Topaz uttered an exaggerated sigh. “Unfortunately, I slept the entire night.”
Of course, Alex understood the underlying meaning and pulled her close. “Hungry?” he said next to her ear.
Topaz shivered. “Starved,” she admitted.
“So what do I tell my aunt and uncle when we get to Louisiana?”
Alex set his menu on the table and debated. “I think it’d be best to tell them the same thing you told your parents.”
Topaz pressed her lips together and focused her gaze on her own glossy picture menu. “So what persuaded you to buy a home in Seattle?” she asked, her eyes still on the menu.
“Tryin’ to escape,” Alex admitted with a chuckle. “The climate there, the rain ... helped me focus more on what I wanted instead of what I’d done.”
“Sounds like a relaxing place.”
“It is,” Alex promised, his gaze staring off as though he was envisioning the place. “I’ve never taken anyone there,” he shared, looking back at her.
Topaz hugged herself. “I feel so honored,” she teased.
Alex remained serious. “I love you and I want to share what I have with you.”
The firm tone to his sweet words brought a questioning gleam to Topaz’s sparkling stare. She fixed Alex with a narrowed glare. “I’m not sure I know how to take that.”
Alex shrugged. “Why not take it for what it is?” he suggested, deciding to keep the rest of his feelings muted.
Topaz could see that he was emotional and thought it best she not inquire further about his telling words. “I think you’ll like my aunt and uncle’s place,” she said, smiling as she focused on the gorgeous setting of trees below as they crossed a bridge. “Have you ever been there?”
“Louisiana?” Alex asked, glancing up to see her nod. “Never.”
“I think you’ll enjoy yourself.”
“I never doubted that,” he told her, winking to emphasize the suggestive tone to his teasing words.
A freezing rainstorm had rocked Louisiana since early the previous evening. All weather reports indicated the inclement conditions would only worsen. There had already been talk of numerous train delays and cancelations.
Alex and Topaz huddled close together as they exited the train. Bundled warmly, they trudged through the mass of bodies on their way inside the station. Someone jostled Topaz from behind and she shrieked, losing her fuzzy blue hat in the process. The scene was so chaotic, she almost passed right by her uncle, who had been shouting her name. Catching sight of the tall, ruggedly attractive dark man, she screamed and rushed toward him.
“Uncle Sherm!” she cried, hugging the man tightly when they met just inside the station.
Sherman Emerson was older than his brother, Eric, by three years. Like his younger brother, though, Sherm was a believer in the entrepreneurial spirit. He had taken a small thatch of land, cultivated it, and acquired more property over the years. Now Emerson Livestock produced some of the choicest beef in the country, with several high-end restaurants patronizing its products.
“I wouldn’t have seen you without this hair flyin’ everywhere!” Sherm teased his niece, keeping one arm around her waist as he kissed her cheek.
“Uncle Sherm ...” Topaz sighed, hugging the man again.
“Let’s get you out of this mess.” Sherman decided, already leading the way to one of the exits.
“Uncle Sherm, this is Alex Rice. I told you he’d be joining me.”
“Ah ...” Sherm noted, his deep brown eyes twinkling in recognition. “The new boyfriend.”
“Uncle Sherm!” Topaz chastised.
Sherman feigned confusion. “Huh? Fiancé?” he tried, chuckling at the exasperation on his niece’s lovely face. “I’m just messin’, good to meet you, man.”
Alex grinned. “Same here, sir,” he said, shaking the hand Sherman extended.
The threesome rushed out into the blinding rainstorm. The parking lot was just as chaotic as the inside of the station, but Sherman led them right to his majestic Suburban. Topaz opted for a rear seat, anxious to stretch out and close her eyes. Sherman and Alex didn’t mind, as they had conversed nonstop since leaving the station. Topaz smiled, a bit amazed by how quickly they’d connected. Especially since her uncle was known for his strong, silent demeanor. There was actually quite a bit of her uncle in Alex, she thought. Topaz drifted off to sleep amid their conversation and laughter.
Louisiana
“Baby ... you gonna get out of there and gimme a hug?”
Topaz opened her eyes, realizing the Suburban had stopped. The rain still raged, but she could make out the face of the lovely, honey-complexioned woman peeking in at her from the driver’s window.
“Aunt Rica ...” Topaz sighed, easing out of the backseat and into her aunt’s arms. Closing her eyes, she relished the embrace that was almost as secure as her own mother’s.
“Let’s get you warmed up,” Rica decided, already pulling her niece toward the porch.
“Alex—”
