by Loree Lough
“Mrs. Peterson,” she said, turning to Rose. “What was it like, waiting for news about—?”
“Do you have children?” Rose interrupted.
“Yes, my husband and I have twins.” She flashed her for-the-audience smile again. “They’re seven.”
“Aha,” Rose said. “Have they ever wandered off, stepped out of your sight, even for a second?”
“Yes, and it was terrifying!”
“Well, multiply that terror by a million. Ten million even,” Rose snarled. Eyes narrowed and fist pumping, she added, “Now get that microphone out of my face before I—”
Zach stepped up and slid an arm across Rose’s shoulders. “Hey, tiger,” he said, grinning, “I think this nice paramedic here would like to take Alex to the hospital now. Would you rather follow the ambulance in my truck or Summer’s car?”
Right hand extended, Rose reached for Summer. “Would you be very upset if I rode with Zach?”
“No, of course not,” Summer said with a smile. “I’ll stop on the way over and get us all something to eat. I don’t know about you, but stark-white fear gives me a ferocious appetite!”
Laughing, Zach slid his other arm over her shoulders. “Drive safely, you hear?”
She waited for them to leave before getting into her car, then she leaned her forehead on the steering wheel and let the tears come.
She remembered move-in day on the cul-de-sac, when Rose came over, Alex in tow, to deliver a welcome basket. The cookies, banana bread and fudge had all ended up in the trash can, but the hand-crocheted smiley coasters still grinned from their matching crocheted box, right beside the sandalwood-scented pillar candle on her coffee table. Summer, an only child, had always wished for a sibling, and that day, she got one. Alex couldn’t wait to tell her when he’d aced—or failed—a test, taught her to play chess and Free Space, and tolerated her addiction to Tom Selleck movies.
And then there was Zach, whose patient, straightforward approach to self-defense had built up her confidence and liberated her from life as a loner. Tonight, when he and the team didn’t report back for hours, she’d been forced to wrestle with the possibility that she might never see him again. Did he care for her as something more than a friend? Possibly. But she now knew without a doubt how she felt about him.
Life was fleeting. The mountain had proven that tonight.
Summer started the car, shifted into Drive, and made the decision.
It was time to tell Zach everything. And as soon as Alex was home, safe and sound, that was exactly what she’d do.
Until then, Summer would cling to the hope that if the truth didn’t sit well with him, she’d have the strength to let him go.
*
“NEW YEAR’S IS the biggest bash of the year,” Libby said, patting Chinook’s nose. “Everybody who’s anybody will be at the Double M that night. And just think of all the reasons we have to celebrate. Alex and his friends almost got buried by an avalanche—but they didn’t—and Zach was part of the team that made sure they all made it off the mountain!”
She had a point. Summer couldn’t deny that she had a lot to celebrate, too. Keeper had made a quick adjustment to his new life, and thanks to her agent, the next weeks would be filled with work, first in Boulder, then in Golden. She’d fought the memories of that ugly night, and won. The win gave her hope that a good and decent man like Zach might actually love her, scars and all.
“It’s semiformal,” Libby said. “And I don’t have a thing to wear.” She snapped her fingers, making Taffy’s ears rotate forward. “Let’s go shopping for dresses and high-heeled shoes. We’ll make appointments to get manicures and pedicures. Have lunch. We’ll make a day of it. What do you say?”
“There’s nothing in my closet but jeans and khakis, sneakers and sweaters.” Looking at her feet, Summer laughed. “And cowboy boots.”
“Oh, there’s a resolution if ever I heard one.” She drew quotation marks in the air. “Improve Wardrobe.”
When the horses finished the carrots Summer had brought them, the two women saddled them up and climbed on.
When they’d ridden half a mile or so from the house, Libby said, “Mom hired a band—sight unseen—because I recommended them. Don’t tell anyone,” she said, pretending to cover Chestnut’s ears, “but I’m a little goofy over the lead singer. I’ve been following these guys for more than a year.”
“Why is this the first I’m hearing about him? But wait…you’ve been following him? You mean, like a…a groupie?” Summer teased.
“Don’t laugh. That’s exactly what I’m in danger of becoming.” She wiggled her eyebrows. “If things go the way I hope, that midnight kiss might help him decide to work closer to home from now on.”
Summer didn’t like the sound of it. Musicians went on tour, and not all of them had the willpower or strength of character to stay true to their families when real groupies got up close and personal.
“Okay,” Libby said. “Why do you look like you’ve just swallowed lemon juice?”
She’d heard Libby talk about dates, but never with any real interest. It wouldn’t be fair to throw cold water on her enthusiasm, possibly spoil her New Year’s Eve.
“I was just trying to remember where my folks will be that night,” Summer said.
“If they’re in town, they’ll be with us, right?”
“They had a wonderful time at Christmas, so I’m sure they’d love that. I’ll call them tonight.” Summer had to admit, the more she heard about this semiformal party, the more exciting it sounded.
“So have you been to Zach’s secret place lately?”
“Um, what secret place?”
“Oh, stop. I know he brought you there the first time you visited the Double M. He thinks it’s a secret, but just between you and me? I’ve known about it for years. And years. We all have. And don’t look so worried. No one would ever let on. We realized he needed a place to hide once in a while. We Marshalls pester the daylights out of each other, but we can be protective, too.”
How different would her life have been, Summer wondered, if she’d been born into a big, loving family like theirs?
“He acts like a tough guy, and for the most part, he is. I’m not sure why he feels duty bound to rescue people, but it has nothing to do with his military duty. He’s been that way for as long as I can remember.” Libby shrugged. “Least we can do is rescue him on the few occasions when he needs it.”
Next, Libby launched into the story about the cheerleader who dumped Zach for the high school football captain. The coed who ran off with an English professor. He’d found some comfort in the arms of a female marine who, in trying to prove she was as tough as her male counterparts, nearly got herself killed. When her tour of duty was up, Zach never heard from her again.
“And then there was Martha.”
The way she overpronounced the name told Summer that Martha had been the biggest heartache of all. He’d spent countless hours comforting the suicidal widow of a comrade, literally saving her life a time or two. “He finally convinced her to sign herself into Centennial Peaks. They didn’t earn their ‘leader in suicide prevention and treatment of depression’ title for nothing. After two months of intensive therapy, Martha came out of there a new woman.” Libby made a chopping motion with her right hand. “She cut Zach off like that, and claimed it was because she didn’t want any reminders of the past.”
“After all he’d done for her?”
“Tell me about it.”
“How long ago did they break up?”
“Going on two years.”
He’d never mentioned Martha, not that they’d had much opportunity to discuss past loves.
“I have no idea how to define whatever it is that connects you to my brother, but I know this—he’s happy for the first time in ages.”
The news came as a relief, and shored up Summer’s decision to get things out in the open, once and for all.
CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO
HE’D PICK
ED SUMMER up at eight sharp, and when Libby greeted them at his parents’ house at nine thirty, she’d promised, “We’ll only be a minute!”
That was half an hour ago.
“Sorry we’re late,” Summer said when at last they appeared.
If he was a gambling man, Zach would have bet the studio it had been Libby, not Summer, who’d held them up.
“No problem,” he said, stepping away from the window. “I was watching these mutts make fools of themselves.”
Libby stood to his left, Summer to the right.
“Poor Keeper,” Libby said. “He runs for all he’s worth, but can’t keep up with Olivia.”
“But she’s a Greyhound,” Summer said, defending her dog.
Zach had to agree. Olivia towered over Keeper. If the newly rescued dog minded, it didn’t show. In the months he’d been with Summer, Keeper had put on some much-needed weight, and napped with both eyes closed. Every now and then, he stared off into space, as if remembering his former life. But all it took was a glimpse of Summer to turn the doleful expression into a wide doggy smile.
Who would have thought the day would come when he felt kinship with a dog? Zach thought. Because Summer had turned his sour moods happy more times than he could count.
Libby giggled. “I think they’re in love.”
“And I think we’d better get a move on if you don’t want to be late,” Zach suggested.
The whole way into town, Libby dominated the conversation with lists of dress shops, shoe stores and restaurants where they might meet later for lunch.
Zach dropped them off on University Boulevard. “Text me when you choose a place to eat,” he called through the open passenger window. “And let me know if you want me to meet you there or pick you up.”
When the door to Pink’s Boutique closed behind them, he added a silent good luck wish to Summer and the sales personnel, because his sister was more wound up than usual.
He had plenty to keep him busy while they shopped and primped, and looked forward to making his last loan payment in person. Business had been good, and the studio mats had seen better days. He’d tracked down a good price for replacements at a store in Denver. And his supply of flyers had dwindled to a dozen or two, so he’d visit his printer to order more.
Zach finished all of his errands in barely more than an hour. He hadn’t visited the Air and Space museum since high school, and figured he could kill some time there. He estimated the drive to Aurora would take twenty-five minutes, each way. With his luck, he’d no sooner get there than Libby would text him to meet up, so he opted for the Museum of Nature and Science instead, an easy ten-minute drive from Pink’s.
He ducked into the museum’s planetarium, chose a seat in the back row and settled in to watch a film. Killing time in the dark, nearly empty theater probably wasn’t the smartest idea, since he’d tossed and turned most of the night.
“NASA’s Kepler spacecraft,” said the narrator, “has discovered two new planets.” Named for Dutch astronomer Jacobus Kapteyn, the star and its newly discovered planets were estimated to be 11.5 billion years old. That’s two and a half times older than Earth. One of the planets—five times larger than Earth—orbits its star every 48 days, making it suitable for flowing water.”
As expected, Zach dozed off. If not for the nonstop buzz of his cell phone, there was no telling how long he might have slept. There was a text from Libby.
I’m in the dressing room and there’s a man outside, talking to Summer. Can’t be sure, but I think he’s the guy who attacked her. Get here ASAP!
Zach jogged out of the planetarium and got into his truck. It wouldn’t be the first time Libby had jumped to conclusions, but what if she was right?
He resisted the urge to mash the gas pedal to the floor, mostly because if a cop stopped him for speeding, it could take half an hour to get the nasty business of a ticket out of the way. Lady Luck must have known the importance of time, because Zach found a space right outside of Pink’s.
“Where’s the dressing room?” he asked a sales clerk.
Smiling, she pointed. “Meeting your wife?”
“Uh, yeah,” he said, and began zigzagging between the racks.
He’d recognize Summer anywhere, even from the back. Ramrod stiff, she faced a tall, reedy, bearded man. A few steps more, and he’d have the maniac in a half-nelson.
But what he heard next stopped him in his tracks.
“I wasn’t myself,” the young man said, knuckling tears from his eyes. “I was weak. And PCP is a strong drug.”
Don’t fall for it, Summer. Don’t fall for it! He was itching to pound the guy into the carpet, but Summer had earned this chance to tell the thug exactly what she thought of him.
“Thanks to years of rehab, I realize it was the PCP that turned me into a monster. The things I did…” He focused on the toes of his high-topped sneakers. “I could live three lifetimes and never make things right. I know every ex-con says this, but I swear it’s true.” He raised his right hand, as if under oath. “Prison changed me. I kept my head down. Volunteered for every dirty job on the board. Went to school. I’m in school now…the Iliff School of Theology. The people at my grandmother’s church took up a collection to pay for my tuition and books and…” He looked at the ceiling.
Hoping to find the rest of your lie written up there? Zach wondered.
“And I won’t let them down. When I graduate, I’ll have a Divinity degree, and there’s a job waiting for me as associate pastor.”
Summer crossed both arms over her chest. “Is that so.”
“I don’t blame you for not believing me. Heck, in your shoes I wouldn’t believe me.” His voice was thick with tears. “All I’m asking, I guess, is that you at least consider forgiving me.”
“How did you find me?”
“I-I didn’t. You found me.” He gestured to the cartons he’d been unpacking. “I work here to help earn my keep. Can’t take advantage of those good people who put their faith in me.” He paused, then folded his hands. “It’s all my fault that you’ve spent the past two years under the sinful burden of hate.”
Zach took a step forward, unable to listen to another word, but what Summer said next stopped him yet again.
“You give yourself far too much credit,” she said. “If you think I wasted a moment or an ounce of energy hating you, then you’re sadly mistaken.”
The guy’s eyes widened and he stood blinking, as if taken aback by Summer’s proclamation.
“You’re right about one thing, though. You took a lot from me. My dignity. My self-esteem.” She slapped her thigh. “I’ll probably always walk with a limp.” Now she tucked her hair behind her ears, to expose her scar. “And I’ll always have this to remind me of your…your weakness.”
She took a step forward, a big one, and Zach readied himself to leap into action if the guy made one false move.
“Worst of all, I may never be able to have children because of you. You expect me to forgive all that?”
Never have children?
The guy repeated everything he’d already said about his addictions and rehab and promises made to those who’d helped him. And through it all, Summer stood her ground. Couldn’t she see what he saw…that every word from his smirking mouth was a lie?
Through an inch-wide opening in the curtain leading to the dressing rooms, Zach saw Libby, fingers forming the Victory sign as tears spilled onto her knuckles. “Do something!” she mouthed.
He wanted to. Oh, how he wanted to! But he tried to see things from Summer’s perspective. In her shoes, he’d rather handle things on his own. So he shook his head at Libby and held a hand in the air. Hopefully, she’d get the message and stay put…and silent.
“You got off easy,” Summer continued. “Two years is hardly just punishment for what you did.”
He gave a nonchalant shrug. “Lack of evidence, y’know?”
“Oh, believe me, I know.”
Another shrug. “So-o-rry.”
“What would you say if I told you I just recorded your entire confession on my cell phone?”
Way to go, Summer. Way to go!
“You did a lot of studying in prison, so I’m sure you know there is no statute of limitations on charges of rape and kidnapping.”
“My lawyer never told me any of that.”
“Then I suggest you call him…before you head to the college for your next theology class.”
Summer took yet another step closer, and so did Zach.
Then she slapped the guy, hard. “Sorry,” she said, moving toward the dressing room curtain.
“For what?”
“I’m pretty much over my encounter with you. But you? You have to live with yourself forever.”
She ducked into the dressing room, and Zach watched Samuels disappear into the stock room. Something told him the guy wouldn’t fulfill his promise to the congregants of his grandmother’s church.
He’d known a lot of heroes in his lifetime. His great-grandfather, who turned an untamed wilderness into the Double M. His granddad and dad, who poured their lifeblood into the land to safeguard the old man’s legacy. The men and women who’d voluntarily served with him overseas.
And Summer, who’d stared a demon in the eye and never flinched.
Any doubts Zach had about his feelings vanished as he admitted he’d never loved anyone more.
CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE
“YOU CAN’T SAY a word about what went on out there,” Summer said, her voice a harsh whisper. “You’re right…Zach needs to know. But I need to be the one who tells him…everything.”
Libby dried her eyes then threw her arms around Summer. “From what you told me that night at the pub, I knew it was awful,” she said. “But I had no idea how awful.”
Summer took a step back. “Don’t you dare feel sorry for me, Libby Marshall. The last thing I need from you—from anyone—is pity.”
“Believe me, I don’t feel sorry for you. I admire you. And respect you. I can think of a dozen other verbs to describe what I feel, but pity isn’t one of them!” She sniffed. “When I grow up, I want to be just like you.”
