“I should’ve trusted my instincts. That’s what you said and I didn’t believe you.” Sara shivered. “I’m so sorry. They looked real to me.” She moved closer to Elle. “I’ll never forget them putting that mask over my face and waking up in the dirt in Red Rock Canyon. I guess they must’ve drugged us to make us sleep.” She sighed. “When will I learn you’re always right?” She shook her head and smiled at Elle.
Elle hesitated for a heartbeat. “There are other things I need to tell you.”
“Like how you got those beautiful golden highlights in your hair? That’s what’s different. I really like them. Who did your hair and when?” Sara sipped her coffee. It looks great.
What golden highlights?” Elle glanced into the mirror on the wall by their booth. There wasn’t anything different when she did her hair this morning. Sure enough, strands of golden highlights framed her face and ran through her long blonde hair. She ran her hand through her hair. Actually, they looked nice. She couldn’t have done them as well herself.
“Oh, these.” She continued to run her fingers through her long hair. “I felt like I needed a change and did them myself.”
“Great job. I’m impressed.” She stared at Elle and squinted her eyes frowning.
“Let me see, you chased fake aliens, survived a cave-in and had time to do your hair?” She raised an eyebrow. “What are you not telling me?” Her gaze nailed Elle to the booth.
How much should she reveal to Sara? She wanted to tell Sara everything, but she needed to talk to Kole first. Before Elle could answer, Kole slid into the booth beside her.
“Hello, ladies. You both look so serious. What’s up?”
“Well, there you are, you handsome thing.” Dotty hurried over to the booth, snapping her gum and grinned at Kole. “We missed you last night.”
She glanced at the girls and laughed. “He knows I do my baking right before closing and normally he’s here every night for my fresh baked apple pie.” Dotty poured Kole a cup of coffee. “It just wasn’t the same without you here waiting for them to come out of the oven. I tried to keep the pies warm longer than usual, but at ten o’clock I gave up on you.”
He gave Dotty his killer smile. “Yeah, I got tied up last night and couldn’t make it, but I thought about your great apple pies and I’m here now.” He winked at Elle. “What’s good today? I’m starving.”
“Well, honey, everything is good in my diner, but you might want to try today’s special. I highly recommend my famous pot roast.” She grinned. “Why, folks come from all over the county when I make it. They just can’t get enough.” She glanced at the girls then leaned over and whispered in his ear. “The secret is that I slow cook the meat all night and finish it off with the vegetables the next day. My pot roast melts in your mouth. You can’t go wrong with it.”
“I’ll trust you to know best. It sounds like heaven to me. I would eat anything you put in front of me and if you say it’s good, I know it is.” He grinned at Dotty. “I’ll have that and a slice of your apple pie. He turned toward Elle with a look of love crossing his face reminding her of what they’d shared.
She smiled at him and couldn’t help but remember how much they wished they had Dotty’s food when they were stranded on that awful planet with the Ant People. She shivered at the thought of that creepy thing watching her in the cave. “I’ll have the same,” Elle said, “even the pie.”
“Well, if that’s what everyone else is having, I guess I’ll go for it, too.” Sara laughed and handed Dotty the menus. She glanced between Elle and Kole. “Gee, Elle, you even had time to highlight Kole’s hair as well.” She smiled. “You two sure have been busy since the last time we all talked.” She stirred her coffee and gave them a smile that dared them to lie to her.
“What aren’t you telling me? Spit it out. You tell me everything. I want to know every little detail especially how you both have the greatest highlights I’ve ever seen on anyone.” She sipped her coffee and sat the cup down. “And there’s no way you had time to go through the cave and do all this.” She pointed to their hair and sat back and waited for Elle to answer her questions.
There were light golden strands running through the hair around Kole’s temples. What was going on here? They both had gorgeous highlights and she didn’t do them. Oh, my goodness, what am I going to tell Sara?
“I don’t kiss and tell,” Kole said and reached for Elle’s hand. “But Sara, you need to know that Elle and I are soul mates. That’s why our hair has these different colors in them.” He hesitated for a heartbeat. “Where I come from, when two people with one soul find each other and come together as one, these things happen.” He squeezed Elle’s hand.
Elle was shocked that Kole had spoken of their soul connection and of them coming together. This was the biggest thing that had ever happened in her entire life, and she didn’t know if other people could understand it. He was her other half, part of her being.
“You’re soul mates.” Sara sipped her drink staring at both of them. “Apparently, it means something different where you come from,” she said with a grin on her face. “What does it mean? In all my years, I have never heard that being soul mates could change the color of your hair. Why Elle’s blonde hair is now more of a streaked blonde with those beautiful golden highlights. I need a change. I want to meet my soul mate, too.”
Kole’s eyes twinkled. “Sara, I have a feeling your soul mate is near, not far out on the horizon. You have a place in our journey as well.” He grinned. “But back to your question, being a soul mate means a lot of things to many different people. For me, it means that we have lived many past lives together in many places from the beginning of time.”
He turned back to Elle, and took a deep breath. He placed her hand over his heart and gazed into her eyes giving her that hypnotic look. “With each heartbeat, I know we are meant to be together through many lifetimes. Today, on this planet, in front of everybody, I ask if you will have me. Be my wife forever and a day.”
Elle’s mouth fell open. Did she hear him right? Was he playing with her? Did he just propose to her? Could she actually marry a Martian? What would he expect of her? What was he doing? “Did I hear you right? Wa . . . was that a proposal?”
“Yes, Elle. “I’ve been told this is how you do it on Earth.” Letting go of her hand he got down on one knee by the side of the booth and gazed into her eyes. He pulled out a little black velvet box from his pocket and opened it. There, sitting on the black velvet cushion was the most gorgeous star-shaped diamond solitaire ring she had ever seen.
Dotty stood behind him, hanging on his every word with tears clinging to her eyelashes as Kole gazed into Elle’s eyes. She sniffed and pulled the edge of her apron up to her face to wipe away the tears.
Sara and the rest of the diner listened to Kole’s proposal. There wasn’t a sound in the diner as he spoke.
“Elle, I’ve searched for you in my dreams and throughout the universe. Now that I have found you, I never want to let you go. Please, be my life mate forever and always.” He held her hand and waited patiently for her answer.
She gazed into his eyes. “There are so many unanswered questions between us.” She bit her lip. There was no getting around it, she had to face facts. She was in love with an alien, then she realized she was one, too. She laughed in happiness. “Yes, yes, yes, I’ll marry you.” Without a doubt in her mind, she jumped into his arms.
“Wahoo, we’re going to have a wedding.” Dotty danced around the diner, shouting it to everyone in sight.
Kole kissed and hugged Elle and placed the ring on her finger. “That’s my Starseed,” he whispered in her ear as he hugged her again. “All your questions will be answered in time. Together, we will accomplish great things.” She hugged him back and glanced at Sara who sat there grinning from ear to ear.
“Congratulations.” Sara stood and hugged them. “I’m so happy for you guys. I knew it the first time I saw you together.” She laughed. “I’m not psychic, but when so
mething is right you just know it.” She frowned. “You know some people will say this is awfully sudden, but like you guys, I know it was meant to be. I’m so happy you’ve found each other.”
“Oh, I have to tell Dad before it’s all over town.” Elle reached for her cell phone prepared to meet any resistance he might give for this sudden announcement.
“That’s not necessary.” Kole smiled. “He already knows. I met with him earlier this morning and asked for your hand in marriage. I told him everything. He said he’d be honored to have me in the family.”
“Everything?” He sat down with Elle still holding her hand. How did her father feel about giving her away to an alien? About her being half alien? Where would they live? She didn’t know if she could leave Earth again. However, if she was with Kole it didn’t matter where they lived. But what about her father? She couldn’t leave him alone. Her thoughts whirled and tumbled. I accept my place in the universe and I realize that this thing called life needs love and patience. Kole is my life, my love, my heart and soul. I feel so alive. I’m so happy my heart could just burst.
“Yes. Everything.” Kole said and grinned at Elle.
Dotty held a tray and deposited the hearty meals on the table between them. “This is the best news this town has had in a long time.” She sniffed, holding the tray to her side. “My girls are growing up. I remember when you and Sara were little and came in here with your dad for pie after the Saturday afternoon matinee.” She brushed a tear from her eye with the corner of her apron and sighed. “Those were good old days.” She wiped her nose with a Kleenex from her pocket and grinned. “When is the big day? You’ve got to let me bake the cake. I can make a beautiful wedding cake.” She smiled. “You’d better invite me.”
“Oh, Dotty, of course you’re invited.” Elle turned and gave her a hug. “You’ve always been there doing stuff for me since I was a kid. It wouldn’t be my wedding if you weren’t there.” She hugged her again. “We haven’t set a date yet, but you’ll be one of the first to know. And I’d love it if you’d make the cake.”
Dotty hugged them both and then went to deal with her other customers and Elle snuggled next to Kole.
The diner had turned in to a din of conversation. She knew everyone was talking about her upcoming wedding and that was okay with her because for once they were happy for her. Kole had made many things right for her.
He leaned in and whispered, “In my heart and on my planet we are already married. I would like to have the Earth ceremony as soon as possible. Remember, we have things to do.” He grinned. “And to answer that question running around in your mind, your dad is a believer and he wasn’t too surprised about me.”
“He’s a believer? That’s news to me.” She realized what Kole said was truth as she noticed the heart rendering tenderness of his gaze. Can this really be true? If so, why did he have such a hard time with my psychic abilities?
Kole looked deep in her soul. “Open your heart and you’ll know why.” He held her close for a quick hug.
Then it dawned on her. Her dad loved her so much that he wanted to protect her from the unknown. He was afraid if she used her talents that someone would notice and come and take her away from him. That’s why he had always discouraged her using her abilities. He couldn’t stand the thought of losing her. Elle glanced toward Sara and grinned.
“Well, it appears I have a wedding to plan.” “Sara, you’re my best friend and I can’t imagine getting married without you helping me with the details. Will you be my maid of honor?”
Sara squealed and came around the table. “Of course, you silly goose, I’d love to be your maid of honor.” They hugged each other. “Congratulations. I’m thrilled for both of you,” she said. To be a part of this with you means everything to me. We’re going to have so much fun planning it.” She brushed a tear from her eye. “I’ve got tons of information about wedding planning at the bookstore. Come over this afternoon and we’ll get started on it.” Tears streamed down her face unchecked.
“Great. I’m so lucky to have a friend like you.” Elle hugged Sara again.
“How did I get to be so blessed?” Elle said and reached for Kole with her other hand. Things were happening so fast she could barely believe she was going to be planning her wedding to Kole, her Starman with her best friend. Life is good.
Chapter Eighteen
Later that afternoon, Elle walked toward the bookstore to meet Sara to work on wedding plans. The air was cool and crisp, the sky bright blue, a nip of fall in the air, a perfect day to plan a wedding. Even her walk had a sunny cheerfulness as she nearly skipped down the street. A warm glow flowed through her as she made a mental list of who she wanted to invite. The only people she wanted to attend the ceremony would be a few close friends and family. She’d never wanted a big wedding. The girls from the salon, a couple of her favorite customers and her family would be enough.
She started ticking things off in her mind. Rose had phoned and said they could hold the wedding in her gazebo at Yesterday’s Rose and that she’d wanted to take care of the food for their wedding present. The town florist would take care of the flowers. Dotty would bake the cake.
Oh, my goodness, I have to find the perfect dress before Friday. Maybe Sara and Rose and I can make a fast trip to Denver. Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed Lee Bales hurrying down the sidewalk in front of her. He was acting strange. He’d glance back at her and kind of run away from her as if she frightened him. What’s with him?
She ignored him and stopped in front of a store admiring a gorgeous floor length white silk dress with a beaded jacket. Something like that might work. I want to look absolutely gorgeous for Kole on our wedding day.
From the reflection in the glass, she noticed Lee scurry around the corner. At that moment a familiar shiver of awareness came over her. The tall alien in the cave wearing the disguise had been Lee. Her heart caught in her throat. That’s why he’s acting so strange.
A sense of strength filled her. She’d follow him and let him lead her to his accomplice. She rushed to catch up with him. When she saw where Lee went then she’d tell her father. There he is. Wanting Kole to be proud of her, by doing this, she’d make up for being such a wimp with the Ant People. Keeping her distance she trailed Lee down the side street and dialed Kole on her cell phone.
“Kole, I saw one of the men from the cave who tried to kill us. I’m following him. I’ll call when I find out where he’s going. Bye.” Glancing up she didn’t see him. Damn. Where did he go? He wasn’t anywhere in sight. She’d lost him. She tucked the phone into her jean’s pocket and turned around searching for him.
An arm shot out of nowhere and grabbed her around the waist pulling her toward the alley. The other covered her nose with something smelling of chemicals. Her breath seemed to be solidified in her throat. Chloroform, oh no, it’s chloroform. She threw her purse away to free her hands and scratched at Lee’s face, fighting him with everything she had. He gripped her around the throat pressing against her windpipe. She couldn’t breathe. Not being able to overcome the dizziness swamping through her brain she kicked out at him. Black spots formed before her eyelids and sucked her under. Her limbs were going limp as her mind fogged. Lee picked her up and through bleary eyes she saw the dirty white cargo van just before he tossed her into the back of it.
A couple of hours later, Kole listened while the sheriff questioned the teenager who had found Elle’s purse. His gut twisted in turmoil. He knew she was in trouble and had to find her before it was too late. Maybe this kid could point them in the right direction. His heart rebelled against the thought of those crooks having her. He couldn’t stand it if they harmed her.
“I was on my way to work at the movie theater and I found it over there on the ground.” The young boy pointed to the far corner of the brick building. “I looked at the driver’s license and saw it belonged to Elle so I called you on my cell phone.” With nervous energy, he kicked the dirt with the toe of his shoe. “I didn’t
take anything. All the money is there. I’ve just been waiting here for you.” He glanced at the sheriff and back down at the ground. “I need to get to work or I’m gonna be late,” he mumbled and stuck his hands in his pockets.
“Son, I know you didn’t take anything,” the sheriff said. “I’m concerned about Elle.” He casually pushed the brim of his Stetson back on his head. “Did you see anybody around here or anything that didn’t look quite right to you?” he asked. “Stop and think about it for a minute or so.”
He frowned. “Yeah, now that you mentioned it, there was this dirty white van speeding down Main Street when I came by.” He grinned, pleased that he had remembered something useful. “Maybe they took Elle. Other than that, there wasn’t anything going on.”
“Okay, thanks for your help. We’ll check that van out. Now you go on to work.” The sheriff patted him on the shoulder and gazed into his eyes. “Nick, I appreciate your honesty. Some folks would’ve taken the money and thrown the purse in the trash.” He shook Nick’s hand. “It takes a real man to do the right thing.” He pulled a business card from his side pocket.
“Sometimes people remember things later in the day. If there’s anything else that comes to your mind, give me a call anytime day or night.” He handed him the card. “My personal number is written on the back.”
“Okay, sheriff, I’ll do that.” He took the card and stuffed it into his back pocket and walked away.
The sheriff turned to Kole. “I don’t know what to make of it.” He scratched his head. “Do you have any idea what’s going on here?” He turned his steely gaze on Kole.
“Yeah, I think so.” Kole swallowed the huge lump in his throat and put his emotions in check. He had to stay focused and find her. “It was like I told you. She left me a message saying she was following some guy she thought was one of the guys that accosted us in the cave. She said she would call me when she found out where he was going.”
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