by Mary Alford
Kyle called the following morning. “Do you have anything special planned?”
“No, nothing at all,” she told him.
“How about spending the day with me?”
She should say no. Make up something to do, guard her heart from the inevitable heartache heading her way. But it didn’t matter what they were doing. She loved every minute of their time together. “Sure, what do you have in mind?” she asked a little breathlessly.
“I think we both need to get into the Christmas spirit. How do you feel about shopping for Christmas trees for each of our houses?”
She was a little surprised but that didn’t stop her from willingly agreeing.
He picked her up, and they spent the best morning shopping for the perfect trees.
Grace couldn’t remember ever having more fun. She’d been lonely until Kyle. She loved the moments they shared together a little too much. She looked forward to seeing him again and that scared her. She’d felt the same way about Nick in the beginning. But Kyle wasn’t Nick, she kept reminding herself. Still, by his own admission, Kyle was an alcoholic. Grace had oftentimes thought the same of Nick. He certainly drank every single night they were married, and Kyle was in the music business just like Nick. Stop looking for trouble. Still, it was hard not to. She was becoming very fond of Kyle. She might even be…she might even be falling in love. It was too soon, surely? Still that didn’t change the truth.
Every time she was with him she couldn’t help but notice how handsome he was. The way his smile was just a little crooked and his eyes sparked with mischief when he was teasing her. He was funny and spontaneous, hugged her often, and seemed to enjoy being with her.
“What do you think?” Grace asked as they stood back and surveyed the tree they’d just decorated to perfection with Noah’s help.
“Perfect.” Kyle cast a worried look Jessup’s way.
Jessup dozed close to a cheerful fire, occasionally waking in a fitful cough. The cold had been hanging on for several weeks now. He opened his eyes, his smile widening as he looked at the tree.
“Jessup, that cough of yours is getting worse,” Kyle said. “Should we make an appointment with your doctor soon?”
Jessup dismissed the idea immediately. “There ain’t no need for that. I’ll be fine in a few days. I just got a touch of the cold.”
Kyle glanced sideways at Grace.
Grace felt Jessup’s forehead. It was cool to the touch. Maybe it was just a cold.
“I’m fine. Don’t fuss. I’ll take some medicine and then lay down for a nap. You two go about your business.” Jessup stumbled to his feet.
Kyle grabbed his arm. “I’ll help you to bed. I’ll be right back,” he said over his shoulder to both Grace and Noah.
“That old guy sure is stubborn. I hope Kyle can change his mind about the doctor,” Noah said and began helping Grace put away the extra decorations.
Grace glanced out the window at the snow covered beauty outside. During the morning, the snow had stopped. Christmas was in the air, and she wanted to push aside the nightmare of last year and move forward. So far, she’d been able to do that, but there were still moments of melancholy.
Kyle came back a few minutes later. “Noah, do you mind keeping an eye on Jessup while I take Grace home?”
“Don’t mind at all. I kind of like hanging out with the old guy. He’s pretty smart.”
“Thanks,” Kyle said and turned to her. “If you’re ready, let’s see if we can find a good spot for that tree you picked out.”
As they drove along the road leading to her house she glanced over at him. He was distracted. “You’re worried about Jessup, aren’t you?”
He turned and she could see the truth in his eyes. “Yes. Do you think he seems worse?” he asked in concern.
“Maybe a little. I think it’s a good idea to talk to his doctor. Jessup will just have to deal with it.”
“Yeah, I just don’t want anything to happen to him. I don’t think I could handle it if…”
She reached for his hand and squeezed it. “Don’t go there, Kyle. You don’t know this is anything more than a cold.”
The pain in his eyes tore at her heart. “It’s just that things have been going so good. I love having Jessup with me. It’s almost like having a second father around. I don’t want that to change.”
She understood. At times it felt as if happiness was little more than a few elusive moments in between the heartache and pain. She had certainly thought she and Nick would be happy for the rest of their lives.
Kyle must have seen something in her expression. “I know this time of year is hard for you, but you deserve some happiness in your life, Grace,” he said with sincerity.
“I am happy. That’s what scares me. I’m afraid I’ll wake up and be back there in that car with Nick.”
He touched her cheek. “That’s over, Grace. You have to let it go. Move forward. Live.”
If only it were that easy. In truth, her fear of the future had started long before Nick. As an orphan, she’d grown up knowing she’d been rejected. Her own parents had abandoned her. She’d been passed around most of her childhood. She’d lived with that stigma most of her life. That’s why she’d fallen so hard for Nick. He’d offered her both love and security…or so she’d thought.
Kyle’s handsome face held a frown. He had enough to worry about without adding her to the list. She smiled at him. “You’re right. The past is over and I’m excited about the future.”
He returned her smile. “That’s great.” He pulled into her drive and parked.
Inside, she could hear Lizzy barking her welcome. “Coming, Lizzy,” she called out and the dog stopped barking, which meant she would be waiting by the front door with her tail wagging. Grace unlocked the door.
Kyle toted the tree inside.
Lizzy bounded from the house and jumped up and down, always happy to see her.
“This is a nice welcome home party you’ve got there.” Kyle chuckled and leaned the tree against the wall close to the door.
Once Grace had petted Lizzy to dog‘s satisfaction, Lizzy went over to the tree, gave it a couple of quick sniffs, and then went back to her bed by the window.
“Want some coffee?” Grace asked Kyle.
“That sounds good.” He stood looking out the window while she put the coffee on. “It’s getting colder out. There’s another storm on the way.”
Grace pulled out mugs, spoons, sugar and creamer. The coffeepot finished with a hiss. She brought a cup over to him.
A frown creased his forehead. He was probably still worried about Jessup.
She touched his arm gently, and he looked at her.
“Sorry, I guess I’m not very good company. Jessup’s cold really has me concerned. It just keeps hanging on, and he’s getting weaker. I’m really worried about him. I think when I get home I’ll call the doctor and see how soon he can come over.”
“I know you’re worried. You care about him. He’s blessed to have you.” She shook her head. “I hope everything’s OK.”
“Me, too. He and I have grown close, especially since he’s been living with me. He crotchety and stubborn as a mule, but I care about him.”
She wrapped her arm around his waist. “He loves you as well. I can see the way his eyes light up when he talks about you. You’re very important to him, and you’ve done such a good thing by letting him live with you.” The hurt in him sliced through to her heart. She wished she could reassure him everything would be OK.
Kyle gently brushed a strand of her hair from her eyes, his fingers resting on her cheek. She could feel the solid warmth of him close to her. And even smell the fresh mountain air that clung to his skin. He stared into her eyes and then slowly brought her into his arms and kissed her tenderly. All the fear and worry about the future just melted away. All she could think about was that she wanted to be near him. Wanted him to keep on kissing her. Wanted…so much more.
Kyle slowly ended the kiss and then let her go. The
ir eyes lingered. She saw so many unanswered questions in his. She’d give just about anything to be able to answer them.
He cleared his throat. “I’d better bring the rest of the decorations in. Where do you want the tree to go?” he asked quietly.
She shook her head. “Don’t worry about that. I can put the tree up later. You go take care of Jessup. He needs you. Call me later and let me know how he’s doing and what the doctor said.”
“Are you sure?” he asked, but she could see that he was relieved.
“I’m positive.” She walked with him outside and together they carried in the decorations they’d brought from his place.
“I think that’s all of them,” he told her and then turned her to face him. She caught her breath at the tenderness in him. It was getting easier to be close to him and that terrified her. Slowly, he leaned down and his lips touched hers gently. She didn’t hesitate to kiss him back with abandon. Even after their sweet kiss ended she clung to him. She never wanted him to leave her side, but she knew Jessup needed him. Reluctantly she stepped away. “You’d better go. Call me later.”
“I will,” he assured her. With one final lingering glance, he left her.
He made her feel as if she had a warm blanket wrapped around her on a cold day. Grace waved as he drove away. She moved back inside. Lizzy stood looking up at her with her, “I really want to go for a walk” look. She grinned down at the dog and patted her head. “Good idea. I could use some fresh air right now.” She grabbed her jacket and then took out her cellphone. She was getting ready to set it on the table when she noticed a message waiting. The phone slipped from her fingers as she listened to the message.
“Ms. Bradford, or should I say Ms. Samuels? This is Tara Michaels. I spoke to Mr. Delaney, and he gave me your statement about your husband’s memorial. While I appreciate it a lot, I’d really like to speak to you personally. Can you call me back as soon as possible?”
Grace closed her eyes as her stomach clenched with fear.
The woman wouldn’t let up.
Grace didn’t think she could survive dredging up that dreadful night with anyone else.
13
“Grace, it’s Kyle.” The tension in his voice told her something was dreadfully wrong.
She sat up in bed and turned on the lamp on the nightstand. ”What’s happened?” she asked. Her heart hammered in panic.
“I woke you. I’m sorry I didn’t mean to wake you.” He sounded so weary.
“No, it’s fine. Kyle, tell me what’s going on?” She took a deep breath and grasped for control. Calm, she needed to be calm. For Kyle.
“It’s Jessup,” he said in a tight tone. “He’s gotten worse. The doctor stopped by earlier. He has pneumonia. He was airlifted to Denver a couple of hours ago. That’s where we are now. They aren’t sure if he’ll make it. I don’t know what to do. I can’t lose him.” His voice broke with emotion.
Grace jumped out of bed and began throwing on clothes. “I’m coming there.”
“No, I can’t ask you to do that. It’s a four hour drive,” he told her in a barely audible voice.
“You didn’t ask me, Kyle.”
“You don’t have to do that.” But she could hear a different story in his tone.
“I want to. I’m coming. Which hospital are you at?”
“Denver Memorial.”
“I’ll be there as soon as I can. Hang in there.”
He didn’t say anything for the longest time and then, “Thank you.”
“Of course. I care about you, Kyle. I don’t want you to have to face this alone. And I care about Jessup, too. I’ll see you soon.” She dropped the phone in her purse and grabbed her jacket. Kyle was hurting and he needed her. It made her little problems with Tara Michaels seem like foolishness when someone she loved was in pain.
****
His phone vibrated, and he fished it out of his pocket.
“I’ve just arrived. I’m in the lobby. What floor are you on?” Grace’s voice came through like a welcome ray of sunlight on a dreary day.
Jessup still lay unconscious in the hospital bed, IVs hooked into his arm. The news was grim. The doctor had told Kyle the next twenty-four hours would be the telling point. If the medicine was to work, they should see the effects by then.
“I’ll come down to you.” He disconnected the call and watched Jessup for a second longer. He looked so pale and fragile. It reminded him of the last few days with his father. Kyle fought back tears and squeezed Jessup’s hand. “I’ll be right back, buddy. Grace is here.”
With no response, he left the room and took the elevator down to the lobby.
There were only a couple of people milling about.
He spotted Grace standing by the windows looking at the dark morning.
She saw him in the window’s reflection and turned to him. “How is he?” she asked in concern.
“Not good.”
She went into his arms and held him.
He buried his face in the warmth of her neck. “I can’t lose him, Grace. Not yet. I’m not ready.” His voice broke over the words.
“Shh,” she whispered softly and held him tighter. “It’ll be OK.”
He leaned on her strength because he felt empty of it, and he needed to be close to her. When she stepped back he reluctantly let her go.
“Do you want to pray for Jessup?” she asked quietly.
He wasn’t a person who normally prayed out loud, except over food, but this was different. He wanted to pray for his friend. Kyle nodded, and they found a quiet corner away from public view. Unsure how to ask God to please save his friend, he hesitated for a long while.
“Do you want me to start?” Grace asked.
He cleared his throat. “No, I’m ready.” He didn’t want to think about what he would say. He just wanted to ask God for His help. “Father, I don’t know the right way to say this, but my friend needs You desperately. He’s sick, he’s hurting, and he needs Your help. Amen.”
Grace squeezed his hands. “Father, please give Jessup Your strength to overcome the pneumonia. We love him and we need him in our lives. In Jesus’ name. Amen.”
They stood silently together for a long time. There were tears in his eyes, and he felt humbled by the closeness he felt with God.
“Are you ready?” she asked.
Now that he’d talked to God and Grace was here, it seemed as if he could handle just about anything.
She smiled reassuringly up at him. “Good. Let’s go see Jessup.”
15
“The doctor thinks he’s doing much better. He actually opened his eyes and started talking a little. Doctor Franklin says if Jessup keeps improving he’ll be able to go home next week.” Kyle’s voice over the phone was filled with happiness.
“That’s great news. I’m so happy for him and you.” And Grace was happy. She savored the feeling.
“Me, too. I’ve been so worried.” Relief colored Kyle’s tone.
“God is good,” she assured him. “He’s watching out for Jessup.”
“Yes, He is. Anyway, how was your day?” he asked.
Grace accepted his reasons for changing the subject. Kyle believed in God, but he was still a little uncomfortable talking about it. That, too, was changing.
“It was pretty good. Martha and Ed are taking a few days off, so I’m working a double shift. It keeps me busy and not worrying about Jessup. Hearing that he’s doing better really helps.”
“Yeah, I know what you mean. Even Noah’s been worried. He came up to Denver the other day to see him, make sure with his eyes, as he said, that Jessup was all right. Jessup was thrilled. I think he fancies himself as a grandfather to Noah, and the kid is crazy about him.”
Grace smiled as she pictured the two men separated by so many years bonding over cowboy things. “Jessup is a great role model, and Noah needs that in his life. He needs you as well. You’re like a big brother to him.”
Kyle laughed self-consciously. “Yeah, well, I
’m fond of him, too. He reminds me a lot of David.”
Grace’s heart went out to him. Kyle had been searching for years to find his brother without success.
“Anyway, you must be tired so I’ll let you go. I’ll call you tomorrow and check in,” he told her.
“That sounds good. Take care of Jessup and yourself.”
“I will.” He hesitated a moment. “I love you, Grace.”
Her heart thundered. She felt the same way about him. Could she say it? Did she dare speak the works out loud and risk the past repeating itself? She wasn’t ready to go there just yet. “Try to get some sleep, OK?” she said instead and closed her eyes in regret. Why couldn’t she be as free as Kyle to say what was in her heart?
“I promise I will.”
She didn’t miss the regret in his tone. Grace disconnected the call and sat the phone on the table. She did love him. One day she would be able to tell him so. She looked forward to that time.
Lizzy nudged her leg, and Grace glanced down at the dog. Lizzy had been patient long enough. It was time for her walk.
Grace grabbed her jacket and headed for the door. She and Lizzy stepped out into the brisk winter evening and headed down her drive.
They’d only covered a small amount of their walk when Grace stopped suddenly. Someone was coming up the road. She certainly wasn’t expecting company. Kyle was with Jessup, and the only people who visited her were Ed and Martha and they were out of town.
A car pulled to a stop. The plates were from Tennessee.
Grace froze. She couldn’t move. There was no reason for someone from Tennessee to be here at her cabin. Unless it was someone from her past. She expected it to be Cat or someone else from Nick’s family, but she didn’t recognize the woman who got out of the car.
She looked to be in her early forties and was dressed in a fashionable outfit. Her short brown hair was cut to accent her high cheekbones and flawless skin. The woman smiled as she approached. “Hello, you must be Grace Bradford.”
Grace’s breath lodged in her throat. “Who are you? What do you want?”
The woman’s expression softened with compassion. “I’m Tara Michaels. I’d like to talk to you…Crystal.”
