The Rose Ring

by Lucie Ulrich

  The thought of Micah driving away still stung. “I wasn’t through clearing my head.”

  “You weren’t through, or he added to the clutter in your brain?”

  At ease and perceptive. “Both.” She rinsed the lettuce, patted it dry, and placed it in a large bowl. Noah was still working on the tomato, so she grabbed a vegetable peeler, peeled some cucumber strips, and curled them around her finger before scattering them over the salad.

  His eyebrows hitched on his forehead. “Aren’t you the creative one?”

  If there was anything Sky wasn’t, it was creative. She’d never learned to sew, knit, crochet, or cook, never owned a camera, and hadn’t picked up a paintbrush since grade school. No, her only talents were being too accommodating and loving too hard.

  “Hardly. I learned it from Carl.”

  “Doesn’t exactly seem like a Carl thing. In fact, I can’t even imagine Carl eating a salad, never mind making one.”

  “There’s a lot more to Carl than people give him credit for.”

  “I’m sure you’re right.” He went about cutting up the tomato, but Sky knew he was watching her while she set the table.

  “You’re staring, again.” She looked over her shoulder. “I thought those days were over.”

  “I’m not staring, simply trying to figure you out. You seem to be handling all of this well. Why are you so calm?”

  Her stomach churned, as it did every time she thought of Micah being with Morgan. She grabbed the salt and pepper from the back of the old stove. “Trust me, I’m far from calm.”

  “Could have fooled me.”

  She took the shakers to the table. “I know, but if I don’t stay in control, I’m going to blow up and then who knows what I might say.”

  “Then blow up.” He stepped up to her and gently gripped her shoulders. “I know my brother. If you don’t tell him straight out, he’s going to think you’re fine with things as they stand, and nothing’s going to change.”

  “It’s complicated. He told me he didn’t want to hurt me but that he knew he already had. I’m not sure what I’m supposed to do with that information, but I keep thinking back to how mad he got when I didn’t tell him Morgan had come back to town. I don’t want to go through that again.” She walked away from him and put the salad in the refrigerator, hoping he’d let the matter die, knowing he wouldn’t.

  When she faced him again, he was leaning against the table, arms crossed. Definitely not letting it go. She sighed. “Whatever it is, just say it.”

  He let loose with that crooked smile. “Can I just tell you how much I love you?”

  She closed her eyes and swallowed hard. “Please don’t.” There was no doubt he meant as a friend, but Sky could only imagine the turmoil if Micah heard his brother saying such things.

  “Too late.” Noah took a step in her direction. “I love you because you love my little brother with the purest, most unselfish love I’ve ever witnessed.” Heat rushed to her cheeks. “But that’s not the only reason.”

  She focused on the kitchen floor, embarrassed by his words. “I don’t think I can handle any more.” She swiped the tears from her cheeks with the back of her hand.

  “Well, I’m going to tell you anyway.” He handed her a napkin and waited until she’d wiped her eyes. “I love you for giving up two years of your life for virtual strangers, with little in it for you.”

  She twisted the damp napkin in her hands. “You and I both know that’s not entirely true.”

  “Micah aside, I’m talking about what you did for Annie and me, especially Annie. I can always find work, but Annie’s been the center of this family for years. It’s all she knows, all she wants to know. She’d be lost without this place and the people she takes care of, including you. You heard her earlier. She thinks you’re a keeper.”

  “I love her too.”

  “Oh, yeah? How about me? Do you love me too? Do ya? Do ya?”

  His goofiness made her laugh. His sincerity choked her up. No matter what happened, Sky had no doubt she had a friend for life. “Yes, Noah. I love you too.” She moved to the stove. “You’re the brother I never had.”

  He heaved an exaggerated sigh. “Just what every guy wants to hear.”

  She laughed. “Sorry, big brother, but that’s the best I can do.” She peeked into the oven and glanced at the timer on the stove. “Should be ready in ten minutes. I’m going to check on Annie again. If she isn’t up, do you think I should let her sleep or wake her?”

  “She’s awake.”

  Sky turned toward the kitchen door. Micah stood, looking almost exactly the way he had yesterday around this time. Her heart lurched. If only…

  She shook off the thought. This was the second time she’d thought about going back in time. Even if she could, she wouldn’t want to relive last night. The future was uncertain enough.

  Micah shook a hand through his damp hair. “She asked to have her dinner brought up to her when it’s ready.”

  Sky cleared her throat. “I’d better go see how hungry she is.”

  “No.” Noah put a hand on her shoulder. “I’ll go. You two chill for a while.” He stepped past Micah and turned. “By the way, Sky and I were just discussing how we feel about each other. You know, as a family. Maybe you should pick up where we left off.” With a big grin, he pushed through the swinging door.

  Sky hoped it would hit him in the backside, but no such luck.

  “What was that about?”

  “Nothing. Just Noah being Noah.”

  Micah reached into the cabinet for some glasses and brought them to the table. “We should talk.”

  She busied herself checking on the pasta again then hurrying to the fridge for some grated cheese. She breathed in the cool refrigerator air in an effort to calm her racing heart. For the first time since meeting Micah, she was afraid to hear what he had to say.

  She shut the fridge and took the seat he offered.

  The moment Sky sat, the first few lines of the old song, “What a Difference a Day Makes”, ran through her head. Twenty-four little hours had certainly made a difference in her life. She sucked in a breath. Avoiding the conversation wouldn’t make things any easier, nor would it make them go away. Her one consolation was that Micah appeared to be just as nervous. His left leg was in jackhammer mode.

  “So, about those details.”

  Micah cocked his head and smiled. “What, no small talk first?”

  “I’m not in the mood for games. I’m already angry that I didn’t insist you take me with you this morning.”

  “I needed you here. We already discussed that.”

  “No, Micah, you decreed it.”

  His leg stopped moving. “And you didn’t argue.”

  “Would I have won?” She locked eyes with him and refused to look away. When his gaze dropped to the floor, she had her answer. She bit back the tears. “Why didn’t you want me with you?”

  “I already told you.” He took hold of her hands. “I wasn’t lying about wanting you to be here for Annie. She’s as tough as they come, but let’s face it, there are certain things a guy might not be comfortable helping his aunt out with.” His cheeks pinked. “Please don’t make me elaborate.”

  He was right, but that didn’t change the fact her husband had gone running to his ex. She slid her hands free. “I’m still waiting for the details.”

  “Truth is there aren’t a lot at the moment. Mr. Richardson hasn’t been prone to share much with me. All I know is that Morgan will never walk again without crutches or an artificial leg. I’m sure there will be pain and physical therapy in her near future.”

  “And just how do you fit into her recovery?”

  “She’s going to need all the friends she can get.”

  Sky did her best to speak without a quaver in her voice, to betray her feelings of rejection. “And that would include you?”

  “For a while, yes.”

  “I see.” She pushed her chair back and moved to the sink and p
oured a glass of water, knowing full-well she wouldn’t be able to swallow a drop.

  Micah stood behind her. “I gave my word. I can’t go back on it.”

  Her throat tightened. She brought the glass to her mouth, but only to wet her lips. With a shaky hand, she set the glass on the counter. “You gave me your word too. You said you’d be as good to me as you knew how. Do you remember that?” She kept her focus on the evening sky, which was near-black, save for a streak of crimson lighting the mountain peaks.

  Micah stepped closer and slid his arms around her waist. “That hasn’t changed. If nothing else, my feelings for you have grown in ways I never expected.”

  The warmth of his touch, something Sky longed for, gave her little comfort. Trusting had only brought pain. Until Micah figured things out, she would have to guard her heart. “Hasn’t it?” she whispered.

  “No.” He rested his chin on the top of her head. “I know my track record isn’t much to go on, but you have to believe I’m trying. I need you to trust me, Sky.”

  She turned in his arms. “I don’t think you realize how much you’re asking of me.”

  They stared into each other’s eyes for a full five seconds before Micah released his hold and took a step back. “Unfortunately, I think I do.”

  Morgan’s pull on him was stronger than ever. She could see it in his eyes, in the determined set of his jaw. Her chest tightened at the implications. “So what happens from here?”

  Micah gripped the back of his neck and rolled his head in a slow circle. “Honestly, I can’t think past getting through dinner.”

  “I need more than that, Micah.”

  “And I wish I could give it to you.”

  Sky’s heart pounded in her already tight chest. Would her love for him be strong enough to keep him from Morgan’s arms? She desperately wanted to fight, but feared losing him in the process. She could no longer think clearly. Thankfully, the buzzing of the stove’s timer broke through her gloom-filled thoughts, and she hurried to turn it off. She grabbed a couple of potholders, pulled the pasta from the oven, and set it on the stove. “I’m sure you can handle dishing out the dinner. I’m not hungry.” She turned to leave the kitchen.

  With a gentle tug to her arm, Micah turned her around. “Please don’t run off.”

  “I’m not running off. I’m going to sit with Annie for a while. That seems to be where you want me.”

  He released his hold on her. “That’s not fair.”

  Tears filled her eyes, but she blinked them away. “I wouldn’t start in on what’s fair and what’s not, if I were you.” She took a calming breath. “I feel awful that Morgan lost a leg, and I understand your desire to help her, but eventually you’re going to have to choose. Either Morgan comes first or I do.” She headed for the swinging door. He didn’t stop her this time.

  CHAPTER THIRTY

  The aroma of cinnamon greeted Sky before she was halfway down the stairs. She pushed the kitchen door open and found Annie standing in front of the stove, stirring a large pot of oatmeal. Sky leaned on the door frame. “Didn’t you tell Noah you’d stay out of the kitchen for a full week?”

  Annie twisted around, looking every bit the woman in charge. “I don’t think being in prison could be any worse than the last four days. My leg-propping days are over.” She waggled the spoon in Sky’s direction. “And I don’t want to hear a word about it.”

  Sky laughed. “You’re not going to get any argument from me.” She stepped into the kitchen and set a flame under the kettle. “Just promise me you won’t overdo.”

  “Here.” Annie handed her a bowl of oatmeal. “And I expect you to eat every bite. From what I’m told, you’ve barely eaten a thing in days.”

  Sky took a small spoonful just as Micah came into the kitchen. The thick mixture landed in her stomach with a thud. “Good morning.” She set the bowl down and went about fixing her tea. They’d practically become strangers in the last few days, with barely a word passing between them.

  “Morning.”

  Using one crutch, Annie brought a cup of coffee to the table and sat. “How’s Morgan doing?”

  “She’s looking a lot better, and the doctors seem pleased with how well she’s healing.” He filled a bowl with oatmeal and sat in his usual spot at the table. “They’re talking about fitting her for a prosthesis within the next two weeks.”

  “You going back to the hospital today?” Annie sipped her coffee.

  “Yes.”

  “Why don’t you take Sky with you? I’m getting around well enough, and Noah is here if I need him.”

  The bite of oatmeal sat heavy in Sky’s belly. If she’d gone with Micah that first day, things would be so much simpler. Now, she wasn’t sure what they would even talk about along the way. It would be hard, but just maybe they could bring back some semblance of normalcy.

  Micah shook his head. “Maybe next week. I want to talk to Morgan about it first.”

  Heat infused Sky’s cheeks. “You need her permission to bring your wife along?”

  Micah looked up for the first time. “She’s only seeing a few close friends right now.” He spoke without anger. “When she’s more comfortable with her situation, she’ll start seeing other people.”

  “Well, I’m glad you’re such a special friend. Don’t let the fact that you’re married get in the way or anything.” She put out a hand. “I know we entered into this as a business deal, but you’ve led me to believe you want more. I think it should be perfectly reasonable for you to bring me along.”

  “I’m not going to argue the point, Sky.” He pushed his half-empty bowl away and got up to pour himself a cup of coffee. “I’ll talk to Morgan and work it out. This isn’t going to go on forever. I promise.”

  Sky turned off the gas and moved the whistling kettle to a different burner. This was one time when Peggy was wrong. A cup of tea, no matter how strong, wouldn’t solve this problem. “I don’t believe in promises anymore.”

  “I’m real sorry to hear that.”

  “So am I.” Pain squeezed her heart. “Give Morgan my regards.” She turned to Annie, who had remained uncharacteristically silent for the last few minutes. “I’ll see you at lunch. I’ve got a lot of homework to catch up on.” She hurried out of the kitchen and to the safety of her bedroom.

  For the next three hours, Sky attempted to focus on her class assignments, but her confrontation with Micah kept getting in the way. Tired of thinking about it, and in need of food, she shut her laptop, stretched her muscles, and headed for the kitchen.

  Red’s booming voice, then Micah’s, reached her before she hit the bottom step. In no mood to chat and pretend everything was fine, Sky crossed the living room and rapped on the office door. Nobody answered, so she let herself in. The office phone was hidden under a pile of papers. She punched in the diner’s number, grateful that Carl picked up. “Hey, Carl.” Her voice cracked, and she cleared her throat. There would be no crying over the phone. “Would it be okay with you if I came to visit for a few days?”

  “You know you don’t have to ask, but do you think coming now is such a great idea?”

  “Yeah, actually, I think it’s the perfect time.”

  “When should I expect you?”

  “I’m not sure when I’ll be able to get a ride. I’ll call and let you know for sure.”

  “I’m not going anywhere.”

  “Thanks, Carl. See ya soon.” She set the handset in its cradle and recovered the phone with the papers, leaving everything as she’d found it. Turning, she came face to face with Noah, who had a plate in one hand and a glass of milk in the other.

  He grinned. “I don’t mind if you use the phone. No need to cover your tracks.”

  “I wasn’t covering my tracks.” She pointed to the mess on the desk. “I was making sure your unique filing system wasn’t disrupted.”

  He chuckled and held out the plate. “Want to share my sandwich?”

  “Are you sure?”

  “I wouldn�
�t offer otherwise.”

  “In that case, thanks.” She sat cross-legged in the comfortable chair across from his desk and bit into the sandwich: juicy roast beef, lettuce, tomato, and just the right amount of Russian dressing. “Mmm, this is the best sandwich I’ve ever eaten.” She took another bite, then another, until she’d finished the whole thing.

  Noah handed over his plate with the other half. “You obviously need this more than I do.” He held up his glass. “Want the milk, too?”

  She didn’t hesitate, downing a third of the cold liquid in several large gulps. “Thanks.”

  “My pleasure.”

  “So, just how much of my conversation did you hear?” She bit into the other half of the sandwich.

  “Enough to know you need a ride into town. I’m assuming you’re not about to ask Micah.”

  She shook her head and sucked on her bottom lip to keep it from quivering. “Missoula is the opposite direction from Elk Flats.”

  “In that case, how soon can you be ready?”

  Sky recalled Carl’s thought that she might be used to help bring peace to this family. Right now, looking into the kind face of the man sitting across from her, she had no doubt Carl was wrong. If anyone was being used, it was Noah. Though she loved Micah, she was pleased to call Noah her friend. “A half hour?”

  “Come let me know when you’re ready.”

  “You have no idea how much this means to me.”

  “Does Micah know?”

  “No.”

  “Are you going to tell him?”

  “No.”

  “Sky…”

  It hurt too much to even think about, never mind putting her thoughts into words. “He’ll figure it out on his own, then he’ll have to make some decisions. And I’d appreciate it if you wouldn’t say anything to him until after I’m gone, and only if he asks.”

  “If that’s what you want.”

  “It is.” She left before he could say anything else.

  Twenty minutes later, Sky set her suitcase, laptop, and purse by the bedroom door. She’d told Carl a few days, but would it be more? Her heart constricted at the thought.

  She walked across the hall and pressed a hand on Micah’s door, realizing for the first time that she’d never seen the inside of his room. That fact said so much about their relationship. She’d invited him into her life, but he hadn’t reciprocated. She was tempted to peek inside but changed her mind and headed for more familiar territory.