Love on the Horizon (A Northern Woods Novel)

by Roberts, Charliann

  “What I’d like to do is go back to the cabin. I guess I really don’t want to return to that filthy house. It would bring back too many haunting memories.”

  He looked over at her and noticed as tears began to trickle down her cheeks. He grabbed a napkin from the seat and reached over to blot them.

  “It’s okay, honey. Everything will be all right. You don’t have to go back there if you don’t want to. It might be best to stay away.”

  “But I need somewhere to go, and I should look through my clothes and keep anything that may be salvageable.”

  “Let’s just take one step at a time. It may no longer be livable. We’ll find out our next move after we’ve heard what the police have to say.”

  She nodded sadly. Sam leaned his head between the seats and rested it on her shoulder.

  “Sam sure has taken a liking to you.”

  Natalie smiled. “That he has,” she said softly, and placed her hand gently on top of Sam’s head.

  “I’m glad we headed back today. I still have three days left of my vacation, and Sam will be able to get used to his new home before I return to work.”

  “You could leave him with me when you go to work, if you’d like; that is if I go back there.” She looked at him. He frowned and rubbed his hand along the back of his neck. “Would that be a problem? The Colburn Stables Ranch is only three miles from my house.”

  Jake wasn’t sure whether to tell her all that happened while she was away, or if he should leave it all to the police.

  “Let’s wait until you talk with the officers first. Would you like me to go with you?” he asked when he pulled into the police department parking lot.

  “I’d really appreciate it. I’m afraid of what’ll happen to me when they find out I faked my death and had been in hiding.”

  “I don’t think they’ll do anything. You were only protecting yourself. If need be, I’m sure the owner of the resort would testify for you. He must have noticed the bruises when you arrived at the cabin, which was soon after you disappeared.”

  “Yes, it had been more than a week when he saw me, but they took a long time to heal. There were so many. My arms and legs were always black and blue. That’s one of the reasons Carl would never let me have any friends. When we did go out, I had to wear blouses with long sleeves and jeans covering my legs. Covered with bruises from head to toe, I was finally able to escape.

  “Will you stay with me?” she asked nervously.

  “Yes, if they’ll allow me to. If you need a lawyer, I’ll call mine, though I doubt that you will. Don’t worry, I’m sure things are going to be fine,” he said.

  After he found a place to park in the shade, for Sam’s benefit, he turned off the engine and opened the windows a bit.

  “Let’s go,” he smiled at her, and again helped her out of the truck. When they reached the entrance, he placed his hand in hers and reassured her that he’d remain by her side if possible. “Don’t worry, honey. Everyone will be glad to see that you’re alive, and it’ll turn out just fine.”

  * * *

  Natalie told the officers everything about Carl: how he’d treated and abused her, and the many times he threatened to kill her. After hours of questioning, there were papers she needed to sign involving herself and her deceased husband. They informed her of the suicide note, and that he’d buried all of her clothing in the yard. When she’d answered all of their questions, they allowed her to leave, with a court date set for Monday at one p.m.

  “I’ll call my attorney, Nattie. I’m sure he’ll be able to have any fines dropped, or at least keep them at a minimum, if there will even be any at all. The police sergeant did say the judge might give you an official pardon since this was a case of domestic violence, and your life was threatened. Hopefully he’ll pardon the entire case.”

  When they walked out of the police station, they realized what a beautiful autumn day it had become. They returned to the truck at last, and took Sam for a walk in the field across the street. Locked in the vehicle for quite a while, they were thankful the truck stayed cool while in the shade.

  Now with the much dreaded appearance and disclosure concluded, Natalie would be able to relax and learn to live a free and happy life. However, first she wanted to see Mariah and Sarah, to apologize and thank them for trying to help her when she’d been so deeply in need of assistance, yet unable to accept it at the time.

  They finished their walk with Sam and climbed back into the truck. Jake pulled his cell phone from his shirt pocket and called Mariah. This time she answered on the first ring. He smiled at Nattie.

  “Mariah, this is Jake.”

  “Jake! How are you? Is the weather still nice up there?”

  “It was great, while it lasted.”

  “Was? Are you back home already? It’s only Thursday.”

  “I brought home a surprise. Is Nick around?”

  “Oh, I love surprises! Nick just walked in the door. Would you like to speak to him?”

  “Yes, please.” He looked over and winked at Nattie.

  Mariah whispered to Nick. “Jake’s on the phone, and he has a surprise.” She handed the receiver to him.

  “Hey Jake, what’s up?”

  “Nick, I have a favor to ask. Will you call Sarah from the phone in your office so that Mariah won’t know? Ask her to come over to your house immediately. It’s urgent.”

  “What’s happening? You sound excited.”

  “You’ll see why when I arrive. Please call Sarah right away, and don’t let Mariah know. I’m about forty minutes from your house.”

  “Well, I’m totally mystified, but I’ll do that. I’ll have to run over to the office for a minute, but we’ll see you shortly.”

  Jake closed his cell phone and started the truck. “They’ll all be filled with surprise and grateful when they set eyes on you, honey.”

  “That’s wonderful. You’ve been so helpful; I can’t even begin to thank you enough for all you’ve done for me.”

  “The tremendous change on your face between the time I first saw you and now is a blessing in itself.”

  “Yes, the horrific life I had to live has finally been washed away. I’m now free to do as I please, and enjoy life to the fullest. I’ll have to get a room at the motel in Huntington until the court appearance on Monday. Would it be too much to ask of you to drop me off there when we leave Nick and Mariah’s house?”

  “Nattie, you’re more than welcome to stay at my place if you’d like. I have a four-bedroom house. You’d be able to have the room of your choice – and you’d be there with Sam when I go back to work next week. I’ll drive you to Ely the following weekend, if that’s what you really want.”

  “Thank you, Jake. In the past two weeks I’ve learned that there really are still a few nice men around.” She smiled at him, and he took her hand in his.

  “Well, we’re here. Are you ready for this?” Jake turned onto the gravel road leading to the Colburn Stables Ranch.

  “Oh yes, I’m very ready.”

  Five minutes later, he pulled into the driveway alongside Nick’s garage.

  Chapter Forty-three

  Jake jumped out of the truck and hurried around to the passenger side to open the door for Nattie. He placed his strong hands on her waist, lifted her from the seat and lowered her slowly to the ground. Oh, how I don’t want to let go of her. She’s so beautiful.

  He put Sam on his leash. The three of them entered the corner of the open garage when Nick came through the doorway from the kitchen. He saw Jake standing there with Sam.

  “So this is what the excitement was all about?” Nick asked with a smile.

  Jake brought his arm around from behind him with a shy and petite young woman attached. Nick’s mouth dropped open in surprise. At the same moment, Mariah and Sarah stepped into the garage from behind. They gasped in shock then ran quickly toward Natalie, and almost knocked Nick over along the way.

  “Oh my God, it’s Nattie!” Sarah screeched in del
ight.

  “Nattie, is it really you?” Mariah asked excitedly. “You’re alive!” The three women wrapped their arms around each other and jumped up and down like children. “Everyone assumed you had drowned when all the divers had been able to find was your car. They thought your body had drifted far out into Lake Superior. Where have you been?”

  “See, Mariah? What’d I tell you? I knew she was still alive. You look beautiful, Nattie,” Sarah exclaimed. “Looks like you’ve taken good care of yourself.” When they entered the house, they asked one question after another. Natalie had no time to answer them all.

  “Come into the kitchen and sit down. We want to know all about it,” Mariah said and led the way. “Would you care for a wine cooler?” she asked. They both responded with a quick nod and continued talking.

  The men laughed and shook their heads. They knew the women would be busy catching up on things for quite a while. Nick pulled out a couple of lawn chairs for them. Sam had been excited too, but when he received no attention, he just sat beside Jake, quietly watching a cluster of hummingbirds as they fluttered around their feeder.

  Nick grabbed a couple of beers from the refrigerator they kept in the garage, and handed one to Jake. “So… want to let me in on this exciting vacation of yours?”

  Jake began to tell him all that happened. He started at the beginning when he found his best friend Sam, to all that happened that led him to Nattie. When he finished, he stood from the chair, and Sam watched as his master paced back and forth in front of him.

  “Nattie is her nickname which she’d like to go by. Carl hated it and insisted she use her name of Natalie.” He looked down at Sam who was walking in circles.

  “I’d best take Sam for a walk. He’s been shut up in the truck for most of the day.”

  Nick stood, and the three of them began to hike across the meadow behind the house. Jake and Nick walked slowly, enjoying the mild weather. Sam happily wandered ahead of them, stopping every so often to take a sniff here, there, and everywhere else that dogs love to stick their noses. When Sam had enough, they turned and headed back.

  “Let’s have another beer. I think you could use one more. Your vacation ended up to be quite an adventure.” Jake nodded with a smile and a sparkle in his eyes.

  In the house, Natalie explained all she’d been through and where she was able to remain in seclusion. She also told them how her visitor had stumbled upon her sanctuary. They were laughing when the men entered, along with Sam, who was welcomed in. Jake told Nick that Sam is very gentle with children. The men each sat on a bar stool at the kitchen counter and quietly listened to the women. Sam stretched out on the floor next to his master.

  “So where are you going to live? You’re going to be staying here now, aren’t you?” Mariah asked. “You certainly can’t return to your house,” she added, then cringed at the thought. “We have plenty of room here. If you need a place, you’d be more than welcome.”

  “Well…” Natalie looked down at her hands, blushed, and brushed off a speck of imaginary lint from her jeans. She raised her face, her cheeks pink. With a coy smile she said, “No offense, but I’d like to stay as far away as possible from that hideous place I’d been forced to live in.”

  “Well Mariah and I can certainly understand that, from what we saw over there,” Sarah said quietly.

  “Jake offered one of his bedrooms until I decide whether I’m going to stay here, or go back to the cabin.” She blushed, and then quickly added, “He told me I could have the room at the opposite end of the house if I wish.”

  “And do you?” Sarah asked.

  “Sarah!” Mariah exclaimed. “That’s none of your business!”

  The men were quite amused, and enjoyed listening to this conversation.

  “Do I what?” Natalie asked.

  “Do you wish for the bedroom furthest away from his?”

  “Sarah, stop that! You’re embarrassing her.” Mariah stood and collected the empty bottles from their wine coolers.

  “Well, you girls seem to have had a nice reunion,” Nick said. “How would everyone like a steak on the grill?”

  Jake glanced over at Natalie, and she smiled. He read that to be a yes, and he nodded at Nick. “That sounds great.”

  “Sorry, but I have to get back to my family,” Sarah replied. “They’re probably beginning to wonder where their dinner is.”

  “Give your hubby a call and tell him to bring the boys over here. We’re having a party!” Nick said.

  Mariah stood from the table when Sarah took her phone from her purse.

  “I’ll let Bess know she’ll have the rest of the day off. She can join us if she’d like. The boys will have fun. They haven’t been together since their fishing trip.”

  Jake sat down next to Natalie. “Are you okay with this?” he asked quietly.

  She looked up at him and nodded with a bright smile. He reached for her small hand.

  “I’m glad you’re happy, Nattie. You deserve time with your friends.”

  “Yes, finally,” she answered, and looked up at him with a gleam in her eyes.

  * * *

  Mariah and Nick were picking up the scattered items from the party, mainly from the children. Everyone appeared to have had a good time. They both stood at the sink to wash the dishes together.

  “So what do you think?” Nick asked.

  “About what?”

  Her reaction amused him, and he laughed aloud. “You know darn well what – and who I’m talking about.”

  She tried to stifle her giggle. When he laughed, he seemed ten years younger. There hadn’t been much to laugh about lately, and it felt wonderful.

  “I guess you’re referring to Nattie, or possibly Jake,” she said and batted her eyelashes. “So… what do you think about the two of them? Would it be possible that they already have feelings for each other?”

  “That’s what I’m trying to ask you. You’re a woman, and usually good at reading into these things.”

  She finished drying the last plate then swatted him with the dishtowel.

  “Hey!” he yelped, pretending to be hurt. She jumped back and he chased her around the kitchen table, caught her by her arm and spun her about, to face him. He stretched his hand over her buttocks, gripped gently, and with the warmth of personal contact, their lips met sweetly. He softly blew the hair from her neck. She leaned back and gazed into his eyes.

  “Want to go to bed, cowboy?” She hung up the towel, then walked slowly, her sexy hips swaying as she strolled toward the bedroom.

  When they reached their doorway, she turned to face him. She placed her finger to her lips. “Shhh… don’t wake the children.” She stood before him and began to unbutton his shirt, pressed her body against his, and invited him to join her.

  * * *

  The next morning they were up before the sun rose. They sat together at the kitchen table with a cup of coffee, and enjoyed the peace and quiet. They loved to sit and talk while the little ones slept. Nick was about to head out to the stable.

  “Really now, Mariah, do you think Jake and Natalie have any feelings for each other?”

  “Oh, I don’t know, but I do think they’d be good for each other after everything the two of them have been through. Although I think it’s a little early for that, don’t you? It’s only been two weeks since he realized who she was, and it took a couple more days for her to break down and admit her identity to him. Other than that, yes I do think they’d make a good couple. We’ll have to wait and see.” She touched his cheek, gave him a kiss and walked him to the door. “Now scoot. You have work to get to, and I want to get dressed before the kids wake up. Have a nice day, cowboy,” she said sweetly.

  “I hope it’s as wonderful as last night was,” he whispered. She felt a delightful shiver run through her entire body when he reminded her of the romantic fire that blazed between them the night before. She smiled and closed the door behind him.

  * * *

  When Jake arrived at
the office early Monday morning, he appeared to have had the relaxation he needed.

  “Mornin’ Nick.”

  “Hey Jake, you’re lookin' great. I’m glad you had a nice vacation.”

  “So am I,” he said, with a special glint in his eyes.

  “Go get yourself a mug of coffee and come back and talk with me. We need to go over the future plans that came about while you were away.”

  “I hate to ask you on my first day back, but Nattie needs me to accompany her to the courthouse at one p.m. Would you mind if I take off at noon?”

  “You go right ahead. She needs you.”

  “I hope they’ll allow me to stay by her side. She’s been a nervous wreck. At least my lawyer will be present; he met with us on Friday.”

  Natalie decided never to return to the house. After meeting with the lawyer, she signed papers for the mortgage company, who foreclosed on the home. She was glad to be rid of everything that reminded her of the most horrendous years of her life.

  “I’m sure it’ll go smoothly. Now fetch your coffee.”

  “I’ll be right back.”

  Nick took a drink from his own cup as he watched Jake walk out the doorway, and then looked down at the papers sitting before him.

  When Jake returned, Nick said, “Pull up a chair. I have a list made up. Your stable needs a lot of work completed before winter arrives, or those rescue horses won’t survive.”

  Jake leaned forward and looked over the agenda, then up at Nick. “I think we can handle it all. My men are fast workers, and they’re good at what they do. I don’t think there’d be a problem.” He grinned with a smile Nick had never before seen on his face, and he continued while he drank his coffee.

  “You sure look happy. Whatever else went on at the resort, it brought a big change. You seem to be a happy camper. If you ask me, you and Nattie were meant for each other. You’ve both been through some extremely rough times.”