“It was.” She squeezed her hand. “But it would have been even harder going through life feeling like I betrayed you and Pop. I love you two so much, and I promise never to do anything like this again.”
Her mother stood, held out her arms. “Come here, Robyn.”
She hugged her mother tight. “I’m so, so sorry. Please forgive me.”
“We love you, and we’ll always be here for you, no matter what, sweetie.” Thelma kissed her cheek, leaving behind traces of her shimmery brown lipstick.
When her mother sat back down and reached for a doughnut, Robyn cast a pensive gaze on her father.
He was still seated and appeared to be considering what she’d said.
“Pop? Do you think you can forgive me?”
Finally, he nodded. “Of course. How could I not? You know how much I love you. What your mother said, that goes for me, too.”
She went to him, leaning down to kiss him on the cheek. “Thanks, Pop. And do you think it would be okay if Dr. Rockford stayed on? The money’s in the budget. I’d checked on that. That way, I can step back a bit, and actually use some of my vacation time.”
“I’m fine with that.”
He chuckled. “All right, enough of that mushy stuff.” He stood, brushing crumbs from his work shirt. “I need to get out there and make sure the ranch is still running. You two can stay here with the doughnuts.” Plucking one more cruller from the box, he walked out. The sound of the front door opening and closing indicated he’d left.
Alone with her mother, she asked, “Do you think Pop has really forgiven me?”
“Yes, I do. You know he’s not one for emotional displays.” She munched on a chocolate-covered doughnut. “I think a part of his heart was lost when Lacey died.”
“I miss her.” She felt the tears gathering in her eyes.
“We all do. No matter how many years go by, we’re never going to forget her.” Thelma turned toward the photograph of her daughters sitting on the sideboard. “She’s always in our hearts.”
She exhaled. “I think part of me was trying to run from her memory, you know? Sometimes, remembering her is just too painful.” She ran a hand over her hair. “I guess I thought if I wasn’t on the ranch anymore, it wouldn’t hurt so much.”
“Remember the therapist we took you to after it happened? Dr. Moore?”
She nodded.
“Do you remember what she told us, about grief?”
“Yes. Grief is the product of immense love.”
Thelma squeezed her shoulder. “Don’t you see? We all loved her, and we all miss her. It’s okay to feel sad about it sometimes, but never let go of those happy memories of her.”
She felt a lightness come over her then. “You’re right, Mom. Thanks for the reminder.”
“That’s what I’m here for.” She smiled, pushing a lock of Robyn’s hair out of her face. “One more thing, sweetheart.”
“What is it, Mom?”
“Have you talked to Troy?”
She shook her head. “I’m pretty sure he doesn’t want to talk to me.”
Thelma frowned. “But since you love him, you’re just going to have to try, now, aren’t you?”
“Mom, how did you know that...?”
She waved her hand. “Oh, come on. I’m your mother. I know you better than anybody. Of course I know when my daughter’s in love.” She paused. “I also know a good man when I see one, and Troy is a good man. You’d better come up with some way to make him understand.”
She nodded. “Kima told me the same thing. Actually, I have something in mind, but I might need some help.”
“What are you going to do?”
“I’m going to take Leah’s advice, and make us a ‘talking place.’”
Thelma frowned. “You mean Leah, Kima’s little girl? You’re taking advice from a second grader?”
“Kids are very perceptive.”
She looked unconvinced.
“Don’t worry, Mom. It’s a solid plan. You’ll see.”
* * *
Walking into the operations center on the ranch, Troy removed his hat and let the glass door swing shut behind him. It was late evening, just after six.
He’d spent the better part of the day up at the Heaven’s Edge Resort, touring the facilities. As his grandmother had said, the hotel was modeled after an old Spanish fort, with the exterior looking like a cluster of adobe buildings. The interior, with its brightly colored decor, had all the modern amenities of a five-star resort. Beyond everything he’d seen, he’d gotten a chance to meet the Riveras, the family that ran the resort. They were very happy to meet him and seemed like hard-working, dedicated people. He could see why the place had been so profitable.
He’d been on the way home when he got a text from Robyn, asking him to meet her here. He had no idea what she wanted, but he figured there was only one way to find out.
Standing in the lobby, he looked to the reception desk. Tina wasn’t there, and neither was most of the staff. Most people, except the weekend skeleton crew, were gone by four thirty on Friday and didn’t return until Monday.
Walking past the desk, he went to Robyn’s office and found the door open. Taped to the door was a handwritten note.
Troy, please come to the storage room.
He frowned. What in the world? Shaking his head, he took the note and went down the hall, past the darkened offices and the empty café. Approaching the storage room, he could see the door propped open with a cinderblock. A faint, flickering light emanated from the room.
When he made it to the door, he saw the source of the light.
There, in the center of the storage room, stood Robyn. She wore a flowing strapless dress, the soft white material falling from her waist down to the floor in a swirl of fabric. On the floor near her feet were two large, fluffy cushions. All around her, on the edges of shelves and the tops of file cabinets, were dozens of lit candles.
She looked like an angel. He’d thought of her that way before, but not so much now.
She smiled when he came into view. “Troy. You came.”
He nodded. “What’s all this?”
She gestured around. “This is our talking place.”
Confusion knit his brow. “Pardon me?”
She took a few steps closer to him. “My little goddaughter, Leah, told me about the way her classmates solve their arguments. They go to a talking place in the classroom. I thought I’d create something like that for us.”
He couldn’t help smiling. “It’s a cute idea.”
“She’s a cute kid. A regular little second-grade philosopher.”
He noticed how she left a little distance between them, and the pensive way she watched him. He blew out a breath. “I’m assuming those cushions are for us to sit on?”
She nodded. “If you’re willing to stay, and work this out with me.”
He entered the room then and sat down on one of the cushions.
Brushing the dress beneath her, she sat next to him. “Would you rather speak first, or listen first?”
He adjusted himself on the cushion. “I’d like to talk.”
“I’m listening.”
“I just want you to understand that I would never step on your dreams, Robyn. I would have thought you knew that, but I guess not. More than anything, it hurt me to think you didn’t trust me enough to share those things with me. Were you really just going to pick up and leave like that?”
She dropped her head. “I don’t know what I was thinking...except how much I wanted to move on. I couldn’t possibly relocate that quickly, and any employer who asked that of me isn’t one I want to work for. I should have known better.”
He remained quiet, letting her speak her piece.
“Aside from that, Troy, I never expected to fall in love with you.” She looked up, mee
ting his eyes, with the tears in hers. “Being with you again changed everything. At first, this was all about spreading my wings, leaving the ranch and seeing the world. Now I realize, you’re my world.”
Her words touched him. “Do you mean that, Robyn?”
“I really do. I mean it so much that I called and told them I’m not taking that job.”
“You gave it up?”
She nodded, wiped her tears. “There was no way I could take it and leave things as they were. Not with my parents, and not with you.”
He absorbed the weight of her words. She’s not leaving anymore. And it looks like I’m not leaving, either.
“I can’t make you stay with me, Troy, and I won’t try. After what I’ve done, I would understand if you want to break things off.” Her shoulders drooped, and she seemed to be focused on the cushion beneath her. Another round of silent tears followed her words, and he could see the resignation in her face.
He slipped his arm around her shoulders.
She jerked her head up, with a glimmer of hope and surprise in her eyes.
“It’s okay, Robyn. I’m okay. Right here, with you. With us.”
Her lips quivered. “Really?”
“Yes. I love you, and there’s no changing that. But I want you to promise me something.”
“Anything.”
He took her hand in his. “Never hide your heart’s desires from me again. Because I’m going to want to give them to you. Okay?”
A sob escaped her as she fell into his arms.
There, in the dimly lit room, he held her close against him, feeling his heart swell with affection. When she finally calmed down, he stroked his hand through her hair. “I have something to tell you.”
Smiling up at him, she asked, “What is it?”
“I’m a millionaire.”
She gave him a playful punch in the arm. “Come on, Troy. Don’t joke with me, I’m still fragile.”
He smiled, taking the card he’d gotten from the hotel from his pocket and handing it to her. It displayed the logo of the Heaven’s Edge Resort and listed him as the owner.
Shifting her gaze to him, her eyes grew wide. “What does this mean?”
“My grandfather left me that hotel, along with a sizable trust.”
“Oh!” Her scream of surprise echoed through the building.
He laughed. “Let’s get out of here. Come with me, and I’ll make you scream for a whole different reason.”
Another wave of tears came as he drew her close and kissed her.
Chapter 18
Balancing a platter of her mother’s famous cranberry sauce, Robyn sidestepped through the kitchen and into the dining room to set it down. With the platter safely placed on the table, she stepped back to admire the rest of the Thanksgiving feast laid out there. There was roast turkey and ham, yams, green beans, macaroni and cheese and so much more food that the table was probably groaning under the weight of it all.
In many ways, this was a typical Chance family holiday. Her maternal aunts and uncles, along with her cousins, and a few of her father’s buddies from town, had all descended on the ranch house. But this time, there were two more very special guests.
She watched with a smile as Troy waited on Mama Jeannie, bringing her drinks and whatever else she needed. Seeing the way he cared for his grandmother demonstrated what a kind heart he possessed. If they had kids one day, she knew he’d make a wonderful father.
“Robyn! Come and get the rest of these pies!”
No time for fantasizing. She shook her head and returned to the kitchen.
Later, as they all sat down to the meal, Cooper said a brief blessing over the food. “We’d go around, have everyone say what they’re thankful for, but with thirty people, that’ll take all day.”
Laughter filled the room.
Soon, the din of silverware striking dishes and a myriad of unrelated conversations filled the space. Seated between Mama Jeannie and Troy, Robyn sampled the yams and moaned when the sweetness hit her tongue.
“You eat like a bird,” Mama Jeannie joked, helping herself to a piece of turkey.
She chuckled. “Don’t worry. Once the sweets come out, you’ll see what a pig I can be.”
Troy shook his head. “What am I gonna do with you two?”
While they ate, Robyn listened to Mama Jeannie’s tales of her childhood in Birmingham, her days as a student at Auburn University and meeting and falling in love with Troy’s grandfather, Horace. Troy listened as well, his expression conveying his interest even though he’d probably heard these anecdotes before. Jeannie was a great storyteller, and Robyn knew she was going to enjoy spending more time with her.
As the meal ended and desserts were shared, Robyn gave into her sweet tooth and devoured two slices of apple pie. She was eying the peach cobbler when Troy stood, striking his glass with a fork.
All eyes turned to him, including hers.
“Happy Thanksgiving, everyone. I just wanted to thank Mr. and Mrs. Chance for welcoming me and my grandmother into their home and making us feel like family.”
Robyn smiled, noting the unfiltered approval on the faces of her aunts. Isn’t that sweet?
“In fact, I’d like to make that family tie official.” He reached into the pocket of his sport coat and withdrew a ring box.
“Oh!” Robyn gasped, her hand flying to cover her open mouth.
Squeals went up among Robyn’s female relations as he dropped to one knee beside her. Popping open the box, he said, “Robyn, I’ve loved you since I was seventeen. Back then I didn’t know what I wanted. You’ve taken me on so many adventures these past few months, but I want our life together to be the biggest and best adventure. Will you marry me?”
Tears filled her eyes, blurring the image of the round cut yellow diamond ring. Overcome with emotion, she half sobbed, half shouted her answer. “Yes, Troy.”
The whole gathering broke out in cheers and applause as he slipped the ring onto her finger.
Behind her, Mama Jeannie squeezed her shoulder. “You two are going to do well together.”
“I agree.” Rising on his knees, he leaned in and kissed her soundly. “I love you, Robyn Chance.”
“I love you, too.” She held him close, soaking in the immense joy of being in the arms of the man she loved.
For so long, they’d both been searching for the place they belonged.
As it turns out, where we belong...is together.
* * *
Written with Love
Joy Avery
Zahra was sure surprise showed on her face. Seemed someone had experienced a change of heart toward her. Wait. Something occurred to her. We’ll. He’d said we’ll make it work. “You’re staying, too?” flew out before she could catch it.
“Do you have a problem with that?” he asked.
No, but she should have. “I was never the one with the problem, remember?”
“That’s arguable,” he said.
“Shall we argue it?” she shot back.
One corner of his mouth curved into a sexy smile that drew Zahra’s full attention. Yep, she definitely should have a problem with him staying. Oh, the delicious trouble she could get into with this man.
“I think we already have, and I’m pretty sure I lost,” he said.
Zahra laughed and so did Gregor, each returning to their task.
“What’s up with the camera?” Gregor asked.
She eyed the black camera bag sitting on the counter. “I don’t plan on snapping pictures of you and selling them, if that’s what you’re thinking.”
“It had crossed my mind.”
And with good reason, she thought. “I love capturing pictures anywhere I go. I have a small studio in NoDa. North Davidson and Thirty-Sixth,” she said for clarification, but was sure he was familia
r with Charlotte’s popular art district. “You should swing by sometime. I’ll give you a free head shot.”
“Thanks, but no, thanks. Cameras and I aren’t on the best of terms right now.”
“Because of the scar?”
Joy Avery works as a customer service assistant. By night, the North Carolina native travels to imaginary worlds, creating characters whose romantic journeys invariably end happily-ever-after.
Since she was a young girl growing up in Garner, Joy knew she wanted to write. Stumbling onto romance novels, she discovered her passion for love stories; instantly, she knew these were the type of stories she wanted to pen.
Joy is married with one child. When not writing, she enjoys reading, cake decorating, pretending to expertly play the piano, driving her husband insane and playing with her two dogs.
Books by Joy Avery
Harlequin Kimani Romance
In the Market for Love
Soaring on Love
Campaign for His Heart
The Sweet Taste of Seduction
Written with Love
Visit the Author Page at Harlequin.com for more titles.
Dedicated to the dream.
Acknowledgments
To everyone who has supported me on this glorious and beautiful journey, I acknowledge you.
Dear Reader,
I’m not sure where to begin, but I’ll start by saying THANK YOU for joyriding with me on this journey of love. I’m forever grateful for the support you’ve shown me from my very first Kimani Romance to now, my last. You’ve made this one heck of a ride.
What are the odds Zahra would end up at the same secluded estate as her celebrity crush? Pretty darn good, obviously! Unfortunately, she’s in for one well-packaged rude awakening.
Despite Gregor’s status, Zahra doesn’t take any mess from him. And truth be told, he likes it! I absolutely love the banter between these two. Watching their animosity turn to sparks and then flames tickled my heart. When stubborn and strong willed collide, it makes for one heck of an interesting journey. I hope you enjoy the ride!
Then Came You ; Written with Love Page 15
