True Horizon

by Laurie Winter

  Once inside the bathroom, Molly pointed a finger at her. “Next time he tries something like that, just say NO! He’s not worth it. When will you learn?”

  Now, back in the present, that question echoed in her mind. The incident with Tyler and the dunk tank was so many years ago, but she still carried some of the sting.

  “Okay, Grace. I’m back.”

  Tyler’s voice sounded from her computer. His handsome face appeared on the screen. He was wearing a black suit with an aqua tie and a smile only for her.

  “Sorry, I had to answer that call,” he said over video chat. “Rick had a question about a contract I gave him. I’m all yours now.”

  He was all hers until the next important call. Grace picked up the nail file she’d earlier abandoned by her computer and resumed shaping her nails. “I was thinking about your dunk tank stunt. The Founders’ Day Festival is today.”

  Tyler scrunched his face and shook his head. “You’ll never let me live that down, will you?”

  “Nope.” She grinned. “I’m still plotting my revenge.”

  “Ah, come on.” He placed a hand over his heart. “The weather was hot, and I figured you’d appreciate a dip in the cool water.”

  Did he think the innocent school boy act would work on her? Maybe when she was in high school but not anymore. “No way, I’m not buying that for a second.” Her engagement ring sparkled on her left hand. Tyler had insisted on getting her the largest and best ring he could afford, which in Grace’s opinion, was too extravagant. “Come home soon, and we’ll call it even.”

  “Done.”

  His laughter sounded canned through the computer’s speakers.

  “I wish I could go with you to the festival today. I thought I’d have a little fun while I’m in Mexico, but so far, it’s been all work.”

  “I miss you so much.” She took a deep breath to control her jumble of emotions. She did miss him, but unfortunately, she was also getting used to him not being around. “Be safe, and I’ll see you soon.”

  “Miss you, too, love. Only two more weeks, and I’ll be home.” Tyler’s gaze shifted from the computer screen to the cell phone in his hand.

  “Hurry.” She wished he wasn’t thousands of miles away. The physical separation had created emotional distance in their relationship. Not good, if they were to be married soon. “Life’s not the same without you.”

  ****

  Heath drove the old reliable tractor across the field, bouncing along on the seat. He steered the green machine through the pasture gates and finally into the barn. The trailer was empty of the alfalfa bales he’d scattered through the fields. While making the rounds, he’d checked the water lines and made sure the troughs were full and clean. Keeping busy is keeping sane.

  Bruce had told him to take off the rest of the day to come to the Founders’ Day Festival. He’d insisted that the annual summer celebration was a lot of fun, with good food and music.

  The thought of being surrounded by large groups of people he didn’t know left him anxious. He planned to finish his chores and borrow a fishing pole, and then head over to the pond to waste away the rest of the day.

  Without turning his gaze to the door, he sensed had Grace entered the barn. The hairs on his arms stood on end, like immediately before a lightning strike. He couldn’t explain how he always felt her presence before he caught sight of her. Maybe his mind was once again working at a heightened state, similar to when he was in combat. He knew her floral scent and recognized the beat of her stride.

  “Hey there.” Leaning against one of the tractor’s large tires, Grace crossed her arms.

  She looked perfect in a plaid shirt, which was tied up to reveal a peek of skin. His body flushed with heat. His hot flash had nothing to do with the temperature in the barn. “Hey, yourself.” He hung the tractor keys on a small peg board attached to the wall.

  “You coming to the festival today?” she asked.

  “Probably not.” He hooked his thumbs in the front pockets of his jeans.

  Chicken clucking echoed through the barn. A rooster crowed.

  “You should come.” Grace tugged at the sleeve of his T-shirt. “I promise you’ll have fun. You can hang out with the family. Alex, Jenny, and the girls will be there. I know the twins would love to see you.”

  “I don’t like big crowds.” He had to decline the invitation without hurting her feelings. “But tell those two troublemakers I said hello.”

  Grace kicked a puff of hay. “Okay, but if you change your mind, come find me. I’d really like it if you came.”

  Her smile was tempting. Heath could see himself agreeing to anything she wanted with that smile. Jump off a cliff—sure, how high?

  He exited the barn with Grace by his side.

  At the beginning of the gravel path that led to the bunkhouse, she halted and lifted her gaze. “Have you had a chance to pick the lock on the metal box we found in the dugout?”

  “I got it open but haven’t looked inside it yet. I thought you should do the honors.”

  “Can we go look at it now?” Her eyes widened under arched, black brows.

  She grinned like a kid at Christmas. “Sure, come over to the bunkhouse, and I’ll bring it out. I’m surprised you haven’t asked earlier.”

  “I’ve been so busy lately, between wedding errands and my work duties. I had my dress fitting yesterday, and the invitations went out earlier this week.”

  Her face lost some of that carefree smile. Heath’s stomach clenched at the image of her wearing a wedding dress meant for Tyler. “I notice you’re on the computer a lot. What exactly do you do for work?”

  “I recently started my own cyber-security business. I left my former employer when they asked me to run data mining on some companies who had contracted us to protect their networks and data. I told them no, and then walked away.”

  “I don’t see you as a techno geek.” She looked more like a supermodel. But then again, who said a girl couldn’t be smart and pretty? “What made you go into that line of work?”

  “Computer Engineering was something I just stumbled across when I was a sophomore in college. The classes came easy, so I went with it.”

  He was impressed. Computers baffled him. “You seem like such an outdoorsy girl.”

  “Owning my own business gives me a lot of flexibility.” She sighed. “I’ll find it hard to leave next month.”

  Heath went inside his bunkhouse and came out carrying the box. He set it at her feet. “Here you go, ma’am.”

  She gently opened the lid, peeked inside, and pulled out a book wrapped in a yellowed cloth. “Look at the embroidery on the handkerchief.” She fingered the old fabric then lifted it to show Heath. “The stitching is so delicate. These are Cherokee roses. And look at these initials—EB & KB, and they’re encircled within a heart.”

  Grace laid the handkerchief on her lap and peeled it open to reveal an old Bible. Inside the cover of the leather-bound book was a faded inscription.

  Ezra Burchfield

  Born October 29, 1820

  Married June 12, 1842

  As we live our lives in peace, we grieve for all those we lost on the great journey. My love for the Cherokee people is as strong as my love for my dear Kamama. She is the light after seeing so much darkness, goodness to defy evil. God bless our children and their children, throughout the generations. May they never forget the sacrifices of their ancestors.

  “A family Bible.” She traced a finger over the words.

  Heath leaned over to get a closer look. “The Bible’s in good condition for being so old.”

  “What do you think Ezra meant by the great journey?” she asked.

  He scratched his beard. “I don’t know. Maybe they had a long, hard journey when they moved here to establish the ranch.”

  “I wonder if Granny knows more about Ezra and Kamama.” Grace reached inside the box again and took out several copper bracelets. They were tarnished and dull, but their engravings were still cle
ar. “These must have belonged to Kamama. How gorgeous.” She slipped them over her hand and onto her slender wrist.

  “This is a real find.” He watched Grace paging through the Bible. Did the words inside hold meaning for her? His faith was shaky at best. Though each day here at the ranch with Grace rebuilt his spirit and his connection to forces greater than himself.

  “Well, I should get going. Hope to see you at the festival later.” She hopped down the porch steps with the precious finds in hand.

  She gave him that smile again, the one that pierced straight to his heart. He knew right then and there he’d be joining her later at the festival. He’d go to the moon and back for her. Cursing his own weakness, he watched until she disappeared behind the creaky screen door. Apparently, a pretty face and a smile would turn him against his better judgment.

  “Well, I better take a shower,” he mumbled to himself. “Can’t go to the festival smelling like a horse.”

  Chapter Twelve

  Heath drove past Snowfield Park, seeing the place buzzing with activity. After a brief search, he found a side street with an empty spot for his bike. He slipped the key inside his pocket and followed the flock of people heading in. Instead of the ratty jeans and T-shirt he normally wore, he had on nice khaki shorts and a new button-up shirt. The clothes felt slightly stiff and itchy, but he didn’t want Grace to be embarrassed about being seen with him. He even left the old Warrior baseball cap at home. What a guy won’t do to make a good impression? And he really wanted to look good for Grace.

  The sprawling park sat beside the Hickory River, with the wooden bridge at the north entrance. The sight of the rushing river gave him chills. He remembered the panic he’d felt swimming through that water to save Grace.

  When Grace told him this weekend festival was a big deal for the town, she wasn’t kidding. Tents and stages were scattered around the park, and carnival rides and games filled the paved parking lot. A Ferris wheel, covered in blinking lights, stood high above the crowd, tirelessly spinning countless customers. Music from a country band filled the air, along with delicious smells coming from dozens of food stands.

  From the looks of it, every man, woman, and child living in the county was in attendance. He weaved through the crowd, conscious of the growing nervous tension in his gut. His eyes scanned for danger, along with any sign of Grace and her family.

  The unmistakable sound of her laughter caught his attention. He turned to see her sitting on a blanket next to Alex and Jenny. Along with Lizzy and Kara, they watched a magic act being performed on a small stage. The second he saw Grace, his heart rate increased like a stampede of wild horses. Why did he struggle to act like a normal person around her? He hadn’t wanted anything this badly in a long time—to just have fun and fit in.

  When Grace noticed him, she waved him over. She scooted to the side and made room on the blanket.

  The twins both greeted him with energetic hugs, nearly squeezing the life out of him.

  “Hi, Heath!” they sang in unison.

  “I’m so glad you decided to come.” Grace patted him on the shoulder.

  He took a calming breath. You’re just a normal guy, enjoying the day with a pretty girl. You got this. “So, what did I miss?”

  Lizzy filled him in on all the cool tricks the magician had done so far.

  He noticed Kara studying his tattoos through narrowed eyes.

  Scrunching up her nose, Kara touched his arm. “Did those hurt?”

  Her small hand lightly brushed his skin like a warm breeze. “Just a little. When I was in the Army, I was expected to look tough. Most of my friends got tattoos, so I did, too.” He saw both girls now scanning the artwork on his arms. “I hope they aren’t too scary.”

  Lizzy giggled and touched the ink design of an open fan of playing cards. Her small finger traced the Ace of Spades. “I think they’re silly.”

  He smiled at the girls. “Good. Because now I’d rather look silly than scary.”

  The realization suddenly struck—for the first time since leaving the Army, he felt like part of a family. His mind whirled with questions that, for many years, had been left unanswered. How much longer could he bear living a life of solitude? When he finally stopped running, would anyone be there for him? Someday, would he desire a wife and children of his own?

  Not since he’d been served his divorce papers had he given any thought to marriage. Up until this point in his life, he’d been happy being single. Right now, he’d make a terrible husband. But years in the future, would his solitary existence be enough, or would he want something more?

  Jenny stood and took Lizzy and Kara by the hand. “Let’s go play some games. Who wants to join us?”

  “I have to judge the barbecue competition.” Alex interlaced his fingers, stretched out his arms, and then cracked his knuckles. “I’ll join you when I’m done.”

  “We’ll come.” Grace peered at Heath. She stood and reached for his hand, pulling him up.

  The blazing heat from her touch left him temporarily speechless. Heath followed Grace, Jenny, and the twins to the fishing game. Kids ran around, darting between booths. Their laughter was contagious.

  Grace pointed to a small field set behind the carnival games. “Look, they’re starting the potato sack race. You game?”

  “Are you sure? Because I will beat you.”

  She huffed a loud breath and shook her head. “Honey, I’ve been doing that race since I started walking. You don’t stand a chance.”

  By now, he knew how to rile her competitive streak. “Put your money where your mouth is, princess.” His gaze wandered to her pretty mouth and the smile pulling at the corners. “If you win, I’ll shave off my beard. If I win, you clean horse stalls for the next week.”

  They shook hands on the terms and lined up for the race. She looked fierce in her potato sack, and he was sure she was plotting some kind of strategy to take him down. The horn blew, and all the competitors took off toward the red ribbon marking the finish. Grace and Heath were side by side, at the head of the pack, when his foot hit a bump, pitching him forward. Luckily, he caught his balance before he face-planted on the grass. The rascal had tripped him. This means war.

  He put his whole heart into the last fifty meters, and his lungs burned with the effort. The finish line was within reach. Heath took one last long hop and passed Grace, who let out a sound of defeat that reminded him of an irate rooster.

  Once across the finish line, he fell next to Grace, laughing so hard tears streamed down both their faces. “You’re a little cheater,” he said once he finally caught his breath.

  “I had good motivation.” She reached over to place the palm of her hand over the scruff on his cheek. “You really need to lose the beard.”

  He sat in silence and stared until the world around him disappeared. Heath put up his hand to cover hers, which still rested on his face. Her delicate fingers tickled the sensitive skin under his beard. He was having a hard time continuing to deny his growing feelings. She surely saw him only as the man who’d saved her life and now returned the favor. But for a few seconds, he wondered if she saw something more.

  Grace finally broke the spell by pulling away and wiggling out of her potato sack. A few people came over to them and congratulated Heath on his win. A man in overalls handed him a large blue ribbon.

  “We should find a game where we could be on the same team.” She led him away from the crowd, stopping under an ash tree.

  “We’d be nearly unstoppable.” The two of them competing side by side was the best idea he’d ever heard.

  “Why don’t you ever let me win?” She tilted her head.

  Her wide-eyed expression was as innocent as a child, but he knew better. He laughed at the question. “Why would I? Does Tyler always let you win?” Speaking the name of her fiancé left a bitter taste in his mouth.

  “Every time.” She raised her chin to meet his gaze.

  “I’m not Tyler,” he said with more force than he wan
ted. The way she looked at him, with wide-eyed wonder, left him breathless. He was plummeting down the rabbit hole, grabbing at anything to stop the freefall. Guess that’s why they called the feeling falling in love, and he didn’t stand a chance.

  ****

  Grace couldn’t believe that Heath’d beaten her, even after her little trip maneuver. Now, she faced a week of cleaning horse stalls, something she hadn’t done in over eight years. Seeing Heath shave off his beard had been her main motivation to win. She’d have to craft another plan to make the scruff disappear. He used his facial hair as a mask, and she wanted the world to see the real Heath Carter.

  They were standing under a tree, talking, when out of the corner of her eye, she saw Tyler’s parents approach.

  “Grace, darling,” Marion Ross called. She gave Grace a polite kiss on each cheek.

  “Hello, Marion, Dr. Ross.” After that race, she must look a sweaty mess. How embarrassing. She smoothed her hair and clothing.

  Tyler’s dad raised a hand in greeting.

  Both Tyler’s parents were overdressed for a festival. But they were one of the more important families in Liberty Ridge, and Grace knew they always dressed to impress. “I hope you’re enjoying yourself. We lucked out on the weather this year.”

  “This event keeps on getting bigger and bigger every year.” Marion turned her attention to Heath, and her penciled eyebrows arched up her smooth forehead.

  “I’d like to introduce you to Heath Carter.” Grace stepped closer to Heath. “He’s the man who pulled me out of the river. Heath, these are Tyler’s parents, Dr. Ross and his wife, Marion.”

  Tyler’s parents shook Heath’s hand then slowly looked him up and down. Both wore expressions of well-bred neutrality. Despite their politeness, Grace saw through their act like a thinly woven white skirt.

  “We are so grateful to you for saving Grace’s life,” Dr. Ross said.

  “Are you staying in the area?” Marion asked him.

  “I’m working at the Murray ranch for the time being,” Heath said. “Helping out until the wedding.”