“I feel like doing something,” Johanna said. “I need to clear my head and try to relax.”
“Okay. Do you want to go out? Catch a movie or something?”
She shook her head. “No, I'm going to go down to my greenhouse. I want to start a bigger herb garden, so I think I'll make a list and do some planning.”
“Do you want me to come with you?”
“I'll be fine,” she said with a grin as she pushed a remote and the path became illuminated. “I love what you've done for me.”
“For us, babe. Anything that affects you affects me, too.”
She gave Frankie a quick hug. “Have I told you lately how much I love you?”
Frankie lifted an eyebrow. “Ahhh, stealing my line now are we?”
Johanna laughed. “I don't know how long I'll be. You know how I am once I get around plants.”
“I'm going to sit here for a while and maybe later I'll take a moonlight swim.”
“Sounds tempting. I might just join you when I finish.”
Frankie watched Johanna make her way to the greenhouse. She filled her lungs with fresh air. She loved how everything smelled after a rain. She was relieved that Johanna's fears were gone and she could once again enjoy being out here. Life was good.
In no time at all, this case should be wrapped up. After they met with Alec in the morning, he'd put everything in motion to bring Thatcher down. He'd have all the evidence he needed. She couldn't wait to see Alec's reaction when he heard the recording. Kendall's family fortune would be intact and she would finally be free from the monster she'd married. She was concerned, though, about any offshore accounts Thatcher and Becca most likely set up. She didn't know much about those kinds of dealings, but hopefully Alec could get a court order to have all of the records reviewed and any funds returned to Kendall. She assumed Thatcher would try to pin everything on Becca. It would be interesting to see how it all played out. She hoped Kendall would be safe while all of this came down. Who knew what Thatcher was capable of?
In the end, there would still be casualties. Even though Frankie didn't condone Kristin becoming involved with a man she knew was married, no matter what excuse Thatcher had given her, the baby was another story. Chloe was the innocent victim.
Frankie needed to do like Johanna and clear her mind of everything. There was nothing more she could do tonight. Tomorrow was another day. She slowly got to her feet and then walked to the pool. She removed her shoes and then sat on the edge, dipping her toes into the water. It felt good. She glanced in the direction of the greenhouse. She knew Johanna was in her element. Before long, they'd have more herbs than they knew what to do with. She smiled.
She peeled off her tank top and bra, stood, and pulled off her shorts and panties. The water soothed her as she lowered herself into the pool. She swam vigorously for half an hour enjoying the feel of the water against her naked flesh. Then she spent the next hour floating on her back while she stared up at the star laden sky. She was content. She was at peace.
“Want some company?”
Frankie turned her head and saw Johanna on the deck. Her beautiful body was silhouetted by the moonlight. Johanna looked like a vision. If she'd been an artist, that pose and the way the moonlight played on Johanna's flesh would have rendered a beautiful portrait.
“Always,” Frankie called back. She watched as Johanna slowly made her way down the steps.
“Being naked in our pool is so liberating,” Johanna said.
“Remind me not to give Kate and Arlan access to the gate. I don't want to lose our privacy.”
“Oh, I agree,” Johanna said.
Frankie swam to where Johanna waited. “It doesn't get any better than this, babe.”
“No, it doesn't.”
Frankie stared into Johanna's eyes and then kissed her deeply. “Know what I want right now?” she asked as she diverted her eyes to the opposite end of the pool.
“The same thing I do,” Johanna answered with a broad grin. “On the count of three!”
“You're on!” Frankie loved the competitive side of Johanna. They were both strong swimmers, but she had to admit that Johanna was the better swimmer. But she did give Johanna a run for her money and make her work for her inevitable win.
They were laughing as they stepped out of the pool, grabbed towels, and dried themselves off. They picked up their discarded clothes and started to walk towards the house.
“So, how'd your plans go? For the herbs, I mean?”
“Very well. We're going to have everything you can think of.”
“Good. I love cooking with our fresh herbs.”
I was thinking about canning this year, too. We always have tons of vegetables and even though we give a lot away, too much goes to waste. Then in the middle of winter I'm craving something from the garden.”
“Isn't it too late to plant what you wanted to this year?”
“I can still plant a few things. Maybe not everything I normally do, but I want to experiment with a few vegetables. And if we get a late winter it'll help.”
“Sounds like a plan. I'll help you with the canning. That's something I never learned how to do. It'll be fun. We definitely have plenty of room in the pantry too.”
She laced an arm through Frankie's. “The night's still young. Why don't we rent a hot movie and cuddle on the sofa?”
“Now you're talking.” Frankie suddenly stopped and turned to Johanna. “Promise me we'll do this more often...spend time together.”
“Sweetie, we're always together.”
Frankie shook her head. “No, I mean like tonight. Just you and me shutting out the world and enjoying each other.”
Johanna touched Frankie's cheek. “I've loved tonight and I treasure these times. We definitely do need to make more time for just
