Chapter Seventeen
JD was surrounded by well-wishers but he was just looking around the room for James David and Maris.
Maris pulled away from Jarrod when she gained her composure—and he took her arm, "I think he is looking for me."
JD saw them walking toward him and asked the Headmaster with narrowed eyes, "Who is that?"
"Jarrod Barkley. His family gave respite to your daughter during the train derailment."
He relaxed, "Oh yes. I must thank the man and his wife. She's here?"
"Yes sir, actually dancing with their son, JT?"
"Good family man?"
"Yes sir."
JD walked away from the people still talking to him and beelined to Jarrod and Maris.
"Maris, my dearest. It's good to put my eyes on you." as he kissed her on the cheek. He held her hands out and looked at her green dress, "Excellent choice. Fine green silk and an orchid. The dress is perfectly fitted—I approve. Stunning, my dear."
"Thank you, Father."
"I like you in green. Wear more of it. And your hair that way, keep it."
Maris bit her lip at the irony.
"You must be Jarrod Barkley," and he orated a list of Barkley holdings, "Glad to meet you and I understand I owe you a debt of gratitude. I always pay my debts."
"It was my family's honor to give our help to Maris and James David as well as my associate and his wife, the Peterson's. I have worked on several cases with him over the years."
"Father, it turns out the Barkley's have two sons, James David's age and they are coming to Pinecrest this semester. Very well-bred young gentlemen." Maris spoke up.
"Good to hear. A man's friends can turn him one way or the other. Twin boys?"
"One is my son and one is my nephew."
Jarrod was cautious not to divulge Nick and Maris' time spent together unless she did.
James David came up from behind and JD hugged him with obvious affection.
"Grandfather, it's good to see you. I wasn't aware you were in town."
"Just passing through. I have business in Portland but I made a stop here for a few days. I uh, have pressing matters back at the rail car. I would like you and your mother to join me for breakfast in the morning. I must get back after this."
Nick and Chip watched from across the room; they had both danced with Elisabeth after JT.
He sauntered over to the group.
"This is my brother, Nick Barkley. He is Chip's father." James David introduced him.
JD asked, "Chip?"
"Good to meet you, Mr. Autonberry. We have enjoyed meeting your family this week. Chip is short for Nicholas Jonathan Barkley Junior. When he was born, the family said he was a Chip off the old block." Nick shook his hand firmly, almost hurting the older man.
"I can understand that. Three generations of James David Autonberry in our family. Strong handshake, I like that in a man," pulling away from Nick's grip.
"JT is a junior too," Maris added nervously as the men met for the first time.
"Men should have namesakes that carry their name with pride. James David does for me and my family."
It was noticeable to all that his son was left out of the lineage. Maris shuddered for a brief moment but JD didn't notice.
The conversation was interrupted as the board President asked him to unveil the plague.
"James David, come with me. People should see you at my side, my heir. They should fear you."
Maris frowned at his words.
"Yes sir. Mother was supposed to do it."
"Let's you and I do it. She was my replacement if I couldn't get here in time. People would rather hear from me and you. Women dilly-dally around with their vapors and all. They can be a bit dim. Right Maris?"
She nodded in assent. She seemed to shrink a bit with his words.
Jarrod and Nick stood by her side as they walked to the platform and easel. Nick put his hand in the small of her back for a bit of comfort and support. They walked back to the table.
He blustered on and on about his accomplishments and men in the industry age; James David thanked everyone for coming and the people from both schools who made it happen. He named all the boards and teachers along with his mother. He got a great deal of applause for his gracious, appreciative manner. He was well prepared by his mother. Maris had schooled him well in the list of names. He outshone his oblivious grandfather to the Barkleys' delight.
"You have raised a good young man, Maris," Nick told her, holding her hand under the table.
She had not said a word since they sat down. She smiled at him with a few tears in her eyes.
"Thank you," she mouthed.
"I should see your mother home," JD told James David after they finished speaking.
"I will sir. It's a man's job and you have raised me to be one," he said hoping his grandfather would not recognize the manipulation in his words.
"Good, good" as he thought of getting back to Lila.
"See you in the restaurant at the Palace, let's say 9:00 am?
"Yes sir."
They shook hands and JD headed out. He breathed a sigh of relief that his ruse worked.
"Nick should be able to say goodbye to Mama."
—&—-
James David sauntered up to the table and whispered to Nick, "I am supposed to see Mother home safely tonight to the Palace. I am really ah tired, Can you do that for me?"
Nick winked at the young man, "I would be right proud to. And uh thank you."
Maris looked at them, "What are you whispering about you, two?"
"Men talk," Nick answered.
"Mother, Grandfather will meet us at the hotel for breakfast at 9. "
"Thank you, son," and she cocked her head at him and Nick.
"I am heading out to the dormitory with friends. I promise to stay out of trouble. I will be at breakfast early to escort you down.
"Thank you, son." It dawned on her that he was playing matchmaker with her and Nick.
Nick was grinning like a Cheshire cat. Elisabeth too.
Jarrod looked on in appreciation and worry, at the same time.
—-&—
With JD gone, Maris seemed more relaxed, Nick thought.
They made their goodbyes and went out to Grover waiting in the carriage. They dropped the family off at the brownstone.
"To the hill above the harbor, my friend."
Grover grinned with several missing teeth and said "Giddyup" to his roan.
The moon was reflecting off the water as Nick grabbed a saddle blanket and walked Maris to a group of trees for privacy. He spread out the blanket and helped her sit down.
He immediately put his arm around her and she leaned in close.
"Honey, it's going to be hard to say goodbye to you."
"I agree. I will be at the ranch for a visit before school starts with James David. This has been the best week of my life, seriously."
He frowned in the darkness and drew her face close to him.
"I will be counting the days to do this—-May I kiss you?"
She almost whimpered her yes.
He kissed her lips chastely at first and then with more pressure. He was delighted to feel her quiver and the sharpening of every breath she took. His body responded and his heart pounded in his chest. She raised her hand and touched his hair. It was all he needed to respond with more ardor.
He deepened his kiss and parted her lips. She literally moaned and he continued with ardor.
A few seconds later she pulled away, "Nick?"
"I am sorry honey. I got carried away. I respect you so much."
"No, it's just—-" and she buried her head in his chest.
"What honey?"
"I just—-"
"You can tell me anything."
"I am so embarrassed. I never—"
"Never what?"
"Did that?"
"Kiss like that."
"I won't do it again. I am sorry. I just got carried away."
"No that's not it. I didn't know what to do."
"Honey, you have been married I thought uh ah never mind."
"That never happened."
"Oh, " at a loss for words.
"Nick, I liked it," she whispered.
He relaxed.
"May I kiss you again? Just follow my lead. I won't hurt you or make you uncomfortable—-just tell me."
He proceeded slowly and was aware of every reaction of her body. She relaxed and began to respond in turn. He had to use every drop of self-control he had not to intensify the kiss.
He pulled away and he smiled realizing she was disappointed he had quit.
"I enjoyed that Maris."
"So did I," with her swollen lips.
He shifted his position to relieve his body's response.
"Are you okay, Nick?"
"Yes—very good. Just need to move a little," he smirked thinking of how he wanted to move.
She moved a bit too and her ear came in contact with his mouth. He kissed it and he couldn't help himself, He nibbled on it and felt her melt in his arms. He knew he could take advantage of her easily so he pulled away. Her sigh revealed disappointment. He chuckled.
Maris pulled up face to face with him, "May I?"
He didn't know what to say but nodded.
She mimicked his actions to his ear. He moaned audibly and allowed his hand to graze her bodice. She in her naivety allowed him more access. He had to pull away.
"Oh Maris, you are making goodbye even harder."
