by Lori Ryan
Her head snapped and she stared up at him. “Really?”
Ben leaned down and brushed his lips against hers. “Really,” he smiled against her mouth.
She nodded, a smile finally returning, though small. “I really do need to go. People probably heard me screaming on the top of Canyon Creek Mountain.” She laughed.
The sound was like music to his ears. “We okay?” he asked.
“Yeah,” she nodded, “we’re good.”
“Good,” he smiled, even knowing part of her was lying. She wasn’t good. She was scared, rocked by what had just happened between them. But so was he. Ben reached down to kiss her one last time.
She ducked around him and opened the door, leaning her head out.
“See you later,” Ben called out, “maybe dinner this evening?”
“Yeah, uh, maybe, I don’t know. I’ve got a lot of work to do.”
“Maggie.” Ben caught up to her and slipped his hand around her arm to turn her.
She stared at his hand for several seconds before finally lifting her head.
“We’re good?” he asked again.
“Yeah.” She lifted on her toes and touched her lips again. “See you.” Without another word, she slipped from his grasp and disappeared. The heavy door slammed shut. And he realized too late, so had Maggie’s heart.
Chapter Thirty-Two
Maggie sat on one of the benches nestled in the gardens at the lodge. John had painstakingly planted the mass of foliage and flowers for his wife. Valerie had always loved wildflowers. John said she was a bit wild herself and he’d never questioned her obsession. Only fed it.
Her mind slowly wandered from John and Valerie to their son. What in the hell had just happened with Ben? Her heart raced, remembering their sexual encounter in the maintenance room. It had been incredible, breathtaking…and way too intimate despite the location.
This was no longer short-term, for her anyway. That’s why she’d run, escaping the small room as soon as she’d gotten her clothes back on. Her emotions were raw and running faster than her own two feet. She needed room to sort everything out.
Being intimate with Ben was one thing but sharing what they had with nothing between them, physically, had been too much. He’d seen through her, wanted more, needed more. She could see it in his whiskey colored eyes, hear it in the way he’d called her name over and over.
Maggie fell back into the bench, wondering how she could explain to her heart that this was temporary. Mentally she walked through her checklist, namely the fact that Ben would be leaving soon. Hell, he’d mentioned the public sale of his company just before they’d had sex. It was never far from his mind, or hers.
He’s leaving soon. He’s going back to Seattle. He had to. It was the only way she could protect her heart.
Maggie released a heavy sigh, watching plumes of her warm breath float in the chilly air.
Read the letters. Valerie’s words rambled through Maggie’s mind like an irritating gnat. They’d talked more about Valerie’s dad and how she’d come to forgive him. She said forgiving her dad was the only way she’d been able to let herself trust John.
Maggie wasn’t sure she had the guts to read her father’s words. She didn’t know if she was ready to forgive him. Ready to move on.
Her heart beat furiously as fear and anxiety pulsed through her veins. She’d shown Ben the box, disclosed the contents, something she’d never done before. Did that mean she wanted more with Ben?
“Hey, Maggie.”
Maggie jumped in her seat.
“Sorry,” Shawn said, making his way up the gravel path, “I didn’t mean to scare you.”
“It’s okay.”
“You looked like you were deep in thought. Everything all right with you?”
“Yeah, just a lot on my mind.”
Shawn turned to look toward the cabins, following the direction of Maggie’s gaze. “Don’t worry,” Shawn said. “I had my doubts when he first came back, but I have to tell you, I think some of the cuts Ben made are working out all right. From what he said, they were needed to meet the requirements of the loan.”
Maggie murmured a response, then stilled. “Wait.” Maggie raised a hand to shade her eyes as she looked at the contractor, Shawn’s words finally registering. “Ben made cuts?”
Shawn’s eyes shot wide. “Uh, yeah, I thought you knew.”
“When did this happen?” she asked.
“I got word a few days ago, right after I placed the order for the stone for the fireplaces and extra lumber for the balcony in the barn. I had to cancel both.”
“What are you talking about?” Maggie’s eyes narrowed. “Cancel the balcony? It’s one of the most important parts of the barn.”
“I know,” Shawn said. “He said you’d have to do without them.”
“That’s where the bride is supposed to throw the bouquet. That’s where the newlyweds are supposed to descend for their introduction.” Maggie heard her pitch rising. “Valerie and I specifically put it in the plans for a reason.” Maggie waved her hands in the air like a crazy woman.
“Ben said those expenditures were too much, he said you guys were cutting them, and other extras you couldn’t afford right now.”
“You guys?” Maggie cocked a brow.
“Yeah, you and Valerie. I thought you knew.” Shawn stared at her. “You didn’t?”
“No, I didn’t.” She fumed, jumping to her feet, furious with Ben Sumner. He’d told her he wouldn’t interfere, acted like he understood their vision. Hell, he’d even been putting in his own sweat equity so the build-out could happen on time. The only thing he’d been doing was confusing her with kisses and sex.
Ben had lied to her. He’d flat out lied to her.
And he’d gotten her into his bed. Maggie wrapped her arms around her waist as the truth hit her. He’d been manipulating her.
“I’m sorry, Maggie, I thought this was a decision straight from the top. I’m not going to lie, I hated to see the cuts, I mean I thought the balcony in the barn would be beautiful, but he made it sound like this was something he’d discussed with you and his mom.”
Where did Ben get off, making unilateral decisions? Valerie had never talked about them. She obviously didn’t know either.
Maggie narrowed her eyes. “Exactly when did you receive the email about the cuts, Shawn?”
He shrugged, obviously not wanting to get in the middle of this fight.
Had Ben slept with her just to smooth over the fact he’d made cuts he’d promised he wouldn’t?
Maggie flexed her hands, trying not to look like a crazy woman ready to take a swing at someone. Trusting Ben Sumner had been a mistake. As usual, the only person she could count on was herself. How had she been so stupid, sleeping with him, having sex with no protection? Letting him inside her world, her heart, her life.
Shawn moved closer. “Maggie, are you all right? You look like you’re going to rip someone’s head off.”
“I just might,” she growled through gritted teeth as she stalked away. “I just might.”
Chapter Thirty-Three
“Oh, I like that banner better,” Ben said over Emmett’s shoulder, pointing to his computer screen. They sat in the office as Emmett showed him the new website for the wedding barn. They’d decided a few weeks ago to sell it as a separate business for marketing strategy. Ben had been surprised and encouraged at what Emmett had done for the marketing department in such a short amount of time.
“Could you include the mock draw-ups that dad originally drafted?” Ben asked. “It could showcase the balcony and the natural beams, Mom and Maggie love that damned balcony.” He laughed. “Maybe do a page where we show the progress of the build-out.”
“Yeah,” Emmett answered. “How long do you think the final build-out will be?”
“I think if Shawn finishes the interior walls and windows this week or next, he could start the balcony soon after. His crews also working on the cabins so I know he’s swamp
ed.”
“We all are, brother. But Max should be in in a few weeks to help.”
“Oh, shit,” Ben muttered.
“What’s wrong?” Emmett asked turning back toward his screen.
“I totally forgot to email Shawn about putting the original rebuild back on schedule. Shit. That’s going to change everything.”
“You told him to stop the expansion? I thought you said you were on board.”
“I was. I am,” Ben stumbled. “I just got on board a little late.”
“Like how late?”
“Like after I’d already cancelled orders for material and given Shawn new deadlines and instructions.”
“I saw him out back earlier carrying stoves to the cabins.”
“Shit.” Ben raked a hand through his thick hair.
“I’m guessing that’s a line item you forgot to cut.”
“No, it’s a line item that I added to replace the stand-alone fireplaces.”
“What the fuck, Ben? Did mom know about this? Does Maggie know?”
“Believe me, Ma’s already reamed me. And Maggie can’t find out.” Ben walked around Emmett’s desk, heading for the door. “I’ll try to go grab Shawn now and let him know. Maybe we can return them before he starts installation.”
“Hopefully,” Emmett asked.
Just before Ben reached the door it flew open with a bang. A furious, red-faced Maggie stood in the doorway.
“Maggie.” Her name came out in a breath. He could see she knew. It was there on her face. “Listen, Maggie, it’s not—”
She came at him, hands on hips and eyes blazing. This wasn’t the good kind of blazing, the kind that got him worked up. This was the kind that said he’d screwed up royally this time.
“Why don’t you go back to Seattle where you belong?” She growled through clenched teeth.
Ben stepped back, surprised by her outburst.
“No one wants you here. All you’re doing is screwing up all our plans. All our hard work.”
Ben felt the blood rush from his head. He’d never heard Maggie speak like this.
“Maggie, it’s a misunderstanding,” he said.
“Misunderstanding is putting it mildly. You came in here, convinced you were right, that you were so much smarter than all of us. You’ve been walking around here acting like we needed you to fix everything for us. Well, we don’t need that. We don’t need you.”
Ben stilled. “Are you sure you’re talking about the lodge, Maggie?”
“Piss off, Ben. I don’t need you psychoanalyzing me any more than I need you trying to fix things here that don’t need fixing.”
Ben rubbed his head. She wasn’t going to listen to him right now. “I’d already talked to my mother about reinstating the original budget.”
Maggie pointed toward the hallway. “Then why the hell doesn’t your contractor know?”
“I meant to email Shawn a few days ago but I got a little distracted.”
Maggie ducked her head drawing in a breath. “That was a mistake.”
“What are you trying to say?” He walked toward her, but she backed up.
“I’m saying, go back and fuck up your own company and leave ours alone.”
Ben narrowed his gaze, blood thundering in his ears. Now he was pissed. How had he ever let himself think he could have a future with this woman? “Let’s get one thing straight, Maggie.” He hovered over her petite frame. “This is not your company. It’s my family’s.” He pounded his chest.
She stiffened, her shoulders thrown back as if bracing herself for more blows.
“And if anyone is making decisions about this company, it will never be you.”
“Ben,” someone said beside him.
Ben glanced down and saw his brother’s hand wrapped around his arm, pulling him back.
“Answer me this, Ben.” Maggie’s face contorted. “Did you screw me thinking you could slide your budget cuts by without me noticing?”
“Is that what you really think?”
She shrugged. “It was obviously a good plan.”
“God, you’re more screwed up than my mother said.”
“What the hell does that mean?” she moved closer.
“Just what I said. You’ve got so much shit you need to sort out.”
“Benjamin!” His mother shouted behind him.
“Screw you, Ben!” Maggie yelled, pushing his chest to move him out of the doorway.
“You’ve already done that, Maggie.” He let out a humorless laugh. “To think, I wanted more with you.”
“Ben,” his mother said. “That’s enough.”
“Stay out of this, Ma,” Ben said glaring at Maggie’s back. “Yeah, run away like you always do, Maggie.”
“Mom!” Emmett shouted.
Ben turned and saw Emmett grabbing for his mother.
His mother clutched her chest, her face ashen.
Emmett shouted for help and then Maggie was there with her arms around his mom, supporting her. Once again, doing what Ben should have done.
“I, I…,” his mother stuttered.
“Ma!” Ben yelled, scooting between Maggie and his mother.
“I can’t, ca, catch my br, breath.”
Ben watched in horror as his mother clutched her shirt.
He heard his brother calling 9-1-1 behind him and his mother’s legs gave out. He slid her gently to the floor.
This couldn’t be happening. Not now, not his mother, too. “Ma,” Ben whispered close to her ear, “hang on, we’re going to get help.”
She stared up at him, her eyes glassy and afraid. “Don’t, don’t…”
“Save your energy, Ma.”
“Oh, God, what happened?” Shawn sank down to his knees. “Valerie, stay with me.”
Ben stared at Shawn.
“I’m a volunteer fire fighter, Ben. Let me get in to her.” Shawn wrapped his fingers around his mother’s wrist. “Take a deep breath, Valerie.”
His mother tried to speak. “Don’t let her go, Ben,” his mother choked on a whisper.
“Ma, don’t talk.”
“No,” she panted, “you don’t. Don’t let li, li, life go by without love.” She reached a shaky hand to his cheek, her eyes fluttering closed.
“Ma!” Ben shouted.
“Valerie!” Maggie screamed next to him. “Oh, god, please don’t leave. I’m sorry, I’m so sorry.”
Without opening her eyes his mother cupped Maggie’s jaw. “My chest, it hurts.”
Ben waited for what felt like an eternity, pulse racing, his mind a tangled mess of fear and regret.
“They’re here,” Shawn said, standing. “Down here, guys,” he yelled over them all, his voice carrying across the room.
“Hold on, Ma, they’re coming,” Emmett said on the other side of her. “Just hang on.”
“I lo, lo…love you boys.”
“We love you too, Ma. Don’t talk like that,” Ben said, willing away the tears burning his eyes.
“Love you, too, Maggie, my girl.”
“I love you, Valerie. I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean—”
“Back up, guys.” Two men reached down as a third straightened a stretcher next to his mother. “Let’s get you up and on your way.” He glanced behind him at Shawn. “What are her vitals?”
Shawn rattled off numbers as another man set an oxygen mask over her mouth.
Ben’s mind was numb, his hearing all but lost as he watched them wheel his mother down the long corridor toward the main entrance. He, Emmett and Maggie jogged after her, watching as the paramedics lifted his mother and pushed her into the ambulance
All three rushed to the door, watching helplessly as the workers hooked his mother up to wires and hoses, starting an IV and placing the oxygen mask over her face.
His mother reached toward them and Ben moved to step into the van. She lifted her mask. “Maggie,” she said in a raspy voice.
Ben and Emmett stared at Maggie.
She stood between th
em, her face ashen, tears streaming down her face as her body shook with sobs. “One of you should go,” she choked out.
“She wants you, Maggie,” Ben said, not quite believing he was allowing her to go with his mother.
Maggie’s huge green eyes stared up at him, her lids rimmed red and swollen. She nodded once and put her foot on the bumper as one of the paramedics held out his hand and lifted her into the ambulance.
Ben watched as Maggie scooted close to his mother, taking one hand in both of hers, her head bowed as if in prayer. His mother lifted her other and placed her palm gently on Maggie’s head.
The doors swung closed and without another word, the ambulance sped away, carrying the only two women Ben had ever loved.
Chapter Thirty-Four
Maggie stood next to the hospital bed, watching helplessly as nurses and staff hooked Valerie up to every kind of machine known to man. Her head throbbed with the incessant beeping of the medical equipment but the pain was nothing compared to the crushing ache in her heart.
How could she have been so cruel to Ben? How could she have said such awful things? And in front of Valerie. If she died, if Valerie suffered any long-term effects from this attack, Maggie would be to blame and she would never forgive herself.
“Maggie.” Valerie’s voice was weak.
Maggie slid in close to the railing, taking Valerie’s hand in hers, careful not to touch where the IV was connected. “Are you all right? Where do you hurt? Is there anything I can do?” Maggie fired off questions like a machine gun.
“I’ll be fine, Maggie.”
“How do you know?” Maggie slapped a hand over her mouth to quiet the sob threatening to escape. “Valerie, if I lose you too…” Her worlds trailed off on a silent cry.
“You won’t lose me.”
But I’ve lost Ben.
“You haven’t lost him either,” Valerie whispered.
Had she spoken out loud? Before Maggie could question her friend more, the doctor entered the small room.
