Just the Way You Are (A Pleasant Gap Romance Book 1)

by Pepper Basham

  He’d expected more of a fight from her, perhaps even a few crocodile tears, but she turned without an apology and stalked away. Perhaps she accepted it, but clearer hindsight with Vivian Barry gave him little hope in that notion. She seemed to be the embodiment of his past in relentless pursuit of his newfound freedom. Her selfish conceit—and perhaps something darker—drove a dangerous persistence, and he wasn’t certain how far she might go to get what she wanted.

  But what did she want? The thought knifed another jab into his peace. He returned to the room. His father slept painfully still, his appearance too close to death to allow Wes’s breathing to relax. The surgeon cautioned them that the next twenty-four hours would prove crucial.

  “I wonder if Eisley is weary of Simon yet.” Cate attempted to lighten the mood with a tired smile. “You were right, Mum. I liked her at first sight.” Her gaze flickered to Wes. “I think she might be a keeper, brother dear.”

  The mention of Eisley’s name pulled a smile. “I’ll be certain to take your brilliant advice, as always, Cate.”

  Cate exaggerated her widened eyes. “Liar, liar. And if Dad hears you, he’ll start up from the bed to set the record straight.”

  His dad’s only response was the release of a long, steady breath. Wes’s chest constricted. Not yet, Lord. Please, don’t take him yet.

  “You’ve been here a long time, Wes. Why don’t you take a little break?” His mother’s voice pulled his attention away from his father’s pale face. “And I can’t think of a better distraction than the one in the waiting room.”

  “Two brilliant women setting me right, I see.” Wes’s smile resurfaced. “I’ll be back in a trice.”

  He slipped from the room and heard Simon’s treble giggle before he turned the corner into the waiting area. Eisley knelt to one side of a chair playing peekaboo with Simon. He leaned against the wall, watching her face light with a wide-eyed smile to encourage Simon’s laughter. Her long hair waved behind her in a ponytail. Occasionally she glanced under the furniture or fumbled about as if she was searching for something.

  When she looked up and met his gaze, the tension of his father’s condition and sting of Vivian’s presence dwindled. Somehow, her joy and compassion reminded him how close God was, even now. He stepped up behind Simon, snatched him off the floor, and gave him a little toss into the air.

  Eisley came to stand beside him. “I can see him and Emily plotting to rule the world with their cuteness.”

  He settled Simon on his hip and took her hand. “Thank you for being here, Eisley.”

  “How’s your dad?”

  “The next twenty-four hours are crucial, but the doctors are hopeful. They said he’s strong.”

  “And he is.” Her eyes took on a glint. “He’s survived me so far, and that’s saying something. Besides, your dad still has to meet my dad. His life can’t be complete without the moment when charm meets quirky. The cataclysmic encounter will probably result in a national holiday of something or other.”

  He laughed, giving in to the need to kiss her with a quick touch. “Now, were you in search of something when I spied you a few moments ago?”

  Her brows pinched. “Oh yes.” She spun around and lowered to her knees. “I can’t find my cell phone. Ever since I spilled my purse in the elevator with Vivian the Vain, I haven’t been able to find it.”

  “You had to talk to Vivian?”

  Eisley grimaced and kept up her search. “I’d hoped to beat her here so I could warn your family, but we arrived at the same time. Spilling my purse—or rather Vivian knocking it out of my hands in the elevator—slowed my progress.” She turned her head but didn’t meet his eyes. “Did she find you?”

  “Unfortunately, yes.”

  “Oh, great.” She stood and dusted her hands against her jeans. “All you needed was her unexpected presence in the middle of everything else. I’m sorry.”

  “No wonder you didn’t receive my call. Just before Cate arrived, I buzzed you to express my appreciation for your care.”

  “Aw, how sweet.” She placed her palm on her chest and then seemed to remember something. She took a step from him and gave the room another glance. “It has to be somewhere close, right?”

  “Perhaps I could ring it.” He handed Simon over and drew his mobile from his jean pocket.

  “That’s a great idea.”

  The phone rang once, then a nurse from the hospital identified herself as she answered. Wes thanked her and turned to Eisley. “Your mobile is at the nurse’s desk. Someone reported they’d found it.”

  “Well, that was nice of them.” She nodded toward the desk. “Let’s get it so I won’t miss any more of those messages.”

  ***

  Wes called Eisley before bed and apologized for his absence, but she encouraged him to stay at the hospital. The fear in his voice proved he needed to be there and not miss anything should the worst happen. She prayed it wouldn’t and tried to keep her mind as far from Vivian’s revelation as possible. The grand distractions of touring Harrogate, chatting with Cate, and going over her research helped, but doubt hovered like a shadow.

  Her midnight stroll through the house did little to allay her fears. The corridor nearest her room opened to reveal the massive Entrance Hall. From her perch on the balcony encircling the room, she had a better view of the domed ceiling and ornate cornicing, centuries of elegance and wealth hauntingly pale in the moon’s glow. Even the statues appeared more lifelike and foreboding.

  A voice splintered through her soul. You don’t belong here.

  She glanced down the hallway. No one. But the words spilled a chill over her spine. She sighed. Suddenly life had become much more complicated.

  Oh Lord, please help me trust you today…and again tomorrow….and the next day.

  In the middle of all the craziness, one thing remained constant: She was loved completely by a God who held her in his everlasting embrace. She’d trust him with her heart and let tomorrow bring what it would.

  ***

  The next morning, Wes greeted her at the bottom of the stairs with a good-morning kiss that left her with a grin to match his.

  “I’ll take that smile as good news?”

  “Dad woke early this morning. By the time I left to fetch you, he had eaten and was speaking in short sentences.” His gaze skipped down her body and he searched her face. “Have you eaten yet? Want to come with me to hospital?”

  That welcoming grin, paired with his good looks, had her gravitating right into his arms and pushing aside all those itchy fears. “No and yes. I’m so glad to hear your news.” She stepped back on the stairs. “Let me grab my purse. Are you sure you want me to come? Would he want it?”

  Wes’s palm settled on his chest. “And miss more time with you? You leave tomorrow. Besides, Dad’s already asked where you are, so you’d best oblige him.”

  “Well, in that case, I’ll be right back down.”

  ***

  The sight of Daniel Harrison nearly brought a shock wave of tears. His pale face, purple hue under those smoky eyes, worked to welcome her with a weak smile.

  Wes ushered her forward. “Thought I’d bring someone to brighten your day, Dad.”

  His lips parted as his smile grew. He made a futile attempt to adjust himself into a sitting position. Eisley and Eleanor rushed forward.

  “The doctor said you need to remain still, Daniel.” Eleanor's tone warned more with worry than anger.

  “Besides.” Eisley rounded the bed and took his other hand. “This is your golden opportunity to use everyone’s concern to your advantage. You can sit back, relax, and revel in the service of your adoring fans.” She winked up at Wes. “Get a taste of life in the limelight.”

  He gave her hand a light squeeze and, with effort, worked his mouth to speak. “Already had the fans.”

  Eisley slipped into the chair beside him and sandwiched his hand beneath her other palm, then scanned each family member’s face in the room, ending with Wes. The soft
look in his eyes glowed…for her. Vivian’s words wound a serpentine threat to Eisley’s future with the poison of forbidden fruit. Would he get tired of her? Would the tenderness fade over time, and would he leave her heart even more broken than Marshall? No! She wouldn’t let those doubts cloud the last day she had to spend with this lovely family. After all, she’d have plenty of time to torture herself with the thoughts once she was all alone again, across the pond. Then she’d see if Wes was the man he seemed.

  She rallied her unraveling attention and smiled back at Daniel. “They do seem to adore you, Mr. H.”

  “Daniel,” he whispered. “Call me Daniel.”

  A smile warmed her heart. He was welcoming her friendship and by golly, with or without Wes, she’d take his offer. Though she’d really like to keep Wes around. “All right, Daniel it is, and you can add me to your adoring fans list, okay?”

  “He asked if you were still here, Eisley.” Eleanor patted Daniel’s hand. “He was afraid he’d missed your departure.”

  Eisley looked back at him. “You don’t think I’d leave without saying goodbye, do you?” She shook her head and exaggerated a grimace. “Even if I had to sneak into the room to leave a note, I’d have found a way. No worries, Mr.—”

  His raised brow stopped her.

  “I mean, Daniel.”

  “They’ve scheduled another procedure for this afternoon.” Wes stepped forward and placed a hand on his father’s covered foot. “Nothing as serious as the one yesterday, but vital nonetheless.”

  Eisley squeezed Daniel’s hand. “Then it looks like I’ll have to say my goodbyes today, huh?”

  “I’ll come visit you.” His voice took a hue of tease.

  “Well, you’d better make sure your heart’s ready for a trip like that one. All the craziness involved in the Jenkins family will either strengthen you or send you racing back across the Atlantic.”

  His smile creased the corners of his eyes.

  A fresh wave of tears stung. “And I’m honored you used your matchmaking skills on someone like me.”

  Both his brows shot high and his gaze flickered to Wes. Wes came to stand behind Eisley, his palms warming her shoulders.

  “That’s right, Dad. We’ve unearthed your scheme.” His hand threaded into her hair and she almost leaned back against him from the wonderful tingle that followed. “I foresee an extended trip in our future very soon.”

  Eisley glanced up at Wes, clinging to the hope she saw in his eyes. “Well, Wes Harrison, one thing is certain. It’s going to take every ounce of fairy tale magic for you to survive the Jenkins family and still want to continue this relationship, so bring on that pixie dust.”

  ***

  Wes blinked the bedside clock into view: two thirty. There would be no sleep. He yawned and snatched up his robe. He’d stayed longer at Hospital than he’d planned to ensure his mother was comfortable, only to miss spending time with Eisley.

  And she had encouraged him to stay. The importance of family was a clear link between them. But he’d missed her, and even though she spent the entire afternoon rummaging about Lizzie’s house, she’d called him just before he left hospital to check in on him and his father.

  As he passed by her bedroom on the way to the library, he grinned. How long would he be able to wait before traveling to America? What would it be like to bring her kids back and introduce them to this house?

  His pace slowed as he neared the library, wondering what her children might think of him. How would he fit into their world? The sound of a page turning brought his head up. His sister sat, book in hand, in one of the wingback chairs that bracketed the fireplace.

  “You’re awake?”

  Cate met his gaze and brought a finger to her smile. “Simon is nocturnal.” She sighed. “I finally got him down but had worked myself into such a flap I couldn’t go to sleep.” She gestured her head toward the chair opposite her. “Come join the party.”

  Wes stepped around it and there slept Eisley, wrapped in a blue dressing gown, legs curled underneath her and ginger waves framing her tranquil expression. Sleeping Beauty, indeed.

  “I see she can’t sleep, either.”

  Cate caught her chuckle in her hand. “I was in the far corner of the library searching for a book when she stumbled in, praying aloud.” Her smile tilted impishly. “It seemed rude to interrupt her heartfelt conversation with the Lord. Before I could make my presence known, she’d mumbled herself to sleep. Oh Wes, I can’t help but adore her.”

  “I know,” Wes whispered and knelt beside Eisley’s chair. He skimmed his fingertips against a few stray strands of hair and pushed them away from her face. “So, you eavesdropped on her prayers, did you?”

  “Unintentionally, I assure you.” Cate’s brow angled. “However, as I was listening—”

  “Eavesdropping?”

  Cate’s smile flickered. “She’s preoccupied with making the same mistake twice or wounding her family again.” Cate placed a palm on his arm. “The trust she’s offering you is a treasure. Take care.”

  Wes’s fingers slid down Eisley’s soft cheek, and a new depth of tenderness bound him to her all the more. “I plan to.”

  Eisley murmured something unintelligible and tilted her head into an uncomfortable-looking position.

  “Perhaps I should take her to her room.”

  The elfish glint returned in his sister’s fire-lit eyes. “Be good then, brother dear.”

  Wes studied his sleeping beauty, trying to sort out the best way to lift her. Once in his arms, her head plopped against his chest and her murmurs grew. “Naked statues…in…the church?”

  Wes cast a glance to Cate for interpretation.

  Cate’s grin etched wide, and she turned her attention back to her book in hand. “Chatsworth certainly leaves an impression, doesn’t it?”

  Wes tightened his lips to keep the laugh under control and exited the room, his feet barely a hush upon the rug. He breathed in a pound of delicious mint and pulled Eisley’s warm body closer against him. She snuggled in as if it was the most natural thing. Here she was, in his house, in his arms, at night. He kissed the top of her head. Right where you belong.

  She nuzzled her cheek into his chest and talked through a yawn. “I…said chocolate…”

  His smile broadened. Somehow the sweet timbre of her constant chatter brought peace to his heart. He pushed the door to her bedroom open with his foot and felt her shift in his arms.

  She stared up at him through half-lidded, sleep-glazed eyes, a soft smile on her lips. “I love dreams like this.”

  Her tousled auburn tresses and the warmth from her soft curves against him, combined with the slight slip of her dressing gown from her bare shoulder, teased awake a rumbling desire. He drew in a shaky breath and trained his full attention on those disarming eyes instead of the soft wealth of skin exposed from her neck. Dracula didn’t experience temptation like this.

  “They happen often, these dreams?” Was that his voice? Breathless and raspy?

  She murmured some unintelligible response and her eyes flickered closed again. He lowered her to the bed and hovered a moment, drinking in the sight and reining in those distracting passions from the Dark Side. Love garnered new control over his senses.

  Love?

  The feeling settled deep and secure. Love. Could he love someone he’d only known for two weeks? Each steadied beat of his heart confirmed it. He loved Eisley Barrett, the adorable Appalachian-American single mum with a smile to wilt him at the knees.

  An overwhelming sense of gratitude produced a smile. He was swimming in the afterglow of God’s goodness and hoped he’d never lose sight of it again. What a wonder! Had it taken all of his pain to recognize the importance of a grateful heart?

  His mind knew the answer. He’d have never given Eisley Barrett a second glance four years ago. Never benefited from the freedom of love for love’s sake. Yes, he was grateful.

  He slowly bent closer, his fingers sliding across her cheek unti
l his thumb teased the corner of her mouth into a faint smile. He brought his lips to hers, trying to touch them as gently as the moonlight filtering through the windows onto her face. Her lips gave a faint response to his, causing him to linger a moment longer. She sighed in her sleep.

  Were her feelings as intense as the ones filling his chest? If his father had taught him anything by example and through hard experience over the past two years, it was to cherish the ones you love. Wes drew the duvet around her shoulders and placed a gentle kiss against her forehead before leaving the room. Whatever it took, he’d prove to Eisley he would not treat her heart as lightly as her ex-husband, and she’d learn to love him, too.

  Chapter Seventeen

  “Wes, are you sure about this?”

  They walked through the Manchester airport, Wes pulling Eisley’s bright pink bag behind them. He hated the thought of her absence. Necessary? Yes, but his life would feel the emptiness worse than Christmas without snow. “You leaving?” He shrugged. “No, not at all.”

  She slowed her pace and Wes matched hers. “Ha. You know what I mean. There are so many challenges ahead. Distance, our real worlds, distance, my family, distance. You might want to rethink this whole…” she waved her hands between the two of them.

  “Relationship?”

  A smile rushed into place and lit her entire face. “It sounds so much nicer when you say it.”

  “You doubt my ability to meet the challenges?” He stepped closer, his gaze searching hers. “Your children, perhaps?”

  “You won’t have trouble charming those little elves of mine. There’s a whole herd of other people to worry about.” She sighed. “It will be an act of God if you’re still interested after you meet my dad and my aunts and uncles and cousins and grandparents. Then there’s the overall weirdness of everyone and the cultural differences and the oh-so-ugly distance. And my dad is really protective since all this mess happened with Marshall.” She drew in a deep breath. “You have an opportunity to change your mind right now without any hard feelings.”