Falling for the Hometown Hero

by Mindy Obenhaus

  “Thank you.” The nurse returned to her computer.

  Grace resumed her post at the wall. Watching her mother, a woman so full of life, suddenly forced to fight for it, shook Grace to the core. She battled the tears that begged to be unleashed. But she would not give in. At least not when her mother could see her. She had to stay strong. Something she should be good at by now. Instead, she felt as though she could crumble at any moment.

  God, I’ll do whatever You want. Just, please, don’t take Mama.

  * * *

  Roger was visibly shaken when Kaleb gave him the news about Donna. So there was no way Kaleb was going to let him drive all the way to Montrose. Better to close a couple of hours early than risk his friend’s life.

  Besides, he wanted to be there for Grace. When he’d talked with her on the phone, he could tell she was struggling. And given that she’d been the calm in more than a few of his storms lately, it was time to return the favor.

  By the time he and Roger arrived at the hospital, doctors had determined that Donna had not had a heart attack. Unfortunately, they feared she may have a blockage, and she was undergoing a heart catheterization when they finally located Grace in the waiting room.

  She stood, her expression hovering between worry and relief. Enduring something like this was never easy, but it was even tougher when you had to face it alone. “Glad you guys finally made it.”

  “Me, too,” said Roger. “Any word?”

  “No.” Her arms were crossed over her chest. “They said someone would be out to talk to us once the procedure is over.”

  “Guess all we can do is wait, then.” Roger raked a hand through his gray hair, leaving it standing on end.

  Kaleb could only imagine what was going through his head. After all, he’d already buried one wife. Donna was his second chance. And Roger loved her with every fiber of his being, just as he had Camille.

  While Roger paced, Kaleb kept his focus on Grace. He could see the fear in the depth of her hazel eyes. “How are you doing?”

  She shrugged. “As well as can be expected, I guess.” The nonchalance of her response gave him pause.

  He’d heard the angst in her voice when she called him earlier. The fear of losing another parent had threaded every word.

  Now she was shutting him out. Closing the door on her emotions and mentally retreating to that place where no one or nothing could hurt her.

  And it stung. He’d revealed so much to Grace. Taking her to some of his darkest places. And yet she still refused to trust him.

  A man dressed in blue scrubs pushed through the door then.

  Roger and Kaleb flanked Grace as the doctor continued toward them.

  His gaze traveled to Roger. “Are you Mr. Hamilton?”

  “Yes, sir.”

  “Dr. Griffith.” The man shook Roger’s hand before addressing them collectively. “Mrs. Hamilton had significant blockages in her coronary arteries. We were, however, able to insert stents into both, so she should be ready to go home by tomorrow.”

  Grace and Roger both let go a sigh of relief.

  “When can we see her?” Roger watched the other man intently.

  “Only one of you will be able to join her in recovery. The nurse will let you know when they’re ready for you.”

  As the doctor left, Grace turned to Roger. “Mama will be eager to see you.”

  Roger let go a sigh, shoving his hands into the pockets of his jeans. “I’m pretty eager to see her myself.”

  “I know you are.” Grace squared her shoulders. “I can see her later.”

  She was putting on quite the act. But Kaleb had glimpsed behind the mask. He knew the tender heart that lay behind the tough facade. So for now, let her walk that tightrope. However, he’d also make sure that he was there to catch her when she fell.

  “Kaleb?” Roger looked past Grace. “Would you mind running Grace to pick up Donna’s SUV?”

  “Not at all.”

  When he and Grace exited the hospital thirty minutes later, the sun hovered over the western horizon.

  She walked through the parking lot in silence, her arms wrapped around her middle as though she were fighting to keep her emotions from escaping.

  Placing his hand against the small of her back, he urged her around to the passenger side of his Jeep. For a moment, he felt her trembling. Before she jerked away.

  “Grace?” He stepped in front of her, hoping she might relax and let down her guard. But when she refused to look at him, he continued. “Where are we going?”

  “Avery’s something.”

  “Ah, Avery’s Style Mart.” He opened the door. “Hop in.”

  The round-trip took all of twenty minutes. And though she tried to evade him, parking on the opposite side of the parking lot, he caught up to her on their way into the hospital.

  “What are your plans for tonight?” He followed her through the automatic door. “Are you going to stay here or do you want me to take you back to Ouray?”

  She continued across the shiny tile. “I think it’s best if I stay here with Mama.”

  Why did he get the feeling she’d been rehearsing her response. “I’m sure Roger will want to stay, too.”

  She pushed the up button on the elevator. “Then I’ll sleep in the waiting room if I have to.” Stubbornness squared her shoulders.

  How much longer could she go on like this? At some point, she was going to break.

  Nonetheless, he said, “Whatever you like.”

  He waited with Roger while Grace went in to see her mother. “How was Donna?”

  “She’s resting comfortably.” Forearms on his thighs, his friend rubbed his hands together. “Boy, you talk about a sight for sore eyes.”

  Roger was a blessed man. To find love twice. Kaleb had yet to have a relationship that even resembled that kind of love. Though he wasn’t about to give up hope.

  When Grace rejoined them, Roger presented her with a set of keys. “Could I get you to check on the house for us?”

  The conflicted expression on Grace’s face had Kaleb biting back a laugh. So much for staying at the hospital.

  “Oh.” She tentatively took hold of the keys. “Um...sure.”

  “You don’t mind driving her back to Ouray, do you, Kaleb?”

  “No, of course not.” Though he could guarantee that Grace wasn’t too excited about the prospect.

  “I appreciate it.” Roger smiled at Grace. “You’re welcome to stay there, if you like.”

  “Uh, yeah... Thank you.” Her gaze fell to the tan carpet.

  Though Kaleb had no doubt that Grace wanted to be with her mother, he also knew she’d be better off getting a good night’s rest. Something that was not easily accomplished in a hospital. Besides, Roger would call if anything were to happen.

  Kaleb touched her elbow. “It’ll be dark soon, so we should get going.”

  She reluctantly acquiesced.

  “Shall we grab a bite to eat?” He motioned to a fast-food place on their way out of Montrose.

  “I’m not hungry.” Grace stared out the window, continuing to do so until they pulled up in front of Roger and Donna’s darkened house thirty minutes later.

  She quickly jumped out.

  Kaleb killed the engine and followed her. “Looks like everything’s off to me.”

  “I’d better make sure.” Grace continued up the front steps.

  She unlocked the door and went inside. Once she’d turned on a lamp or two, Kaleb stepped just inside the front door. “Check the kitchen.”

  A moment later, she returned. “It’s fine. I’ll check upstairs.” She disappeared for a short time and he heard floorboards creaking overhead. Then she made her way back down the steps. “Everything’s fine.”

  If only
that were true.

  “Okay, good.” But Grace was far from fine. He watched her as she hesitated at the foot of the stairs. “What’s going on, Grace? Why are you shutting down on me?”

  She immediately crossed her arms over her chest, her feet riveted to the hardwood floor. “Shutting down? What do you mean?”

  He moved closer. “Let it go, Grace. We both know you’re hurting.”

  Though she refused to look at him, he saw her bottom lip quiver. She was fighting hard to keep it together.

  “You’re not as tough as you pretend to be.” He continued toward her. “You’re afraid of losing the only parent you have left.” The words sounded harsh, even to his own ears. But he had to get through to her.

  Her liquid eyes looked everywhere but at him. Her shoulders drooped.

  Erasing what little space remained between them, he pulled her to him and enveloped her in his embrace.

  Instead of objecting, she wrapped her arms around him, sobs racking her body.

  He caressed her hair. “It’s okay, Grace. You’re safe. Let it go.” He would hold her forever if she needed him to.

  She fisted his shirt. “I was—” she hiccuped “—so scared. I can’t lose her, too. I can’t.” Her words were muffled against his chest.

  “I know. And you did great. You got your mom the help she needed.” He tightened his hold and simply allowed her to cry.

  When she finished, she looked up at him, her eyes still shimmering with unshed tears. “Do you think she’s going to be okay?”

  “Yes, Grace, I believe your mother is going to be okay. But what about you?”

  “I’ve been, um—” her gaze drifted to the ceiling and she blinked rapidly “—praying. A lot.”

  “That’s good. Matter of fact, that’s real good.”

  “How did Roger take it?” She tried to swipe away her tears. “When you told him.”

  “Not too well.” He stroked her hair. “Like you, he’s lost someone he loved very much. So a lot of those fears you had were going on inside of him, too. And the fact that he wasn’t there only exacerbated things.”

  With his arms still around her, she nodded, her eyes never leaving his. The gold and green flecks that had diminished earlier were back. And more stunning than ever.

  His heart pounded. He needed to get out of here. Take Grace back to her campsite before he did something he’d regret.

  He released her. Took a step back. “We need to go.”

  “I was, um, thinking I’d stay here tonight.”

  Conflicted, he stared down at her. “Do you need to go get some clothes or anything?”

  “No, I’ll be all right.”

  “And what about tomorrow? You’re welcome to take the day off, if you like.”

  She took a step closer. “I’ll probably come in early and then go from there.”

  “That’s fine.”

  For the longest while, they continued to stare at each other. His mouth went dry, his pulse racing like crazy.

  “Grace?”

  Her eyes were wide as she stared up at him. “Yes?”

  Try as he might, he couldn’t make himself look away. He didn’t want to. All he wanted was to taste her lips.

  Reaching for her, he lowered his head and did just that, as though it were the most natural thing in the world.

  Best of all, she kissed him back. And he’d never tasted anything so sweet.

  Wrapping both arms around her waist, he pulled her closer, deepening their kiss.

  Grace threaded her fingers through the back of his hair. She smelled amazing. Like flowers and sunshine.

  Then she tensed and pulled away, her eyes wide. “You should go.”

  His breathing was ragged. “I think you’re right.”

  He turned for the door, raking a disgusted hand through his hair. What had he been thinking? Kissing her when she was at her most vulnerable.

  She kissed you back.

  Yeah, because she needed to be comforted. Not taken advantage of.

  Hand on the storm door, he glanced over his shoulder. She remained where he’d left her, fingers pressed to her lips.

  “Sleep well, Grace.” Heart heavy, he stepped into the night. Though the timing of his kiss may have been off, there was one thing he now knew for certain.

  He’d fallen for Grace.

  Chapter Twelve

  Grace downed her second cup of coffee the next morning, then reached for a Diet Dr Pepper. After tossing and turning all night, she’d need all the caffeine she could get her hands on just to make it through the day.

  After showering at Mama’s, she’d come back to her campsite to change and get ready for work. Despite having a comfortable bed for a change, sleep was elusive. Worries about Mama had plagued her brain. She was beyond grateful that God had spared her mother. But she also prayed that they could have more time together.

  And then there was that kiss.

  Even now, her lips tingled at the thought. The warmth of Kaleb’s embrace made her feel special and wanted. Yeah, she’d enjoyed it all right. Until she realized what a huge mistake she was making.

  Inside her camper, she picked up a brush and ran it through her still-damp hair. She was only in Ouray for the summer. Kaleb knew that; she knew that. So kissing him was like playing with fire. And she’d be the one getting burned.

  Her cell phone rang.

  She tossed the brush aside and grabbed the phone from its charger.

  Lucy. Probably looking for an update on Mama.

  Grace had called her last night before turning in. Unfortunately, she hadn’t spoken with Roger yet this morning, so she didn’t have any more news.

  “Hey, Luce.”

  “Any word on Mama?”

  “Not yet.” Holding the phone between her ear and shoulder, Grace pulled her hair back, gave it a couple of twists and affixed it to the back of her head with a claw clip.

  “I figured, since I hadn’t heard from you. Anyway, the main reason I’m calling is to let you know that I’m coming to Ouray.”

  She again took hold of the phone. “When?”

  “I’m already on the road. Should be in sometime this afternoon.”

  “Mama will be glad to see you.” However, she had to admit that she’d kind of enjoyed having her mother to herself. When Mama and Lucy were together, Grace couldn’t seem to find a way to fit in.

  “Ditto. I just wish it was under better circumstances. I’m so glad you were there for her, though. I mean, what if you’d been out on that cruise ship? How would we have gotten ahold of you?”

  “I’m sure they have ways for you to contact me in case of emergency. How long are you planning to stay?” She glanced at her watch, then picked up her blush and swiped each cheekbone a couple of times.

  “A few days. A week. Whatever it takes to help her get settled in once she comes home.”

  “If all goes according to plan, that should be today.” She glanced at herself in a hand mirror. Rough, but it would have to do. “Hey, I’m late for work, Luce. I’ll call you if I learn anything.”

  Ending the call, she took a deep breath. This was definitely going to be one of those days. Starting with having to face Kaleb. God, please help me keep it together.

  Grabbing her pack, she set off for work, hoping to hear from Roger soon. With Mama coming home today, there was no point in Grace going to the hospital. If that changed, she’d catch a ride with Lucy later today.

  Gravel crunched beneath her übercomfortable, though not-so-cute, sandals as she hiked up Seventh Avenue. The day had already been chaotic. And it was only a little past seven.

  What if you’d been out on that cruise ship? Lucy’s words replayed in her mind.

  What if Mama hadn’t been in Montrose w
hen her breathing failed? She was only there because of Grace. If she’d been in Ouray, they’d have lost at least thirty minutes of valuable time.

  And what if Grace were at sea? Did the cruise line have a plan for getting the crew home in case of emergencies? Surely they did. Though it would likely involve their next port of call. By then, it could be too late.

  Arriving at Mountain View Tours, she shoved her thoughts aside and drew in a long, bolstering breath before going inside. Nothing has changed, so just act normal.

  She hurried through the garage, offering a quick “Good morning” to Kaleb and five of his guides before moving inside. After dropping her pack behind the counter, she trashed her empty soda can, snagged a fresh one from the mini fridge and pulled the clipboards for this morning’s tours before unlocking the front door.

  Fortunately for her, Kaleb had volunteered to cover Roger’s tours. That meant she wouldn’t have to worry about being alone with him. It would also give her time to further rein in her flailing emotions, tie them in a tidy little bow and stuff them so deep they’d never have a chance to surface again.

  The front door pushed open then and a young family entered, led by two energetic boys she remembered from Saturday. Somewhere around six and eight years old, both held small action figures and readily provided sound effects as the figures zoomed through the air, guided by the boys’ small fingers.

  A loud “Shooooom...” echoed through the air, followed by an explosive sound as one of the action figures careened toward the newly carpeted floor.

  “Boys...” The father’s warning went unheeded.

  The garage door flew open then and Kaleb stepped inside. His commanding presence seemed to stop the boys in their tracks.

  Buzz-cut heads tilted all the way back; mouths agape, they stared up at Kaleb.

  “Looks like you fellas are having fun.” Kaleb smiled down at them. “Are you ready to do some exploring today?”

  The boys nodded as if in awe.

  “All right. Well, you just hang tight for just a couple minutes.” He shook both parents’ hands. “Good to see you again.”

  He joined Grace behind the desk, glancing over the clipboards as he approached. “Lane’s going to be taking Roger’s tours.”