by Karin Beery
Tapping the accelerator, she inched the car forward. She steered toward where she thought the driveway should be, keeping her eyes on the side of the road. The car crept along as the wind whistled around it. Another mailbox crawled past.
By the time Ashley turned onto the driveway, her fingers ached, but her insides warmed. She only had to make it to the end of the drive. One more mile to Russ.
She had imagined watching the house grow larger as she drove nearer, with Russ standing on the porch waiting, but a wall of white blocked her view. The longer she drove, the slower she went. She hoped Russ would be happy to see her, but that wouldn’t happen if she accidentally drove into the front porch. Finally, a shadow broke through the storm. The snow whirling around her had nothing on her crazy pulse.
She pulled up to the steps but could barely see the house. Why were all the lights off? Odd. She left the car running, headlights on, as she zipped her coat. She’d be inside and warm in no time.
Ashley forced the car door open and leaned into the powerful wind. As she stepped into a snow bank, snow spilled into her shoes. Four giant steps later, she climbed onto the porch and grasped the door handle.
Locked. She pressed the doorbell twice. Nothing. The skin on her ankles burned. In July, she might run around the house and try the back door, but the stiffness in her fingers begged for warmth. Abandoning her surprise, she struggled back to the car. Ashley pressed her hands to the vents, the hot air creeping into her skin. Where was Russ?
As soon as she could bend her knuckles, she dialed his number. You’ve reached Russ of Russell Farms. Please leave a message, and I’ll call you as soon as I can. She hung up and called Rachel.
“Ashley, did you make it to Traverse City, or did they cancel your flight?”
“I’m here, but the door’s locked. Do you know where Russ is?”
“Here where? Aren’t you at the airport?”
“No, I’m at the farmhouse, but it’s locked, and Russ isn’t answering his phone. Is there a hide-a-key somewhere?”
“What? Where’s Russ?”
“I don’t know. That’s why I called. I don’t trust myself or this tiny car to get me into town to find him. I thought I’d let myself in and wait for him to come home.”
“He was supposed to meet you at the airport. I didn’t want you driving in the storm, so I asked him to pick you up. He should have been there hours ago.”
The panic in Rachel’s voice echoed Ashley’s. “He wasn’t there. I haven’t seen him.”
“Chad!”
The wind continued to scream, but something in it changed. Ashley pulled the phone away from her ear and listened to the low howls, the shrill whistle, the—honking. In her rearview mirror, two dull orbs bobbed up the driveway.
Russ! “Someone’s here.” Ashley turned around, wedging herself between the seat and steering wheel. “Someone’s coming up the driveway. I can’t tell if it’s him, though.”
“Ashley?” Chad’s voice cut through the noise. “Is Russ there yet?”
The lights came closer—much faster than she dared drive—but the beams were too low to the ground to be Russ’ truck. “I don’t recognize the vehicle.” A black Jeep slid to a stop beside her. The overhead light popped on, and someone ran in front of the headlights, straight to her door. “It’s Rob Kraft.”
He yanked her door open, then ducked his head inside. “Good, you’re here. We have to go. Russ was in an accident.”
CHAPTER 36
Two nurses walked past Ashley, their clogs squeaking against the linoleum floor. Closed captions scrolled across the bottom of a muted television screen as a monotone voice paged another doctor to the emergency department. A dozen scattered people chatted among themselves as they sat on short, firm couches waiting for their names to be called. Unable to sit any longer, Ashley paced the length of the waiting room. Thirty minutes at the hospital, and she still hadn’t seen Russ.
Rob sat on a brick-red, vinyl couch, talking on his phone. As he slipped it into his coat pocket, he caught her gaze and smiled. “I talked to Kathleen again. She promised not to drive in the storm, but she’ll be at your house tomorrow morning to check on Russ.”
“You’re sure he’s okay?”
“He was awake and responding at the scene, but he cut his head, so they needed to bring him in to run a few tests.”
“And Rachel?”
“I talked with Chad. He’s calling the girls. We can call him with news, and he’ll take care of the grapevine.” Rob grabbed Ashley’s arm as she walked by. “I’ll stay with you until you find out what’s going on.”
“Thank you, but I’ll be okay.”
“Maybe, but Kathleen and my wife would never forgive me if I left you here. Besides, I’m your ride home.”
“Your wife! I didn’t mean to pull you away from your family.” Then it hit her. “Why are you here, anyway?”
“Russ had my card on him, and he didn’t want to worry his mother, so he asked the responding officer to call me instead.”
His thoughtfulness wrapped around her. “Thank you for being here.”
“Miss Johnson?”
Ashley turned toward the sound of her name. “I’m Ashley Johnson.” An EMT approached and offered his hand.
“Matt Pillsbury. I’m one of the EMTs who arrived at the scene. Mr. Russell asked me to find you.”
Sweet relief. “Is he okay?”
“He’ll be fine. He has some cuts from the broken windows, and he’ll be sore for a few days, but there are no major injuries. He can go home as soon as they discharge him.”
The news practically knocked her off her feet. Rob caught her arm, letting her lean into him. “Can I see him?” she asked.
“I don’t see why not. One of the nurses should be able to take you to him.”
“How did the accident happen?”
“He was driving through an intersection when a truck missed the stop sign and hit him. Luckily, they were on a main road, so they were spotted pretty quickly. They were both wearing their seatbelts, and their airbags deployed, which saved them from major injuries. It could have been a lot worse.”
Rob and the EMT continued talking, but Ashley couldn’t pay attention. Russ was okay. He was talking. He was thinking about her. Tears clouded her eyes. She needed to touch him and see for herself that he was okay.
A tall, brown-haired man in scrubs stopped beside Rob. “Are you Ashley Johnson?”
“Yes, sir. How’s Russ? Can I see him?”
“He’s banged up but alive. The cut on his head is from broken glass, so there’s no need for a CAT scan. We’re busy right now, so it could take a while before he’s discharged, but you should be able to take him home tonight. I can take you back to see him now.”
Ashley rushed ahead of the nurse, then paused at the emergency entrance. Instead of walking through the doors, however, he pointed down the hall. She followed him through the labyrinth, practically stepping on his heels as they walked around a corner and to a room. He pushed open the door, then stepped aside for Ashley to enter.
Her throat constricted. Russ reclined on the bed, a tube and wires attached to his arm and a bandage on his temple. He opened his eyes and turned his head toward the door. A smile spread across his face. “You’re safe.”
Her chest tightened. “You’re in a hospital.”
“Only until they let me out.” Even in the hospital bed with his face bruised, his eyes twinkled at her. “I’m glad you’re here.”
She stood there, memorizing the sight of his overgrown beard, broad shoulders, and long legs. His face blurred. God had spared him. She’d never know why, but she wouldn’t waste time questioning it.
“Hey, don’t cry.” Russ reached toward her, but she couldn’t move. Relief. Love. Thankfulness. A torrent of emotions raced through her. Tears ran down her cheeks as a sob escaped her lips. Russ sat up and winced. “Give me a hand here.”
Rob appeared beside Ashley, wrapped an arm around her shoulders, and escor
ted her to the bed. Russ took her hand and wove his fingers between hers. With a gentle tug from Russ, she collapsed onto the bed, falling against his warm chest. She trembled as his strong arms wrapped around her. Rob retreated, and the door swished shut behind her, but the only sound that mattered was the rhythmic beating beneath her ear. Russ was alive.
“Shhh.” He nestled her against him, and she rested her head on his shoulder. A warm kiss brushed her forehead. “It’s okay. I’m all right.”
“I thought you died.” Ashley wrapped her arms around him and sobbed into his shirt. “The police … my parents …”
“It’s okay. I’m okay.” He rubbed slow circles on her back, holding her close and whispering assurances in her ear.
The tension eased from her shoulders as she listened to the strong, steady beat of his heart. “You’re alive.”
“And if I hadn’t cut my head, they would have sent me right home.” One arm anchored her close to him while his other hand trailed over her hair, smoothing away the rest of her fears. “I was more worried about you than myself.”
She leaned back, savoring the gentle gaze from his fathomless eyes. “I couldn’t believe it when Rob told me you’d been in an accident. I don’t know what I would have done if you’d …” He cupped her damp cheek. Ashley closed her eyes, relishing every contour of his strong, calloused hand. Another kiss feathered across her forehead, then her temple. Her insides quivered.
She took in a calming breath. “There are so many things I wish I could have told my parents, and I was afraid I wouldn’t get to talk to you again either.” She opened her eyes, needing to see his face. “I love you.” His hand froze, his gaze locked on hers. “I wanted to surprise you, but I should have told you as soon as I realized it. This isn’t about anyone or anything but me and you. I love you, and I want to be with you. Please tell me I’m not too late.”
Russ’ chest rose and fell beneath her hand. Maybe she’d said too much, but she didn’t care. At least she’d said it. A broken heart would heal, but she couldn’t live with any more missed opportunities. Of course, that didn’t mean she had to sit there awkwardly while Russ tried to figure out what had just happened.
“I should let you rest.” Ashley leaned away, wiping the wetness from her cheeks. “You must be tired, and you’ll probably be sore tomorrow.”
Russ slid a hand behind Ashley’s neck and pulled her close. He pressed his forehead against hers, his warm breath tickling her lips. “I love you too.”
“You d—”
His mouth covered hers, answering her question as he threaded his fingers through her hair. She snuggled against him, tilting her head to deepen the kiss. Russ’ lips nipped at hers. His beard tickled her cheek as he trailed kisses along her jaw. Tingles followed his lips.
“I’m so glad you’re here.” He kissed the skin below her earlobe. “I never thought I’d be so happy to wind up in the hospital.”
“Shouldn’t I be the one comforting you?”
Wincing, he shifted her in his arms but didn’t relent.
“I’m hurting you,” she said. “Let go, and I’ll pull the chair over.”
“No,” Russ said, his jaw tight but his arms tighter. “Nothing could hurt as bad as walking away from you in Florida. I’ll live.” With one quick motion, he moved her to his lap. “I kind of like this situation. Since I’m the one with the head injury, I should get to call the shots.”
She snuggled against him again. “So far I like your thinking.” His throaty chuckle rumbled beneath her ear. “I’m so glad you’re okay. I just can’t imagine …” But it was too late. She’d already imagined life without Russ, and she hadn’t liked it. In a few days, she wouldn’t have to worry about it anymore. “I can’t wait to marry you.”
“I can’t believe this is actually happening.”
“Can’t believe good or can’t believe bad?”
“Good.” He pressed his lips to the top of her head, then yawned. “Very, very good.”
“You should rest.” She sat up, but Russ held on. “You have to let me go eventually.”
“No I don’t. I have friends here.” His hand slid up her arm, gently pulling her back into his embrace. “Now that I have you, I’m not letting you go. Can’t believe I said that. I sound like one of those pop songs Liz listens to. You have a strange effect on me.”
Ashley’s skin tingled where he touched her, but her bones melted in the warmth of his arms. This was what she wanted, even if it took an unconventional agreement to figure it out. “You do strange things to me too.”
The whoosh of the door startled Ashley. She sat up, careful to give Russ room as he turned toward the door.
“Oh, I’m sorry.” Pastor Stanford raised his hand. “Your mother called. I was already in town, so I told her I’d check in on you. I see you’re feeling well.”
Ashley scrambled off the bed, but Russ grabbed her hand and tugged her back toward him. He turned her to face him and wrapped his hands around hers. “Everyone planned a wedding, but I don’t want to walk away from you ever again. We can celebrate with family next week, but right now I only want you.” Her chest tightened as Russ kissed her fingers. “Ashley, will you marry me? Right here, right now?”
“All by ourselves?”
“It’s your decision.”
She threw her arms around his neck, leaning into the life and love he offered, but she pulled back and pressed her lips to his. The kiss didn’t last long because she couldn’t stop the smile that consumed her lips. “I just want you.” Clasping his hand in hers, she faced their visitor. “Pastor Stanford, could you get a nurse? We’re going to need a witness.”
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