“What about Megan?”
“You’re right but she’s a flitterbug when it comes to men. Guess it’s your turn.”
Suzanna frowned. “No romance for me. Not with a fifteen year old brother to raise.” She turned and saw Rick and Cate talking to a man.
He turned. Her hands clenched. Why was Caleb here? At least he wasn’t with that rude blonde who had accosted them in the hospital parking lot. She hurried toward the sign pointing to trees from eight to twelve feet tall.
Caleb approached. “Shopping?” he asked.
“I am. And you?”
“For a smaller tree.” He pointed to one about four feet tall. “What do you think?”
“A nice tree.”
“I’m sorry about the interruption this morning. She’s under the false impression my mother has arranged our marriage.”
Suzanna shook her head. “In this day and age?”
“My mother likes to control. I keep telling Regina it’s not happening. Do you have any idea how to rid myself of this pest?”
Suzanna laughed. “I’m not sure my method would work.” When he touched his cheek, her face heated. Seems he remembered the slap.
He cocked his head. “Maybe not though I did get the message.” He turned and waved to a younger man. “Looks like someone is ready to cut my tree.”
“And I must choose.” She entered one of the rows of trees and searched. She heard Maddie’s excited cry and walked toward the voice. Abruptly, Suzanna halted. There stood the perfect one. She took out her phone and snapped several pictures for Jon and sent them to his computer. Holding the red card, she tied the marker to a branch and looked for a cutter. At the cash register, she found the owner and handed him the card. He waved to a younger version of himself and directed him to cut the tree. Suzanna followed the younger man. After the tree had been cut, put into a plastic mesh sleeve, she paid. The tree was tied to the roof of her SUV. She found Cate and company and followed them home.
At the house, she parked in the driveway. How could she wrestle the tree inside? She considered strapping it to the chair life. Would that work? Across the street, Rick and Clint struggled to remove the tree from their vehicle roof. She could ask them to help her, but she feared someone would be hurt.
A sports car pulled up at the curb. Caleb emerged and assisted the two men in carrying the tree to the porch. He turned to Suzanna. “Go set up your tree stand where you want the tree. We’ll bring yours soon.”
“But…”
“Don’t argue,” three men shouted.
Suzanna shook her head. Refusing the offer would be dumb. She went into the house and removed her gloves and jacket. She carried the cast iron stand to the corner of the living room. She had rearranged the furniture last night.
After making sure of the stand’s position, she filled the well of the single cup coffeemaker with water. Before long, she heard thuds on the porch. She opened the door and backed into her brother’s room. The men made the turn into the living room.
A short time later, Caleb stepped into the hall. “You’re all set. You need to fill the base with water. Then I’ll remove the mesh.”
“On my way.” She detoured to the kitchen for the long spouted watering can and filled the stand. Caleb cut the netting and the branches spread.
“Where did you find that watering can?” Rick asked. “Cate told Maddie she’s the only one short enough to water the tree. I have visions of floods.”
“At the hardware store in town,” Suzanna said. “Would you like coffee?”
“Clint and I need to head home.” Rick turned to Caleb. “Thanks for the help.”
“No trouble. I’m glad Cate asked.”
Suzanna watched her neighbors step outside leaving her alone with Caleb. She stepped back. “Coffee?”
“I would love a cup.” He looked past her into the room she’d prepared for Jon. “Looks like you’re ready for the homecoming. Do you want help putting the lights on the tree?”
“I’ll wait until Jon comes home.”
“That’s what I wanted to talk to you about when we were blindsided by a stalker.”
Though tempted to ask him about the blonde, Suzanna refrained. “Is there a problem with you continuing to work with him?”
He shook his head. “Working with Jon is fun. His rapidity of learning the strokes pleases me. He can become a champion. Seems he invited me to the tree trimming party.”
He looked away but not before she saw hope in his blue eyes. She’d heard gossip at the hospital about his family being out of town for the holidays. Cate had told her of how he’d made a connection with the husbands of the Gang. “Please come. You know many of the guests and Jon will be pleased.”
“Are you sure?” He stared at the floor. “You and I share a past I wish hadn’t happened.”
“So do I.” She moved past him. “Let me make the coffee and warm up two cinnamon rolls.”
“Frank’s?”
“I’d be a fool to try and make them. How do you like your coffee?”
“Black.” He grinned. “Do you still like mocha with extra cream and a lot of sugar?”
She laughed. “You remembered.” For some reason, his comment made questions pop into her head. Stop it. You didn’t want what he offered before and definitely not now.
He followed her to the kitchen and leaned against the door frame. “I remember a lot about you. Can we put my rash actions in the past aside?”
“Why?”
He stared into her eyes. “I’ll just say my eyes have been opened.”
She also wanted to push the past aside. How, when she saw him every day? She popped a small container into the machine and hit the button. Moments later the fragrant aroma filled the air. She handed him the mug and started the cycle for her own. When she turned, he had vanished.
“Caleb,” she called.
“In the living room.”
Suzanna added cream to her oversized mug, placed the cinnamon rolls on plates and carried the coffee and rolls to the living room. The scent of pine reached her.
Caleb grinned. “I like the décor. You have great taste.”
She shook her head. “Lauren does. The house was furnished, all but Jon’s room.”
“You’re lucky. I had no idea how much furnishing an apartment cost, not to mention a home.”
“Why didn’t you stay at your parents’?”
“I wasn’t comfortable there. I realized being away for medical school and residency had changed me.” He released a breath. “I never felt as though I belonged.” He reached for one of the rolls. “There are things I wish I’d done differently. I would like to hope for a second chance.”
“At what?”
“For starters, learning how to be your friend.”
Suzanna gulped a mouthful of sweet mocha. Did he mean exactly what he said?
“Are you willing to try?” Caleb asked. “I won’t deny how much I want you, but I would like to know more about you and hopefully earn your trust.”
“Do you mean that?” Her heart beat in staccato rhythm.
He nodded. “Jon has told me a lot about himself, you and your family. He really loves you.”
“And I love him. He’s a brave boy.” She shuddered. “When I think of those twenty hours after the accident before they located me, I want to cry.” She lifted her mug. “I didn’t like my step-father. After I left home to come to Grantley on a full scholarship, I worked part-time at the Hot Doggery. After graduation, I found a job at City, enrolled in a graduate program and found a studio apartment.”
“Jon said you helped them.”
She scowled. “Only my brothers and sister.”
“Jon thinks your parents planned the accident. Do you believe that?”
“I have no proof but I’m afraid that’s how the accident happened.” Before she could stop them, tears flowed.
Caleb put his arm around her. “You had no way of knowing.”
“I know but it still hurts.”
/>
He held her until her sobs ceased. Then he rose. “I’d better leave before I do something we might regret. Will you be okay?”
“Yes.”
After he left, Suzanna leaned against the door and dried her eyes. She wanted to think they could become friends, especially with his connection to her brother.
Chapter 7
Caleb started the car and pulled away from the curb. He couldn’t believe he’d spent so much time with Suzanna and done nothing more than listen. Though tempted, he hadn’t kissed her. One kiss would have ignited the passion flowing between them. Pride made him smile. To prove how much he’d changed, he had to focus on friendship.
Coming to Eastlake and facing his parents’ demands for his marriage to Regina had started the change. Years ago, choosing medicine had been a silent act of rebellion against family tradition. No Winstone male had ever entered any career but finance and business. By refusing to join his father and brother, he’d taken his first step. Refusing to marry Regina and moving from the family home would be the final step.
Once again, he knew he was the outsider. Even his dark hair and blue eyes marked him as different.
He pulled into his slot at the apartment complex. Would Suzanna see the change? Desire beat in his veins. He wanted her in his life and his bed.
Caleb left the car and carried the tree and stand he’d purchased at the tree farm and rode the elevator to his floor. Inside, he dragged one of the end tables to the window and placed the holder and tree on top. After filling the well with water, he stood back.
He had no lights or ornaments, but he knew where they could be found. He pulled on his jacket and headed for his car. A short time later, he opened the kitchen door of the family mansion.
Mabel studied him. “Did you come for more frozen dinners?”
“No but I can take several when I leave. I need lights and ornaments for my tree.” He accepted the mug of coffee she handed him and sipped.
“Pete’s decorating the house tree. Go into the living room and select what you need. He’s carried every light and ornament from the storage room.
“Why is he trimming a tree?”
“What would people think if we left Caleb without a tree?”
Her perfect imitation of his mother’s voice made Caleb chuckle. “I guess she doesn’t know I’ve my own place.”
“Who would tell her? She thought you would be entertaining here. And she thought you might settle here with your bride.”
Caleb shook his head. “Not happening.”
Martha nodded. “I’m glad. That Regina is trouble.”
“How true.” He set the mug on the counter and left the kitchen for the living room.
Pete looked up. “Good afternoon.”
“Hi.” Caleb stared at the many boxes on the floor and the sets of lights beside them. “I’ve come for some things for my tree.”
The man rose. “Lord knows there are enough here for ten trees. How big is yours?”
“About four feet,” Caleb said.
“Multi-colored lights or all one color? Large or small.”
“Multi and small.”
Pete pointed to the reels. “Take that one, it should be enough and then take four or five boxes of the ornaments. If you need more, just come back. Don’t take any gold or silver.”
Caleb spent time studying the ornaments. He found some that had been on the trees when he’d been young. He placed them in a plastic crate and used tissue paper to separate the layers.
“I’ll return any I don’t need.”
“Don’t bother. I’m not sure when they were last used. This year all the lights are to be blue and the ornaments gold and solver. I’m to leave the tree up until your parents return.”
“I’ll be here on Christmas Day for Mabel’s dinner.”
The cook entered the room. “Go decorate your tree. We’ll be at the community food kitchen on Christmas Day, but I’ll leave you a plate of food. Why not come this evening at six for dinner?”
Caleb nodded. “I’ll be here. Could you make it five thirty? I have an appointment at seven.”
“We’ll see you then.”
Caleb carried the box and the reel of lights to his vehicle. After reaching the apartment, he spent two hours decorating the tree. The bright lights and the ornaments formed a spot of color. As he hung the ornaments, he remembered other Christmases spent with his family.
When the last ornament had been placed, he grabbed his gym bag and headed for the mansion. After a cozy meal with the house staff, he drove to Rehab and changed in the dressing room. When he left the room, he found Jon had arrived. The aroma of chlorine raised memories of his glory days when he’d swum for the high school and college teams.
Jon waved. “Let me show you what I can do.” He rose and used the walker to make his way to the edge of the pool. Caleb helped him into the water and Jon began to walk, holding onto a rope that had been fastened around the shallow end.
“That’s great,” Caleb said. "Time to swim. Start with the butterfly and then the breaststroke.”
“Will do.”
Caleb watched. When Jon finished a lap of each, the boy clung to the rope. “Take time to catch your breath. That was terrific. You’ve improved in both.”
Jon nodded. “I’ve noticed they’re easier and my shoulders don’t hurt as much.”
“I helped your sister bring in her Christmas tree. She has your room arranged. Are you excited about going home?”
“Yes and no. I’ve never lived in a house. That will be different than an apartment. I can’t imagine having my own room.”
Caleb helped him from the pool and into the wheelchair. “Really?”
“I shared with my brother and sister. City apartments are expensive.”
“They definitely are. During my residency, I shared with two other residents in one owned by the hospital. When I looked for my own, I decided I wouldn’t be there often enough so why waste the money.” He turned away. “Be right back. I need to change. Want me to call for a pickup?”
“I’ll wait for you.”
Ten minutes later, Caleb pushed Jon into the elevator and to his room. An aide waited to help Jon dress.
“See you later.”
“Could you stay a bit?” Jon asked,
“Sure.” Caleb stepped into the hall.
When the aide left, Caleb stepped inside. Jon looked up. “Are you coming to the tree trimming party?”
“I’ll try. Just remember Dr. Joe is away and some child might need me.”
“I know that but try, please.”
“I will.”
Caleb stayed for another half hour. As he walked to the apartment, he thought about the party. Did Suzanna realize how fortunate she was? She had friends who cared about her, a brother who admired her and much more. He had one friend and a few acquaintances living in town. Alex Carter had a wife and child. Caleb scowled. All he really had were people who lightly touched his life. The new people in his life hadn’t been there long enough for friendships to develop.
He opened the apartment door and dropped his jacket on the couch. He thought about his brother and the distance between them. Until high school. Then, Warren had chosen football, making money and following their mother’s directions.
Swimming had been his choice. He groaned. Those years he’d felt like the cuckoo in the nest. Still, he didn’t regret his choice.
* * *
Today’s the day. Suzanna stretched to touch her toes. She slipped from the bed, showered and dressed. After breakfast, she would drive to Rehab and bring Jon home. As she prepared her meal, she thought about the rest of the day. First, she had to settle Jon, make the final preparations for the party and have lunch.
While collecting the ingredients for an omelet, she checked her preparations for the afternoon. Three kinds of salsa, bottles of juice and soda along with a pitcher of iced tea for Lauren waited. If any of her guests wanted beer or wine, they would bring their own.
T
en minutes later, she sat at the table to eat omelet and toast washed down with a mug of mocha. She finished and called the Hot Doggery to order the food to be delivered at five.
This done, she grabbed her keys, slipped on her jacket. She left the house. Was Jon as excited about coming home as she was in having him here?
At Rehab, she stopped to let the nurse in charge know she was here for Jon. The woman handed her a packet. “The discharge instructions and his appointments. PT and OT will come to your house. An aide will be there for four hours five days a week for four to six weeks. His meds are all over the counter. Dr. Rick said he would see him at home. That’s different.”
“He lives across the street. We’re old friends.” Suzanna tucked the folder under her arm. I’ll go up and make sure Jon’s packed before I move my car.”
“We’d like to thank you for the wonderful fruit basket that arrived this morning.”
“Not me. Jon’s responsible.”
“I’ll let him know it’s appreciated.”
Suzanna took the stairs and reached her brother’s room. Several plastic bags lay on the bed. She laughed. “Looks like I’ll have a load.”
“I could hold them,” Jon said.
She shook her head. “I’ll let the care assistant bring you down. I need to drive the car to the entrance.” She ran the bell and grabbed the laptop and two of the bags. “You can bring the rest.”
When she returned with the SUV, Jon waited outside. The aide helped him glide onto the front seat and fastened the seatbelt. His pallor showed he remembered another car trip. He gulped a breath.
“The trip is short. Ten minutes and you’ll be home. I’ll drive carefully.”
“I know you will. I’ll be okay.”
She loaded the transport chair and walker into the back of the vehicle. She slid into her seat. “Would you like a tour of the town?”
“Next time.” His tight voice barely rose above a whisper. He grasped the arm rest.
The short trip seemed longer than usual. Her glance strayed to her brother. She pulled into the driveway. Jon heaved a deep sigh.
She left the car and opened the rear and then his door. “Do you think you can walk to the stair lift?”
The Leo-Aquarius Connection Page 9
