Broken Together (34 page)

After
securing adjoining rooms, I opened my e-mail. My breath caught.

“What
is it?” Shae inquired softly. I hadn’t even heard her enter the room.

“USAID,”
I breathed. “I have an e-mail from Keshia Dickson from USAID.”

She
joined me in front of the computer screen. “Maybe you should open it.”

I
winced. “I’m afraid.”

“I’m
sorry, but the suspense is killing me.” She clicked on the e-mail notification.

My
heart stalled. We both stared slack jawed at Ms. Dickson’s message.

“What’s
wrong?” Sammi asked. I hadn’t a clue where she came from. When neither of us answered,
she joined us in front of the computer screen. “Holy. Crap. You did it.”

Shae’s
wide eyes met mine. “Maxim’s going to be president.”

Tears
abruptly filled my eyes.

Shae
yanked me to my feet and gave me a fierce hug. “Do you have any idea what
you’ve done? You’ve changed the destiny of an entire country.”

Sammi
rubbed my arm. “You’re trembling.”

“What
if this leads to war?” I choked on a throat full of tears.

“Then
that’s Putin’s doing, not yours,” Shae insisted vehemently.

Sammi
looked confused. “Why would this lead to war? It’s an economic aid package.”

I
took a deep breath and blew it out. “I have to call Maxim.”

Shae
pulled Sammi from the office. “I’ll explain. Let’s give her some privacy.”

“We
should be celebrating,” Sammi argued. “We’re going out to lunch after you call
Maxim. You don’t secure funding for a pipeline every day!” she yelled down the
hallway.

I
sank into my chair. I couldn’t believe this was happening. I was terrified for
Maxim and the citizens of Ukraine. With trembling hands I dragged the cell phone
from my desk, retrieved his number, and hit “send.”

“
Kotyonok
,”
Maxim purred. “I was just thinking about you.”

The
dam inside of me broke as I began to cry.

“Kristine!
What’s wrong? Why are you crying? Have you been hurt?”

His
concern made me cry even harder.

“Where
are you?” Maxim demanded. “I’m sending someone to get you.”

“No!”
I gasped. “No. God, I’m sorry. I… I don’t know why I’m crying. I should be
happy, but I’m not happy. I’m completely terrified.”

“If
you don’t explain what is going on…” Maxim growled.

“The
grant. USAID awarded us the grant,” I blurted.

Maxim
didn’t breathe a word.

I
swiped at my eyes. “Maxim?”

“Can
you read it to me?” he pleaded softly.

“I
can e-mail it to you.” I turned toward my computer.

“No.
My phone is secure, but I am not certain about my computer. If you could read the
correspondence to me, print a copy, and give it to Konstantin, then he will ensure
a hard copy is securely delivered to me.”

“Okay,”
I agreed. “Should I ask Ms. Dickson to refrain from making an announcement?”

“Please,”
Maxim answered. “For at least two weeks.”

He
listened attentively while I read the award letter. “What are you going to do?”
I finally breathed.

“I’m
going to expedite training and installation for the missile defense system. The
equipment is being housed in a secure location in Poland and is nearly
operational. If I can get that equipment in place and begin construction on the
pipeline within the next two weeks, I should be able to announce both
accomplishments a week before the election.”

I
fought to steady my breathing. “I don’t want you to get hurt. Please, Maxim,
it’s not too late to withdraw from the election. You can proceed with both
projects discretely and still achieve your objectives.”

“I
will not hide like a coward,” he argued. “I made my father a promise, and I
intend to see it through.”

My
eyes closed against the images that provoked. “Please be safe, Maxim. I’m so
scared this pipeline will lead to war.”

“
Milaya
kotyonok
, your concern humbles me, and your tears are like an arrow in my
heart. I wish…”

“I
know.” I couldn’t bear to hear the words.

“I
will make my country safe,” Maxim vowed. “Perhaps someday you will tire of
Rafael.”

I
shook my head, unable to conceive such a thing. “I’ll ask Ms. Dickson to hold
off on making the announcement, and I’ll make sure Konstantin gets a hard copy
of the award letter today. Let me know if you have any difficulty accessing the
funds through the USAID office at the U.S. Embassy in Kyiv. Those funds should
be available by the end of the week.”

“I
do not know how to repay you for this.” Maxim’s voice broke with unwanted
emotions. All that bluster about collecting on a promise? Nothing more than smoke
and mirrors.

Tears
filled my eyes once again. “You don’t repay friends, Maxim.”

I
sat with my knees tucked to my chest, staring silently out the window while the
clouds bathed in the early morning sun.

“Is
she always like this?” Kadyn whispered.

“Our
last flight was a bit more turbulent,” Jase murmured.

I
tore my eyes from the window so I could gauge the expression on his face.

Jase
winked, assuring my colossal melt down from our previous flight would remain
our secret.

I
smiled. As hard headed as he was, the man was growing on me. “Who’s winning?”

Jase
grunted. He’d started defending my side of the chess board after Kadyn
slaughtered me… twice.

Kadyn
grinned.

I
laughed. “So Kadyn remains undefeated?” I untangled my legs so I could change
into the pretty black, white, and blue floral skirt I discovered on the bed
when we boarded the plane. Rafael had paired the skirt with a fitted black
sweater, a thin Tiffany blue belt, and black kitten heels.

A
melodic “ding” sounded over the intercom. “
Bom dia
. This is your pilot, Captain
Anderson. Crisp blue skies and a cool sixty-two degree temperature await us in
Lisbon. The local time is eight-ten a.m. We’ll be landing in thirty minutes.”

I
changed into the skirt and sweater and did a cursory check in the mirror before
returning to the main cabin.

The
intercom dinged again. “We’ve been cleared to land at the Lisbon Portela
Airport. Please make sure your seatbelts are fastened, seat backs are in the
upright position, and all inanimate objects are stowed. I’ll be collecting
cups, glasses, and plates shortly.” Kari stepped from the galley. “Sorry, Jase.
I know how much you wanted to win that match.”

Jase
shrugged. “We’ve got an eight hour flight to Sierra Leone where I can even the
score.” The flight was only five and a half hours, but we had a two and a half
hour layover in Morocco.

Kadyn
chuckled. “We’ll see about that.”

I
handed Kari my cup and plate. “Will you be joining us?”

She
barked out a laugh. “Like I’d miss an opportunity to fly on this jet.”

I
smiled. I liked having the same personable flight crew on every flight.

The
wheels touched down smooth as glass. We shook hands with the flight crew before
tackling the stairs. Rafael had reserved a vehicle for Kadyn and Jase, so he
was meeting us near the rental counters.

I
stopped when the crowd parted just short of the rental area. “Rafael?”

He
picked me up and spun me around. “You look stunning.” He pressed a quick kiss
to my lips before allowing my feet to touch the earth again.

My
fingers sifted through the silken strands that tapered just above his ears. “You
cut your hair.”

He
smiled that panty dropping smile of his. “I thought this might look a little
more presentable for the wedding.” The wedding was still two months away.

“You
look…” Seriously, there were no words to describe how delectable this man
looked. While trimmed short on the sides, his hair was longer on top, and it
looked mussed. I tugged on the unruly waves. “You look…”

His
eyes sparked with amusement. His strong features were perfectly balanced
between the shorter hairstyle and the five o’clock shadow he regularly sported.
Handsome was an understatement. Sinful was more like it. “Sexy,” I concluded.

A
chuckle rolled through Rafael’s chest. He tugged the computer bag off my
shoulder, tucked me under his arm, and shook Kadyn’s hand. “I’m glad you could
join us.” He patted Jase on the back before leading us to the rental counter.
“I hope you don’t mind. I rented a Porsche.”

“I’m
driving!” Kadyn and Jase shouted as one. They slapped their driver’s licenses
on the counter at the exact same time.

Rafael
laughed. “We have to head out. We’re supposed to meet Father Ramires in Sintra
at ten o’clock. We’ll be back in time for dinner.”

I
gave each of them a hug. “Have fun.” I linked arms with Rafael as we stepped
through the automatic doors. “We’re meeting Father Ramires in Sintra?”

He
strode toward the parking garage. “He wants to see our wedding venue. We’ll
plan the ceremony while we’re there. Do you have your workbook on you?”

I
nodded toward the computer bag he’d slung over his shoulder. “Right there.”

He
slowed, allowing my eyes to adjust to the dim lighting in the garage. “Good.
Nervous?”

I
squeezed his bicep. “No. I’m excited to see Monserrate Palace again. Can we
stop by the hotel while we’re in Sintra?”

The
lights flashed on his car. “That’s precisely what I was thinking. We need to firm
up the menu for the rehearsal dinner.” He reached for the passenger door, then boxed
me in against the Porsche. “Maybe we should reserve a room.”

My
hands slid over his well sculpted chest before linking behind his neck. “Sounds
good. We could order room service and sample their food.”

His
eyes fell to my lips. “Only if I’m allowed to feed you in bed.” His lips brushed
against mine.

My
eyes slid closed while I savored Rafael’s warmth and his spicy cologne. “I’ve
missed this… and you.”

He
kissed the Cupid’s bow at the top of my mouth before pulling my bottom lip
between his teeth. Gently, he bit down.

My
eyes flew open.

The
full length of his body pinned me against the Porsche. With hooded eyes, he fit
his lips to mine. His tongue swept through my mouth, plundering every crevice.
He stroked, tempted, and teased; drugging me with deep, intoxicating kisses
until my knees weakened.

Rafael
stepped back. An inch. “I’m sorry. I… I didn’t mean to get carried away. I don’t
think I could look Father Ramires in the eye if we…
you know
… right
before our meeting.” He planted a chaste kiss on my cheek. “I’ll make it up to
you when we get to the hotel.” He helped me into the Porsche before climbing into
his seat.

I
took a deep breath and slowly released it.

Rafael’s
hand raked through his hair. He glanced at me worriedly, and we both burst out
laughing.

I
relaxed into the buttery soft seats. “What time did you get off work last
night?”

He
slid the key into the ignition. “I didn’t get home until three o’clock this
morning. Did you sleep on the plane?”

“A
little. Not much.” I felt fatigued more often than not. I would have thought
I’d be sleeping better after securing the grant, but I tossed and turned when I
slept alone. I missed sleeping with Rafael.

He
eased out of the parking garage. “Did you submit your midterm papers?”

I
breathed a small sigh of relief. “Yes. I’m done with midterms. I just need to
get through this training in Sierra Leone so I can start writing my final
papers. I’d like to submit my remaining coursework early, so I can focus on our
wedding.”

“Once
we firm up the menu for the rehearsal dinner, we’re done. Everything else has
already been taken care of.” He turned onto the highway.

“I
know it’s your birthday, but I’d like to go shopping tomorrow. I want to find
amethyst earrings and necklaces for my bridesmaids. Have you thought about what
you’re giving the groomsmen for their gifts?”

He
looked thoughtful. “Monogrammed cufflinks?”

I
nodded my approval. “I’d like to take you out to dinner tomorrow night, just
the two of us, so we can celebrate your birthday.”

The
Porsche sped by the post-apocalyptic looking buildings that dotted the
outskirts of town. “What about Kadyn and Jase?”

“I’ve
already warned them. I want you all to myself tomorrow night.” I tried not to
smile over the little white lie.

“Would
you like me to make a reservation?”

“Nope.
I’ve already made a reservation,” I answered smugly.

Comforted
by his presence, I drifted off to sleep.

*
* * * *

“Wake
up, sleepy head.”

“Ten
more minutes,” I pleaded without opening my eyes.

“The
sooner we meet with Father Ramires, the sooner we can head to the hotel,” he
stated enticingly.

My
eyes opened on a sigh. “I need coffee.” I rifled through the computer bag so I
could retrieve my workbook.

“I’ll
see if I can scrounge some up.” Sadly, Monserrate Palace didn’t have a café or
a restaurant like Pena Palace. Rafael unfolded himself from the car. He strode
to the passenger side, tugged the door open, and extended his hand. “Milady.”

Now
how could I be grumpy with that?
“Why thank you, kind
sir.” I smiled and reached for his hand.

Rafael
popped the hood so he could retrieve his workbook, a blanket, picnic basket,
and thermos from the trunk.

“Brunch,”
I gushed. “I just fell in love with you all over again!”

He
tucked the thermos and our workbooks inside the picnic basket before slinging
the blanket over his arm. “I thought we could picnic by the pond.”

Father
Ramires was leaning against one of the columns overlooking the pond. He was
wearing the same white collar, black shirt, black jacket, and pants he wore the
first time we met him. He looked remarkably at peace when he clasped our hands.
“Rafael, Kristine, it’s wonderful to see you again.” His eyes swept over the expansive
grounds. “You have chosen a beautiful wedding venue.”

“Are
you sure you don’t mind performing the ceremony so early in the morning?” I inquired
worriedly.

“Not
at all,” Father Ramires assured me. “Now tell me, where do you envision the
ceremony?”

We
walked toward the front of the palace while Rafael explained. “We’d like to be
married in front of the fountain. There’s a trail hidden behind those trees
where Kristine and her bridesmaids can move unseen from the back of the palace,
so they can enter behind our guests once everyone is seated. The palace staff
have arranged for the women to dress in a room near the back of the palace. We
don’t want to see each other before the wedding, so the groomsmen and I have been
assigned a room near the front. We’ll enter from the staircase on the left.”

He
stopped in front of the fountain. “Will your father be escorting you down the
aisle?”

Rafael
and I hadn’t really discussed this. “My parents are attending the wedding, and
we’re marrying with their consent, but I’d like to walk down the aisle by
myself since I’m the one giving Rafael my heart.”

Father
Ramires smiled. “The question of who gives away the bride is not permitted in a
Catholic ceremony even when the bride’s father escorts her down the aisle. We
believe the bride and groom should give themselves to one another of their own
free will, not at the will of others. So I admire your decision to walk down
the aisle by yourself.”

Rafael
beamed. “So do I.”

He
quietly considered the two of us. “Would you like to receive communion during
the ceremony?”

My
eyebrows shot up in surprise. “I didn’t think I could receive communion in the
Catholic Church.” I joined Father Ramires’s church as a non-Catholic member when
we met last month. Although our beliefs were closely aligned, I was still Lutheran,
not Catholic.

He
patted my arm reassuringly. “You are a member of my flock, and we share the
same shepherd. As long as you fast and make your confessions before the wedding,
you can both receive communion during the ceremony.”

Tears
welled in my eyes. “That would mean the world to me.” I never shared communion
with my first husband or with Michael, both of whom were Catholic. This would
be a first for me, and I loved that it was happening with Rafael.

Rafael
wrapped his arm around me. “We would cherish the opportunity.”

Father
Ramires noted the picnic basket and the blanket still dangling from Rafael’s
arm. He started toward the pond. “You should stop by the church a couple of days
before the ceremony so that I may receive your confessions and offer the sacrament
of reconciliation. Have you been praying together?”

I
smiled. “Every night… unless one of us is on an overnight flight. I really
treasure that time with Rafael. Since we’re apart more often than not, it sheds
light on the issues troubling his heart.”

Rafael
held my arm as we made our way down the stairs. “I enjoy praying when we’re
together. I believe it has strengthened our relationship with one another and
with God.”

“Praying
always does.” Father Ramires led us across the large swath of lawn.

Rafael
spread the blanket near the edge of the pond. We settled onto the blanket while
he dug through the picnic basket. He pulled three coffee mugs, pastries, and a
container of berries from the basket.

Father
Ramires reached for our hands. We bowed our heads as he led us in prayer. “Bless
us, Heavenly Father, and these thy gifts we are about to receive for the nourishment
of our bodies. Through Christ our Lord we pray. Amen.”