From This Moment

by Lexi Buchanan

  “No, he isn’t,” I assure. “Your father will be with me, but in the background.”

  “Okay. What time do we leave?”

  I’m stunned. “We’re meeting at one inside the Silver Dollar. You’re coming, too?”

  “Sure am.”

  Chapter 8

  Cade

  Heading into town, I can’t help feeling on edge. The woman I’m in love with is on her way to meet her ex. She has a lot more history with this guy than she has with me, which makes me feel as though a rock is lodged in my stomach.

  Sitting beside her in the back of the car, I take hold of her hand and entwine our fingers together. I lightly squeeze her hand before bringing it up to my lips to kiss her knuckles.

  She turns from the window with a soft smile floating around her lips, but looking pale.

  “Rona, are you okay?”

  “I will be when this is over. I really don’t want to have to do this, because it just drags the whole thing out.” She lets out a sigh. “As far as I’m concerned, I’ve moved on. I just wish he would, too.”

  Parking one block over from the hotel, I climb out of the car to help Rona, and glance at Jake. “Can you just give us a minute?”

  He offers a wry smile. “Yeah.”

  I stand to the side of the car with my hands on Rona’s shoulders. “I just want you to know I’m here for you. At any time during your discussion, if you want rescuing just wave over to me.” Smoothing my hands up her neck to her face, I lower my head to kiss her. “Okay?”

  She returns my kiss. “I promise. He’s never done anything to make me feel uneasy so I should be fine, but I appreciate you and Jake being present.”

  After a quick hug, she turns to head toward the hotel. As I watch her go, Jake walks around the car and stands beside me.

  “Are you sure this is a good idea?” he asks.

  I sigh, heavily. “I don’t know, but if she doesn’t do this the guy said he won’t stop with the constant messages. Providing he keeps his promise, after this she should be able to switch her cell on without it beeping every two minutes.” I push away from the car. “C’mon, we better make a move.”

  We follow Rona to the Hotel, and after a minute or two, I notice Jake passing sly glances over to me out of the corner of his eye. He gets like this whenever he wants to ask me something, but he isn’t sure how to actually ask. He’s been this way since he was a small child, which makes me laugh that he’s still the same even though he’s now in his twenties.

  Wanting to put him out of his misery, I ask, “What’s wrong Jake? I know that look. You have something on your mind.”

  “Yes, I do, kind of.” He laughs slightly. “You really have fallen for her haven’t you?”

  “Jake—”

  He holds his hand out to stop what I’m about to say. “Dad, it’s all right.”

  I’ve already guessed maybe Jake isn’t too bothered about me being attracted to Rona. Hearing him say it has feelings rising up inside me that I’d rather not show to the world, me being a guy and all. I do have to ask him, though. “Are you okay with that?”

  “It was really weird at first when I suspected there was something between you both, not just because of your ages, but because it’s the first time I’ve ever seen you with a woman. You don’t date, at least not at home.”

  I look at Jake. “I’ve never been in love before. Lust, yes. But never love, not until Rona.” I laugh. “Shit, I can’t believe I just admitted that to my son.”

  “It’s okay, Dad. I’ve seen how Rona lights up when she’s with you, and she seems to be a good person. As long as you don’t expect me to call her ‘Mom,’ I’m okay with you being together.”

  I feel a sense of relief at his words. “I think that can be arranged. How do you think Anna and Beth will feel?”

  Jake chuckles as he opens the door of the hotel. “I have no idea. You’re on your own with those two. I don’t envy you.”

  Entering the grill, I spot Rona taking a seat opposite a blond-haired guy. He seems polite enough as he holds the chair out for her. He certainly has the looks, but he has a gleam in his eye and what I’d call a cocky smile. Rona doesn’t seem to notice and by the time she looks back at him, the smile is pleasant. The bastard’s up to something and my radar is now on full alert.

  Jake, seemingly lost for words, asks, “Did you see that?”

  “Yes, I did.”

  Rona

  Sitting down with Nick confirms for me that I really do feel nothing for him. I told Cade I had no feelings for Nick, but until this moment I hadn’t realized they were completely gone. All that’s left is the suspicion that perhaps he’s used me. Then again, if it weren’t for Nick I would never have met Cade so I’m trying not to be too angry here.

  I can’t help comparing the two men who have so recently affected the course of my life. Where Nick is tall with blonde hair and dressed in a suit, Cade is taller with dark hair and an air of sophistication about him. They are so different. But I know who has my heart and it isn’t the man sitting in front of me.

  “You look good, Rona. Jackson Hole must be good for you.” Taking a drink of his beer, he watches me as though he’s expecting me to respond in kind.

  Instead, I remain quiet.

  “I was stupid doing what I did back in Ireland,” he says. His voice sounds forced.

  Unbelievable.

  “Stupid, as in arranging a wedding or stupid for canceling an hour before?” I glare at him.

  “Now Rona, don’t be like that. We had some good times during the six months we were together.” Leaning forward, he rests his elbows on the table. “I think we can have them again. I want you back, babe. I miss you.”

  A small laugh erupts from my lips and a few people glance at me. “Seriously?”

  He nods and I sit back in my chair, stunned.

  Crap, I didn’t see that one coming.

  I take a good look at him as I sip my coffee. He seems the same as usual, although a bit rumpled, but there’s something different that I can’t put my finger on. He’s developed some kind of nervous twitch and keeps glancing around as though he’s looking for someone.

  Thinking back to our time together, it dawns on me that the majority of the time he let me pay, whether it was dinner out, the cinema or even the holiday we went on. There was always an excuse. I even bought the SUV he’s been driving around in. He talked me into it by saying how much better it would hold up in an accident and how it would be safer for our kids.

  He fed into every wish I had about having a family.

  What an idiot I’ve been! I’d bet he knew about my inheritance before I even told him.

  After he proposed.

  God, I could kick myself.

  I narrow my eyes. “Are you sure there isn’t another reason why you want me back?”

  “Isn’t that enough?”

  Taking a minute to catch my breath and keep my temper in check, I look around and spot Cade and Jake sitting over by the window, both glaring at Nick. I hate the fact that I’m putting Cade through this. No matter what I’ve told him, I can see the worry on his face. Worry that I’m going to walk off with Nick.

  Ha! If only Nick knew.

  “No way will I ever get back with you. Look, I’m not stupid. It’s come to my notice—today, actually—as we’re talking, that I can’t remember the last time I saw your wallet.” I stare at him and take note of his shock. “Whenever we went anywhere, I always paid. I paid for your car. I even gave you rent money a couple of times.” I’m really on a roll now. “So tell me, is it me you miss or my money?”

  He splutters. “Now babe, you know I was saving up for a house in Dublin. They aren’t exactly cheap.” He sighs. “I wanted you to have something special.”

  Anger burns in my veins and I fight the urge to slap him for the bald faced lies he’s spewing. “You are totally full of crap. We both know I have enough money to buy a dozen homes in the center of Dublin. What’s really going on, Nick? Tell me the
truth, this time.”

  “I’ve already told you the truth.” He sits back in his chair.

  I’ve had enough and don’t really give a shit if he sees me with Cade and Jake. Pushing back my chair, I wave them both over.

  “I’m leaving now, Nick. I hope you will keep your promise to me about the messages. This will be the last time we meet. You should also know that canceling the wedding was the best thing you ever did because I’m happier now than I ever have been.”

  “Rona, are you okay?” Cade asks, coming up on my right as Jake stands to my left.

  “Yes. I’m good to go.”

  “Well, it looks like you didn’t waste any time in replacing me.” Nick looks at Jake.

  As I turn toward Cade, Nick grabs my arm, pulling me back. “This isn’t over.”

  Cade puts his arm around my waist. “I wouldn’t do that if I were you,” he growls as he forcefully removes Nick’s hand from my arm, “and this, whatever you think this is, is over.”

  “C’mon. Let’s go before I break this guy’s nose!” Jake glares at my ex.

  I grab hold of Jake’s arm. “Jake, don’t. He’s not worth it.”

  Without another word, we head toward the door.

  Cade

  After exiting the restaurant, Jake visits the store across from the hotel. This gives me an opportunity to have Rona to myself, even if it is only for a moment.

  I take hold of Rona’s hand, and we continue to walk quietly down the sidewalk. All I feel is relief that she’s walking away with me, and not the bastard she left in the hotel.

  Once we reach the car, Rona turns to me. I do the most natural thing in the world and open my arms. She walks straight into them, burrowing inside my coat before wrapping her arms around my waist. It feels totally amazing, holding her like this out in the open. Kissing her on the forehead, I return her embrace.

  With a quick kiss on my chest, she pulls away. “Thanks for that, it’s just what I needed.”

  I kiss her softly on the lips, and have to force myself to pull away. “Anytime. Are you okay now?”

  “Yes, I think I am. Knowing you and Jake were close helped.”

  I open the car door for Rona as Jake appears and climbs into the driver’s seat. Without a word, he starts the car and pulls away. He seemed fine when we left the hotel, if not a little pissed at what just happened with Rona’s ex, but now he seems completely distracted. Which has me worried. I suspect it has something to do with Elise, but with how his career in the Marines came to an end, I’m not too sure. It hurts not knowing how to help him. He’s my son and I feel as though I’m letting him down in some way.

  “Dad, I’m fine.”

  My eyes widen in surprise as he adds, “You’re an open book sometimes, especially a few minutes ago. I’ve accepted what’s happened and I can assure you what’s on my mind at the moment has nothing to do with the Marines.” Jake grins.

  I open my mouth to reply, but Jake adds, “Please don’t ask. Just trust me, okay?”

  Smiling, I agree, “I can do that,” realizing that he’s having woman trouble. Which brings my eyes back to Rona, who has been quiet since we left downtown. When I take her hand, it brings her attention back to me.

  “I need to tell you something about Nick.” She hesitates. “He says he misses me and wants me back.”

  I look at her with my heart in my throat, and whisper, “And?” I need to know her answer.

  She smiles. “I told him there is no way I would ever go back to him.” She kisses my hand. “I figured out the only reason why he was with me was because of my money. My grandmother was rather wealthy and as I was her only living relative, she left everything to me, plus when I turned twenty-one, I came into my inheritance left by my parents. I only told him about the money after he proposed, when we were planning the wedding, but he had to have known before that. Everything seemed to click into place.”

  “What a bastard. I really wish I’d punched him now. It would have made me feel good!” Jake snarls from the driver’s seat.

  “Thanks, Jake. I wouldn’t have minded. I felt like punching him myself. He sure isn’t worth getting in trouble with the sheriff over.”

  After a long silence, we arrive back at the house with Rona looking exhausted. I pull her close as she exits the car. “Why don’t you rest until dinner?”

  She sighs, and lets me hold her close. “That would be good. I’m really tired.”

  Rona

  Back in my room, I throw my purse, coat and scarf on the sofa before collapsing on my bed. What a day. I can’t get over how I trusted Nick and all along he played me. At least Cade isn’t like that. I actually feel exhausted after dealing with Nick, but I want to be close to Cade. So, with some reluctance, I pull myself off the bed and head for the bathroom.

  After having a soak in the tub with the cinnamon bath crystals, I pull on my yoga pants, tee shirt and my thick socks before heading downstairs in search of the man who has unexpectedly captured my heart in such a short time.

  I discover Cade sitting on the living room sofa, watching for me.

  “I thought you were going to have a rest.”

  I walk over to him. “I thought that maybe I could rest with you.”

  After a slight pause, Cade stretches out on the sofa. “Come here, darlin’.”

  My panties practically melt hearing him call me ‘darlin’,’ like a hero in the romance novels I read. With no hesitation, I climb on top of him and settle down with my head on his chest. His arms go around me and our legs tangle.

  I never want to move.

  “Are you comfortable there?”

  I snuggle deeper into him. “Oh, yeah.”

  In fact, I’m so comfortable I feel about to drift off to sleep, although Cade feels wide awake as I wiggle around on top of him.

  “Argh,” Cade moans, slapping my backside. “Stop moving.”

  “You feel good,” I say, kissing his chin.

  “Rona, please . . . I’m trying to be good,” he pleads.

  “Okay. I’ll take pity on you for now. Will you tell me about your wife?”

  He lets out a groan. “What do you want to know?”

  I lift my head from his chest to look at him, caressing his face. “Whatever you want to tell me.”

  Cade pulls me back down into his arms. “Okay. You have to know I love Jake, Anna and Beth, but I will always regret those three and a half years of my life. I was a lot different back then and obviously irresponsible. I was nineteen, celebrating a friend’s birthday, and I got drunk and passed out. The party was at Daniel’s house—my friend—and at the time, his parents were on vacation. He’s the sheriff now and we’re still friends.” Sighing, he shifts me slightly and I curl into his warmth.

  “I don’t actually remember a great deal, but I do remember waking up in one of the guest rooms in bed with a girl. Janice. Having no recollection of what had happened in the room, I quickly dressed and left. Five months later, I bumped into her in Jackson Hole, and she was looking rather pregnant. Turns out it was me who got her that way. I don’t know why she didn’t tell me. Maybe she knew how things were going to end between us.”

  Cade goes quiet, possibly reflecting about what happened back then.

  “I assumed responsibility right away. I insisted we date, and eventually, we decided to get married before the babies arrived. I was panicking inside, but it was really the only thing to do, because I wanted the babies to have my name. Janice actually told me the babies would have her last name unless I married her.”

  He sighs. “Jake and Anna arrived and I loved them at first sight. It was tough. I was just a kid taking on a wife and two babies, but I wouldn’t have had it any other way. Janice and I didn’t have a marriage. We were more like roommates sharing the responsibility for the twins. Half the time it was as though she hated them and me. She was on anti-depressants and on more than one occasion, she would mix them with alcohol.”

  He stops and strokes the hair down my back. “Are
you sure you want to hear the rest?” he asks, his voice full of emotion.

  I kiss his chest. “Cade, no matter what you say, I’m not going anywhere.”

  “One night when the kids were about two years old, she told me she would try and get better, that she needed my help. She said it would help if we tried to make the marriage work, which meant she wanted to share my bed. That was the first time really, because we’d stopped sharing a bed shortly after we got married and we hadn’t had sex since the night we conceived the twins. At first she seemed to be trying. She was there for the kids, wasn’t snapping or crying. Or heaven forbid, drinking the days away. I started to trust she was making a change for the kids, changing for me. Eventually I let her into my bed again, which lasted for all of one night. She told me she was on birth control to regulate her period. Nine months later, Beth arrived.”

  Cade’s body tenses and I chance a look into his eyes, stormy with anger. “Three weeks later she took off,” he continues, but it feels like the words are being dragged from him. “Three months after that, I found out she was dead. Drug overdose. I have three kids with a woman I only had sex with twice. What are the chances of that?”

  I lift my head again and see the hurt and anger in his eyes. As much as he seems to have his life together, it’s clear the decisions regarding his late wife still haunt him. I want to comfort him and make him realize just how amazing he is.

  Moving further up his chest so that we’re face to face, I say, “If it was me pregnant with your baby, I would consider myself the luckiest woman alive. I sure as hell would never leave you.” I caress his face. “Thank you for telling me.”

  Lowering my head, I kiss her on the lips. “I love you.”

  Another kiss, and I snuggle in to talk about my life, giving him time to recover from reliving part of his past. “I’m a native of Rhode Island. I was fourteen when my parents died in a plane crash in Alaska during a blizzard. My father was the pilot. Having no other relatives in the States, I went to live in Ireland with my maternal grandmother, whom I became close with during the eight years we lived together. I have a Degree in Computer Science and Languages from Trinity College in Dublin, which made my grandmother proud. She died in her sleep two years ago, leaving me heartbroken.”