The Ring

The trees swayed with the wind, dancing for the oncoming showers that would soon swallow the sounds of rustling leaves. The bright green trees contradicted the graying of the sky giving an illusion of calm, calm before the storm. The forest gave way to sand dunes and beaches, the best of both worlds, beach and forest mingled together creating this inviting landscape that gave way to a rocky pier, whose breakaway hosted a red lighthouse with a black roof.

The waves battered the pier, over taking the rocks and spraying the red lighthouse. The sky was a wary gray and the clouds, ominous, challenging the picturesque landscape.

She could smell the storm long before she reached the graying boardwalk that lead to her beach home. Her tanned feet sinking in the oddly bright sand, the green reeds bowing as the wind pushed past. Her blonde hair whipping in the wind. The pale blue cardigan losing to the invading air, she wrapped the blue cloak tighter around her waist as she maneuvered up the boardwalk to her ranch home nestled between two hills of soft tan sand.

In the distance a bolt of lightning spread across the sky, overwhelming the dimmed picture before her. Her light brown hemp trousers whipped in the wind as she anticipated the clap of thunder soon to be heard. The screen door to the porch bagging against the frame as the wind picked up. She locked the door behind her securing it before the storm arrived.

Her weary face had seen brighter days, days long past, and yet not forgotten. How do you mend a broken heart?

Her long hair sits in small ringlets along her shoulders, and waves softly in the wind.

Her three seasons room, windows a jar, curtains, a sheer off-white, secured yet still they swayed with the breeze. The room faced the lake, her wicker love seat, elegant and worn, sat against the house, the arm chair, a smaller version of the love seat angled on the left of the room.

She nears the white gray threshold of her home, the blonde strands sway softly against her tanned cheek. Arched brown eyebrows frame, pools the color of blue oceans, large and full outlined by black, long lashes, that subtly sweep the apples of her freckled, softly pink, cheeks. Her Greek nose, sleek, her softly rounded luscious lips, shades her small chin. Her heart shaped face is rested on a thin defined neck that sweeps down to petite shoulders. Her upright stature sweeps down to a thin, but curvy body. Her breasts softly covered by a loose tunic, show supple peeks that disappear into her off-white, v-neck.

She makes her way to the arm chair and falls into its soft embrace. The chair, having been passed down from generations, worn, accepts her and it creaks softly, yet unyielding in its purpose. Leaning over she picks up the wine she set out before her nightly stroll. As she pours a glass, a small tear rolls down her cheek, before she could taste the sweet calm of the heat, the tears began to stream down. Small wet dots appeared on her tunic as her tears began to fall.

Chapter 1

Summer 1997

The sound of the engine rumbling, alerts his parents that he has arrived at their cottage home. He steps out of his tan Chevy truck and is greeted by a home that is humbly kept. Hidden from the country road, the white cottage is masked by pine trees. A country fence lines the property, the flag pole centered in the front yard holds a flag proudly waving in the wind. At the rear of the cottage a red pole barn dwarfed by the giant pine trees, outlining the back yard is a flower bed that is lifted with large decorative rocks. dividing the flower bed is a white trellis with roses woven around it. The trellis leads to the Christmas tree fields and opens to a hidden rectangle garden that is protected by a towering chain link fence promising to protect against invading deer.

His tall figure makes a small shadow on the sand driveway. His short brown hair, promises curls, if he lets it grow longer, but he often has it trimmed before the ringlets can form. His round face resembles that of his father and younger brother. His brow a masculine ridge that shades has hazel eyes.

He rounds the truck and grabs a bouquet of daisies and a ziplock filled with deer jerky. The Saturday morning promised a good fishing trip, but his early arrival tells his father that the fish were not biting like he had hoped. He closes the passenger door and walks to the white side door that opens to a modest closed in porch that is reminiscent of a botanical garden. He hears the rhythmic voice of Garth Brooks as he turns into the country kitchen. His mother walking to meet him lifts her arms to embrace her oldest son she kisses his cheek and pats his shoulder.

“Well, this is a nice surprise.” his mom says as she claims the seat across from him.

“Yeah, well it is a good thing dad did not go. The fish weren’t bitin’.” His baritone voice fills the room as his dad rounds the corner from the living room.

“Hey there, Mike.” His dad smiles widely as he loosely embraces his son. The two pat each other’s back and turn to make their way to the breakfast nook overlooking the driveway and his tanned truck.

The Saturday ritual of beers and conversation commences as Mike elaborates about his failed deer jerky.

“Dad, can you tell me what I did wrong. The batch seems different from the last. I ate most of the bag this morning, Damn fish.”

“What time did you get on the lake this morning?” his mother questions as she takes a swig of her tea.

“I got to the launch at six thirty. I should have known that the fish were going to be wonky when I seen all the fishermen. They probably had a buffett and thought that is was all you could eat..” He says as annoyed before he takes a drag from his bottle. His parents chuckle as he adjusts in his seat.

“Well at least yeah got out there today.” his dad says before pouring his beer in the simple clear glass.

“Yeah, just wished I had left with something’.”He takes a small drag from his bottle and the table becomes silent.

"Are you hungry? We already ate but there are some hot cakes in the fridge I can heat up? Maybe a piece of apple grunt and milk?" She offers as she makes her way to cabinet.

"No, I ate too much of the deer jerky on the lake, but I will take a piece of apple grunt for the road."

"Do you work tonight or are you off this weekend? I know that work has been busy lately." His father asks.

"No, I get this weekend to myself, but I am helping the Johnson's move. They are wanting to get settled before the baby comes." Downing the rest of his beer, "Dad, I came by to see if there was anything that needed to get done before I make my way to the Johnson's."

His dad stands and Mike to follow. His dad open the door and makes his way to the back of the house. A shaggy golden retriever is pacing in the kennel that is built off the side of the red pole barn, an awning hangs over the side providing shade when needed for the dog. Her barks get more excited as they make their way to the front of the pole barn.

"Shut up, Daisy. You know who we are." His grumbles to the golden retriever, who prances a little before trotting in to her dog house. " I am glad you came over, I was going to mow the lawn and change the oil in the lawn mower."

"Dad, I can take care of it why don't you go inside. You and mom can relax, plus this way yall can spend sometime together and when I done with the Johnson's I can stop by for supper."

His dad turned and began to retreat back to the house. Opening the front door he is greeted by his wife. "He has been out of the house for a couple years now, why cant he be the one getting ready to have a baby and the Johnson's helping his family move?" Her words poke at him in a way only a wife can.

"I did not ask, if you wanna know so bad go out there and ask him. I asked him to change the oil on the mower and take care of the lawn. When he is ready he will find someone." He says with agitation that will push her to leave him alone, at least he hoped.

"He moved out two years ago Junior, he was 36, he is no spring rooster, he needs to go out there and find a woman not fix our mower and take care of the lawn." She volleys back, setting her mug down, she walks out of the kitchen, worry on her face.

"I know Darlene, I know." He shakes his head. Junior was never one to woo the ladies, but Mike had no such problem. He was a good man, with a even better heart. He just did not know how to get through to Mike that he could love someone like he loved his mom.

Afternoon came and went. Mike finished the oil change and the lawn, for good measure he even sharpened the blades. After washing up he topped to get beers for dinner at mom and dad's.

Knowing the day would be hard seeing friends start lives he figured were just not meant for him. He had mom and dad, plus he was the oldest, someone needed to take care of the family and take care of mom and dad. He arrived at the Johnson's, stepping out of his truck he decided to hide that part of him, the one that longed for a family of his own, after all he was 38 and no one had stuck with him yet.

The Lindsey and David have been together since grade school. David and Mike would chase Lindsey and her friend's around the playground. They were all friends before David decided that she was the one. Mike could not blame him she was smart, athletic, and absolutely beautiful. Mike did not question David when he told Mike about having a crush. Mike never thought of her like that. Lindsey was his sister, even though he had two sisters of his own, Lindsey was the third, and when she would come over it was Susan, the oldest sister, that she would play with.

When middle school came around Lindsey and David were just that, Lindsey and David, never one with out the other. It became clear to Mike that he would need to find a girlfriend, and he did many times. He had his father's looks, but his charm was what the ladies liked. The girls would tick around for a couple weeks but he just never had that spark that he saw between his mom and dad. Mike often was the one breaking the hearts, and when a girl broke up with him, well lets just say, they never had his heart anyway.

After middle school David and Mike made varsity football, and well you guessed it, Lindsey he was a cheerleader. Part of Mike always thought that she tried out just to find him a girlfriend, well it worked, he had dated them all and none of them lasted more than three weeks. Mike just new they were not the ones. He never would admit to being a hopeless romantic, but he was. When the graduated David got a full ride scholarship to Michigan University and well ironically so did Lindsey. Mike chose not to apply. He graduated and went to work at a factory. His dad worked at a factory his whole life. His career paid for his parents house and four kids.

David and Lindsey came back as college graduates, never blinking at Mike's choices, even if he lived with his parents till he was 36. The two of them knew what family meant to him and that is why they lasted this whole time they understood. David and Lindsey both were Entrepreneurs, they went to college for business and came back to the sticks bound to create something of their own. Lindsey and David dabbled in many different businesses, but they were mostly known for their political position with the city council. Not that it was difficult to know everyone in the town, contrary it seemed some people would be better off not being known.

All their hard work paid off, they had just bought their second property, right off of Bear Lake road, known for doctors and lawyers that had estates on the road. Their property looked over Muskegon River. A winding board walk built off of the cliff, provided access to the river and their boat dock. the board walks access came from a privacy fence that wrapped the perimeter. Their back yard shaded and well kept was dotted with trees and beautiful greenery that a landscape architect created to give a relaxing classic feel. A beautiful garden walk from the stained porch provided a nice scenic walk from the french doors that lead into a great room. A fire place to the right was adorned with marble the mantel had an unpolished look the dark veins of the marble contrasted the sparkles and white of the rock. Beautiful polished river rocks lined the fire place from the bottom footing to the arched ceiling. Open beams of natural wood brought the vaulted ceiling to life, recessed lighting and a beautiful rattan fan blades shaped like large leaves hung low from the arch two in total, partitioned symmetrically. A soft glow from the wall of windows that encased the french doors light the beautiful room. A large balcony from the second floor had a beautiful natural railing that ran from wall to wall on the left side of the room. Under the balcony an archway framed with natural wood beams opened to a formal dinning room. One wall in the dinning room had a large framed opening that housed three large windows that looked out at the large backyard, the river a back drop from the large trees that blocked in a beautiful white pavilion that had rose bushes wrapping around the railings and up the roofing supports. The late summer early spring showed new buds forming and the greenery presented an old fashioned picture for new ages to come.

The opposite side of the dinning room, in the middle were recessed shelving from floor to ceiling, on either side there was light sconces that looked like candles, matching the other two on the opposite side of the room. A hanging chandelier with mock candles sat on looped polished brass pipes, eight in total, meeting each other and weaving delicately up to the brass rings that looped together up to the hook anchor protruding from the accented molding that noted the center of the elegant room. The molding had beautiful flower with leaves each figure was adorned with gold paint that made the figures standout and accented the molding and other elegant features in the room.

The galley kitchen had cabinets that lined one wall, a large island sat in the middle of the room with a pot rack hanging, recessed lighting made metal rack sparkle. Like the great room the Kitchen had a large wall of windows. With the far wall windows it would seem the kitchen should be bright; however, the large kitchen was lightly shadowed from the trees and the large balcony from the second floor, the bright tile flooring brought in the sun that would be missing if the hard wood floors continued into the large space. close the archway of the dinning room entrance was a small hall that lead to the foyer of the house. large windows stacked atop a large door light the room and showered the open staircase to the second and third floors. A beautiful chandelier hung down to the top of the door frame. To the left of the foyer was a small sitting area that would be used for small gatherings of friends and family. Classic windows lined two walls and light the room softly.

The winding staircase brought the eye to the beautiful parlor that was the second floor, David had chosen it for an office and game area. A large pool table would sit by the balcony railing and a dart board would go on the wall. A small bar would be placed near the large wooden desk he picked out for this exact space. Walking up the stairs would lead to the bedrooms four in total. A master suit, two bedrooms that would be used by their children and a guest bedroom. The master suit was the highlight of the third floor and the big seller for Lindsey. Her dream of having a balcony over looking the massive yard and river were a small plus when compared to the master bath and spacious bedroom and his and hers closets. The home was a dream come true.

They were only a short drive from his parents; which placed him close, since he only lived a mile down the road from them.

Walking down the drive to him was Lindsey, her belly looking round, a daisy sleeveless tunic making her look like a belly with legs. Her cut-off jeans showing her tanned legs that looked soft and petite. She wore her hair up in a banana clip, her favorite since they were all kids.

"Took you long enough stranger, thought the baby would get here before you." She chides as she embraces him.

"Sorry, went to my mom and dad's, I took care of somethings there first. I am here now and ready to work." Smiling at her as she laces her arm in his and escorts him to the new house.

Mike hides his astonishment and sadness behind a loving grin and soft giggle.

"Please tell me David and I will not be the only ones hauling furniture into this quant home of yours?" he says giggling softly

"Please Mike, David asked you over to help us set up the baby room. We have movers bring the other items next week; however, we thought would only be fitting to put the room together before the hustle and bustle of the movers."

Walking him into the foyer Mike lost all train of thought. Thankful for the beers that awaited him at his parents. It is not right to be envious of people so deserving of such an amazing blessing. David and Lindsey had worked hard for this master piece of a house.

Walking up the last of the stairs Lindsey guides him to a beautiful a soft grey paint made the room relaxing, the two large windows shadowed by the two large trees dotted on the side of the house kept the area a good temperature. In the middle of the room sat David staring at instructions for a crib. Stained cherry wood scattered around him, a concerned look on his face as he flipped through the pages looking for where to begin.

"David, Mike is here, you are able to relax."

"Oh thank goodness I almost thought I was going to have to find a carpenter to put this confusing puzzle of a crib together. Tell no one of this moment."

Mike giggled, "Here let me see those. Have you made sure all the pieces were here?"

David, giggles, "I was hoping you would get here and help me with the logistics, and here you are helping with the logistics!"

Mike looks at the instructions and stoops to start counting pieces, slowly moving things around and organizing parts.

They move the completed crib over by two windows, leaving a walk way on all sides. Stepping back they smile at each other.

"On to the book shelves and glider." David says as he walks to the closet and reveals more boxes.

Mike chuckles and the work commences, as the diligently organize parts and work as a well oiled machine. Each piece comes together slowly and the sun begins to set, leaving the room shaded.

"Well, now that we have built the nursery, I am going to head home. Give me a call if you need anything this week. I am working most the week, but hope to see you at the full moon saloon for a break from married life?" Mike hugs Lindsey softly, and pats David on the shoulder, David softly drapes his arm around Lindsey as the two watch Mike walk down the driveway. Getting into the truck Lindsey waves sweetly smiling as she soft lays her hand on davids chest and leans into his embrace.

Classic rock fills the old truck cab as Mike makes his way to his parents. Parking in the dirt round about he grabs the six pack and makes his way inside. Greeted by the sound of clinking plates and silverware tells him he is right on time for a good meal before heading home alone yet another night.

Cracking open a bottle he hands it over to Junior who takes a swig.

"Mike, how was Lindsey, it has been so long since the two of them have been over." She walks slowly over to Mike and grabs herself a beer, opening and pouring it into her burnt orange drinking glass. She sips and begins making plates for the boys as the two gather beside her to grab their dinner.

Small talk and silence mingle together as the small family ignores the pain in Mikes eyes.

After dinner Mike makes it home, turns on his kitchen light and tides the counter. His mom sometimes comes over and cleans, but this week was a different since she had been focusing on getting the garden and flower beds ready for the sowing season. He finishes washing a coffee mug then makes his way around the kitchen taking care of all his loose ends.

The week most along easily without a hitch, the days getting longer and the weather warmer. Mike ended the uneventful week with a fish dinner at the Red Rooster. Walking in he hears the local band entertaining the patrons with some classic rock. He walks up to the bar and orders himself a draft beer with his usual the fish and chips. As he grabs his draft he sees a blonde at the end of the bar ringlets of blonde falling to the middle of her back as she giggles with her whole self. Laughing at the ladies around her. Her head falls back and her hair swishes, Mike thinks about the ringlets and what they would be like to touch. He takes note of her and then walks to a booth where he sits and waits for his food. David walks in and meanders to the opposite side of the booth and begins chatting away, watching the subtle glances that Mike makes to the mystery woman with the blonde curls.

"Why don't you just go and talk to her." David chides as he picks up a fry and dips it into the rye vinegar.

"Now why would I do a foolish thing like that." Mike pipes up as he dips a piece of fish in his tartar sauce. "she looks like she is having a good time with her gals, I can tell right now that I am not going to be able to get five feet near her without them descending on me like a virus."

David chuckles as he shakes his head. "You will never get anywhere with that attitude." David looks over at the girls and smiles slyly, "You know that is Lindsey's friend Rene, she just moved to the area a couple weeks ago." David turns and looks at his food knowing he has peeked Mike's interest.

Mike shakes his head, "Is that why you suggested this place, talking me into going to her local watering hole, so you can do your good deed and get me a woman." Mikes grabs another piece of fish. "Does Lindsey know you are trying to get her and I together?"

David talks around a french fry as "It was her idea."

Shaking his head he finishes the last of his plate and takes a drag of his draft. "All right, I guess since you both have approved, the least I can do is introduce myself... at another time."

David nods knowing Mike all too well.

The band wraps up for the night and Mike finishes his second draft. Standing David and him walk out at least he did not shut the bar down this time. Plans for a morning of fishing and yard work begin forming.

Opening the door and he sees a bubbly blonde with curls and a soft smile making their way to him. He goes to side step as she does the same.

Giggling, Rene with her sing song voice"Excuse me please."

Mike's face goes a little red as he turns and holds the door, with himself blocking half the walk way.

David waits till the door to the bar is closed and Mike's face is back to one color. "Should have just introduced yourself." He claps him on the back and makes his way to his truck laughing at the spectacle that was Mike.

The next morning Mike wakes to thoughts of a bubbly blonde with ringlet curls and a smiling face. Shaking his head he stumbles from bed and makes his way to the kitchen for his morning coffee. Looking at his back yard he sees the first like of dawn peaking through the tree tops. Walking to the garage after his coffee he grabs his tackle box and secures his fishing poles. Making his way to his parents to pick up his dad, blonde curls and a sing song voice invade his calm morning.

Junior gets in the truck and they ride to the sound of country, not Mike's first choice, but age wins the battle of the radio. They launch the boat and make their way to their fishing spot. Silence fills the morning, and routine wins out on conversation. Peaceful mornings like this help Mike to loose himself and think about the weeks events while sorting out weekend plans.

A cooler of fish later, and the two make their way back to the boat launch. Driving to his parents, they both get out of the truck and walk into the childhood home he left not to long ago. Caring for his parents was never a question. They cared for him longer than most. Seeing the love they have for each other and the struggle of taking care of a family of six on a factories income, he felt the pull for himself to step up, and he often did.

"Good Morning, Mike." His mom says as she makes her way to him and embraces him with a hug and a peck of the cheek. "Your sisters and brother will be out to see us today, can you stop by for a hello? We have many birthdays to celebrate. Susie's daughter Andrea, Susie, your dad, and well you know." She waves a hand and goes back to decorating cakes and making her way around the modest country kitchen.

Pouring a cup of coffee he makes his way to the living room, Mr. Peepers begins his chirping at the company.