Return to Osprey Cove

by Luisa Marietta Gold

  "The next two are close together, but we have a short drive to get there. One of them was our highest-priced listing at $10 million. It should give you an idea what that amount of money will buy here in Puerto Vallarta."

  "You're doing a fine job, Jason. We appreciate this preliminary work you are doing for us. I know your job is to show property."

  "If this is helpful to you, it's my pleasure."

  "Okay, so on our left is the property I mentioned which recently sold for $10 million. It was purchased by an American like yourselves. It does sit up on the hillside, so we won't be able to get a real good view of the entire property. But I hope it will give you some idea of what type of property you will get at that price."

  As Jason stopped across the street from the driveway, Max and Eva could hardly believe their eyes. There was a beautiful stone entrance marker which read, The Villa Castlebury.

  Chapter Thirty-five

  THE LADY DROXELL

  Catherine and Alex woke about sunrise. The cove was calm. Catherine made her way to the head -- she was still getting used to calling it that. Catherine was grateful to Alex's mother for keeping on board new packages of toothbrushes and trial size toiletries.

  It had gotten a bit chilly in the boat after they went to bed. Alex said it was not safe to keep the generator running while they slept. The extra blanket had come in handy.

  Catherine came out of the head and found Alex busy in the galley making some coffee with a stove top percolator. It smelled wonderful! He looked over at her and smiled.

  "So how did our 'city girl' sleep last night? Is she still -- how did she put it -- 'getting into this camping thing?'"

  Well, it was rather cold, but the extra blanket helped a lot. It was exciting, though, to wake up and see the lake out the window!"

  "Well, you haven't seen anything yet. Grab your jacket and come with me. You are about to experience the best part of being on The Lady Droxell."

  He reached for her hand, grabbed a blanket out of the sleeping area, and led her up to the deck. He put his arms on her shoulders and pointed her in the direction of the sunrise.

  "Have you ever seen anything more beautiful?"

  Catherine was awed by the beauty of the brilliant orange ball rising from the horizon at the edge of the water. It was incredible to see it rise. As it rose, the yellow and orange reflections in the water were spectacular.

  "Wow," Catherine said. "I've never seen anything more beautiful. I want to get my phone and take a picture, but I don't want to miss a moment of it."

  "Hold on; I'll go get it," Alex offered.

  "I want to remember this moment," Catherine said as she began snapping pictures.

  Alex pulled two of the deck chairs over.

  "Here sit down, I'm going to get our coffee. I'll be right back. It'll be beautiful for a while yet."

  Catherine sat down and took in all the beauty of the morning on the lake. She was startled by a loud squawk. When she turned to see what it was, she saw a Great Blue Heron flying low across the cove and land at the point, where he stood motionless as he began fishing. Now and then she would see a swirl in the calm water -- a clear sign of a fish below the surface. In the trees, she could hear the crows cackling.

  Alex was back with two steaming mugs of coffee. "We'll have to make do with powdered creamer, but that's part of roughing it," he said smiling.

  "I'm just glad to have coffee." Catherine took a sip and said, "I think this is probably the best coffee I have ever had!"

  Alex laughed. "The beauty of the lake makes one delirious at times! But if I must say so myself, it's not bad."

  "This is my favorite time of day on The Lady. I can sit all morning long and be entertained by the changing sights and sounds of the lake and the sky. There is nothing that compares to it." Alex said.

  Catherine looked at Alex as he spoke these words and realized how much he loved the outdoors. She appreciated more than ever why he wanted others -- especially young people -- to also see its beauty and learn how to enjoy it. She knew these special times with Alex could not last, but she was grateful to at least have shared a few of them with him. She was going to impress on her mind and heart each minute of them. She did not want to forget them.

  "Well, amidst all this beauty and serenity, we do have one small problem."

  "And what may I ask is that, sir?" Catherine teased.

  "We have little provisions for breakfast, and we have a long ride ahead of us. I can't even think of any nearby lodges where we can stop along the way."

  Catherine smiled. It seemed like a minor inconvenience for all she was experiencing.

  She finally responded, "Well, it looks like I might have to catch us another fish for breakfast! I've never had fish for breakfast," she laughed, "but there is a first time for everything!"

  "Well, that was spoken like a true outdoorswoman! I think you have graduated with honors from the outdoor lessons we started at our first business meeting!"

  "I would even go so far as to say my flannel shirt with your 'city girl' khakis appears most 'appropriate for this outdoor activity.'"

  Alex was not quite sure why he did what he did next. Perhaps 'the beauty of the lake did make one delirious.' Whatever it was -- he leaned over and kissed Catherine.

  It was a kiss that seemed to match the emotion of the beauty in which they found themselves. It was soft and tender like the calm waters surrounding them. But it was also laced with the passion of the sun that had just risen and made its way through the morning clouds. It seemed to speak without words being spoken as did the inanimate objects around them. It was a kiss that lingered just as the slightest ripple from the middle of the lake lingered and made its way to the shore. It communicated a depth of love that transcended passion. Hidden in its depth was the promise of new beginnings.

  As their lips parted, there were no thoughts that occupied their mind. Their feelings in their hearts were all that dominated their being. They paused as though to digest and savor the moment before allowing themselves to come back to reality.

  As the magic of the moment ended, thoughts surfaced like the wind that suddenly picks up and disturbs the peaceful waters.

  Tears formed in Catherine's eyes as they were so wont to do lately. Were they tears of joy or tears for what she knew she could never have? She turned her head in an attempt to keep Alex from seeing them.

  Alex pulled her head back toward him. Alex could see the tears that she was unable to hold back.

  "Catherine, I hadn't planned to do that. I'm sorry if it upset you."

  "You didn't upset me, Alex. That's not why I am crying. I enjoy being with you more than you know. It's just that there are things that make it impossible for us to pursue a relationship."

  "I don't understand, Catherine. What things? I know that you will need time to heal from your husband's death. I realize I am still recovering from what happened with Rosalind. But I don't see any obstacles in our way if we want to get to know each other. I already feel like I know you so well."

  "Alex, there are things that make it impossible. Just trust me."

  Alex could sense how troubling whatever she was holding back was to her. Whatever it was, he wanted to share it with her. He wanted to find a way to keep it from coming between them. But he felt helpless not knowing.

  It was evident that Catherine was not going to share her secret now. Alex decided it was best to try to return to the lighthearted mood they had both been in before the kiss.

  "Well, I guess we better get the fishing poles out. Are you ready to catch a fish?"

  Catherine was grateful the subject had been changed. She knew she had to tell Alex about her pregnancy. But she just wasn't ready yet.

  "I'll give it my best shot, captain."

  Alex put a lure on her line and gave it a good cast nearly touching the shoreline.

  "Here - reel this in slowly. I'll get my pole ready to go. Hopefully, one of us will at least catch something -- even a couple small perch or crappie
would make an excellent breakfast."

  "I'm not sure what they are, but I hope they like my lure. I could go for some of those eggs and bacon the dining room is probably serving by now!"

  "Well, I'm pretty tight with the owner, I promise to see that the cook makes you some eggs and bacon if that's what you want when we get back!

  "Thanks, Alex."

  It took some time for their efforts to produce any results, but eventually Alex had a nibble on his line, and he brought in a perch."

  "It's such a pretty fish," Catherine said as she watched Alex take if off the hook. "I hate to have to eat him."

  "Well, I can throw him back, if you like," Alex said pretending to toss him back.

  Catherine grabbed his arm and said, "No, don't throw him back -- is he going to be enough for both of us?"

  "It would be good to have one more. Let me give your line a good cast closer to shore."

  Sure enough, as soon as the lure touched the water, a bass broke the water and grabbed the lure."

  "Quick, give me the pole," Alex said grabbing the pole.

  Alex set the hook and brought the bass to the boat. It was not as big as their fish the night before. But along with the perch, they had the makings of a delicious breakfast.

  Alex cooked up the fish as he had the night before. They were both delicious. They ate every bit of them. Alex had found a jar of applesauce which they opened and ate with it. It was a bit of an unconventional breakfast, but it hit the spot.

  "Well, I guess it's time to start heading back. If we leave now, we should make it home for lunch."

  "Lunch and a nice hot shower never sounded so good," Catherine replied.

  "Come on," Alex said putting his arm around Catherine's shoulder and leading her down into the cabin, "let's get things secured inside so that we are ready to start back."

  Within a few minutes, they were both back in the helm heading back to The Osprey Cove Lodge.

  Chapter Thirty-six

  CHICAGO

  Michael woke up Monday morning and followed his normal work day routine. He went down to the dining room. Jean fixed him some eggs and toast.

  "Any word from Catherine yet, Michael?"

  "No, Jean, nothing."

  "I'm really worried now."

  "I am, too, Jean. I tried phoning the lodge as soon as I got up but the recording said that the office hours were 8:00 -- 5:00. I'm going to try to call again when I get to the office. I'll keep in touch with you."

  "Okay, be sure you do."

  Michael headed off to the office.

  When 8:00 AM arrived, he called the lodge again, and James answered.

  "James, this is Michael Gregstone. I had called last evening trying to reach Catherine Wellin, my sister. Have you been able to give her the message?"

  "No, I'm sorry, Mr. Gregstone, I haven't seen Ms. Wellin yet this morning. Would you like me to ring her room?"

  "Yes, please."

  When there was no answer, he immediately re-dialed the front desk number.

  "James, my sister is not answering. I'm worried about her because she was supposed to call and I have not heard from her. Would you be able to check her room and be sure everything is okay?"

  "Well, I wouldn't be authorized to do that without checking with the owner. But I will give Ms. Wellin the message to call you."

  "I understand, thank you."

  He did not see anything else he could do except wait to see if she called. He started his work day and hoped he would hear from her soon.

  This episode of not hearing from Catherine and not being able to reach her confirmed to him that her living so far away in her condition was not a good idea. Catherine needed to move back to Chicago. Whatever possessed her to take a trip to another country -- albeit Canada - by herself? If something happened to her, how would he even find her? He didn't even know where this 'Osprey' place was. What was so special about it that she had to travel so far? None of it made sense.

  Michael was on the phone with one of his division managers when his secretary tapped lightly on the door and handed him a note. It said, "Catherine is on line 2."

  He immediately dismissed the call with the division manager and picked up line 2.

  "Catherine, is everything alright?" He blurted out in a tone that conveyed his degree of concern that his sister had not contacted him for several days.

  "Michael, I am fine -- I am so, so sorry I haven't been able to call you. I know you must have worried."

  "What happened? I tried your room several times and got no answer. I've been frantic all weekend."

  Catherine quickly sensed that forgetting to call him the night she arrived and then having no service until now had created quite a problem. She attempted to calm her brother down.

  "I know you are upset, please calm down and let me explain. When I got here Friday, I did simply forget to call to say that I arrived safely. I was anxious to get settled, and I wanted to get outside and enjoy the day. I would have called in the evening, but I ran into Alex Droxell -- he is the client that I prepared the marketing proposal for in Ottawa. He asked me to join him for dinner, and I just got distracted. We got up early the next morning and got on his boat, and planned to spend the day on it. We took a several hour trip to a small town we had visited when I was here on business. When we started to head back in the afternoon, we ran into a severe thunder and lightning storm. We had to anchor in a cove to try to avoid being struck. By the time the storm passed, it was too late to start back to the lodge. Because you see, there are locks that you have to go through and we would have run into darkness. Alex did not want to maneuver the boat in the dark. That night I realized I needed to call you. I knew you would be worried. But when I tried to call, I had no service. I tried Alex's phone and his phone did not have service either. I just picked up service. I called you right away."

  He didn't know how to respond.

  "Where are you now, Catherine?" He finally managed to get out.

  "We are on The Lady Droxell on the lake heading back to The Osprey Cove Lodge. We are getting close to one of the locks that we have to go through to get to the next lake that the lodge is on."

  "Are you alright -- are you feeling well?"

  "Yes, I'm fine. Please don't worry anymore. I even caught a fish! We didn't have any food on the boat, so we had to catch a fish for dinner last night and for breakfast this morning. You should have seen the sunrise this morning. It was beautiful. It was a little cold on the boat last night. We couldn't leave the generator on, but it was so nice waking up on the boat. I think this was my first camping experience. It was great!"

  Michael listened to the rambling words of his sister. He was glad she was not hurt or lying in a hospital somewhere. To be sure, he was glad she was safe. Or was she? There were several things in her dissertation of the events of the last couple days that were sending up red flags. First, she was with a man. He didn't care if he was a client. What was she doing with a man? Had she planned to meet him there? What did she mean when she said 'we got up early the next morning?' Was she sleeping with him? She spent a night on his boat? All this did not sound like his sister. Did she forget she was pregnant?

  His initial response was that of disappointment in Catherine. But then he began to rationalize that she was probably acting as a result of the traumatic events she had just gone through in her life. His disappointment turned into guilt. He should have protected her from this. Why didn't he try to prevent her from planning a trip alone? He was her brother. He was all the family she had aside from Margaret who was only concerned about her life. It was his fault.

  "Catherine, I wonder if it was a good idea for you to make this trip alone. You have just gone through a lot of trauma. You may not be thinking clearly about certain matters."

  "What do you mean?"

  "Well, do you think you should be considering another relationship right now?"

  Catherine stepped out of the helm area and went below to the cabin so she could talk more private
ly. Alex had heard all that she had said so far. As she rambled in all her innocence, she could see that what she had said may have sent the wrong message to her brother. He would have drawn the wrong conclusions if Catherine were his sister. He suspected her brother was trying to sort it out and hence the need for her to seek privacy.

  "You have misunderstood. I am not in a relationship with Alex. We are friends. It was a pure coincidence that we ran into each other. I came to The Osprey for solitude to think and make some decisions. As it turned out, the lodge had gone up for sale since my last visit. Alex purchased it and that is why he was there. I guess it sent the wrong message when I said we spent the night on the boat. We slept in two separate sleeping areas. We set out on a day trip on the boat. The storm came quickly and unexpectedly. There was no way we could get home. We are not in a relationship. More than anyone else, I understand that I cannot consider a relationship under my present circumstances. Is that what you were thinking, that I was here with a lover? I am shocked that you would even think that."

  "Catherine, I'm sorry. I know that is not in your character. I think I have just been so wrought with worry over you. I just couldn't understand why I couldn't reach you. I feel responsible for you right now, that's all."

  "Well, thank you for being so concerned. But please stop. I am fine and perfectly capable of taking care of myself. I am having a wonderful time here. I will keep in touch with you the rest of the week. I'm sure you've gotten Jean and Ella all worried about me, too. Please tell them I am doing fine."

  "Okay, Sis. I love you. I couldn't bear to think of something happening to you."

  "I love you too, Michael, take care. I'll be in touch, I promise."

  Catherine ended the call and headed back up to the helm and sat down next to Alex. Alex looked over at here and smiled.

  "He got the wrong idea, didn't he?"

  Catherine took in and let out a deep breath, "Something like that. But I think he's straight now. He just worries about me a lot, especially since . . . ," Catherine almost said 'since I'm pregnant' but caught herself, "since Mom and Dad died."