The Rose Ring

by Lucie Ulrich

  Micah took a tentative step forward. “Mr. Richardson?”

  The scowl on Dirk’s face was enough to make a grown man cringe. So much for last night’s moment of humanity. Fortunately for Micah, he’d seen it often enough to be oblivious.

  Dirk strode past him. “Let’s go into the hallway.” Micah had barely left the room when Dirk spun and poked a finger at Micah’s chest. “I don’t know why you insisted on coming. Morgan doesn’t need you. Not after the way you treated her.”

  Micah stepped back. “Look, Mr. Richardson, There’s a lot I could say in my defense, but that won’t make things any better. I’m simply here as a friend to offer whatever help I can.”

  “My daughter has a lot to deal with right now, and I’m not sure you being here is a good idea.”

  Micah rubbed a hand over his unshaven face. For as much as Dirk could be a pain, Micah appreciated a father’s love. “Could you at least ask her if she’ll see me? If she refuses, I’ll leave.”

  “Fine.” He practically sprinted down the hall. Micah hurried behind him. When they stopped at a closed door, Dirk held up a hand. “Wait here.” He entered the room and leaned over Morgan’s bed, blocking Micah’s view. After a long moment, Dirk waved him over.

  Heart pounding in his throat, Micah stepped into the room. His legs felt heavy, as though his boots were encased in spring mud. He gripped the bed rail to steel himself. Morgan lay motionless, her eyes closed, hands to her sides. A large knot protruded from her forehead, and the purple bruises on her left cheek were accentuated by her pasty shade of white. Her missing limb was obvious under the covers.

  His stomach lurched.

  Dirk shifted his focus from Micah back to his daughter. “I’m giving you ten minutes, but I doubt she’ll be awake for more than a few seconds at a time.”

  When Dirk left, Micah took several deep breaths. She looked completely at peace, but he knew that wouldn’t last. He placed a gentle hand on top of hers. “I’m so sorry, Morgan.”

  Her eyes drifted open and quickly filled with tears. “My leg.”

  The pain in her voice penetrated Micah’s heart. He squeezed her hand. “I shouldn’t have been that rough on you.”

  She shook her head. “My fault.”

  Though her voice faltered, Morgan’s piercing green eyes remained trained in on him. Part of him wanted to take her in his arms and comfort her, while the other part remembered how perfect Sky had felt in his arms this morning. The unexpected complication hit like a blow to his chest, knocking the air from his lungs. Falling in love with Sky had never been part of the plan. Blinking his eyes shut, Micah took a calming breath. One thing at a time.

  “You’re going to be okay, Morgan. I’m sure of it.”

  She said nothing more and shut her eyes. Micah released her hand and pulled a chair close to her bed. He sat until Dirk returned and pointed to his watch.

  Micah stood. “I’ll leave for now, but I’m sticking around for a while. I’d like to stop by a little later.”

  “Go home, Micah. Wait a few days. Give her some time to accept what she has to face.”

  The advice was sound, but Micah was hard pressed to heed it. Ten minutes wasn’t enough time. She may have sped away from him, but he wouldn’t do that to her. “I’m not leaving.”

  CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN

  Noah arrived at the hospital a little after nine. Dashing into the gift shop on the main floor, he picked out the largest bouquet of flowers possible. After paying, he took the elevator to the third floor and stopped by the nurses’ station.

  A pretty redhead in blue scrubs smiled up at him. “May I help you?”

  “I hope so. I’d like to know if Annie Clark has been released yet.”

  The nurse tapped on her computer and studied the screen. “Doctor Maxwell hasn’t made rounds yet. Nothing will happen until she signs the release papers.”

  “And do you know when that might be?”

  She laughed. “I’m a nurse, not a mind reader. The doctor had an unexpected emergency this morning but should be here within the hour. No promises, but I’ll see if I can get her to look in on Ms. Clark first.”

  “Thank you.”

  With the large bouquet in hand, Noah stepped into Annie’s hospital room. He had no idea what kind of blooms they were, but the sticker on the cellophane wrapper labeled it “Fall Delight.” With all the yellows, reds, oranges, and browns, he had to agree it was a good name. He leaned down to give his aunt a quick kiss on the cheek before presenting her with the flowers.

  “Now what in thunder did you bring me flowers for?” Her attempt at a frown failed. “I’ll be out of here in a couple of hours.” She brought the bouquet to her nose and inhaled.

  “I’ve never visited someone in the hospital and not brought them flowers.”

  Her smile was soft and wistful. “I always said cut flowers were a waste of good money.” She closed her eyes and took another whiff. “Maybe that’s because nobody ever gave me any before.”

  True, Annie hadn’t dated while he’d lived at home, but he couldn’t imagine there never being anyone. He’d given flowers to numerous women for any number of reasons: before a date, after a date, after a long, romantic weekend, in the hopes of a long, romantic weekend.

  “So, no secret admirer or one-time beau?” The faraway look in his aunt’s eyes intrigued him. He pulled up a chair and sat. “There was someone, wasn’t there?”

  She shook her head. “It was a long time ago and never should have happened.” She reached for his hand. “I take that back. My life may not have turned out the way I expected, but I’m not one to live with regrets.”

  He squeezed her hand. “No, you’re not.” It was strange to see his aunt this vulnerable. Then again, he hadn’t seen her in so long, who knew what sort of things she’d dealt with over the years. “You know, Annie, you’re still a fine-looking woman. Now that Micah’s all grown up and married, I think it’s time you find yourself a man.”

  Her eyes went wide. “What?”

  “I had a chat with Dr. Grubb last night. He seems like a nice guy. I could ask around and find out if he’s married.”

  Annie hit him with the flowers, scattering petals across the bed and floor. “What’s gotten into that fool head of yours?”

  Noah reached for the bouquet, laughing. “Better give that to me before there’s nothing left.” He set the flowers on the stand next to her bed. “And I’m only kidding about my chat with Dr. Grubb.”

  “Well, thank God for that.”

  “I don’t know. I still think the two of you would make a great couple. You deserve a little happiness.”

  “I’m quite happy with my life just the way it is.” She whisked the petals off the blanket. “What about you, Noah? Are you happy?”

  He pondered for a moment. What he once thought was happiness turned out to be nothing more than selfishness. “I can’t say being forced to return to Eagle’s Nest thrilled me, but the possibility of reconnecting with family was a definite plus, and that makes me happy.”

  “You and Micah weren’t at each other’s throats yesterday. Was that simply for my benefit?”

  He grinned. “You’d like to think so, wouldn’t you?”

  She became serious. “I’d rather think it was for yours.”

  He waited for more, but Annie remained silent. “That’s it? No words of wisdom on how Micah and I should proceed from here?”

  “Nope. My wisdom meter is sitting on empty at the moment. Besides, there isn’t anything I can say you haven’t already heard. Go with your gut.”

  After a rough start, the only thing Noah’s gut told him was to give his brother some breathing room — no matter how much he wanted to shake some sense into him.

  Doctor Maxwell showed up an hour later. Her examination was short and to the point. “The swelling is minimal, so I’ll arrange for the plaster cast. Be sure to keep your leg elevated as much as possible for the next couple of days then resume your normal routine. The cast will be on
for at least six weeks. See your doctor in two weeks and let him know of any problems you might be having.” She scribbled something onto Annie’s chart. “Once the cast has set, you’ll be free to go home.” She was gone within minutes.

  “My kind of doctor,” Annie said. “Bedside manner is overrated, in my opinion.”

  Noah adjusted Annie’s pillow. “The doctor might be in and out in a flash, but there’s no telling when you’ll get that cast put on.”

  “Great. All I want to do is get home, and you’re telling me it might be hours before…” She stopped and looked around. “Um, actually that might not be such a bad thing.”

  “What? I thought you wanted out of here as soon as possible.”

  “I do, but I just realized I don’t have anything to wear. They cut my pants off when I arrived.” She straightened. “And I’m not about to go home wearing this ridiculous hospital gown.”

  The blush on Annie’s face warmed Noah’s heart. The more time he spent with her, the more he appreciated her. “Would you like me to go shopping for you? I have a pretty good eye for fashion.”

  “Fashion? Pshhhh! I need a pair of jeans. Preferably boot cut, size ten. Think you can manage that?”

  “I can manage that just fine, but do you think jeans will work once you’ve got a plaster leg?”

  She looked at her leg and frowned. “Good point. As much as I hate the thought, better make it a skirt, same size, same material, nothing too tight. I’ll have to figure out how to adjust my clothes when I get home.”

  “I could get you a pair of men’s jeans and a big rope to tie around your waist to hold them up.” He grinned at the scowl on her face.

  “Just get the skirt.”

  “Yes, ma’am.” Still smiling, Noah took the elevator to the ground floor and nearly collided with his brother when the door opened.

  Micah stopped short of entering. He moved aside and allowed his brother off and three people on. A silver-haired man held the door open. Micah eyed his brother, then the man. “That’s all right, sir. I’ll take the next one.”

  Tension tightened Noah’s jaw. He and Micah had left on reasonably good terms last night. Why couldn’t Micah just trust him for once? “I thought we agreed I’d be the one to bring Annie home.”

  Micah shook his head. “I’m not here for Annie.”

  It was then Noah noticed his brother’s haggard look: slumped shoulders, stubbled cheeks, and tired eyes. If not Annie, who? His heart thumped. “Sky?”

  “No, Morgan.”

  “You’re here for Morgan? I don’t understand.”

  Micah pointed toward the cafeteria. “I could use a cup of coffee, and your ear.”

  For the first time since he’d come home, Noah felt a glimmer of hope. His brother needed to talk, and he was certainly going to listen. Over coffee, he remained silent while Micah recounted the events that had led him here, his growing feelings for Sky, and guilt over his lingering feelings for Morgan.

  When Micah finished, Noah leaned against the back of his chair and let out a low whistle. “You’ve been through more than your fair share in the last twenty-four hours.”

  “I’m more confused than ever.”

  Noah sipped his coffee. “You must be. You’re talking to me.” He smiled and, much to his pleasure, his brother smiled back.

  “Guess it only goes to show how desperate I am.” Micah circled the top of his cup with his finger. “Look, I didn’t tell you all of this so you’d try and talk me out of being here for Morgan, because you can’t.”

  The determination on Micah’s face contradicted the doubt in his eyes. Noah saw the vulnerable little boy he’d blamed then abandoned. There was no way he’d abandon him again. “I’ve got your back, little brother. What do you want me to do?”

  “Trust me. Believe that I don’t want to hurt Sky and that I want to do what’s right for everybody concerned.”

  ****

  Sky pulled the refrigerator door open and poked through the containers Morgan brought over. The thought of Morgan losing a leg still didn’t seem real. Sky pondered what this would do to Morgan, who was always so sure of herself. Would it make her stronger, or more dependent on others? On Micah?

  Grabbing a container of thick chicken soup, Sky poured it into a saucepan and set it on the stove, ready to heat when needed. The clock above the stove ticked loudly in the silence. She reached for her jacket, desperate to get out of the house.

  The smell of hay and horses greeted her at the entrance of the stable. Never would she have imagined smells from a stable would be something she’d find comforting. If only for a moment, she could forget the chaos that loomed beyond these walls.

  She spied Ginger peeking at her from mid-stall. Instead of going directly to her, Sky stopped by several stalls to check on the other animals, not that they needed it. She’d seen Zeke come and go earlier in the day. Her goal was to gauge Ginger’s reaction to her by watching the horse from the corner of her eye.

  The further she ventured away, the closer Ginger crept to the stall door. By the time Sky reached the final stall, Ginger let out a loud snort.

  “What’s the matter, girl? Do you think I’m neglecting you?”

  The horse reared her head and whinnied.

  Smiling, she approached with little trepidation and rubbed Ginger between the ears, working her way down to the horse’s nose. The horse flicked her hand away and studied her. She snorted and hot air streaked across Sky’s neck. Sky stepped back and laughed. “That tickles.” She petted the horse again. “I’ll come back later and bring you a treat, okay? Right now I want to see Charlie before Annie and Noah get home.”

  Her plans were put on hold when Noah’s SUV appeared in the distance. He was early.

  Having Annie home was a great relief, but assuming Annie knew about Morgan, Sky could only imagine the conversation to come. A sudden gust of wind chilled her to the core. She pulled up her collar and jogged toward the car.

  Noah stopped close to the rear of the house. He hurried from behind the wheel and opened the back door. Annie handed him a pair of crutches and a large bouquet of flowers, which he in turn passed on to Sky. “Hold these a minute, would you?”

  With Noah’s help, Annie eased out of the car and settled the crutches under her arms. She shook her head. “Well, this is hardly what I expected when I left for church yesterday.”

  Tears filled Sky’s eyes, though she wasn’t sure why. Annie stood tall and proud as ever. Even in the short time she’d gotten to know her, Sky knew it would take more than a broken leg to stop the woman. That’s when she realized her tears weren’t out of sadness, they were out of gratitude.

  Other than Carl, Annie was the one person Sky could trust to give her honest advice, even if she didn’t want to hear it. She squeezed Annie’s neck, unsure of the reaction she might get. “I’m so glad you’re home.”

  They stood together for a good fifteen seconds before Annie pulled away and gripped Sky’s forearms. “Listen to me, honey. I know things seem a little mixed-up right now, but you stand firm. God didn’t bring you into our lives just to toss you back out again.”

  “I wish I had your confidence, Annie.”

  “It didn’t take long for me to see that you and Micah are good for each other.”

  Sky laughed in an attempt to keep the unwanted tears at bay. “Now all we have to do is get Micah to see it.”

  Annie placed a hand on Sky’s cheek. “Oh, he sees it all right. He most definitely sees it.”

  “Then, why—”

  “Listen, ladies.” Noah shuffled from foot to foot. “I’m all for trying to figure out my brother’s motives, but do you think we could do it inside?” He blew into his cupped hands. “It’s freezing out here.”

  Annie glanced over her shoulder. “Greenhorn.” She turned back to Sky and winked. “You’d think the boy’d never lived in cold country.”

  Noah’s long absence had taken its toll in more ways than one, but not forcing him to stand out in the frig
id air was an easy fix. “I have some soup on the stove. That ought to warm him up.”

  “Sounds good to me.” Annie pushed forward on her crutches. “I’m not sure where the hospital gets their eggs from, but I don’t think they come from chickens.”

  Noah looked at Sky and chuckled. He opened the back door and guided his aunt up the small cement step. In the mud room he held one crutch at a time while she shrugged out of her coat. He hung it on the hook before taking off his own then led the way into the kitchen. “Would you rather have your soup in bed or stretched out on the couch?”

  Sky set a flame under the pot and reached into the cabinet for a large mug. “This will make it easier to handle, and I remember seeing a bed tray somewhere in the attic. I can run up and get it.”

  “I’ll thank you to leave the tray where it is.” Hobbling to the table, Annie pulled out the chair at the head of table and sat. “I prefer my soup in a bowl while sitting at the kitchen table.” She leaned her crutches in the corner. “Let’s eat.”

  Noah pressed his palms on the back of a chair. “You know the doctor said you should keep your leg elevated for a couple of days.”

  “No problem.” She propped her leg on the chair to her right. “Done.”

  Sky didn’t dare look Noah’s way. It was all she could do to keep from laughing out loud. Instead, she replaced the mug and took out three of the deep bowls Annie used for stew.

  While the soup heated, Sky placed the flowers in a vase and set them on the kitchen table. “Lunch is about ready.” She stirred the chunky soup, taking in the wonderful aroma of chicken, vegetables, and spices. It felt strange standing behind Annie’s stove in Annie’s kitchen, but Annie didn’t seem to mind. She wondered how long that would last. Probably not more than a couple of days.

  Noah sliced some bread while Sky dished the soup and set the bowls on the table. No one spoke much during lunch. Despite their earlier conversation, Sky hoped nobody would bring up Micah’s name. The desire to talk about him was long gone. As was her appetite. She only managed a few spoonfuls while the other two cleaned their bowls in record time. “There’s plenty more if you’re still hungry.”