With This Kiss: Southern Exposure Saga, #4

With This Kiss

Book 4 of the Southern Exposure Saga

By Lari Smythe

Cover by Lari Smythe

Copyright 2017 Lari Smythe

ISBN 9781370819140 (.ebpub version)

Published by Lari Smythe at Smashwords

Smashwords Edition License Notes

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. The ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you are reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com, or your favorite online ebook store, and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

Discover other books by Lari Smythe at Smashwords.com

Lari's books are also available in print at most online retailers.

Dedicated to Leta Fay Faulkner Smith

April 1927 - October 2016

* * *

Table of Contents

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

Chapter 27

Chapter 28

Chapter 29

Chapter 30

Chapter 31

Chapter 32

The End & Author Info

* * *

I will never forget the moment your heart stopped and mine kept beating.

Angela Miller

Chapter 1

Jason's mom, Nancy, had been so thoughtful to talk me through cooking Jason's favorite meal for our anniversary. Fortunately, a week ago I tried to cook an out-of-date steak as practice—fortunately because I burned it to a crisp and set off the smoke alarm in our off-campus apartment. At least the fire department wasn't called and I managed to clean and deodorize before Jason got home from football practice. He never had a clue. Today was going to be different. Today, I was going to cook our steaks to a perfect medium rare—I hoped. The Au Gratin potatoes were in the oven, the green beans with bacon simmering, and a bottle of non-alcoholic champagne recently moved to the freezer to make it extra cold.

I glanced up at the clock, time for a quick shower and to change into Jason's favorite lingerie. His choice was—well sweet and suited me fine. It was white silk, but not the thin slinky kind, the heavier, more luxurious kind. It had intricate lace embroidery around the mid-thigh length hem, sweetheart neckline of course, with the thinnest spaghetti straps. I had others that were more fun, but he liked this one the best. I think it was because it was the one I chose for our first night as husband and wife. Hard to believe that was a year ago already.

After I showered, I took a peek at the clock—perfect, still time. I wiped away the fog on the mirror and sat down to put on my makeup just the way Jason liked it, which meant a little heavy on the dark eye makeup. I smiled—he really never got over my first impression in high school—totally EMO. I stood, leaned forward and finished the final touch of red lipstick. As I covered up with my favorite knee-length black sweatshirt, I realized how fast my heart was beating—I really was anxious for the perfect anniversary celebration. Jason wasn't one to forget special occasions, but I hoped at least dinner would be a surprise, the rest no doubt would be incredible.

I returned to the kitchen just as the buzzer for the potatoes went off. I took them out of the oven and set them in the microwave so they could thicken—at least that's what the box said. Once that was taken care of, I set the oven to broil like Nancy had instructed. Since the oven was already hot, it came up to temperature quickly. Should I put the steaks on now or wait until Jason pulled in—or even until he walked through the front doorway? The latter seemed like the best option given the last fiasco. Nothing to do now but wait.

I plopped down on the sofa and tucked my cold, bare feet up under my sweatshirt. Always cold—or hot, there was that, one extreme or the other it seemed. There was studying I could—probably should—do, but not tonight. It could wait. I glanced up at the clock—still half an hour. I'd made a habit of being early for things, partly because I hated to be late—it was rude, and in the case of class, late could get you locked out and a zero for attendance, but the other part, even after more than a year, I hadn't quite adjusted to human speed—or more accurately, human slow. I leaned my head back against the top of the sofa and stared at the ceiling. After awhile, I glanced back at the clock. I swear it hadn't moved.

I thought back a year to our wedding day. I was in an upper room of the church, moments before I would go downstairs to marry the most magnificent man in the entire world, Jason. I was nervous—beyond nervous—I was terrified. I loved him with all my heart, my now human heart, so it was completely ridiculous to be afraid, but I was. My eyes drifted closed.

* * *

Jitters? came a calm, reassuring voice.

Coach?

I didn't mean to intrude, he said as he eased into the doorway.

No, no, of course not. I turned and the sheer train of my dress wrapped partially around me.

Could you hold that for just a moment? his voice was warm and endearing.

I know I blushed; I could feel the heat in my cheeks. Human senses were still so new. They made me an open book at times.

Coach's face filled with a broad smile. After a moment, he said, Hard to believe you're the same fiery, little girl that stormed onto my football field last year.

I'm not. My gaze sank from his puzzled expression to the floor.

Coach walked purposefully across the room and then wrapped an arm around me.

It's time? I asked.

No, not just yet.

He would tell me that if it were true or not, because that's who he was—what he did, always there for you.

Mind if I sit? We haven't even started and my feet are killing me.

Not at all. Coach stepped back and did the best he could to hold the train of my dress so that I could sit on what could only be called a tuffet, a backless, red-velvet chair that was tucked away by the window of the small room. It made sense now, why it didn't have a back.

I pressed the dress against my hips to keep it from wrinkling as I settled onto the chair. I looked up into Coach's still beaming face. Cathy peaked in through the doorway, smiled with this kind of I was in good hands look before she and Lisa headed downstairs. Coach glanced over his shoulder.

They dress up nice. He scratched his head. Never thought I'd see the day those two were together. He hesitated as if thinking, and added, But then, that's what you've done for this community—brought folks together.

I never intended—

What's eating at you? I know it's not Jason. You two were born to be together and I have no doubt that you and that young man of yours are going to continue a relationship that happens, oh, maybe once every hundred years. He pulled over a chair, spun it around on one leg and sat down straddling the back across from me. If you'd rather talk to someone—

No!

He waited patiently for me to gather myself.

It's spring break, Coach.

And? He frowned, but not judgmentally, more of a compassionate gesture.

Well, I feel like Jason and I are in hyper-drive, everything is happening so fast. We're both already enrolled at Clemson for the summer—as soon as we graduate, we're leaving—I mean, what about his mom?

That brought a smile to his face. Don't worry about Nancy. I'll take good care of her.

Are you saying there's more to your relationship?

He chuckled. How's Sam and Nancy sound?

Who's Sam—No wait, that's you! I never knew your first name. You've always been Coach. Sam, Coach Sam Singleton. It fits you, you know. I tilted my head to the side and raised a brow. As in Sam and Nancy Singleton?

A warm smile lit up his face then he leaned forward, his expression turning serious. We were talking about the future Mrs. Izzy Whitaker. What's really going on?

I hesitated before continuing. What about the kids at school?

Ah. He nodded. Now we're getting somewhere. He eased back a little. As I recall, you talked this over with Principal Moore, and she didn't see any issues.

Easy for her to say. She's not the one the kids think is pregnant.

His jaw tightened. First one who says anything like that will be doing laps.

You can't—

He chuckled. I know, but you get my drift. Besides, in a couple weeks you have exams and then you're out of there. He cocked his head to the side. What else?

I glanced out the window to avoid eye contact. Are my parents—

No, he replied before I could finish. I don't pretend to understand the goings on that night in the ICU, but what Nancy said, is that your parents' decision was cast in stone. You miss them— He slapped his forehead. Of course you miss them, but don't you think they're happy for the two of you?

Yes, I droned my tone lacking sincerity.

But?

I don't know. I just thought—no, hoped they'd come. A tear trickled down my cheek.

Oh, now-now, we can't have any of that. Coach reached over to the vanity and pulled out a tissue. He gently took my hand in his, handing me the tissue with his other hand.

I dabbed at my eyes trying not to smear the makeup, but he kept hold of my other hand. Did I make a mess of it?

No, you're still perfect. He looked a little uncomfortable for a moment, which was very un-Coach, then got this determined look on his face, got up and started pacing back and forth in front of me. "Sometimes—as a Coach—it's important to know what to, and what not to do, before a game, especially a big game. The boys—let me rephrase, the participants need just the right edge of anticipation and expectation without going overboard and letting it build up. Oh sure, it's a delicate balance, but with experience, we can learn to recognize when we've crossed that line. He came to an abrupt stop. What we have here is a case of nerves. So, what we need to do is take stock—review the game plan, so to speak."

I couldn't help but laugh. Everything with Coach was wrapped up around football. Okay, I said, the game plan. Let's see, you're going to walk Jason's mom down the aisle and then come back for me, right?

Yep, he said with a nod.

And then walk me down the aisle.

May have to start out in the parking lot. He chuckled.

What?

Quite a crowd.

But we only invited— I glanced out the window again. Is that a television boom sticking up over the trees? I gasped.

Sure is. Now, before you get that pretty head of yours in an uproar, the service—as you and Jason planned— is going to be just those who were invited. But once word got out you two were tying the knot, well, everyone just wants to be here, like they were for the two of you that fateful night. I know you remember the candlelight vigils at the school and hospital.

I thought back to Coach standing outside the ICU, clutching his hat to his chest. He'd never looked so vulnerable—so helpless. Despite his vibrato, he was such a gentle man—wise, witty and if I understood him correctly, maybe a permanent part of Nancy's life. It didn't hurt that Jason and I already adored him. So, I got this? I clarified.

You got this. Just do what you did in practice and we'll book a win for the Faulkner's and Whitaker's. He winked and then slid his chair back over next to the vanity.

I spotted the clock on the wall behind him. Oh my God, we're fifteen minutes late! I started to get up.

Whoa, hold on there, take a minute. No one's going anywhere. I want you to enjoy this as much as I know I am. I'll meet you at the top of the stairs. He patted my shoulder. You're the most beautiful bride I've ever seen. He started for the door.

You're leaving? What if I chicken out? I teased.

He hesitated—pointed at me with that all knowing look of his. Not a chance. He nodded and then closed the door behind him.

Didn't we just say being alone before the big game was a bad idea? I whispered to the empty room. The television van antenna outside the window drew my attention. This time, it brought a chill as I remembered the night I almost lost Jason.

Jason continued to be apologetic about the sacrifice I made on his account, even though I banned him from talking about it. Despite the loss of my family, and immortality for that matter, there was no other choice, and I think he was finally beginning to understand that I would not—could not exist without him. There was also no denying that I had quite literally been stumbling through life since that day. Even after we bumped heads in the ICU, both Jason and I expected me to have above average human strength and coordination after existing with the enhancements of being a vampire, but there was no way of predicting, and well, it didn't turn out that way.

I slowly rose in front of the window and for the first time, noticed the throng of photographers in the parking lot closest to the church. It was a sea of camera lenses. I waved, like Jason's mom had done from the hospital room window.

* * *

My eyes suddenly popped open. What time is it? I murmured, glancing up toward the clock. The top of the pot on the stove started to jingle as the steam escaped around the edges. Jason was late. I got up and turned down the burner under the beans. Of all the nights to be late, although it did happen frequently if I was being fair. At this level, Division A college level, football was more like a job than a game, but I could tell he loved the challenge. Still, I missed him. Good thing I didn't put the steaks in the oven—caught a break on that one.

I plopped back down on the sofa as the gentle jingle of the pot lid slowly ebbed. I closed my eyes and drifted back to the memory of our wedding.

* * *

I swear I could hear the clatter of camera shutters before I stepped away from the window. As I turned, I caught the reflection of the back of my wedding dress in the mirror. From the moment Jason proposed, I knew my dress had to be different and the crimson strands, and the meaning behind them were just the special touch it needed. No one had seen the dress since Jason's mom made the alteration. Now that I thought about it, it was odd Coach hadn't mentioned it since he'd seen the unaltered dress during a fitting.

A quick check in the mirror brought a smile to my lips. Was that really me? The bodice of the dress was made from a simple hand woven linen with a sweetheart neckline and thin straps out on the tips of my shoulders. A sheer, V-neck panel above that, was sewn to the straps and held two layers of lace cap sleeves that Nancy had embroidered to look like wings—she still thought of me as an angel. They weren't really my choice, but she was so excited about them, I couldn't say no. Even my hair looked different, smoothed out over my scalp toward the left side with bobby pins until it reached a pearl comb that held back my curls. Around the comb, three small roses were pinned to my hair. I made a quick touch up on my lipstick—red, not black—and I was ready. Okay, I said to the empty room, I got this. Please, just don't run down the aisle and make a total fool of yourself.

I stepped out into the empty hall, but Coach was waiting at the far end. He seemed to be speaking to someone rather animatedly. His arms flew up from his sides just before he glanced my way. He turned back to whomever he was talking to and said, We're ready to begin.

There was a grunt of approval followed by a shuffle of feet down the steps.

I smoothed out the top of my dress, checked to make sure the sleeves were laying as they should and then lifted the sides outward and let the dress fall naturally around me. I took a deep breath and started toward Coach. His smile lit up the hallway.

Lordy, you are a sight—beautiful! I'm not sure Jason is going to be able to restrain himself long enough for me to get you down the aisle. He chuckled. I couldn't have at his age. He glanced over my shoulder, presumably at the crimson strands woven into the sheer train.

Too much?

He gave me a thumbs up and then offered me his arm. Shall we?

As we began to descend the staircase, the organ music faded and a piano picked up the processional Jason and I had chosen. To an outsider, the music might have seemed out of place, but the simple, old southern song was our way of letting Benjamin, Elizabeth and the rest of the Faulkners be with us. I unconsciously began to slow. We were still out of sight from the sanctuary.

Oh my God! Lisa exclaimed. Your dress—I've never seen anything like it.

Perfect, Cathy added seeing the back for the first time.

Jason's mom appeared from the back of the sanctuary, all smiles. I'm not Elizabeth with a needle and thread, but is it what you hoped for?

Yes, a thousand times over. Thank you, you're amazing. There were hugs all around as the wedding photographer snapped away.

Alright, ladies, Coach finally said, game time. He offered Nancy his arm. Shall we?

Nancy gave me another big hug. I love you, Izzy. She straightened out my dress and then turned to Cathy and Lisa. You girls ready?

Yes, ma'am, they echoed.

She slid her arm under Coach's and they started toward the open sanctuary doors.

I'll be back for you in a minute. Coach winked, and they were gone.

Cathy and Lisa busied themselves making sure my dress was smoothed out and then turned their attention to their own dresses.

I'm so happy for you, Cathy said.

Me too, Lisa added.

Thank you for sharing this special day with me.

They both gawked, glanced at each other and echoed, You're kidding, right?

It seemed like mere seconds passed before Coach reappeared. The song changed again and Lisa started toward the doorway. Suddenly, Cathy ran up, grabbed the two bridesmaids' bouquets from the table and handed one to Lisa.

Nice catch, Lisa said before continuing.

I turned to Coach. We forgot my—

He handed me my bouquet of white roses. I looked down to turn it until the two red ones were facing me.

Like you wanted? Coach confirmed.

Yes.

He made a motion toward the doors as Cathy began, matching Lisa's pace. After a few moments, the pianist played a few chords. You could hear the people in the sanctuary stand.

Ready? Coach said.

Ready.

* * *

Ready for what? someone said. Hey sleepy head, wake up. Don't you know what day it is?

I didn't open my eyes, but reached forward and wrapped my arms around Jason. You're home. You're home! I reared up and we bumped heads.

Nice, he said, from the floor in front of me.

I'm sorry, I must have dozed off.

You've been busy. What smells so good?

I cooked dinner, or at least I hope I did. Potatoes, green beans and, if my luck holds, steak, medium rare just like you like it.

Wow, sounds perfect. He pushed himself up to one knee and extended a bouquet of white roses that surrounded two red ones.

You remembered. I took the flowers, held them to my face and inhaled deeply. They're beautiful.

They pale in comparison. He grasped my left hand, kissed the back of it and then kissed my ring—Elizabeth's ring. I tried to find a flower—any flower—that was as beautiful as you and, except for some orchid that lasts for about an hour, nothing comes even close, but at least the roses were part of our marriage ceremony. Not bad for a guy, right?

Not bad at all.

He rose up and kissed me. I sank back onto the sofa. He nibbled at the crook of my neck for a moment and then pulled back.

Do I have time for a quick shower? Before dinner. He winked.

Yes, but it's not really necessary—the shower I mean. I took a slow, inconspicuous breath. It was all Jason, so alluring, hot, but okay, maybe a little on the ripe side.

How long for the steaks?

Three and a half minutes per side.

And a half. He smiled a playful smile. You chose a sweatshirt for our anniversary dinner? Or maybe what's under it?

Nope, nothing under it, I covered not wanting to spoil the surprise.

I like the sound of that.

Well, not exactly nothing, I corrected.

He pouted, sticking out his lower lip. Suddenly his face lit up. Okay, you said you were ready, so one, two, three, go! He jumped up and raced into the bathroom.

No fair! I called after him, while I ran into the kitchen.

Don't forget to put the flowers in water, he called.

That's cheating. I got the only vase we had and trimmed the bottom of the stems so they would fit and then set the bouquet in the center of the table. I checked the microwave. The potatoes were cold so I punched in three minutes to heat them up. While they warmed, I grabbed the steaks out of the fridge and got them into the oven. I glanced up at the clock, this was going to be close.

Chapter 2

Jason bolted out of the bathroom, headed for the bedroom to change as I flipped the steaks. Three and a half minutes, come on, I whispered. The table was set, green beans and potatoes on either side of the roses, everything was ready but the steaks.

Wow, that smells amazing, Jason said as he stepped out of the bedroom. My mouth is already watering.

I leaned down and pulled out the steaks. As I stood, we made eye contact. The race was on. Jason slid onto his chair just after I put the steaks on the table.

Beat ya, I bragged.

He rocked back in his chair with a broad smile. So my chair just happens to be on the opposite side of the table tonight, right?

I planned ahead.

He leaned to the side as I slipped around the end of the table to my seat. His brow rose. I can see that.

I tugged the bottom of my sweatshirt down before I sat. No peaking. You want to bless it, or should I?

He grinned.

Jeeze! The food.

I waited impatiently as Jason cut into his steak. A little blood trickled out onto his plate—at least it wasn't toast. He took a bite and chewed slowly. Okay, is he trying not to gag or does he like it? He swallowed, stabbed another piece with his fork and then stuck that in his mouth.

Come on, I'm dyin' here?

He swallowed, set his fork down and then leaned forward and offered me his hands across the table.

That bad? I said, laying my hands in his.

What did you season the meat with? he asked.

I gulped, he was trying to find a way to be gentle. Ah, just butter, salt and pepper.

He squeezed my hands. Perfect, he said with a sigh, absolutely perfect.

Just to be clear, you are talking about the steak.

He rose from his chair, leaned forward and drew my hands toward him. After kissing each hand, he eased back onto his chair. You are amazing.

You're not so bad yourself.

The rest of dinner was like that, playful banter and teasing—it was wonderful—Jason was wonderful. He offered to do the dishes afterward, but I insisted, so we compromised and did them together.

Why don't you have a seat on the couch, Jason said as he rinsed off the last pot and grabbed a towel to dry it off.

The couch? I was kind of hoping for the 'drafting room'.

We had a two-bedroom apartment this year because it became painfully obvious during our first semester that we were not going to get much sleep in the bedroom—the dark circles around our eyes were proof of that. Jason needed a place for a drafting table, so we got a second bedroom for the table and our, 'play bed'. The bedroom was strictly for sleeping and, for the most part, it had worked out—for the most part.

Anxious much? Jason teased. I picked up a little surprise on the way home. He went over to his backpack and pulled out a DVD. Chick flick!

Great idea, I said, trying to not sound disappointed.

He put on the DVD, sat next to me on the sofa and then draped his arm around my shoulders. I cuddled up next to him—maybe this wasn't such a bad idea after all. He leaned down and we kissed.

Happy anniversary, he said as he hit the play button.

Happy anniversary.

I'm pretty sure I made it through the coming attractions—or at least I think I did. I think it was the big meal—which was a total success—yea. I had to remember to call Nancy and thank her. I glanced over at the roses, taking special notice of the two red ones, and then, I was in Never Neverland again.

* * *

I looked down at my bouquet as Coach and I entered the sanctuary to an audible sigh but waited until we passed the threshold of the large wooden doors before I looked up. I clutched Coach's arm, not because I was scared—I was, but because when I saw Jason, my knees went wobbly. Jason even took a step forward, which made it worse—I was either going to fall in the middle of the aisle or go racing down the aisle to him. The draw between us had never been more intense. This is where we were supposed to be, our lives joined as one. His mom glanced at him, and when she turned back, her face was beaming.

Make eye contact, I remembered the pastor saying during practice. I consciously looked from side to side as Coach and I slowly made our way down the aisle.

Frank from the hospital helicopter and two of the Paramedics from town were in the second to last row. I acknowledged them with a nod. Frank smiled and returned the gesture. We continued.

About halfway to the altar, I saw Doctor Diaz and Nurse Greene from the ICU and glanced up at Coach. We stopped. I slipped my arm out of his and reached over to Doctor Diaz. As we hugged, I whispered to them, Thank you.

She pressed me back and whispered, I'm so happy for the two of you.

So beautiful, Nurse Greene added.

I smiled, slipped my arm back under Coach's and we continued down the aisle, but I glanced back. I wanted to see their reaction to the back of my dress. I wasn't disappointed. They exchanged an astonished glance. We were close enough now that I couldn't help but look up at Jason again. I knew which tuxedo he was wearing, but on the hanger versus on him—not even close. I stumbled on a hem in the carpet but steadied myself with Coach's strong arm.

Jason mouthed, Wow.

There was light laughter that broke what had become a very serene processional. Coach and I stopped at Jason's mother in the first pew. We were still a good fifteen feet from the two steps up to the altar, but as planned, Coach slipped his arm out of mine. I pressed up on tippy-toes and kissed him on the cheek and then waited until he slid in next to Nancy, who at this point was in tears. I turned toward Jason and the bridal party, took one step and then waited until the pianist finished the last few bars of the song. We'd timed our walk almost perfectly. A faint whisper arose from behind me—I think people were noticing the back of my dress. I looked down at the two red roses in my bouquet, surrounded by white as the pianist began the next piece, Jason and my piece—our song. I slowly looked up.

The minister was in the middle framed by the bridal party, Cathy—my maid of honor, and Lisa on the left. Matt and Alex, the best man on the right. Next to Alex, the love of my life, Jason, my very reason for living. As our eyes met, there was a slight buzz, a sudden pop, and the sanctuary went black.

There was a shriek from the back and my whole body tensed as the nightmare of Home Coming momentarily flashed through my thoughts, but before I could react, Jason was at my side.

I've got you, he whispered.

I—I— My legs wobbled.

Easy. Jason looked up toward the altar. Alex, see if you can light some candles.

On it, Alex replied.

A candle flickered from behind the pastor and one by one, the soft light grew as Alex and Matt lit the candelabras on either side of the altar. The front of the sanctuary now glowed in soft, flickering candlelight.

Coach joined Jason and I. I imagine the camera crews probably overloaded the circuit, he said.

No real danger, Jason replied, I think the breaker just needs to be reset.

No! I turned Jason toward the altar. This is perfect. I don't know why we didn't think of it in the first place. Can't you just picture this in Elizabeth and Benjamin's time?

You're right. Jason surveyed the room and then turned back to me with this kind of twinkle in his eyes. You okay then?

Absolutely. Go. I knew exactly what he was thinking.

Yes ma'am, Jason replied as he retreated up the steps.

As long as he remembers that, you two will be just fine. Coach chuckled and then added, Not that there's any doubt.

I playfully slapped his shoulder. Not funny.

You sure you're okay? Coach said.

Yes, thank you—oh, and don't forget the 'yes ma'am' thing with Nancy.

He chuckled and whispered, Yes ma'am.

Jason sent Alex and Matt down the side aisles to light the candles on the window ledges. The entire room was soon filled with the soft, warm glow.

Coach