Entangled: Surrendering the Past (Surrendering Time Book 2)

by Julie Arduini

  Oh. That.

  I throw my backpack on the desk and search for my phone. When I retrieve his message, I hold the phone up. “Found it. Sorry, it’s been crazier than usual.” I scroll through the message and hit the link. In a few seconds the page comes up. A realty listing.

  I thrust the phone toward him. “What’s this?”

  His eyes light up. “There’s a building for sale that’s exactly what I’m thinking of for my salon. I wanted to show everyone and get their thoughts. See what you think.”

  The screen is so small it’s hard to see the details. “What did the girls say?”

  Daniel moves his chair closer. “They want to see it with me and my Dad. He said even though I’m not licensed yet if it truly is the perfect building, he’ll buy it now. Wanna join us?”

  “When?”

  “This weekend.”

  I shake my head. “I would love to see it, really. It’s Jenna’s wedding. I’m in it. And Noah’s upset about his girlfriend breaking up with him, and I promised I’d pick up Betty for the wedding and…”

  Daniel raises his hands. “Whoa, Carla. Slow down. Are you okay?”

  The drumbeat in my head seems louder than his voice. My vision narrows to the point that I succumb to darkness.

  ⌛⌛⌛

  It takes a few blinks before I fully open my eyes, and then a few seconds before I realize a crowd surrounds me, looking down, as I’m sprawled on the floor. I sit up, trying to get my bearings.

  Daniel speaks first. “Are you okay?”

  He looks pale. The way they are staring at me, I probably do, too.

  Rose kneels down so we’re eye level. “Carla, we called the paramedics. You passed out.”

  I try to rise, but between weakness and Daniel’s hands on my shoulders, I remain sitting up on the floor. “I’ll be okay.”

  Sandy folds her arms and shakes her head, looking more like a security guard. “We’ll decide that. You dropped like a sack of potatoes.”

  Daniel nods. “You have a lot going on. It’s a good idea to get checked out. Stay seated and put your head between your knees. You need to get the blood flowing.”

  With a sigh, I resign myself to staying put. Then it hits me, they called the paramedics.

  The way things are going, Wayne will be on duty and in the area, called to be my rescuer.

  ⌛⌛⌛

  Fifteen minutes later with sirens blaring, Wayne and Nathan push through the doors with their gear.

  Wayne pauses as soon as he sees me on the floor. “Carla?”

  I do my best to smile. “Hey. It’s nothing serious. I passed out. I’m sure it’s stress.”

  Nathan puts the blood pressure cuff on me and starts pumping. “Let us be the judge of that.”

  Wayne kneels and flashes a light in my eyes. “Is it Noah? School?”

  I shake my head. “It’s very busy right now, especially with the wedding this weekend. I’m commuting every day. My body was just letting me know it’s time to slow down. Somehow.” I chuckle.

  Claire’s standing behind Wayne. “Is she okay?”

  I look around and see Rose, Mitzi, Sandy, and Claire in a circle, surrounding us. Where’s Daniel?

  Nathan reaches for a walkie-talkie. “Carla, I have to ask. Are you pregnant?”

  My laughter echoes throughout the hall. “That’s a strong no.”

  Wayne clears his throat. “Okay. When did you last eat?”

  I bite my lip as I try to think back. I didn’t have breakfast. I don’t remember grabbing dinner. When did I have a meal? “I don’t remember. My stomach would growl and then I’d get busy and do the next thing.”

  Wayne shuts the medical bag. “It’s probably hunger and low blood sugar, but you should be checked out at the ER to rule anything more serious out.”

  I start to open my mouth, but Wayne keeps talking. “You want to be well for the weekend, and for Noah. Please let us take you to the ER.”

  I look around and every head is nodding. “Okay. I’ll go.”

  ⌛⌛⌛

  Nearly two hours later, Dr. Garrett returns his stethoscope to his neck and smiles. “The paramedics were correct, a Vasovagal episode most likely brought on by exhaustion. Your ECG and blood work were normal. Make sure you receive enough fluid intake and don’t skip meals. It’s important you have eight hours of sleep each night. I’d like you to go home and rest today. If you have any re-occurrence of symptoms, make sure you call the number on your paperwork.”

  Thank God the news isn’t worse. “I have a senior citizen friend back home who loves to tell me that ‘this too shall pass.’ I’m in a wedding this weekend. School is over in October. Things will slow down. Eventually.”

  He writes a few things in the chart and excuses himself for a moment, returning with juice and graham crackers. “Carry snacks in your purse. Put reminders in your phone calendar for the simplest things like going to bed or giving yourself a fifteen-minute break. Little things can make a big difference.”

  I nod, but he’s back to writing again.

  “Okay. I’m done here. The nurse will be in soon with your discharge papers. I think Daniel followed the paramedic SUV so that you have someone to drive you back to the school. Consider taking it easy for the rest of the day.”

  “Thanks, Doctor. I will.”

  Another ten-minute wait and the nurse sets me up with instructions and papers to sign. Once I’m able to leave, I reach for my purse and leave the room. I’m not sure where Daniel is but I figure the lobby is a good place to start looking. When I push through the double doors, the first face I see is Wayne’s. He’s leaning up against the registration desk.

  He looks up. “Hey. Feeling any better?”

  “I am. You and Nathan were right. Please don’t tell anyone back home. I don’t want Noah or Jenna to worry.”

  “No problem, I’m not allowed to anyway. Remember? I’m just signing off on another transport. Did you need a ride or anything? We’re heading back to Speculator Falls soon.”

  I glance around wondering how I could lose Daniel in such a small hospital. “I think Daniel is taking me back to school. That’s where my car is. I’ll figure the rest out.”

  He grins. “You always do.”

  Daniel’s voice interrupts before I can respond as he jogs over from another lobby. “You’re out. Sorry, I was chatting with Dad and lost track of time. He said you’ll be okay if you listen to directions.”

  He nudges me with his elbow and both he and Wayne break into laughter.

  That’s when another familiar voice joins the conversation.

  Will runs toward me, nearly skidding to a stop when he sees me flanked by Wayne and Daniel. “Carla?”

  Chapter Thirty-Two

  The moment I see Will, my throat dries. I try to say his name, but nothing comes out. I want to explain why the two men are once again at the hospital with me, and he’s the one I’m happy to see. The constant machine beeps from other nearby patients doesn’t help my headache.

  Will extends a hand to my shoulder. “Are you okay? Daniel called me from your phone at the school and told me what happened. I got here as soon as I could.”

  I turn to Daniel, who winks, and I return my attention to Will. With a cough, I find my voice. “I fainted. It’s been kind of crazy lately. The doctor said exhaustion.” I look over to the two, who stand there, watching us. “Wayne’s here for work, and Daniel followed the ambulance to make sure I had a way back to school. You, know, because my car is there. I’m definitely not ready to return to class.”

  Will’s gaze remains on me. His response is nowhere near the last time we were at the hospital. “I could take you home if you want. It would give you time to rest.” He drops his arm to his side.

  “What about my car and getting to school tomorrow? My plan was to go in the morning and then head back to Speculator Falls in the afternoon to get ready for the wedding rehearsal.”

  Wayne fishes his keys out of his pocket. “My shift is over. Nathan
and I have our cars in Speculator Falls. We have to drive the SUV back to the health care center back home. I can drive your car to your house and Nathan can follow. We’ll get your vehicle back to you later tonight.”

  All the logistics hurt my head, but I realize one thing. Everyone’s getting along.

  Will gives Wayne a pat on the back. “If it’s okay with Carla, that sounds like a great plan.”

  My smile feels weak, but my heart fills with excitement. “Thanks, everyone. Daniel, thanks for calling Will and making sure I was okay.”

  Daniel waves me off. “No problem, it’s what friends do. Don’t be in a hurry to come back. I’ll share my notes with you, so go, and enjoy the wedding.” He gives me a quick hug and exits.

  Will places his hand on the small of my back, and his touch feels as if it has sparks attached. “Ready? Let’s get you home.”

  ⌛⌛⌛

  It’s hard to pin just one emotion in the atmosphere in Will’s truck as he helps me get settled and starts for Speculator Falls. It’s not tension. We’ve been down that road before. This feeling, tinged with awkwardness, is ripe with hope.

  My gaze rests on his strong jawline as he maneuvers the light traffic on the highway. “Thanks again for traveling here to check on me. It means a lot.”

  Will flashes a grin before returning his concentration to the road. “That call scared me. I guess I had to make sure you really were okay.” He brushes the corner of his eye. A tear, perhaps? “You have good friends. I’m glad Daniel called.”

  “Did you tell anyone? I don’t want anyone to worry. Especially Noah.”

  Will shakes his head. “As soon as I disconnected the call, I grabbed my keys and started for Gloversville. I’m sure it’s lunchtime at school and Noah’s brooding over Brittany.”

  “Yes, that. Another thank you I owe you. I appreciate you taking the time to talk to him. You have a consistent Godly perspective Noah needs.” That I need, too.

  “He’s a great kid. Give it a week and Brittany will be a faded memory.” Will taps the steering wheel. A nervous laugh escapes. “You’ll probably think this is corny, but I want you to know you’re an amazing mom. We never really had a chance to talk those weekends you came home, but I was exhausted trying to do half of what I know you accomplished every day.”

  “You’re sweet. Thanks for saying that. I underestimated how hard school would be, particularly juggling it with my son’s needs and the wedding. It’s probably why I passed out.”

  He keeps drumming the wheel with his thumbs. “I want to say something else.”

  My breath catches. I grip the seat to prepare for what’s next.

  “You aren’t a faded memory to me, Carla. I can’t stop thinking about you.”

  My bottom lip starts to quiver and it takes a couple seconds to compose myself. “Will.” I can barely eke out a whisper. “I feel the same way.”

  Will makes an abrupt turn into a parking lot, and pulls into a spot, letting the engine idle. He faces me. “I know our breakup hasn’t been long, but a lot has changed.”

  I nod, feeling the tears dripping down my face. “I’m not the woman who can’t make a decision anymore. It’s always been you. I’m sorry it took me so long to realize that.”

  He reaches for my hand and caresses it. “We both made mistakes. I also think we’ve grown from them.”

  I intertwine my fingers with his and move as close as I can with the gearshift in the way. “I love you. You deserve to hear that every day.”

  Will leans in. “I love you. I love Noah.” He chuckles when I let out a sob. “And I’m going to kiss you.”

  Our embrace carries enough heat to melt an igloo. When we separate, he places his hands on the gear and the wheel. “Wow. I think we’d better get back on the road. But where do we go from here?”

  I pretend to fan myself. “Would you like to have dinner with Noah and me tonight?”

  ⌛⌛⌛

  Will and I are watching a movie in my living room when we hear footsteps on the porch. The door opens and Noah waltzes in, throwing his backpack on the floor before heading toward us. He stops as soon as he sees us holding hands on the couch.

  “Whoa. When did this happen? Why aren’t you at school?”

  “I needed some downtime before the wedding. God did the rest between Will and me. What do you think about us being back together?”

  Noah plops on the couch and playfully hits Will on the shoulder. “It’s all kinds of awesome.”

  The three of us order a pizza and finish the movie. Will even finds paper and a pencil to write out all that we have to do to prepare for Ben and Jenna’s rehearsal and wedding. My stress dissipates as all his tasks and mine become ours.

  Time for Will to leave, and we linger on the porch. He wastes no time wrapping his arms around my waist. The proximity no longer scares me. I circle my arms around his neck and enjoy more than one goodnight kiss.

  “Thanks for dinner.” He kisses me between each word.

  “Thanks for staying.”

  “May I pick you up after I get out of work so we can do rehearsal things together?”

  I open my eyes for a second and catch Noah lifting the shade, only to shake his head and close the blind. “You sure can. We make a great team.”

  He stuns me with one last knee-weakening kiss before hopping off the porch. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”

  I put my hand on the door handle and turn to Will. “I love you.”

  Once he leaves, I return inside and find Noah wearing a lopsided grin.

  “What?”

  “You two looked like dorks out there.”

  I walk over to the couch and toss a pillow toward his head.

  Noah catches it and sobers. “But I’m happy Will’s back in our lives.”

  “Me too, bud.” An idea pops to mind and I smile. “Let’s pray it becomes permanent.”

  Chapter Thirty-Three

  If there were a contest for happiest person in Speculator Falls, I’m not sure who would win. Ben looks like he’s had Botox injections because his wide grin is frozen into place. Jenna’s absolutely stunning during rehearsal walking down the aisle in jeans, a white t-shirt that the seniors at the center gave her that had “bride” stamped across the front, and a makeshift headpiece created from her bridal shower bows.

  But then there’s Will and me.

  When we enter the church arm and arm, Jenna squeals and runs toward us for a hug. “I knew it! I knew you two would get back together.”

  Brooke walks over and also gives us a hug. “It’s wonderful to see you two. I know you’ve been through a lot.”

  Will caresses my back. “We have. But we’ve learned a lot and our faith is stronger because of everything.” He plants a kiss on the top of my head.

  Ben reaches for something under the pew and then joins us. He thrusts some kind of can into Will’s hand. “Here you go. You sure have some odd requests.”

  Will slaps Ben on the back. “It will make sense soon.”

  Pastor Craig calls us to gather up front and start the rehearsal. I can barely focus because my mind is on my agenda. I can’t wait to sit with Will and Noah at the dinner, and for us to head back home. Every time I catch a glimpse of Noah, his smile is almost as wide as Ben’s.

  It’s nearly eleven before Will pulls into my driveway. We all laughed and joked through the rehearsal, so it took twice as long. I’m still determined to see my idea through, despite the late hour.

  I face Will as he puts the truck in park. “Did you want to come in for a little bit?”

  He stifles a yawn and stretches. “We have a long day tomorrow, but I don’t want to say goodbye just yet.”

  Noah exits the vehicle and is inside the house before I can unbuckle my seatbelt and find my purse on the floor.

  Will chuckles. “He should run track.”

  We take our time walking to the porch. I reach for his hand, my own palms wet from nerves. “So, tomorrow Ben and Jenna finally marry.”

 
He nods. “Been a long time coming.”

  “Sure has. Speaking of long time coming, I wanted to ask you something.”

  Will stops before we reach the bottom step and releases my hand. Not that I can blame him with my palms. “What’s going on?”

  I clear my throat. “Okay. Well, now that we’re back together, I don’t want to waste a minute. I spent too much time taking you for granted.”

  He doesn’t speak, but Noah turns the porch light on and it illuminates Will’s head into a golden halo.

  I start to bend on one knee. “Will, I love you.”

  He shakes his head and raises his hands. “Wait, Carla. Don’t.”

  I start to lose balance and confidence. Was he rejecting me before I could ask?

  Noah throws open the door and steps out. “Here you go, Will.”

  My son hands something over to him. Suddenly I smell something fruity.

  “What’s going on? Noah, don’t you have something to say? You know? Our plan?”

  He shakes his head. “Nope.” Laughter follows.

  Will takes my hand and pulls me up.

  I hold my hand up in protest. “Noah and I are supposed to ask you…”

  Everything in my plan changes when Will drops to one knee. “Is it okay if I go first?”

  My legs start to shake. “Y-yes.”

  “Like you said, I don’t want to waste time. I love you and Noah so much. In fact, I went to him and asked if I had his blessing.”

  My entire body trembles.

  His voice catches. “And he was gracious enough to give it. With that, Carla, will you marry me?”

  I’m crying and shaking enough that I’m having trouble speaking, but my incessant nodding doesn’t seem like enough.

  Noah jumps off the porch. “She’s saying yes!”

  Will stands and takes my hand. “Since this is sudden, I don’t have the ring you deserve. But I remember when you were sheriff visiting Jenna for lunch at the senior center, you’d eat the fruit cups that Jenna always made fun of.”

  A sticky, almost slimy circle slides down my ring finger.

  I lift my hand and find my voice. “A pineapple ring? I love it.” I wrap my arms around him, traces of pineapple hitting the back of his neck. Noah joins in, spreading his arms against both of us.