Frankie swallowed the lump in her throat. “Your mother helped me design it. I guess I don't have to ask if you like it.” She placed an arm around Johanna's waist. “Now you have your own greenhouse and can grow your plants to your heart's desire. We also designed the new tool shed with windows on both sides, and in the front and back, using glass that is impossible to break. There are exits at both ends of the greenhouse, too. You'll always have a full view of your surroundings. There's a panic button inside the tool shed and greenhouse as well.” She paused. “I've installed a switch that will light the path all the way to the house in case it starts getting dark before you finish your work out here, or in case you feel like working after dark in the greenhouse or want to sit at the fountain. The lights and fountain can also be accessed from a switch that's been added to the security panel box in the kitchen.”
“You've thought of everything.” Johanna shook her head in awe. “I...I don't know what to say. There aren't words to express how I really feel,” she said choking back a sob.
“Your mother deserves the credit, too. She worked tirelessly. We want you to feel safe and protected at all times.”
“You don't know how happy all of this makes me, Frankie. Even the word happy doesn't describe what I'm feeling inside. I'll call my mother later and thank her, too.” She stood, slowly shaking her head back and forth. “This is incredible! This is so much more than I could have ever imagined. I can't get over it.” Her voice caught. “I'm going to cry again.”
“Well, before you do, I've got one more thing to show you.” Frankie took Johanna's hand and led her to the back of the tool shed. “Trey and Will cleared all of this for your huge vegetable garden.” She squeezed Johanna's hand. “You know...the one you're always talking about someday having? Well, now you can have it.” The expression on Johanna's beautiful face was priceless. “I know it's too late to plant all of the varieties of vegetables you'd like this year, but next year you'll be all set. Now you can use your smaller garden for whatever you want.”
“I'm speechless. I...I—” Her lips trembled.
Frankie led her to one of two wooden benches situated on either side of the greenhouse. After they were seated, she took Johanna's hands in her own. “I love you so much, Johanna.” She swiped at the tears brimming over. “If we weren't already married, I'd propose again.”
Johanna threw her arms around Frankie's neck. “I don't know what I'd do without you,” she cried.
“You'll never find out.” Frankie sat holding Johanna for a few minutes. “Let's go to bed early tonight. Not that I intend to let you get a good night's sleep,” she whispered seductively. “I'm going to make love to you all night long.”
* * * *
Frankie lit several light lilac scented candles. Lilac was Johanna's favorite scent. She'd made the bed up in new pale lilac silk sheets. A bottle of champagne chilled in a bucket at the small table by the window. A dozen red roses sat next to it. She put on some soft romantic background music as she waited for Johanna to emerge from the adjoining bathroom. A quick click of a remote opened the skylight above the bed revealing a beautiful spectacle of bright twinkling stars.
She crossed to the window and peered out into the peaceful and serene darkness. She didn't take anything for granted anymore. How quickly everything could change from one second to the next. She'd almost lost Johanna at the hands of that monster Carson Fellows. Johanna's life had almost been snuffed out that night and there was nothing Frankie could have done to protect her. She'd never forget the overwhelming helplessness she'd felt. She tried to erase the disturbing images of Johanna in the clutches of that monster from her mind. She was fine during the day, but as soon as darkness fell the memories flooded back, almost consuming her. Frankie felt no closure even with Fellows' death. It was as though he was still reaching out from the grave waiting for the perfect time to strike again. It unsettled her. She couldn't share her feelings with anyone—especially not Johanna. She hoped the backyard renovation would not only chase away Johanna's lingering demons, but her own as well.
Her eyes drifted to the bathroom door as Johanna emerged. She was a vision of beauty with her long auburn hair hanging loosely over her shoulders. The cream colored teddy Frankie had purchased several days ago accentuated Johanna's beautiful figure. Her perfectly rounded breasts tantalized Frankie as they peeked out from the lacy fabric.
Frankie sucked in her breath as Johanna moved closer. She felt the heat rising in her veins. She ached for her, but she wanted to savor every minute of tonight. It would be a long slow seduction. She'd start with a sensual massage, and after they had their champagne, she'd take her time making passionate love to Johanna.
She picked up the roses and presented them to her. “I love you, Johanna.”
“I love you, too.” Johanna's eyes filled. She threw her arms around Frankie's neck. “They're beautiful. Thank you, Frankie.”
* * * *
Johanna was overwhelmed with emotion as she gazed at the roses. “Today has been wonderful, baby. I can't believe everything you've done for me.”
Frankie kissed her softly. “Nothing's too good for you, sweetie.”
“Now I want to show you how much I love you.” She took Frankie's hand and tugged her towards the bed.
Frankie lifted an eyebrow. “Why don't you lie down and let me give you a nice relaxing massage? Or would you like some champagne first? Remember, this is your night. Your wish is my command.”
“What I want is to be in control tonight,” she said seductively. She reached over to her bedside table, opened
