The pilot let him in, and they spoke briefly about the change in the flight plan. Thankfully, the pilot had immediately submitted the update after Nate’s call, and they could leave in fifteen minutes.
After thanking the pilot, Nate headed back to his seat. Ana had her eyes closed. He studied her face, thinking how she looked even more beautiful now. Gus’s death had taken a toll on the both of them in different ways. She’d put on some weight during the pregnancy, but it was obvious she’d lost it all and then some. Her extra weight hadn’t bothered him. But he knew it’d bothered her and had added to her depression after the death of their son.
He sighed as he sat down. When she’d asked for a divorce, he’d been angry at her, at the world, and at anyone who had the audacity to try to talk to him. That was then. The past two years had helped to heal his head and his heart. He still missed Gus more than he could ever express. As he thought of Ana, he realized how much he’d missed his wife, too. She’d been the love of his life. And, even though he’d dated since their divorce, not a single woman had come close to affecting him the way Ana had. Without a doubt he still loved her.
At the realization, his heart stuttered to life, as though it’d been out of commission the last two years and had suddenly sprung awake. Could he win her back? Would she even consider it? He took a deep breath. First, he would make sure her sister was all right. After that, he would see. As much as he wanted her, he would make sure she felt safe, loved, and protected. He wouldn’t be selfish. He would give even if she wasn’t ready to give back. It was the least he could do.
The pilot’s voice came over the intercom. “Please buckle up. We have been cleared for take-off.”
Ana opened her eyes and she caught hold of his gaze. “Thank you,” she mouthed around a yawn.
Nate wanted to take her hand and tell her how sorry he was for everything. He wanted to pull her into a hug and whisper that he’d do better this time. That he’d never let a moment go by when he wasn’t showing her how much he adored her. Instead he nodded, giving her a tight smile.
She returned it before closing her eyes again, resting her head against the back of the seat. He did the same. The time on the flight might be his only chance to sleep for a while.
Chapter Three
Ana snuck a glance at Nate as she sipped on her lemon water. The warm liquid was exactly what she needed. She couldn’t get over how thoughtful he was. He remembered her favorite drink when it was cold out. She didn’t like coffee or tea. Just heated water with a slice of lemon in it.
She learned that trick from her oldest sister, Lox. That was all she would drink in the mornings. At the thought of her sister, worry filled Ana’s heart. All her mom had said was that their other sister, Chandi, had rounded the corner, heading to Lox’s to pick up cupcakes for dessert when she spotted the ambulance. Chandi ran and got there just in time to see them loading Lox into the back of the vehicle. Chandi rode with Lox to the hospital and then she called their parents and her mom called Ana. Last she heard; her sister was still unconscious.
Ana couldn’t believe anyone would want to hurt her sister. Lox was ten years older and had been like a second mom to her. Growing up, Ana had always looked up to her, tried to copy everything her sister did. And Lox had been kind, not dismissive like some siblings were. She and Chandi and Lox had always supported each other’s goals through the years, even when Ana moved away for college and then moved to Denver for her residency, and finally stayed on at the hospital there. She didn’t know what she’d do if anything happened to Lox.
Worry for her sister kept her from sleeping. She watched out the window as the plane took off, leaving the bright lights of Denver behind. Now, there were lights every once in a while, interspersed by thick darkness. When she finished her drink, the attendant, Nikki appeared to take the empty glass and quietly ask if she needed anything else. Ana declined and returned her gaze to the window.
It’d been two years since she’d seen Nate. The day their divorce was finalized. At the time, she’d been too devastated by the death of her son and the guilt associated with it to feel anything but relief. She could barely take care of herself. The divorce made it so she had one less person to worry about. At least that was what she told herself at the time. It’d been months before she’d been able to see through the grief and loss of that time. Now though, she was in a better place. Her therapist had helped her deal with the guilt and pain as had the congregation of her church. The people there had been her saving grace.
Even though she returned to work soon after Gus’s funeral, it hadn’t been until recently that she started to find joy again. The hospital administrator had asked her to go to tonight’s event as the hospital’s representative. She hadn’t wanted to, but she figured it was the least she could do. And she had to admit that spending time with her sisters, dress shopping in the weeks before the masquerade, had been very therapeutic.
She glanced down at the gown they selected. It was beautiful. The fabric was fuchsia with yards and yards of tulle for the skirt. The bodice was tight, hugging her small waist. She smiled as she thought of the months it took to get her waist back after Gus was born. Totally worth it, she thought. Lox had picked out the mask. It was stunning. And then Chandi made the butterfly necklace specially to tie the dress and the mask together. Wearing it, Ana felt like the most beautiful person in the room. And then Nate noticed her. As he walked toward her, she thought she might pass out. He was still as exceptionally handsome as ever. Like what she imagined Hercules might look like. Tall, totally muscled, with a strong jaw, blond hair that was longer than was trendy. As one of the oldest players in his position in the entire professional football league, Ana knew he worked hard to keep himself fit and healthy. He had injuries, sure. It was the nature of the business, but none of them had been too much to come back from.
Tonight, he slicked his hair back so that it was off his face. And even though she couldn’t see the color of his eyes in the dimmed cabin light of the plane, she knew they were deep green. The suit he wore seemed painted on and with each movement it seemed to show off more and more of his muscles. If she were in possession of a fan, she would’ve used it.
How had she ever asked him for a divorce? An instant later she knew the answer. She’d been broken and unable to see past the pain and the heartache of losing her child. At the time, she believed Nate incapable of understanding what she was suffering. It was different when the child came from you. She couldn’t explain the agony of seeing the beautiful boy she felt move, kick, and stretch in her womb, the child who was perfect in every way, suddenly wither. Even as she thought of Gus, her heart mourned. She drew in a deep, cleansing breath. She would see him again. Without a doubt she believed that. Gus was gone physically, but not forgotten. Never far from her thoughts. And Nate. Having him near her and dancing with him tonight had been like the final dose of healing balm she needed.
The plane hummed. She watched Nate’s chest rise and fall and wondered why he asked her to dance. Out of all the women in the room, why had he been drawn to her? From the day they met, he said they were two halves of a perfect whole. Could it be possible? Could he love her again after what she’d done? Without a doubt, she loved him more than ever. Time hadn’t changed that. Over the months and years, as she healed, she realized her mistake. She’d wanted to call him and apologize many times. But every occasion she dialed his number, she would hang up before it rang, unable to go through with it. Nate Decker was a catch. No doubt about it. Yet, she’d let him go. In fact, she’d demanded his absence. Sure, she’d been shattered and unable to do more than take care of herself and work. Now that she was healed, she couldn’t help but see the man she fell in love with all those years ago. And she wanted him back. But would he want her?
She snuggled deeper into Nate’s jacket and closed her eyes, enjoying his sandalwood scent and remembering when they met, all of the dates, their wedding, and the moment they realized they were pregnant…
And then
the pilot’s voice sounded over the intercom, announcing their arrival at the small Fable Town airport. She must’ve fallen asleep. Opening her eyes, she glanced out the window. It was still dark. Then she looked over at Nate. He was awake as well, checking his phone. He glanced up at her and smiled. She knew what that tight smile meant. She’d seen it thousands of times before. He was worried, but he wasn’t going anywhere. Their time together allowed her to read all of that and more in his expression and gratitude replaced some of the worry. If he were here, everything would be fine.
The plane rolled to a stop. Ana unbuckled and was out of her seat the second the doors opened. Nate helped her down the steps and into a waiting car. She didn’t know how he’d been able find a ride at midnight in her small town. When she sat, she checked to see if she knew who was driving, but she didn’t recognize him.
A newcomer. Those were rare in Fable Town.
“The name’s Shane,” the man said, nodding politely.
“Hey, Shane, thanks for doing this.” Nate reached his hand over the front seat.
Shane turned and shook it. “Anytime.” He smiled, flashing straight, white teeth. He was handsome. Not her type, but definitely Lox’s. At the thought of her sister, her heart began to race.
“Can you take us to the hospital?” Ana asked. Fable Town was a small town, but it was also a big tourist spot. Thousands flocked to their little town during the winter and summer months. Because of the business, ski lodges, townhomes, and hotels were built to accommodate all of them. The funds from the booming business provided funds for the hospital as well as the airport. Those were the perks. Having so many additional people in the town also brought a lot of downsides as well. But that was a story for another day.
“Of course.” Shane paused, catching Ana’s gaze in the mirror. “Everyone buckled?”
“Oh.” Nate helped her get the seatbelt over all the material. It was at that moment she realized she left her mask in the cab in Denver. It looked like Nate had too. “We left our masks in the cab in Denver,” Ana whispered to Nate.
Nate smiled. “Nope. They’re safe and sound on the plane.”
She smiled despite her worry. Her mask had been expensive. “Thank you.” She leaned into him.
“So.” Shane cleared his throat. “Emergency room or regular entrance?” he asked as he pulled onto the main road.
“The front entrance will be fine” Nate buckled himself.
“Sure thing.” He sped up, going the whopping forty miles an hour allowed on the outskirts of town. Shane cleared his throat again. “Everything okay?” he asked.
“What do you mean?” Nate’s eyebrows rose curiously.
“Well, the hospital. It doesn’t look like the lady’s pregnant or sick. I’m just wondering if I should be speeding or if you’re going to the hospital for some other reason.”
“Oh.” Ana blushed. “Yeah, not pregnant.” Nate’s teeth ground audibly. Ana felt him tense and she rested a hand on his forearm. Immediately, she felt him relax. “My sister, Lox, was found unconscious tonight. I’m going to see her.” Saying the words out loud caused her apprehension to rise and she had to fight not to hyperventilate.
“Yeah, I heard about that. Hopefully she’s okay,” Shane said.
Ana wasn’t surprised he’d heard about it. Less than a thousand people lived in Fable Town on a permanent basis. During the winter and summer months, the population almost doubled, but for those that lived there year-round, it was impossible not to sneeze without the whole town thinking you had a cold.
“Me too,” Ana said quietly.
The car was quiet several long minutes until Shane asked another question. “You two get married?” He eyed their evening attire before returning his gaze to the road.
Ana blushed again.
“We were at a charity ball when Ana got the call.” Nate’s fingers curled into a fist on the seat.
“Fable Town is the perfect place to wind up after a ball.” He winked, thinking himself cute. Ana rolled her eyes but didn’t say anything. Shane pulled into the hospital and stopped at the front entrance.
Ana reached for her wallet, but Nate handed some cash to Shane. “Keep the change.”
“Thanks a bunch,” Shane said. Then added before they could close their doors, “Hope you both get your happily ever after.”
Ana cringed. The fairytale comments were never-ending with the tourists.
Nate said what she’d been thinking. “I can’t even count how many times we’ve heard that one before.”
Chapter Four
“You’re not kidding,” she whispered, taking Nate’s arm to climb the stairs so they could enter the hospital. At the top, she stopped to remove her shoes, but Nate stopped her.
“Don’t. You don’t know who’s brought what kinds of germs in here.”
It made sense. But her feet hurt. A lot. The shoes were glorious Jimmy Choo’s, but they were also pinching her toes and she had blisters on her heels. “I guess.”
“Let’s go see Lox. Maybe Chandi could bring you a change of clothes and shoes.” He picked up a portion of her gown so it wouldn’t touch the floor.
“Good idea.”
Though Fable Town had a hospital, it wasn’t a big one. Nor did they have all of the bells and whistles a bigger hospital would. There were three floors, but that was because the hospital had been built up to conserve space since it was between a grocery store and a gas station.
Ana and Nate walked to the front desk and asked for Lox’s room. As they rode the elevator up to the third floor, Ana looked up at her hero, wishing she could find a way to thank him for all he’d done to help. “Nate,” she began. Before she could say more, the doors pinged open.
He patted her hand. “I’m here for as long as you need me.”
“Thanks,” she said, tingles running the length of her body.
With each step she took toward her sister’s room, the dread in her stomach grew. She felt sick. She knew why. It brought back memories of the time she’d spent in the hospital with Gus. Those moments she left to change her clothes or shower had been torture, but it was even worse returning. When she saw his pained face and fragile little body, she knew. He would die. At first, she’d been furious. How could such a perfect person be taken from the earth? Her son hardly had a chance to live. Over time, she realized that was why. Gus had been alive for a short time, but he’d brought such joy and happiness to every person he came in contact with. Nurses, doctors, friends and neighbors. They all sensed he was special. The nurses had called him an angel and she knew they were right.
She let out a shuddered breath. Nate must’ve sensed her struggle because he wrapped a comforting arm around her shoulders. She leaned into him and then couldn’t help herself when she turned and hugged him. A sob caught in her throat. She clung to him.
“I know, Ana. I know. It’s okay. I’m here.”
She held on a moment longer, enjoying the feel of his strong chest beneath her cheek and the scent of his cologne. It was her favorite. He smelled like the woods after a snow, a combination of pine and sandalwood with a hint of citrus. Finally, she sniffled, pulling away, and searched his eyes. If she didn’t know any better, she’d think he was about to kiss her. She wanted him to. Desperately. First she needed to make sure her sister was all right.
The door was closed, so she knocked.
Chandi opened it. “Ace,” she said, falling into Ana’s arms. They held each other a moment.
“How is she?” Ana searched Chandi’s bright blue eyes. They were pained and she knew they reflected her own feelings.
“Still unconscious.”
Ana steeled herself before moving away from Chandi and toward Lox. She looked good. A little pale. Her blonde hair spread out like a halo around her head. It looked as though she were sleeping, except for the monitors beeping beside her and the IV running from her arm to fluids dangling from a metal stand.
She went over and took Lox’s hand. “What happened?” she asked when
Chandi came to stand on the other side of the bed.
“No one knows. The mayor, Cindy Grayson… you remember her?”
“I do.” Mayor Grayson was a good woman. She’d been mayor a long time. The townspeople liked her because she wasn’t snobbish, but supported them. She even had an open-door policy, which allowed people to come to her office at City Hall anytime during business hours.
“Mayor Grayson saw her lying on the sidewalk and ran over. She’s the one who called for an ambulance.”
“Was there any blood?” Ana noticed a bandage poking out from the back of Lox’s head.
“Yes.” Chandi swallowed. “It was tough to see her like that.”
“What did Doctor Naveen have to say?” As she spoke, she stroked Lox’s cold hand.
“They ran some tests and bandaged her up. It’s obvious she has a concussion, but they won’t know more until she wakes up. Right now, they’re just trying to keep her comfortable.” Chandi noticed Nate as he came to stand beside Ana. “I’m surprised to see you here.” Her face became a mask of irritation.
“Hello, Chandi.” He gave her a warm smile.
“We ran into each other at the ball,” Ana clarified. “He was there when Mom called me.” She smiled up at him. “We took his plane. That’s how I got here so quickly.”
“Isn’t that convenient?” Chandi studied him through glinted eyes.
“I’m thankful he was there,” Ana said, hoping her sister would reciprocate the gratitude she held for Nate. But she wasn’t that lucky.
“Yes, but it seems odd that he’s got a plane ready to go. Maybe he knew something was going to happen to Lox so he could be the hero and swoop in to save the day.”
Iced Raspberry Cookies and a Curse Page 2
