Eternally Yours - Brenda Jackson [7]
Chapter 2
Clayton and Syneda argued as they boarded the plane for Florida. Clayton had fronted the expenses and flatly refused to let Syneda reimburse him.
“I can afford to pay my own way, Madaris,” Syneda said, glaring at him.
“I didn’t say you couldn’t. Just consider it my treat.”
“But, I’d rather—”
“Let’s drop it, Syneda,” Clayton snapped.
Angry frustration swept over Syneda’s features. “Fine with me. It’s your money,” she replied curtly after they had taken their designated seats.
“I’m glad you finally realized that,” he said, getting in the last word.
Syneda decided not to respond. She didn’t want to appear ungrateful, but she had a hang-up about a man doing anything for her. She had learned early in life not to depend on one.
After fastening her seat belt, she turned to Clayton. “What did your family say about us going away together?”
Clayton settled back in his seat. “They didn’t have a thing to say.”
Syneda raised a brow. “Not anything?”
“Not anything.” He smiled. “Except for Dex.”
She lifted her head. “Dex? What did he have to say?”
Clayton chuckled. “Dex didn’t say anything. He just made the sign of the cross. I guess he thinks we’re going to do each other in on this trip.”
Syneda couldn’t help but laugh. “Are we really that bad?”
“I guess, but we’ll get along okay this trip. We did agree to be on our best behavior and not discuss any controversial topics. Remember?”
Syneda met his gaze then smiled slowly. “Well…” She dodged an answer, turning to look out of the window as the plane lifted off.
“Syneda…” Clayton said her name in a warning tone.
She turned back to him with her smile still in place. “Oh, all right. I remember, and I plan on keeping my end of our agreement. We’ll get along just fine.”
Dallas, Texas
The sun was setting in the afternoon sky when the man alighted from the parked car. Instead of being dressed in a business suit, which over the years had become his usual mode of dress while out in public, he had worn only a lightweight jacket and dress slacks. With the person he was going to visit, he could always be himself.
He crossed the dusty road and climbed the grassy hill before entering the meticulously cared-for grounds. In his hand he carried two bouquets of mixed flowers.
The walk seemed to take forever as he weaved his way toward the hillside and the marked stone. He was fully aware of the tears that misted his eyes as he knelt to place the flowers next to the grave. The headstone, although worn with time, still clearly showed the name and inscription written on it.
JAN WALTERS—REST IN PEACE
A knot of pain and sorrow formed in his throat. He closed his eyes as poignant memories resurfaced. It had been exactly thirty years ago today that they had met. It had been a day that changed his life forever. It was a day that brought him here every year, after finding out about her death fifteen years ago. By that time she had been dead three years already.
His heart grew heavy when he thought about all the wasted years they could have had together. They had begun dating during their senior year of college. Then a few days after graduation, after he had left for the Air Force Academy, she had left town without telling him or anyone where she had gone.
He stood, straightening his tall frame. The woman in the marked grave would have his heart until the day he died. He also knew that he would continue to come here each year and share this special day with her. It was their day.
Tears gathered in his eyes and slowly spilled down his cheeks as he turned toward the direction where his car was parked.
Until next year.
“This view of the ocean is breathtaking, Clayton,” Syneda said, leaning against the railing. From the balcony she watched the blue waters of the Atlantic Ocean ripple gently toward the shoreline of St. Augustine Beach.
“It sure is,” Clayton replied, coming to join her. He handed her a glass of wine. “Compliments of the management. They also