Coming Home

by Kimberly McKay

  They sat in silence for just a few minutes longer until Kamryn made her way up to them.

  “Thankfully I had the camera crew to keep me company.” Kamryn laughed, referring to the few brave enough to follow them through steep countryside. “You guys took off fast.”

  “Sorry about that.” He offered. “It’s just whenever I reach this open plain, I can’t help it. Part of me feels like I’m a cowboy in the old west, running from the law. And I just have to take off. This area is where I feel free. I don’t get that in L.A. This returns me to my childhood.” He took a deep breath, and continued, “But that’s no excuse. It was irresponsible of me to take off on you both like that.”

  “Are you kidding? I loved it!” Anne exclaimed. “I felt the same way.”

  “Like you were little Annie Oakley?” Chad teased.

  “No!” She let out a belly laugh. “Okay, maybe a little. But this open prairie was begging to be torn through on horseback.” Anne sighed, taking in her surroundings.

  They were amidst tall Texas grass. A small mountain was to her back, and another set of trees was before them.

  “Running through here was like running for cover from the Indians.” Anne smiled. “I can almost imagine it.”

  “I know, right?” Chad’s heart surged. She got him. She understood.

  “Well, I’m not sure about you two. But for me, I was holding on for dear life … trying to stay on the saddle without being trampled. I didn’t see any cowboys or Indians.” Kamryn chuckled. “Just cameras and your backsides.”

  Chad’s dimples deepened. “Again, I’m sorry.”

  “It’s okay. I get it.” She lifted her hand.

  “Hopefully what comes next ... will make it up to you.” Chad looked up to the sky, before continuing. “We’ve been riding for a little over an hour. You may be a bit stiff and sore.” Both women nodded emphatically. “So if you can make your way just a bit further ... come on.”

  Chad brought up his reins to lead his horse through a small opening in the trees. He took them to a small ravine, where the Broadcast Affair staff had set up a large pallet, with overstuffed pillows and a picnic basket.

  “Ooh,” both girls said, in unison, before bursting out in laughter.

  “Jinx. You owe me a coke,”Anne said.

  Kamryn nodded, and thought Anne just might owe her more than that before today was over.

  Within a few minutes, all three had dismounted and tied up their horses. The camera crew followed suit.

  As Kamryn took her first step, she winced in pain and limped away from her horse.

  “Are you okay?” Anne quickly came to her side, to help her to the pallet.

  “I think so. I twisted my ankle when I got off.” She lied, knowing it was wrong. But, it was only a white lie.

  Chad leapt to her aid, and lifted her in his arms. Kamryn thought if only for that moment alone, it was worth faking a twisted ankle. She loved how effortlessly he lifted her up before setting her down on the overstuffed pillows. She held on to him a little longer than necessary, thinking he smelled like fresh air and clean laundry.

  Anne saw the look on Kamryn’s face and giggled. She didn’t blame her. Who wouldn’t want to be held by Chad?

  “Can we get some ice all the way out here?” He asked one of the crew members, who shook his head.

  “I am not sure man. I can radio it in.”

  Kamryn interrupted, “No, it’s okay. By the time they’d get it out here, it might swell up more. I think I should go back.” She averted her eyes.

  “Are you sure?” Anne asked, eyes narrowing.

  Kamryn bit her lip, as if she was in pain. She sucked a breath in. “Yeah, I need to go back and get it looked at.”

  Chad’s face held so much open concern, that Kamryn almost felt bad for faking it … almost.

  “Okay, Kamryn. I was going to save this for later, but you need it now.”

  He signaled to one of the assistants, who got reached for a two-way radio.

  “We were going to take an evening ride as the sun set over the lake, but I’m going to ask them to call for a helicopter to take you back.”

  “Too bad I won’t be here for the rest of this,” Kamryn said softly.

  “Are you sure you can’t stay?” He asked.

  Kamryn nodded. “I’m sorry.”

  “No, it’s okay. Let’s at least have a toast. I wanted to tell you why I chose you two to begin with.” He reached inside his picnic basket to pull out champagne flutes and with some apple cider.

  “I know you don’t drink,” he said, pouring Kamryn a glass.

  She lifted her hand to her chest, touched by his gesture. “Thank you. This is very sweet.”

  Chad then pulled out a bottle of champagne and popped the cork, laughing as it flew over Anne’s head. She shrieked and ducked for cover.

  “Sorry,” he chuckled and handed her a glass before pouring his. Chad raised his glass to the women and took a deep breath. “You both have seen the cameras throughout the cabins, right?”

  They both nodded. He looked from one girl to the next before continuing. “Well, just know that the crew alerts me when certain behavior arises. I’ve let them know my intentions on this journey … I want to find true love. I really do.”

  Anne’s heart skipped a beat. He almost sounded genuine.

  As if he could read her mind, he continued. “It’s true. It’s hard finding someone when everyone sees your face on television. You never know when you meet a girl, if they’re after you for your money or your fame. I had them change the rules of this show, so that I could see the women here - for their true selves. So that I’d know if they were …”

  “Naughty or nice?” Anne joked.

  Chad’s face lit up with a large smile. “Exactly. I figured after a few days out in the middle of nowhere, with no bachelor or mansion … I’d start to see true colors. Also, I told some of the crew to alert me to any less than stellar behavior.”

  “Okay, so this is a thank you for being nice?” Kamryn asked, confused.

  “Yes, but it is more than that. I saw how you two woke up this morning and who did it to you.” He grimaced, as he saw Kamryn’s head drop and Anne’s hand fly up to cover her mouth.

  Anne started laughing, harder than he’d ever seen her. Once she settled down, she blurted out, “Oh, I’m sure we looked pretty.”

  Chad shrugged. She could tell he was trying to keep from laughing, and loved the effect his had on his mouth, as his dimples were exposed.

  “You both looked very …” He searched for the right words.

  “Oh, so pretty!” Kamryn added, laughing.

  Chad nodded. “Something like that. Anyways, I thought by sending Vera home, and taking you two out first – I’d not only send a clear message to what kind of virtue I’m looking for but I’d get to say thank you to you both.”

  “For what?” Anne’s suspicions of his intentions were starting to fade. It dawned on her that he might be telling the truth about trying to find a nice girl.

  “For taking the high road, and for being you. I just wanted to get to know you both better for it.” He raised his voice an octave as the distinct sound of helicopter blades were closing in.

  Harsh winds whipped up as the big bird set down a few yards away from them. The blades clipped most of their conversation from there, so all they could do was yell.

  Chad lifted his glass and yelled, “Cheers to you both. I’m sorry you have to go Kamryn. I’m sure I’ll see you soon.” He lifted his glass and sipped.

  Kamryn promptly set her empty glass down in the picnic basket. Anne helped her stand up straight, before Chad assisted her to the helicopter.

  Before she let Chad whisk her off, she leaned over to yell toward Anne. “You owe me more than a coke!” She winked at Anne, who noticed she started hobbling with her left ankle.

  I thought she twisted her right one! Anne’s jaw dropped. That little liar.

  Anne smiled at her friend’s sacrifice, althoug
h she wasn’t sure why she did it.

  Kamryn leaned on Chad, until she could get into the helicopter and lift up into the sky. She watched as Chad leaned away from the helicopter’s harsh gusts to make his way back to Anne. She laughed as Anne’s shocked face got smaller and smaller from the air.

  She definitely owes me one, Kamryn thought and waved down to them.

  Chapter 16

  They both waved as the helicopter made its way over the trees, until they couldn’t see it anymore. Chad hoped Kamryn felt better soon, but couldn’t deny how happy he was to have some alone time with Anne.

  “Now what?” Anne turned toward Chad. They were standing a little too close for comfort, so she took a step back.

  “Now - we eat and get to know each other better.” He took her by the hand and led her to the pallet.

  She sat down next to him and peeked inside the picnic basket; amazed at that he’d packed some of her favorites. She lifted her eyes to meet his, almost unaware of anyone around them.

  It was about as private as you could get, minus two cameras and a few staff – although Anne hardly even noticed them anymore. After a short time, it just became part of the package, to which she was getting used to.

  “I can’t believe you had them pack peanut butter and honey sandwiches.” She took a small bite, and leaned back into an overstuffed pillow. She savored each morsel until she could chase it all down with champagne.

  “Mmm,” she murmured.

  Chad lit up, remembering the first time he saw her eating, in L.A. He loved that she took the simple pleasure of experiencing every bite.

  “You think I let someone else pack it? I packed this!” Chad’s chest slightly puffed up, as he pulled more food out.

  “Really?”

  “Yeah. I have some skills in the kitchen too.”

  Anne pursed her lips. “Do you memorize our bio’s before talking to us … so you’ll know our backgrounds?”

  “No.”

  “Sure.” Anne grinned, with doubt.

  “No, really,” he said, reaching for a strawberry. “I promise. I did read them all, but some things stuck with me about certain people - like the fact that you’re a chef.”

  “And Kamryn doesn’t drink?”

  “Yeah.”

  Anne nodded and cocked her head. “I’m kind of impressed. You almost seem to be the real deal.”

  He blinked. “You doubt me?”

  “Maybe?”

  She wrinkled her nose, which inspired him to kiss her – but he stayed put. What was it about her, which had him so invested this soon? He looked earnestly into her eyes, hoping she could feel his heart.

  “What can I do to let you know I’m here for the real reasons?”

  “I’ll be honest. I came here thinking these shows were all fake. I made it a point to not know who the bachelor was.”

  “I know.” Chad lifted his eyebrow at her.

  “How?” She asked, taken back.

  “I asked Ned about you … especially after recognizing you from lunch that day.” Chad hoped he whispered quietly enough, to where the microphones wouldn’t pick it up.

  “You did?” She whispered back and smiled. “Huh.”

  Anne held her glass out for a refill before continuing, “Anyways, after all your crazy changes … I saw the girl’s reactions, which were real. And then once I met you … again.” Anne smiled over the rim of her glass, as she sipped. “You seemed somewhat genuine … so far.”

  “The jury’s still out?” He crossed his arms and leaned back. He liked her. Every time she smiled it got him right in the gut, and it sent him reeling. He’d never experienced anything like it.

  “It might be. But … you’re doing alright so far.” Anne slowly blinked, before dipping her head back on her pillow. “Ahhh. This is crazy that I’m here.”

  “So tell me more about you – other than what I’ve read in your bio.” He positioned himself on his side and propped himself up on his arm, to get more comfortable.

  “Um, not much to tell.” She quickly lied, and rolled to her side to face him.

  “I don’t believe that for a second.” He felt she was far too intriguing to not have a story behind her.

  “I grew up all over … military brat.” She watched him nod in acceptance, and then continued. “I loved each move as it took me to a new place, where I could reinvent myself. I have one sister, who I’ve not seen in a while. I miss her a lot.” Anne’s voice trailed off. She quickly reached for her glass, to take another sip.

  Chad noticed the change in her demeanor. It felt like it did at the barn. He looked behind his shoulder, where the paint horse was tied to the tree behind them.

  “Did you like riding him?” He asked, hoping to crack the wall she’d obviously put around herself. He watched her face light up.

  “Yup. I can honestly say it was the most fun I’ve had in a very long time.” She sighed.

  “Where did you learn to ride like that?”

  “Mmmm.” She became quiet once more, but finally forged forward in a soft voice. “My mother ... I had forgotten until I stepped inside and smelled the barn. It brought it all back to me though. She would take my sister and I with her, when she’d go riding. Wherever my dad would get stationed, the first thing she’d do was to find the nearest place to ride and take us along.”

  “It’s interesting how something as simple as a smell or a song will bring something so powerful back, huh?”

  He was intrigued by her story, but didn’t want to push.

  “You’re right. I haven’t ridden a horse since I was sixteen.” She looked to the sky, trying to hold in her emotions.

  Chad noticed her eyes misting up, and how she tried to refrain from crying. He stayed silent, not wanting to force it. Instead, he nodded quietly, and took her hand in his, slowly rubbed his thumb over her palm.

  Anne thought Chad’s gesture was sweet. He wasn’t asking her to divulge, but was telling her that he was there if she wanted to.

  “My parents died when I was sixteen.” Anne finally let one tear slide down her cheek. She quickly took her free hand, and wiped it away.

  “I’m so sorry.” He leaned forward to wipe her face dry with his thumb, and softly added, “My dad died not too long ago.”

  Anne tilted her head and sadly smiled. “Then you know.”

  “Yes, I do. But I wasn’t as young as you were. That would have been more difficult.” He offered with sympathy, and then opened his arms. “Come here.”

  Anne scooted over and rolled into his embrace. In that moment, she wasn’t star struck anymore. Their common bond … the loss of their loves ones, had brought them that much closer.

  For her, he went from being Chad Chambers … to Chad. And as he held her under the Texas sky, it was as if everything was aligning in place. She felt like it was where she was supposed to be.

  As Chad held her from behind, he laid his cheek on her head and drew a deep breathe in, trying to memorize every detail, from her tropical shampoo to the way she easily fit into place within his arms. This was a defining moment that he never wanted to forget, as he had a feeling this was a start to something beautiful for the both of them.

  Chapter 17

  Walking on air … Anne finally knew what it meant and honestly felt like she was up in the clouds. And as exciting as it was - it also scared her. She never had this sort of reaction to her ex, Brent, and yet one date with Chad had given her a schoolgirl crush.

  As the date came to an end, she really wanted him to kiss her, but she wasn’t going to be that girl, the one who made it obvious. Although they lay close and had the most enjoyable conversation she could remember, she didn’t lean in too close, as she believed he should initiate the first kiss. And if she were honest – it was too soon. She wanted to savor the simple times, as she felt alive for the first time in years.

  Even though her afternoon came to an end, she felt they had a non-verbal understanding of a mutual attraction. With the way he looked at her, and
held her – she felt an undeniable bond between them. But this was television and he was an actor – so part of her kept her emotions in check.

  So far, she thought him to be a genuinely nice guy, but she reminded herself about silly girls on reality dating shows, who fell for the bachelor too soon only to leave in tears. She did not want to be that girl. If she left, it would be on her own terms.

  This is harder than anyone on the outside would know. Anne sighed and walked through the kitchen door.

  After she returned from her date, the first thing she did was check on Kamryn, who still feigned that she had a sprained ankle. Her friend had it propped up and iced, but refused to let Anne look at it.

  Anne confronted her about lying, but Kamryn politely reminded her that she shouldn’t complain because she got her private time with Chad.

  Anne laughed at her friend, and told her she couldn’t promise the same thing in return if it came to it. Then she left her new cabin, and took her set of bowls with her.

  Tonight was her night to make a big dinner for the group and she couldn’t wait to get her hands in the kitchen. Thankfully, due to the show, she had an assistant, who could help her - because Kamryn still led on that she had to rest her ankle and couldn’t stand up in a kitchen to cook.

  “Rest her ankle … yeah right,” she told herself, as she opened the pantry.

  “Who are you talking to?” Allyson asked, walking in.

  “Oh! You scared me!” Anne spun around as her hand flew up to her chest. “I’m just talking to myself.”

  Allyson laughed. “I’m Claire. I’m here to help you cook. And I can’t wait to see what we’re making. The grocery list you gave us sounded enticing.”

  “Nice to meet you. I’m Anne.” She stuck her hand out to shake Allyson’s.

  Allyson thought she had a firm, but not overly aggressive grip. To her, the biggest sign of weak character was a handshake, which felt like a dead fish.

  “Where do I start? They tell me you’re a chef?” Allyson wrapped an apron around her, and tied the strings in a precise bow.