Rescued

by Linda Rettstatt

  He was putting the final touches on the menu when Alex appeared at his door. “Hey, Uncle Jack wanted me to invite you to Thanksgiving Dinner, if you’re not going to open the restaurant.”

  “Thanks, but I will be open.” He told her about his plan. “I don’t know how many people will come, but one of the churches already called and offered to use their van to shuttle folks who need a meal but don’t have transportation.”

  “That’s very generous of you.”

  He shrugged, ashamed to admit his rationale was partially selfish—so he wouldn’t be alone. “It’s nothing.” He stood from his desk and picked up a coffee mug. “Can I offer you a cup of coffee?”

  “Sure.”

  He returned with the steaming mug and motioned to a chair. “Have a seat. Is Jack opening the grill for Thanksgiving, or is this a private family dinner?”

  “Just family. Oh, and Angie Prentiss.”

  “Who’s that?”

  “Uncle Jack’s girlfriend.”

  A tap on the door drew their attention. Beth Ann, Evan’s Sous Chef, stood there. “I’m sorry to interrupt, but I need to speak with you Evan. It’s about Thanksgiving.”

  “What’s the problem?”

  Her gaze shifted to Alex, then back to Evan. “I…uh…I can’t work that day. Actually, I’ve been offered a job in New York and I have to leave day after tomorrow.”

  “What? Beth, come on, that’s very short notice. How will I replace you that fast? How will I replace you at all?”

  Her face flushed. “Thanks. That means a lot coming from you. But this opportunity just came up and I know you understand. It’s at Chez Philippe in Manhattan. They need someone immediately for the holidays.”

  “Wow. How did that happen? Not that you’re not good enough, but….”

  The flush deepened. “Your ex-wife set it up for me. Apparently she knows the owner personally.”

  “I’m sure she does. I hate to lose you, but if that’s a legitimate offer, you have to take it.”

  Now her face paled. “You mean it might not be legitimate?”

  “I shouldn’t have said that. Tell you what, I’ll call Phil myself and check it out.”

  “Phil?”

  He grinned. “The owner—Phil Reneau. Better known as Philippe.”

  Alex stood. “I should go and let you take care of business.

  He waved her back into her chair. “This will only take a minute.” He brought up a file on his laptop and punched a number into his cell phone. “Hey, Phil. It’s Evan Whiting. How are you? Yeah? That’s great. I’ve learned you’re stealing my Sous Chef, Beth Ann Lyons. Yes, well I called to give you my recommendation. Beth’s an excellent chef. My loss is your gain. My place? Oh, things are going great. Nice talking with you. Take care.” He ended the call and smiled at Beth Ann. “It’s legit. He’s counting on you being there by the twenty-fourth.”

  She beamed and threw her arms around Evan. “Oh, thank you. I’m so excited.”

  “Do you have a place to stay? You know, it’s not cheap living in New York.”

  “Tiffany said I could stay at her place until I can get settled. She was very nice to me. I know she messed up your grand opening, but she felt really bad about that.”

  Evan felt his jaw clench. “I’m sure. I’ll have your final check ready for you tomorrow.”

  “Thank you. And thanks for the opportunity you gave me here. This probably wouldn’t have happened, otherwise.” The girl danced through the kitchen and out the door.

  “Tiffany strikes again.”

  “You think she did this on purpose?”

  “Oh, I have no doubt.” Evan sighed. “Well, that will make serving Thanksgiving dinner to the masses a little more challenging. I don’t know where I’m going to find another Sous Chef on such short notice.”

  “I can help,” Alex said.

  He lifted his eyebrows. “You can cook?”

  “Not really. But I know someone who can.” She pulled her cell phone from her pocket and punched in a number. “Hi, Uncle Jack.” She explained Evan’s situation, nodded and smiled, then ended the call. “You have your Sous Chef and a server thrown in for good measure. You’ll have to put up with the whole family, though.”

  “You’re kidding. Jack is going to come here and cook with me and you’re going to help serve?”

  “All set. You’ve done more than a fair share to help me with the shelter. It’s time I get a glimpse into your world, don’t you think?”

  “You’re on. Wear comfortable shoes.”

  *

  Alex observed the restaurant nearly filled to capacity. Some people she knew, others were strangers to her. All ate companionably as if one big family. She carried a tray of empty dessert plates into the kitchen. “You guys did a great job. Everyone’s having a wonderful time.”

  Evan nodded to Jack. “Thank him for the stuffing and the desserts. I’ll take credit for the turkeys.”

  She gave her uncle a hug on the way past, then planted a kiss on Evan’s cheek. “One question—when do we get to eat?”

  “Soon enough. We have a few more guests arriving shortly. And before you ask, don’t. It’s a surprise.”

  Kellie came to the kitchen door and called for Evan. “They’re here.”

  He smiled at Alex. “Now we can eat. Would you go out and seat our guests at the reserved table?”

  She eyed him warily. “Okay.” When Alex entered the dining room, she noticed Kellie talking with a tall man in an expensive-looking suit. It wasn’t until he turned that she recognized Lex and the young men standing with him. Her half-brothers. They’d spoken on the phone a few times, but not yet met.

  Lex caught sight of her and waved. “Alex.”

  She walked toward the gathering. “Hi. This is a surprise.”

  He slid an arm around her shoulders. “I know. It was Evan’s idea, to have a family Thanksgiving. I hope you don’t mind.”

  “Not at all.”

  He introduced his sons. “This is Wade and this is Benjamin. And this is your sister, Alexandra.”

  “Half-sister,” Alex corrected.

  Wade pulled her into a hug. “You’ll soon learn nothing’s done halfway in this family. Nice to meet you, Sis.”

  Benjamin took his turn at embracing her. “I always wanted a big sister—someone to keep Wade off my back.”

  Alex laughed. “I don’t know about that.” She turned and grasped Kellie’s arm. “This is my sister, Kellie.”

  The brothers each gave Kellie a warm hug, as did Lex.

  All of sudden she was having a big family Thanksgiving. It was almost too much. “Would you all excuse me for one minute? Kellie, maybe you can show them to our table?”

  Alex hurried to the kitchen, tears spilling down her cheeks.

  Evan’s face paled when he saw her. “What happened? Was it a bad idea?”

  She flew into his arms. “It’s the best idea ever. Thank you so much.”

  Uncle Jack carried a tray of bowls filled with stuffing, mashed potatoes, and corn from the kitchen. “Let’s get the food on the table while it’s hot.”

  Other diners stopped to thank Evan for their meal before they left, some saying that without him, they would not have had a Thanksgiving dinner.

  Alex beamed at him with pride. He was such a good man with a huge heart—just like his great aunt.

  After serving dessert and coffee, Jack tapped his water glass. “I have an announcement to make.”

  Alex’s throat tightened and she grasped Kellie’s hand. They’d already had the conversation with Uncle Jack about selling the Out Back.

  “I have to say this is the best Thanksgiving I’ve had in a long time with so much family present. I’ve been thinking about making some changes, and I’ve decided to sell the Out Back. I’m happy to say that Marcus Farrior is planning to buy the place and turn it into Cade’s Point’s first sports bar.”

  Jack paused and glanced around the table, his eyes settling on Angie. “I’m also pleas
ed to say that Angie here has accepted my proposal and we’re gettin’ hitched.” He bent down and kissed Angie full on the lips.

  Alex turned and met Kellie’s wide-eyed stare. He hadn’t discussed that part with them. “Uncle Jack, that’s wonderful. Congratulations,” Kellie said.

  Evan stood up. “And I’m very happy to announce that Jack Ramsey is the new permanent Sous Chef at Amelia’s. After a honeymoon, of course.”

  Everyone laughed and applauded, including those few folks still lingering at other tables.

  Evan popped open a bottle of champagne and walked around filling glasses for everyone at the table. He lifted his glass. “First of all, to Jack and Angie.” After everyone toasted, he lifted his glass again. “And to all of you for making this Thanksgiving special for me.”

  Later, after saying goodbye to Lex and her brothers, with a promise to visit them in Atlanta before the year’s end, Alex went to her uncle and his fiancée. “I want to see that ring close up.”

  She examined the sizeable solitaire diamond and embraced Angie. “I’m so happy for you and Uncle Jack.”

  “Thank you. And when will it be your turn?” Angie asked.

  “That’s not in the immediate plans. I need to get my new shelter built first.” The abandoned dollar store she’d rented as a temporary shelter was not going to work long term.

  Angie’s gaze slid past her to where Evan stood. “Don’t let him get away. He’s one of the good ones, just like Jack.”

  “Who?” She turned. “Evan? Oh, we’re not….”

  “Uh-huh.”

  Jack came over and put an arm around Angie’s shoulder. He looked at Alex. “I hope you don’t mind that I didn’t share this with you first. I wanted it to be a surprise.”

  “It is—a wonderful surprise. I’m happy for both of you.”

  “I’d better get into the kitchen and start with clean-up or we’ll be here all night.” Jack rolled up his shirt sleeves.

  Alex gave him a push toward the door. “Oh, no. You are officially relieved of duty. You two get out of here. I’ll stay and help Evan with the clean-up.”

  Jack began to protest, but Angie pulled on his arm. “Time for us to leave.”

  An hour and a half later, Alex finished washing the last pot while Evan emptied the large commercial dishwasher.

  She leaned against the counter and blew an errant strand of hair out of her face. “I think we’re done, and none too soon. I’m exhausted.”

  Evan slung a dishtowel over his shoulder and sauntered toward her. “You were remarkable today. I hope I didn’t overstep by inviting your father and brothers.” He placed his hands on her shoulders. “I meant well.”

  She leaned forward and kissed him lightly. “I don’t mind. It was very thoughtful of you.”

  He grinned and pulled her closer. “How thoughtful?”

  She wound her arms around him. “Very thoughtful.” She kissed him again, this time with more earnest. “Very…” She kissed his lips. “Very…” Her mouth pressed against his neck. “Thoughtful.”

  “I like being thoughtful.”

  And then she yawned. “I’m so sorry. I really am exhausted and it’s getting late.”

  “I agree.” He pulled out of her embrace and tugged on her hand. “You’re too tired and it’s too late for you to drive home.”

  “I’ll be fine.”

  “Don’t argue. Come with me.” He led her out through the dining room, turning off lights as they went. After locking the front door, he pulled her around the corner and up the side stairs. “Wait till you see what I’ve done with the place.”

  Alex’s heart beat a rapid tattoo. With each step, she faced another fact—her life was moving in a good direction. Life was changing and those changes were good. In a matter of months, she would have the state-of-the-art shelter she’d always dreamed of, the one she had designed. And she was pretty sure—okay, sure—she had fallen in love with Evan Whiting.

  Evan threw the door open and flipped on lights, then ushered her into the apartment.

  “Wow. You did all this just to rent the place out?” Alex looked at the polished hardwood floor, the soft lighting, comfy-looking leather furniture, and a 55” flat screen TV mounted on the wall above a gas fireplace. “It’s lovely.”

  Evan closed the door and stepped up behind her, his hands on her shoulders, his mouth on her neck. “It sure is.”

  He turned her in his arms and gazed down at her, his brown eyes deepening to near black. “You know the one thing I’m most thankful for this Thanksgiving?”

  She shook her head, unable to speak.

  “Aunt Amy.”

  She half expected him to say ‘you’ and his answer threw her.

  Evan continued. “If it weren’t for Aunt Amy, I’d have never met you.”

  Alex grinned. “Are you going to show me the rest of the apartment?”

  Chapter Twenty-Nine

  Winter in the Upper Delta had been mild with moderate temperatures and little precipitation. The new shelter was complete and the grand opening set for March twenty-third. Alex had been grateful that, after the stunt Carson Bentley pulled sending out emails that the shelter would be closed and animals euthanized, many volunteers and donors on her mailing list stepped forward and offered to foster animals until the new shelter was ready. They’d also had several successful adoption events. With a private donation to a neighboring shelter, Alex had been able to place dogs with them. The empty storefront she’d rented sufficed for the unadoptable animals and the new arrivals.

  “I’m proud of you, Alex. This place is remarkable.” Evan squeezed her hand.

  “Thanks. It’s a dream come true.”

  He slung an arm around her shoulders as they walked the length of the kennels, recently furnished with plush beds, blankets, and shining aluminum bowls. “You’re all set for the opening?”

  “All set. How about you? Ready for the reception?”

  “Are you kidding? Jack and I even whipped up recipes for dog and cat treats. Everyone gets to party.”

  She laughed and leaned into him. “Your year will be up in a few months. Any idea what you’re going to do?”

  “I’m pretty sure, but I have one thing to settle first.”

  Disappointment dropped like a rock in her chest. “So you might be leaving?”

  He shrugged. “Depends.”

  They reached the back door of the kennels and walked out into the spring sunshine. “On what?”

  Evan stopped walking and faced her. “You.”

  “What? What do you mean it depends on me?”

  “Those animals you rescue—some of them walk right up to you, don’t they? They know they need help.”

  She knit her brows together. “Some do. Why?”

  “But some of them aren’t as easily won over. They’re afraid or they’re just plain stubborn, protecting themselves.”

  “That’s true.” She couldn’t figure out the switch in the conversation.

  “We’re not all that different from those dogs you pull out from under buildings, are we? At least, I’m not. I’d lost everything and wasn’t smart enough to know I needed someone like you in my life.”

  Before she could register what was happening, Evan dropped to one knee and reached into his jacket. He pulled the small velvet box free and opened it. The sun glinted off a stunning pear-shaped diamond. “Alex, will you save me from myself, from a life of unbearable loneliness and boredom? Will you rescue me?”

  She stared at the diamond and then at his face.

  “And will you answer me soon because the ground is still damp and seeping through my pant leg.”

  A smile stretched across her face. She held out her hand for him to place the ring on her finger, then she drew him up to his feet. “Yes.” She held his face between her hands and kissed him. “And, for the record, it was me who was rescued.”

  “We can argue this point for the next—oh—eighty years. Because I’m not going anywhere.”

  *<
br />
  The new Harley’s Haven opened on a beautiful spring day and with the promise of ongoing funding from several local businesses. Alex was able to offer Susan a full-time paid position and hire two part-time staff. This would free up some of her time for her classes in art and design.

  She and Evan had planned a May wedding at Primrose.

  “Now that we’re engaged, I think we should talk about expanding our family,” Evan said one evening while they sat on her porch.

  “What? But…but….”

  He laughed. “Good to know I can leave you speechless.” He pointed to where Walter laid side-by-side with Lambchop. “Those two are best friends. It’s a shame to take Lambchop back to the shelter, don’t you think?”

  “Are you serious?”

  He grinned. “What the heck. My life’s gone to the dogs. And I couldn’t be happier about it.”

  She took his face between her hands and kissed him. “That would make me very happy.”

  “Then it’s done. We’ll be a two-dog family. We can discuss later giving the boys a little playmate.” He winked and wrapped her in his arms. His kiss left no mistake about his meaning.

  *

  “Alex, come on, we’re going to be late.”

  “We have plenty of time. I can’t go skipping off to my wedding and leave this poor dog stuck in an abandoned house. The Sheriff will be here in a few minutes to help us get inside.”

  Kellie paced at the curb next to her car.

  Alex walked around the house, trying all the windows. “Aha! Found an open window.”

  “You can’t go in there. It’s breaking and entering and you don’t know what that dog might do. And you’ll mess up your hair,” Kellie shouted.

  Alex wriggled through the open window and dropped inside. The shaggy brown dog sat huddled in a far corner, whimpering. “Awe, sweetie. It’s okay. I’ve got you. Come on.”

  The dog walked to her cautiously and let herself be picked up, licking under Alex’s chin, happy to be rescued. When she returned to the window, a Sheriff’s Deputy stood outside. “You couldn’t wait five minutes, Alex?”