She climbed into her Jeep and headed out. She’d arrive early, but that way she could park in such a way that she’d have a good view of the entrance. If she felt uncomfortable with who showed up, she’d drive away. Even with a solid plan in place, her stomach felt like a swarm of bees had taken up residence.
She pulled into the park and backed into a spot near the exit, giving her a full view of everything, but the spot was secluded enough she wouldn’t be easily noticed. Seventy-to-eighty foot fir trees wrapped around a grassy area centered in the park. A few picnic tables were scattered along the edge closest to the parking lot. Though small, this place was too pretty to not photograph. She pulled her camera from her bag and put down the window. Fall flowers bloomed in yellows and reds around a maple tree near a picnic table. Fresh bark covered the planters that contained shrubs that were neatly pruned. Someone had gone to a lot of effort to spruce this place up recently.
A truck that looked exactly like Chase’s pulled in and parked near the picnic area blocking the pretty view. She set the camera aside. What is he up to? Should she get out and investigate or wait? He seemed oblivious to her presence as he stepped out with a cooler and a cloth bag. Her heart skipped a beat. The note came from Chase. She hadn’t realized what a romantic he was. She wouldn’t ruin his surprise. She’d wait five minutes then move her Jeep beside his truck.
This birthday was shaping up to be a good one. She was another year closer to turning thirty, and for the first time that thought didn’t bother her. So what if she wasn’t married yet like many of her high school and college friends. Half of them were on their second marriages, and she didn’t care to be a part of that statistic. When she married it would be forever—at least that was the plan. She knew her friends had anticipated the same, and she determined to be different.
Her conversation with Zoe popped into her head. Piper had been telling the truth when she said marriage was the furthest thing from her mind. Maybe it was Zoe and Nick’s wedding causing her thoughts to wander there now. Chase was everything she’d ever wanted in a man and more. Granted they’d gotten off to a rocky start, but so did many good relationships. She couldn’t help but wonder if Chase was the one.
With a flick of his wrist Chase spread the red-checkered tablecloth he’d picked up at the general store, smoothed it out, then gently centered a vase filled with wildflowers he’d cut from his yard. He looked nervously up to the sky. Today might not be the best day to do this after all.
Zoe had planted the idea in his head yesterday, and he couldn’t let it go. She’d even prepared the meal of crab cakes, fresh tomato salad, and a fresh cucumber salad, in case Piper didn’t like tomatoes. He set the table with white plates from the B&B, and filled two stemmed glasses with lemon-flavored sparkling water.
He hustled back to his pickup and pulled out the cake Zoe had insisted on including. It was small and cute, and Piper would probably enjoy it. He finished the final touches then tossed what he didn’t need into his pickup.
Would she come? Maybe he should have signed the card. After her text, he wondered if he’d made a mistake. But Piper was adventurous, so surely she’d show. He finally took in the surroundings and grinned. The flowers he planted yesterday still looked good, and with the expected rain they’d get watered. He looked to the darkening sky again and wondered if this picnic would end up getting dumped on.
Piper pulled into the parking spot to the left of his truck and waved. He jogged to her vehicle and opened the door. She stepped out. “Thanks. What’s all this?”
“Lunch, and we better eat fast. Those clouds look nasty.” He took her hand and drew her toward the table.
She looked up and shrugged. “This is really sweet. How’d you know it’s my birthday?”
He whipped his head around as if he was surprised. “I didn’t. Happy birthday. May I kiss the birthday girl?”
She raised a brow. “Hmm. Let me think about that.” Then she wrapped her arms around his neck. “I’d like that very much.”
He enjoyed this playful side of Piper. She spent too much time being serious. “I like your hair away from your face.”
“Thanks. I thought you wanted to kiss me.”
He chuckled then planted one on her. Her soft lips responded, demanding more. He pulled her closer, then slowly released her. “That was some kiss.”
“I’m in a very good mood today.” She removed her arms from around his neck, then stepped toward the table. “What are we eating?”
“Crab cakes, and they’re still hot. Zoe made them.”
Piper’s eyes widened. “That was nice of her. Especially since Zoe has so little time to spare with her wedding tomorrow.” She climbed over the bench and took a sip of the sparkling water. “Mmm, my favorite.” She shot him a dazzling smile.
“I’ve noticed.” He’d noticed a lot of things about Piper. Like how she was always prepared with footwear for any occasion, how when given a choice she’d choose fruit over vegetables, how her face turned a pretty shade of pink when she was embarrassed, or how she looked for ways to do nice things for people. It was no wonder Zoe thought this would be a nice surprise. He was glad she suggested it.
He unwrapped the crab cakes and offered a blessing for the food. “I’m glad you decided to show. I was trying to be mysterious, but when I saw your text I got worried I might fail.”
She grinned. “I’m always up for adventure, but to be honest I was a little nervous. I arrived early and parked near the exit so I could see who drove in. I wasn’t about to come here alone and walk into something dangerous.”
Another thing to like about Piper—she was smart and knew how to take care of herself. “Good. I’m glad you were cautious. Eat up.” He looked at the clouds and suspected they were in for a soaker any minute.
“I’m worried about the wedding tomorrow.” She took a bite of a crab cake.
He nodded and forked a bite of tomato salad. Flavors burst in his mouth. Zoe definitely knew what she was doing. “Me too. The forecast is sketchy at best.” He was concerned enough that he suggested Nick have a tent company come and set up a tent for the wedding. Nick had declined his idea. “We need to pray for sunshine. It’s sad. We haven’t had a drop of rain since the middle of June and now the day before the wedding it hits.”
“I agree. On the plus side, the resort construction is moving faster than expected—a miracle in and of itself. We will have the main building closed in before winter. The cabins will have to wait until next summer.”
“Really? I’ve never been a part of a project of this magnitude, so I didn’t realize it would take so long. When do you hope to open?”
“Not next summer, but the next.”
“You won’t be living at the B&B the whole time will you?” For some reason he thought she’d build the cabins and stay in one of those while the main hotel was being worked on.
“No. I didn’t think things through very well. I need to look for a place of my own soon. I had originally planned to get things going here, then commute, but I’d much rather live on the island full time.”
His heart soared, and for the first time he realized how deep his feelings for Piper had grown. He didn’t recognize it until now, but he’d been holding back his heart from Piper, afraid her being here would ultimately be temporary. But now he knew for certain she loved the island as much as he did.
“I’m booked at the B&B through the end of the month. Do you know of any rentals? I’d buy a place, but I will be living at the resort once it’s complete.”
Her declaration surprised him, but if living at the resort was her desire then so be it. “I’ll check for you and let you know.” A breeze blew his napkin across the table. He looked up to the sky and alarm shot through him. He’d been so into the food and conversation and his own thoughts he hadn’t noticed how dark everything had gotten. The birds had stopped chirping and the wind had increased. “Time to pack up. We can finish eating in my truck.”
“Okay.”
Dr
oplets of heavy water splattered the table. “Quick!”
They gathered everything and ran for cover. They jumped in and closed the doors as the sky opened and rain pelted the windshield. “That was close. Were you finished eating?”
“Just.” She wiped her wet hands on her jeans.
He always kept a clean towel in his truck thanks to his occupation, and pulled it out from under his seat. After quickly wiping off his hands, he passed it to Piper. “How about you mop yourself off while I grab the cake?”
“Cake?” Her eyes widened.
“Courtesy of Zoe—it’s really funny she baked a cake and didn’t even know about your birthday. Apparently cooking and baking relax her—which she needs right before the wedding.” He raised the cake off the back seat of his crew-cab. The small simple cake sported no decorations, only a creamy looking chocolate frosting—his favorite. “Sorry, no candles.”
“That’s okay. What kind is it?”
“I forgot to ask, but my guess is chocolate.” He held the cake between them, sliced a butter knife down the center and tipped it to the side. “Looks like a marble cake.” He served them each a slice and handed her a fork.
“Thanks for doing this. You’ve helped make my birthday memorable in spite of not knowing about it.”
“You’re welcome.” They ate in silence, the only sound the rain pounding against the cab of his pickup. It came down so hard and fast, visibility out the windshield was nil. “I know Zoe’s not a baker, but this is great. She probably could have made her own wedding cake.”
“But what’s the fun in that?” She grinned before taking another bite. “I love food and baked goods of all kinds, but my skills in the kitchen are limited to cake mixes and simple meals.”
He set his empty plate on the backseat then placed Piper’s there too. “What are your plans for the rest of the day?”
“I suppose I should go house hunting. Maybe you could come look at places with me and help me decide. I can’t believe how I’ve let time get away from me. I’m normally a very organized person.”
“I agree you’re organized to the nth degree, but don’t be too hard on yourself. Nick and Zoe have a way of making a person feel at home at the B&B. I can see how finding a place of your own wouldn’t be a priority.”
Lightning flashed and a few seconds later thunder boomed.
“So much for a light shower.” Piper chewed her bottom lip. “Do you think this is going to ruin the wedding? The grass will be soaked.”
“It’s hard to say.”
Lightning flashed again, and a second later a boom shook the truck. Piper yelped and jumped. “That was close!”
She looked genuinely frightened. He cradled her hand between his. “It will pass quickly. How about you move over here?”
The fear on her face eased, and she slid to his side of the truck, their legs pressed together.
A crack, so loud it made his heart pound, split through the air. Out of the corner of his eye he saw a huge fir tree falling toward them. He pushed open his door. His truck bounced. Piper screamed as glass shattered. He tucked his chin and pulled Piper along with him out of the truck. Her wide eyes looked at him in shock. He touched her arm. “You’re bleeding!”
Chapter Twenty-One
Piper couldn’t stop shaking. Her hand stung and rain pelted her.
Chase got in her face and held her by the shoulders. “You okay?”
“Mostly.” The roof on her half of the truck had crumpled, and a branch pierced the top and hung over the spot where she’d been sitting only seconds ago. If Chase hadn’t pulled her so hard and fast, she’d probably be dead.
“Praise God. If we’d been stuck in there…” He lifted her bleeding hand. A dime-sized shard of glass punctured the spot between her thumb and fingers.
How had that happened? Chase had pulled her out so quickly it seemed impossible a piece of glass could have hit her, but impossible or not, it had. She held it out and blood dripped to the pavement below. Her knees buckled. Strong arms wrapped around her.
“Easy there. Good thing you parked on this side or your Jeep would be totaled too. Where are your keys?”
“My pocket.” She focused on breathing in and out. Now was not the time to panic even if she felt faint. “But I can’t get to them. You’ll have to do it.”
He pulled the small key ring with only three keys out of her right pocket. “Let’s go to the B&B and get your hand taken care of.”
“I think a hospital would be more appropriate.”
“If that’s what Nick recommends, then I’ll take you there.”
“Why does it matter what Nick thinks? I need a doctor.”
“Sweetheart, Nick is a doctor and a fine surgeon from what I’ve been told.”
“You’re kidding—not about the stitches part, but Nick. Why didn’t I know he was a doctor?”
Chase pulled the door to her Jeep open without answering. “Do you have something to keep the blood from staining your rig?”
“There’s a crate in the back with emergency supplies.”
A moment later he returned with a blanket.
“Thanks.” She closed her eyes, trying not to think about her hand and the glass sticking out of it, as Nick sped toward the B&B. “Do you think the rest of the island experienced any damage?”
“I see a few branches lying around, but everything looks okay so far.”
“I’ve never been that close to lightning before.” She knew she was being chatty, but it was the only way to avoid panicking. “How about you?”
“Can’t say that I have.”
She tipped her head in his direction, noting the grim look on his face. “Will your insurance cover your truck?”
“I have comprehensive, so yes.”
“Good. Will it cover the cost to replace it? It’s probably totaled.”
“Actually, it will.” The Jeep slowed, and he turned into the driveway of the B&B. “How are you doing?”
“I’m hanging in there.” She chanced a peek out the window and was pleasantly surprised that the place looked unscathed. In fact it didn’t look as though it had even rained much. At least that was a little good news.
The Jeep pulled to a stop and Chase ran around to her side. She pushed the door open and allowed him to help her out. “Easy now.”
Although still a little woozy, she felt better than at first. “I’m okay, Chase.” Her whole body shook, denying the truth of her words. “Maybe I could sit on the porch steps while you go find Nick.”
“Will you be warm enough?” Sunshine beat down on her and all evidence of the storm had vanished. “Yes.” She turned and sat.
Chase yanked open the door to the B&B. “Nick!”
That was all she heard until a commotion from inside filtered out to the porch.
A moment later, Nick sat beside her. “Mind if I take a look, Piper?”
His gentle and confident voice immediately put her at ease. He must have been a good doctor. But why wasn’t he practicing anymore? “Sure. Thanks.” She raised it toward him and closed her eyes. She couldn’t watch.
“I’m going to put on a pair of gloves, then see about removing that shard. It doesn’t look as bad as I’m sure it feels. I’ll have you patched up in no time.”
She nodded and did her best to ignore what Nick was doing. She’d always been squeamish around blood. Especially her own.
“All done. I don’t have what I need to stitch you up properly, but I can tape it for now. I’d say a trip to your doctor or the hospital would be a prudent decision.”
“Okay, but what about the wedding? I’m your photographer.”
He gently taped her wound closed. “Is your camera heavy?”
“Actually it’s pretty light, since I don’t have any special lenses.” Maybe she’d be able to take the pictures without much trouble. The cut really wasn’t that big, and it probably wouldn’t hurt so much tomorrow.
Nick wrapped gauze around her hand. “Okay. That will hold you. If y
ou go right now, you’ll make the next ferry.”
“I’ll take you,” Chase said.
“What about your truck?” Piper asked.
“It’s not going anywhere. I can call my insurance company from the hospital while we wait.”
“Oh. Okay. Which reminds me, I need to call Tom before he sends the cops looking for me.” How had this day that held such wonderful promise turned out so horrible?
The screen door slammed, and a moment later Zoe stepped past her. “How are you doing? I feel so bad this happened. If I hadn’t suggested Chase take you on a picnic, you wouldn’t be hurt.”
“Don’t go there, Zoe,” Piper said. “No one could have predicted lighting would strike and that the tree would fall in our direction and hit us. It was a freak accident.”
“That’s for sure.” Chase offered her a hand up. “You ready to go?”
“I guess so.” What she wanted was a hot shower and dry clothes, but it wasn’t fair to make him wait, plus it would be a good idea to make this ferry run. She accepted his help up. “I can’t believe this day.”
“You and me both. I’ve never experienced anything like that storm.”
She looked up at the sky and shook her head. “It’s completely clear now. Crazy!”
The following morning Piper awoke to a flurry of voices in the hallway. “What is going on out there?” She padded to the door and poked her head into the hallway. The only person in sight was Michelle rushing down the hall. “Is everything okay, Michelle?”
“Yes, dear. Nothing to worry about. Peyton, Zoe’s baker friend from Portland, arrived with the cake a moment ago. Sorry we woke you.”
“She’s here early!”
“Didn’t you hear? Peyton is the Maid of Honor. It was a last minute thing when Autumn, Zoe’s friend here on the island, backed out due to a family thing, but Peyton didn’t mind.” Michelle ran her hand across her forehead dramatically. She looked over her shoulder and spoke softly. “If you ask me, Zoe should have asked Peyton to begin with. Those two have been friends for years.” She caught her breath. “I need to scoot. I’m getting my camera to take pictures.”
Island Dreams (Wildflower B&B Romance Book 2) Page 13
