Chapter 9 Hot July Moon

   The next two weeks I tried to keep the kids as busy as possible were they wouldn't think about leaving with their dad for the next month. We were all pretty busy getting ready for the party we were having at the diner on the Fourth of July. Ms. Winnie said it was their annual party as a way of thank you for all the retired service men and woman that lived in the area. This was her way of showing her thanks.
    It was going to be a big bbq outside that most of the town showed up for. The kids were super excited because there would finally be some kids their age they could play with.
    The 4th was on Saturday and the kids were supposed to be leaving on the 5th. It would be our last holiday before they came back before school. That Friday we went to the store and brought fireworks for the kids to set off in the yard. Jamie came over and brought more fireworks that you'd need to be an expert to set off. Alex was amazed by all the colors and shapes they turned into.
    The next morning we were all up early and off to the diner excited for the day's festivities. Bree had on a sparkly I ️ America short and Alex short said 'Future Defender of America'. They picked them out their selves on our shopping trip and were excited to show the sisters.
    Jamie showed up an hour after us and went straight to helping Gus get the food on the grill. By ten o'clock the party was in full swing. Jamie was chasing the kids around the parking lot while I ran around making sure everyone was getting their drinks and food.
    A little after noon Ms. Winnie stopped me and handed me a tray full of food and drinks. "It's time you took your break and enjoyed this party like everyone else. Your kids and that man that can't seem to take his eyes off you finally sat down over there, and you should too. I'll let you know if I need you." She pointed me in their direction then left as quick as she came.
    I made my way carefully across the parking lot making sure not to spill anything. When I got closer to the table Jamie was talking to the kids. Before I got close enough to hear he stopped and both of the kids gave him goofy smiles and started shaking their heads ok to whatever he'd asked.
    I sat the tray down between them then gave the kids a quick kiss on top of their heads. "Hello Loves, y'all having fun?" All three gave me the same, "Yes Ma'am", Jamie giving me a wink with his that made my smile a bit bigger. "I'm glad. Dig in guys, then y'all can go play some more."  I took my seat across from Jamie and watched as they did as I asked.
    In seconds the kids were both up saying they were done and asking if they could go back to the bouncy house. I gave them the ok with Jamie telling them to stay were we could see them before I could get the food I was eating out of my mouth. "Thanks, they always ask me something when my mouth is full where I can't tell them no it seems."
    Jamie laughed at that, "The force is strong with those two, and they are learning early."
    "So what were y'all talking about before I walked up?"
    "That momma bear is something between us. If you're nice we might let you in on our secret but there's a few things you gotta do first." Jamie had his devious smile going. I was seriously rethinking leaving him alone with my children so much. Never know what bed habits he could be teaching them!
     "Oh yeah, and what type of things to I gotta do first?"
     "Well first you gotta agree to go on another date with me next weekend, and every weekend while the kids are gone. I asked Bree and Alex for their permission and they both agreed. Bree made me promise to take a picture of us together for proof." Jamie gave a slight chuckle and a shrug of his shoulders as in a 'what could I say'.
     I couldn't help but laugh myself. "That sounds exactly like something she'd beg me to do. She loves going to new places. She reminds me of me so much growing up. Always wanting to go as many places as I could. Bree got the drifter gene I believe." I thought over the rest of what he said then gave him the answer he was probably waiting on. "So the next four weekends you want to take me out Mr. Shaw? Did the kids agree on the places as well, or did you keep that to yourself?"
     "Oh Ms. Long you'll just have to wait and see." Jamie gave me his signature wink and my blood started to warm. I sat there for the next few hours talking about our childhood and families. Seeming to just pick up right where we left off on our date. The conversation never stopped, instead we both seemed to tell each other our most embarrassing stories trying to make the other laugh harder than the other.
    I thought I was going to pee my pants when Jamie told me the story when him and Brandon snuck a squirrel into church on Sunday and the squirrel got loose causing havoc. Running up the inside of the old man's pants the row in front of them, before jumping into the preacher's wife's blouse sitting in the front row. By the time they'd all made it out of the church the preacher's wife had confessed to a sordid affair with the choir director. Mrs. Karen, the boy's mother, had almost pulled their ears off dragging them back to their truck to get them home and whoop their butts. They didn't go back to that church for a full year.
     I was laughing so hard tears were freely flowing down my cheeks when the voice of my past stopped me cold. "You just can't stop whoring yourself around long enough to keep an eye on my kids can you Marie? They even here or you got them at another sitters while you talk up your new sugar daddy?"
    I turned around and gave Dewayne my best glare. "Hello Dewayne, how are you? My children are right over there jumping in the bouncy house where they've been for the last few hours. Jamie and I have been watching them while we finished our lunch. Since your here early can I get you some BBQ or something to drink? It might put you in a better mood."
    I bit my tongue from saying what I really wanted which would have been a 'Fuck Off' and kept it as sweet as I could. I didn't look at Jamie just made sure Dewayne acknowledged his presence in a better manner. Jamie growling while Dewayne spoke told me he wanted to say something back to the big ape.
    "I don't want shit. I just came for my kids. Then we're going home. Momma can't wait to see them. She missed them these last few months."
    If anything could make me feel bad about leaving Dewayne the way I did mentioning Mrs. Barbra would be the one thing to do it. Dewayne's mother helped me so much when Bree was first born. With my mother not in the picture, and my lack of knowledge about newborns I felt like I was drowning after I brought her home. Mrs. Bob came and stayed with me for a week. She taught me everything I needed to know. She was the only one that treated me like family from the first day I meet her. I felt so bad for leaving without letting the kids says goodbye to her. I hope she understands.
    "Please let her know I asked about her, and I hope she's doing good."
   "If you wouldn't have left maybe you'd be able to tell her yourself. I ain't telling her shit. Now are the kids ready to go or what?"
     I closed my eyes and counted to ten in my head before I got up from the table and headed toward the bouncy house. Jamie got up as well and followed right beside me. I felt him grab my pinky and give it a small squeeze for strength, but otherwise he didn't say a word. Instead he followed my lead in dealing with Dewayne, who was not far behind us grumbling the whole way.
    When Bree and Alex saw us headed toward them they gave me blinding smiles that dimmed once they saw he person following us. They both got out and grabbed their shoes without being told and had them on by the time we joined them.
    I went up to them then went down to one knee where I could look them in the eye. "I hope y'all had fun. Your dad came early so we gotta go get your stuff where y'all can go." My heart broke when Alex grabbed Bree's hand and moved to hide himself behind Bree when I said it was time for them to go. If it was up to me they wouldn't be going with that man for a day let alone the rest of the month.
    I wrapped them both in a tight hug and whispered words of love and comfort and everything would be ok. I let them go then stood back up. "Go find the sisters and Gus and tell them bye. I'll take your dad to the car where we can get your bags. Y'all meet us there in a few minutes ok?" They both shook their head ok then headed toward the main table where everyone was hand in hand.
    Dewayne had already headed back toward his car before the kids had even left, so Jamie took the chance to give me a hug I didn't know I needed. "You ok sweetheart?" Jamie whispered in my ear. All I could do was shake my head yes, because if I opened my mouth the sound of a dying cat wailing 'NO' would be the sound that came out. Jamie let me go but grabbed my hand and brought it to his lips. "Liar", he said right before placing a kiss to the back of my palm. He interlaced his fingers through mine before leading me back toward my car.
    By the time we made it to my car Dewayne had the trunk of his car opened leaning against the back smoking a cigarette looking like he couldn't get out of here quick enough. Ms. Winnie and Ms. Mabel were getting the kids bags out of the trunk of my car, while Ms. Pearl were giving the kids hugs goodbye.
   Gus grabbed the bags from the sisters and took them to Dewayne's waiting trunk. Neither man said anything to the other. Dewayne just slammed the lid as soon as Gus set the bags inside almost closing it on Gus's hands.
    "Ok kids, five minutes then we're leaving." Dewayne took the last drag from his cigarette then moved to the driver door. Bree and Alex ran to me with their dads words and crushed me in a hug. I held them both as tight as I could telling them how much I loved hem and would miss them every day.
     Bree and I were both a crying mess by the time we finished our goodbyes while Alex stayed the strong little boy I know he tried to be. I let them go after one more kiss then walked them both to Dewayne's car. They got in the back while I made my way to the driver window to speak with Dewayne. I know he's never listened to me before, but I couldn't let him take my kids for the next month without begging him to not hurt my kids.
    I tapped on his window and motioned for him to let the window down. "What the fuck now Marie?"
    "I just need you to promise me something."
    "What's that?"
    "Promise me you won't lay a hand on either of them. I know how your temper can get and I don't want you to take it out on them. Can you promise me that?"
    "You could always come back with us. My lawyer said the papers won't be official for another two weeks. We could go back to being a happy family."
    "You know I won't do that Dewayne."
    "Then I can't promise you shit. Bye Marie." Dewayne let the window back up and started the car. He put the car in reverse and backed out before anyone had the chance to move away from his car. I watched and waved at the kids till the car was just a dot speeding down the road away from the diner.
     The car was long gone but my arm was still waving when I felt Jamie come up beside me and place his arm over my shoulders giving me a side hug. "You ok Momma Bear?"
     No I wasn't and I didn't think I would feel alright till my babies came back to me. Tears filled my eyes, but I blinked them away for now. If I started crying now I wouldn't stop. Instead of telling all this to Jamie I just shrugged my shoulders making his arm fall. "I'm gonna go home. It's been a long day already and could really use a nap."
     I didn't look at him while I told him my lie. Instead I searched my pockets making sure I had all the things I would need to make my escape quickly. I grabbed my keys from my pocket and got behind the wheel. I drove out of the parking lot on autopilot. Not caring that I didn't tell the sisters or wait on Jamie.
    I made the short trip to the trailer and barely made it inside when the gut wrenching sobs started. I felt like I just feed my kids to the biggest lion in the jungle. I went straight to my bed, and hide under the covers just letting the tears fall.
    Hours later the tears had finally stopped falling. My phone had several missed calls from the sisters I just couldn't bring myself to answer them. I didn't want them to know how bad I was at the moment. I was surprised there wasn't a message or call from Jamie. It didn't help how I just left without really talking to him, it wasn't fair of me.
    I got up and went to the bathroom needing to wash my face before I called Jamie to apologize for leaving like I did when there was a knock at my door. I took a cold washcloth and made a quick swipe around my face before I headed toward the front door.
    Jamie was standing on the other side with two bags and a few red box movies in his hand. "Ice cream and chick flicks. Jenna said I couldn't show up without both of these in hand." Jamie held both of them up in a peace offering. I paid them no mind as I fell into his outstretched arms.
    Jamie wrapped his arms around my trembling body keeping the ice cream from touching my back. He walked me back thru the door all the way back to the bedroom where he made me get back in bed. He put a movie on then set the others down before going back to the kitchen for spoons then joining me in bed.
   The Ben and Jerry's Chocolate Fudge Brownie was gone and The Notebook was almost over when Jamie's heartbeat finally put me to sleep for the night.
   The next morning Jamie was still there when I woke up. I gave him a smile when my sleepy brain registered he'd stayed the night with me, but as the quietness of the house registered the smile started to dim.
    "No Ma'am, none of that. That's why I'm here. Operation 'Make Momma Bear Happy' while her cubs are gone starts now. Are you ready for day one?"
     "Would this operation be something you talked about with the kids too?"
     "Of course."
     That made me happy. Bree and Alex making sure I was alright while they were gone, so I had to at least give it a try. "Ok captain give it your best try."
     For the rest of the month Jamie gave it his all. We went to church with his parents and sister that Sunday. Jamie had already told me so much about Karen and Steve I felt like I already knew them. Jenna was exactly how Jamie described her. Cute as a button with a heart of gold. She was in her first year of med school at University of Tennessee Memphis. Both woman invited me back to the house for Sunday dinner.
     Once Jamie and I made it to his childhood home Karen swept me into the kitchen and grilled me for information till we left. I had a great time. Jenna even sat up a standing date every Thursday night to bi he watch our favorite TV shows together from now on.
     The following two weekends Jamie took me to several of his favorite places. Some he'd designed himself, others were antebellum homes he wanted to restore himself someday. He showed me his dreams and didn't sugarcoat things from his past or about him that would make me think less of him. He showed me exactly who he was and it scared the crap out of me to admit to myself I was falling in love with this man.
     The last weekend before he kids were to come home Jamie had talked Ms. Winnie into giving me Thursday and Friday off were he could take me somewhere for the weekend. He said this was his special place he'd never shown anyone and wanted me to spend the weekend with him there.
     I tried to get everyone to give me a hint of where Jamie was taking me but none of them would budge. Not even bribing Gus with chocolate cake worked.
     So Thursday I was in Jamie's truck headed further into the woods away from town with no clue where we were going. Jamie was humming along to the radio while I enjoyed the scenery passing by the window. The silence was comfortable, over the last three weeks Jamie and I had grown a lot closer. The hand holding and kissing had become almost second nature, but we hadn't taking the relationship further.
     This weekend would only be the third time we'd slept together, but neither of us had made the move to take that next step. I was more than happy with that, but on a level I didn't want to face I wished Jamie would just make that move already. I know I would chicken out as soon as I tried.
     We passed a sign that said 'Welcome to Moon Tennessee' and not long after we made our first turn off the highway. The road didn't look like it was used very much, but Jamie didn't go far. He stopped in front of a small cabin a few yards from the banks of the Tennessee River.
     The cabin looked like something from a fairy tale with the vines wrapped around the stones trying to bring it back into the earth. The inside was open concept with a fireplace taking up most of the living room. A small loft with a bathroom was above a small kitchen. The loft had a double bed under two skylights.
      By the time we had everything unpacked and the cabin aired out the daylight was gone. Jamie cooked us dinner and we sat on the porch looking at the stars for the rest of the night.
      Friday Jamie took me white water rafting and swimming the rest of the day. That night Jamie started a fire and we watched the flames in each other's arms.
      Saturday Jamie left me at the cabin that morning. He told me he had something special planned for us that night and needed to run back into town to pick up the rest of the supplies. He said he would be back between two and three that afternoon, so I had a few hours on my hands I had no idea what to do with.
      Thankfully, with not knowing where Jamie was taking me, I packed a lot of different outfit choices. I went thru my bag till I found my favorite new purple dress and my favorite pair of black heels. I dug out my makeup bag and hair products then headed to the bathroom.
     I wanted to surprise Jamie when he got back. I had the small radio playing some oldies station while I got ready. The music helped me relax and not think about what I was doing. It's been awhile since I got dressed up for a man I had feelings for. The fact I had feelings for a man so soon after Dewayne was astounding. This past month Jamie made me forget about Dewayne and my past life though. Something I didn't think was possible.
     I soaked in the small bath till my fingers wrinkled then got out and lotion everywhere. The lotion was a new touch Jenna gave me and said I had to start using it. It smelled like sweet melon and made me crave fruit when I smelled it, hopefully Jamie would to.
     It took me a little longer, but I got my hair exactly like when I walked of the salon. I went dark with my eye makeup. I'd always wanted to try the smoky eye look, and after several YouTube videos I was happy with the results.
    The dress I'd picked I bought the day before the kids left on our shopping trip. It was a purple with white polka dotted fifties style pinup halter dress. I'd found it on the clearance rack and had to have it. I'd always loved the style but never had the guts to wear it before, but after this month I felt changed.
    Lighter in a way I hadn't before and freer, all thanks to Jamie.
   I finished the look off with my black peep toe wedges. I put all my things away then headed downstairs. I went to the porch and sat in the rocking chair just watching the water flow. It was so peaceful out here. Maybe when the kids came back we could bring them back for the weekend before school started back.
    I don't know how long I was sitting there daydreaming when Jamie snapped me out of it by placing a kiss on the top of my head. "That's my favorite picture so far. My beautiful woman sitting in front of the setting sun. I'm sorry I'm late. I hope I didn't keep you waiting long?"
    I looked up at Jamie over my shoulder. He'd changed clothes since he left this morning. Black jacket with a white button up shirt underneath, his faded jeans and boots as always. His hair was gelled back and his beard had been trimmed. He must have stopped at the barber in town. I caught a whiff of his cologne and my mouth instantly watered.
    I stood up and turned to face him fully. I gave him a once over just admiring how well the man could clean up, and the muscles he had hiding underneath. I felt Jamie's eyes doing the same. "Wow." Jamie was looking at me like I was his favorite toy in boyish glee. His mouth was hanging open so far a fly landed on his bottom lip and he didn't notice.
     I laughed and reached up to whip the drool from the side of his mouth. "I'd wait all day on you stud." I sent him a wink like he does to me. Before I could bring my hand back from his chin Jamie grabbed my wrist and pulled me against him. "You have no idea what you do to me, do you woman? This dress, those shoes, and the way you look is making it really hard for me to be a gentleman tonight sweetheart."
     "I'm glad you liked it. I put it on just for you. I wanted it to be a surprise."
     "Darling I love it." Jamie bent down and gave me a kiss that had my toes curling in my shoes. I reached up and rand my finger thru his hair messing up the neat lock. Jamie wrapped his hands around my waist pulling me closer to feel exactly how hard things were for him at the moment. I pulled away first gasping for breath, but Jamie continued kiss down my neck to my collar bone.
    "What is that smell? Sweet melons and summer flowers. Darling you smell good enough to eat!" Jamie said before going back to kissing my exposed skin.
    I laughed from his whiskers tickling my neck and his response to the lotion. I'll have to thank Jenna when we get back. Jamie took a step back when he finished kissing every inch of my shoulders and neck. He grabbed my hands and looked me in the eyes. "You ready for my surprise?" I just shook my head yes with a dopey smile on my face.
   Jamie turned around and led me to the door. Before he slid the door open he turned to look at me one last time. Jamie opened the door and brought me a few steps into the room. I gasped in amazement. How in the world did I not hear him doing all this?
    Jamie had hung lights all along the ceiling. He lit a fire and had the radio still on the same station from earlier. There was a small table in the middle of the room with a dozen roses in the middle with two plates sat out for us. It was beautiful.
    Jamie led me to the table and held my chair while I took my seat. He poured me a glass of wine from the bottle he had waiting by the table. He poured himself a glass then took the seat across from me. We are an Italian dish I'd never tried before, and not sure where Jamie got it from. We even had Chocolate cheesecake for desert, my favorite and Jamie knew it.
    Once the food was gone Jamie and I danced to the radio. Motown oldies sang songs of a love I never thought possible, but felt like it was close to the feeling I got while in Jamie's arms. Song after song our bodies moved like one I tried to shut my mind off awhile before. After a while Jamie pulled back and looked me in the eyes.
    "Darling this past month has been like nothin I could have imagined. You have turned my world upside down and it will never be right again. You're the first thing I think about when I wake up and the last thing I hear before I go to sleep every night. I make every excuse I can during the day to see you, hold you, and kiss you like I want. I know this wasn't what you were looking for when you came here, but sometimes fate steps in to give you what you need. Fate sent me you, my other half, the woman I believe was made just for me."
     Jamie was running his hand down my cheek while he gave his speech. When he stopped he placed a chaste kiss on my lips before starting again.
     "I know this is probably a lot for you to take in, and in the morning you'll probably freak out and back away, but I won't stop pushing you. Being there for you every day and making you see how right I am. Because darling I'm gonna let you in on a little secret, I love you. I love you Marie Long and your two beautiful kids and weather you like it or not y'all are stuck with me now. However long it takes me to wear you down." The wink he sent me had me laughing.
     Jamie stopped the giggles with another searing kiss. I shit my brain off and let my body take the wheel. She seemed to know better at the moment. Jamie started leading me back toward the stairs never breaking the kiss. Once we made it to the first step he reached down and picked me up bridal style.
     I broke the kiss with a gasp from the sudden movement. Jamie looked me in the eyes, his burning with a hunger I'd never seen. "I got you darling." He took the stairs two at a time and had me laid out on the bed in seconds.
    We didn't go further than kissing that night, but I was more than ok with that. I mean I was going to sleep in the arms of the man who claimed to love me. How much better could the night get.

***************************************

No I'm not stroking the side of my phone with a love struck smile on my face imagining my own real life Jamie. Ain't you ever heard the saying "Don't Look Ethel!"
What in the world! Stop shaking your head no I understood you the first time I just can't believe it.
You've never heard Ray Stevens talking about strangers on the other end of the phone line, or the amazing squirrel at the Revival?
Blasphemy! You must rectify that at once damnit!
I'm from Mississippi and I still hear whispers of that damn squirrel even two hours north from where it all went down. Y'all don't know the ju-ju you just released into this world. I gotta hurry and make sure all my window are down and the doors are locked after that!
Just remember their is a reason they call it the Dirty South. Even karma likes to make things a little ruff for everyone around here!
Can we not spread the bad ju-ju to the comments my friends?
Guess I need to go put an ad on Facebook for a voodoo priestess. Wish me luck.
Callie

© 2018 Copyright by Callie Sumner. All rights reserved.