Authors: Laurie Keck
“Uh-huh, well, before she suddenly appears like old times, what do you say we get to the ranch? Besides, I’m only here for Robust.”
Case put his hand on his chest as he took a step back. “Ouch. Okay, truth is I don’t have much of an argument in my favor. Have had some pretty bad luck lately.”
Larina tilted her head. “Oh, in what way?”
He waved it off.
Larina said, “I’ve had a few things going on lately as well. It would seem we’re both trouble.” She walked to her side of the car. “So if together… I can only imagine.”
Case said, “I’ve done nothing but imagine.”
She lowered her head as she felt her face flush and then got in her car. “I’ll follow you.”
He tapped the car and then walked to his truck. Larina put the hard top up to shield her and Sunmoon from any possible kicking dirt or flying rocks. She followed Case up the path.
Chapter 2
The sand and open road were now only memories as the area around their vehicles became one lane, giving the illusion of being deep in the woods. Majestic trees now lined the roadway. The air had changed quickly from a cool wisp of freshness to a heavy, ever-powerful pine scent. The road itself became narrower as they drove. It wouldn’t be long before the road would become rough, as they had one more turn-off up ahead.
As Larina approached his land, she took full notice of the brilliance in the color of the foliage on the stately trees. Each tree provided a soft shade, except farther out where there was a luxurious, wide-open field. A luscious space that appeared endless.
Case buzzed a gate open, and as they drove a little farther up his road, she felt calmness settle over her. She took a deep breath and felt her pulse slow then soon found herself recalling the wonderful river down a way. She had almost forgotten how serene it all was.
The vibe was so different from the one at the beach, a whole other world that was not situated that far from what she knew. Just as she began to think she might belong in this setting, Case parked the truck, and she pulled in behind him.
“Okay to let Sunmoon run around?” Larina asked as she got out of the car.
“Sure. If he goes far, Bandit will herd him, or he’ll herd Bandit,” Case said.
They enjoyed seeing Case’s collie greet his old friend Sunmoon.
“At any rate, they will go around in circles. But then don’t we all?” He pointed to her car. “Nice car by the way.”
“Thanks. Either someone is here or I see you got a new truck.”
He smirked. “Had to buy the four-door model I always wanted. Still prefer this old one though. She’s still the best for use on the ranch.”
He motioned with an exaggerated movement. “Robust’s over here.”
Larina removed her medical bag from the trunk of her car. They walked together with a quick pace toward the stable.
Case’s phone rang; he pulled it out of his pocket and glanced at it
He shook his head and clenched his fist. He showed Larina the incoming call was from Annette.
He said, “This ought to be good. Her timing is uncanny. Be back in a flash.”
She nodded with a one shoulder shrug, having never forgotten when she’d first met Annette. She had blamed Larina for Case not wanting the family she was sure they would have. She remembered the surprise visits those early months, when Annette would call Case every name in the book. How she would yell and yell, and often, she just seemed to appear out of nowhere, to interfere in their life, like today.
Larina softly shook her head and continued into the stable. She saw Robust and gently approached. As she did, she felt her own muscles relax and her own breaths soften as she came upon this tremendously beautiful creature. She began her examination. His eyes appeared glazed and dry. The resting heart rate was higher than sixty beats per minute; his breaths were shallow and frequent. She folded a section of the skin on his lower chest, it was slow to return to it’s shape
.
As she examined his mouth, the mucous membranes were dry and red. While pressing on the gums, it took several seconds for the color to return. It didn’t take her long to diagnose he was dehydrated. She began treatment and gave him electrolytes and fluid intravenously.
“There you go boy, just relax.” She softly and slowly patted him.
She began sponging him with cool water.
“How is he?” Case softly spoke as he entered the stable.
“Well, he’s quite dehydrated; I’m giving him electrolytes and cooling him some. This will help.”
Case went over and picked up a sponge and gently assisted in wiping him down. “I’m lucky you had what you needed on hand. Thanks.”
Larina said. “In a while, you can feed him some green grass, see if he’s willing to eat. Start slow.”
Case gently braced his forehead against the horse’s body. “I think Annette did this. Strong accusation I know. She denied it of course.”
Larina felt a chill, though she did not make eye contact and kept on swiping her sponge over Robust’s body. Case went back to wetting him down, dragging his palm across the horse in an attempt to soothe both the horse and himself.
Case said, “She knows better. He’s not an active horse anymore. These are supposed to be his golden years. I swear I think it was her. If not her, someone else was trying to kill him. Spite me, take all I love. Hell, why not her? She sent you away.” He shook his head and then broke into laughter. “But the only thing that makes me doubt it even a little is that I think Robust would have thrown her.”
Larina glanced at Case and then quickly turned away.
“Did I see a glimmer of joy in your eye just then?” Case teased. “I did.”
“No you did not.” She turned her head away from him.
He chuckled. “Trust me, I wouldn’t blame you.”
Case stopped wiping and ran his hands through his hair.
“I was on the road doing a performance. Ron came by earlier. You remember Ron. He still comes twice a day, whether I’m here or not. Anyway, I think she came by after he left just to hurt Robust.”
Larina exhaled. “That really is quite an accusation.”
“I know. But it’s what I believe. I’m just lucky I came back earlier than I was planning to. I found him like this. I knew you were in town, so I immediately called your father.”
Larina softly spoke. “And for the record, no one sent me away. I had to go for my own reasons. I’ve told you that.”
She then peered over Robust’s body to make eye contact with Case
“I do think you’re right though. Someone rode him hard to do this to him.”
Case pursed his lips together. “He seems to be doing better. I think you saved him.” He winked at her. “Now if you’ll just save me.”
Larina tilted her head as she rolled her eyes and smiled.
Case raised his eyebrows. “This is how we met, remember? You were the vet who took my call when I came home from the rodeo five years ago.” He leaned back. “Huh, just for me to quit right after that.”
Larina raised a brow. “Oh, I remember. I also remember the headlines that followed. ‘Rodeo star lassos local vet.’ ‘Rodeo star falls for animal healer.’”
“I did, you know. Just was never given the chance to fully act on it.”
“You have me to thank for that. You tried.” She smirked, followed by a smile.
“I did not.” He blushed as he raked his hand through his hair.
“Oh yes you did.” She ran her forearm across her forehead.
Wow, is it getting hot in here, or is it him?
Larina placed her sponge in the bucket and patted Robust.
“He should be okay with just a little more rest. Again, start him off with some of that green grass,” Larina said as she removed Robust’s IV.
Larina glanced over at a beautiful white horse. “Sas looks well. Any troubles?”
“Thanks. No, he’s been pretty hardy. Good horse. Would you like to ride him?”
She gave Robust a pat and then wiped her hands together. “No, thanks. My work is done; I really should leave now. If you have a problem, or if he gets worse, give me a call.”
Larina moved toward the door. “It was nice to see you again, Case.”
Case rushed toward her. “Won’t you stay awhile, maybe come in for at least a minute?” He motioned with his head toward the house.
“I don’t think so.” She adjusted the bag on her shoulder.
Case exhaled a slow breath. “Then would you at least agree to meet me later?”
Larina continued walking briskly toward her car. “Not now, maybe before I leave town, but not now.”
Case also picked up his pace and caught up to her.
“Larina, I may never understand, but okay.”
He tried to put his arm around her shoulder but had no sooner attempted than she raised her brow and gave him a sideways glare. Case placed his hands in his pockets.
“You know I never got with Annette. Except for Timmy, she isn’t part my life. I never loved her. One night at a rodeo, and I have to pay for it the rest of my days. Hell, I didn’t even know you yet.”
He shook his head as he glanced toward the ground. “She was so sure that, when you left, we would be a family. Getting with her that one time was the worst thing I ever did. She has done nothing but confirm that as time moves on. Still, Timmy is mine, and I have to make an effort to be cordial for him. I do hate, though, how she has always used him to get to me.”
As she threw her bag in the trunk, he gently kicked at the ground. “You know the story.”
“Yeah, I do. I was here when you got the news. How is Timmy?”
Returning his gaze to her, Case now spoke with enthusiasm. “He’s a great little boy. Luckily, he has a gentleness and good heart that he most certainly didn’t get from his mother. He just turned four.”
He rocked back and forth on the heels of his boots. “Ah, but of course you would know that all too well. Sorry.”
Larina opened the passenger door and placed Sunmoon in his seat.
Case ran his hand over his lips. “Still, allowing myself to lose you is by far the worse thing I’ve ever done.”
She walked to her side of the car. “You’re a good man, and happiness will come to you.” She gave him a kiss on the cheek.
“It already has, just seeing you again.”
Larina offered a tight-lipped smile as she got in the car. “Take care.”
As the car backed up, his hand slid from the surface of the door. Larina turned the car around and drove off. She glanced in the rearview mirror, only to see, Case with his head lowered as he rubbed the back of his neck.
Larina blinked.
Perhaps the universe presented him with his son to lead us in a different direction. Who am I to question the universe?
She spoke to Sunmoon.
“Would you like a little music for the ride home? As long as it’s not something by Case Wade.”
She sang a sailor’s song to clear her emotions and to help set her in the right frame of mind.
Chapter 3
Larina drove back to her father’s house. She pulled up to the gate, waved herself in, and then parked out front. When she and Sunmoon entered the house, they were greeted by soft music coming from the den to the left. It was her father’s favorite room in the home. Larina could see him as he sat in his chair, book in hand.
Grant was a debonair and self-made man
.
While he came from a working-class background, he had a reputation as refined and cultured in the community
.
He was suave, and while proper, he was unpretentious. He had coal-black hair with gray at the temples, a dimple in the chin, and was tall and proud in statue, a handsome man, by both men’s and women’s standards. He had made a living early as a professional big game fisherman. Until twenty-eight years ago when Larina was born. Those next years he devoted to raising his daughter the best he could. She was his only child.
During those years, Grant continued to participate in tournaments, winning many trophies, which were displayed on his shelves. He had also received a great deal of monetary compensation and heavy endorsement deals along the way. While he rarely ventured out socially, there were, however, those few exceptions. Once a month, and on the night of a full moon, he spent enchanted moments with the other love of his life, his wife.
Larina entered the warm, inviting room, which was filled with mahogany shelves lined with books on marine life, as well as marine myths. Placed throughout the room was every nautical device one could imagine. The room had substantial leather chairs and chaises. A fireplace was tucked in the corners at the far end of the room. A small bar, with a large picture mirror above, and a world globe placed at the side. And there was the wonderful wall of floor-to-ceiling glass doors that faced the ocean. The most impressive piece, however, was the large telescope, which was always directed at the sea.
“Hi, Daddy.” Larina kissed her father on the cheek; Sunmoon immediately lay at his feet.
“Hello, dear, how is Case?”
“Daddy, you know how that went.”
She went to the bar and poured a glass of water for herself. She sprinkled a little sea salt in her glass as she gazed in the mirror behind the bar.
“Can I get you anything?”
“No, I’m fine.” He placed his book on his lap. “Well?”
“Yes, he’s beautiful as ever.” She walked over and sat across from him.
Grant showed a twinkle in his eye that she had come to know very well.
She rested her elbows on her knees.
“Why did you take his call? I’ve managed to stay away four years.”
“He loves you, and you love him. If there is one thing I’ve learned in my years, love isn’t necessarily easy, but when it’s right, it’s worth it.”
Larina shook her head and then braced it on her hand as she sat back in the chair. “So you want me to say to him, “Oh, by the way, I have a fin, my mother is a mermaid, and I am a freak of nature.”
Grant placed his book on the side table. “You know I don’t like it when you talk that way.”
She exhaled. “What am I supposed to say, and why do you think he’s going to understand, let alone accept it?”
Grant lit a pipe and took a puff. “I will tell you. Case is like any other man, anyone for that matter. We tell our minds to find someone like ourselves. Take Case. One night at a rodeo event, he meets an attractive woman. She’s a barrel racer, seemed a good match, but it wasn’t.”
Grant took another puff before he continued. “Frankly, he has had women showering him with adoration since he was a very young man. I admire that he is as grounded as he is and that he has not succumbed to all the admiration.”
Larina rolled her eyes as she shook her head. “Yeah, he’s a real prince. And as you say, he can have anyone. He doesn’t need me.”
Grant clenched his pipe between his teeth. “He doesn’t want just anyone. And he’s not unlike your dear old dad. I see similarities. He’s a man true to his heart. Your mother taught me one very important thing. We love who we love. And we accept them for whom and what they are. The differences only make for the adventure.”
Larina twirled her hair. “Tell me about her again.”
Grant tilted his head back slightly. “She is beautiful. There is a lot of her in you. You are both petite and spirited. The differences are few. Where she has an oval face, you have the stronger jaw, which suits you. You have my dimple in your chin, not as pronounced as mine, thank goodness, but there is a hint of it there.”
Larina touched her chin softly as Grant laid down his pipe, stood up, and walked to the bar. He poured a glass of scotch on the rocks, and then he turned and gave a wink. “Always on the rocks. The rocks remind me of your mother.”
He swished his drink as he continued. “Your eyes have the same shape, the same come-hither expression, I imagine.”
“Daddy, really.” Larina felt her face get warm.
“Don’t believe me? Ask Case.”
He rested his elbow on the bar as he continued. “Your mother’s eyes are blue, like the breaking waves. Your eyes are the color of Kentucky bluegrass. Her hair is golden, where yours is cool. Your’s having been influenced by the blue moon under which you were born.”
He walked back to his chair. “The biggest difference, of course, is your mother can will away her tail only during a full moon. You can will yours to come only during that time.”
Larina pursed her lips. “One thing I was always hesitant to ask you, Daddy. Does mother still look the same as when you met?”
“Yes, to me. If you’re asking, does your mother age? No, she has not aged, not in appearance. She is still the lovely young woman who rescued me from a nasty spill off my boat, nearly twenty-nine years ago. Still, I don’t pretend to know much of your mother’s world. Only that she had become my world at that moment.” Grant swished his drink once more. “Larina, we must never forget, though, your mother had a human child. You, my dear, are a human child. I have always told you, while you came from two worlds;
y
ou were to be raised on land. I have tried to give you
the best of the only world I could.”
Larina glanced down at her hands as she spoke. “Daddy, I’ve been happy. I’m so lucky to have you. It’s true I have, at times, felt torn between worlds, ever since I first learned of my ability to will a fin.”
Grant said, “I have always regretted, and have been ashamed, that in those earliest years I told you your mother had passed. I had practiced many times to myself how I would tell you the truth. I never could. It seemed too much, too unbelievable for you, as a small child, to understand. I often wondered if it would be too hard for you, or if it was just too hard for me.”
With tears in her eyes, Larina spoke. “Why, after all this time, am I still not permitted to see Mother?”
He shook his head. “Your mother can not permit you to see her world. You can not join her world. It would be too painful for all of us. She has, however, seen and loves you. She is proud of the woman you are. She continues to watch over you, just as she does over me.”
Larina got up and knelt in front of his chair.
“Daddy, it must’ve been so hard on you. Raising me alone, not having Mother with you. Don’t you ever regret it? Wish you had fallen in love with someone else and had a normal life?”
He placed his hand on hers. “I would never wish for another besides your mother. The only thing I wish is that she could’ve been here for you while you were growing up. For you to have known her and her to have known you. Now, as for you, you have always been a perfectly lovely girl. You have never given me a moment of trouble, and I have kept strong because of you. I ask you, though, what is normal? There is only perceived normal.”
Larina rose and kissed his cheek. Then she went over and flopped herself back in her chair. “Who would ever believe our story? I’m not sure I would, if it hadn’t been for the fact I developed a fin.” She shook her head.
Grant re-lit his pipe and took a puff. “This is why it’s so important to love another. To find that person with whom you feel secure, have trust in, and want to share everything with, especially your secrets. You will know who that is, and you will know when the time is right.”
He reached in the pocket of his smoking jacket and pulled out a note. “Speaking of a story, I received this letter two days ago. I know I should’ve shown it to you when you first arrived, when you told me of yours. I didn’t want to worry you, and I thought I would have gotten to the bottom of it by now.”
Larina reached for the note, and as she began to read, her mouth opened. “It’s almost identical to mine. Daddy, why didn’t you tell me? You really should have told me.”
Grant exhaled. “I thought I could keep you from worrying. I knew you were cautious, and being away from here, I felt you were safe. I believed I was the target. I was wrong. We, our family, are the targets.”
Larina asked, “Who do you think is writing these, and why? How much do you think they know?”
“My concern was someone may have seen me with your mother. Discreet as we are, there has been some activity as of late. Some nights, days even, I’ve seen a boat in the distance with a single beacon of light. It just hovers out there.”
He tapped his pipe against the bowl. “I have made a few enemies over the years. I was sure this was one of them. I am so upset that, by keeping this to myself, I may have put you in harm’s way.”
Larina crinkled her forehead as she asked, “Enemies? Do you mean those who are upset with your involvement against marine captivity?’
He gave a slight nod. “That, plus my stands on whale breeding, oil drilling onshore into offshore waters, you name it.”
Grant refilled his pipe. “Leave it to me. I will get to the bottom of it. My hope is, as you said, no one would believe it anyway. That is aside from the purest of heart, and they would mean us no harm. As for others, they would need to either see it for themselves or have concrete proof. And I assure you, no one will find that.”
Larina shrunk her body further into the chair. “This is why I couldn’t be with Case. Last thing we need is my being around a ‘beloved celebrity.’ Someone is always after a scandal.”
Grant rested his pipe into the bowl. “Nonsense. Though they never stopped writing about him, the headlines… There were so many.”
Larina rolled her eyes. “Oh, I remember. ‘Rodeo star goes country but sings the blues.’ ‘A woman wrangled a child, now all comes barreling down.’” She rubbed her hands against her face, “And now this.”
Grant tapped at the note. “This came before you saw Case today.”
She tilted her head. “I think he still believes the reason I left was because of the rodeo. He thinks I didn’t approve. It’s true that I didn’t like the wrestling and roping of the animals. But he did quit that. And of course the other being…”
Grant said, “Larina, is it much different than what your dear old dad did, with kite fishing and trolling? Besides, he quit the rodeo for you. As for his son, I am quite sure he doesn’t think that.”
Larina took an exasperated breath. “No, I guess not. And, by the way, he quit the rodeo because of his knees.”
Grant gave a broad smile. “He writes music because of you as well.”
Larina shook her head. “You’re just a romantic.”
Grant rested his pipe in its stand. “Now that could very well be true.”
He rose from his chair as he spoke. “And, as such, though it’s still early, I must get ready. I’m going out this evening. We’ll talk more in the morning. We are not
fin
-ished with this conversation.”
Larina opened her eyes wide “Daddy I swear…”
He walked over to a table and picked up a conch shell. “Your mother taught me this.” He placed it to his lips and played a few chords.
Larina smiled. “And you taught me. So, let me ask you, when you meet with mother, do you…you know?”
Grant blushed before answering, which was unusual for Larina to see. “There are still some things that aren’t to be shared, my dear. Remember one thing. Like me, you, too, will age. But… what they say is correct. With true love, your heart will always remain young. Goodnight, dear.” He left the room with his shell.
She blushed. “Goodnight, Daddy.”
Larina blew out a deliberate breath as she picked up the aquamarine gem kept in a shell next to the window. She sat on the chaise and patted the cushion for Sunmoon to join her. “These were once thought to be tears from a mermaid. Also, they’ve been thought to protect men at sea. And you know what? It’s all true, Sunmoon. This was given to Father by my mother. He shared it with me the day I became a woman.”
She held the stone above her.
“That was the scariest day of my life. The very day I developed the ability to will a fin and learned the truth about mother. I was twelve years old, and I will never forget it.” She caressed the stone lightly with her finger.
“It’s all I have of my mother.” She sat up. “Daddy says a mermaid cries this stone when they acknowledge that they’ve found true love.”
She placed the gemstone back in its shell cradle.
“Sunmoon, I’m going out this evening too. When I do, I need you to stay here.”