by Nella Tyler
When I was ready to leave, I walked outside and found Tim leaning against my car, holding a large bouquet of flowers in his hand. I felt my heart swell with excitement as I hastened my pace toward him. “Who are these for?” I teased.
“Oh, just this amazing doctor I know,” Tim replied, leaning down to kiss me.
“You’re so sweet,” I told him, feeling for the first time in a long while that everything truly was going to be all right.
After a long, passionate kiss, the two of us got inside the car and Tim nearly exploded with excitement. Realizing that we both had news, he stopped immediately. “Ladies first.”
“No. Not at all! I don’t want you to lose a bit of your excitement,” I insisted.
He thought for a moment before continuing. “Okay. Well, you were right. I am amazing.”
I chuckled and narrowed my eyes. “I don’t remember making that argument, and I certainly don’t remember you disagreeing.”
“Yes, you did! Remember, you said that you believe in me and that I have done far harder stuff than that stupid program to get where I am?”
“And, that translated to you as me saying you were amazing.”
“It did when you were right and I found the problem!”
“Oh, my God!” I exclaimed excitedly. “You did it? I know you would, but how much do you have left to do?”
“Nothing. I’m done. It’s already sent in.” He beamed.
“That’s great!”
“That also means that I am completely free tomorrow. I can come to the build and help out.”
I reached over and pressed my lips hard against his. “I knew you could do it, sweetie!”
I felt him smile behind my affection. “Thanks. So, what were you going to tell me?”
“I didn’t seal a multi-million-dollar deal, but I might have a full-time job at the hospital.”
“Congratulations!” he exclaimed, and I told him about what Raymond had said. He seemed genuinely excited for me. “He’s right, Jenna. You do deserve it. You’re a great doctor and you deserve to be where you are happy.”
With the way he said that, I couldn’t help but think that he was referring to the unspoken question, the wonderment that I was sure we both shared. However, instead of bringing it up, I chose to forget about it and simply enjoy the time we had to spend together – however long that might be.
Chapter 31
Tim
I couldn’t believe how many people showed up at the build the following day. I had thought I got there early, but half the town had already started working. Even Dr. Pierce was there! The police and firemen were also nearby, watching out in case anything went awry. It was nice to see everyone coming together in this manner.
It was something that certainly wouldn’t happen in California.
I parked a little ways away from the house and walked through the mass of people, trying to find Jenna. I wasn’t great with building, but I would do whatever she needed me to. By this point, I had stopped asking myself why.
Throughout my search, I was stopped by a few people who were interested to meet me and thanked me for coming out. I felt strange, since I didn’t feel like I deserved any of the credit. After all, I hadn’t done anything. But as I found Jenna talking to one of her neighbors, I was stopped by a policeman.
“Are you Tim Meck?” he asked and, with a panic that still remained from my teenage years, my mind raced, wondering what I could’ve done. Did someone see us the other night? I wondered, realizing that I was currently standing in the exact spot that Jenna and I had started to undress.
Nevertheless, I grinned at him and extended my hand. “Yes, Sir,” I answered. “What can I do for you?”
“I wanted to come over here and say thank you,” he explained, shaking my hand firmly. “Without your generous donations to the town, there is no way we would be able to do community outreach like this.”
“Oh…” I replied, still slightly shocked, but otherwise enlightened. “It’s nothing. Really, I mean, I grew up here.”
The policeman pursed his lips and shook his head. “No, Sir. It ain’t nothing.” Nodding toward Michelle and her family, who looked even more overwhelmed with the show of support than I was, the policeman continued, “Not to Michelle and her family. Not to the other families in our town that your money has helped. Whether you know it or not, you do a lot of good in this town, and people appreciate it.”
“Well, thank you,” I answered, feeling slightly embarrassed to be called out in such a manner. After all, I had truly never done anything for this town for the credit. I did it because I felt sorry for it and wanted to help the people who I felt were stuck here have a better life.
However, I wasn’t going to say all that to anyone, and the more I stayed here, the more I started to believe that there were a few good reasons to choose to make this town home.
The only one that I would ever consider was currently walking toward me, stunning auburn hair blowing back away from her gorgeous face an easy grin playing at her features.
Jenna’s eyes were wide and bright when she reached us. The policeman excused himself and returned to his duty while Jenna kissed me.
“Quite a turnout, huh?”
“Yeah. It’s wonderful. Michelle is beside herself. She keeps trying to help, but everyone tells her to go relax and enjoy the day. It’s driving her crazy.”
“I bet,” I offered, knowing I would be the same way. “So, what can I do to help?”
“Well, according to half the town, you already did. You are the one who makes this kind of generosity possible.”
“Oh God, not you, too!” I groaned as she giggled and threw her hands around my waist. I shook my head.
“It’s really no big deal, and if you keep insisting it is, I’m going to send anonymous donations…from Canada,” I chuckled.
“It won’t matter. Someone will find out it’s you. Everyone in this town knows everything.”
I stared down at her with raised eyebrows and a suggestive look. “Everything, Jenna?”
Her eyes grew wide as her cheeks reddened. “Everything but that, and we’re going to keep it that way,” she growled and released my waist, grabbing my hand and leading me over to where her sister, niece, and brother-in-law were standing.
“Hi, Tim!” Michelle exclaimed, running up to give me a hug. “Thanks for coming!”
“Of course. I wouldn’t miss it,” I answered as she released me.
“Your father is here, too.”
“I know. Lucky you. I hope he’s been behaving himself.”
“Oh no! He’s been fine. Did you bring him earlier?”
“No. I think he took a ride with Hayden this morning.”
“He looks great!”
“Yeah, I’m real happy with his progress. He definitely has more good days than bad now…not that I ever know the difference.”
“That’s what Jenna said, he talks to everyone but you.”
“Yep, that’s about right.”
“Hi, Tim!” Kassie interrupted loudly.
“This is Mr. Meck,” Michelle corrected instantly.
“Tim is fine, really.” I told her before returning my attention to Kassie. “Hey! This is pretty cool, huh? Are you excited to see your new room?”
“Yeah!” Her eyes lit up with excitement. “It’s gonna look so cool! We’re gonna get all new furniture, too! I want a princess bed.”
“Yes, the town and the neighbors pooled together to help us get some new furniture. We’re going to go pick some out later today for when they finish the house.”
“That’s wonderful! I am so happy for you guys.”
“Thank you for your offer,” Michelle insisted seriously. “It meant the world to us, and I hope you didn’t take offense to Jenna’s answer.”
“Are you kidding? She won’t let me open the door for her. Do you know how nervous I was asking her about it? If I didn’t know better, I would’ve thought I was asking her for the money to rebuild my house.
”
“Aww! You were nervous?” Jenna asked, walking up to us.
“Aunt Jenna, guess what?” Kassie budded in.
“What?”
“I didn’t ask him about his intentions…like you told me not to.”
We laughed, and I was thankful. “Good,” Jenna answered. “But next time, could you not mention that in front of him?”
“Oh…” Her shoulders rose up and down indifferently as she let out a loud giggle. “Too late!” She took off running and Jenna shook her head.
For the next couple of hours, I helped Jenna keep Michelle and Kassie busy while Gavin helped his neighbors plan out the house and build it.
It was about the time that Michelle, Jenna, and Kassie were going to pick up furniture that I realized I hadn't put on a single façade since I arrived. This was the first social gathering in over a decade where I had been completely myself. There was no deal to be made, no position to take. All I had to do was enjoy the company of these genuinely good people and it had worked out perfectly.
Upon realizing this though, I figured out that it was going to make it all the more difficult to say goodbye when the time came for me to leave.
Chapter 32
Jenna
I watched Tim’s arm flex as he picked up the Kassie’s princess canopy bed and moved it to the exact place the four-year-old had indicated. The thought of his strength caused a shiver to run down my spine. I bit my lip slightly and shook the thought of his body surrounding me out of my head.
Instead, I thought about all the work that was put into the house by our neighbors as I admired the work they had done. It had only taken them two weeks with the whole town pitching in and working tirelessly to get my sister and her family moved back in.
Today was the day that the furniture arrived and tonight, as long as we could get it all set up for them, they would be spending their first night in their new house.
“Perfect!” Kassie exclaimed, leaping onto the bed and shutting herself in the canopy. “The princess wishes to be alone.”
“As you command, your highness,” Tim answered, ducking into a bow and walking toward the door, winking at me.
“Isn’t the princess going to say thank you?” I called.
“Oh yeah! The princess is very thankful…but tired. So, thank you. Please leave.”
“You’re welcome,” Tim chuckled before gazing back at me. “We wouldn’t want to upset the princess’ beauty rest, would we?”
I thought about her starfish and half-moon sleeping positions and thought about telling Tim, but figured it would be too much to explain. So, I simply shook my head and spread my hand between his shoulder blades as we left the room together.
“Thank you so much for all of your help.”
“It was nothing,” he assured but I disagreed.
“Well, I want to buy you dinner anyway. My treat, but you have to wear your t-shirt and jeans.”
“Are we going to a honky-tonk? ‘Cause I don’t do honky-tonks. I don’t dance, either.”
“I’ll fix that,” I teased, my lips casually swiping across his mouth. “But I think baby steps are in order. First, going out to eat without looking like you belong in the mob.”
He narrowed his eyes. “I like to dress nice. That isn’t a crime.”
“No, but your butt in those jeans look just as good as any three-piece suit!” I replied playfully smacking him on the ass. He growled and grabbed my wrist, pulling me back into him and pressing me against the freshly-constructed wall.
Instantly, I felt my temperature rise and a pricking of excitement consume me. I giggled, feeling giddy and aroused. His eyes were lustful and in a matter of moments, his turned down face was close to mine, ready to kiss me.
I took in his scent and relished in it as my hands ran up his t-shirt, over his shoulders. His breath was hot as it surpassed my face and drew close to my ear.
“What we did here…was amazing,” he hissed in a low, gravelly voice, “But your secret is safe with me.” With that, he pushed away from me and started to casually walk down the hall, leaving me breathless.
I took him to a local barbecue restaurant where I was fairly certain his clothing would still be nicer than most of the people there. I was right. Fortunately, though, we got a seat in the back where we could talk without having to scream at one another. Although this was the best barbecue in town, the clientele was known for getting a little rowdy from time to time, so it was usually best to stay out of their way.
“Your father seems to be doing better,” I told Tim after we ordered. “At least he’s getting out and about.”
“Yeah. Finally. He’s going stir crazy in that house…though I can’t blame him. He’s stuck there with me – the only person on the planet he seems to have absolutely nothing to say to.” Tim sighed.
“Still?” I asked, remembering the conversation we had before he took his father home from the hospital. “You haven’t had a conversation with your father in all the time you’ve been here with him?”
“Not a complete one,” he admitted. “Every time I feel like we might make progress, one or both of us break down and any positive strides that might have been taken die, quick and painlessly.”
“Why do you think that is? Is there some kind of bad blood, or something?” I knew I was prying, but was curious and he had brought it up. I’d simply made a comment about his father’s wellbeing. He had chosen to share.
“Not that I can think of…” His shoulder shrugged indifferently as his gaze seemed to search the counter for an answer. “Not unless the fact that I am his blood is what he considers bad.” He sighed again, looking up at me with a sense of desperation that was rare.
“I wish things were different and I thought that surely, eventually, we would find a common ground, but we have never been able to talk – about anything! Sometimes I think Dad disagrees with me for the sole purpose of aggravating me. And that’s when he even says anything.”
“I’m sorry,” I answered. “But I’m sure your father loves you, even if it’s in his own way and I’m sure he feels similarly to how you feel. You are his son, after all and you have been with him throughout this whole ordeal.”
“Then, why doesn’t he say it? Just once? I haven’t heard my father tell me he loves me since I was a little a kid, and I’m not even sure he actually did say it. It might be wishful thinking.” He huffed.
“You know, I don’t need him to be dad of the year, I only want to feel like he is proud of me, at least once,” Tim grumbled and shook his head. “It just feels like no matter what I do to impress him, it is never enough and he never puts forth the effort to understand.”
“I think that your father is proud of you, and I know he loves you. Do you know how happy you made him when he saw you come to that hospital room when you first arrived?”
“No. That’s the point. I can never tell if he wants me around more, or wishes I would drop dead.”
Knowing that he was opening up to me and presuming how difficult that was for him, I resisted any sarcastic comments. Instead, I tried to reassure him. I grabbed his hand and pulled it closer to me. “I don’t believe that.” I told him. “I know you pretty well and I…”
Feeling his skin against mine, my gaze sank to our interlocked hands and instantly, I felt tears well up in my eyes. I stopped talking, let go of his hand, and turned away, unable to take the sight of him any longer.
“What?” he asked, sounding alarmed. “What were you going to say?”
“Nothing,” I snapped, but instantly decided that it was best to let my feelings be known, so I turned back to him and spoke quickly, before I lost my nerve. “Tim, I don’t want you to go. I feel myself falling for you and I want to continue to explore this relationship. I don’t want to let you go.”
“Okay. Come with me,” he answered, almost too easily, as though he was waiting for an opportunity.
For a split second, I thought about it, but knew that my place was here. “You know I can
’t do that. I have my family and my job… I love this town. There’s just too much that I would be giving up.”
Tim didn’t look surprised, but he did seem disappointed. “I understand, but for the same reasons, I have to go back. I might not have family there, but there is a life out there that I love, that I have built and would love to share with you. However, I can’t leave it behind.”
I felt an emotional knot form in the pit of my stomach, regretting my words and wanting to pretend they were never said. However, I knew that there was no going back. He had made his decision, and so had I.
“We’ll keep in touch…” he offered, but we both knew that was a fool’s errand.
Even though neither one of us could find the strength to say it, we both knew that when Tim got on that plane tomorrow, anything we might have had would be lost forever.
Chapter 33
Tim
When I got up the next day, filled with a heavy heart and a terrible ache in the pit of my stomach, I found my father was already dressed and in his recliner.
“Good morning, Dad,” I said to him, expecting nothing in return.
“Good morning, Son,” he offered, almost as though he was trying to make amends. “I…uh…already took my pills. I ate and saved you some…”
“Oh okay. Great. How did you do?”
“Good enough. I’ll live.” He flashed a sad grin.
“You’ll be fine, Dad. You have done really well, especially in the last week or so. You’ll be back to your old self in no time.”
“That’s what I’m afraid of…” I could have sworn he muttered, but when I looked back in his direction, he looked away from me hastily. So, I assumed he was finished talking to me and started to gather my bags together.
“Hey...Son?” my father called after watching me for a few minutes. “Come here, please. Sit down. I want to talk to you.”
