Chapter Nineteen
“Here. It looks like decaf mud, but at least it’s hot.”
Charley took the cup from Frannie and looked around the empty waiting room. “Thanks. What time is it?”
“A few minutes after one.”
“Why don’t you go home and get some sleep, Frannie? You don’t have to stay just to keep me company.”
Frannie plopped onto the plastic-covered chair next to her. “If it were me waiting, would you leave?”
Charley sipped the coffee, her smile wry. “No, I guess not.”
“Then don’t expect me to leave you.”
“Doesn’t it seem to be taking too much time? It’s been hours and hours.”
Her cousin surveyed the receptionist barricaded behind a glass window on the far side of the room. “I’m sure the doctors are just being thorough. Besides, knowing Victor, he’s sitting up arguing with them over every move they make.”
“Miss Hart?”
The receptionist was standing, leaning toward the hole in the glass. Charley handed Frannie her cup, stood and walked across the room. “Have you heard anything about my uncle?”
“Not yet. I’m sorry. I just need you to sign these release papers.”
Charley took the pen and scrawled her name at the bottom.
“This is your copy, and these are instructions in case you have problems.” She handed Charley a stack of papers and a brown manila envelope. “Your belongings are in there.”
Charley gathered them up and turned. Ben, still wearing his uniform, had come in and was standing next to Frannie, one arm around her shoulders.
“Victor?”
She shook her head. “We haven’t heard anything yet. He’s still in surgery.”
“How are you?” His gaze searched her face intently.
“I’m okay, Ben. They released me about thirty minutes ago.”
She deposited the papers on an empty chair and sat down. Ben took the chair next to Frannie.
“Has Cole been by?”
Charley’s heart twisted in her chest, but she kept her eyes on the floor and forced her voice to stay calm. “No, I haven’t seen him.”
“I thought for sure he’d stop by and let them fix his arm.”
“What’s wrong with his arm?” Her eyes snapped to Ben’s face.
“The cast. He pretty well destroyed it when he jumped Ashton.”
“When he…” Charley squeezed her eyes shut.
Ben leaned forward, elbows propped on his knees. “You don’t remember?”
“No.” Her voice was faint. “I remember Uncle Victor moving in front of me. I remember hearing the gunshot. Then nothing but blood.”
“If it hadn’t been for Cole, all three of you would probably be dead now. He knocked the gun out of Douglas’ hand. It gave me time to get inside.”
Ben hesitated then continued. “You were pretty hard on him, Charley. I know you weren’t aware of what you were doing, but Cole thinks you blame him for Victor getting shot. I guess that’s why he hasn’t come to the hospital. He believes you never want to see him again.”
Charley slumped farther down in her seat and rubbed the bridge of her nose. “Oh, God, Ben. How did everything get to be such a mess? He probably hates me now.”
Frannie put an arm around her. “He doesn’t hate you. I don’t think he could. But he is hurting, Charley. I called Kristy when they took Victor into surgery, and she said Cole came in and went straight upstairs. You need to talk to him.”
“I can’t leave Uncle Victor yet. Not until I know for sure how he’s doing.” The need to find Cole and explain, combined with the need to be there for Victor, was tearing her apart.
Her uncle’s words kept running through her head. Promise me you’ll give Jordan another chance. But what if he wouldn’t give her one?
“Miss Hart?”
She had been so deep in thought, she hadn’t even seen the doctor come in. Now, she lurched to her feet. “My uncle?”
He smiled. “Your uncle is in the recovery room. The damage was pretty extensive, and it’s going to take some time before he’s back to normal, but I’m pleased to tell you he’s going to make it.”
Charley threw herself into the surprised man’s arms and hugged him fiercely. “Thank you. Oh, thank you so much.” She stepped back a little. “Can I see him?”
Grinning like an idiot, the doctor shook his head. “He’ll be in recovery for at least four more hours, and he wouldn’t even know you were there. Why don’t you go home and get some rest? You’ve had a rough night. One of the nurses will call you when he starts to wake up. Just make sure they have your number.”
Frannie touched her arm. “I’ll go give them your cell phone number. Why don’t you get your things together?”
“Not much to get.” Charley turned back to the row of chairs as Frannie went to talk to the receptionist. Her blouse, covered with Victor’s blood, had been unsalvageable, but one of the nurses had provided her with a scrub top.
The manila envelope contained only the jewelry she had been wearing. She dumped the contents onto the chair seat and picked up the sterling silver ring. It was made from the handle of her mother’s baby spoon, and Charley never let it out of sight. It was one of the few things she had left from her mother.
She slipped it onto her right hand and then reached for the gold ID bracelet Cole had given her. “Ben, can you fasten this for me?” She held out her arm.
“Sure.” He took the bracelet and draped it over her wrist. Suddenly he stopped. “What’s this on the clasp? Feels like scratches.”
“What?” Charley took the bracelet and held the clasp so the light would fall on it. The words jumped out at her. For love of Charley, wife of my heart. Her knees went weak and she sank slowly into the chair. “Oh, God.”
Frannie and Ben were both looking at her with concern. “Charley?” Her cousin moved closer. “What’s wrong?”
Charley leaped to her feet. “Frannie, I need to borrow your car.”
“Are you sure that’s a good idea?”
“It’s a wonderful idea. The best I’ve ever had. I’m going to find Cole.”
Frannie dug the keys out her purse and handed them over.
* * * * *
The patio door moved silently along its track as Cole pushed it back and stepped outside. The cool night air ruffled his hair, but he knew that soon the sun would rise and heat would slam down like an iron fist. A new day would dawn. One without Charley in it.
In spite of his exhaustion, he had finally given up on sleep. How could he sleep when every time he closed his eyes he saw Charley flinching away from him, heard her voice blaming him for not believing her?
A glimmer of moonlight on water caught his attention and he turned to look toward the lake. They had never made it to the glade, and now they probably never would. Not together. But he couldn’t leave without going back at least once.
Even as he started through the trees, Cole realized he’d made a decision. He had told Charley he would never leave her again, but how could he stay knowing he’d see her every day? Canyon Bend was too small. It would drive him crazy wondering when he’d turn a corner and she would be there. Seeing her, but never touching her. Loving her, but never able to call her his.
Kristy liked it here. She could stay and run the business for him. First thing in the morning he would pack his clothes and head back to California. And maybe someday he’d learn to live without Charley. Someday when he was old and gray.
He pushed the thoughts away and concentrated on keeping his footing. The path he followed was steep, and the trees blocked what little moonlight was left. At one point, he stumbled, catching himself on a tree, wincing when his left arm caught his weight.
The glade was exactly as he remembered it, and that surprised him. After ten years, he’d expected more undergrowth, more trees to have sprung up. But they hadn’t. It was almost as if time had stood still.
In the daylight, the glade had always seeme
d cathedral-like. Huge trees arched overhead, their leaves filtering the sunshine into soft green-gold beams. Wildflowers carpeted the floor and butterflies set the air to shimmering with color. The tiny spring at one edge of the clearing was a constant, lulling tinkle of sound.
But as beautiful as it was in the day, the glade at night became an enchanted wonderland. A place where fairies lived and played in the silken, silver light. And it was here that he’d first loved Charley, on a blanket spread near the spring. Here that she’d agreed to marry him. Here that he’d bound his soul and his life to hers, forever.
Reverently, he stepped away from the trees and walked to the spring, for a moment just gazing down into its clear depths. With a sigh, he sank down onto a log and buried his face in his hands, the new plaster cast scratchy against his skin. “Charley,” he whispered. “I need you so much.”
* * * * *
Charley cursed under her breath as the yellow Volkswagen puttered down the highway. She was so used to driving a truck that Frannie’s car felt more like a wind-up toy than a real means of transportation. It wouldn’t have surprised her in the least to see clowns piling out of it in large numbers. But she was moving, and that was all that counted right now.
Excitement tinged with worry flashed through her as she turned into the driveway of the Carstairs house. Not a single light showed from any window as she pulled to a stop behind the white Taurus. But of course, there wouldn’t be. The first touch of day was just now edging over the hills. Everyone would be asleep.
An image of Cole, alone in that big bed, eyes shut, hair falling onto his forehead, ran across her mind and she shivered. Would he be happy to see her? She gazed up at the third level, wondering if his patio door was unlocked. It seemed a shame to wake Kristy and Mrs. Paulson.
The thought of Mrs. Paulson caused her to immediately abandon any plan to sneak around the house. She really hoped Cole hadn’t bought the woman a gun, but she wasn’t going to chance being mistaken for a bear just in case. She’d just have to ring the bell.
She leaned on the button and heard the chimes echo inside the house. A minute later, she did it again. Light suddenly spilled down the inside stairs and she saw a shadowed figure moving toward the door. There was a moment of hesitation and then it was pulled open.
“Charley!”
“I’m sorry to wake you, Kristy, but I need to see Cole.”
“Of course. Come in. How is your uncle?”
“He’s going to make it.”
“Oh, that’s wonderful news.” Kristy glanced over her shoulder. “It’s okay, Mrs. Paulson. You can go back to bed.”
Charley looked up as the housekeeper’s raspy voice mumbled a complaint, then watched the tiny woman vanish back into her bedroom.
“She’ll probably never forgive me for waking her this early.”
Kristy smiled. “Are you kidding? She won’t even remember it when she wakes up again.” She tightened the belt on her robe. “I’m glad you’re here, Charley. Cole was pretty upset.”
“Did he say anything?”
“Only that you hated him and never wanted to see him again.” She shrugged.
Charley’s stomach sank. “Then it’s even worse than I thought. Do you think he’ll forgive me?”
“You’ll have to ask him that. Shall I get him?”
“Would it be all right if I just went up?”
Kristy pondered for moment. “I don’t see why not. Actually, I’m a little surprised he didn’t hear the doorbell. That’s not like him.”
“He’s probably exhausted.”
“You might be right.” She gestured. “After you. If you need me I’ll be in my room.”
“Thanks again, Kristy.”
“Anytime.” The blonde yawned.
Charley paused on the landing until she heard Kristy’s door close and her soft movements cease, then continued up the third flight of stairs to the master suite. Cole’s bedroom door was shut, and she eased it open quietly. Inside was pitch black.
“Cole?” She took a tentative step toward the bed. As her eyes began to adjust, she could just see the vague outlines of furniture. From somewhere, a cool breeze touched her cheek.
Hand outstretched to avoid obstacles, she reached the bed and stopped. “Cole? It’s me. I need to talk to you.”
When there was still no answer, she leaned down and touched the bed, running her fingers across the sheets. Sheets that were cool. He wasn’t there.
Charley fumbled for the bedside lamp and finally flipped it on. The bed, as was the rest of the room, was empty. Surprised, her gaze drifted to the open patio doors. Would he have left again, without telling Kristy? No, she decided. There was no sign of packing, nothing to indicate he’d left in a hurry. All the personal items that had been there on her last visit were still scattered around the room.
It took only one look in the misty gray morning light to see he wasn’t on the patio. Charley stood in half-light, her shoulders slumped. Where could he be?
Slowly, she turned to look at the lake, and she knew with a feeling that was beyond comprehension. The glade. He was at the glade. She started off the patio. By the time she reached the trees, she was running.
* * * * *
Cole lifted his head and stared at the vision in front of him. She couldn’t be real, had to be a figment his subconscious had conjured. He wanted to reach out and touch her, but was afraid she’d vanish.
Strange, the tricks your mind can play, he thought. His vision of Charley had her hands crammed in the pockets of her jeans. Instead of her usual blouse, she was wearing a dull green, cotton top, the kind doctors wore. Her chestnut hair was loose, curling around her shoulders in the damp morning air. And this particular vision looked extremely nervous.
“Hi.”
Her voice was soft, but Cole blinked, startled. Visions didn’t talk, did they? He continued to stare at her, his breath suspended.
She took a small step closer and he caught the tantalizing scent that was uniquely Charley. Warm. Soft. Mysterious.
“I hope you don’t mind that I followed you.”
Slowly, he stood, his gaze fixed on her face. This was no vision of Charley in front of him. It was the real thing. “How did you know where I was?”
She gave a little shrug. “I went to your house. You weren’t there, but your car was still in the driveway, and the patio doors were open. This was the only place I could think of that you might be.”
“I see.”
Silence descended, broken only by the occasional chirp of an early rising bird. Cole cleared his throat. “How’s Victor?”
Charley removed her hands from her pockets, couldn’t seem to decide what to do with them, and stuck them back in. “The doctor says he’s going to be okay. He was in the recovery room when I left.”
“That’s good.”
“Yes.”
For another few seconds they stared at each other.
“Why were you looking for me?” He couldn’t afford to hope, didn’t dare let himself.
He saw her take a long, deep breath, almost as though she were bracing herself, then let it out in an explosive whoosh.
“It suddenly occurred to me that I’ve never really answered your question. That wasn’t fair of me.”
“Question?” Cole had to fight the urge to stick his own hands in his pockets.
“Yes. You asked me to move in with you. I never gave you an answer.”
This time, the hope bubbled up inside him in spite of his efforts to squelch it. “And?” He was surprised his voice wasn’t shaky.
She pulled her hands out and twisted them together in front of her. “The answer is no.”
He couldn’t respond. If he did he’d beg her to change her mind, plead with her to love him. Instead, he gave a single curt nod and started to turn away.
“Cole?”
He stopped.
“You know how small towns are. If we moved in together before the wedding, everyone would still be talking about it in
fifty years. Do you really want our children to hear stories about their parents living in sin?”
He had always thought that “his heart stopped beating” was just a phrase used in books. It wasn’t. Fighting for air, he turned back to her. “Wedding?” He could barely get the word out.
She smiled at him and the whole world exploded in brightness. “Yes. You did propose to me, after all. So the wedding was delayed a little. Better late than never, I always say. I do hope you don’t mind if it’s a big one. I’ve always wanted a fairy-tale wedding with a long white dress and all the trimmings.”
He reached her in one step and swept her against him so tightly he was afraid of hurting her, but he couldn’t seem to stop. “Charley,” he choked. “Oh, God. I thought I’d lost you forever.”
Her arms snaked around his neck, her breath warm on his cheek. “Not a chance, my love. You got away from me the first time. This time I’m going to make sure we make it to the church even if I have to guard you every second.”
“Is that a threat?” His lips moved along her jaw to the corner of her mouth.
“No,” she whispered turning her face to his. “That’s a promise.”
Happiness didn’t even begin to cover the emotion that surged through him. Euphoria, maybe? Whatever it was, he was dizzy with it. Charley’s lips under his, soft and warm, made thinking impossible. She was his. Finally and forever. Nothing else mattered.
A flame ignited inside him and he was sucked into a whirling maelstrom of sensation that he was incapable of stopping even if he’d wanted to. And he didn’t want to. Something drove him, some final vestige of the years he’d lived without her, to prove to both of them that she belonged to him body and soul, as he belonged to her.
Charley clung to him helplessly as his mouth ravaged hers, then trailed down her neck. He forced himself to pause long enough to look into her eyes. They had gone from green to gold, heavy-lidded with desire.
“I know,” she murmured. “It’s okay.”
With a groan, he stripped her clothes away and lowered her to the ground. His hands and mouth were everywhere, touching, tasting, driving her into such a frenzy of need that she cried out. Even the earthy scent of the grass crushed beneath them added to the pleasure.