by Cheryl Wyatt
“I don’t meant to spill my heart all over you like this, but there is no help for it.” She trembled, in body and words. “I’m beside myself, bandit. The man I told you about, the one I’m in love with? He’s so completely wrong for me.”
Caleb stilled.
“I’m head over heels for someone who’s going to leave me behind.”
What? Oh, wow. No...
“You know the awful thing? Today I finally realized I’d even be willing to consider a military match, if it meant I could be with him. But it’s not to be. He doesn’t seem interested in settling down at all.”
Caleb steadied his breathing. The air caved in around him.
“He’s all about the rangers and nothing else. I’m something to him, I know it. I’m just not enough. And you know what? That’s been my biggest fear. Not measuring up.”
Caleb clutched Kate like there was no tomorrow, as her words sank deep.
“In short, I love him enough to take that risk...”
He couldn’t have been more shocked to hear her confession. Yet what shocked him more was all she was willing to give up—like the idea of a normal, stable life and family together. A life and family that he was surprised to realize he badly wanted.
Becoming a ranger was supposed to be his dream. Yet it didn’t feel satisfying to be on the verge of achieving that goal. Not at all.
What felt satisfying was having Kate in his arms and confessing her love. The realization that she returned his feelings. There. He admitted it. He loved her, too. So much.
The appeal of ranger school had been fading for a while. Especially in light of Kate. But this moment? On hearing her love for him? All he could think about was what ranger school would mean leaving behind.
He thought he’d find fulfillment in distinguished service—that becoming a ranger would show how different he was from the father who’d abandoned him. But Caleb was starting to realize the best way to show he wasn’t like Dad might be to do what Dad truly couldn’t—marry a woman and stay with her, be faithful, raise children with her and have a good life.
He’d want that life to let him continue his service in some way because it was important to him. But he also wanted it to let him make a true commitment to the idea of a home and family. In a hard moment of honest self-assessment, he finally realized that that was what he’d been afraid of all this time—that he’d fail at being a husband and father, as his father had, or that he’d be abandoned again.
His gut knew better. Kate was solid. She’d commit for life. She’d love him forever and never leave and he wanted to be that for her, too. Way more than being a ranger, he wanted to be able to spend his days showing her how special she was.
In Kate’s embrace, Caleb felt at home for the first time in years. All unsettled feelings shelled off. He closed his eyes.
I’m home to You, too, Lord. Here’s where the rift ends, the bitterness stops. It was never Your fault. I’m sorry. Forgive me. Please work this out. Help Kate not hate me when she figures out who I am.
Caleb no longer had peace about revealing himself tonight. Kate was too emotionally volatile after hearing of his acceptance to ranger school. Also, Bri’s wedding had impacted Kate. Her parents had attended, but they sat on opposite sides of the church.
He hugged her once more and pointed to the road.
“You need to go? I’m sorry. Thank you for listening one last time.”
Kate, I want to listen for a lifetime...as Caleb.
He backed away and sprinted as fast as his legs would go.
He was sure he’d left her reeling, but that was okay. Ten days from now, at the storybook ball, she’d know everything. All would be made clear. And they’d either have a future together, or she’d have the freedom to fall for someone else.
Chapter Fifteen
“You’re positively glowing, sis.” Caleb couldn’t get over how happy his sister looked as he helped Bri carry in her bags. She and Ian had just returned from their honeymoon.
She grinned. “I had a blast. It went by too fast. And I hate that we had to split up at the end of it, but at least Ian’s only getting Tia from his mom’s in St. Louis. He’ll be back soon.”
“Why didn’t you and Ian stay in Grand Cayman longer?”
“Ian was afraid of the dolphin that attacked Mitch.”
“Seriously?”
She laughed. “No, we didn’t want to be away from Tia that long. After the storybook ball, we’re taking her on a surprise Disney trip to celebrate us becoming a family.” She brushed a hand along his face and looked dreadfully sad. “I wish you would still be here so you could go with us.”
“I’ll be here.”
“For a few more days.” Bri looked on the verge of tears so Caleb needed to tell her.
“Bri, I turned down my chance at ranger school.”
“What!” She grabbed his shoulders. “What do you mean?”
“I’m not going.” He pulled her to the couch so he could explain. “I’ve been doing a lot of thinking and praying.”
She bit her lip and a stunned smile peeked through. “Yeah?”
“Yeah. You know I’m in love with your bestie, right?”
Bri stood and squealed. He tugged her back down.
“Tell me what’s going on, Caleb!”
“I’m planning on proposing to her at the storybook ball.”
Bri leaped up again and shrieked.
He stood, too. “I’m also revealing the bandit.”
“You want her to murder you three seconds after you ask her to marry you?” Bri snorted. “Are you crazy? Not smart, Caleb.”
“It probably wasn’t smart to do the whole bandit thing to begin with, considering Kate is an M-16 master and third-degree black belt.”
“Who taught close-quarters combat to special operatives.”
“You’re not helping matters.” Caleb grinned.
“I know you need to tell her. It’s not like we can shove a bandit under the rug. She has the right to know, especially if she’s going to marry you!”
“So, you’ll help me plan one last bandit surprise for Kate?”
“Yes. Oh, I know! We should let her think you’ve left for ranger training. Then she’ll be certain that you couldn’t possibly be at the ball, yourself. She still thinks you’re going to ranger school, right?”
“Yes. Everyone but Asher does. And you. I was waiting to spread the word until you got back because I thought you had the right to hear it first. But I’m intrigued with this idea of surprising her after she thinks I’ve gone— I guess I can keep the secret under my hat for a little while longer.”
“Good. Show up to the storybook ball in your bandit costume and end it the way you started it. Plus, it’s symbolic since you two helped organize the ball and built its props.”
“I like that. The costume that brought us together will cement our relationship.” He grinned. “Or my untimely death.”
Bri smiled but it wobbled enough to show that she, like Caleb, retained a healthy fear of Kate’s reaction to the big reveal.
* * *
“This is ridiculous, Bri.” Kate shoved the Mardi Gras gown back into her closet. “Why would I wear the same costume I wore at Mitch and Lauren’s wedding?”
“Because it looks stunning on you. And because you never know who’s going to show up.”
She shot Bri a wry smirk. “You mean the bandit? I’m so over that guy, Bri. Don’t play innocent. You know the only guy who matters to me.”
Bri brushed a hand along the sequined sapphire gown. “Seeing him won’t pull you out of—”
“This ache of missing your insanely lovable brother? No.” Kate scowled. “Next time you talk, tell him how absolutely rude it was for him to leave without telling me goodbye. Not just
rude, cowardly.” Caleb’s rapid middle-of-the-night departure hurt more than anyone could know.
Caleb’s words slammed to the forefront of her mind. Kate sighed, trying to put his advice to practice. “It really stung that he didn’t at least call me.”
“Well, next time you talk to him, you can tell him exactly how you feel.”
“Next time I talk to him? That could be months from now. Years even.”
Bri nibbled her lip and didn’t comment.
“What?”
Bri’s eyes widened. “Nothing. What?”
“That’s what I want to know. What’s going on? You’re acting weird.”
Bri shrugged. “Maybe it’s just honeymoon daze.”
“Right. You’re up to something.”
“I’m sleepy. Tia was up chatting until the wee hours after Ian left for a trauma.”
“I’m so glad you’re a family, Bri.”
Bri beamed in reply.
“I want a Godly marriage like the one you and Ian have.”
“You will.”
“You sound so sure.”
“I am. You have to remember that love doesn’t keep record of wrongs, Kate. Promise me that. Okay?”
Kate sighed. “As stated once before, anytime I’ve given you a promise, I ended up in a creepy or crazy predicament.”
“Hmm. You could call it that.”
“What?”
“Nothing.”
“You definitely have honeymoon brain. You’re not making a lick of sense. Come on. We’re going to be late for Lem’s storybook ball.” Despite her protests, she really didn’t have a better option to wear, so Kate dragged the dress out of the closet. The memories tumbled with it.
Kate stilled, remembering every kind thing the bandit had done. But the face of Bri’s brother somehow superimposed over her memories of the man and the gifts and it was Caleb her mind was left thinking of and reeling over.
Lord, I miss him so much. Keep him safe. Guide his steps.
That’s what Kate would do. Put her love for Caleb into prayers for his safety. And as much as she didn’t want to, she’d also pray for his success in whatever he set his dreaming mind to.
“Ready?” Kate asked Bri and Tia an hour later.
Tia whirled in her fancy costume. “Lem says I’m the princess of the storybook ball.”
“And what a beautiful princess you are.”
“Yes, and I decree my land shall be free of the clutches of broccoli.” Tia giggled.
It was contagious, and Kate laughed, too. She picked Tia up and pirouetted all the way to the door.
Tia sighed dramatically in the car. “I miss Uncle C. I wish he was here.” But she didn’t sound sad. In fact, she sounded like she was holding back laughter.
Bri cleared her throat and gave Tia a strange look.
Bri’s honeymoon illness had apparently rubbed off on the child. Tia was acting as silly as her stepmom.
Kate watched out the window as they neared the reception hall where the ball would be held. Townspeople from Eagle Point, Refuge and other small towns showed up to support Lem’s efforts. The town square looked like a lavish lighted village, something out of a literal storybook with breathtaking props.
Kate choked up seeing them lit and displayed, remembering the hours she and Caleb had laughed and sparred and shared creating them.
She pressed a hand to her heart. It hurt.
Bri teared up. “All this, for our bunkhouses, Tia.”
“Goodie! We can make cupcakes for them all.”
“That’s a fantastic idea, Tia.” Bri took her hand.
Kate’s stomach quivered with nerves as she got out of the limo Lem had sent for her, Bri and Tia as a surprise. But why would she be nervous? Her part of the preparations was done. All she had to do now was enjoy the party. And yet she couldn’t help feeling that some surprise was waiting for her, just around the corner.
Ian and Mitch came early to help Lem. They’d called rent-a-docs and traveling nurses to staff the trauma center for the evening, to ensure no one local would be called in. Most of the town was here, anyway.
Kate and Bri took turns showing Tia storybook characters. Humpty Dumpty escorted a svelte lady wall. Fairytale princesses strode with coinciding princes. Bri and Ian were Beauty and the Beast. Ian had tried to talk Tia into going as the teacup but she’d decided on the princess Caleb and Kate said she could be.
“The carriage!” Tia pointed to an elaborate lighted one.
“Uncle C arranged to have that here, for you and your friends to ride in,” Bri informed, watching Kate oddly.
“A real horse!” Tia ran to her dad, waiting at the carriage for her.
“There’s your honey. You’d better go.”
Bri stared at her. “You’re going to have a great night, Kate. In fact, it’s going to be unforgettable.” With that, Bri turned and ran to catch up with her handsome “Beast.”
Kate stared after her, not sure what to make of Bri’s words. She decided to focus on making them come true. She’d have a great night, or die trying. She set to work trying to infuse bubbly thoughts. But in truth, the only kind of night Kate felt she was in for was one that would end up unforgettably sad. There was just too much here that made her think of Caleb, reminding her how much she missed the handsome ranger.
“Katherine.”
Kate whirled. Her parents stood in front of her, holding hands. Wait. Holding hands! And dressed like Luke and Princess Leia. They were avid Star Wars fans. In fact, a Star Wars movie was where they’d met.
“Mom? Dad?” Kate looked from one to the other. Kate’s mom smiled and leaned into her dad’s shoulder then took Kate’s hand.
“We’re following Caleb’s advice. And yours,” Mom said.
“Caleb?” The name slashed her heart like a scalpel.
“Yes.” Her dad cleared his throat and gave her mom a sweet look. “We’ve been in touch with the young man recently.”
“Oh. Well, that’s nice.” Since he hasn’t spoken to me!
“Mom, Dad, are you—”
Kate’s mother beamed. “Here together? As a couple? Yes.”
Kate dashed toward them and they hauled her into the best hug of her life. “You don’t know how badly I needed and wanted this.” Kate should have worn waterproof mascara. Like last time in this patio garden, she most likely looked like a raccoon. Who cared? Her parents were trying to fix their marriage!
Dad smiled. “Seems Zorro wants a word with you.”
“Huh?” Kate blinked at her dad.
He nodded behind her. Kate’s mom smiled.
Kate felt his presence before she moved.
Slowly, she turned.
Sure enough, there stood her bandit, dressed in full black.
Except for the blue camouflage kerchief bundled in his hands like a gift. She stared at him, then it.
People drifted inside. Some watched from windows.
“You showed up. Did you get invited here, or—”
He grinned and for the life of her, he reminded her of Caleb. Her mind must really be traumatized because she was seeing him everywhere. She thought she’d seen him in a jewelry store yesterday on Eagle Wing Avenue. Impossible, since he was in training.
“Yes, Kate. I’m here for you.”
She gasped. That voice! She knew that voice—and not from the bandit. Not from the bandit at all.
Caleb? Oh, Lord, it was either him or she really needed to be institutionalized.
Her hand came swiftly to her mouth. He took it in his. Tugged her to the corner where they first “met” in these costumes. Kate felt as though she floated in another world.
Once in the dimly lit corner under the umbrella of the brighter fuchsia tree, he took her
hands in his.
“Caleb?”
He tilted his head in a confirming nod.
She reached for his mask. He caught her hand. Held it in his and then together they peeled off his mask.
She gasped. “Oh. My! It’s you! It’s really— Oh! How on earth!”
He grinned.
Gorgeous.
“I was afraid you’d be angry. For the record, I like this reaction much better.”
Angry? The thought never even crossed her mind. In truth, there were no words for how she felt. She’d never been more stunned in her life.
Until he dropped to one knee and unwrapped the blue camo kerchief, revealing a sapphire-blue box, which he opened.
A sparkling solitaire diamond flanked by two blue sapphires winked up at her like hope shining in her heart.
“Caleb! Are you...”
“Proposing, yes. But first, let me explain the bandit.”
She dove for him. “I don’t care. Whatever the explanation, it doesn’t matter. How are you here? What about Syria and rangers?” Her words tumbled so fast he looked comical trying to keep up.
“I chose not to go, Kate.”
“But how can that be? It was all you ever talked about! How could you not go?”
He held her hands and stood. “Will you let me talk?” He chuckled.
She clamped her mouth shut, but the next thousand questions spurted at the tip of her tongue and begged for freedom.
“But your eyes, they’re black!”
He shook his head. “Contacts.”
“I prefer gray, anyway.”
“Listen...” He gently steered the conversation back. “You should know I’ve thought this through. It wasn’t a whim. I’ve even lined up a new career track— I got a full-time job at Eagle Point Trauma Center. I’m also, along with Asher Stone once he moves here, starting an ROTC program here at Eagle Point’s High School.”
“Caleb! That’s wonderful. Can I help?”
His eyes lit. “Your help would be terrific, but I’m surprised you’d want to.”
