Re-Scent from Heaven

By Virginia Alison

Shortly before the twins’ ninth birthday, the jasmine vine erupts from the earth, bringing disruption to the peaceful life at Jasmina. Across country, the arrowhead awakens, and passion runs rife when Evan and Georgie attempt to rekindle their love. Life’s usual quirks complicate the situation for Georgie who now has two boisterous boys in tow, and along with Tom Johnson’s latest scheme to throw the Adams family into a whirlwind of confusion, nothing is ever as simple as it seems.
Continuing in the family tradition, intriguing twists and turns, the usual lost phones and breathless encounters form the backdrop to the fifth book in the continuation of this delightfully frustrating family saga, where the men, seeking no more than their little piece of heaven, hope that love is waiting just around the corner, over the hill...

• Language: English
• Publisher: Virginia Alison
• Release date: Apr 5, 2014
• ISBN: 9781311496829

Virginia Alison

Born in Bournemouth, England, Virginia’s gypsy heritage led her to a rather unusual childhood. Her father worked within the oil industry and she spent much of her younger years travelling, finishing in Canada, where she attended, and graduated from St John High school in New Brunswick. Her love of the English language was due partly to the inspiration of her English Tutor. An Oxford Don, he despaired of the American/English idioms, and as she was the only English student in the school, found her a delight to teach.Spending another year in working in Canada, life then returned her to England and on to the remote Shetland Isles for three years. Following her return to the UK, she threw herself into Floristry for fifteen years, and her artistic talents took another turn when she picked up a pen for the first time to write her first dragon fantasy novel. It took another ten years and the passing of her artistic father, to discover her talent for painting. Setting out on a new path, she now paints celebrity portraits to raise money for charities. Through Face book in 2010 she met a friend who encouraged her to take up writing again, shortly after this inspiration which rekindled her spiritual beliefs, she met her (writing collaborator and co-conspirator) Keith David. They now combine their sensual words drawn from the depths of their souls, to captivate the imagination, and entice the reader to discover their innermost desires.Virginia, now residing on Madeira Island, Portugal, soon intends a final move to a small town in Texas where inspiration for the Heaven Scent trilogy originated.

Book preview

The roller coaster continues and I would like to thank:

Joel Nelson for your poem, which inspired me to write these novels, also to both you and Sylvia for your friendship and kindness.

Keith David, for continuing to be there for me every step of the way.

My mother and daughter for your continued support.

My all my wonderful friends for their help and faith.

Pea and Charlotte, you mean the world

to me and couldn’t imagine life without you.

Reed, simply for being you.

David, you are an inspiration to this gypsy soul.

Finally a thank you to the unknown cowboy who sent me the poem ‘On Finding Someone’

On Finding Someone

If on some better than average day

I should be riding along

Observing—not expecting—well, maybe

And should see just as hoof swept by

One flawless arrow point

If on that shining morning

I should step down to lift this point

Turning it delicately—feeling its smoothness

Beneath my fingertips

I would marvel at its perfection

On the way some ancient one

Had tempered and crafted such beauty

And how it came to lie there

All these centuries—covered—uncovered

Re-hidden—re-exposed

Until it came to me

To happen by this place

On this day made no more perfect.

And I would ponder such things

As coincidence and circles and synchronicity,

And I would pocket this treasure near my heart,

And riding on I would recall

Having seen such treasure as this elsewhere

But not this one—not this one.

And for one brief moment I would stiffen with fear

At how one quick glance in another direction

Could have lost this to me forever,

And I would touch my shirt over my heart

Just to make sure.

© 1998, Joel Nelson

PROLOGUE

A faint memory, waiting patiently out of sight, sighed in the hidden depths of the dark cupboard. Relegated again to disuse, the arrowhead lay peacefully cocooned within the darkness of the red velvet box.

For nine years, the torn heart, which beat in unison with the ancient metal, lay in shreds. Evan locked himself away, refusing to lose hope yet knowing there was none. The seasons came and went, and she became no more than a picture tucked away in yet another dusty old box.

The jasmine, even with tender loving care, refused to flower. However, deep within the earth beneath the vine, the ancient ones awoke. The birthday approached and the blood, spilled centuries before, oozed into the spindly roots, igniting fresh growth.

Once again, the dance waited, just around the corner, over the hill…

CHAPTER 1

THE COWBOYS STORY

Shivering in the morning chill, the cowboy gathered up the reins and turned the horse onto the trail that led up through the lush pine trees. The change in weather made Evan less inclined to venture into the early morning mist, which hung over the pastures surrounding the river, and wondered why he bothered paying for ranch hands when he seemed to be doing their work.

The river was full for the first time in three years, and although the water was more than welcome as the survival of the ranch depended on the constant flow, its arrival caused the usual problems. The green stretch of pasture running alongside the winding river was waterlogged and the Corriente cattle, although one of the hardiest breeds, were suffering as the water rose and the banks turned into mud baths. The past few years saw the herd flourish in the dry, arid conditions but with the massive spring floods, the time had come to move them to higher ground until the water receded.

Surprised to see you up this early Boss.

Evan raised his eyebrow at Sam and grunted a reply. Yeah, me too. Must you be so damn cheerful in the morning?

Sam grinned, kicked her horse in the flanks and galloped off into the dissipating fog.

The work stretched into the mid afternoon, by which time the breeze picked up and the dark clouds that hung over the valley receded. The sun blazed and Evan was sweating profusely as the last of the herd thundered past the wire fence.

Motioning to Diamonds that he was heading out, Evan turned the horse north and trotted off along the edge of the escarpment. Half an hour later, he pulled up in the yard and swung down to the ground. Leaving Ebony tethered to the fence, Evan scooted across to the house and blew in through the kitchen door along with the jasmine leaves, which, according to Maya, lurked on the porch, waiting for any opportune moment to leap over the sill onto the cool tiles just to make more work for her.

Don’t tut at me, it’s not my fault the wind is blowing, the leaves are dropping, I opened the door, I am still breathing. He scowled.

Never said a word boy.

Yeah, but I saw that look.

Flinging open the refrigerator door, he peered in and grabbed the milk carton. Yeah, yeah, I know, get a glass. He mumbled before putting the carton to his mouth.

You will be the death of me yet, where are your manners...and don’t leave the top off the cookie jar again, that damn dog can smell food a mile off and don’t I get a hug? Oh it’s ok; just ignore the old woman sitting in the corner…

Maya, don’t you ever stop talking? Evan came up behind her, slipped his arms around her neck and kissed the gray hair.

Now you’re tryin’ to strangle me boy, get off you lummox.

Anything else I can do wrong before I go and make a mess in the shower?

Evan grinned at his mother as he brushed past her in the doorway, Nowt wrong with that old hen, don’t know what you were worried about.

Jeannie rolled her eyes and glanced at Maya. Now ninety-one years of age, her body was wasting away and she had shrunk by about five inches in the past couple of years. However, with the aid of a walking stick, she could still get around just fine. Refusing help from anyone, she was still as stubborn and ‘ornery as her other half JD. However, after the last emergency trip to the hospital, Jeannie could see the end in sight for him when the doctors advised her to allow him his cigars and whiskey if it kept him happy.

Walking past the study, Evan glanced at the door. He missed his father and there was still a tinge of regret at their last words. Whether it was that thought, or the sudden whiff of perfume, he paused at the top of the stairs, turned left and abruptly found himself facing that door in the corridor. In the hazy depths of his mind, Evan watched his hand reach out to grasp the doorknob. Curling his fingers around the cold metal handle sent a shiver down his spine, however, the click of the latch and the rush of musty air swiftly returned him to reality, and he found himself gazing into the murky gloom of the long forgotten cupboard of memories.

Now this is not the best of ideas. He murmured flicking on the light switch.

As always, the spiders continued to make themselves at home in the one place in the house that time forgot. Rarely ventured into, the cupboard groaned occasionally putting the fear of God into some and only the most stalwart members of the family were willing to hurl any useless items into the dark recesses, as long as it was from a distance, breathing a sigh of relief as they closed the door quickly behind them.

Evan brushed the cobwebs out of the way and clambered over the pile of boxes and boots, which littered the floor. The bulb spluttered and dimmed. Evan glanced back at the open doorway, giving him the assurance that there was still an easy way out should the box room be plunged into darkness.

Glancing around the bottom shelf, he saw the old clock, which stopped at three thirty five the night his father died. A lump came to Evan’s throat as that time came rushing back and swallowing hard, he moved on past some books and a box labelled ‘toys’ then spied a black hat. Pulling it from the shelf, Evan heard a soft thump and saw a small red box on the floor. Realizing what it was, his heart stopped for a few seconds. Hesitating, he bent down to pick it up and his stomach churned as the dust particles carried that old familiar scent up his nostrils. With shaking hands, he pulled open the velvet case, which found him gazing longingly at his past.

***

The last nine years flowed in and out of his memory. Evan was neither able to forgive Georgie for walking out on him, over what he considered a trivial matter, on the day his father died, nor forget her. Overnight, she disappeared from sight. Nobody would admit knowing of her whereabouts. His grandfather, Josh, was less than helpful, his mother fell apart and the only one who stood by him in his grief was Sam. In the aftermath of the tragedy, misgivings over her past actions faded and she remained as the ranch foreman, which was her preferred title.

Jeannie, strong as she was, spent a year in and out of the doctor’s office. She lost weight, lost interest and lost her verve for life. That year the jasmine did not bloom. The vine grew and spread across the porch roof, curled upwards around the windows on the second floor, seeking to get away from the misery until one spring day, with a cup of coffee in his hand, Evan stepped out of the kitchen into the early dawn and saw the small white flower fluttering in the cool morning breeze. When pointed out to Jeannie, that was the day the mourning stopped and the ranch returned to some semblance of normality.

So life continued. The ranch prospered, Creek Dude Ranch expanded and now cabins dotted the entire hill above the ranch house. The twins Dylan and Cheyenne grew up, left school and now attended veterinary college in Oklahoma. The years passed, rodeo’s came and went and Sam spent her time ever hopeful that Evan would propose marriage; however, as much as he liked Sam, Evan was intent on remaining a bachelor.

His love for Georgie still lingered, locked away, only surging forth during the moonlight hours when lying in bed, his hand would stray beneath the sheets and over the skin, which still bore the memory of her touch.

Lovemaking with Sam was more of a duty than a delight and Evan remembered the first pangs of guilt, one year to the day after his father died, as he lay beside her in his bed after one such energetic romp. No breeze blew in through the window to shift the smell of sex hanging heavy in the hot, late summer air. Lying on the damp sheets, dark hair still plastered to his forehead from the exertion, Evan’s hands slipped across his bronzed chest and tight stomach muscles to caress the flaccid meat between his legs while Sam snuffled softly beside him. Dredging Georgie’s face from the depths of his soul, he gasped her name aloud and Sam awoke and sat up abruptly.

What? What did you say?

Nothing, go back to sleep.

Sam flopped back down on the bed and swiftly dropped back into slumber while Evan trembled next to her, attempting to quash the thoughts rapidly rising in his loins. Turning over he glanced at the clock, it read three thirty-five.

From that time, Georgie’s face popped up with regularity, but Evan made certain when he got the urge to jack off to his memories Sam was not around.

***

The loud ticking brought Evan rushing back to the present. Gazing around he quickly realized it was the clock, now showing twenty minutes to four. Picking it up, he exited the cupboard and slamming the door shut behind him, went downstairs.

I thought you were going to shower, supper is ready.

You’re early.

No, you’re late, we always eat at this time, what have you been doing? You are covered in cobwebs.

Sorry, must have got carried away. Found this, it’s ticking again. He handed Jeannie the clock. Be down in ten.

Jeannie looked at him strangely and then put her ear to the clock. That’s… Odd.

Evan shrugged and scooted back upstairs. Swiftly showering, he returned to the kitchen where JD, Maya, Jeannie and Jodie sat around the table already halfway through the meal.

You are out again tonight I s’pose? Jeannie asked.

It’s Friday, of course. Filly night will never change.

When are you plannin’ on settlin’ down boy? Might be nice to have some young ‘uns around again.

NEVER Evan replied angrily, spraying potato across the table.

Maya shook her head and rose unsteadily from the table.

No… Sit… I will clear the dishes. Hush…don’t even go there Maya. Go put your feet up. Jeannie fussed and steered her towards the door.

Scowling Maya picked up the clock from the center of the table and shuffled off into the lounge while Jeannie and Jodie cleared the plates.

Evan shovelled the last of his food down his throat, leapt up and grabbed his jean jacket as the car horn sounded from outside.

Bye Mom, see you tomorrow.

Stay out of jail. Jeannie replied without looking up from the sink.

Evan, still pulling the jacket on flew out onto the porch. Suddenly, the jasmine scent hit him, stopping him in his tracks. His head spun and to stop from falling, he grasped the wooden upright.

Whoa there. He muttered, shook his head and staggered to the truck.

Evenin’ Pardner.

Mikey looked at him strangely, nodded a greeting and slammed his foot on the accelerator. They bumped across the yard and up over the hill until the truck wheels made contact with the new road. Mikey glanced at Evan, who was now humming along to the old country song on the radio.

You ok? Mikey sounded concerned.

Yeah, I’m good, why?

Nothin’ just you look kinda different.

I feel good, that’s all. Evan chuckled loudly until something digging into his chest silenced him. What the hell?

Delving into his top pocket, he pulled out the arrowhead.

Uh oh, that’s not good. Mikey sighed.

Evan smiled, Now how did you get there? He said softly.

CHAPTER 2

GEORGIE’S TALE

"Mom, Mom come out here." The call sounded urgent.

"Be right there." She shouted. The glance out of the window immediately geared her into action.

"Look Mom."

"Get your ass down here now!" She shouted at the boy dangling upside down from the branch of the large oak tree.

"Don’t be silly Mom. Look!"

Swinging his body back and forth several times, he gathered enough momentum to reach up and grab a neighboring branch. However, while struggling to unhook his legs, the branch groaned and broke under his weight and he landed with a thump at his mother’s feet.

"OH LORD!"

Shaking, she dropped to her knees and gathered him up into her arms. Just as swiftly, she pushed him back down when he opened his eyes and grinned cheekily at her.

Looking up he shouted at the tree. Come on chickenshit, you gonna be there all day?

Georgie looked up and sighed as she saw her other son clambering down from the topmost branches of the eighty-foot high Oak.

"Are you two incapable of doing as you’re told?"She growled, watching JD hanging by his fingers from the branch above.

"Why can’t you just use the swing, it’s safer." Georgie grumbled, motioning towards the large tire hanging by a rope from the lower branch.

"Not as much fun." JD dropped to the ground and ran off across the yard to the stables with his brother in hot pursuit.

Georgie sighed again as she watched them disappear from sight into the barn. They were growing up fast and a handful at nearly nine years old. Still shaking, she wandered back to the kitchen. Pouring a glass of lemonade from the jug in the fridge, she sat at the kitchen table suddenly remembering their birthday was looming in two weeks, aghast at how time had flown.

***

It only took two days for Georgie to regret her hasty departure from Creek Ranch all those years ago, however, by that time; she had packed her belongings and moved out of the old cabin. Returning to Josh and Lucinda’s, she spent twenty four hours arguing her rash decision with her uncle after which, in desperation, he offered her a sanctuary out in the country and she moved into the small ranch house, which she named ‘Jasmina,’ on the outskirts of Wanford.

Georgie had empathy for the old house from the minute she set eyes on it. Although worn and tired, and unlived in for over fifteen years, it oozed warmth. Likening it to a little gingerbread house with its pink cladding and blue window sills, she felt safe within its embrace. Enlisting help from a few friends, her new home was liveable after a good clean through and a lick of paint and it was there a few weeks later, having been feeling under the weather and nauseous that Georgie discovered she was pregnant.

Once the first few months passed, Georgie blossomed. Quitting work did not take much persuasion and she returned to her novel. Late on in her pregnancy, she travelled to New York and met with Val who