Marrying Molly

by Linda Hope Lee

  “Not yet.” Taking her arm, he drew her into the building’s shadows.

  “What is it, Steve?” she asked, yet his husky tone told her what was on his mind. Her heart rate kicked up a notch.

  “This.” He lowered his head and captured her mouth with a kiss.

  The thought crossed Molly’s mind that she shouldn’t be kissing him, but the warning lasted no more than seconds. All the physical closeness they’d shared in the last few minutes had primed her for this moment. Molly leaned into his hard body, welcoming his kiss. When his tongue probed, she readily accepted the gesture.

  Long, delicious moments passed while Molly lost herself in Steve’s kiss. Her fingers stroked his cheek and the other hand teased the hair along his nape. Both were breathing heavily when he finally drew away.

  Steve gazed down while slowly shaking his head. “Molly, Molly, what’s happening to us?”

  She made a dismissive wave. “We’re just—Oh, I don’t know! We’d better go back inside.”

  “Uh uh. This is too good to give up just yet.” He leaned close and kissed her again, his hand wrapping across her back.

  Molly’s surroundings faded away. As they stood there in the shadows, they could have been the only ones on the terrace, or on the planet. Finally, Molly came to her senses. Placing her palms against his chest, she eased away. “We must get back to the party. Someone might miss us.”

  He gave a low groan. “I suppose you’re right.” He straightened his tie, while she patted her hair and smoothed her dress, and then they started back along the terrace.

  Hand-in-hand, they strolled along. Neither spoke, but when they happened to glance at each other at exactly the same moment, the energy that arced between them took away her breath. A warm glow wrapped around Molly. A glow of love. She was falling in love with Steve.

  “Molly, I think I’m…”

  Molly held her breath. Was he about to say he was falling in love with her, too?

  Before he could finish speaking, a woman’s laughter cut through the night. Molly automatically twisted her head in the direction of the sound.

  The laughter came from a woman sitting with a male companion at one of the wrought iron tables. She had long, dark hair and wore a strapless blue gown. Moonlight shone on her slender neck and softly rounded shoulders.

  Steve’s jaw dropped, and his eyes widened. “No, she can’t be!”

  “What, Steve? What is it?” The back of Molly’s neck prickled.

  His grip on her hand tightened. “She’s Angie.”

  Chapter Twelve

  At first, Molly had trouble comprehending. Then realization dawned and she gasped. “You mean, your ex-wife, Angie?”

  “Yes. At least, I think she’s Angie.” He stood still, gaping at the woman.

  Molly laid a hand on Steve’s arm. “Maybe you should speak to her and find out if she is Angie or not.”

  Steve frowned. “Don’t want to do that. We’ll walk by her first. Get a closer look.” He dropped his arm from around Molly’s waist and headed in the woman’s direction.

  Her heart hammering, Molly scrambled to keep up. What if the woman was his long-lost ex-wife? What then?

  As they passed by the couple, the woman looked up and smiled. “Good evening.”

  Her companion, a fiftyish man wearing rimless eyeglasses that reflected the light, nodded pleasantly.

  “Hello,” Molly said, striving to keep her voice steady.

  Steve nodded at the couple then headed toward the door to the ballroom.

  As far as Molly could tell, neither the man nor the woman showed any sign of recognition toward Steve.

  “Was she Angie?” Molly asked when she was sure the other couple couldn’t hear. She held her breath and waited for Steve’s reply.

  “No, she wasn’t.”

  His low, gritty voice conveyed more anger than disappointment. “You’re sure?” Molly cast a surreptitious glance at the couple. Deep in conversation, they paid not the slightest attention to Molly and Steve.

  “Yes. I knew when I saw her left wrist.”

  “Her wrist? Why?”

  “Angie has a tattoo there, of a butterfly.” With the fingers of his injured hand, he traced a pattern on the back of his left wrist. “The insect has red and blue wings, and there’s a gold star above it.”

  “Tattoos can be removed.”

  “I know, but Angie never would do that. She went through too much pain to have the tattoo done. She said it was there to stay.”

  A butterfly and star tattoo. A memory flickered in Molly’s mind, trying to make itself known. Then, just as quickly, the memory was gone.

  ****

  Later, riding through town in the limo, the street lights flashing by, Molly glanced at Steve’s profile. His mouth was set in a grim line. Since leaving the hotel, he hadn’t said much, and neither had she. Tension built inside her until she had to break the silence. No point in making small talk, though. Best to address the subject that weighed on both their minds.

  Keeping her voice whisper-soft, she said, “She haunts you, doesn’t she?”

  He turned his head and looked at her with sad eyes. “Yes, she does. Tonight wasn’t the first time something like this has happened. I always get my hopes up, only to find I’ve been mistaken. A few days after I arrived in Red Rock, I saw a woman I thought was Angie.”

  “What did you do? Did you speak to her?”

  “Not at first.” Steve rubbed a hand along his chin. “I followed her. She must’ve caught on, because she turned and confronted me. When I realized she wasn’t Angie, I apologized. I felt like a jerk. But whenever I think I’ve found her, I lose my head.”

  Molly considered what she would do if she saw someone who looked like Buck. After the jolt of recognition, regret and sadness would follow. Still, she would know the man was not Buck, but only someone who resembled him.

  Because he had no proof Angie was dead, Steve’s response was different. Where Molly had had closure, Steve had been left hanging. Her heart ached for Steve, but she was at a loss how to help. And, maybe he didn’t want to be helped.

  They both fell silent again. Molly looked out the window. The freeway lights blurred as they sped along. Up ahead, the exit sign to Red Rock came into view. They’d soon be home.

  After a while, he took her hand, running a thumb over her knuckles. “I’m sorry, Molly. I ruined our evening.”

  His fingers were warm, his grip strong. Glad for the physical connection, she squeezed his hand. “You didn’t. Besides, tonight wasn’t a date. Tonight was business. I was along to keep you company.”

  “But what about—”

  The kisses on the terrace? Her stomach clenched. She didn’t want to talk about that. “Please, Steve. Don’t go there.”

  “If that’s what you want.” He released her hand.

  Reaching the Rolling R seemed to take forever, but at last, they were heading down the side road to Sara and Jackson’s house. Molly smiled to herself. Soon, she’d be with Karli again. She’d missed her daughter. She should’ve called Sara and Jackson a second time to make sure Karli was all right, but the troublesome incident on the terrace distracted her.

  When the house came into view, she looked up at the second floor bedroom window where Karli was staying. A light beamed from the window. Why? Karli’s bedtime was a few hours ago. By now, she should be fast asleep.

  Molly gripped the edge of the seat. Instinct told her something was wrong.

  “Are you okay?” Steve touched her arm.

  A lump clogged Molly’s throat. “I’m, ah, eager to see Karli.”

  His brows furrowed. “Won’t she be asleep by now?”

  “I hope so.”

  When the limo driver pulled up to the house, Molly flung open the door and leaped out. She ran along the walk, tottering in her high-heeled shoes, thinking—but not really caring—that if someone in the house were watching, they might assume she’d had too much to drink.

  She raced up the step
s and across the porch. The front door was unlocked. She burst inside. Lights glowed in the living room, but no one was there. “Sara! Jackson!” she called, as she ran across the room and down the hallway to the stairs.

  Sara appeared at the top of the landing. In the dim light, her mouth was pulled into a tight line. “Molly. I’m glad you’re here.”

  “What is it?” Molly gripped the banister and took the stairs two at a time, vaguely aware of Steve behind her. “Is something wrong with Karli? Oh, I knew I shouldn’t have gone tonight.”

  She reached the top of the stairs, but Sara blocked the way down the hall. She put her hands on Molly’s shoulders. “Molly, calm down. Karli has a bit of a fever, that’s all.”

  “That’s all?” Molly’s chest heaved from the rapid climb. She jerked away from Sara and ran down the hall to the room where light spilled through the open doorway. Molly flew into the room, Sara and Steve close on her heels.

  Her gaze skipped over Jackson sitting on the bed and riveted to Karli. The bedside lamp shone down on her face. Her eyes were closed, her cheeks flushed.

  “Molly, good you’re here.” Jackson jumped up and let her take his place on the bed.

  Molly sat and, gasping for breath, leaned over Karli. “Mommy’s…here now…darlin’.”

  Karli’s eyelids fluttered then remained open. “Mommy…I don’t feel good.”

  “Where does it hurt, honey?” Karli’s plaintive tone squeezed Molly’s heart.

  “My head.”

  Molly placed her hand on Karli’s forehead and her heart beat faster. “You’re burning up.”

  “We took her temp.” Jackson pointed to the thermometer on the nightstand. “A hundred and one.”

  Molly straightened and stared. “That’s awful! Why didn’t you call me?”

  “We were about to.” Sara stood beside her husband and laid a hand on his shoulder. “This all happened in the last few minutes. She was fine earlier. Then when I came to check on her, she was awake and complaining that her head hurt.”

  “So you haven’t given her anything to lower the temperature?”

  Hearing Steve’s voice, Molly turned to see him standing in the doorway. His solemn face reflected his concern, and for a moment, she wanted to run into his arms and have him hold her close. She didn’t, though. She must focus on Karli now, not on Steve.

  “No, we haven’t.” Jackson’s forehead wrinkled. “Like Sara said, this happened right before you arrived.”

  “I haven’t sent back the limo yet.” Steve stepped farther into the room. “The driver can take us to the ER.”

  “I don’t know what to do.” Oh, how she wished Buck were here. He was always cool in an emergency. Molly turned back to Karli. “Do you hurt anywhere else, honey?”

  Karli squirmed under the covers. “My tummy, a little.”

  Molly looked up at Sara. She was a mother, too. She’d know what was best. “What do you think?”

  Sara fingered the collar of her blouse, her gaze steady. “I can’t tell you what to do, Molly, honey. But if Ryan had a temp, I’d give him a children’s medicine for fevers. I’d keep an eye on him throughout the night. If he got worse, I’d take him to the ER. If not, reevaluate in the morning. But, like Steve said, we can get her to the ER right away, if you want.”

  Molly nodded. “Your advice sounds good, Sara.”

  “I’ll go get the medicine.” Jackson headed for the door.

  “You can stay here tonight.” Sara pointed to the twin bed identical to Karli’s, separated by a nightstand.

  Molly’s distress had eased a little now that a decision had been made. “I’ll run down to my house for a few things.”

  “You don’t need to. We have everything you’ll need here—nightgown, toothbrush, towels.”

  The offer was generous but Molly hated the sense she wasn’t the one making the decisions. “I don’t want to cause any more trouble than we already have.”

  Sara leaned down and put her arm around Molly’s shoulders. “You’re not trouble, Molly—you’re family.”

  “Thanks, Sara.” Molly put her hand over Sara’s.

  Steve stepped forward. “I’ll spell you throughout the night, so you can get some sleep.”

  Molly’s mouth tightened. Although irrational, she wanted to blame him for the troublesome situation. “That won’t be necessary,” she ground out. She looked up in time to see Steve and Sara exchange a look. “Thanks, anyway,” she said, in a softer tone.

  “Well…okay, but I’ll be down the hall if you need me.” Steve gestured toward the door.

  Karli raised up her head. “Steve? Where are you?”

  “Right here, little one.” He stepped around Molly and Sara and gazed down at Karli.

  “I didn’t know you were here.” With a smile, she lay back on the pillow.

  “Yep, I am. And I’m sorry you don’t feel good. But we’ll have you fixed up in no time and out riding those horses.”

  Molly pressed her lips together. Why’d he have to go and mention horses? Why didn’t he just leave?

  Fluttering limp fingers, Karli said, “Will you stay with me until I get better?”

  “Karli…” Molly shook her head.

  “Your mommy’s going to take care of you tonight,” Steve said, grasping Karli’s hand. “I’ll see you in the morning.”

  “Will I be better then?”

  He nodded. “You will. I guarantee it. And, when you’re all well again, I’ll have a surprise for you.”

  Molly expected Karli to ask more, but at that moment, Jackson returned with a bottle of chewable tablets and a glass of water. Steve stepped aside to let Jackson hold Karli while Molly fed her the tablet and water.

  “Good girl.” Molly set the water glass on the nightstand.

  Sara and Jackson left, but Steve lingered. “I wish you’d let me help you keep watch tonight.”

  “No, Steve.” Molly tightened the top and set the medicine bottle next to the water glass. “She’s my daughter, my responsibility. I’ll take care of her.”

  He gestured to the hallway. “Okay, but I’m—”

  With a sigh, Molly folded her arms. “I know. You’re down the hall, if I need you. Goodnight, Steve.”

  As soon as the door closed behind him, Molly turned back to her daughter. Karli’s eyes were closed, and she appeared to be sleeping. Molly tucked the covers more securely under Karli’s chin. Tears welled up behind Molly’s eyes. She loved her child so much. She’d do anything for her. Anything.

  The others thought she’d overreacted, and, okay, maybe they were right. But they didn’t understand. Karli was all Molly had. She’d never forgive herself if something happened to her daughter. Molly should’ve been here tonight. She had no business going off and leaving Karli with others, even people as conscientious and caring as Sara and Jackson.

  Sara returned with a nightgown and a robe slung over one arm. “You’ll find an extra toothbrush in the bathroom.” She nodded to the door adjacent to the beds.

  “Thanks, Sara.”

  After Sara left, Molly changed into the gown and robe. In the bathroom, she washed her face and brushed her teeth. Then she lay down on the extra bed. Spying a folded quilt at the bottom, she reached down and pulled the quilt over her. She closed her eyes, but sleep wouldn’t come. Not that she expected to sleep. Not with Karli lying ill in the next bed.

  An hour later, she got up and roused Karli enough to stick the thermometer under her tongue. She whispered a prayer then with baited breath studied the results. Karli’s temperature had lowered a degree. Molly expelled a long, deep sigh. The medicine was working. That had to be a good sign.

  Still, though, she didn’t sleep. She lay in bed mentally beating up herself for being away when Karli took sick. The memory of Steve’s kisses wiggled into her thoughts, but she quickly brushed aside the memory. The kisses meant nothing, absolutely nothing, and didn’t deserve even a moment of her time.

  ****

  The following morning, Karli
’s temperature was still above normal. Molly picked up the phone and called Mike’s office to make an appointment. Luckily, he had some time to see Karli that morning.

  “Getting Mike’s evaluation is a good idea,” Sara said, when Molly told her the news.

  Anna Gabraldi made a breakfast for Molly to take up to Karli. “Some warm oatmeal and toast will make her feel better,” she said, handing Molly the food-laden tray.

  On her way upstairs, Molly encountered Steve, his hair slick from his morning shower, dressed in a short-sleeved shirt and jeans. Unexpectedly, her pulse spiked.

  “How is she?” he asked. Worry lines crinkled his forehead, and his gaze was steady as he waited for her reply.

  His concern touched her and meant more than she could have known. “Better, thanks. Her temp’s down some.”

  “That’s good news.” He rubbed his forehead, clearing away the worry lines.

  “Yes, it is. But as soon as she eats breakfast, I’m taking her to town and let Mike check her over. He’s in his office this morning. ”

  “I’ll go with you,” he said, and then frowned and patted his sling. “I’m not much use, but, still, I’d like to go.”

  Molly gripped the tray and took a step back. Although she appreciated his concern, she still didn’t need—or want—his help. Karli was her responsibility, and hers alone. “You really don’t have to.”

  He leveled a stern look. “You told me you felt responsible for what happened to me at the river, because I was looking for Karli when I fell. Well, now I feel responsible for your not being here when Karli took sick, because my business took you away. You can understand that, can’t you? And, we can use my rental. Then you won’t have to borrow one of Sara’s and Jackson’s cars.”

  “That’s thoughtful of you, but—” Molly had almost forgotten about not having her own vehicle.

  “Humor me, okay?”

  Feeling herself weakening, Molly offered one last protest. “She might be contagious.”

  “I’m not worried.”

  “All right, come along, then.” Molly mustered a smile. “I know Karli will like that.”

  Steve returned her grin. “Good to know at least one of you wants my company.”