Ch25
Iris was in a deep sleep when suddenly she was drenched. She sat up so quickly that she forgot where she was. She heard Brass's warning but it was too late.
"Iris don't!"
She twisted and the once steady hammock rocked and then tipped over. Brass had a hold on her but she fell out and he fell right on top of her. She groaned realizing that she was all muddy and wet.
"Ten points." Grissom said simply.
"This was your idea Gil?"
"Me and my special agent." He said nodding his head backward at Sara.
"Don't look at me. I'm not criminal until at least noon and two pots of coffee in me." She waived her hands in protest.
"Got to hand it to you Jim. I have never seen anyone zonk out as hard as you and Iris in a hammock. You made for easy bait." Nick said.
Warrick helped Iris off the ground. She was rubbing her back.
"Just out of curiosity, is it a requirement that I have to spend this trip being wet and muddy? In two days I have not been clean or dry for more than a few hours." She said.
"Rookie initiation Iris." Greg said.
"All right you skids, we gotta get ready for the ladies day. Let's go." Brass ushered.
Olivia and Grace erupted into giggles when a drenched Brass and Iris came through the back door.
"I know. A fish gets less water time then me and Brass. I'm headed for the showers. What am I supposed to wear today?"
"Jeans, a comfortable shirt and boots if you have them." Grissom said.
Iris disappeared up the stairs.
"Ok I got her out of the house this morning. Is everything ready?" Brass asked.
"Of course it is. Don't worry about anything Jim. We've got everything taken care of." Catherine said.
"Did I mention how much I love ladies day?" He smiled and disappeared for his own shower.
Iris was discussing the new Reba McEntire album with Catherine and Grace when she stopped mid sentence. Brass emerged from his room wearing blue jeans, black boots, a black buttoned down shirt and a black cowboy hat.
"Iris, do you need a pulley to lift your jaw up off the floor?" Olivia teased.
"And duct tape to keep it there!" Grace hollered.
Iris turned atomic red.
"Let's roll. We need some breakfast." Brass announced.
"I think Iris just stuffed herself with eye candy." Catherine said.
All the women roared with laughter. Iris knew she'd lost all the blood in her body. It was all in her face.
They loaded into the vehicles and headed out.
"Sara, check it out. Brass is taking us to Tilley's!" Catherine said excitedly.
"Nick and I suggested it." Sara said proudly.
"What's Tilley's?" Olivia asked.
"It's a log cabin diner that serves the best breakfast in Nevada. There is a beautiful brook that runs in the back. They bottle their own syrup and the pancakes are so light and fluffy they put IHOP to shame." Sara said.
"Oh and my favorite part is the maple walnut coffee. Grace, it's to die for!" Catherine added.
"Me and coffee are romantically involved." Grace said.
Brass led the way inside.
"Jimmy! How are you boy?"
"Uncle Sammy! How are you?" He said embracing the old man who resembled Uncle Jessie from the Dukes of Hazzard.
"Can't complain. Oh there's my girls, Sara and Catherine. Looking good my beauties." They each hugged and kissed him.
"Hi there Gil. How's your quest for that purple butterfly?"
"Looks like I might get one this spring. I have a new contact in Knoxville Tennessee.
"Well you make sure to send me a picture. Nick, Warrick and Greg, you still on the hunt for some nice young ladies?"
"These two have been striking out Uncle Sammy, but I have Grace here. Gracie this is Uncle Sammy." Nick introduced.
"Hello beautiful lady. You have the most stunning brown eyes I've ever seen. Reminds me of a forest full of redwoods. I can certainly see Nick's attraction. He's a good man and strong as an ox."
Grace blushed which tickled Olivia and Iris because she never did. "Thank you Sir."
"Call me Uncle Sammy. My real name's actually Frances but when I was in the military the general called me Uncle Sammy after he heard me singing the National Anthem while I was watching Jeeps. He said he'd never met anyone that made him feel that patriotic in all his years in the service."
"I like it." She said.
"And here we have the good doc and his lovely wife Donna. I want to thank you for all the letters and recipes you sent to my wife. The cherries jubilee is just about the greatest dessert on this earth."
"Now Jimmy who are your friends?"
"This is Jack and Olivia Heath, they are new friends of ours from Vegas."
He shook Jack's hand. "Glad to meet you. I can tell you're a hard working man of integrity and this lovely lady adores you to her very soul. Love that sweet is very rare." This made Olivia beam.
Iris was enjoying the meetings. When finally he turned to her his smile spread to his entire face. He looked back at Brass who nodded.
"You're Iris aren't you?"
"Yes I am."
"Sweetheart, Jimmy told me what happened to you last time he was here although I hear it got worse after that. God has big plans for you if you survived that. I don't want to steal his thunder but this man is over the moon for you. He's got it real bad for you baby. I love you already." He hugged her so tight that Iris had a hard time breathing. "Listen to me. I'm 76 years old and I've done just about everything. Stick between Jimmy and the Lord and you'll never have to worry."
Iris nodded but couldn't speak for fear she would burst into tears.
"If you will all excuse me, Mama Tills has me working in the kitchen today. Go on and sit in your usual spot. I'll have Amber over there in a second. Catherine, I got your maple walnut coffee on to brew fresh. I know you and my Sara girl love it."
She wrapped her arms around his neck. "Run away with me."
"Oh honey I would in a heartbeat but Mama Tills wouldn't have anyone to boss around."
Uncle Sammy disappeared in the back. The team found their usual place and moved an extra table over. A short, thin girl in her thirties came to the table.
"Hey guys! Boy have I missed you! Hi there Nick." She said her tight brown ponytail swishing behind her.
"Hi Amber." He said awkwardly.
Amber took the drink orders and left the table.
"Did I miss something?" Grace asked. "You look a little freaked out."
"Amber and I were seeing each other last year. It was a rough time for me and I just wanted someone to hang out with. Amber asked me to dinner and I went. It was nice and we went out a few more times. She's nice but I don't feel anything for her. I explained it to her but I think she's still holding out hope. I'm sorry if it made you uncomfortable sweetie." He said.
"She doesn't seem like the type to attack you over the table. It doesn't bother me because I'm used to seeing women drool over you. Trust me I know you wouldn't have given me this bracelet or told me you loved me if you didn't mean it. You're so wonderful to me. Any girls with their tongues wagging are just a compliment to me. The fact that you told me about her just shows how honest you are. I'm not insecure in the slightest. I love you." Grace said with a huge smile.
"Thank you baby. I love you too!" He leaned over and kissed her tenderly.
"Am I seeing what I think I'm seeing?"
"Hey Mama Tills!" Nick said standing up and holding the lady who Iris thought looked a lot like Paula Dean but without the thick accent. "This is my girlfriend Gracie."
"Get a load of our waitress Iris. I think she's going to burst into tears." Olivia said in a whisper.
Iris looked towards the drink station and saw Amber standing in the corner biting her lip.
"It's nice to meet you honey. I've prayed my life away for these men to find their souls mates."
She went down the line hugging and kissing on everyone.
"Uh Nicky. I wasn't meaning to eavesdrop but I think Amber seeing you and Grace together has really taken its toll on Amber."
Nick saw Amber setting down coffee and OJ. The happy demeanor was gone.
"Go talk to her Nick." Grace urged.
"I guess I should." He sighed. "Can you order me the Lumber Jack Stacks with a double order of Lincoln logs?" He said to Sara.
"Sure."
Nick walked over to Amber, said something softly to her and she followed him outside.
"That's an awesome thing to do Grace." Olivia said.
"Well I have been in her place before and the ache is too great. She may not accept what he tells her but she needs to be set straight so she can move on."
Iris was listening to Grace when Brass pulled her out of her chair.
"So this is Iris? You are our local celebrity in these parts. My name's Tilley but everyone calls me Mama Tills. Anyway my dear I'm overjoyed to finally meet you. I can't wait to see where your road goes. Oh listen to me, you are probably starving. Since Nick went to talk to Amber I'll send Gloria over."
A minute later a short heavyset woman with black hair came to the table "Hi everyone! Glad to see all of you. What are you going to eat?"
"Lumberjack Stacks!" Warrick, Greg, Brass and Grissom shouted in unison.
"Lincoln logs or swine strips?"
They all chose sausage and Brass ordered a side of bacon. Iris laughed when she figured out the code names.
The woman and Doc Al ordered LoJacks which were only three maple walnut pancakes instead of six. Sara substituted fruit. Jack was allergic to nuts so he ordered the Lumberjack Slabs which were six slices of French toast, a ham steak and coffee.
"So how was sleeping in the hammock?" Olivia asked Iris.
"Wonderful. I slept better than I have in years. I guess it must be the mountain air."
"Or my rugged scent." Brass said.
"You smell like trees?" Grace asked.
Everyone at the table roared and Brass looked like he'd been smacked. While he was regaining his composure, Nick returned looking relieved. Amber didn't follow.
"How'd that go?"
"Rough at first but I explained that she had to move on. There's nothing wrong with her it's just not meant to be like me and Gracie are." He said answering Olivia. Grace just glowed.
"Olivia how do you like sleeping alone?" Brass asked.
"I'm loving it. At home I have Jack and my two dogs in a queen sized bed. I'm lucky I don't land on the floor!"
"You think that's bad I have four cats, three have to sleep between us and the other on Al's pillow."
"I'm not complaining, Cody keeps my bald head warm in the winter."
The breakfast came quickly. Iris felt her stomach roar with the aroma of all the food. Grace as always was snapping off pictures. Brass poured the maple walnut syrup on his pancakes and quickly held the bite up for Iris too taste.
"I'm in love." She said.
"I know you are but what about the pancakes?" He winked and laughed.
Everyone was full after breakfast so they sat around talking. Grace left to use the ladies room. When she returned she was all excited.
"Iris, come look at this!" Grace said.
"Okies."
In the back by the jukebox was a painting of John Wayne shaking the hand of Johnny Cash. It was well over seven feet tall.
"That's remarkable! Look at the detail."
"Iris, look at the artist."
"E. Brass? Who is that?"
"Everett Brass, my grandfather. He met John Wayne in 1968 when he also stayed at the cabin. He met Johnny Cash in 1977 here at Tilley's. June Carter was also with him. Incidentally 1977 was the same year that John Wayne died. Anyway my granddad said he had never met two men so much alike and so honorable, patriotic, and true to their core. He said if Cash and Wayne met here and talked things over with Uncle Sammy, the world would suddenly figure out its integrity. Anyway he painted this with them shaking hands and he and Sammy hung it right here." Brass said proudly.
"You would have to be at that table too if they are talking good men with integrity and honor sweetie." Iris said to Brass.
The smile on his face went from one ear to the other. It was the smile of a humble man who had just been named the king.
"Thank you beautiful. This is already shaping up to be one of the best days of my life."
"Brass, we have to get ready to go. We are on a tight schedule today." Grissom said coming up behind them.
"Yeah yeah we're coming. I remember. C'mon ladies." Brass responded.
After they said goodbye to Uncle Sammy and Mama Tills, they headed out to load up again. They drove for ten minutes and Brass pulled over on the side of the road.
"What is he doing?" Catherine said looking in the rear view.
Brass came to Catherine's window. "Can you please put this bandana over Iris's eyes?"
"I'm not sure I'm game for that. You're pretty darn devious and I have ended up in the mud and soaked to the bone a few times now." Iris said.
"Can't promise that won't happen to you again but this time it will be a hundred percent up to you and your skills."
Iris looked at him puzzled.
"All right Bulldog, why don't you tell me what it is and I'll tell Iris if she should trust you." Grace said.
Brass thought for a moment and then leaned in to whisper in Grace's ear.
"No way! That idea merits a ten. Someone's been paying attention. You won't be sorry Iris. I know you won't."
"Ok if Gracie says its aces then who am I to argue? I surrender to your master plan Senor."
Catherine put the bandana on Iris and Brass walked back to his Jeep. The drive took about twenty more minutes and Iris was going crazy with wonder.
"Oh!" The ladies laughed as they pulled in. Iris looked around like a blind person.
"He definitely was paying attention." An impressed Olivia said.
Brass opened Iris's door and pulled her into his arms.
"Let's go." He put his hands over her ears and sang Margaritaville loudly until he got her to where he wanted her.
"Give me your hand."
He reached her hand forward and Iris was unsure of the cold touch. He removed the blindfold and started up into the pretty brown eyes of an almond colored mare.
"Iris, meet Caramel, he will be your riding companion for the afternoon."
"Oh hello gorgeous." She said unable to contain her excitement.
"I think I'm jealous." He said.
"How did you know I like horses?"
"I might've helped myself to your place at one point. And I might've taken notes while I was there." He said.
"And who-?" She stopped in mid sentence and looked at Grace and Olivia who both had keys to her house.
"Gracie? Olives?"
"I didn't let him go through your underwear drawer if that's what you're worried about." Grace said.
"He did enjoy your picture with your favorite fella." Olivia added.
"Which one?"
"Tommy Lee Jones." Brass said.
Iris blushed beat red. "He's a friend. Oh you two are in big trouble."
"No we're not. Brass promised us diplomatic immunity." Grace defended.
Iris looked at him. "Unlikely."
"Can we dish out the spankings later? I want to ride." Brass said.
Everyone headed toward Cedar Stables. Grace stayed near the truck. Brass noticed right away and even though Nick did too, Brass asked to talk to her.
"Hey darling. As much fun as Nick's truck is, it can't beat the horses. Are you afraid of them?"
"No I love horses."
"That's what's wrong with my Grace? Huh?"
"I'm too big to get on a horse."
"Is that so? When I look at you all I see is a buck and a quarter."
"You're sweet and full of it. I weight double that."
"Well considering the size of that big old heart of yours I guess I can believe it. So you think one of these steeds can't handle triple bills?"
Grace nodded sadly. "I know how much Nick loves to ride horses and I don't want to disappoint him but how can I ride?"
"Ever seen the movie North to Alaska?"
"Yes many times."
"John Wayne and Maureen O'Hara rode on a colt like that over there. Now you figure John was a big man let's say 225 and Maureen was let's say 150 to make it easy math. Combined that's 375 pounds. Now to a horse like that, that's light duty. Horses in the civil war used to carry a soldier, his gear and even dead bodies. So trust me when I say, you're a lightweight."
This made Grace smile. "And how does one get onto a horse like that?"
In the barn over there is a platform. We just walk up the steps and ease on down. Piece of cake. Trust me on this one doll."
"Hey Big Dog you trying to steal my girl?" Nick said.
"Yup trying to make my own harem. And this one's a beauty." He said winking at her.
"Yeah she is. You guys ready to ride out? Mrs. Stewart inside has a really sweet horse named Willow. I'll ride next to you. You'll be good Gracie." Nick reassured her.
"Trust me." Brass said gently with his arm around her shoulder.
The group met in the stable. Greg tried to mount his horse named Nestle from the wrong side. She tossed him into the hay stack.
Brass arranged a horse drawn hay wagon for those who didn't want to ride horses. Al, Donna, Sara, and Olivia opted to ride in the wagon. Grace, despite her better judgment went over to Willow. She led her behind Brass into the barn.
"I will hold her right here. You go up the platform and just sit down on her." He waited as Grace climbed the steps.
"There you go. Now ease on down. She knows you're coming or she wouldn't have followed you in here."
Grace did as she was told and sat down slowly straddling Willow. She closed her eyes expecting the horse to collapse or buck her off. She did none of those things.
Nick wrapped his arm around Iris happily. He knew what Grace had told Brass because at one point she'd confided the same thing to him. Dwayne, the guy she had dated at one point told her she'd never ride on a horse because of her weight. When Nick heard from Brass and Grissom that Iris loved horses, he insisted on the horseback riding. He knew it would special for Iris but it would also prove something to Grace.
"Hello there Damascus." Iris said to Brass as he brought his horse next to her. Iris mounted Caramel.
"You look right at home on that horse, Calamity Jane." He quipped.
"How did you get your horse down here?"
"Murphy doesn't live far from here. I asked him to bring him over."
"He's such a noble horse. I am so excited! I haven't been on a horse in two years!"
"Well cowgirl, let's go!"
They rode out in two's following the wagon driven by Alan Stewart. The sun sparkled through the trees. Eric Stewart, Alan's son was their guide. He was very animated and entertaining. He told legends of the hills, history and funny tour stories.
After an hour and very nice tour they stopped at a crossroad.
"We have to stop for a minute because the wagon can't go down the Blue Horn Trail. It's a bit rougher and winds more than the rest. Those of you feeling adventurous can follow me down the Blue Horn. Those uninterested can follow my daddy back. The second trail takes about a half an hour and it's the best view of the entire tour."
Brass and Iris opted to follow the trail. Jack decided to follow the wagon back with Grissom. Warrick, Catherine and Greg also opted for the Blue Horn.
"What do you want to do babe?" Grace asked.
"I love the Blue Horn Trail."
"Good cause that's where I'm going. This isn't scary like I thought it would be."
"Then let's go for it. The view is incredible."
"All right Daddy, we'll see you all in a bit." Eric said tipping his has to his dad. The older man smiled back.
Olivia gave Grace the thumbs up.
The Blue Horn Trail was different as it was rocky and inclined and declined at random places. A few times Grace felt her breath catch but Willow never faltered. Nick noticed how nervous she appeared at times but he knew she could do it.
Brass rode with Iris in the front of the party. The smile never left her face. Brass handled Grace's camera so she could focus on the ride. He took lots of pictures and even asked Iris to wear his hat for a picture.
"It's all sweaty." She whined.
"Get used to my sweat baby." He winked at her and then snapped off a picture of her blushing in the hat.
"I love that color on you." He growled.
"I'm trying to focus on the trail Captain Brass." She chided.
"Correct me if I'm wrong but those four chestnut legs beneath you are the horses right?"
"Smarty."
"Oh yeah but you love me that way." He smirked.
"I love you either way."
"Love you too Firefly."
They rode along admiring the scenery. Iris's mind began to drift and she thought of Amos. It occurred to her that all of the promises Amos made to her, Brass was fulfilling. A few months ago she would have tried to feed him to the wolves. She shivered at the thought of being without Brass now.
"Coming up on the river. The horses have done this a thousand times so they will route us correctly. Your feet and pants might get wet."
"Again?" Iris said.
Brass laughed heartily. "I told you I couldn't promise. And I also told you that you had the ultimate control. You chose the trail."
"Hmph!"
"I love watching movies where the horses gallop through the water." Grace said to Nick.
Nick was beaming,
The last leg of the journey was the hardest. The trail was narrow and rocky. Grace made it through but she knew she'd be sore later. The trail finally evened out and the stables came into view. Grace followed Nick to the barn. Her thighs ached but it was manageable. Nick took the horses back and she went out to see Brass on the horse and Iris on the ground.
"Iris I need pictures. Can you get up there with Brass?"
"Oh heavens Gracie."
"Come on babe. You'd look right nice up here on my horse."
Iris expertly swung up on Damascus and sat in front of Brass. He locked his arms around her middle and grabbed the reigns. Grace snapped the picture.
"Gracie, let's do one more. He said.
"Ok."
"Hey Iris." He said making her turn to face him. He leaned down and kissed her. Iris got caught up in the moment and wrapped her arms around his neck. She totally forgot about Grace and allowed herself to be carried away. Grace snapped several pictures and smiled. Then she switched it to video mode. The kiss lasted a long time and Iris's bottom lip was red and swollen.
"Oh well that settles that question." She said.
"Which one is that?" He whispered looking at her still.
"Are cowboys better kissers than police detectives?"
"And your conclusion?"
"I'll let you know after the fire goes out on my lips."
"Did I mention I was on the volunteer fire department in Edison New Jersey?"
"You put out fires?"
"Nope, I started them." He said and started kissing her again. When they finished the second time Iris claimed surrender.
"You better let me off this horse or I might fall off." He said.
Grace quickly saved the video and pocketed her nearly dead camera. Then she applauded.
"I can't imagine it but if Roy Rogers did that to Dale Evans on horseback the west would've been won a long time ago." She said.
"Grace! You watched all of that?" Iris said bewildered.
"Iris, you and Brass belong in a romance novel." Olivia said walking up.
"I object. I am nothing like Fabio."
Iris and Olivia recalled their conversation the day she had her stitches removed. They both laughed hysterically.
"What did I miss?" Brass asked.
"Nothing Fabio." Olivia said and she and Iris walked back to the main house.
They gathered at the picnic area and drank lemonade and homemade cookies. Grace snapped more pictures which Iris whined about.
"Iris what's with you and pictures?" Greg asked.
"I always look silly or I close my eyes."
"Don't waste your breath Greg. I've been after her for months to change her Facebook profile picture. She was in college when her last one was taken."
"Oh me." Iris said.
"We can fix that. We'll put her in black leather and give her a whip." Greg said.
"I can't see Iris in a Lady Heather getup." Nick said.
"I could see that." Grissom said to the surprise of everyone.
"Who is Lady Heather?" Iris asked.
"A really hot dominatrix that was involved in some of our cases." Greg said.
"She's not a dominatrix Greg. Lady Heather does not service her clientele." Grissom defended.
They all started laughing and it got much worse when Greg started calling Iris Catwoman and tried crawling in her lap.
"You want to take a header into another bush Sanders?" Brass asked.
"I'd pay some bills to see that again." Warrick said.
"I second that." Chimed Al.
"Stokes, handle my light work." He said.
"Give Greg a break. He's dateless thanks to that snake Hodges so he tries to share." Catherine said.
"See Catherine understands and she used to be a pole dancer in Vegas." He said. "How about a kiss?"
Catherine leaned over and kissed Greg so fast that Greg fell off the bench.
"What a woman!" He said.
"All right let's pack up and head back." Grissom said.
"I smell like hay. Does this next event include a shower?" Olivia asked leaning her head on Jack's shoulder.
"Yes we're going to have some downtime this afternoon." Grissom affirmed.
The Stewarts thanked them for coming and sent them with more cookies. They headed back up the mountain and to the cabin. When they returned Grissom and Brass assembled everyone in the living room.
"It's almost three now. Our next destination is at seven o'clock. I need special teams to meet up with me and Brass in the backyard."
"Special teams? I thought that was you and Brass?" Sara said.
"We recruited Al and Jack." Brass smiled. "Bigger project then I realized for tonight."
"Eat light; take a nap because we'll be out late. I need everyone ready by six and on the front porch. Attire is the same as it was today although hopefully you won't wear the same thing because we all stink." Grissom said.
The team disbanded and Iris decided to take a walk in the woods. She had much to be thankful for. The last time she was there she was confused, hurt and fearful. Life had changed so much in that time. She was in love and it was reciprocated. She had never known joy or peace like that in her life. She silently prayed and thanked God for all the love and blessings she was living in. She walked the stone bridge and then circled at the way to the back. Eventually she came to the hammock. She lay there with tears streaming down her face.
"God I don't know that I can ever thank you for all that you've done but I just want you to know I'm grateful." With that she closed her eyes and drifted into a dreamless sleep.