by Lori Ryan
Jake got a dopey grin on his face. “Totally.”
“She’s an amazing kid,” Emmett said.
“I got lucky. I just wished I had the chance to know her from birth.”
“Yeah, that totally sucks,” Aaron said. “I wonder why her mom did that?”
Grant’s phone chimed with a message. It was from Ben.
BEN: Maggie just called. Said the girls are done.
GRANT: Did they have fun?
BEN: Who the fuck cares? They’re relaxed, and a little tipsy I think. Get your brothers out of there if you want to get lucky with your wife.
Grant definitely did, but he didn’t like his brother knowing that.
“Who was it?” Aaron asked.
“Ben,” Grant answered. “Said the girls are on their way home. His exact words were,” he glanced down at his phone again, “they’re relaxed, and a little tipsy.”
“But the pizza just came out,” Emmett said, staring longingly at the pizza.
“Screw that, if Kayleigh’s relaxed and tipsy, I’m out of here,” Aaron said.
“Me too,” Jake added. “Lina tipsy means all kinds of fun things happen.”
“Gross,” Grant said.
“Oh, please, as if you’re not looking forward to welcoming Sophie home.” Emmett smiled and waggled his brows.
“Whatever. I have no idea how you scored Elle, I really don’t.”
“Me neither,” Emmett said, “but I’m thankful I did. She’s taught me to never question fate, and enjoy every minute you’re given.” He leaned closer to Grant. “A lesson you’d do well to learn, my friend.” He stood and squeezed Grant’s shoulder. “Enjoy your wife.”
Grant smiled to himself. He definitely planned to.
Chapter Twenty-Nine
Sophie turned in the passenger seat toward Elle. “Thanks so much for taking me with you guys to the spa today. It was so nice of your dad to treat us all.”
The other women had traveled back to the lodge in Maggie’s car, but Elle had offered to take Sophie out to the cabin.
“Of course,” Elle said as she steered her SUV down the private road on the mountain. “It was fun being with all the girls. I kind of missed out on all that, having three brothers and all.”
“Oh, that’s right. I forgot you didn’t have any sisters.”
Elle smiled but then redirected her gaze to the road. “It’ll be nice having sisters when Emmett and I get married. Not that he has any sisters of his own, but with the way the Sumner brothers are falling, there are plenty of sisters for me marrying into the family.”
Sophie thought about her own sister. How often had she taken Jackie for granted? Suddenly her thoughts moved to having a daughter of her own someday. She tried to tamp down the disappointment as the memories of losing her children flooded her.
“Do you and Emmett plan on having children?” She asked, trying to change the direction of her thoughts.
Elle’s face remained pensive as she stared straight ahead. “We’ll see.”
Sophie could tell there was more to the story but didn’t want to pry. Maybe Elle couldn’t have children either.
“I had cancer,” Elle offered quietly.
Sophie knew that, Grant had told her. “But you’re better now, right?”
“Yes,” Elle said. “I am now, for years I wasn’t sure if I could have children though.”
Sophie sucked in a breath then pressed her lips together, sorry for the response. She hadn’t meant to make Elle feel bad.
If Elle noticed, she didn’t say anything. “I tried to tell myself it didn’t matter. I didn’t have a significant other in my life so I was okay.”
“Then Emmett came back?”
Elle smiled, contentment radiating from her. “Emmett and I have been soulmates since the first time we met. Friends first, then more. At first, I didn’t want to tell him that I wasn’t sure I could have kids. When I finally told him about my possible infertility, he said it didn’t matter. We’d create a family in whatever form that looked like.” She paused, looking happy. “He just wanted me.”
Sophie nodded, hoping that’s how Grant felt.
“There’s something about knowing you have cancer that changes your perspective. I have a tattoo on my side that says, ‘There is no tomorrow.’”
Sophie thought about that for a moment. “Yeah, I guess that’s true.”
“Especially to a cancer survivor. I wanted today more than I wanted to wish for things that tomorrow held.”
“Like having children?”
“Among other things.” They pulled up to the gate and Elle threw the SUV into park. “You sure you don’t want me to drive you up to the cabin?”
“No, it’s good. I can walk. I like to be in the fresh outdoors. And the snow is beautiful.”
Elle smiled. “I’m really glad we did this.”
Sophie paused, her hand on the door handle. “I don’t mean to pry, and please feel free to tell me to be quiet, but can I ask what you meant by ‘among other things.’”
Elle drew in a deep breath.
“Never mind,” Sophie said.
“No, it’s okay. Emmett and I decided to have some testing done and it was good news, I guess. The doctors say that my body wasn’t damaged by the chemotherapy, I can still have children on my own.” Elle pursed her lips together like she was weighing something. “It turns out, though, that it doesn’t matter to me like it used to.”
“What? Having children?”
“No, I still want children. It doesn’t matter whether I can give birth to them or not.”
“Adoption?” Sophie asked.
Elle nodded. “Aaron is going to volunteer for Operation Smile next summer.”
“I’ve heard of it,” Sophie said. “They operate on children with a cleft condition.”
“That’s right. Cleft palate or cleft lip,” Elle added. She turned in her seat and faced Sophie. “Can you keep a secret?”
Sophie snorted. “In my line of work? I’m a master at keeping secrets.”
“Many of the children affected with cleft condition are orphaned, abandoned by their parents at birth.”
“Seriously? That’s so sad.”
Elle nodded. “Emmett and I have talked about adopting a child that’s in the program.”
Sophie placed a hand over her heart. “Oh, Elle, that’s amazing.”
“Children learn to smile from their parents.”
“That’s a beautiful sentiment.”
“Oh,” Elle shook her head, “I didn’t come up with it. That’s a quote from Shinichi Suzuki.”
Sophie stared at her, brows furrowed.
Elle laughed. “Sorry, he’s a famous musician and philosopher from Japan. I’ve danced to his music before and I’m into quotes. I have them all over our house.”
“It’s a very fitting quote, especially if you adopt a child with cleft lip or palate.”
Elle beamed, the motherly affection and love for a child she’d yet to meet written in the gesture. “I don’t want to get my hopes up, but I can’t help it. Please don’t tell anyone, Sophie, not even Grant. I hate to do that to you but we really don’t want anyone to know yet, not until we know for sure it could happen.”
She grabbed Elle’s arm. “Of course I won’t. Don’t worry.”
Elle looked at Sophie. “Did Emmett ever tell you my mom was a songwriter?”
“Really?” Sophie asked.
“Yeah, that’s where my tattoo comes from, there is no tomorrow. It was one of her lyrics.”
“Grant said she died, that you never had a chance to know her. I’m sorry she wasn’t in your life, Elle.”
“It’s all right. I was blessed to have so many others loving me. I just want to give that to another soul, you know.”
Sophie nodded. She did know.
“Hey, I wanted to ask you,” Elle changed the subject. “I saw you coming out of the bathroom with January Walden earlier at the book store.”
Sophie nodded.
>
“I really miss her. Is she doing all right?”
“What do you mean? Miss her?”
“She used to take lessons at the studio. And we added a Tae Kwon Do class that she seemed really excited about taking several months ago. But she hasn’t been back. I’ve tried to reach out to her.”
Sophie swallowed. There was no way she was going to say anything. “She’s probably just really busy with school, and work. Lina says she works at the book store a lot.”
Elle gave Sophie a look. “If you see her again, just let her know I miss her. She’s a great girl. I’d hate to think of her being in trouble with no one to help her.”
Oh, heck, Elle knew.
Sophie kept her expression neutral, nodding once. “I will. Thanks again for the ride back. And the wonderful spa day. It was nice hanging out with all the girls.”
Elle smiled. “It was. Thanks for coming. Maybe we can do it again soon. That is, if you come back to Canyon Creek.”
“Sounds good.” Sophie didn’t want to commit to anything. Not yet. She liked Elle, a lot, but life as a celebrity had taught her to be leery. In fact, she couldn’t believe how much she’d shared with January.
She reached for the handle and opened the door, sliding out. Her feet scrunched on the light smattering of snow that carpeted the forest.
“Be careful,” Elle said. “The snow from yesterday melted and refroze last night.”
“I will,” Sophie said. “Thanks again.” She closed the door and walked toward the gate, opening it and walking through, securing the lock as she waved at Elle. She watched Elle’s SUV back out of sight and turned to walk toward the cabin. It was less than fifty yards away and she actually welcomed the walk. It was nice to breathe in the fresh air, so different from the smog of L.A.
Her day at the spa had left her more relaxed and invigorated than she’d felt in months.
She walked the well-worn road that led to the cabin. They’d been living in the small structure for several weeks and honestly, Sophie thought she could stay forever.
She smiled, thinking of Grant. He really was her soulmate, a kindred spirit that the universe had brought back into her life. This time they would do things differently. They would listen more, communicate better, compromise and devote real time to one another instead of their careers. Maybe even have a baby, whether through birth or adoption.
He’d changed.
She’d changed.
She quietly began to sing the song Build a Bridge she’d written for her friend Nikki who had died from a drug overdose. It was her signature encore closing song at every concert. The lyrics seemed even more fitting now that she’d spent almost a month alone with Grant.
I didn’t know how lost you were
Each time you hid your face
Or how bad you were hurting
When I chose to walk away
You needed me to hold your hand
And walk you through the rain
To comfort you in the raging storm
And hide you from the pain
I didn’t know, mmm mmm
But now I do, mmm mmm
I’d build a bridge to get to you,
I’d make it sturdy, make it strong
I’d take you by the hand
And sing my simple song
When you made it to the other side
I’d hold you in my arms
And promise not to leave again
To protect you from all harm
I didn’t know, mmm mmm
But now I do, mmm mmm
I’d build a bridge to get to you,
I’d make it sturdy, make it strong
I’d take you by the hand
And sing my simple song
Now that I know better
I’ll be stronger I’ll be brave
For you, my friend, who needs a bridge
I’ll never walk away
As she sang the closing lines, she heard rustling in the trees, the sound of shoes as they crunched in the snow.
“Grant? Is that you?” Sophie turned, scanning the trees.
“Sorry, Ms. Day,” a tall man said, emerging through the shadows. He wore black pants and a black windbreaker, his hood pulled over his head, putting his face in shadow.
The uniform matched what her security team usually wore, but something about the man set off alarm bells in her mind. Her stomach clenched and the hairs on the back of her neck bristled as she took a step back.
“Who are you?” she asked, trying to keep the fear from her voice.
“Oh, I didn’t mean to frighten you.” He smiled, stepping closer. “I’m security. Your sister hired me to keep an eye on you.” He turned and showed her the back of his jacket which said ‘SECURITY’ in bold yellow letters.
Sophie nodded, pushing aside the unease that had started to rise in her. Of course Jackie had sent extra security. It was so like her sister to think of everything, even when she was supposed to be taking time off, too.
Sophie smiled, feeling bad that she’d reacted so defensively to the poor man. “Well, I’m fine. Just headed back to the cabin. Thank you.”
“I’ll escort you,” he said stepping closer.
Sophie started to nod again, but her eyes landed on a tattoo on the man’s finger as he quickly stuffed his hands into his pockets.
An eerie sense of dread enveloped her. There was something about his voice, his face, that tattoo that trigged a memory deep inside.
Her brain sifted through pieces of memories, trying to piece them together. Jackie had told her about the extra security since the break-in at her house. She’d said the guards would be plain-clothed, not garbed in a security uniform.
This man was not part of her security team. She felt it in her bones.
She planted her feet for traction, preparing to run. “No, really, you don’t have to,” she said.
“Oh, it’s my pleasure.”
Memories came flooding back from that one word. This was the stalker, the man who’d given her a rose and a picture with her face scratched out. Sophie turned to run but stumbled, her feet working for traction on the packed snow beneath her.
The man caught up with her in seconds, one arm wrapping around her waist, the other pulling a knife from somewhere. A long silver blade hung above her, glinting in the fading sun and making her blood run cold.
She sucked in a breath, ready to scream, praying Grant was at the cabin, but he slapped his forearm over her mouth, bringing the blade within inches of her face.
“Scream and I’ll carve up that pretty little face of yours.”
Chapter Thirty
Grant watched his brothers heading toward the car, already thinking of the night ahead with Sophie.
“Oh, wait,” he called out. “Emmett would you mind signing Sophie’s book? I wanted to surprise her.”
Emmett walked back up the few steps. “Sure. Although I have no idea why the woman is buying my books. I can get her free copies.”
“I don’t even know why she’d want to read them at all,” Aaron said, laughing. “Your books suck”
“Let me go get it.” Grant raced inside and up the stairs to Sophie’s bedside table. He opened the top drawer and grabbed the paperback, but noticed a folder underneath.
Knowing he shouldn’t, he pulled the file out. The tab on top read “S. Day v. G. Sumner.” What the fuck? Were these the divorce papers? Sophie had yet to send them to him.
The pages were folded to the last page of the packet. He scanned the paper, finding Sophie’s signature on the line titled “Respectfully submitted by.”
She’d signed the papers. And brought them here. She’d lied to him.
Grant sank down on the bed, staring off blankly at the wall in front of him. Had she signed them before she came? Or was this something she’d decided in the last few days?
He thought they were headed in the right direction. He’d believed her when she said she wanted to work on their relationship, but seeing her signature on the
page was like a punch to the gut. He could only pray she’d signed the papers before their time in the cabin.
“No!” A woman’s cry outside had him sitting straight up. Sophie’s cry. His heart rate spiked and his hands trembled. Sophie was in trouble. He dropped the folder and jumped to his feet, racing to the window. Something was wrong, very wrong.
A man stood in dark pants and jacket on the other side of the yard, near the edge of the woods. Grant recognized the jacket that had “security” emblazoned across the back. This was someone from Sophie’s security team. But something was wrong.
Slowly his brain caught up to what his eyes were seeing.
This man wasn’t protecting Sophie. He was holding her against his body, her blonde hair whipping around them both. There was a glint of metal, the long blade of a knife shimmering in the glow of the setting sun.
Grant stumbled down the steep steps of the loft and raced toward the door, throwing it open and nearly falling off the porch as he jumped down the stairs. He had to get to Sophie, as quickly as possible.
* * *
Sophie swallowed hard, trying to calm her racing thoughts. She tried to think of the moves she’d seen on the self-defense video Jackie had made her watch. She knew she should have taken the actual course like her sister had suggested after the first time this man showed up.
Recalling one move, she raised her knee, hoping to stomp his foot. The cold blade pressed against her cheek.
“Put your foot down,” his raspy voice said against her ear. “Don’t fight and I won’t hurt you.”
That was a lie. She knew it deep to her core. He wanted to hurt her. That’s why he was here.
“What do you want?” she mumbled against his forearm that was still pressed against her mouth.
“I already told you. I want you to stop dressing like a fucking slut.”
“But I haven’t been on stage in weeks.”
“I know. It’s the only thing that’s saved you and your pretty little face.”
Sophie hoped maybe reasoning with this guy, getting him to talk so he might lower his guard, would help. If she could hold on long enough, Grant would come. She just needed to keep them both near the house and not let him take her deeper into the woods.
