by Syndi Powell
Lizzie glanced up at the hospital. “My source told me she’s working on the third floor today. Cameras are set up to record your surprise visit. She thinks you’re not arriving until next week.”
Rick nodded as he took in the information. Today’s plan to surprise Melissa at work had been his attempt to keep part of this real. Besides, he really wanted to see her. Especially after everything with Brandy. He sniffed the flowers. “Daisies are a nice touch.”
“You said she seemed like a daisy girl. Not roses.” Lizzie consulted her clipboard, then sighed. “Please give her a chance, Rick. I’m not saying you have to marry her, but open yourself up to that possibility.”
“Melissa is a wonderful woman. I’d be lucky to have her. But I need to make sure it’s really love before I can promise anything.”
“Agreed.” She glanced behind her at the camera crew, who waited for her to give the cue to start filming. “We ready for this?”
Rick wanted this to work. Wanted to give her a chance. He’d worked so hard to turn off his feelings for Brandy, but now needed to turn them on for Melissa. She might be his future bride. “Let’s do this.”
Cameras followed him as he entered the hospital and found the page who would escort him to Melissa’s ward. Patients and families gave them odd stares as they got in the elevator and even more when they reached the third floor and started walking down the halls. One woman approached Rick. “You’re from True Love! Honey.” She motioned to a man in the waiting room. “He’s from that show.”
Rick grinned at her. Held his finger up to his mouth. “We’re surprising Melissa.”
The woman’s eyes got big and she nodded and allowed them to pass down the hallway and approach Melissa’s nurses’ station. He spotted her walking out of a room and quickly turned away. He held the daisy bouquet over his face as if that would hide him and the cameras, then glanced behind at Lizzie. She mouthed, Go.
He ran down the hall. “Missy.”
She turned and took a moment to realize it was him. Smiling widely, she ran toward him. They embraced tightly, the flowers smacking Rick in the face as he pulled her closer. “I’ve missed you.” And he realized he meant it. He took a step back and held the bouquet out. “These are for you.”
Melissa took the bouquet and held it up to her face. Inhaled deeply. “Daisies are my favorite. How did you know?”
Rick shrugged. “I guessed.” He glanced around at the crowd that had started to gather. “When’s your break? Maybe we can have lunch.”
She sighed. “Not for two more hours. You’re sure you want to wait around that long?”
“For you, I’d wait even longer.” He touched the tip of her nose.
A nurse in purple scrubs approached them. “Why don’t we switch breaks for today? I’d hate for you to keep your man waiting.”
Melissa beamed at the other woman. “That’s so sweet of you. Thanks.” She glanced at her watch. “Can we meet in ten minutes?”
“Absolutely.” Rick rubbed her arm. “I brought us a picnic.”
* * *
ELIZABETH FOLLOWED RICK and Melissa as they took a seat on the bench in the park adjacent to the hospital. The trees and flowers had budded, and the scent of spring was in the air. Which should make a young man’s attention turn to love. Or so the poets said.
Rick opened the basket and brought out the salads she’d ordered for them. He’d told her nothing fancy or over the top, so she’d chosen a simple grilled chicken over greens with balsamic vinaigrette. She’d ordered one for herself and sandwiches for the crew while she was at it.
They talked quietly between bites of lunch, and the cameras filmed every word. Every glance. They looked like a young couple in love enjoying a brief moment together.
This was what she wanted for Rick. After everything else that he’d gone through, he deserved some happiness. He needed love in his life. And if the scene playing out in front of her was any indication, he could find it with Melissa given some time.
Rick wiped his mouth with his napkin. “I know this is short notice, but I was hoping you were free tonight. Maybe we could go see a movie?”
Melissa smiled. “That sounds so...normal.”
Rick shrugged. “I could use a little normal right now. Especially before I meet your family this weekend.” He reached up and touched a flyaway strand of Melissa’s hair. “So what do you say to dinner and a movie?”
“I’d love it.” She leaned across to kiss his cheek.
But Rick turned at the last moment so that they kissed on the mouth. Lingered for a moment. Then they sat back and acted as if nothing had changed.
But it had.
He hadn’t willingly kissed anyone on camera this season. Had told Elizabeth he wouldn’t until it meant something. She should be thrilled that he’d waited for Melissa.
So why did her heart ache?
* * *
RICK SHOOK HANDS with each of Melissa’s four brothers. By the time he reached her father, his hand and shoulder hurt from the vigorous workout they had received. “Mr. Weskitt.”
“Rick.”
The two men nodded and shook hands briefly. Rick turned to greet her mom. She was the same height and build as Melissa. “You two could be sisters.”
Her mom blushed while Melissa laughed and linked her arm through his. “Mom’s putting on our Sunday best for dinner tonight. Fried chicken. Mashed potatoes. Biscuits.”
Rick’s stomach growled in response. “Sounds fabulous.” He turned to Mrs. Weskitt and rubbed his hands together. “Why don’t I give you a hand in the kitchen and you can give me some pointers?”
He soon found himself elbow deep in flour and buttermilk as Barbara showed him how to dredge the chicken in milk before adding it to the flour. The pieces turned golden in the oil as they fried.
He peeled potatoes, grated carrots and cabbage, and talked up a storm to Melissa and her mom while Charlie recorded every moment and asked for tastes between takes. Rick felt at home with them. Not for the first time, he felt something for the beauty smiling and laughing beside him. It could be love. It would make life easier if it was. But then he’d usually chosen the road less traveled.
Once dinner was placed on the dining room table, Rick had to admit he could eat a bear if he had the opportunity. The family gathered around the table. Yes, he would fit in here.
But was it enough?
Over dinner, they discussed religion, politics and the show. Her dad brought up Rick’s plans for Melissa. Rick deflected by asking about the family business. They didn’t lack for topics.
After dinner, Rick helped clear the table, then took a dish towel and dried dishes while Melissa washed. Once the kitchen was clean, he put an arm around her shoulder. “We make a good team.”
She nodded and stepped closer. “You make it easy.”
“I could say the same thing about you.” He tapped her on the nose. “What say you show me how to ride a horse?”
“You never have?”
He shrugged. “I was more a bike rider growing up.”
She smiled and took his hand. They went out the back door and followed the path to the stables. With an expert hand, Melissa showed him how to talk to the horse before putting a saddle on it. “You want her to trust you first. Then she’ll let you take her anywhere.”
Rick pulled her closer. “And what about you? Do you trust me?”
Melissa looked down and took a deep breath. “I want to.”
“I want you to, too.” He kissed the top of her head. “So how do I climb on?”
They followed a path alongside the river that bordered the Weskitts’ land. The landscape glowed in golds and greens as the sun began to set. Rick knew that it would look magnificent on television. And as long as it looked good, everything would be fine.
But
inside, nothing was fine with him. He glanced at Melissa, who rode next to him. He could see a life with her. It would be comfortable like a pair of his favorite jeans. He could be happy. Right?
To find out that answer, he pulled his horse up next to hers, then leaned over and kissed her. She brought her hand up to the back of his neck to pull him closer. He sighed into her mouth.
And waited for the fireworks to start.
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
FOR RICK AND BRANDY’S last date, Lizzie had scored tickets to a sold-out concert at the Hollywood Bowl. Before the concert, they enjoyed a picnic on the lawn as the musicians warmed up. They feasted on cheese and crackers, fruit salad and brownies.
After they ate and filmed what they needed to, the crew left so they could enjoy the concert. Brandy leaned back and looked up at the sky while the music flowed over them and out into the stars. Rick nudged her arm. “What are you thinking about?”
She ducked her head and checked to make sure that the crew was truly gone. “Your brother. He’d love this.”
“He’d never come out here. Hasn’t been on vacation since Dad died.” Rick sat up. “Brandy, if you really like Dan, you have to know he’s serious about his work. He needs someone like you to show him there’s more to the world than spreadsheets and production schedules.” He nudged her shoulder. “I think you could make his life magnificent.”
Brandy nodded. “I can try.”
“I figured you would.”
They sat listening to the music for a while. Brandy turned to him. “Have you decided what you’re going to do at the finale?”
He swallowed as if something got caught in his throat. “I don’t know.”
“Melissa is a wonderful woman.”
Yes, she was. But she wasn’t the one for him. He didn’t trust his voice, so he nodded. Perceptive as always, Brandy frowned. “You do love her, right?”
“I think we could have a good life together. But is it enough?”
Brandy took his hand. “I’ve been there, remember? Always go with your heart.”
“Your heart led to you getting dumped.”
She sighed. “But for those six weeks I had, it was marvelous.” She settled back on the blanket. “And now my heart is leading me to your family. So it can’t all be bad, right?”
Rick fell back next to her and looked at the faint stars that tried to break through the lights and smog of this town. “If you say so.”
* * *
RICK TOOK MELISSA to the Santa Monica Pier for their last date. They ate hot dogs on the boardwalk, then took a ride on the Ferris wheel. Melissa sat next to him and gasped as they reached the top and saw the city dressed in twinkling lights. “They look like jewels in a crown.”
Rick pulled her tighter to his side. She was the jewel tonight. He hated to hurt this amazing woman next to him. “Melissa, about tomorrow—”
“I know you can’t tell me what you’re going to do. But I want to tell you...” She sighed and turned to face him head-on. “No matter what, I love you and want what’s best for you. Whatever makes you happy makes me happy.”
It could have been word for word what he’d told Brandy on their last date more than five years before. Was this sinking feeling in his stomach how she had felt that night? He shook his head. “What if that means someone else?”
“Then I hope she makes you happy.” She put her head on his shoulder. “But I think you should know that I love you. We could be good together. We could make a wonderful life. If you just give me the chance.”
She looked up at him, her heart shining out of her eyes. And he couldn’t help it. He touched her cheek and leaned in. Softly kissed her.
And thought maybe it could be her...if he kept his eyes closed long enough.
Once the date was over, Charlie put his equipment in the trunk and glanced at Rick. They’d seen Melissa off in the limo, and just the two of them remained. “Tomorrow’s the big day.”
Rick rubbed the back of his neck. “What am I gonna do?”
“I’ve done enough of these shows to know when two people should be together.” Charlie slammed the trunk closed, then slipped a piece of paper into Rick’s hand. “Don’t tell her I gave this to you.”
Charlie got in the car and left. Rick looked at the paper in his hand. He unfolded it, unsure what it could be.
Lizzie’s address.
* * *
ELIZABETH UNPACKED ONE suitcase as she started to pack another. After tomorrow’s finale, she was scheduled to fly out to Dallas, where she would begin interviews with the next bachelorette for the show. It would never end. She’d always be working on the show. Sometimes she dreamed of a different job.
A different life.
A knock at her front door startled her out of her thoughts. She needed to stop thinking about changing her life and get more focused. On her career. On the balance in her checkbook. And on the bills waiting to be paid.
She opened the door and found Rick standing there with grocery bags in his hands. She glared at him. “How did you... Never mind. What do you want?”
He grinned, and it almost melted her resolve. “You.”
“Rick—”
“You missed my date with Melissa.”
She nodded and planted her fists on her hips. “I told you before that Troy was taking over that shoot. I had a meeting with the suits that I couldn’t get out of.” She looked him over again. “Now, what are you really doing here?”
“I want to make you dinner.” He pushed past her into the apartment and whistled. “Now, this is some place.”
“It’s okay.”
Rick crossed the living room to look out the windows into the darkness. “I always wondered how you lived. I bet you have an ocean view.”
“More like an alley view.” She clenched her hands and wondered what he was doing there and how he’d gotten her address.
Rick continued to look out the window. “You have the best life, I swear.”
“Didn’t your mother ever tell you not to swear?”
He turned back to her, one eyebrow lifted at her attempt at humor. “Cute.” He lifted the bags. “Where do you keep your pans?”
“Why?”
He walked past her and into the tiny kitchen. “Knowing you, you forgot to eat and now you’re starving. Am I right?” He started poking his head through the cupboards.
Her stomach rumbled. Rick chuckled and made himself at home in her kitchen. He searched the cabinets and found her pans. Opened drawers and found her knives. Unlatched her pantry door and found her food stash. He glanced over his shoulder at Elizabeth, who moved in between him and the pantry door, attempting to shield the contents from his view. “Stay out of there.”
Rick whistled softly. “That’s a lot of macaroni and cheese.”
“Don’t. Start. With. Me.”
Rick glanced back at the shelves of cans and boxes of food. “Are you expecting a food shortage? You could live a year off the stuff in there.”
“Eighteen months.” Elizabeth crossed her arms tightly over her chest.
“You don’t even cook.”
“And you don’t know what it’s like to go hungry.” She shut the door and leaned against it—keeping him out of the pantry and that part of her life.
“And you do?”
So much for keeping him out. She bit her lip. “My mom wasn’t known for hanging on to a job. And sometimes there was no money. Which meant no food.” She stood taller. “I won’t go through that again. No matter what, I won’t be hungry.”
Rick took a step back. “I didn’t know.”
“No one does. It’s not something I brag about.” She walked away from the door and away from him. “There’s a reason I keep that door shut, Rick. Don’t open it.”
“If you can’t open it with me, then who?” He took a step closer to her. “Who are you going to let into your heart?”
She broke off eye contact. “I thought you were making me dinner.”
“Yep.” Rick rubbed his hands together. “The way to a woman’s heart is through her stomach, right?”
He took packages out of grocery bags and laid them on her kitchen counter. Ground beef. Cheese. Onion rolls. Lettuce. Tomato. Onion.
She glanced at the ingredients. “You’re making me a cheeseburger?”
“Not just any cheeseburger. It’s my specialty.” He motioned for her to step closer. “And I’m going to teach you how to make it.”
She shook her head and held up her hands. “I told you before. I’m no cook.”
“You can learn just like I did.” When she didn’t move, he grabbed her hand and pulled her to the kitchen counter. “First wash your hands. Very important.”
He led her to the kitchen sink, pumped soap into his hands, then massaged it into hers. Elizabeth swallowed, trying to will her feelings away and hoping that as he turned on the faucet to rinse off the soap, her fears would go down the drain with it.
Rick dried her hands off. He found a mixing bowl in the cupboard and handed her the package of meat. “Put that in the bowl while I get out your ketchup and mustard.”
She opened the package and dumped the pink meat into the bowl. Rick squirted the condiments on top, then added chopped onion and shredded cheese to the mixture. He then took her hands in his and helped her knead the mixture together. “Make sure it’s mixed well. Then we’ll form patties.”
His hands on hers distracted her again, but she did as instructed. She took a palm full of meat and flattened it into a round disk. “Like this?”
“Perfect.” Rick winked at her and placed his own patty next to hers. “Now we preheat the pan. We want to make it hot enough that it will sear the meat and make almost a crust on the outside to keep the juices inside.”
Once their hamburgers were fried and the vegetables sliced, Rick took two buns from the package and warmed them in the microwave. Placed more shredded cheese on each burger. Then began the process of stacking the burgers to perfection. More ketchup and mustard on top. Then placed them each on a plate.
