things will look up for her.” Travis cuddled next to Charlotte, and nuzzled her neck.

“You’re insatiable,” she giggled.

“Well, you made me this way,” he flirted.

She smiled and wrapped herself around him, and let him love her.

Up Next: Chapter Twenty One, Generation Four

Charlotte hung up the phone, looking troubled. Travis walked up behind her and wrapped his arms around her. “That was news I never expected,” she said. Darcey surprised her with news of a new boyfriend, and she wasn’t sure she approved.

“I didn’t send that girl to Sim State to go on dates,” Travis agreed. “She’s too young to get serious about a guy who is four years older than her.” He shook his head. “He’s twenty-two years old, and she is just eighteen. What is she thinking? She said she thinks he’s ‘the one.’ How could she possibly know that after two days and one date, baby?”

“I don’t know. I think she’s just testing the waters. Maybe she’s rebelling a little bit. Do you think she’ll be careful?” Charlotte shrugged her shoulders, hoping there wouldn’t be a grandchild in nine months.

“She’d better be careful. I liked your idea, though, of making them tell Devin about babies. Brilliant piece of parenting genius!” He laughed, swaying with her, still wrapped around her. Travis thought for a moment and laughed harder. “Danae, in an odd twist of fate, is now the ‘good daughter.’ Imagine that.”

“Woo boy.” Charlotte pondered that a moment. “At least Nae asked questions when she wanted to know stuff. I have no clue what Darcey really thinks.”

“Well, whatever we didn’t get right with the twins, we can fix with Devin,” he teased. “He’s been a lot easier.”

“Mama told me Christopher was easier than me. Now I understand. My poor grandfather had three girls. He probably ate antacids like candy for 30 years straight.”

Travis laughed harder than he should have, picturing it. “Yeah, I guess your mama was a handful.”

Charlotte laughed. “You have no idea.”

Devin came in from the cold, shivering. He had been raking leaves, as Travis had asked him, so they didn’t blow into the pool. “It’s cold out there,” he said plainly.

“You just missed the girls, sweetie,” Charlotte said. “They miss you.”

‘It’s okay. I’ll catch them next weekend,” he replied. “I’m going to sit by the fire.” Devin rubbed his hands together and blew into them, trying to get some warmth back.

“Honeybear, don’t you have a game today?” Charlotte asked, suddenly aware of the time.

“Oh goodness, yes! I have to run!” he answered hurriedly. “I’ll see you afterward. I love you!” Travis ran for his car and sped off to work, late for practice.

“Thank you for raking, Dev,” Charlotte patted him on the shoulder. “You did a great job out there.”

“It beats laundry,” he quipped. Devin never had much to say, and when he did, it was short, sweet and to the point.

Charlotte giggled. “Dinner will be ready when your dad gets home. Is your homework done?”

“Yep.”

She never knew what else to say to him. His personality changed drastically when the girls left home. He seemed more sullen and introverted. “Why don’t you call Greg and see if he wants to play an online game with you?”

“He doesn’t want to play games with me. I’m almost 8 years younger than him, Mama.”

“You two got along so well when he and Uncle Chris stayed here,” she countered.

Devin grunted and rolled his eyes, as he picked up the controller for the console game.

“I’ve got nothing then.” Charlotte grabbed the book Bella wrote about Rog and started it over.

*****

“Are the girls coming home for Snowflake Day this year, Dad?” Devin asked, as he patiently tied Travis’ tie. He was meeting Armand for contract negotiations, and though he was fairly certain he would be renewed, nothing was guaranteed any more. The Llamas had their worst season since Travis was signed years ago, and he was having fewer and fewer good games.

“I don’t think so, son.” Devin finished the tie and rolled his eyes. “There isn’t enough time to make the trip worth it.” Besides, Travis and Charlotte didn’t want to deal with an uncomfortable situation should Darcey want to bring Clint home with her. He still wasn’t that thrilled with the idea of her dating.

“That sucks,” Devin stated.

Travis laughed. “Thanks for the tie, Dev. By the time I learn this, I’ll be retired.” The statement stopped him in his tracks. It seemed with his poor performance these days, that might be coming sooner than he’d like. “I’ll see you after work, kiddo. Homework first, then you can play on the console until your Mama gets home from work.”

He got into his car, which was starting to show its age, and drove himself to Armand’s downtown office. The valet took his keys and gave Travis a claim check, and he walked through the front doors of the tallest building in the city center. It was an office he had been to numerous times. “Penthouse,” he told the elevator operator.

“Yes, Mr. Jones,” came the polite reply.

Travis stepped off the elevator, and Armand’s receptionist greeted him immediately. Pressing her intercom button on the phone, she happily said, “Mr. Jones is here, Mr. Halsey.”

“Please send him in, Mona.”

“He’s ready for you, Travis.”

Travis walked slowly to the office, inexplicably nervous. Gently, he knocked on the door, to Armand’s friendly, “Come on in, son!” A smile crossed his face as he approached the desk, and he stood to greet him. “As always Travis, a real pleasure!” Armand extended a hand for him to shake, which he did.

“It’s good to see you,” Travis replied. “How is your family?”

“They’re good, thank you.” Armand had some paperwork on his desk, which Travis assumed was a contract for the coming year or two. “Please, have a seat.” As he sat, a feeling of discomfort washed over him. Armand shuffled the paperwork, and set it aside, cleaning his desk off. “Do you know why you are here, Travis?”

A bead of perspiration formed suddenly on Travis’ forehead. “I thought so, until you just asked me. Instead of playing guessing games, why don’t you tell me what’s on your mind, Armand?”

“Well, we were supposed to be negotiating a new contract for you to stay with the Llamas for another five years. And believe me, Travis, that is exactly what I want as the owner of the team.” Armand paused and looked hard at his star player. “But, that is not going to be what takes place here today, I’m afraid. I wanted you to know before word of this gets out, that I am announcing my retirement, Travis. I am selling the team.”

Travis nodded his head. “You know, I’m extremely sorry to hear this, Armand. But I understand, none of us are getting younger —”

“Travis, you are the first and only person to know this outside my family,” Armand interrupted him. “I am dying. This is not a sale because I want to. I don’t have much time, and I want to spend what I have left with my family.”

The shock of the awful news hit Travis hard. “I… I don’t know what to say,” he finally said. “I’m so sorry.”

“I am going to try to negotiate the terms of the sale so that you are guaranteed at least another five years, but I need to offload this quickly.” Armand sighed deeply. “The odds are not on your side, my friend.”

Travis nodded his head. “I understand.” He tried to swallow a lump of emotion that rose in his throat. “Hey, I always knew this job had pitfalls. I’m lucky I’ve avoided this as long as I have, right?”

“Thanks for being in good spirits about this,” Armand said sadly. “Believe me, if it was up to me, I’d keep you until you needed a walker on the field. And with your kids in school, I know this comes at a bad time.”

“It’s not your fault, buddy.” The reality of Armand’s words still had not sunk in. “Thanks for keeping me up to date on this. And check in from time to time. I care about you.”

“Thanks, Travis. I will have my wife call you…” Armand couldn’t speak the words. He had only months to live. “It was good to see you.” He walked Travis to the door of his office and hugged him. “Take good care of your Charlotte. Goodbye, son.”

Travis left the building and handed the valet his ticket, choking back emotions, praying desperately for his car to arrive quickly. Paparazzi were gathering around the building entrance as news of the pending sale broke. Immediately, three of them went to Travis to get his opinion, but he had no official comment. The valet pulled up in his car, and he got in and made his way home.

Charlotte was there when Travis pulled into the driveway. She was concerned that he was home so soon, when he wasn’t due for another two or so hours. Outside the gate, more Paparazzi gathered, and soon at least two dozen of them were outside the Jones home, waiting for Travis to give an official statement on the sale of the team, and the quick spreading rumors that his contract would not transfer to the new owner.

“What is going on out there?” she asked innocently, noticing the growing crowd.

“You’re not going to believe this, Charlotte,” Travis said, unable to hold his emotions in check. The devastation on his face scared her.

“What happened, honeybear?”

“Armand is selling the team. He is dying… not much time… I don’t know what is next.” Travis buried his face in his hands.

“Oh honey,” she cried, “Oh no.” She sat with him at the dining room table and hugged him. “I’m so sorry, sweetie. I know what Armand means to you.”

“That’s not all of it, baby. Chances are, my contract will not transfer to the new owner.” His shoulders heaved in sorrow. “I might be done.”

“Oh Travis,” she cried harder. “No, no no no!” The career he loved, his livelihood, it couldn’t be gone. Not yet. It would be difficult to move now. Devin had just started high school, and she didn’t want to move while the girls were away from home. The timing was all wrong. “What if you don’t get offered a contract with the new owner? What next?”

He sniffled, trying to collect himself. “Well, I could possibly pick up a contract for another team, but unless it’s with the Twinbrook Tigers, we will either have to move, or I’ll have to commute and demand two days off every few weeks, so I can come home once in a while.” He sighed. “This is the worst-case scenario that could have happened today. Absolute worst. I’m not only in danger of losing a career I love, and I’m not ready to retire from, I’m losing a friend, too.” He removed his vest and hung it on the back of the dining room chair. “I’m not hungry tonight, honey. I’m sorry.” He walked up the stairs, feeling defeated and terribly depressed.

---

A week passed, and there was no news on the pending sale of the Starlight Shores Llamas, other than the rumor circulating that Travis would likely be a free agent. And with his string of recent losses, the possibility of being scooped up by another team seemed less likely. Headlines across the cities gleefully predicted the end of his career. The house phone rang off the hook, as newspapers and news outlets demanded an interview.

The phone rang for the umpteenth time that afternoon, and Travis’ patience was growing thin. Charlotte was at work, and Devin was in school, so he was alone to field the barrage of incoming calls. “What?” he answered the ringing phone, annoyed.

“Is that any way to greet your old friend?” a long-familiar voice greeted him. A voice of an age gone well past. A voice seemingly from beyond the grave.

“Who is this?” Travis demanded.

“Travis!” The voice sounded surprised, “It’s Emmitt!”

“No, Talia told me Emmitt was dead.”

“Well, she was wrong. How the hell have you been man? Dang, I’ve missed you!”

“Whoever this is, please don’t play with my emotions like this. I can’t take it.” Travis felt more emotions welling up within him. Talia had told him herself. Emmitt died 5 years ago in Dragon Valley.

“Travis, I swear, this is Emmitt. Here, I’ll prove it. Ask me something only I would know.”

Travis thought for a moment. “What color shirt was Amy wearing the day she told you she was pregnant?”

“Oh come on! That’s too easy! She was wearing that cute little blue gingham shirt, and she tied it so it showed her belly. She was also wearing a pair of cut off shorts, and her mother’s boots, her blonde hair was in pigtails.”

Travis smiled, but he couldn’t believe it. “It really is you! You old dog! Where are you?”

“I’m actually in town on business. I have been following your career, but I figured you were just too busy to call me.”

“I’ve wanted to call you for years now, and when Talia said you had died, I was bitterly sorry I had never done it.” Travis still felt like he was talking to a ghost.

“When did you see Talia? She hasn’t lived in Dragon Valley in 10 years, since your mother passed away, that old crone.”

“I didn’t even know mother was dead.” Travis smiled, in spite of himself. “My beautiful wife and I saw Talia in Isla Paradiso a couple of years ago. We brought the kids for a weekend. She ruined my whole trip, too.” He shouldn’t have been surprised to know that Talia was still up to her old, crazy tricks. She had never been much for the truth, only inflicting the most pain with the fewest number of words, just like their mother.

“Well listen, I haven’t got much time in town, but I want… No, I need to see you before I head back.”

“Emmitt.” Travis was going to ask him the most selfish favor ever. “Please, buddy. Don’t go back to Dragon Valley. Stay here.”

“You know I can’t do that, Travis. I run my old man’s shop. My own boy is going to take it over someday.”

“Move your family here. There is so much opportunity in the city. You and your family can make a good life here.”

“It’s just me and my boy. My wife died about 7 years ago. Things haven’t been the same without her.”

“All the more reason to pack up and come here, man. Come on, Emmitt. Now that I know you’re alive, I need my best friend.” Travis meant it.

“We’ll discuss it when I meet you. Bring your wife. I can’t wait to meet her. You better watch out, though. I’m still sexier than you.” Emmitt laughed. “She’s going to fall in love with me. I’m still trying to figure out why Amy went with you. Stud boy.”

Travis belly laughed. “Charlotte is off work around 4 today. How’s that?”

“That works great. Where’s a good place to get a drink here?” Emmitt looked at his watch. It was 2pm.

“Well, there’s the Los Sueños Private Club. I think I could get you in there. How about we meet there, say four-thirty?” Travis suggested.

“Sounds like a plan. I’ll see you two there.”

Jubilant, Travis texted a message to Charlotte.

I just got the most amazing news. Meet me at Los Sueños Club at four-thirty. I love you!

Figuring his time at the stadium was limited anyway, he called in sick to work. “Neil, I’m not coming in today.”

“Why the hell not? We have a practice, and you’re still part of this team, like it or not.”

“Because I’m meeting an old friend. I’ll see you tomorrow.” Before Neil had a chance to protest, Travis ended the phone call and placed the phone into his pocket. Not two minutes later, it chimed Charlotte’s text tone.

Oh? I can’t wait to hear it! I’ll meet you. I love you more.

Devin walked into the house shortly after Travis hung up the phone with Emmitt. “Hey Dev,” he greeted his son. “Your mama and I are going to go meet someone in about 2 hours. Will you be okay alone for a little while?”

“Of course, Dad. I’m not a baby anymore.” He seemed a little annoyed at the suggestion.

“You’re right, Devin. You’re a mature young man. We should be home for dinner, but if we’re not I will call you. You’re to do your homework, don’t let anyone in that gate, and if we’re not home by eight o’clock, then lock everything. Understand?”

“Yes Dad,” he replied, rolling his eyes. He sat at the table, opened his backpack and started his homework.

The clock moved excruciatingly slowly as Travis waited for four o’clock to come, but when it did, he reminded Devin of his instructions and left the house in his sports car. Pulling his car into the back lot of the club, he waited outside for Charlotte and Emmitt to arrive. Casually, he checked the license plates of the cars nearby, but saw only local ones. Charlotte arrived less than five minutes later, and they walked into the club together.

Seated at a table near the stage was a dark-haired, darker-skinned, short and stocky man, wearing a full beard and mustache. Travis recognized him immediately. In this town of light-skinned people, Emmitt stuck out like a sore thumb, just like he did.

“It really IS you!” Travis bellowed, catching Emmitt’s attention. “Emmitt, you old dog!” He looked at Charlotte, grinning.

“Emmitt?” she repeated, confused. “But honeybear —”

“Talia lied, for whatever reason, baby. This is my best friend, Emmitt.” Travis wrapped his friend in a hug. “Emmitt, this is my beautiful bride, Charlotte. Now, shake her hand, but keep your mitts off her!” he teased.

“Enchanté!” Emmitt bowed before Charlotte as though she was a queen, took her hand and kissed it. “Travis said you were beautiful, but I know his taste, so I almost didn’t believe him.” She blushed a deep red.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you,” Charlotte said quietly. Together, the three of them sat a table.

“I can’t even tell you how much I’ve missed you, Emmitt,” Travis said, looking at his friend, still not truly able to believe he was really there, and very much alive. “Tell me, what brings you here?”

“Well, I wasn’t exactly truthful with you when I said I still have my dad’s old shop, Travis. I am here on business, though. I thought you might be particularly interested in the reason for my visit to the Shores.”

“Okay, I can forgive the slight deception,” Travis joked, then paused. “Wait, what do you mean, I might be particularly interested?”

“Travis, I work for one of the richest families in Dragon Valley. You probably remember the O’Reilly family?”

“Very well, yes.” The patriarch of the family worked with Travis’ father, Randy, at the science facility, in pharmaceutical research. It was well known the O’Reilly family owned most of the facility and the pharma company in Sunset Valley. The O’Reillys resided in Dragon Valley, but invested in Sunset Valley, because the taxes were much lower in the southwestern part of the county.

“They heard about the Shores Llamas being placed for sale, and they showed an interest in buying the team. Their son, Lionel, is running the whole gig now and has followed your career. He remembers you, though he was about two years younger than us, so you might not recall him.” Travis shook his head and shrugged. “Anyway, when they heard the soccer team was for sale, they arranged for me to negotiate with Mr. Armand Halsey, not only for the sale of the team but for your five year, 30% higher contract with it. They are very motivated to make sure this sale is finalized within the next three weeks. You have no idea how brightly your star shines in Dragon Valley, Travis. They’ve renamed Mithrilen Manor to Jones Street. The signs leading into the village state that Dragon Valley is your hometown.”

Travis sat across from his buddy, his mouth agape. “I truly don’t know what to say.” He knew Armand would agree to the sale with the provision for his new contract in it. “A week ago, I was devastated, and now… now I have all this hope.” Charlotte took his hand and squeezed it.

“Yeah, you’re a huge deal back home. It’s quite sickening, really.” Emmitt couldn’t resist a dig, as he chuckled. “Hey, how about I buy the first round? You get the next one.”

Travis looked at Charlotte, and she nodded her approval. “I’ll just have nectar, thank you,” she said politely.

“Make that two,” Travis added. The only alcohol he consumed anymore was an occasional glass of wine at home, with Charlotte.

“You guys are making me look like the town lush!” Emmitt laughed. He called the waitress and placed the drink order with her. “So Charlotte, tell me about your beautiful self. You’ve caught yourself an awesome guy.” He looked at Travis with respect, and yes, maybe even love. He wasn’t ashamed to admit it, either.

“Well, my family is from here, I was born and raised in Starlight Shores. My grandmother came from Appaloosa Plains, so I guess we really come from there. We have three children, identical twin eighteen-year-old daughters and a 13-year-old son, who is ahead of his classmates and on target to graduate early from high school. But, he wants to be a soccer player, like his Daddy.” She beamed with pride talking about her family.

“What made you fall in love with this one?” Emmitt was back to teasing, pointing toward Travis. “He was a hot mess when I sent him to Sim State.”

“Everything, Emmitt. We were best friends first. I didn’t actually realize I loved him until I graduated and left him on campus. My brother and I cleared the curriculum in two years. When I came back here, I realized I was smitten with him.”

“Enough about us, Emmitt. How did you land such a prestigious position with the O’Reilly family?” Travis asked his old friend.

“It’s my gift of gab, Travis. I did some transmission work on Lionel’s car one day, and we got to talking. He realized I’d be a great salesman, so they took me on, trained me. I’ve worked my way up. Even though we still live in Dragon Valley, I work in Sunset Valley, so I commute two hours to work each way every day. We’ve been trying to get a private investor to build a municipal airport to make commuting easier. I’m surprised the O’Reillys don’t do it.”

“It’s amazing, how you got that job. Amazing that you are the one negotiating for my job.” Travis was thunderstruck by it all. “I don’t anticipate that Armand will give you much trouble, especially since they’re planning a contract provision for me. He was heartbroken when he told me he had to sell the team.”

“We are hoping to snag and keep Trey Smith as well. Lionel likes how well you work together on the field. But that insufferable coach, Neil Whats-His-Face, he has to go.” Emmitt made a sour expression. Neil was a toad during pressers, but worse on the sidelines, and Lionel O’Reilly noticed. “We’re waiting on word from Mr. Halsey, and when I have confirmation, I’m signing the paperwork.”

“This is astounding,” Charlotte remarked. “Emmitt, we never expected this kind of news. Travis had resigned himself to being away from home for weeks at a time. I would have been lost without him.”

“Don’t you worry, beautiful Charlotte,” Emmitt smiled at her. He looked at his friend as he admired his wife, and smiled. “You’ve done so much better away from the Valley, Travis. Her love looks awesome on you, better than it ever did with Amy…” He suddenly cringed. “I’m sorry, Charlotte. I wasn’t thinking.”

“You’re fine, Emmitt. I’m okay with Amy. It’s taken me a long time to get there, but I think we could have been friends in different circumstances, as long as we weren’t fighting over my man.” Charlotte smiled sweetly at Travis. “I’ll tell you, this man is my life. I don’t remember how to be without him, and I certainly never want to relearn it.”

“And this woman, she has the sweetest, most generous heart, a kind, gentle soul. I’d die for her,” Travis added, looking at Charlotte starry-eyed.

“Okay, you guys are just too cute.” Emmitt laughed and ordered another round.

“So how long are you in town?” Charlotte asked.

“Until we hear from Mr. Halsey on the sale. Either I sign the papers and head home, or I head back with no deal, which I really don’t want to do. My boss will not be happy with me if I come home empty-handed.” Emmitt sipped his drink, twirling the ice with his finger. “I’m expecting he will sign, and I’ll be on my way home tomorrow morning.”

“I hate to ask this, but I need to know,” Travis said, though he wasn’t sure why. “Is that old barn still standing on the east side?”

“Nah, it collapsed years ago. It still sits in ruins, still abandoned. In fact, that is where the airport will be built if it’s approved by the village government.” Emmitt understood why Travis asked about it. It was the site of his and Amy’s love nest. The old barn was his last link to her, and now that it was gone, so was every trace of her from his life. Travis nodded, and Emmitt thought he saw a flicker of sadness in his eyes.

Emmitt’s phone rang, and he noticed the caller ID. “I’m sorry, I have to take this,” he said, excusing himself.

“I’m sorry I asked about the barn, sweetheart,” Travis said to Charlotte. “I don’t know why I even care.”

“It’s okay, and I understand.” She took his hand, and he kissed hers.

Emmitt returned to the table a few minutes later, his smile bright. “It’s a go, Travis. I’m headed to Armand Halsey’s office to sign the paperwork.” He picked up his briefcase and tucked his phone into it.

“Do you need a ride? I’d be happy to take you.” Travis offered.

“Oh, no thanks, buddy. I have a limo to carry me around town.” He hugged Charlotte, and then turned to Travis. “We’ll be talking a lot more, now that I’ll be actively managing the team. Welcome aboard!” He hugged Travis. “I’ll be in touch with your contract within the week.”

“Thanks, Emmitt. Best of luck, and safe travels back home.” Charlotte waved as he left the club.

Travis pulled Charlotte to him, and hugged her, smiling ear to ear. Whispering, he said, “I’ll see you at home, and I promise you, tonight will be a night you will never forget.” He caressed her cheek, and she bit her lip, smiling.

---

“Charlotte, could you please tie this for me, baby?” Travis came from the bathroom, trying, as usual, and in vain, to tie his complicated dress tie. “I think I almost have it, but not quite.”

She laughed and walked to him. “You have it right, honey. Just make it neater.” She fussed with the tie he wore around his neck. “See? Like this.”

“Well, I’ll be. I did it.” He smiled, pleased with himself.

“It only took you twenty years, honey,” Charlotte laughed. She swatted him on the butt, and he turned around, an impish smile on his face.

“You’re playing a dangerous game, little missy,” he teased playfully. “You still make a man want to skip work.”

“But you have to go,” she pouted, pretending to be sad. In actuality, it was a good day. Today, a press conference would be held with Emmitt, Travis, Trey Smith and Aaron Hall, the new coach of the Shores Llamas, announcing the finalized sale of the team and the new team roster, and Travis was looking forward to it. Since Emmitt’s visit, he had a renewed joy, a renewed zeal for life and his craft. Charlotte loved to see him so happy, so merry. She wrapped her arms around his neck, and kissed him. “I can’t wait for you to come home.”

“Woman, you are killing me,” he purred at her. “I have to get going. Are you going to watch?”

“I wouldn’t miss it,” she smiled. “I’ll be waiting for you.”

Travis walked down the stairs, a spring in his step. Devin, who was sitting at the counter doing his homework, noticed. “What’s gotten into you, Dad?”

“I finally tied my tie, son. It’s a good day.” Travis smiled, walked to him, and hugged his shoulders. “You’re a good kid, Devin, and I love you.”

He looked at his father, confused. “What’s going on? Are you dying?”

Travis laughed. “No, son. I’m just happy.” He grabbed the keys to his brand new sports car and walked for the door. “I’ll see you later!” he called.

Charlotte skipped down the steps, heading for the television. “Do you want to watch Daddy on television with me, Devin? Today is a good day for him. I know he’d appreciate it if you watched.”

“Yeah, I’m just gonna finish this, and I’ll be there.”

*****

“Travis! My man!” Emmitt yelled to him from across the field. Travis jogged to his best friend and gave him a hug. “I see you’re all set for the presser. Are you enjoying your new car?”

“Oh, man, Emmitt. That car is sweet, but it wasn’t necessary.” The car had been a part of his generous benefits package and replaced the car that Armand had given him some ten years earlier. “Smitty is on his way out of the locker room.”

“Good deal, bud. Have you met the new coach?” Neil had been fired with great ceremony, with Travis standing by, enjoying Neil’s comeuppance just a little too much. The new coach, a competent young man from Sunlit Tides, was hired to take the head coach position after Neil’s termination. Aaron Hall showed a lot of promise, and Emmitt was pleased with his choice.

“I have,” Travis answered. Noticing the throng of fans, he excused himself, walking to shake hands and sign autographs while the press set up their cameras and mics. Trey joined Travis, and together they signed autographs and posed for pictures with their fans.

About ten minutes passed, and Emmitt addressed the crowd that was present for the media event, effectively calling Travis and Trey to the assembled stage. The teammates walked to the event and took their seats among the others. The cameras were live, and the press conference was underway.

“My name is Emmitt Murphy, and I am representing the O’Reilly family from Dragon Valley, the new owners of the Starlight Shores Llamas. We are pleased to introduce the new coach, who will replace coach Neil Oberly. Aaron Hall comes to us from Sunlit Tides, the former coach of the Tides Lady Starfish, and brings with him an impressive 90% win ratio. We are also announcing the promotion of Travis Jones to team captain, and Trey Smith to assistant captain. Both Mr. Jones and Mr. Smith will return to the Llamas with a renewed five-year contract, so their fans can rest easy.”

“And now, without further ado, I would like to introduce the new owner of the Starlight Shores Llamas, Mr. Lionel O’Reilly. Lionel is the owner of Sunset Valley Pharmaceuticals, a name that most of you know. SVP the largest pharmaceutical company in all of Simville, and employs thousands of people nationwide.”

Lionel stepped up to the microphone, which was located offstage. The cameras panned to him as he spoke. “Thank you, Emmitt, for that kind introduction. I was excited to learn that the Llamas team was for sale about a month ago, and Emmitt here became my emissary to negotiate and seal the deal with the former owner, Mr. Armand Halsey when he announced his retirement. We were pleased to officially close the deal last night during a business dinner with Mr. Halsey’s oldest son. One of the provisions that Mr. Halsey and I wanted was the retention of the two star players on the team, two names everyone in Simville knows well, Mr. Travis Jones, and Mr. Trey Smith. Travis hails from Dragon Valley, my hometown, and naturally, I followed his career closely. Trey is from Barnacle Bay, and has been with the Llamas for about 8 years, is a hard worker, and works well with Travis both on and off the field.”

“Our other big announcement was the acquisition of Mr. Aaron Hall, from Sunlit Tides, as head coach. We are confident his skill set will greatly enhance the Llamas’ current bunch of talented players. His record is impressive, and we look forward to great things, and national championships under him. Emmitt Murphy will be my spokesman when it comes to the team, so look for that face in all future press conferences and team functions. I look forward to a prosperous and victorious relationship with the Starlight Shores Llamas. Emmitt, back to you, and thank you.” Lionel stepped down from the podium, and walked away, escorted by security.

Emmitt continued on, announcing the roster for the upcoming season, and ended the meeting shortly afterward. The press had questions, but most of them concerned the rumored health problems plaguing Armand, and he had no comments. That was not his place to confirm or deny anything, and he ended the Q&A quickly. Travis rose, and shook hands with the new coach, Emmitt, and Trey, and stepped off the stage, heading back to the crowd of fans chanting his name. Trey joined him, and they both signed autographs until every one of their fans had what they came for.

“I guess you figured out, Travis, that I’m relocating here to the Shores,” Emmitt told him after the presser. “I’m technically your boss.” He smiled at the irony.

“Well, isn’t that just a riot,” Travis teased, nudging him. “Welcome home, buddy.”

Travis left the stadium feeling good, energized by the press conference, hopeful that the new coach was everything he claimed to be. He climbed into his new car and drove home, truly happy, to Charlotte’s waiting, loving arms.

Up Next: Generation Four, Chapter Twenty

“Charlotte?” the voice on the other end of the phone asked. “It’s Christopher.”

“Chris!” she squealed, maybe a little too loudly. “What’s going on, little bro?”

“I need to talk to you,” he said solemnly. “I need some advice. Can we meet somewhere?”

“Sure, honey. Are you okay?” she asked, concerned.

“No, not really,” he said, sadness in his voice. “Where do you want to meet?”

“How about the coffeehouse on the strip by the park?” she suggested.

“Sounds good. I’ll meet you there in a few minutes.” Chris hung up the phone.

“Travis, I need to go meet Christopher. He said he needs my advice.” She grabbed her car keys and headed for the door.

“Do you need me to come along?” he offered.

“Not this time, sweetie,” she said. “I don’t know what he’s needing to talk about. But thank you!” She blew a kiss to him, and closed the door behind her.

Anxiously, she drove to the Flying V, and waited for Chris outside by the stage, sipping on a vanilla latte. When he finally arrived, she noticed how old he seemed, and he was younger than she was. She stood to hug him, and noticed he was close to tears. “What’s wrong, Chris?” she asked, very troubled.

“Charli, it’s Cade. We’ve grown apart. We never see each other anymore. She’s always at work. We fight constantly when she is home. I think she has someone on the side.” His heart shattered to pieces right there at the table. “She is my whole world. I can’t stand the thought of her, with someone else.”

“Honey, are you sure? Maybe she really is at work?” Charlotte really wanted to give her the benefit of the doubt, but it had been a long time since she had seen Cade herself.

“Maybe, but I don’t think so. I can’t remember the last time we …” he couldn’t say it. “What else would make her not want me, Charli?”

She hugged him. “Christopher, I don’t know honey. Do you want to come and stay with Travis and me for a while? You and Greg can stay in the loft.”

“I don’t know what I want, Charlotte. It’s been a lot longer than just recently. After Nicky’s death, she got weird. We were okay for a while, and then when Mama and Dad died, she got weird again.” He looked so incredibly sad, that her heart ached for him. “Greg has even noticed it and asks me where she is all the time. I don’t know what to tell him anymore. It’s almost like she’s been absent his whole childhood.”

“I know Darcey would love to have Greg come and stay with us, and you too. I’ll check with Travis and see what he says, but I don’t see a problem with you staying with us while you two get things worked out, or you figure it out.” She took out her phone and texted Travis.

Honey, Christopher is having problems with Cade and needs a place to crash with Greg for a few days. Do you mind if he stays in the loft for about a week or so, until they get things figured out?

“I mean, I could track her phone, but I don’t want her to think I don’t trust her.” Chris wiped tears from his eyes.

“Well, do you trust her?” Charlotte asked.

“Not really.” He looked at his cell, and opened his family plan app. “This app shows me everywhere she’s been in the past week. I’m afraid to look.”

She took the phone from his hand and gazed at the app. “Then I’ll look.” She studied the map, noted where her salon was located, and their home. “Was she home on Friday night?”

“No, she said she was working.”

“The app showed her at the Brotherhood of Fine Fellows Hall until 1am. Is it possible someone had her phone?”

“I suppose it’s possible she lost it, but she wasn’t home, either.”

“Oh wait, she was at an address by the beach. The bed and breakfast.” Charlotte knew that address intimately.

“I knew it.” He buried his head in his hands and sobbed. “I’m a fool to trust that woman, Charli.”

“Maybe it’s not what it seems, Chris.”

“You really seem to be giving her a break. You see the evidence with your own eyes.” Charlotte’s phone beeped Travis’ text tone.

Baby, I don’t have a problem with that. I’ll send the girls up with some linens and blankets, and Danae can make the bed for him for tonight.

“You are coming home with me tonight. Is Greg home?” she asked.

“He’s at work. He has a little part-time job after school. He’ll be home soon, though.”

“Text him to come to our house. If he needs a ride, I’ll go get him.” She reached for his hand. “Chris, we’re going to get this figured out. And if she walks away from you, then she is a bigger fool than I thought, because you’re a pretty awesome guy.” She stood and took his hand. “Come on, Chris.” Reluctantly, he followed her. “Do you need clothes? I don’t think Travis’ stuff will fit you. He’s got you by about 6 inches and about 40 pounds.”

“I’m good for tonight. I don’t even want to go home right now.” They walked to Charlotte’s car, and she drove them home. Chris called Greg. “Greg, when you leave work, have your friend drop you at Aunt Charlotte’s house. We’re staying with her and Uncle Travis for a few days.” He hung up the phone. “I hope he gets that message before he clocks out.”

“If he needs a ride from the house, I’ll go get him.” Charlotte offered. “It’s not a problem.” They pulled into the driveway, and Chris looked at the backyard as nostalgia washed over him.

“I haven’t been back in this house since Mama died.” He walked into the living room, and tears filled his eyes. “This is surreal. How do you do it, Charli?”

“This is where we live. I have to cope with it.” She said, very matter-of-factly. “If you check the attic, there might be some of your old clothes in a dresser. They might still fit you,” she laughed. “Travis is at work until almost 7pm, so make yourself comfortable.”

Darcey heard her uncle’s voice downstairs and raced down to hug him. “Uncle Chris!” she squealed, jumping into his arms.

“Darcey bug!” he hugged her. “Oooh, I’ve missed you! Look how big you’ve gotten!”

“Is Greg coming, too?” she asked excitedly.

“He is, after work,” Chris told her. He looked around, and everything still looked the same from his childhood. The decor. Destiny’s and Bella’s SimFest Awards, and even the furniture was the same. “I don’t know how you can live here, surrounded by everything that was Mama’s, Charli.”

“It keeps her nearby when I need her the most.” She smiled. “Every time I miss her, I look around me. She’s still here.”

“I guess that’s one way to look at it.” Chris smiled and felt at home for the first time in years.

*****

“Travis,” a familiar, but unwanted feminine voice called out to him. “Travis!” He spun around and saw her, waving frantically to him from the stands. He rolled his eyes and walked away from her. Undeterred, she jumped the wall and ran onto the field, catching him by the arm. “What is wrong with you? Didn’t you hear me?” she scolded him playfully.

“Oh, I heard you,” Travis spat. “How many times do I have to tell you to leave me alone?”

“You know what you have to do to get me to go away, cutie pie.” She kissed her finger and tried to touch him with it, but he ducked away from her.

“You’re going to be awfully disappointed when I retire, and you’re still pining for me, unrequited.” Travis laughed.

“I’m not going to have to wait that much longer, sugar,” she said. “It’s coming up soon, our romantic date. You will want to wear something… sexy.”

“You’re delusional,” he said.

“And you’re mine,” she countered.

The hair on the back of his neck stood up on end. “What did you just say?”

“And tell that pretty little wife of yours that if I can’t have you, she can’t either. And when I’m done with you, you’ll be damaged goods, no good to anyone, especially her.” She spat the word ‘her’ in total contempt.

He shook his head and jogged towards the locker room, his heart beating out of his chest. He hated to make the phone call this late in the afternoon, but he had to.

“Steve? It’s Travis Jones.”

“Travis, what can I do for you?”

“I need that bodyguard, and I need it soon.” He hated to admit to himself that it was even necessary, but Kathleen frightened him.

“Starting when?” Steve got his calendar out, looking to see who was open and how quickly.

“Now. Starting immediately.”

“Now? Where are you?”

“The Clips Center. I’m not leaving this stadium until I have an armed guard on my six.”

“Wow, she must have said something that rattled you,” Steve commented casually.

“You have no idea, Steve. I’m in the home team locker room. I can meet him at the team entrance.” He was trying to control his breathing, so he wouldn’t hyperventilate.

“Expect Pete Kelly. He did Charlotte’s security back in the day. He’s definitely packing heat.”

“I remember Pete. Thanks, Steve. I owe you.”

“No problem, Travis. Stay safe.”

Travis hung up the phone and called Charlotte. “Baby?”

“Hey honeybear,” she began, “Chris is here and Greg…” he cut her off

“I don’t mean to interrupt. I’m going to be late. Remember Pete Kelly? Your security guard from years ago?” There was clear panic in his voice, and it alarmed her.

“Yes. Travis? What’s going on?”

“I hired him. I need help getting out of this stadium. Kathleen freaked me right the hell out tonight.”

“What did she say?”

“Remember the pool dream?”

“Yes…” How could I forget, she thought.

“She almost said what was in that dream, verbatim.”

Charlotte began to tremble, breaking out in a cold sweat. Chris saw her face go pale and thought she would faint. “Charli?”

“She didn’t…” Chris got up and moved toward his sister, ready to catch her should she collapse.

“She did, honey. That’s why I’m going to be late.” Travis could not stop shaking.

“Be safe, and call me when you’re on your way home.” Charlotte felt sick to her stomach.

“I will, my love. I’ll see you soon.”

She hung up the phone. “Charli? What’s wrong?” Feeling her trembling, Chris took her by the arm and helped her sit down.

“My worst nightmare, Chris.”

“What do you mean, your worst nightmare?” Chris was worried. “What’s going on?”

“You remember the night Travis almost died from alcohol poisoning?”

“I can’t forget that night. What does that have to do with that phone call?”

“The woman from that night, she’s been stalking him at the stadium for over a year. Apparently, she thinks she is going to get her way with him, despite him telling her otherwise. So, when we were on vacation last year, I had these dreams, nightmares actually. Each one was worse than the last one, ranging from them being here, and me finding their clothes strewn everywhere, to finding him dead in a pool with an ominous message emblazoned on his shirt in red lipstick, to coming home to find she had killed him and the kids. I mean, these were some serious, psychopathic nightmares.”

Chris shook his head. “I had no idea, Charli. I am so sorry.”

“Well, tonight, she must have confronted him because he told me she just said, almost word for word, what she told me in my dream.” She swallowed a lump that rose in her throat. “It freaked him out.”

“Yeah, there’s no doubt why. Holy wow, Charlotte.” Her phone rang, and his number came up on the caller ID.

“Baby, I’m with Pete, and we’re on the way home in an armored car. You and Chris can go get my car in the morning, with Pete. You’re not leaving without someone, either, nor are the kids.”

“We’re waiting for you at home, sweetie. I love you.” She turned to Chris. “This might not be a great time for you to be staying here with us. I don’t want to put you and Greg in harm’s way.”

“Don’t worry about us, honey,” he said to Charlotte, hugging her. “I’m worried about you. Can’t you get a restraining order for him?”

“A judge won’t look at one until something happens. Until then, it’s only a threat. We’ve tried, and we haven’t been successful, at all.” She sighed, frustrated.

“Our taxpayer dollars hard at work,” Chris grumbled.

Ten minutes later, Travis safely walked through the front door, and into Charlotte’s waiting arms. “Thank you, Pete,” she said, grateful he was home.

“We’re going to establish a perimeter around the house, Mr. Jones. Steve wants to do this for you tonight, as a courtesy. You have my number in case you need me. I’ll be on shift until 6am, and then Larry will be taking the kids to school in an armored car, unless you decide to keep them home. Just let us know.”

“Thank you, Pete,” Travis said, kissing Charlotte over and over. “I’ve never been so happy to see you in my whole life, baby. I need to make one phone call, honey, I’ll be right back.” He walked to the spa room and closed the door.

“Travis? What can I do for you?” Armand Halsey was on the other end of the phone.

“Armand, I hate to bother you, since I know you cherish your family time. But we have a situation with a woman who has been stalking me at the stadium. She has been making general, harmless threats for a little over a year, but now she is starting to get more specific, more alarming. I’ve had to hire a private security company. I’ll be honest, sir, she scared me tonight.”

“Who is this woman, and why are we allowing her into the stadium during open practices?”

“Her name is Kathleen Vasquez—” Travis started, and Armand stopped him.

“I know exactly who you’re talking about. She’s somehow related to the Best family, but ironically none of the Best family even remains in town anymore, so she has no clout. Abigail Best was the last living one in the Shores, and she’s been gone for almost 10 years.”

“Is there something we can do to stop her? I don’t want to get into this on the phone, but she has my wife and me pretty spooked.”

“I’ll call the owner of the Clips Center, and see if I can’t pull some strings. In the meantime, the team will pay for your security detail. Just have whoever it is you’ve hired send the bill to my attention. I’ll include it in your benefits package.”

“I can’t thank you enough, Armand. Neil has been less than useless, especially since the fight we had a few months ago. He won’t stop the guys from talking about my wife, but he encourages her to harass me constantly. I’m telling you, if I catch them, hear them, I’m going to level one of them. That will stop it.”

Armand laughed. “Yes, I think it would. Look, Travis, don’t worry about the expense of this. Just be safe, and take care of your family. Allow me to worry about it for you.”

Travis sighed. “That’s not why I called you, to get that bill paid, but I won’t argue with you over it. I just wanted to find out if you could have her banished somehow, though I doubt that would stop her if she has some grandiose plans.”

“I’ll work on it, son. Just take care of your family, and let me take care of you. It’s the least I can do for my star player.” Travis thanked him and hung up the phone.

“Well, that was the team owner, sweetie. He’s going to try to get some strings pulled and get her ejected from the Clips Center. That will help while I’m at work. Oh, and he’s picking up the tab for Steve and his security detail, which is nice of him. Wasn’t why I called, but I’ll take it.” Travis hugged her, kissing her repeatedly. Charlotte laughed, and Chris blushed. “Oh, hey Chris,” he said, suddenly embarrassed of his displays of affection with Charlotte.

“Good to see you, man,” Chris held out a hand, and Travis hugged him.

“Your dad would say, ‘We’re family.’” Travis laughed, remembering his first few encounters with Rog. “I really miss your folks sometimes.”

“Yeah, me too. It’s been a little surreal being here tonight. It’s almost like I expect Mama and Dad to come down the steps at any moment.” Chris laughed. Travis’ phone rang, and it was the call box.

“It’s Greg,” the call came in. “Would you buzz me in?” Travis checked the camera, and confirmed it, and entered the code.

“Come on in, kiddo,” Travis called to him. “We’ll see you inside.”

Greg ran to the front door, where Chris was waiting for him. “Hey son, how was work today?” he asked.

“Good. Why are we here, Dad? What’s going on with Mom?” Greg had a feeling something like this was coming, but was surprised to see armed security around the house.

“Your mom and I need to work things out, but I don’t want to be around her, if she’s even home right now. We need to be around family.” Chris said, smiling at his big sister and her loving family.

“What’s with the goon squad outside?”

“That’s for Uncle Travis. His celebrity status sometimes requires extra security,” Chris explained without getting into fine details. Greg wasn’t nearly as sheltered as his younger cousins, but he didn’t need to know everything, either. He nodded his head and sat in front of the television with Devin. Chris picked up his telephone and opened his wallet. “Dinner is on me tonight. What do you want on your pizza?”

“Chris, you don’t have to do that,” Charlotte said. “I already have something planned.”

“Please,” Chris insisted. “It’s the least I can do for the night.”

*****

Travis and Steve spent the majority of the evening on the phone, detailing plans for security for Charlotte, the girls, and Devin over the next week. Travis would have two guards outside at a time around the home for twenty-four-hour coverage, and someone who would escort him to and from work, and stand guard nearby while he was on the field, except during games, when Clips Center security would take over. He had the entire schedule emailed to him and sat down with the family to explain everything.

“Larry will cover the kids, taking Danae, Darcey, and Devin to school. The high school already has armed security, but Devin’s grade school does not, so Larry will stand guard around him during the day, and Nathan will pick up Danae and Darcey from high school and bring them home. Pete Kelly is assigned to me, and Evan Lamont is assigned to Charlotte and will escort her to and from work. Hospital security should be sufficient to protect her during the day,” he said. “I know this is a mess right now, but when the threat passes, this will stop. My main priority right now is keeping all of you safe.” Travis swallowed a lump in his throat. “If anything ever happened to any of you, I’d…” he had to stop talking.

“Okay, kids, that’s the plan for the week,” Charlotte finished the meeting. “We have to be up extra early in the morning so you guys can be ready for Larry.”

“Why is this happening, Mama?” Darcey asked. “Why does this person want to hurt Daddy?”

“When I find out, punkin, I’ll let you know. Right now, nobody knows why.” Charlotte tried not to let her fear show to the girls, but they saw right through her.

“Mama, I’m scared,” Danae whispered. “I don’t want to leave the house.”

“You’ll be safe with Larry, and the school will protect you during the day, unless we find out otherwise.” Travis added. “I’m who she wants, baby girl. We’re just protecting you and your brother and sister, to be cautious.”

“Devin, sweetie, don’t leave with anyone who claims to be family, unless it is someone you know, like Uncle Chris. Don’t even leave with Aunt Cade right now, because she doesn’t know about our arrangement. Okay, honey?” Charlotte wanted to make sure he knew what to do if someone approached him.

“Yes Mama,” he said.

Charlotte and Travis tucked the kids into bed and kissed them goodnight. And then Travis did something he hadn’t done in over a year… open a bottle of wine and pour himself a glass. Charlotte joined him, and Chris had the third glass as they sat in the living room, talking.

*****

“Travis, it’s Pete. Time to go, bud,” he called upstairs to Travis as he struggled to fix his tie. Flustered, he just gave up and made his way to the door.

“On my way, Pete,” he yelled, grabbing his duffel bag. There would be a press conference that afternoon about player trades, and he was on the question and answer team. “Man, I wish Charlotte was here right now,” he muttered under his breath as he hit the bottom step. “Let’s roll,” he said to Pete, taking his house keys from the peg.

At the stadium, he dropped his duffel at the locker room and walked to Smitty, who was now confirmed to be his closest friend on the team. “Hey Trey, could you do me a favor and fix this dang tie? Charlotte wasn’t home yet, and I can’t figure it out.”

Smitty laughed. “You should have asked your son.”

“He was at school, or I would have,” Travis chuckled. “One of these days, I’m going to figure it out.”

“Yeah, after you’ve retired, old man,” Smitty teased.

Travis joined Neil, Armand and the assistant coach at the press conference, with Pete standing by, armed to the teeth. “Holy crap, Travis,” Neil remarked. “What’s with the guard? Can’t take care of yourself anymore?”

Travis ignored the comment. “Let’s just get through this presser.”

During the press shoot, Kathleen showed up, pacing back and forth, trying to wave to Travis. Pete knew who to look for and kept a close and watchful eye on her. When the last question was answered, and Armand ended the conference, Kathleen tried to make her way onto the field, but Pete stopped her.

“I’m sorry, Ma’am, you’re not allowed on the field when Mr. Jones is on.”

“Yeah, well, I’m a Best, and I can do what I want,” she insisted, trying to push past him.

“Ma’am, you will not go near Mr. Jones.” He showed her his sidearm, but she was not impressed.

“You’re going to need more firepower than that, darlin’,” she huffed, and he caught her arm.

“Ed,” Pete yelled to the head of Clips Center security. “Please escort Ms. Vasquez out of the stadium.”

“Come on, Kathleen, the rules have changed. You’re not allowed near the field during practice anymore.”

“You can’t keep him from me!” she yelled, as Ed escorted her away.

“Watch me,” Pete yelled. He pulled out his smartphone, and recorded the incident, as Steve required him to do.

Travis walked toward Pete, unaware of what had taken place. “I just need my bag, and we’re good to go,” he said.

“Papa Bear leaving the stadium,” Pete spoke into his radio.

Travis laughed. “Papa Bear?”

“Yeah, when we heard you call Devin ‘little bear,’ we came up with code names for you and Charlotte. She’s Mama Bear.” He turned to Travis, his hand on his firearm. “Let’s go.”

Pete got Travis safely home and delivered him to Charlotte’s waiting arms. “Hello, honeybear,” she said, hugging him. “Thank you, Pete,” she yelled, as he waved and left the house.

“Hey baby,” he said, kissing her. “Did you see the presser today? I’m signed for another three years. All I have to do is actually sign the contract. I wanted to discuss it with you first, though.”

“I didn’t see it, no. Is Smitty sticking around?”

“Yes, he’s good for another year. After that, he’s a free agent.”

“What do you want to do, honey?” She was curious.

“I’m going to sign unless we talk the kids into moving before tomorrow.”

“I wouldn’t hold your breath. The girls have a dance coming up, and they’re going to want to go.”

“That settles it, then. I wish Neil would go away, but it is what it is.” Travis shrugged his shoulders. “I’m just happy to be home safely.” He hugged her close. “I love you, my sweet Charlotte.”

“Me too, honeybear.” She kissed him. “I love you so much.”

---

Chris came in with a handful of mail on his way in from his night shift, and let himself into the gate, as he did every morning for the week since they had been staying with Charlotte and Travis. An obscure envelope was addressed to Travis, with no address on it, and no return. Chris set the mail on the counter, grabbed his rubber work gloves, and analyzed the letter. Charlotte was up, cooking breakfast for the kids as they got ready for school upstairs. “What is that, Chris?”

“It looks like someone left a letter in the mailbox for Travis. I’m checking it for chemical residue.”

“Leave it. Let me call the police,” Charlotte said. “It shouldn’t be tampered with.”

“It seems to be clean,” he said, putting away his equipment, and pulling his goggles from his eyes. “I don’t see anything on it.”

“I’m still going to call the police. They need to see it if it’s from who I think it is.” Charlotte dialed the non-emergency number for the police department. She had the day off from work and had no other plans.

Greg came downstairs, dressed for school. “Good morning, Aunt Charlotte,” he said politely. “May I?” he asked, motioning toward a plate of fresh banana pancakes.

“Help yourself, honey,” she answered, smiling at her only nephew. “You don’t have to ask.”

The police showed up about twenty minutes after Charlotte called them. The lead detective entered the override code for the gate and came to the front door, knocking. Charlotte answered, and let them in.

“The letter is here, officers. My brother is a scientist at the facility and did a preliminary analysis of the envelope. He didn’t detect any chemical residue.”

They took the letter and opened it. There was no powder or chemical inside, but just a lone piece of paper with scribbled handwriting on it.

Tonight’s the night. Wear something sexy.

“Dr. Jones, may we keep this? We might be able to pull something from this, and come up with a suspect based on evidence.”

“I can give you a name, detective,” she said. “Kathleen Vasquez. She has been stalking my husband for the past 13 months, and lately, her threats have been more specific and sinister, which is why you see armed guards outside the house.”

“There were no guards outside, Dr. Jones. The front of the house was clear.”

“Travis!” she shrieked, running for the bedroom.

She ran up the stairs as fast as she could go, and flung their bedroom door open. He was sleeping peacefully in their bed, and she collapsed on the floor, crying. The two detectives were right behind her and helped her up from the floor. “I can’t do this anymore,” she wept. “Please,  officers, do something about this wretched woman, before she hurts my husband.” She walked to where he slept, and noticed he was dressed in his pajamas. When they fell asleep the evening before, neither of them had been wearing anything. “Something is wrong,” she said, touching him. Ordinarily, her touch would wake him, but he laid in bed, unresponsive. “Call emergency!” she screamed, “he’s not moving.” Grabbing her bag, she brought out her stethoscope and listened for his heartbeat. It was strong and steady, but his breathing was shallow.

“Honey,” she cried, trying to rouse him. “I think there’s someone in the house. The kids!” she screamed, nearly hysterical. “Where are my children?” She opened the door to their room, and all three of them were huddled together, shaking. “What happened?”

“Mama, a strange man was in the house. I don’t know where he went.” Danae cried, trembling visibly. The police, hearing the update from the kids, called for backup.

“Chris!” Charlotte yelled. “I need you!” Chris came running from the living room, taking the stairs two at a time.

“What’s wrong, Charli?” he asked as he saw the twins and Devin huddled together.

“Please protect them. I think someone is in the house.” She went back to their bedroom and sat with Travis, trying to wake him. “Honeybear, please…” she held him and rocked him. She heard the police radio stating that two guards were found outside the gate, knocked out cold, but alive, and a part of the fence had a ladder leaning against it around in the backyard by the pool. Within minutes, what seemed like the entire police force and emergency were surrounding the house. Paramedics ran up the steps to the bedroom and began to assess Travis. Upon first inspection, a slight bump on the back of his head was noted, but no obvious weapon was found. Police scrambled to secure the house, going room by room, until they found a man that fit the description the girls had given the detectives, hiding in a closet by the spa room on the first floor.

“Dr. Jones, it appears he might have a concussion from a minor blunt force trauma, which explains why he is unresponsive. We are going to take him in for assessment and treatment. You are welcome to ride with us.” The paramedics loaded him onto a stretcher and brought him downstairs.

“Chris, I need you to take care of the kids. I wouldn’t ordinarily ask, but Tracy has a day job, and she won’t be able to come.”

“Don’t worry about it, Charli. I’ve already been to work, and I can stay up with them. Go, be with Travis.”

Charlotte climbed into the ambulance and rode with Travis. He woke up during the ride, with a bad headache and not much memory of what had taken place. “What happened?” he asked Charlotte. “Where am I?”

“We don’t know, honey, but you’re on the way to the hospital.” Charlotte grabbed and squeezed his hand. “We don’t think you’re hurt badly, but they want to check you out.”

*****

At the house, the detectives questioned the suspect they found in the spa room closet. “What were you doing inside this house?”

“I was contracted to abduct the man upstairs, Travis Jones, and call my contact when I had him.”

“Who is your contact?” the detective asked.

“I only know her by ‘Mrs. B.’” the suspect said. “I’ve never seen her, and I don’t know who she is.”

“When is she supposed to contact you again?” the detective asked.

“I’m supposed to call her when I have the target in my possession,” the man replied. “She’s expecting me to call her any minute. This was supposed to be a smash and grab of sorts.”

Another detective came down the stairs carrying a black bag with duct tape, rope and a heavy, dense rock inside. The rock had a blood spatter on it and hair that matched Travis’ hair color. “Is this what you used to incapacitate the victim?”

“Yes, officer. I wasn’t supposed to hurt him, just knock him out long enough to abduct him. I might have hit him a little too hard, though.”

“How did you get into the house, and how were you going to get him out of the house unnoticed?” The detective was taking notes, trying to piece together a case.

“I had orders to take out other family members if they got in the way. I wasn’t expecting to find a second adult male in the house.”

“Where did you encounter the second adult male?” the detective questioned.

“There was a younger red-headed adult male on the third floor, where I came into the house. The upper deck was always my point of entry, but I didn’t anticipate encountering anyone upon entry.”

“How did you gain access to the upper deck?”

“Grapple. The hook should still be hanging off the back of the house. I forgot to take it with me when I cleared the wall.” The detectives were shocked at how willing the suspect was to cooperate with them, and how spectacularly incompetent he was.

“So you grappled to the upper deck, entered through what the family calls the loft, and snuck into the victim’s bedroom? What happened after you struck him in the head?”

“He was not clothed, and I didn’t want to bring him out that way. I found a pair of pajama pants on the chair by the bed, and covered him the best I could. That was when I heard the woman scream his name. I escaped through a closed door and found the kids there.” He described the door between the master bedroom and the twins’ room. “I wasted a lot of time covering him, time I didn’t have.”

“Were the orders to kill the other family members if you needed to?”

“No sir, only to incapacitate them. I didn’t want to hurt the children, so I just threatened them with harm, and they obeyed. I escaped down the stairs after I left the children’s room, and encountered the second male. I knew I had botched it because I realized I had left the bag with my equipment in it upstairs, so I hid in the first closet I could find.”

“So you would have attacked a defenseless, unarmed woman had the opportunity presented itself?” The detective looked at him in disgust.

“That was my order, if she got in my way, but I was to leave her alive specifically.  Like I said before, I wasn’t counting on the second adult male to be in the house.”

“I’ve heard enough. Take him in.” The lead detective said. “Book him on breaking and entering, attempted kidnapping, and assault and battery, for now.”

*****

At the hospital, Travis had a CT scan to check for a head injury and was found to have a mild concussion. Since the injury was mild, they had no reason to admit him, and since Charlotte was willing to monitor at home, he would be released to her care after the attending physician signed off on his discharge.

“What happened, honey?” he asked, truly confused.

“I don’t know, sweetheart, but Chris found a letter in the mailbox this morning, addressed to you, like someone put it in the box by hand, not through the mail. It had no postmark and no address on it. When the police opened it, the letter inside was written in messy handwriting, and said, ‘tonight’s the night.’”

“Kathleen,” he muttered. “How did you know to come check on me?”

“I told the police the reason there were guards posted outside, and he said there weren’t any. That’s when I ran upstairs.” She held his hand tightly. “The kids were huddled together in the girls’ bedroom, scared to death. Chris is home with them now.”

“I don’t remember anyone hitting me. I must have been asleep.” Travis reached up and touched the lump on his head. “Ouch!” The injury was behind his left ear, about 2 inches above his neck, and had a slight abrasion which drew some blood.

“Imagine if you hadn’t hired security, baby. You would have been gone, and I might have been dead.”

“As it is, it sounds like they were terribly unprepared for what hit them.” He thought of calling Steve. “Are they alive?”

“I think they’re going to be okay. They just knocked them out, like they did to you.” Charlotte was trembling.

“I need to call Armand,” he said, reaching for his cell.

“When you get home, baby,” she replied. “Your phone is home, and the police might have even taken it for evidence. I’m just not sure.”

Charlotte’s phone rang. “Chris? How are the kids?”

“They’re fine. The guy only threatened them, he didn’t hurt them.”

“Thank goodness!” she cried, relieved. “Are the detectives still there?”

“Yes, they’re still looking for evidence. Every detail the suspect gave has been true. The detectives say he was very cooperative, probably to work out a plea deal. The guards outside are fine, but they’re being checked out.” He hesitated to tell her that the only reason the man hadn’t succeeded was that he and Greg were there. She was already spooked out enough.

“Have them call me, Chris. We’ll be home soon. He has only a slight concussion, and they’re letting me bring him home.”

“Will do. Charlotte,” he added. “I love you.”

“I love you too, Christopher.”

Just as she hung up with Chris, her cell rang again. “Charlotte!” came the panicked voice on the other end. “This is Armand. I just saw the news. My goodness, is Travis okay?”

“Yes, Armand, he just has a slight concussion. We’ll be going home soon.”

“Do you mind if I speak with him? Is he alert?”

“Yes, in fact, he wanted to call you, just a minute.” She handed the phone to Travis.

“Hey buddy,” Armand greeted him. “How are you feeling?”

“I’ve been better, to be perfectly honest,” he laughed. “My wife saved my life, I think.” Again, he thought. “I got a letter in the mailbox this morning, my brother-in-law found it, from our little friend.”

“I hope you press charges when they link her to this, Travis. There should be no room for forgiveness for her.” Armand said adamantly.

“Oh, I would have pressed charges, filed a restraining order, and done anything in my power to stop her if I could have, BEFORE we got to this point. I’m a lucky man, Armand.”

“You’re not kidding. Keep me updated. I’m pleased to hear you’re okay.”

“Thanks, Armand. Me too.”

The nurse came in with Travis’ discharge papers, and Charlotte signed him out, agreeing to keep an eye on him through the day. He was not allowed to return to work for three days, and was ordered to rest at home quietly. They brought him to the main hospital entrance in a wheelchair, and Pete picked them up in his armored, protective car.

“Pete, are your guards okay?” Travis asked.

“Yeah, they have concussions and are being released later this afternoon. Travis, I’m sorry we failed you. There is no excuse. Steve is not happy with us, to say the least. Some heads are going to roll over this incident.”

“I don’t think it was their fault. This woman was motivated, and apparently a lot craftier than we thought.” Travis shook his head, ignoring the pain. “Maybe this will be the end of everything. She made mistakes, and she apparently wasn’t counting on her hitman failing to grab me.”

“Do you think she would have killed you, Travis?” Pete asked candidly.

“I can’t say, but I think it would have ended badly for me, if anyone ever found me, that is. She told me I would be ‘damaged goods’ when she was finished with me. That woman is crazy.” He shuddered.

Charlotte sniffled. “Damaged goods?” she said meekly, holding back a sob. “You never told me she said that, honeybear.”

“I’m sorry, sweetie. I thought I had.” He hugged her shoulders and rubbed her back.

The car pulled into the driveway, and police cars were still outside the house. Charlotte hung onto Travis, and when they walked into the house, Danae and Darcey ran to them, crying. “My babies, my babies,” Travis fell to his knees and hugged them, crying. “Are you okay?”

“We’re okay Daddy,” Darcey cried, hugging him tightly. “I was so scared, that man threatened to hurt us if we moved.”

“I love you kids so much,” he wept.  “I am so sorry that happened to you even though I tried to protect you. I am so sorry I failed you.” He hugged the twins to him.

“Dr. Jones, we need to speak with your husband,” the detective requested. “He might have some information that would be helpful to this investigation.”

“Sure, just a moment. He’s with our children. They got the daylights scared out of them this morning, and they need him.” Charlotte said adamantly.

“The sooner we’re done here, the sooner you can get back to normal, Dr. Jones.” The detective tapped his pen on the table.

Charlotte sighed. “I’ll be right back.”

Travis had all three of the kids wrapped around him, crying. “Baby, the detectives need to see you.” She turned to the kids. “Please, go with Uncle Chris for a little while, babies. Daddy will be here.”

“Come on kids,” Chris called to them. “Let’s go play a game.”

Travis stood, walked to the bathroom, and splashed his face with cold water. Charlotte was right beside him and held onto him for dear life. They walked together to the dining room, where the detectives had been since they got there that morning.

“Travis, what can you tell us about Kathleen Vasquez?” the lead detective asked.

“I should start at the beginning. Last year, I met her in a bar, and brought her to an inn, the bed and breakfast by the beach. Nothing happened there, but she has been harassing me at work ever since. Taunting me, telling me she doesn’t take no for an answer. I’ve been brushing her off as crazy, until my wife had some pretty disturbing dreams about her. Then about a week ago, she told me almost to the word what my wife said she dreamed. That’s when I hired McKinnon Security to watch the house and accompany me around town.”

“Travis, the suspect we have in custody claims that he got spooked when he realized there was a second adult male in the house. Why are your brother-in-law and nephew here? There’s a good chance their presence here is what saved your life.”

“Christopher is having marital problems, so my wife invited him to stay with us about a week ago. He and his teenage son Greg have been staying in the loft upstairs. He works night shift at the science facility and was coming home this morning as he has every morning since he’s been with us. Greg would have been getting ready for school, either in the shower or on his way downstairs around that time.” Travis didn’t know much else about the events of the morning. He had been sleeping when he was attacked.

Charlotte nodded. “Greg came downstairs right around the same time Christopher came home. I made pancakes, and he had breakfast.”

“We almost have a full confession from the hired kidnapper, but his contact is only known to him as ‘Mrs. B.’ Does that mean anything to you?” the detected asked.

“Kathleen Vasquez claims to be related to the Best family that used to live here in town before the last ones died out a few years ago. But according to Steve McKinnon, her relation is by marriage, and her ex-husband, who was Mandy Best’s son, no longer lives in Starlight Shores.”

“That makes sense. She isn’t the brightest light in the harbor, if you know what I mean. She’s been on our radar for solicitation, so this latest incident plays right into this. But, we don’t have evidence right now that links her to this directly. We will keep you posted.” The detective closed his notebook and stood, holding his hand out for Travis to shake.

“Thank you, officer,” Travis said. He stumbled as he walked the detectives to the front door, and Charlotte ran to him, steadying him.

“Sweetie, you need to rest. How’s your headache?” she asked him, as the doctor in her took over.

“I’m okay, love,” he replied. “I just need to sit.”

*****

At the police station, the suspect was being processed into the jail when his cell phone rang. He looked at the number. “It’s ‘Mrs B.’,” he said. “I should get that.”

“Remember what we told you to do,” the detective reminded him.

He nodded and put the phone on speaker, and answered the call. “Hello?”

“What have you been doing? The news is buzzing with your dismal failure at the Jones house this morning.”

“I’m at the jailhouse, Mrs B,” he said, “They’re booking me on a ton of charges. Come bail me out.”

“That’s not part of our deal! You weren’t supposed to get caught. You were supposed to deliver Travis Jones to me!” the voice on the other end squawked. “I’ve been planning this too long for you to screw it up on me! Twelve long months I’ve waited for this man!”

“I’m sorry, Kathleen,” he said, testing the waters.

“Yeah well, don’t … wait, how did you know my name?” She demanded, incriminating herself.

“You told me, Ms. Vasquez.”

“No, I didn’t tell you purposely because I knew they’d tie me to this if you knew my real name.” She paused as the realization hit her. “Goodness, you know my last name too?”

A detective took the phone from the suspect. “This is Detective Sherman at the Shores Police Department. Thank you, Mrs. Vasquez. Now that we have your confession on record, we’ll be charging you with a whole assortment of crimes. Expect us within the hour.”

The suspect was incredulous. “Wow, she really isn’t all that smart, is she?”

“No, she’s not, but you have no room to talk. Even though you helped us to identify her, you’re still in a whole heap of trouble.” Detective Sherman walked away to call the Jones family.

“This is Detective Sherman from the Shores PD, is this Dr. Jones?” he asked.

“Yes, this is Charlotte. Do you have something new, detective?”

“Our suspect got a phone call from our mysterious ‘Mrs B’ and baited her into self-incrimination and a confession, much to his credit. We have confirmation it was Kathleen Vasquez, and we know where she is. She will be in custody within the hour.”

“Oh! This is fantastic news! Please call me when you have her. I want to know when this nightmare is over.” Charlotte excitedly hung up the phone. “They have evidence that Kathleen was behind this. When they have her in custody, it’s over,” she announced, and breathed a sigh of relief.

*****

The family sat around the television as they watched coverage of the Vasquez arrest. She was exactly where she had told the kidnapper she would be, and never moved from it. “That woman is about as dumb as they come,” Travis said, shaking his head. The news reported that she was being charged with no less than five felony charges, which, if she was convicted, would be enough to imprison her for much of the rest of her life in Strangetown.

“Wow,” Charlotte remarked. “She’s younger than me. She must have been a trophy wife for the Best kid.”

“What kind of prize did he have to win to get her as a trophy?” Travis joked, and looked at Charlotte. She busted out laughing, and he did, too.

The arraignment was the next day, and though Charlotte had to work, she wanted to be in the courtroom, so she asked for the morning off. Travis went with her, and they watched as Kathleen Vasquez pled no contest. The judge set her sentencing hearing for a week later, though Charlotte and Travis had no desire to be there for sentencing. As the bailiff took Kathleen away in handcuffs, she caught a glimpse of Charlotte, and spat at her, mumbling something unintelligible under her breath.

“I can’t believe this nightmare is finally over,” Charlotte said, taking Travis’ hand in hers.

“I’ll take you to work, my love, and I’ll see you tonight.” He kissed her before opening the car door for her.

Travis drove home, hopeful that he would catch Christopher still awake when he got home. He opened the door, and Chris was just turning the television off, and preparing to go to bed. “Hey, how’d court go?” he asked.

“She plead no contest. Her sentencing is next week. She’s going away for a long time,” Travis replied. “I don’t want to forget to tell you, Chris, thank you.”

“For what?”

“For being here. Your being here probably saved me. I can’t repay that. Charlotte and I are forever grateful to you.”

“Thank Charlotte. She is the one who invited us to stay. I heard from Cade, by the way. She is filing for divorce. She has another man.”

“I’m sorry, Chris. You didn’t deserve that.”

“No, it’s okay. It will be rough on Greg, but I’ve known it was coming for a while. I’ve made peace with it.” Chris looked sad but tranquil.

“You and Greg are welcome to stay as long as you’d like.” Travis hugged him.

“Thanks, Travis. You’re my favorite brother-in-law.” Chris smiled, and they both laughed.

“You’re my favorite brother-in-law, too.” Travis chuckled. “Sweet dreams, Chris.”

“Thanks, man,” Chris said, as he climbed the steps to the loft, thankful for his sister and her family.

 

Next: Chapter Eighteen, Generation Four

“Neil, I need a weekend off,” Travis announced, holding airline tickets for five to Isla Paradiso. “I’m taking the kids to the Isle for the weekend before they grow up completely and move away from us.”

“I guess I can’t say no, since you already have the tickets in your grubby paws,” Neil grumbled under his breath. “At least the season is over. I don’t know how you didn’t get us into the playoffs this year. I shouldn’t let you have any more vacation time until we win a championship, you know that.”

“Yeah, I know.” The team missed the playoffs by a goal during the final game of the season, and it was Travis’ fault. It was a bad kick, and Neil wasn’t done busting his chops about it. “There’s always next season.”

“You don’t have many more good seasons left, my friend,” Neil countered. “You’re not getting any younger.”

“Bite me, Neil.” He fanned the plane tickets out and waved them at his coach. “Make this happen.”

Travis walked to the locker room to get changed into his uniform and was lacing his shoes when Smitty approached him. “Miss Tight Britches is looking for you, Jones. She is nuttier than a peanut butter factory.”

“Oh goody. Thanks for the heads up, Smitty.” Grabbing his water bottle, he jogged down the tunnel into the stadium, and sure enough, Kathleen was in the bleachers waving frantically at him. Totally ignoring her pleas for attention, he joined his team for warm-ups on the field. Neil walked onto the field, a clipboard in his hand, and his phone ringing in his pocket.

“Just a second guys,” he said, reaching for his cell. “What do you want?” he answered it, annoyed. Plugging his open ear, he listened intently to the person on the other end. Neil rolled his eyes and finally said, “Forget it. I’m hanging up.” He walked back toward the team, shaking his head. “That was your girlfriend, Travis.” The guys began laughing. “She wants to see you after practice.”

“I hope you told her no.” Travis was done with Kathleen and her ridiculous antics.

“You have to break up with her. I’m not touching this one.” Neil blew his whistle. “Now, I know Mr. Big Shot over here couldn’t wrap up our season with a spot in the playoffs, but we’ll have to forgive him. His wife has been keeping him busy and very distracted.”

Travis’ face turned red, not from embarrassment but from irritation. His personal life was no one else’s business, and he was suddenly sorry he had confided anything in Neil. “Enough, Neil,” Travis growled. “Charlotte is off-limits for locker room talk.”

“Oh come on, Travis,” Paolo, a veteran player, snickered. “Everyone loves to talk about Charlotte in the locker room. You might as well join the fun.”

Travis could put up with a fair amount of joking, but when it came to Charlotte, he was fiercely protective, and his tolerance was non-existent. “Talk about me all you want, Paolo, but if I ever catch one of you disrespecting her like that, I will beat you senseless.”

“Lighten up, Jones,” Paolo continued. “You have to know everyone on this team dreams of nailing her.” Neil shook his head at him and motioned for him to stop.

“I’m done here today.” Travis was hot, and he turned and walked away from the team before he did or said something he would regret. Neil chased him down the tunnel and into the locker room.

“Man, I’m sorry,” Neil apologized. “That was my fault.”

Travis was furious, and it took every bit of restraint he could muster to keep his cool. “You should know better, Neil. After all the problems she and I have had together, we finally get our heads on straight, and you pull this… My personal life should NEVER come up in team discussions. I thought we were better friends than this. You disappoint me, Neil.” Travis shook his head. “But I swear, if I ever, and I mean ever, hear someone talking that way about my Charlotte, I’m out of here, contract or no contract.”

“That’s not up to you, to just leave.”

“Try me.” Travis grabbed his duffel bag. “Goodnight, Neil.”

Travis got into his car and started it. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw a white, fluffy blob running toward him. Great, he thought, this is just what I don’t need right now. Locking the door, he rolled the window down halfway. “What do you want, Kathleen? And make it good, I’m in no mood for your baggage tonight.”

“Well, I was going to ask, since you’re leaving early if you wanted to go get a drink somewhere.” She twirled her keys on one finger while she waited for his answer. “I know you like to drink, and I know you love that bed and breakfast.”

“Are you kidding me?” Travis growled. “I am going to tell you this one time, and I can’t stress it enough. When Hell freezes over. Do you understand me? I will never have a drink with you. I will never get into your bed.”

“Touchy!” she exclaimed. “So, I’m hearing not tonight.”

“Never, Kathleen. Never!” He rolled his window up and drove away, laying rubber down on the pavement as he spun his tires. He drove to a nearby parking lot and just sat there, waiting for his rage to subside. The last thing he wanted to do was wreck his car, and he feared he might if he continued to drive. Instead, he dialed Charlotte’s cell phone.

“Hello?”

“Baby, thank goodness,” he said, his voice quivering. “It’s so good to hear your sweet voice, honey.”

“What’s wrong, Travis?” The hair on the back of her neck stood on end. “Where are you?”

“I’m at MN8, in the parking lot. I walked out of the stadium, and I need to calm down.”

“I’m coming to get you,” she said. “Don’t do anything until I get there.”

“No, honey, it’s not like that. I’m just really angry, and I need to settle down before I drive home. I thought hearing your voice would help.”

“What happened, baby?” She could tell he was very upset.

“I don’t want to say on the phone. Just… talk to me, honey.”

“I love you, Travis. Are you sure you don’t want me to come get you? I could call Chris to come get your car for you.”

“Please… just tell me how much you love me. I need you to say it.”

“You’re scaring me, Travis. Please let me come get you.” Charlotte started to cry.

“Okay, but please come quickly. I need you.” Travis began to shake.

“Don’t hang up, sweetie. I’m going to call Chris. We’ll be there soon.” He heard her place her cell on the counter as she dialed Chris on the house phone.

“Baby, please,” he begged. “Hurry.”

Charlotte drove to pick up Chris, and together they drove to MN8 on the strip near the Clips Center. The windows in his car were steamed, and she knocked on the window. “Baby?” she called to him.

Travis opened the door, and got out, wrapping himself around her. “Honey,” he cried. “Oh, honey.” She felt him trembling.

“What happened, sweetie?” She held him tightly.

“Let’s go home. I’ll tell you there.” Charlotte gave Chris the keys to his car and told him to bring it to his house.

“I’ll come get the car tomorrow, Christopher. Just drive it home for tonight.” He nodded and drove it away. “Come, baby, let’s go home.”

Charlotte drove home, with Travis in the passenger seat, crying, shaking. Whatever happened at work couldn’t have been good. She called Darcey on the way home.

“Darcey, please get Danae and Devin upstairs for me? I’m bringing Daddy home from work, and he’s not well.”

“Oh no, Mama!” Darcey cried. “He isn’t drunk again, is he?”

“No, no sweetie pie, he’s just not feeling well.” Charlotte turned the last corner before reaching the house. “Please, just for now. I need to get him home and upstairs to our bedroom. Something happened at work, and I need to make sure he’s okay.”

“Okay, Mama,” Darcey agreed. She rounded up Danae and Devin and brought them upstairs.

Charlotte opened the gate and drove the car into the driveway, parking outside the garage. “Baby, what happened?” She rubbed his back as he sobbed.

“I feel so betrayed, honey. Here, let’s go upstairs. I need to think a minute.” He collected himself and opened the car door. She took his hand, and they walked into the house and up the steps to their room.

Charlotte closed their bedroom door, knocking softly on the door between the two bedrooms as a signal to Darcey they could leave the room. Travis sat on the bed, still in his team uniform, his cleats still on his feet. “I can’t go back there, honey.”

“What happened that was so awful?” Charlotte couldn’t imagine what would make him say he couldn’t go back to work.

“We were getting ready for practice, and Neil made some snide comment about me not being able to lead the team to the playoffs this season, because you were keeping me distracted, or something idiotic like that. And I told him to knock it off, that you were off-limits for locker room talk. The guys get really, really vulgar in the locker room talking about their conquests.” He took a deep breath. “So, one of the older guys on the team told me to lighten up, that you’re a frequent topic of discussion in the locker room, and that everyone on the team dreams of having sex with you.” He began to shake, becoming enraged all over again.

“Oh baby,” she said, feeling nauseated. “They didn’t. They don’t… Oh my goodness.” Charlotte held her stomach. “They really said that? About me?”

“Neil chased me back into the locker room after I walked off the field and tried to apologize. But I was so hot, I threatened to quit if I heard them disrespecting you like that, contract or not.” He took another deep breath. “Neil is the closest thing I’ve had to a friend since I left Emmitt in Dragon Valley, and he betrayed me like it was nothing.”

Charlotte didn’t know what to say. Every person on the team was like family, and to know they talked about her that way made her feel sick. What would their wives say, to know they talked about her like that? “No wonder you were furious, baby. And hurt, and disgusted.” She swallowed back bile that rose in her throat.

He reached into his duffel bag and pulled out the envelope containing the tickets to Isla Paradiso. “I wanted to surprise you tonight with this, but the wind got taken out of my sails.” He handed the envelope to Charlotte.

“Isla Paradiso? We’re taking the kids?”

“Yes, honey. I asked Neil to schedule the weekend off for me, but I’m not going to worry about it. If I don’t have a job when I come back, then so be it.”

“Then maybe this is our ticket out of Starlight Shores. For good.” She looked at the tickets again. “Did you reserve the resort yet? I’d like to stay in the same place.”

“I was going to do that tonight. It’s offseason for them, so I didn’t figure we’d have a problem getting reservations.” Travis looked unbearably sad. “Three hours ago, I had the world by the horns. Now, I don’t even know if I want my job.” She hugged him.

A gentle knock came on their bedroom door. “Mama?”

“Come on in, Darcey,” she called to her. “He’s okay.”

Darcey and Danae walked into the bedroom and saw the sad expression on their father’s face. “Whatever happened, Daddy, I’m sorry,” Danae said, hugging him.

“I’m better now, Punkin.” He looked at Charlotte. “How do you feel about going on vacation for a weekend?”

The girls looked at each other and squealed. “Awesome!” Darcey hugged him. “Where are we going?”

“Isla Paradiso, girls. Where we went to last year.”

“Ooh! I can’t wait!” Danae said.

“You won’t have to wait long,” Travis replied. “We’re going next weekend.”

He took Charlotte’s laptop and looked at the resort online, and was about to make a reservation when his cell phone rang. It was the team owner, and he had to take it.

“Yeah,” Travis answered.

“Travis, this is Armand Halsey. Neil tells me you’re threatening to break your contract?”

“Hi, Mr. Halsey. As usual, Neil gave you half the story, but I shouldn’t be surprised about that. It’s a long story. Can I meet you for coffee tonight? I’d rather explain this in person.”

“Yes, I’d like that, Travis. How about in twenty minutes at the Flying V?”

“Sure thing. My wife will be joining us since this involves her,” Travis stated firmly.

“Not a problem. I’ll see you in twenty.” Armand hung up the phone.

“Girls, can you watch Devin for awhile? I have to meet my boss at the coffeehouse, and I don’t have time to wait for Tracy. I know you can handle him for a while, right?”

“No problem, Daddy. He’s just watching television anyway.” Danae hugged him. “I’ll make sure he’s in bed by eight.”

“Thank you Punkin. We shouldn’t be that long, baby girl. Charlotte, we need to go, honey.” Travis got his car keys and started toward the garage.

She followed him outside and took the keys from his hands. “I’m driving, big guy. Your car is with Chris, remember?” She hugged him. “Thank you for including me in this meeting.”

They sat at the outdoor cafe with lattes and waited for Armand to show up. He spotted Travis and walked briskly to where he and Charlotte sat, and introduced himself to her.

“A pleasure to meet you, Dr. Jones. I’ve heard wonderful things about you.” Mr. Halsey stated, then turned to Travis. “So, what happened during practice tonight?”

“Well, sir, you know Neil and I have had a decent working relationship. And when our last season ended, I brought Charlotte on vacation for a week in Isla Paradiso on a much-needed honeymoon. We re-committed ourselves to each other on that vacation, and apparently, that has become a topic of discussion and great amusement among my teammates since our return a few months ago. I mention this because it has everything to do with what happened this evening.”

“I figured you had a reason for mentioning this, Travis. Please, continue.”

“So, in discussing our, well, my failure to bring the team to the playoffs this season, Neil hinted that I missed the kick on that last goal because Charlotte has kept me, ahem, distracted. His words.” Travis clenched his teeth together. “Then when I asked him to refrain from speaking about Charlotte in this way, and said that she was off-limits in locker room talk, old Paolo decided it was a good time to tell me that not only is Charlotte a topic of frequent discussion in the locker room among my teammates, but that everyone on the team dreams of, if I may quote him, ‘nailing’ her.”

Armand shook his head in disgust. “Dr. Jones, I’m sorry you had to hear that.” He noticed her wiping tears from her eyes. “Travis, what can I do to make you want to stay on this team? You are still my most valued player, the hardest worker I have, and your name recognition is second to none. Frankly, I don’t want to lose you to another team.”

“I’m not sure, Mr. Halsey…”

“Please, call me Armand. I think we’re beyond the formalities.”

“Armand. I’m not sure. The betrayal is something I, quite honestly, I’m unnerved by it. Every single player on that team wants to have sex with my sweet Charlotte. My heart and soul. The love of my life. The mother of my three children. The woman I would die for. How would you feel, Armand, if they said that about your wife?”

“I wouldn’t feel any differently than you do right now, and I’m not sure I could have kept my composure. But I can’t realistically fire the whole team. It doesn’t work that way, I’m sorry to say. What I can do, however, is end Paolo’s contract, and replace Neil with a different coach.”

Travis sighed. “No, I don’t want anyone to lose their jobs. That might have been the old me. But Charlotte has taught me many things.” He took her hand in his. “One of them is how to forgive. This woman has an enormous heart, and she inspires me every day.”

“That is awfully big of you, Travis. But that is still unacceptable for them to be talking like that about your lovely wife. I’ll have a talk with Neil, and tell him to control his players. Then I can force them to apologize to you…”

“No, that’s not necessary, Armand. If they aren’t truly sorry, it will just come off as fake, and it’s worse than no apology at all. I can forgive it, but I won’t forget it. And I can’t promise I won’t slug the first person who makes an off-color remark about my precious Charlotte.”

Armand laughed. “Well, I wouldn’t blame you, son. I won’t punish you if that happens. I can just as easily look the other way.”

“I appreciate that. The other things will come back in time, I hope, but I will never trust Neil again. I guess I can’t have friends on the job.” He shook his head. “What a shame.”

“Yes, it is. Well, if we’re good here, I am missing my own dinner. My wife is keeping mine warm. She’s a treasure, much like your Charlotte. I couldn’t imagine anyone telling me what Paolo told you. You’re a man of great restraint, Travis. I respect that. And, for your trouble and your wife’s sake, I’ll bump your contract salary up by 25%.”

“Thank you, Armand, that’s very generous of you, and much appreciated. I hope to hear from you again, under better circumstances.” The men rose and shook hands.

“Take care of that beautiful young lady. She is precious.” Travis nodded and took her hand.

“Let’s go home, baby,” he said. “I’ll drive.”

*****

“Jones, my office please.” Neil summoned him to his official office. Travis walked in and closed the door behind him. “Do you mind telling me exactly what you told Mr. Halsey last night?”

“The truth, Neil. I told him the truth, not half-truths spun to make me look like the bad guy.” He sat across from Neil, his arms folded defiantly. “I’m not taking your garbage, so spare me.”

“So, you told him you threatened your teammates?”

“I told him what my teammates said about my wife, and he said he didn’t blame me for feeling how I do. You were my friend, the closest thing I’ve had since I left my hometown. Why did you betray me like that?  For what? A laugh? To make yourself feel better at my expense? I don’t understand, Neil. Explain that to me.”

“I thought I was being funny. I didn’t expect Paolo to bring that up.”

“So you knew the guys talk about Charlotte like that and you didn’t bother to tell me? Do you think of her that way, too?” Travis was getting angry again.

“You’re taking everything out of context, Travis.” Neil shook his head. “You’re way too uptight. Maybe you should go on your little vacation.”

“Out of context? I heard him clearly say that everyone on the team dreams of nailing my wife. How is that out of context?”

“Lucky for you, I don’t have the authority to fire you. You’re ticking me off, Travis.” Neil paced back and forth behind his desk.

“Oh, that’s rich, Neil. I’m ticking you off. Let’s see how you would like it if the guys all said they want to bang Glenda.”

“Half of them actually have, Travis. You need to lighten up.”

“Hey, it’s not my problem if you can’t keep your wife satisfied that she needs to resort to half the team. But I’m not going to let any of these scumballs touch mine. Armand is in agreement with me.”

“Oh, so you’re on a first-name basis with the owner now?” Neil taunted.

“In fact, I am. You know, I actually saved your pathetic job here last night. Now I’m sorry I did.” Travis got up and walked toward the door. “I might still be on this team, and you might still be my coach, but personally, you’re dead to me.” Travis slammed the door behind him.

“What’s up, Jones?” Smitty approached Travis.

“Go away.” Travis snarled at him.

“Hey, for the record, I never said anything remotely like that about Charlotte. She is a beautiful woman, but I respect you, Travis. You’ve never been anything but kind and respectful to all of us. I mean, sometimes I wonder what she sees in you,” Smitty joked, nudging him, hoping Travis would laugh.

“Yeah, me too sometimes.” Travis chuckled. “Thanks. You might be my only friend left here.”

“Just remember Travis,” Smitty said, “Keep your friends close, but your enemies closer.”

Travis nodded his head. “Profound, Smitty. Very profound.” Travis clapped him on the shoulder and grabbed his duffel bag. “See you on the field.”

---

The family of five sat in the first-class section of the aircraft as it taxied off the runway and into the terminal of the Isla Paradiso municipal airport. Charlotte’s excitement was nearly uncontainable as the familiar surroundings came into view. “I didn’t think we’d be back here so soon, honey,” she bubbled. “I feel like a kid!”

Travis smiled sweetly at her. The airplane arrived at the terminal and they deplaned through the Jetway. They walked together to baggage claim, where a driver was waiting for them, holding a sign. Travis introduced himself as Charlotte helped the kids pull their one suitcase from the conveyor. The driver escorted them to a waiting stretch limousine that would take them to the resort.

Travis, Charlotte, and the kids entered the lobby, and Rosa spotted them immediately, running to hug them. “I was hoping when I saw your name on the reservation list that it would be you!”

“Rosa, these are my twin daughters, Danae and Darcey, and my son, Devin. Kids, this is Rosa, probably one of the nicest people you’ll meet here on the island.”

“Oh, Mr. Jones, you flatter me!” Rosa blushed. She checked them into their luxury suite and handed each of them a key card. “Remember, if you need anything, I’m almost always here! Welcome back, and enjoy your stay!”

After the flight, Charlotte wanted to splash some water on her face and fix her hair, and she wanted to walk to Jayna’s shop downtown to say hi. She regretted they never made it back to see her before they left months ago. Together, they strolled down the main thoroughfare and took in the sights and smells of the island as they walked. Twenty minutes later, they arrived at Jayna’s dress shop. Charlotte smiled as she opened the door and saw Jayna’s friendly face looking at her with great surprise.

“Charlotte! What an honor!” Jayna beamed as she and Travis entered, with the girls and Devin in tow. “Oh, and you brought your children this time!” She ran to Charlotte and hugged her, and then each of the children as well. She saved her strongest hug for Travis and kissed him on the cheek. “I was sorry to see your team missed the playoffs by a goal, honey,” she lamented. “But, you wouldn’t be right here if you had made it, so it all worked out!”

“You made my day, Jayna,” Travis said, kissing her hand. “The girls are Darcey and Danae, and my son is Devin.” Jayna fussed over the girls and gave Devin a hearty pinch on the cheek.

“We’re just in town for the weekend,” Charlotte announced. “We haven’t been in for more than an hour, and you were the first person I wanted to come visit.”

“I’m glad you did, honey.” Jayna’s countenance suddenly changed. “Next month, I start my going out of business sale. I have no one to pass the store to when I retire. I’m afraid, I’m losing my grandmother’s passion.”

“Oh, Jayna, no!” Charlotte said, saddened. “Who will I get my daughter’s wedding dresses from now?”

“There are other dress shops around, and I’ll recommend a few.” Jayna’s shoulders heaved.  “I just never had a chance to get married and have my own family. I was always married to my job. I loved it so.”

“Well, this town will be losing a legacy when the shop closes its doors. I know I will miss you.” Charlotte wiped tears from her eyes. “But, I suppose we can still chat on email. There is no reason we can’t!”

“That is very true,” Jayna replied. “I kept in touch with your mother for years. She was such a beautiful soul.”

Travis agreed. “I know where my lovely wife gets hers from, for certain.” Charlotte blushed.

“I’m so glad we stopped in, Jayna, but the kids want to go to the beach, and I don’t blame them.” She jotted her email address down on the back of Travis’ business card and handed it to her. “Here’s my email. I do hope we keep in touch.”

Jayna handed her a business card. “You bet I will! Oh, honey, I’m so glad you stopped in. And it was a pleasure to meet your gorgeous children!” She hugged everyone one last time and wept as Charlotte and her family left the store.

A horse-drawn carriage was stopped outside the shop, and Travis paid the handler to bring them back to the resort. He’d never ridden in a carriage, and the kids certainly hadn’t either. A twenty-minute walk took five minutes in the carriage, and Travis tipped the handler well for his trouble. Everyone got changed for swimming and headed to the private beach outside the resort.

Devin and the girls made sandcastles, while Charlotte and Travis sat under an umbrella, sipping nectar and holding hands. “This is so peaceful,” Charlotte finally said, her face relaxed and her soul calm. “I could stay on the beach forever.”

“Why don’t we?” Travis suggested. “We can take the kids to dinner tonight, and run it past them. See if they would miss Starlight Shores. We could make a beautiful life here.”

“I suppose it wouldn’t hurt to ask them.” She kissed his fingers. “Maybe, if they want to come and live here, I could take over Jayna’s shop. She could teach me everything she knows.”

“Now there’s an idea, love.” Travis thought the idea was wonderful. He knew how much she adored Jayna. He whistled and called the kids over to where they sat. “We need to get cleaned up soon guys. We’re going to dinner in a few hours, and we need to get dressed up for it. This restaurant is the real deal. Remember The Tower, girls? Very similar.”

The kids finished their sandcastles and took a quick swim in the ocean before they walked back to the room to shower. Charlotte and Travis showered together, and the kids took turns in the other bathroom until they were all cleaned up. She helped the girls into their dresses, and Travis helped Devin into a dress outfit similar to his own, a vest with a shirt and tie, and dress slacks. He laughed as they both went to Charlotte with untied ties. “Help!” he said, and she giggled.

“Someday, honey, you’ll learn how to tie this,” she laughed. Patiently, she showed Devin how to tie his necktie. “There you go, sweetie pie! You’ve got it. Now, show your Daddy!” she teased. The girls emerged from the bedroom, dressed in their velvety dresses they had worn to The Tower, and Charlotte had put on a sapphire blue dress she had found in Bella’s closet before they left.

“Everyone looks so grown up,” Travis said, admiring his family. Pulling Charlotte close, he whispered, “That dress looks amazing on you. I can’t wait for later!” He winked at her, and she blushed. “Come on, kids. Time to go.” They left the room, and Travis pulled the door closed behind him.

They walked through the courtyard, past the second large pool, and to the lobby. Rosa’s shift was just ending when the Jones family walked by, and she stopped to admire them. “What a fine-looking family you have there, Mr. Jones!”

“Thank you, Rosa! Are you on your way home for the day?” Travis asked.

“I am, but I can’t wait to be back here tomorrow morning! Have a pleasant dinner, Mr. and Mrs. Jones.”

“Thank you, Rosa,” Charlotte said, smiling. They walked to the restaurant and checked in. Even though they had no reservations, they were seated immediately.

The Maître D’ handed them menus and Travis seated Charlotte and the girls, while Devin waited for Travis to sit. “Thank you,” he said politely, motioning for Devin to sit with him. “Devin, girls, please be on your best behavior tonight. This place is top-notch, and they don’t tolerate goofing around,” Travis cautioned them. “I will take you to the room if you can’t behave, and believe me, you won’t want that, so this is your only warning.” The children nodded and sat quietly. He trusted the girls to behave, but this was the first time Devin would be expected to act like a young man and not a boy of eight.

Charlotte and Travis ordered two entrees to share, the girls did something similar, and Devin wanted a hamburger. “Are you sure, Devin? There are so many yummy things on the menu?”

“Yeah, Mama,” he answered. “I’m not that hungry.”

After the waiter took their order, Travis got the kids’ attention. “Guys, your Mama and I want to talk to you about something, and see what you think about the idea.” Their curiosity was piqued, and they listened attentively. “Do you like it here so far?” he asked them to begin.

“I love it here,” Darcey said. “The beach is so white and beautiful. And the water is so warm!”

“It’s okay,” Danae quipped. “It’s too hot for me.”

“I had fun at the beach,” Devin added. “But I don’t like this place. It’s too fancy.”

Travis thought for a moment. “What would you think if I told you that Mama and I would like to move our family here?”

Charlotte watched Darcey’s face go from happy to slightly upset. “Why?” she asked, looking ready to cry.

“Don’t worry, sweetie,” Charlotte said. “We’re only thinking about it. Nothing is going to happen without your input. So I’m guessing that’s one vote no.”

“I don’t wanna move, Mama,” Danae agreed with Darcey. “I don’t want to leave my friends.”

“Okay, that’s two votes no.” Charlotte and Travis could see their dream slipping through their fingers. “Devin, honey? What do you think?”

“Our house is our home, Mama. Not here.” He colored on the placemat the waiter had brought for him.

“Well, I think that’s been summarily shot down,” Travis concluded. “We stay in Starlight Shores. At least until we retire, anyway.”

Danae looked at Travis in horror. “You would leave us and move here?”

“Not until you’re married and we retire from our jobs, honey.” Charlotte sipped her glass of water. “That’s a long time from now.”

“Why do you love it here so much, Mama?” Darcey struggled to understand it. Sure, it was beautiful, but so was Starlight Shores.

“I don’t know, Punkin. I guess the beach speaks to me. The sound of the waves soothes my soul.” She looked at Travis and smiled, trying to hide her disappointment.

“So, what do you want to do tomorrow, kids? It’s our only day to do something together before we fly home on Monday. Another day at the beach? The town fair? Museums? Snorkeling?”

“Can we scuba dive?” Danae wanted to see the fish, the underwater sights and go into a cave with her father.

“I would love to, but it’s not safe. We wouldn’t be able to fly home so close to a scuba trip. I hate to be the one to rain on your parade, Nae.” Charlotte was prepared to offer a compromise. “How about we go snorkeling tomorrow? You’ll still be able to pick up shells and see the fish.”

“That sounds like fun, Mama,” Darcey agreed. “I vote for snorkeling.”

“We can do that at home,” Danae countered. “We can’t go scuba diving at home.”

“Nae, your mama said no, honey,” Travis said. “It’s not safe.”

“I really don’t like it here,” Danae pouted. “We can’t do anything I want to do.”

“Danae, you do not want me to take you out of this restaurant. It will not be pleasant for you if I have to.” Travis warned her sternly. “Please act like a young lady.”

She sat and crossed her arms in front of her, pouting. Charlotte ignored her, hoping that she would stop misbehaving if she wasn’t getting any attention. “What about you, little bear? What do you want to do tomorrow?”

Devin stopped coloring long enough to rub his eyes. “I wanna swim at the beach.” He yawned and went back to coloring. Charlotte hoped he would stay awake long enough to eat dinner.

“How about you, Mama? What do you want to do?” Darcey was thoughtful enough to ask.

“Well, I was hoping to look at some houses, but since everyone shot me down on moving here, a day at the beach will be just as good.” She smiled warmly at Darcey. “Let’s see if we can find some pretty shells tomorrow.”

The waiter came with dinner and extra plates for sharing. With four different things on the table, they all shared family-style, and got the chance to sample a little of everything. Devin only picked at his dinner, and fought to stay awake through the whole meal. “Come here, little bear,” Charlotte pulled him into her lap, where he promptly fell asleep. “Baby, could you have his burger wrapped up, and bring it back to the room? We’ll stick it in the fridge for him, maybe he’ll be hungry later. I’m going to bring him back to the suite.” Charlotte picked up her purse, and stood, holding Devin in her arms.

“Can you carry him back, honey?”

“Yeah, I’ve got him. Thank you for dinner, sweetie. Be good for Daddy, girls. I’ll see you back at the room.” Charlotte put Devin on her hip and left the restaurant, leaving Travis and his two daughters to talk.

“Daddy, why can’t we scuba tomorrow?” Danae started up almost as soon as Charlotte left the table. “We never get to do what I want.”

“Nae, your mother is a doctor, and she knows when it’s safe to do things, and when it’s not. If she says it’s not safe to dive and fly, then you’d better believe it’s the truth. I don’t want to hear this come up again. Do you understand?”

“But Daddy…” she tried to get in one last word.

“No Danae Elizabeth. One more peep, and you’ll be sorry.” Travis had enough of her insistence. “Darcey, are you done with dinner, honey?”

“Yeah, I’m full.” There was almost enough left to make two more meals, so Travis had them pack it up to bring back to the suite. It was nice they had a kitchenette with a microwave, and now they had lunch for tomorrow.

Travis let the waiter know they were finished, and he signed the bill to be charged to the room. “Come, girls, time to go back to the room.” They followed him like ducklings follow their mother, not speaking a word. Danae was angry, and Darcey felt guilty that she was keeping Charlotte from her dream of moving here. “Why the long faces? Are you not having a good time here, girls?”

“No,” came Danae’s one-word answer. But he expected that from her.

“I feel guilty, Daddy,” Darcey admitted. “I didn’t know Mama wanted to move here so bad. I want to change my mind.”

“It’s okay, Darce. Nothing was ever certain. I still have my job at the stadium. There’s a lot involved with moving. It’s not just as easy as selling our home and packing up.”  He stopped and brought both girls in front of him, and knelt down. “What do you say we go swimming at the pool until it gets dark?”

“I’m tired, Daddy,” Danae said.

“Darce?” Travis looked at her.

“Not tonight. You and Mama can have the night together.”

“This is a family vacation. We’re supposed to have fun together. But I know a plane trip is tiring, and we’ve been on the go since we got here. Let’s all go to bed early, and we’ll be fresh and rested in the morning.” He hugged the twins and stood up. “Come, girls.” He took each twin by the hand, and they walked back to the room together.

Charlotte shushed them when they walked into the room, chattering. “Devin is asleep on the couch. I can’t move him another inch.” She was sitting on the floor, where she collapsed after she laid the boy on the sofa.

Travis walked to Devin and picked him up, carrying him to the kids’ bedroom, putting him into one of the beds. “Girls, go wash up and get ready for bed. We’ll tuck you in in a few minutes.” Travis kissed Danae’s head and patted Darcey on the back. “I love you girls,” he said.

“Are you okay, honey?” Travis walked to where Charlotte sat on the floor. “Are you stuck?”

“You could say that. My legs gave out when I got to the door, but somehow I managed to not drop our son between the door and here.” He bent down to pick her up, as she put her arms around his neck, trying to give him some leverage. “Careful, baby,” she said as he struggled to lift her.

“Wow, either you’ve gained 100 pounds, or I’m getting old,” Travis joked. “I know it’s not the first option.” She shoved him gently.

“I’m okay down here,” she said, pulling him down to her, and they laughed. Breathing heavily from exertion, he struggled to catch his breath and laid his head in her lap. She sat for a moment and stroked his face, his eyes full of love for her.

“We have the night to ourselves,” he said. “The kids are exhausted.”

“Let’s go tuck them in. Then we’ll pop open that bottle of complimentary champagne and get silly,” she flirted.

“I love how you think,” he flirted back.

*****

A cool, tropical morning breeze blew gently through the curtains in Charlotte and Travis’ bedroom. Covered only by a sheet, they slept tangled up in one another. Travis was partially asleep, smelling the wild jasmine that grew outside the room, when he felt someone staring at him. Opening one eye, he spotted Danae and Darcey standing by his bedside.

“Daddy, we’re hungry,” Danae greeted him without so much as a ‘good morning’.

“What time is it?” he mumbled, checking his watch and pulling the sheet completely over himself. Six o’clock in the morning. “Girls, it’s too early. Go watch television or something.”

“I don’t understand the language,” Darcey countered. Travis huffed and rubbed his eyes.

“Give me a minute to get dressed, girls. I’ll be right out.” He shooed them from the bedroom and pulled on a pair of pajama pants, making sure Charlotte was covered as he left the room. “Okay, what would you like for breakfast?” He removed the room service menu from the table in the living room of the suite, and let the girls pick out what they wanted. For Charlotte and himself, he ordered a pot of coffee and some croissants and muffins, figuring that would be good for Devin as well. For the girls, he got some fresh orange-pineapple juice and an omelet for each of them, with some homemade toast and butter. Room service was prompt, delivering everything piping hot in less than twenty minutes. Travis poured Charlotte a cup of coffee, prepared how she liked it and brought it to her in bed.

He set the coffee on the nightstand and climbed back into bed with her, kissing her awake. “Good morning, my sweet Charlotte,” he cooed. “I brought coffee for you, my love.” She opened her eyes and smiled, giggling as he kissed her nose.

“Coffee sounds good,” she said, noticing the bedroom door opened a little. “Travis, I’m naked! The door is open!” she laughed.

“At least you didn’t have two little girls looking at you with half of your butt hanging out of the sheets.” He knew they saw him and was thankful they didn’t say a word.

“Oh, they didn’t!” she snickered. He nodded, laughing. “I suppose there are worse things they could see.”

“Breakfast is waiting for us, my love.” She pulled a robe on and grabbed the mug of coffee Travis had prepared.

“Good morning girls!” Charlotte was cheerful and well-rested. “How did you sleep?”

“Good morning Mama,” Darcey said. “I slept really good! The air smells so clean outside.”

“Good morning Nae,” Charlotte looked at her. “Are you still mad at me?”

“No,” Danae said, still pouting.

Charlotte giggled. “Glad to hear it.” She grabbed a croissant and some blackberry preserves and sat down at the table on their balcony, with Travis joining her.

“Do you still want to look at houses, sweetheart?” Travis asked her.

“No, I don’t want to get my hopes up. I knew it was a long shot before we brought them here.” She sipped her coffee. “Besides, Dev wants to go to the beach, and I want to show Danae how much fun snorkeling is here.”

Devin walked out onto the balcony, rubbing his eyes, and crawled up into Charlotte’s lap. “Good morning Mama,” he said sleepily.

“Good morning, little bear. Do you want some orange-pineapple juice?” she asked him.

“Yeah,” he answered simply. Travis got up and brought back a small glass for him, and watched his face as he sipped it. “Ooh!” he squealed. “This is good!” Charlotte kissed his cheek as he squirmed out of her grasp. “Can I have a muffin?”

“That’s what they’re here for, sweetie,” she said. “We’re going to the beach this morning, so get into your swim trunks, okay?”

“Yes mama,” he said happily, eating his blueberry muffin.

“Did you bring that bikini?” Travis asked Charlotte, hoping.

“Nope, but I do have that one piece you like so much.” She winked at him.

“That’ll do.”

The kids finished breakfast, and everyone got into their swimsuits. Charlotte and the girls put shorts on over theirs, while Travis and Devin just put shirts on for the walk to the shuttle. Charlotte had a bag full of fruits, water, sunblock and gum over her shoulder. Anything else they needed, they could buy at the vendor by the beach.

The kids stayed up on the sand for the first part of the morning, close to Charlotte, while Travis went to get some snorkeling supplies for the girls. But when the sun really started getting warm, the family retreated to the cool relief of the ocean. Travis helped the girls put their masks and fins on, and showed them how to snorkel in shallow water. Charlotte and Devin sat in the surf, playing with the wet sand, and looking for seashells. Compared to how the beach was so crowded the last time they were there, no one was really around them, either in the water or on the sand. But Charlotte did notice a woman with dark hair and darker skin eyeing Travis, as though she might have recognized him, not that it would have been unusual with his celebrity status. And unbelievably, the woman approached him, with Charlotte standing right there with him, as though she was invisible.

“Travis?” came the question, as she looked him in the eye.

“Talia?” He looked at her, not believing his own eyes. “What are you doing here?”

“I’m here with my husband, Rick,” she said. “You might remember him from school.”

“Rick…” Travis searched his memory, but could not remember someone named Rick. “Nope, the name doesn’t ring a bell. Is Emmitt still in town?”

“No, he passed away two summers ago. I’m sorry no one called you, Travis.” Talia looked around for her husband. “I need to go. I thought that was you. I wanted to say hi.”

“Yeah…” he said, his voice trailing off. Charlotte walked to him, noticing the stunned look on his face.

“Who was that, sweetie?” Charlotte asked him.

“My sister.” He fell to his knees, more upset to hear about Emmitt than he was to see her.

“Your sister? Talia?” She was incredulous.

“Yeah. Emmitt… I guess he died a couple of years ago.” Travis’ sadness was not hideable. “I never got to say goodbye.”

She only knew of Emmitt by name, but she knew who he was. “Oh honey, I’m sorry.” She hugged him.

“It’s that place. It’s a death trap. Dragon Valley should change its name to Death Valley.” He shook his head. “He should have gone to college with me. He might still be alive.” Since Neil’s betrayal, he hadn’t missed Emmitt more than he had in the past week. Hearing the news devastated him in ways he couldn’t have guessed.

“You can’t do that to yourself, honeybear.  He did what he had to do, and so did you.”

“Daddy, who was that lady?” Danae watched the dark-haired woman, noticing that she resembled her father.

“That was my sister, your aunt Talia, Danae. My twin sister.” He shook his head, trying to lift the funk. “Who wants to go snorkeling?” he chirped. Both girls excitedly cheered, and he took their hands, wading into the water with them.

Charlotte sat back down in the surf with Devin, filled with more questions than answers.

*****

Since the encounter with Talia at the beach, Travis was different, almost withdrawn, and she hadn’t been able to pull him out of it. He stayed at the resort and skipped dinner, while Charlotte walked next door to the Spanish restaurant with the kids. When they returned back to the resort, Charlotte tried to engage him in conversation, but he acted as though he didn’t hear her. The kids missed him at bedtime when she tucked them in by herself, and she didn’t know what to say to them when they asked what was wrong with their father.

He was standing on the balcony, watching the stars, engulfed in sorrow when he heard Charlotte pad quietly behind him. “A penny for your thoughts?” she asked, hugging him tenderly. He said nothing, but reached for her hand, massaging her fingers. “How can I help you if you won’t open up to me, honeybear?” she asked him. She felt him sigh deeply and watched his shoulders heave. She turned him around to see tears in his eyes, obviously tortured by the death of his best friend. “I’m sorry about Emmitt, baby.” She snuggled into his embrace, feeling his hot tears dripping onto her head.

“Why didn’t she call me? I would have gone.” He finally broke his silence, sobbing. “I would have gone…”

“I don’t know, honey,” she said, holding him.

“I was always going to call him. But I never did. He never even knew about you.” He sniffled, holding back sadness.

“Shhh, it’s okay, love,” she tried to comfort him.

“It’s not okay. I failed him in so many ways. I should have called him. Maybe he would have come to our wedding. If only I could have gotten him away from that place…” He hugged her tightly, so tightly she couldn’t breathe.

“Travis, you’re… holding me too tightly…” she tried to squirm away from him, but she couldn’t break his grasp. “Travis… let me… go.” she struggled to breathe. She pushed his arms, tried to break him out of his sorrow, but he held her tightly. “Travis…” she whispered.

He suddenly realized where he was and what he was doing… “Honey!” he gently shook her, and she gasped for breath. “Baby, I’m so sorry.” He held her face in his hands and kissed her. “Charlotte. I’m sorry.”

“Oh Travis, you don’t know your own strength, baby.” She heaved, trying to catch her breath. He picked her up and carried her into the suite, and laid her on the bed.

“Did I hurt you?” He looked her over and saw that she didn’t appear injured. “Are you okay?”

“Yes, I’ll be okay in a minute.” He realized at that moment how fragile she was, and how easily he could overpower her. As her breathing normalized and she felt better, he sat on the bed with her.

“I’m so sorry Charlotte,” he apologized. “It never occurred to me that I could actually hurt you like that.” He caressed her cheek. “I’m sorry I’ve been so away from myself, honey. Seeing Talia was a shock, and then she dropped that news on me like a bomb. I wasn’t prepared.”

She nodded her head. “It’s okay, baby. I understand.”

“It was almost like the last part of my childhood died today. The only good parts of it are gone. Talia was different, almost like I didn’t know her. And then, Emmitt. Amy. They’re gone.”

“But I’m still here. Your three children are here. Your family. I love you so much, Travis. Come back to me.”

“He was my best friend. I have no one left.”

“Aren’t I your best friend, baby?”

“Of course. It’s not the same, though. You have your friends you grew up with at home. I have absolutely no one left. Emmitt is gone. Neil betrayed me in the worst possible way. After what Paolo said, I can’t trust anyone else on the team or at work…”

“What about Trey Smith?” Charlotte remembered the only other guy on the team who Travis seemed to have any fondness for.

“Yeah, Smitty is a good guy. He likes you, and he seems to respect me enough that he didn’t talk about you like that.” She kissed him and hugged him close. “I just don’t know which way is up anymore.”

“It sounds like a good old fashioned mid-life crisis, Travis.” Psychology was not her forte, but she recognized the signs of it from her male co-workers, triggered by the death of his friend. Except she was secure knowing he would not step out on her.

“You think so?” He chuckled a little. “You know, that means I get to trade you in for two 20s and upgrade that fancy sports car.”

She shoved him and laughed. “You can have a sports car, but you’re stuck with just one of me.”

“I’m never stuck when it comes to you, my love.” He kissed her. “I’m sorry I was in a funk all day.”

“It’s all good, sweetie. The only bad thing is, we are leaving tomorrow afternoon. The time with the kids is lost on this trip. I know things happen. We never expected to see your sister.”

“I’ll make it up to them somehow.” He pulled her close. “But now, I’ll make it up to you,” he said, kissing her.

---

The phone in the master bedroom rang at six o’clock in the morning, and Rosa’s cheerful voice sounded on the other end. “Good morning, Mr. Jones! This is Rosa with your wake up call.”

“Thank you, Rosa,” Travis said, fumbling to place the receiver back on the hook. “I forgot to tell her not to call me this morning.” He wrapped himself around Charlotte and accidentally tickled her.

“Hey now!” she giggled. “No tickling until noon!” She sighed, realizing there was much to do and not much time to do it. “I guess we should wake the kids.”

Travis yawned. He and Charlotte stayed up most of the night talking, and he was sleepy. Without thinking twice, he dialed the number for the concierge desk, and Rosa answered.

“Hey Rosa, Travis Jones. Could you kindly send up some coffee for Charlotte and me, while we get these ornery kids out of bed?” He giggled, knowing she would laugh.

“Of course, Mr. Jones!” she beamed. “I’ll wheel a cart out there personally. It would be my pleasure.”

“Thanks, love,” he told her, and hung up the phone.

Charlotte gave him the look. “And who are you calling love, besides me, hmm?”

“My other girlfriend, Rosa,” he laughed. She picked up the closest pillow and socked him with it, and then threw it on the bed. He wrapped his arms around her and nuzzled her. “Have I told you lately how much I love you, Charlotte?”

“No, do tell,” she said, flirting with him. He was about to kiss her neck when Rosa knocked on the door. “Saved by the door,” she teased.

“Good morning Rosa,” Travis said happily. “Thank you for your personal service and attention. You’ve outdone yourself on this trip.”

“Oh, Mr. Jones,” she blushed. “I’m just doing my job.”

“Please, call me Travis.”

“I would feel funny, Mr. Jones. How about I call you Mr. Travis?”

“Fair enough!” he laughed. “We’ll see you in a bit to check out.”

“Okay, Mr. Travis!” She beamed, almost skipping from their door.

“I’ll go get the kids up, you pour the coffee, love.” Charlotte sang as she walked to the kids’ room.

They all ate breakfast together, everything that had been leftover from the previous morning, with fresh juice that Rosa had brought for the kids, with the coffee. Charlotte set out clean outfits for everyone and as they got into the shower, she packed what they had been wearing into the suitcase, until everything was packed away and ready for the bellhop to retrieve. Anything that was left got stashed into their one carry on bag, and after Charlotte had done one last look around to make sure everything was packed and taken, they walked to the front to check out and catch their shuttle to the airport.

Rosa saw the family coming and was already teary-eyed by the time they all got to her desk. “Oh, Mr. Travis, thank you for coming back and bringing your lovely family with you this time. I will still never forget you.” She hugged him, and then Charlotte.

“Thank you for having us back, Rosa. Hopefully, this won’t be our last time here. We plan on making it back at least once a year,” Charlotte told her. “That will make it seem like our second home is here.”

“You are welcome any time! Your shuttle will be here momentarily.”  Travis gathered the kids in front of Rosa’s desk, and took pictures of Charlotte, Rosa, and the kids together, and then Rosa took pictures with him in them instead of her. “Such a beautiful family,” she fawned over them. Two minutes later, the shuttle driver came in to gather the Jones family, and Rosa gave them all one last hug.

“Please tell Jayna we said good luck!” Charlotte said. “And that I’ll be in touch.”

“I will do that Mrs. Charlotte!” Rosa waved as they left the lobby, wiping her tears.

Once they were on the shuttle, Travis spoke up. “Kids, I’m sorry about yesterday. I wasn’t expecting to see your aunt, and she had some bad news for me. I’ll make this up to you the next time we come here. Maybe you’ll appreciate it a little more, and I promise, we’ll come long enough to scuba dive, okay, Danae?”

“It’s okay Daddy,” she said. “And I can’t wait to come back.” The other two kids nodded in agreement, and they all held hands on the way to the airport, talking excitedly about the next trip.

 

Next: Chapter Seventeen, Generation Four