He sighed heavily. “I knew he was hurting you, I should have stepped in. Why didn’t you come to me? I would have helped you.”
I shook my head. I didn’t want him to feel responsible. “I was trying to get him help. I thought I could save him. I was all he had left.” I said quietly.
He grinded his teeth…he only does that when he’s really mad. “I’m going to kill him. I swear to God I’ll-“
“Stop it. He’s not worth it Pres. I’m safe, that’s all that matters.”
“But you can’t come home anymore! Do you know how hard Mama and Dad took your disappearance? The police told us they found your car on the other side of Monroe and that it looked like there was a struggle. Everyone is assuming your body is lying in a shallow grave somewhere.”
Tears fells to my cheeks. “I’m so sorry. I wanted to call you all so badly.”
“You’re okay, that’s all that matters.”
I felt tightness in my chest. “How did everyone react?”
Preston shook his head. “Mama and Dad were devastated. Wyatt refused to come out of his house for days. He tried to overdose on pain meds and I found him. He was in the hospital for days, then sent to a rehab center. I was the only one who didn’t flip. I had a feeling you weren’t dead. Remember when we were younger and people asked us about all that dumb ass ‘twin connection’ thing? I didn’t believe it and I thought they were idiots. After they said you were probably dead, I just had this feeling you weren’t, that you were still here. I think if that happened, part of me would have died with you.”
I grabbed his hand. “I’m so sorry I put you through that.” He nodded, but didn’t say anything. “So Wyatt got help? Is he better?” I asked.
“I think so. I don’t keep in contact with him anymore, but last time I heard, he was promoted at work and he seemed to be doing well.”
That’s good for him. I wouldn’t want him to continue to live like he was forever.
“Wait a second. You said you’ve been in Vancouver for almost three months, but you left five months ago. Where were you for two months?” He asked.
“When the detective found me, he took me to the hospital. I was there for two weeks. I had a severe concussion, third degree burns, broken ribs, and several broken teeth. I was a mess. After that, I was sent to a rehab facility for battered women. I was there for four weeks. I had extensive daily therapy sessions with numerous therapists. They put me on anxiety and depression medications. I had a rough month, but they released me when they felt that I was stable. From there I was given a new identity and sent to Vancouver.”
He had his eyes closed tightly. “I wish I could have been there for you. I had no idea it was that bad Becca, I really didn’t.”
“It’s not your fault, Pres. Don’t beat yourself up.”
He took a deep breath and sighed. “Alright, so you have a new name?”
I nodded. “I’m Kelsey. But it’s more than a name to be honest. I feel like a new person. I’ve become stronger than I ever thought I was capable of being. I have a job, a best friend, a…” I stopped myself quickly. Pres would kick my ass.
He snapped his head towards me. “A what? A boyfriend?”
I nodded.
“A little early, don’t you think?” he asked.
Maybe for you, but he’s my air... “He’s been really good for me.” I said quietly.
He sighed loudly. “Just be careful. You don’t have a big brother to take care of you up there.”
I kinda do…Collin.
“I will be, I promise.”
We both laid in the grass, watching the sun finish rising in silence.
“Are you happy Becca?” He asked so small I barely heard.
Am I happy? I just drove three hours back to the place I ran from…and for what reason? I needed my safe place, and Spencer wasn’t there with me when I needed to feel safe. Because I ran from him.
That’s when I finally realized it; Spencer is my safe place.
No more running.
“I’m really happy, Pres.” I finally answered.
He didn’t respond.
“Is it true that the farm is up for sale?” I questioned.
“Yeah. Dad wants to retire. He said he realizes that life is too short to work it away. There are a few buyers interested. He and Mama bought a house on the coast. He’s finally starting to get back to normal.”
I swallowed hard. “What about Mama?”
He shrugged. “She has more good days than bad. Dad thinks it’s going to be good for her to get out of this town so she isn’t seeing constant reminders of you everywhere. I can’t disagree with him.”
I shook my head. “I wish I could go in the house and just hug them. I miss them so much.”
He looked up at the house, then back to me. “You have to go soon, don’t you?”
I sat up. “Yes. I have a long drive ahead of me.”
He sat up next to me, and I put my head on his shoulder. “I won’t be coming back here anymore. You probably won’t see me again.” I told him.
He put his arm around me and squeezed. “I know. Just knowing that you’re okay and you’re happy gives me piece of mind. I miss you, Becca.”
“I miss you too, Pres. Take care of Mama and Daddy. And Emma too.”
He smiled. “I will. I need to get up to the house before Emma comes yelling for me. Besides, Mama’s probably making her biscuits right now.” He teased.
“Oh no! You jerk! Eat one for me!” I pushed him to the ground. He stood up and laughed, extending his hand to me. I accepted it and he pulled me up to my feet. He gave me a long hug, then messed my hair up.
“Brunette…it’s different. Be careful, Becca. If you ever need anything, my phone number is still the same. I won’t change it in case you need to get ahold of me.”
“Ok.” I smiled.
“Bye Sis. I’ll miss you.”
I returned his sad smile. “Bye bro. I’ll miss you too. Give Mama and Daddy a hug for me.”
I turned and walked back towards the road where my car was parked. I turned around one more time. Preston was still standing in the field watching me. I waved, and he threw his hand in the air. Once I hit the pavement, I didn’t look back.
I got to the vehicle, and saw another car parked behind mine with someone leaning against the door.
Marcus.
“What are you doing here?” I asked.
“I could ask you the same.” He folded his arms across his chest.
“I needed to think. I have the answers I need. I’m going to drive back to Tyler.”
He nodded. “Good. I followed you here, I had a feeling this is where you’d come. I just wanted to make sure you didn’t do anything stupid while you were here. You know you shouldn’t have come here.”
I rolled my eyes. “Like I said, I’m fine. I’m going back to get Spence and I want to go home.”
“You know he didn’t have any clue I was the one who sent you here until Ryleigh ran her mouth, right?”
“I know that now. He wouldn’t lie to me, he’s always been honest. I just needed time to think and figure it out.”
He gave me a smile, and then shook his head. “I’m surprised. You are a very different person now than you were five months ago. I’m proud of you.”
I’m proud of me too. “Thank you. Don’t email me anymore about my family. I think I’m ok with saying goodbye to this place. I don’t belong here.”
He nodded. “Ok. If you change your mind…”
“I know. I’m going to hit the road. Thank you Marcus.”
“You’re welcome Kelsey. Drive safely.” I watched him get in his car and drive past the farm and out of vision. It’s time for me to go home. On the way out of town, I drove past Wyatt’s house…the house that looks perfect and cozy from the outside, but was a nightmare for me from the inside. Wyatt’s truck wasn’t in the driveway, and I briefly wondered where he was so early in the morning. Seeing the house sent a shiver down my spine and made me
drive a little faster towards Spencer.
I was almost to the hotel when I called Spencer. He picked up on the first ring.
“Are you ok? Where are you?” he sounded frantic.
“I’m almost to the hotel, are you there?”
“Yeah, I’ve been here for a few hours. I thought you ran.”
I kinda did…
“I’ll be there in a few minutes, ok?”
“Yeah. I’ll be here.” He was worried.
I feel terrible.
Chapter Forty
Spencer was sitting on the edge of the bed when I arrived. I sat my purse on the chair and knelt in front of him.
“Hey.” I said quietly.
“Hey.”
He wouldn’t look at me. “Spence, I had a lot of time to think.”
He nodded. “Just tell me if you’re leaving. The waiting is killing me.”
I put my hands on his knees and squeezed. “Look at me.”
He brought his red rimmed eyes to mine.
Oh Spencer.
“I’m not going anywhere Spencer. I over reacted yesterday and I should have talked to you instead of running. I won’t run from you anymore, I promise. If we have problems, we’ll solve them together. You’re my heart, my air, my forever. I’m all in Spencer.”
His eyes came alive. “Seriously?”
I smiled. “Seriously, that is if you’ll still have me.”
He pulled me onto his lap and gave me a stern look. “I’ll have you for always, I’ve told you that once and I won’t tell you again. Complete and total honesty from this minute forward, no matter what. Do you understand?”
Holy crap. “Yes.”
“Good. Now-“ he grabbed my face and kissed me hard and passionately. Leaving me breathless, he pulled away and smiled. “Merry Christmas baby. I was so scared this was going to be the worst Christmas of my life, but you just made it the best. I’m so relieved you came back.”
I tugged his bottom lip with my teeth. “I could never stay away from you for too long. Merry Christmas.”
He kissed me briefly before moving me off his lap. “I got you something for Christmas.” He went through his suitcase and handed me a small wrapped gift. “Merry Christmas Kel.”
I unwrapped the red and silver paper and found a white box. Inside the white box held a black velvet box. I opened the lid of the box and found a gorgeous white gold necklace with a heart encrusted with diamonds. My mouth dropped at the beauty of the piece of jewelry. I’m also sure I’ve never owned anything as expensive as this.
“Spence…it’s gorgeous. Thank you.”
“You’re more than welcome. Here, let me put it on you.” He took the delicate chain from my hand and fastened it around my neck. He leaned back to examine it and smiled brightly. “It’s more perfect than I imagined.”
I thanked him with a kiss. “My turn now.” I grabbed his gift out of my suitcase and handed it to him. “Merry Christmas Spence.”
He took the gift and frowned. “You better not have spent a lot of money. We had an agreement.”
I crossed my arms. “Seriously? Like you held up to your end of the deal.”
He smirked at me. “I’m allowed to break the rules.” He winked.
I giggled and nudged him. “Just open it. It was hard finding something for the man who has everything he wants.”
“You gave me you. Now I really do have everything I want.”
I nudged his arm. “Ok Casanova, just open your gift.”
He ripped the paper open and opened the protective box. He looked at the picture in the frame for a long moment before saying anything. I wondered briefly if he liked it.
“Kel, where did you find this? It’s…wow.”
He picked up the framed picture of him and I from the charity ball we attended when we first started dating. “I got in contact with the photographer from the ball and asked to see any pictures of us. He let me come to the studio and go through tons of photos. I found this one of us dancing together. The way we’re looking at one another, it’s so full of love. I think we were already in love then, we just didn’t realize it yet. He had it printed for me in black and white and matted and framed it. I think it turned out lovely.”
He continued to look at the picture in adoration. “You’re right, we were in love already. I think we’ve always been in love. It came so effortlessly with you. This is the best gift I’ve ever received. Thank you, Kel.”
“You’re welcome.” I said quietly. He looked to me, then down to the picture again.
“I was so nervous that night. I didn’t know how you felt about me, but looking at your expression in this picture says it all. I’m going to put this in our home.”
My heart swelled.
Our home.
Our life.
Our love.
Our forever.
The rest of the day was spent at Spencer’s parents’ house. We had Christmas dinner with his parents and sisters, then played board games for the rest of the evening. I promised to keep in contact with all of them and they agreed to come to Vancouver for Easter.
We were leaving to go back to Vancouver the next morning. We were cuddling in bed that evening when Spencer brought up the events of the morning.
“Where did you go this morning?” he asked.
I sighed. “I had a nightmare, and I woke up around three. I didn’t want to wake you up and I needed a safe place. I drove to Monroe and laid in the field at my parents’ farm.”
He went stiff. “You went back?”
“Yeah. Once I was there I knew it wasn’t right, it wasn’t where I belong. I saw my twin.”
“Did he see you?”
I nodded against his chest. “He was laying in the field when I got there. He said he goes there when visiting my parents to feel close to me. He had a feeling I really wasn’t gone. He attributed it to some ‘twin connection’ thing. We talked for a while, and I said goodbye. I let go of the last part of Rebecca that I had. He said he felt better knowing I was okay.”
“Do you think that he will tell your parents?” He asked.
“No, they wouldn’t believe him anyways. He said the police told the family that it seems like there was a struggle with my disappearance and eluded to the conclusion that I’m dead. He said they are managing and they’re moving to the coast because Daddy wants to live the rest of his life, not work it away. I think they’re going to be okay.”
“Good. And how about you? Are you going to be okay?”
“Yeah, I’m really good. When I was there, it felt wrong. That isn’t my safe place anymore…it’s you. Wherever you are is where I’m meant to be. I feel ridiculous for having to drive there to figure that out.”
He pressed a kiss against my neck. “I’m just glad you figured it out.”
“Me too.”
Chapter Forty-One
After a wakeup call at four in the morning and a three hour flight delay, I was so exhausted that I felt sick. We got inside Spencer’s truck after picking up our luggage and I closed my eyes.
"Do you mind dropping me off at home before going to pick Tank up from Collin's? I'm not feeling too well."
Spencer reached across and felt my forehead with the back of his hand. "You catching something?"
"I hope not. I just feel like I need to lie down."
He picked up my hand and kissed the back of it. "Ok, I'll get you home."
After locking the door behind me, I went straight to our bedroom. I laid my purse on the nightstand and crawled into bed, sighing at the comfort that only home can bring. I started to drift off immediately, not realizing how exhausted I really was.
I knew it. I fucking knew it.
Dumb bitch. How in the hell did you pull that one off?
What in the fuck did you do to your hair?
You're coming home if you like it or not.
I was beginning to think my nightmares were gone, but apparently not. I’ve only had two since I moved in with Spencer, but both within the las
t two days. I rolled over in bed, stretching my arm and feeling Spencer beside me. My eyes were still heavy with sleep, so I kept them closed and curled up next to him.
"Umm...Spence, you tired too?" I yawned.
He didn't say anything, he must be asleep too.
"Spence?"
After a brief pause, he finally answered. "Guess again."
A chill ran through my body and my eyes shot open at the familiar voice.
"Surprise. Bet you didn't think you'd see me again, huh Becca?"
I forgot how cold those eyes were. Wyatt's big brown eyes that used to be so warm when we were younger are now dull and dangerous.
I was frozen; I couldn't move. I briefly thought about telling him my name wasn't Becca, but he already knew. How did he find me?
"Are you at a loss for words Bec? I know, I'm surprised to see you too. I have to say, I almost didn't recognize you with your shorter, darker hair. When we get home, you'll have to go to the salon and have them change it back to blonde." He ran his hand through my hair, causing me to jump at his touch.
"H-h-how did you find me?" I asked through complete fear.
He smiled brightly, the smile that I used to love so much which now I have nightmares about. "You'll find it funny, actually. I was at the doctor's office, and he was running late as usual. There were a couple of kids in the waiting room who were getting on my last fucking nerve, so I picked up a magazine to distract myself from them. You know how I hate those tabloid magazines? Well, those were the only ones not being used so I started flipping through one. I come across an article about how Elizabeth Caine's ex-husband, Spencer Mills, was already on a Cancun getaway with some 'mystery' woman just days after the divorce was finalized. Underneath the article was a picture of the lovely couple getting cozy in the ocean. It was beautiful, actually...until the girl looked so unbelievably familiar. It's the eyes and the smile...no one on this earth has eyes and a smile like my Becca. I thought I was going crazy, so I started looking up everything I could on Spencer Mills and his new girlfriend on the internet. A few days later I came across a video of Spencer being interviewed with 'mystery girl' by his side. Then I knew for a fact it was you. I saw the way you played with your fingers while he was talking to the reporters. My Becca had the same nervous habit. I had a mix of emotions run through me. I was confused, excited, angry, and hopeful, all in one. I knew I had to find out any and everything about him so I could come get you and bring you home. You'd be surprised what you can find on the internet"
Never Look Back (Counting Stars Book 1) Page 18
