Shadows and Stars

by Becca Fanning

The guide handed her a flyer through the crack in the open door. “Couples Encounters is offering a final ziplining session before checkout. If you want to take part, meet at the first platform in an hour.”

  After she closed the door, Faith turned and sighed. “I’d like to go one more time.”

  Seeing her standing there in his white tee that covered her bareness, he wanted to rip off that barrier like he had her panties. Still, although bliss-filled hours had passed, he felt his mind was spin with restless thoughts. Once they returned to the hospital, he’d be thrust into long hours, working day and night. Alone again and back to reality… “Didn’t you get enough ziplining yesterday?”

  “I’m not talking about ziplining. What do you say we make good use of that pillow-top first?”

  Clearly, lack of sleep and Faith’s loving arms had him imagining his life with her, fearing his life without her. But, commitment… He wanted more. So much more than a single night. A single weekend.

  He wanted forever.

  Though words didn’t come, he let her lead him toward the bedroom while he fought to decipher the feelings inside. Didn’t take her but a moment to turn that half-hour into a memory he would never forget. Then they were showered, packed, and ascending the first platform’s stairway, flying from platform to platform until they reached the last course. And still, that thought of forever lingered with a sort of urgency that gripped his gut, his mind, and his heart.

  Standing on the last platform three-hundred feet above the ravine, the river below was reduced to a tiny stream. Still, Faith insisted on going first.

  But something was in her stillness, that sparkle of joy in her eyes had faded. He reached out and pulled her close. “A kiss before our last time…”

  On tiptoes, she kissed him chastely, and flung her arms around his neck, hugging him with a brief squeeze. “Don’t worry about me…” She pulled from his arms and headed to the edge of the platform.

  A chill of fear shot through him, and he stepped forward. He gripped her harness to keep her from leaving and nestled his cheek next to hers. “I’m never going to stop worrying about you…never going to stop caring.”

  Faith smiled, and then she shoved off.

  Jake moved beside the guide, gripping the railing, watching her sail along the line without glancing back. That weighted feeling of dread washed over him again, and he staggered backward. “Something’s wrong.”

  The guide stared at Jake and squinted. “What’s going on?”

  That’s when something hit Jake, more than a feeling, a premonition of sorts that a tough situation was about to present itself. Something he imagined Tori had felt and followed. “She’s in trouble.”

  “Trouble?” The guide thrust his palms to rest on his hips. “What kind of—She’s using the brake mid-span…”

  Telling himself to relax, Jake breathed slowly. But that was life, things didn’t always fly along steadily—there were holdups, slow spots, and times when a person just froze up in panic. Jake had been affectionate and considering a long-term commitment all morning. And Faith’s sensitivity had locked onto his desire. Maybe even scared her.

  Relationships are complicated, he remembered one of the guides saying. Jake agreed, there were highs and lows and places between where you took pause and worked things out.

  “What’s she doing out there? She’s not supposed to stop.”

  “You tell me.” Jake shot back.

  With her legs hanging downward as she came to a stop that split the distance between where Jake stood helpless and where she needed to go, she hung her head, like she might be crying.

  Jake’s heart shot into his throat. “I’m going after her.”

  The guide thrust out his arm. “That’s against policy. You have to be certified.”

  Jake gave a quick nod. “Check in the office for my registration number.”

  “You’ll need to wait until I get confirmation.”

  “I’ll be on the other side by then.” Jake hooked his carabineer to the tether. “She needs me. I’m there for her.” Seemed like that was his new motto, which was fine by him. He shoved off with the guide shouting threats. Next, Jake found himself sailing, flying toward Faith, the wind rushing past until he grabbed the brake and slid slowly behind her. Cautiously, he reached out and touched her shoulder. “Hey, babe…”

  “Hey…” She glanced behind her, dried tears on her flushed face. “Why are you here?”

  Why was he here? She didn’t need to be rescued, not really. The cable wasn’t crimped or hanging with debris. Certainly, she needed only to release the brake and their time at Couples Encounters would be over.

  Over.

  Ended. The perfect night coming to a dead stop because of the commitment he needed to profess to this woman he loved, but had skirted. “I’m sorry.”

  “There’s nothing for you to be sorry about. Soon as I let go, two minutes tops from right now, and we can go back to real life. It’s better that way. Really…”

  He shuddered, and the tether that held him rocked. “That’s not an option I’m willing to settle on. But, the only way to prove that is for you to let go and trust me, like you did last night. Isn’t that what this entire weekend has been about?”

  He studied the rise and fall of her shoulders, then glanced to where she looked.

  She gazed below at the meadow where blotches of deep blue wildflowers grew among the green landscape adjacent to the river. Sunrays painted her ponytail and wisps of her hair floated like the cloud puffs above. “Yes, but I’m scared to let go…of my heart.”

  He knew what he had to do, where he had to do it, right above where they’d stood among those unique iris bulbs that first day. “Do you trust me?”

  “Yes, but…” her voice trailed off.

  Under the weight of his palm, Jake felt her shoulder trembling. All he needed was her momentary trust. “I’m not Steven. I’m not afraid of outcomes or endings. Curses. It’s sharing that journey with the woman I love that intrigues me.” Under his palm, he felt her still, but he kept talking. “Take that ride with me, Faith. Make now the start of our future.”

  Moments passed, and high in the sky, an eagle soared, briefly casting its winged shadow across them.

  “What are you saying?”

  In the middle of the span, with her back to him, where he could not see the emotion in her eyes, he wrapped her waist between his legs. “Turn around. Face me, and see me like I see you. Because it’s not you running that has kept me from sharing my feelings, but falling. Falling for you. Wanting you to take a chance on loving me.”

  “Love is abstract…it can’t be measured. It can’t be real after two days.”

  He chuckled. “Yet, I’m filled with something deeper than I’ve ever felt. Let me prove to you how complete you make me feel, here, now.”

  Using his legs, she pivoted to face him, but her eyes and mouth remained downturned. “I’m going to shame the hospital because of this, and my family, again. Something bad is going to happen. I couldn’t stand it if you got hurt.”

  “You deserve to be happy. We both do. Nothing bad is happening. You’ll see. Just take a chance on me.”

  With her free hand, she held loosely to his knee that bent around her waist. “That’s what Patti says, too.”

  “Patti is a good friend. Listen to her, like I listened to you.” He cupped her face and thumbed her cheek. “Marry me?”

  When she laughed, that beautiful melody grabbed hold of his breath.

  “You don’t know what you’re asking. Marrying me will test The Curse and put your life in danger, if it isn’t already.”

  “I’m hanging three-hundred feet in the air by a quarter-inch cable, and you think I’m worried about risk?”

  She pushed down on his knee and tried to release her body, then relaxed. “I’m still worried….what if I ruin you?”

  Pfft. He wasn’t buying that. “In a mere two days, you’ve changed my life and made me see I’m a better man with you. I’m happier
than I’ve been, because I believe in myself enough to choose when something feels right and when it doesn’t. You taught me that. Trust me to be the man who will never let you down.”

  “We haven’t known each other long.” She reached forward and placed her hand on his cheek, stroking and encouraging him to press against her palm. “How can you be sure?”

  He winked. “I’m trusting my instincts on this one.”

  “What are they telling you?” She bit her lip.

  “All my life I’ve wandered, but now I feel like some fated link has brought me here. To you.”

  She glanced up at his connective cable. “You don’t believe in the supernatural, remember?”

  Meeting her gaze, he held those sky-blue eyes. “When it comes to you, I’d believe anything, as long as you say yes to becoming my wife.”

  Her eyes flooded until a shimmering stream flowed down her cheeks. “My parents won’t take kindly to a weekend engagement.”

  “So, we give them a month.” When he felt her hand drop away from his face, he added, “Maybe three months. Whatever you need. Just marry me, Faith.”

  “If I say yes, it’ll lock us both to The Curse. Escaping won’t be an option.”

  He ran his thumb along her cheek. “Already, I’m under your spell. We’re a dream team, remember. Nothing we can’t get through. I want you as my partner for life. For better or worse. Until death do us part, and then after.”

  She turned her head toward the distant platform, the guides waving her forward. “You don’t know how unpredictable my future is.”

  Yet, that was the draw. The future was always tipping, a spinning top that could wobble, or gain speed, or completely collapse, only to rise once again. “I accept everything that comes with you. I don’t care what the future holds, as long as you’ll be with me.”

  She squirmed for a half-second, then settled against him, letting their jeaned legs and boots lace together. She wrapped her arm around his waist and held on.

  Just the way he wanted to hold her.

  “I-I—”

  To keep her silent, he lowered his head and, in his kiss, loved her. Body overtook mind, heat blazed within him, and her subtle sighs only encouraged him to nuzzle her neck and inhale all that was this woman before him. “I love you, Faith. How so much so soon is a mystery, but nothing has ever been truer.”

  In his ear, she breathed, “I’ve never loved anyone more…so, yes. Yes, Jake, I will marry you.”

  He smiled both inside his heart, and deeper…instinctively, he pulled the band from his pocket, his hand trembling.

  She stared deep into his eyes as her glistening gaze met his. “Jake…I thought you said you weren’t a Boy Scout?”

  Slipping the ring on her finger, Jake noted the perfect fit. “My aunt would be smiling from ear-to-ear to see my beautiful fiancée wearing her ring.”

  Holding the ring out so the platinum band caught the sunlight, Faith’s breath quickened as she stared into the space just to their right. “Your aunt would be proud of you, and happy, I believe.” She blinked as she twisted the band. “It’s perfect. So perfect. Oh, my God, here we go.”

  Meeting his lips, they shared a long kiss. “Hold on, babe…hold on for dear life and never let go.” He released both brakes and welcomed the rush of excitement into their future.

  If you plan to continue with this series, there’s an epilogue…but I suggest you stop here if you don’t like cliffhangers and don’t plan to continue the series.

  Thanks for reading!

  TWELVE

  AFTER THE RETURN home and meeting with the chief, Faith had agreed to stay put on the Dream Team. The chief approved Jake’s probation early and even threw in a raise. Said he needed his Dream Team on a permanent basis. Since she’d agreed to marry Jake they’d been inseparable, and three months zoomed past.

  Today, however, was her day to prove by marriage The Curse would be broken once and for good.

  Inside the mission church’s bridal room, wedding day nerves zinged through her as quickly as her mother and Patti darted through the tiny room. She glanced into the full-length mirror. Blinking slowly, she stared at the pearled chiffon gown, satin shoes, and her grandmother’s veil affixed to her up-do. Having finished with the photographer, she had a half-hour before guests arrived.

  “You’re gorgeous.” Patti hugged her gently and handed her a blue garter belt. “I’m so happy to be your maid of honor. One day, you’ll be mine…”

  “I’d be flattered.” Eyes watering, she slipped on the garter and smoothed her dress. “I couldn’t be mad at you for long.”

  “Sometimes we need a little push. That’s what besties are for.” Patti gave Faith’s cheek a quick kiss. “See you soon.”

  As Patti headed out, Faith picked up the deep blue iris bouquet, stems wrapped in white satin ribbon—

  A pain shot through her hand and she dropped the flowers. Upon hitting her gown, the bouquet split and several petals scattered onto her train in dots of blue.

  A rash of blisters quickly encased her ring finger and sent her stumbling backward. “No, no, no, no…this can’t be. Not again. Not Jake.”

  “Let me see your hand.” Faith’s mother’s rushed to her, worry clear in her pinched brow and narrowed eyes. “We have to hide this.”

  “I don’t understand…” Faith breathed deeply and held the breath tight inside. How could something be wrong when, until this moment, everything had felt so right? They’d performed several more “miracles” in the surgery ward. Her father had approved of Jake’s protectiveness. Her mother was happy with Faith marrying a doctor. No surprise there. Jake proved his love both with words and actions. Now…this rash. “What should I do?”

  Mama tossed her hands into the air. “We’ll figure this out. Meanwhile, I’ll get some ice. Maybe we can shrink the swelling, so the family doesn’t have to undergo another catastrophe.”

  Faith scowled and her chest squeezed from her mother’s blaming tone. Since the beginning, ever since meeting Jake, The Curse had been set in motion. There was no turning back for either of them…

  A knock on the door made Faith jump.

  “Hello?” Tori entered, holding a beaded wedding pouch. Her hair had begun to grow out, the two-inch length styled with decorative clips. “I wasn’t sure if you had anything borrowed.”

  Accepting the beaded drawstring bag, Faith gazed at the pouch in awe. “It’s so pretty.”

  Tori squeezed the bag and it crackled. “I put a little something inside for your honeymoon.”

  Faith massaged her lips together and her eyes watered. “Thank you.”

  “I wanted you to know how special Jake is to all of us. He’s such a welcome addition to this town. No telling how many others he’s going to save.” She palmed Faith’s forearm. “You’re a lucky girl. Truly as blessed as I’ve been. You know, Faith”—she leaned close, a meaningful look in her eyes as she lowered her voice—“I’m alive because I believed I was worth saving. Until my accident, I never realized how many people my life affects. Remember that…okay?”

  Her friend turned to leave, and Faith examined the rash. Was she worth saving? Others’ lives depended on Jake to save them. But, by continuing with the pending ceremony, she’d be putting his life in danger. And also countless others he might not be around to save.

  Fog billowed outside the stained-glass window that Faith tried, hopelessly, to ignore. She just couldn’t face what that fog meant. That thick fog that cloaked Whisper Cove and housed numerous Fog Spirits.

  The mission bell tolled, the sound like thunder that shot a bolt of pain straight to her heart. She sucked in air and clasped her mouth. The Fog Spirits were coming for Jake. No matter her good intentions, she’d put him in danger…not because she didn’t love him, but because she did. Gathering her train, she gripped the chiffon in thick wads. Her chest squeezed until her throat choked with tears. She had to think, come up with a plan to save him, an elusive plan. To gather her thoughts, she knew just where
to go.

  Her pace quickened as she ran past the sanctuary pews strung with toile, ribbon, and iris bouquets. She threw open the double doors. Fog Spirits filled the streets like spectators at a homicide. Their cold mist sent chills up her neck. She didn’t glance behind her, however, she glanced ahead, trying as hard as she could to outrun The Curse.

  Inside the groom’s room within the mission church, Jake was suddenly enveloped by a surge of nausea and he physically shook. To keep from falling, he clutched the mirrored bureau. While breathing in and out, he placed his palm over his heart, expecting the beat to be irregular and thready, but he found its rhythm steady.

  Again, something struck from behind, and a chill rolled through him that he couldn’t ignore. Wedding day jitters were normal. Marriage was a serious commitment he’d see through to the end of time. He wasn’t having second thoughts or doubts.

  The door opened, and a draft swept the room as the chief entered. “Wanted to wish you the best. Tell you how proud I am of you. You believe in yourself, anything is possible….” He cleared his throat. “I’ve been tough with you at times. I’m a proud man, as you must know. But, son, your commitment to everything you take on simply astounds me.”

  Sensing the chief was choked up, Jake shook his superior’s hand then stumbled backward, that sick wave consuming him again. “Everything is happening so fast.”

  “Nonsense. Soon, a new phase of your life will begin.” The chief’s palm on Jake’s shoulder tightened in a consoling squeeze. “Keep your focus on the future.”

  Only, something inside Jake’s gut didn’t feel like there would be a future. Quite the opposite. He glanced to the fogged windowpane. “Weather’s changed.”

  The chief glanced out the window, his eyes widening before his gaze roamed over Jake. “Where’s Faith?”

  Where a moment before Jake could sense her, maybe even smell the sweet floral scent that was Faith, overhear her murmurs through the plaster wall that separated the two rooms and both of them, he now realized those signs had disappeared. Something tugged him…no, pushed him as a chill shot through his body and pierced his chest.