CHAPTER 6

The time was past eight. This morning, Jake was inside his paneled study, sitting on his big armchair, a cigar burning furiously between his finger, a thoughtful expression on his face. His laptop was opened, there was a half bottle of scotch on his table, and his ashtray was filled with cigar stubs. It was apparent that he had been chain-smoking. Jake's mind was busy with the thoughts of Lisa Wolfe.

It has been two months now since Jake has seen or heard anything about Lisa. Of course, he knew she was still living on her ranch, but it seems to him she had suddenly disappeared from the face of the earth. For those two months, he had taken his mind off anything about Lisa, burying himself into his livestock business and also concentrating on the training of Fiery for her winning the horse race anytime the break was lifted. But inwardly, he knew he would be kidding himself if he says not for once did think about Lisa during those months. It was inevitable for him. It was when she had gone that he realized how much he had relied and depended on her. Those past few months had been hell.

Whether he was inside his study, or on the field with his cowhands, or on his big bed, relaxing, the thought of her usually comes into his mind. At one time, Jake had become frantic. He was always screaming at the innocent cowhands who had no inkling idea of what was wrong with their boss. He had lashed out at Carl for something so flimsy, yelled at Willie Shepherd for not trying hard enough, and at one point, he had upset his lawyer, Mike Gableton. Everything was going in shambles for him. But Jake believed all this was happening because he could not get a grip on his emotions and not because he missed Lisa's presence. But after spending those two months without her beside him, he knew that he had been kidding himself. He needed her like he needed the air to breathe.

He shifted uncomfortably on his chair and grimace. His mind rewinds to the hot arguments he had had with Gableton in his study, on the night he had sent Lisa away from his ranch.

" Jake! you mean threw her out like that? " Gableton had said, staring at him in utter disbelief. " this must be a joke! "

" I did not throw her out! " Jake said calmly. " I told Carl to take her back to her ranch! "

" It's still the same thing, Jake," Gableton said patiently " For Christ sakes, Lisa Wolfe is not a pauper you can treat anyway you like."

" Are you trying to tell me if she was a pauper, then I can do with her whatever I like? " Jake fired back.

" Come on, Jake, don't be coy with me! " Gableton had said. " You know this woman very well. She's a nobody in this town. She deserved your respect. Naturally, any woman of her status would never have done that kind of deal she had with you. In fact, A woman of her status wouldn't have suggested it in the first place. But Lisa Wolfe did! At least you should have let her leave on her own. More so, you sending her away because of such a flimsy reason is disheartening! "

" She lied to me, Mike, " Jake said savagely. " She deceived me for months, making me look like a goddamned fool! A fucking pinata! she made me question my manhood! I can't forgive her for that! "

" Yes, she lied to you, alright! But she had a good reason for doing that. She gave you a good reason for doing that. " He paused and went on. " More so, this woman loves you. She's got your baby inside her. What are you thinking for sending her away like that, Jake? "

Jake gave a hard, barking laugh.

"It seems you are going slow, Mike. " He gritted out. " Have you forgotten the agreement we had between us? I get my horse, and she gets a male child. No sweats! No worries! There's nothing in the agreement that says anything about love or any fucking sentimental bullshits we might have had "

Gableton shook his head.

" Jake, you don't even know what you are talking about " he pointed a finger at Jake. " You've been deceiving yourself for the past couple of months, Jake, and you don't even know it. "

" What the hell are you talking about, Mike? " Jake said sharply.

Gableton grinned.

" You mean you don't know? "

" Spill it out, man! I ain't got time for this hide and seek kinda talk."

" I think you are in love with Lisa," Gableton said.

" That's bullshit, Mike! And you know it! " Jake said curtly.

Gableton shrugged indifferently.

" I've been watching you for some time now. You love that woman, Jake; you are just damned too stubborn and arrogant to see it! " Gableton said calmly.

" You don't know what you are talking about! " Jake said. " I don't know you are this sentimental, Mike. Get a grip on yourself, man. You lose it," he said tightly.

Gableton smiled knowingly.

" Just keep on deceiving yourself, Jake. I give you just two months. Hell, I would even say a month. You will realize how much you love that woman. "

" You still don't know what you are talking about! " Jake said.

" We shall see, Jake. Two months! Then you will know how truly you love that woman and how much you want her here with you, " Gableton said calmly.

Jake snorted.

" We'll see, Mike," and that has been the end of the conversation that day.

As he sat in his armchair, he now realized how much his lawyer had been right. At one point, when Gableton had seen the way he has been behaving, he had suggested to Jake that maybe he should help him ( Jake ) work things out between Lisa and him. He had proposed to Jake to talk to Lisa on his behalf. But Jake had sternly warned the lawyer not to try any of such thing. And now, he regretted making that decision. If he had given his lawyer the go-ahead, maybe things would have worked out between Lisa and him.

Jake bit hard on his bottom lips and grimaced. During those months, he had battled within himself about calling Lisa on the phone or seeing her. Sometimes, he would sit inside his car or on his bed, thinking and wondering, trying to understand what had happened to him. He had told himself that Lisa was just like any other woman, beautiful, strong, stubborn, and kind. He would say to himself there were lots of women who possess these qualities too, and for that reason, there was really nothing special about Lisa. But in the end, he finds himself thinking about her and becomes confused about the conflicting emotions he was experiencing.

He remembered how much he had always wanted to please her or satisfy her when they were together. How much he had craved so much for her to be happy with him. He remembered all the innermost secrets about himself that he had told no one but her.

He will tell himself he was only trying to show how caring and compassionate he was during those times. He never knew the reasons for doing all these was because he had fallen in love with her. At one point during those three months, he had nearly picked up his phone and dial her number, but then he would quickly get a grip on his emotions and forget all about her. But now, he couldn't keep her out of his head. He couldn't go on this way. Lisa was like a fever in his blood, and there was nothing he could do about it.

He drew in a long, slow breath. He took out another thick cigar, set light it, and dragged in thick smoke into his lungs. Just then, he heard a soft knock on his study door.

" Come in! " He gritted out.

The door swung open, and Mike Gableton strolled into the room. He was dressed in a tailored suit, a Stetson hat on his head, and he had a serious expression on his face.

" You look like hell," he said solemnly. He regarded Jake and his desk and shook his head. " You've been drinking, pal."

Jake shrugged indifferently.

" I had just a few shots, nothing much! " He said blandly.

Gableton snorted.

" Few shots? As early as this? " He shook his head. "Anyways, I've got some good news! "

Jake narrowed his eyes at him.

" What's it about? "

" The final race is scheduled to hold tomorrow, Jake! The break has been lifted! "

Jake stared at him for a long moment; then, he drew in a long, ecstatic breath.

" Are you kidding me, Mike? " He said, grinning sheepishly.

Gableton shook his head.

" I ain't kidding, Jake. The horse race is holding tomorrow. "

" Well, that's some good news I've heard in a long time! " Jake exclaimed. " I guess we should celebrate. Fiery's going to win for sure."

" Not so fast, cowboy. I've you forgotten the Outrunner is going to be competing with Fiery. "

Jake's grin slipped.

" I've forgotten about that damned Old Bill horse! I wish I can fix that Old Bill and his horse for good! It would be like killing two birds with a stone, " He gritted out. Just then, he remembered how Lisa had begged him to settle things with the old man, and he swore under his breath. " I'm so sorry; I said that. His horse ain't a damned one anyways. And old Bill is just a funny, senile man, right? " It was as if he was directing the question to himself.

Gableton was watching him now, his eyes scrutinizing.

" What is the problem with you, Jake? "

Jake looked up at his face.

" What do you mean? "

Gableton grinned, shaking his head.

" I've never known you to talk bad about something then feel sorry for yourself. Even to the point of apologizing! " His eyes were regarding Jake now. " I can't believe this. Are you sure you are alright, Jake? "

" I'm perfectly fine, Mike. Why the hell would you think something is wrong with me? " he said tightly.

Gableton shrugged.

" I'm not saying something is wrong with you. " He said calmly. " I'm just saying you sounded different this morning. Then a sudden idea dropped into his mind. " Hey, Jake, what do you think of this? If you win the race, why don't you use that chance to settle things with Old Bill? "

" I would even settle things with Old Bill if I lost the race," he said evenly.

Gableton looked at him, shocked.

" What? You really mean that, don't you? " Gableton said, his voice shaky.

" Of course! I've been having a cold war with that old man. I think it's high time I settle things with him for good "

Gableton was dumbfounded. He was so surprised that he dropped into the client's chair; a wild, surprised looked plastered on his face.

" Do you realize what you are saying, Jake? " His voice was trembling with excitement. " You mean you really wanna settle things with Old Bill? "

" Hell yeah! it's long overdue! " Jake said evenly.

" I don't believe this! " Gableton exclaimed. " Way to go, Jake. " Then a sudden realization hits him. " Jake, does anyone have anything to do with this? "

Jake's face went cold.

" What do you mean? "

Gableton smiled knowingly.

" I know you, Jake. Someone must have tossed some sense into you. You couldn't have made that decision on your own. Alright, tell me something. Who talked to you about settling things with that old squirrel? " He was smiling at Jake now.

" Nobody! " Jake replied, but his voice lacked conviction.

" Come on, spill it out, boy. It ain't gonna hurt you, " Gableton cajoled.

" Alright, alright. It was Lisa! " Jake said hotly. " It was her. "

" Dang it! " Gableton yelled." I knew it! I know you, Jake. Immediately, you started talking about settling things with Old Bill, and I knew someone has spoken to you about it. "

" Okay! Now that you know, what do you want to do about it? " He said.

" Nothing! " Gableton said excitedly. " I'm just glad that someone made you see reasons why you should settle things with Old Bill. So, tell me, when did you and Lisa talk about Old Bill? "

Jake was quiet for a long moment.

" We talked about it when we went for a vacation," he said finally. " She pleaded with me to settle things with Old Bill. She made me see reasons. Well, I didn't entirely promise her that I was gonna settle things with Old Bill, but thinking about it now, I think it's the best thing to do."

" Splendid! " Gableton said. " It's a good decision, Jake. And I'm really proud of you. This brings me to this thing between Lisa and you " he sat forward in his chair. " What are you gonna do about it, Jake? "

Jake drew in a long, slow breath.

" I don't know what to say, Mike. I mean, It's been two months now since I heard from her," he said miserably. " I've not seen her since. I don't even know what's she doing right now. But I'm hundred percent sure she's still on her ranch."

Gableton drew in a long, slow breath and grimaced.

" Jake, do you want her back? " He said.

" I don't know what to say, Mike."

" Be a man, Jake, and own up to your feelings! " Gableton said through locked teeth. " Do you want Lisa Wolfe back? "

Jake moistened his lips with his tongue.

" Yes, I want her back! " He said evenly.

" Do you love her? " Gableton asked.

" Yes, I do! "

" Are you willing to accept the child inside her as your son and rightful heir to all your wealth? "

" Yes! That child inside her is my son and rightful heir to my wealth and every damned thing I've got, " Jake said solemnly.

" Then, what the hell are you still waiting for? " Gableton said. " You should over there at her, ranch, begging her to come back here with you! "

Jake shook his head miserably.

" She won't want me back! She would reject me! " he said.

" Who the hell told you all that? " Gableton said.

" Come on, Mike. You can't be that ignorant! " Jake said tightly. " After the way I treated her, do you think that woman would want me back? Think about it, Mike. She begged me, but I refused. She pleaded with me that she couldn't handle me rejecting her, but I turned deaf ears to her pleas! I treated her like a common peasant " his voice was trembling now. " I know what she did was wrong, but I should've at least not thrown her out like that. I mean, how could I do that to the mother of my unborn child? Damn it! I didn't know what came over me that night. I guess my arrogance got the best of me! " He slammed his fist into his open palm " I should have been more patient, Mike. I should have been more patient," he said, shaking his head.

Gableton was silent for a long moment. Then he said, "Things can still work out fine between you and Lisa."

Jake lifted his eyebrows at him.

" You mean that? " He asked.

" I'm positive, Jake. All you have to do is go over there and tell her how sorry you are. Let her know how remorseful you've become. If she still loves you, she's gonna accept you back. Love conquers all, Jake. It does! "

Jake stared at the ceilings for a long moment, lost in thought. Then he drew in a long, slow breath and looked at Gableton.

" Okay, I guess I will go over to her place and talked to her."

" Good one, Jake! " Gableton beamed. " That's terrific! "

" But you are coming with me! " Jake went on.

Gableton looked shocked.

" Me? Why? " He said.

" I can't go there alone, Jake. I can't face her alone! " Jake said, his voice shaking. " I need you with me."

" No, you don't need me with you there, Jake. You can handle this alone! " Gableton said. " This is your mess, and I believe you should clean it up."

Jake looked flustered.

" Come on, Mike. You are my lawyer! You've got to be there with me. Don't you see, what if she throws me out? What if she…………." But Gableton raised his hands, cutting him off.

" If she throws you out, then that's cool! That's what you get for telling her to leave in the first place! " He leered." What goes around, comes around, Jake. If she tells you to leave, you come back to your ranch and continue to enjoy your bachelor life. At least, you've got the horses to keep you company," he was grinning sheepishly now, enjoying the look on Jake's face.

Jake stared at Gableton, horrified.

" Jesus! Mike, I don't believe this. You are supposed to be there with me. " You are my lawyer, Mike," he gasped.

Gableton shrugged indifferently.

" Real estate lawyer, Jake! Not on relationship affairs! " He pointed out.

Jake stared at him for a long moment. Then he ran his lips with his tongue.

" To hell with you, Mike! I'm gonna do this myself," he said sharply.

" Good! " Gableton beamed. " I think that's settled then " he got to his feet.

" Where the hell are you going? " Jake said. " We are still talking, Mike."

" Have you forgotten tomorrow is Fiery's final race? I've got to watch her train for tomorrow. You, on the other hand, can stay, holed up in here, thinking about what you gonna say to Lisa Wolfe," he said, smiling at Jake as he walked to the door. He got there and turned his head. " I didn't ask. When are you finally going to see her? " He asked.

Jake sighed heavily.

" Tomorrow, after the race," he said. " She would want to know how fiery had performed "

Gableton thought about what he had said for a moment.

" I think that's okay! See you, Jake. Remember, if you need me, don't hesitate to call," and with that, he walked out of the study.

Jake watched him go and grimaced. He thought about going over to Lisa's ranch, and a cold shiver ran up his spine despite himself. Lisa would definitely throw me out! He thought. She would! I wish that son of a gun had accepted to come with me. Things would have made a lot of sense! He sighed and leaned comfortably into the chair.

.He had sat there for a long moment, thinking. It was until Carl came into the study to check on him that he remembered he had not eaten since morning. Slowly, he got to his feet, and he and his valet walked out of the study.

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

Today was the final day of the town's horse race. That morning, Jake had woken up early, shaved, took a quick bath, wore one of his expensive tailor suits, had a quick breakfast, and ran out of the house. He had driven and hard fast to the horse track. When he got there, he was shocked when he saw the horse track crammed with thousands of spectators who had come to watch the final horse race championship. Jake found Gableton waiting for him patiently in the parking lot. He parked his car, and together, they both walked to the bleachers and took their seats, respectively. Jake looked around the bleachers.

Many of the spectators who had come to watched and gambled on the two famous horses, the Outrunner and Fiery, had a deadpan expression on their faces, while the rest of the spectators had anxious expressions written all over them. Jake grimaced. He could feel cold sweats rolling off his back as he sat there. The tension in the air was palpable. Gableton had brought along the binoculars. Jake collected one of the binoculars from him and scanned the horse track. He could see Willie Shepherd astride fiery. They were among thirteen other horse racers, waiting patiently. Because of the helmet, Willie was putting on, he couldn't see his face clearly, but he had a feeling Willie must be feeling hot under the jockey's outfits. He could also see the famous Outrunner now, with her jockey astride her. The mare looks bigger and sturdier than fiery. Jake felt a tightness across his chest. He took his eyes of the binoculars and turned to Mike.

" Mike, what do you think about all this? " He said.

" What do you mean, Jake? " Gableton replied.

Jake drew in a long, slow breath.

" I don't know. I've got a bad feeling about this," he said.

Gableton grinned.

" What's got you so worried, Jake? You look like you've swallowed a bee. What's bothering you? "

Jake hunched his shoulders.

" Mike, can we win this? "

Gableton sighed heavily.

" I think we can, " Gableton said evenly. " Fiery brought us this far. I think she deserves for us to believe in her "

Jake thought about what Mike had said.

" Alright! I think you are right," he said. " Fiery brought us this far. We shouldn't doubt her. " He paused and went on. " if she wins, she wins. And if she loses….……." He shrugged again. " Hell, she brought us this far. If she loses, I won't hate her for it. She's still a good horse all the same. "

" That's good, Jake! That's good, " Gableton said. And they both turned their attention back to the horse track.

A few minutes later, they heard the announcer saying the punters should leave the betting kiosks, and the race was about to begin. Jake and Gableton sat stiffly on their seats, their eyes focused hard on the horse track. The announcer told the crowd to stand up for the national anthem. They then had a one-minute silence for the dead founding members, and the announcers then told the crowds there were going to be two laps before they could finally decide who the winners were. The announcer called out the names of the fourteen horses that were going to participate in the events. After that, the jockeys entered the stall gates. There was a brief pause for the starter to check if all the racing horses were in place. Then a loud cracking sound rolled around the horse track. The crowd yelled. The horses were all on the horse track now, stomping and running, their hooves making a heavy sound like drumbeats, as they raced towards the finishing line.

Jake was looking into the binoculars now, holding it tightly, his knuckles white and hard. Jake swore when he saw that fiery was in between three horses, trying to get out of the middle. The Outrunner was in between two horses, who seemed to have boxed her in. Fiery managed to maneuver out between the horses and was trudging hard, sputtering up dust. The Outrunner had also managed to maneuver herself out too and was gunning for the finishing line. The crowd was in a frenzy.

Fiery, The Outrunner, and three other horses were in the lead now. The horse which managed to cross the finish line in the first lap would definitely have an edge to cross the finishing line of the second lap and win the race. It now depends on which horse would cross the finishing line to win the first lap.

Gableton was screaming now.

" Go, girl! Go! You can do this! " He yelled, his throat showing lines of veins.

Jake, on the other hand, was quiet, his face expressionless. But within him, he was trembling like leaves blowing hard in the wind.

The Outrunner sideswiped the other horses and was in the lead. Close behind, The Outrunner was Fiery. And right behind her were three different horses. The Outrunner was in the first position while Fiery was in the second. Fiery was gaining ground now, coming on strong. The finishing line near now. Just then, something happened which shocked the crowd. One of the horses which Fiery and the Outrunner had left behind surged forward, outpaced Fiery and the Outrunner, raced hard and fast towards the finishing line, and crossed it. A horse with an infamous name had won the first lap. It was now running hard and fast to cross the second lap and win the race.

There was a frightening, mad scream from the spectators that rolled around the bleachers and shook it.

" Oh, God! " Jake wailed, his face wet with sweats. " We are sunk, Mike! We are fucking sunk! "

" No, Jake! We still got this! " Gableton said. " Don't lose focus! We gotta believe in her, Jake. We gotta believe in her, alright? "

But Jake could not say anything. His mouth was as dry as sand at that moment. His eyes, black and lost, we're on the racetrack, watching as the horses all race towards the finishing line. Eight of the other horses had slacked back, their legs fluttering, their hooves dragging slowly on the horse track. They could not keep on again. Only the Outrunner, Fiery, and the horse that had crossed the finishing line were racing hard to cross the second line.

Three other horses trudged on limply behind them. Fiery and Outrunner race forward. Somehow, the leading horse pace slackened. The Outrunner and Fiery did not lose that opportunity. They outpaced the leading horse. The Outrunner was in the lead now; Fiery was in the second position, while the other horse that had won the first lap and one other horse were in the third position.

It was totally unbelievable. The crowd yelled its approval. A glint of hope came into Jake's eyes as he joined in the screaming. Fiery and the Outrunner were racing hard towards the finishing line. Fiery surged forward and met up with Outrunner. They were both on the same line now, racing head-to-head towards the finishing line. The crowd was screaming. The two jockeys astride each of the horses, held the reins tightly, each almost sitting up from the horse, as their legs spurred the horses on. The finishing line was fast approaching now. Just then, the jockey astride the Outrunner did something crazy. Something unimaginable. He shot out his leg to kick Willie, who was astride Fiery. He did in such a way that the crowd wouldn't have seen it, but they all saw it alright.

Wille, saw the leg slightly swerve fiery to the side, luckily avoiding the kick. Fiery sputtered up dust as it's adjusted itself to the direction of its master. The Outrunner, spooked by the sudden slight movements beside her, slackened in her strides. Fiery, using that opportunity, surged forward and crossed the finishing line to victory. An uproar erupted among the crowd. Willie, astride fiery, took off his helmet, screaming and yelling, his hands clenched, waving into the air. The screaming crowd and the paparazzi surrounded Fiery, cheering. In the bleachers, the uproar there was another thing entirely. The crowd there screamed Fiery's name. Jake and Gableton embraced each other, their body trembling with joy and happiness. They were like that for a long time and then broke away.

" We did it, Jake! " Gableton said. " I told you, Jake! I told you! "

" Yes, you told me, " Jake said breathlessly. His face was glistening with sweats and his chest rising and falling. " How was I to know? Oh, God! She made me proud! She made us proud! " His voice was trembling now. " Oh, Lisa. Lisa made this happened, Mike. I've got to see her. I can't wait! "

" Don't worry; you'll definitely go see her! " Gableton said.

They were like that for some time, then they both pulled away. Just then, Jake felt a tap on his shoulders. He glanced back and saw Old Bill Roswell staring at him, laughing lines around his eyes. He was dressed in casual suits and black boots. On his head was his Stetson hat.

" I'm happy for you, boy! " He beamed. " You lucked out, yet again."

Jake stared at him for a long moment.

" You are happy that I won? " He said, puzzled.

" Of course! " Old Bill said again. " If not for that damned jockey on Outrunner that had to cheat and thereby causing me a great loss, I believe my horse would have won " he shrugged indifferently. " But I'm happy for you all the same " he stretched out his hands for a handshake.

Jake stared at the hands for a long moment. Then he took it. They both shook hands and disengaged.

" Probably when you are free, come by to my ranch, and let's talk business. What say you? " Old Bill said.

" Alright! Be expecting me anytime," Jake said evenly.

" Good! I see you've moved past the differences between us. You made the right decision. You are a good lad, Jake, " Old Bill said, grinning. He turned to Gableton, greeted him, and then walked away.

" Nice one, Jake! " Gableton said. " Nice one! " And he clapped Jake playfully on his back. " Let's get the hell out of here and take some pictures."

They both strolled out of the bleachers. They walked to where Fiery, Henry, and Willie were standing. Jake shook hands with Henry and Willie, patted fiery on her back, and kissed her softly on the head, then he took some pictures with her, Willie and Henry and turned to Gableton, "I'm going over to Lisa's ranch. I can't wait to see her. Take care of Fiery, Mike.! " He said hastily.

" Alright! Good luck! " Gableton said.

Jake walked away from him. A few minutes later, he was inside his car, racing to Lisa's ranch.

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

Jake arrived at the Wolfe's ranch, pulled up in front of the house, and stepped out of the car. He looked around, his eyes anxious. The ranch looked all the same. The house, which was built with wood, looked old but still in good condition. He moved up the stairs to the porch and rapped on the door, his heart beating wildly in his chest. Few seconds later, the door jerked opened, and he saw the maid, Sally facing him. She was dressed in the maid attire, an apron around her body, and her black face glistening with sweats. She regarded Jake, her eyes cold and unfriendly. Instantly, Jake knew he was unwanted.

" Hi, " Jake said. " Remember me? "

The dark eyes scrutinized Jake's coldly.

" I can't forget you, mister Courtland. Especially with the way you broke poor Miss Wolfe's heart," she said curtly.

" Look, I'm so sorry about what happened, " Jake babbled. " Is she in? I would like to talk to her " his heart was pounding wildly against his ribs now.

" She's around! " She said tightly. " But I'm pretty sure she doesn't wanna see you."

Jake drew in a long ecstatic breath. Hearing that Lisa was still on the ranch house flooded happiness through him.

" Please, you got to tell her that I'm here to see her, " Jake said, a pleading look in his eyes. " I've come to beg here. And more so, I've got great news about fiery "

The cold expression on the maid's face vanished. Only to be replaced with a curious one.

" What about fiery? " she asked, her eyes alight with interest.

" Fiery won the town's racing championship. She's the best racing horse in this town, " Jake said excitedly.

A bright smile spread across the face of the old maid, and Jake could see she was genuinely happy.

" Oh my, " she beamed. " Miss Wolfe will be so proud! " She stared at Jake for a long moment. " Why did you have to break poor Miss Wolfe's heart? She loved you like crazy! "

" That's why I'm here to make things right. " Jake said. " Does she talk about me? Does she still love me? Please tell me; I've got know," he pleaded.

Sally sighed heavily.

" Mr. Courtland! Miss Wolfe still loves you. But I don't know if she would want to see you," she said in a small voice.

" I've got to talk to see her, " Jake said. " Will you please tell her I'm here? "

Sally stared at him for a long moment.

" Alright! But you'll have to wait here! " She turned around and closed the door. Jake stood there staring at the closed door. He was like that for a moment, his mind busy with thoughts. He must have stood there for a complete thirty minutes before the door finally jerked open. By the time he was ready to walk up the walls.

"She would like to see you," Sally said, grinning " At first, she refused, but I begged her until she accepted. That was why I took so long. "

" Oh, thanks so much, " Jake said, beaming. " I owe you one, Sally. "

" As you should," she replied, beaming at him. " Please come in " She stepped aside. Jake strolled past her and walked into the living room. Sally pointed to the stairways. " The first room on your right. That's her room."

Jake thanked her, and he walked up the steps. He got to the landing, walked into the small passage, and saw a door by his right. At that moment, he could feel cold sweats beading on his forehead and his beating fast and hard. He stood there for a long moment, staring at the door, not knowing what to do. After a while, he pulled himself together and knocked on the door. The was a momentary pause; then he heard a voice.

" Come in," Lisa said in a voice scarcely above a whisper.

Just that word made memories of Lisa and what they had had together rush into his head. Jake sighed heavily and pushed the door open. The room was big and airy and smell of fresh roses. The windows were opened, and the cool breeze was blowing in. Jake looked around the room. His eyes rested on the bed, and that was when he saw her. She had been watching him the whole time. She wore a grey sweater and slacks. He could see her protruded, round belly now. But it was her face that brought tears to his face. Her face was hard and expressionless. Her mouth was set and tight. Though she still looked beautiful, there were harsh lines around her mouth that haven’t been there before, and as Jake stood watching her, he felt like a jerk.

For a couple of seconds, Jake stood there staring at her as if his body was made of stone.

" Hello, Jake," she said, smiling at him. But he could see the smile did not reach her face.

" Hello! " Jake said. His voice sounded as if it was strangled.

" Come! Come sit down here! " She patted the bed.

Jake hesitated, then pulling himself together, he dragged himself over to the bed, slowly; his legs felt like lead. He sat down beside her, and they both stared at each other. He studied her, longing to take her in his arms, while she continued to look at him.

" Sally told me about fiery! " She said. " You did it, Jake! You finally got what you wanted " there was a harshness in her voice that made him squirm. " You happy? Aren't you? " She added.

" Of course, I'm happy, Lisa," Jake said. " But I would be happier if you forgive me for what I had done to you. "

" You did not do anything wrong," she said in a cold, flat voice.

" I hurt you, Lisa," he said, his voice trembling. He had a feeling he was going to cry. " I hurt you, my love."

" Your love? " she gasped. Although her face was hard, he saw her lips trembled.

" Yes,! " Jake said evenly. " I love you, Lisa! How could not? I was just so stupid and unreasonable to see it. These past few months have been hell for me." His body was shaking now. " God, look at me? Looked at what I did to you, my love? " and moved closer to her on the bed and slid his arms around her. She didn't pull away, nor did she push his hands off her. She just sat there, like a waxwork.

" Oh, Lisa! I was such a fool! An arrogant bastard! Please forgive me " he was patting her back now while she sat stiffly in his arms. " I love you, Lisa! I can't go on like this! Please forgive me" his body was trembling now. "please, I need your forgiveness. I'm so sorry."

Suddenly, he heard a wild sob that seemed to be wrench from her, despite how she had tried to control it. She slid her arms around his powerful shoulders, pulling him to her tightly.

" Oh, Jake! Oh, Jake! " She wailed, her body trembling with hot tears of happiness. " Why? You didn't come to check on me after all months. Why? " she wailed.

" I'm so sorry! So sorry " Jake pulled away from her and cradled her face in his hands. " I was such a fool. I didn't know whether you would want me back or not. Please, forgive me, Lisa. Please," and he crushed his mouth against her. He felt her fingers at the back of his head, holding him tightly.

They were like for a minute or so; then he broke away from her.

" I feel so ashamed asking you this. Hell, I feel like a complete jerk. But I've got to ask you. I've got to know " he paused and went on. " Do you forgive me, Lisa? "

Lisa stared at him for a long moment.

" You hurt me, Jake! I told you I couldn't handle rejection, especially from someone I love. You can't have imagined what I went through, " she wailed. "Sometimes, I would want to kill myself. But the thought of having your child kept me going. I will always sit here on this bed. Thinking about all the wonderful times we had together. I wanted to hate you so much for sending me away. I will always tell myself I would never have anything to do with you. " She sighed heavily. " But the moment you walk through this door, I knew I've been deceiving myself for a long time. I still love you, Jake. Though what you did hurt me, but I still love you. " She held his face in her hand. " I forgive you, Jake. I forgive you."

" Do you mean that? " Jake said breathlessly.

Lisa bobbled her head.

" Yes, I do," she said, her face wet with tears. " I can't stop loving you, Jake. "

" Oh, Lisa," he cried. " You don't know how happy you've made me. I love you, Lisa. I love you and my unborn child," and he bent his head, kissed her big belly, and pulled her again into his arms. And as he held her, he knew that everything was going to be alright between them from that moment.