Ana knew her sister was just looking out for her, but she needed to clarify her feelings for Nate as soon as possible.
“Actually, my plane was ready to take me to Florida after the ball tonight,” Nate supplied evenly. “I asked the pilot to change the plans when I heard about Lox. Nothing nefarious, I promise, Chandi.” He smiled genially. Ana had to give him credit. He was handling Chandi’s overprotectiveness with unflappable patience.
“Sure,” she said, but moved her focus to Lox when her sister made a noise.
“Lox,” Ana said. Her sister moaned again. “She’s waking up.”
Nate opened the door and walked out. Ana knew he’d gone to get the doctor. Sure, Lox had to have a button somewhere that they could push to call for a nurse, but it was good of him to go. She appreciated his willingness to be helpful.
“Obviously you’re in a trusting mood, Ana, but I’m not. You remember what he did and how he behaved after Gus died.” She cursed mournfully. “I’m going to go make sure he’s getting the doctor and not just taking off.” Chandi walked from the room as well, presumably to keep tabs on Nate.
Ana sighed. She couldn’t blame Chandi. Ana had made Nate out to be the bad guy after Gus’s death. It’d been a mistake. She realized she had a lot to make up for.
Lox moaned again, and her eyes fluttered open. It took a moment for her to focus. Her pupils were dilated, a sure sign she had a concussion.
“Hey, big sis. How are you feeling?”
“Ana. What are you doing here?” She tried to sit up.
Ana gently pushed her back down. “Don’t move. You have a head injury and a concussion at least. Chandi’s gone to get the doctor so he can check you out.” She could’ve done the examination herself, but one thing she learned during her son’s sickness was there was a time to be a doctor and a time to be the mom or in this case, the sister. She’d let Doctor Naveen do his job and try to stay out of it, except in a sisterly capacity.
“Okay.” She swallowed. “I’m thirsty.”
There was a mug of water with a straw waiting on a rolling table. Ana picked it up and held it to her lips.
“Thank you.” She let her head fall gently against the pillows.
“Do you remember what happened?” Ana asked.
“Not really. I locked up the store. My hands were full. I was bringing cupcakes to Mom and Dad’s for dessert and then wham.” She closed her eyes.
“You tired?” Ana asked, checking to see what medicines they were giving her. Nothing too strong. Just something to ease the pain.
“Yeah, I’m going to rest a minute.”
“Okay, Lox. You do that.” Ana brushed some hair off her sister’s face. With a concussion, it’s not okay to fall asleep if the person can’t hold a conversation. Her sister was able to do that so she didn’t feel bad about letting her rest.
Lox suddenly opened her eyes. “Follow the clues,” she said and then closed them again.
“I will.” Ana knew exactly what her sister meant.
Lox had been using that catch phrase since Ana could remember. Growing up, Lox had always enjoyed mystery books like Nancy Drew and The Hardy Boys as well as many others. As Lox got older, her need for snooping increased and while trouble seemed to find her so did her ability to follow the clues. Ana had loved to solve mysteries with her sisters. Now, it seemed, Lox was asking her to solve the Case of the Clobbered Sister without her.
“I will,” she said again, tucking the covers up over her sister’s hands.
The doctor arrived, followed by Nate and Chandi. Ana stepped out of the way so the doctor could do his job. As he worked, she nodded to Nate before going to stand beside Chandi. She told her sister what Lox had said.
Chandi smiled. “She wants us to find out who did this to her.”
“Yes. You in?”
Chandi let out a laugh. “Without a doubt.” She kissed Ana on the cheek. “Not sure how much help I’ll be with a husband and two children who need me as well as my other full time job, but I’ll do my best.” She went to the door. “I’m going to call Mom and Dad and let them know Lox woke for a bit. Be back in a few.”
“Good plan.” Ana crossed her arms, trying to decide where to start searching for clues. The most likely place seemed to be Lox’s bakery. Nate came to stand beside her. She was fine now that it looked like Lox would be okay. But she didn’t want him to leave. Still, she couldn’t ask him to stay.
“You okay?” he asked, resting a hand on her arm.
“Better now that I’ve talked to Lox and have seen for myself that she can carry on a conversation.” She forced away a shudder. She hadn’t realized just how intent she’d been on making sure Lox would be all right. Without a doubt, it had to do with Gus. Her baby boy. She couldn’t save him. Had been helpless as he died. Outliving her child was a horrible, awful trauma she wouldn’t wish on her worst enemy. And though she still missed Gus so much at times it literally hurt, she’d survived. She’d grown and become better. Because of him. Every day she took the gifts Gus gave her and made life better for those around her. Gus would want that.
“Good.” Nate bumped into her shoulder.
“You don’t have to stay,” Ana said, feeling sick even as she said it. She didn’t want him to go anywhere, but he’d been planning to take a vacation. He said so. She didn’t want to keep him from it.
“Thanks, but if you don’t mind, I’d like to stay and follow the clues with you. I still consider you and your family my family,” he added, glancing at Lox.
“I don’t mind at all,” Ana said, unable to help the giant smile that curved her lips. She’d forgotten he didn’t have any family and her heart pinged. She abandoned him after Gus died. She hurt him. “Stay as long as you’d like.” She wanted to add, stay forever, but was too embarrassed to say it out loud.
Chapter Five
Her parents arrived, and Ana was able to speak with them. It’d been too long since she last saw them. It’d only been a few weeks, but it felt like much longer than that. They looked good. Healthy. Sometimes she couldn’t believe they were in their late sixties. Her dad always said it was the fresh Fable Town air. Ana didn’t doubt it. There wasn’t any pollution out here. Nate said hello to her parents, calling them by name.
“Reed. Jocelyn. It’s nice to see you both again. You’re looking amazing as usual.”
Her mom had blushed, but also beamed. She and her dad were pleased to see him too, she noticed. While the three of them chatted, Ana excused herself to listen to her voice mails. Nothing serious. Her service would get those patients referred to another pediatrician.
Chandi called her husband to update him and then spent the next several hours as they waited for the doctor to run tests pacing the walls or reading a book on her phone. She avoided Nate and kept to herself.
When Doctor Naveen finally returned, he had good news. Lox would be all right, but they wanted to keep her at least another night for observation, especially since the head wound had required stitches.
“I’m fine,” Lox said, trying once again to get out of bed. “I have thirty dozen sugar cookies to make for the mayor’s daughter’s wedding next Friday.” Urgent frustration caused each word to come out in a staccato.
“We can help.” Ana wasn’t much of a baker, but she could follow a recipe. Besides, Nate loved to bake. She peered up at him, hoping he’d agree. He didn’t let her down.
“I’m available to assist. You know sugar cookies are my specialty.” He raised an eyebrow as if daring her to argue.
“Are you sure you don’t have someplace else to be? Like Florida?” Chandi glared like he was an apple and she was the sharp edge of an arrow.
Nate crossed his arms. “I’ve already cancelled my plans. I’m here for as long as Ana wants me to be.” He gave Ana a quick look.
Ana’s smile increased and she wondered if she were glowing. In spite of the worrisome situation with her sister, she felt herself being pulled to him—like he was the sun and she was a flower who�
��d been too long without the light.
Chandi seemed to notice Ana’s reaction as well because she shrugged. “Great. Well like I said, I’ll help whenever I can.”
Their mom and dad promised to help as well.
“See, it’ll be fine. We will get those cookies made no problem.” If Ana’s voice was any sweeter it could’ve been spread it on toast. She tried to dial things back a bit. Clearly, the stress was getting to her.
Lox wasn’t convinced. “They can’t just be regular cookies. They have to measure up to Goldie’s Bakery standards—not too hard and not too soft, but just right. I have a reputation to protect.”
“We will use your recipe. It’ll be fine, Lox.” Ana huffed, but secretly she worried a little too. She didn’t want to mess things up for her sister.
“What if we whip up a batch and bring them in tomorrow for you to inspect and taste?” Nate asked.
“That’s a great idea,” Ana agreed, thankful for his idea.
Lox relaxed a little, but she didn’t respond.
“I think that’s an acceptable compromise,” her mom added.
Ana appreciated her mom’s support. She’d knocked around Nate when she’d come to visit after Gus’s death. She blamed him unfairly for things she shouldn’t have. Basically, she’d taken her anger and grief out on the one person she was supposed to treat the best. As soon as possible, she needed to set things straight. Thankfully, it seemed her mom already understood.
“Just be sure to add lemon zest to the cookies instead of the cinnamon,” Lox said, her voice resigned.
“Of course. We can do that no problem.” Ana smiled and Lox returned it.
Lox didn’t seem too concerned with Nate’s presence either. It was just Chandi. As the older sister, Chandi had taken it upon herself to protect Ana. Her heart warmed as she thought about all the love and support she had in the room. And her next thought was, who had Nate turned to after their son’s death? She hadn’t been there for him, too wrapped up in her own grief. And he didn’t have family. Thankfully he had his teammates, but it wasn’t the same. She’d been a jerk.
The nurse kicked them all out sometime after five the next morning so Lox could get some sleep and recommended the rest of the family should do the same. As they all walked to the exit, she thought about Nate. Where would he stay? She could stay with her parents or her sister. Could he find a hotel? Before she could come up with a solution, her mom came to the rescue.
“Nate, why don’t you stay with us? We’ve got plenty of room.”
“If you’re sure,” Nate said, but looked relieved.
“Of course, Nate,” Ana’s dad chimed in. Reed was a quiet man, choosing to speak only when he decided it was necessary.
Tears formed in Ana’s eyes. With those three words, he’d confirmed he was fine with Nate suddenly back in their lives. She relaxed further. “Thanks, Dad.”
Outside, she said goodbye to Chandi, who was married and had two children, a four-year-old girl and a six-year-old boy, Cordelia and Finlay. She wanted to get home to them but promised she would call Ana later that day.
Ana and Nate sat in the back of her mom and dad’s Avalon. Even though the car was roomy, Nate scooted down so his head wouldn’t touch the top of the car. Ana found herself glancing at him. He was quiet, but the silence wasn’t uncomfortable.
The house, like most houses in Fable Town, was picturesque. Cozy. Lights were on, illuminating the house that resembled a gingerbread cottage with lattice work along the edge of the roof as well as a circular tower that was the library. She smiled at the memories of growing up here. All happy, even during the difficult times. It was because of the love her parents had for each other. Sure, they fought occasionally, but they didn’t let their anger stick. By night’s end, their squabble was always cleared.
While her mom and dad helped Nate get settled, she changed into some of her pajamas from high school. They fit, though they were a little tight in the hips, which wasn’t surprising since she’d given birth. Once she hung up her dress, she went down the hall to the bathroom so she could use it and wash her face.
Nate stood there in a pair of her dad’s sweatpants. They came to his shins, and the shirt looked two sizes too small. She let out a laugh. “Wow,” she said, covering her mouth.
“Yeah, I don’t think these clothes will ever be the same.” He chuckled along with her.
“Hopefully we can find some clothes that’ll fit or you’re going to be wearing your suit every day.” She didn’t say it out loud, but what about underthings? Her urgency to get to Fable Town had put Nate in quite a predicament.
“Not to worry. I called my assistant. He’s having some clothes flown to me. I’ll be able to pick them up at ten o’clock.”
Ana raised her eyebrows. She forgot how well off the big man in front of her was. He’d grown up an orphan without money of any kind. But that all changed when he joined the Colorado Cowboys. When they were married, he hadn’t flaunted his wealth though. They hadn’t lived in a big house or bought a bunch of nice cars. They had what they needed. Definitely more than most, but nothing over the top. She appreciated that about him. She hadn’t come from money either and appreciated what she had.
“Well that’s good.” She glanced around him and into the bathroom. “You done or still need to go in?”
“Done.” He took a step toward her. “I was going to brush my teeth with my finger, but Jocelyn was kind enough to give me a toothbrush.” He held up his first finger as he spoke. “There’s one in there for you, too. Just know mine is the pink one. Yours is purple.” He winked.
Ana forced herself to keep a straight face. “Good to know.”
He reached out his hand. She took it and he wrapped his fingers around hers. “It’s good to see you laugh again,” he said quietly. His features darkened and she shivered. That was the look that one of the sports magazines called The Colorado Smolder. At the time they’d laughed it off, but it was true. The man could melt hearts with one look.
“You, too.” She cleared her throat.
“Night.” He turned down the hall.
“Night, Nate. I lo-” She caught herself before she finished saying ‘I love you’.
He went into the bedroom that had been Lox’s growing up and closed the door.
As Ana brushed her teeth, she couldn’t help but think about how easy it’d been to fall back into love with him. It was as easy as breathing.
Finished, she went back to her room and lay in bed, staring up at the ceiling. When she got the chance, she would thank Lox for getting whacked over the head. It’d brought her and Nate together and she intended to do all she could to help him see they still belonged together. She sighed, wishing she’d handled things between them differently, but recognizing it was probably too late. Nate deserved someone as amazing as he was.
She settled on her back, hoping to sleep, but thoughts of kissing Nate came to mind. The man was an excellent kisser. Her body tingled. She’d only kissed one other man since the divorce. He was another doctor at the hospital. They’d been on a few dates. After their fourth, he kissed her. It’d been like kissing a dead fish. It wasn’t fair to the man, but all she could think was, he wasn’t Nate. She hadn’t gone on another date since. There hadn’t been any point…
Ana woke to bright light shining in through her gauzy white curtains. This was a good room. Spacious yet cozy. She, her mom, and her sisters redecorated the space her junior year of high school. The walls were butter yellow. Chandi had painted large daisies on one wall and her dad had even made the bookcase that hung over her desk.
Before she could think more, there was a knock at her door. “Ace, it’s Mom. You awake?”
“Yes.” she said, stifling a yawn.
“Just checking. I have breakfast when you’re ready to come down.”
“Thanks, Mom.” She glanced at her phone. It was ten-thirty. “Oh, my goodness!” She flew out of bed—there was so much to do—and went to her closet, grabbing the first cl
othes she saw. Then flung open the door, giving her mom a quick hug and a kiss on the cheek, before going into the bathroom. As she went, she noticed the door to Lox’s room was open, the bed already made. It looked like no one had been in there for years. “Did Nate leave?” He’d said he could pick up his clothes at ten.
“He’s been gone almost an hour, but he said he’d be back. Everything’s fine. Not to worry.” Her mom must’ve noticed her stress and patted her back to calm her.
“K, thanks. I’m going to take a quick shower.”
“Go ahead. Food will be waiting when you’re done.”
Ana hugged her mom again. “It’s so great to see you.”
“You too, Ace.”
She closed the door to the bathroom and turned on the shower. Then washed her face before getting into the shower. Inside, she didn’t wash her hair, just her body. There was a small hiccup when she thought she saw the shampoo bottle floating, but after shaking her head and convincing herself it was just because she was still tired, she finished her shower in record time. Got out, dried off and ran into her bedroom.
There, she put on the jeans she grabbed from her closet. They were faded and so comfy. Her shirt was long sleeved and gray. Dressed, she found some socks, an old pair of boots, and an old coat. Her wet hair went up into a ponytail. Makeup was just a dab of gloss on her lips.
When she got downstairs, she threw the coat on the back of a chair and went to the stove. Scrambled eggs and potatoes covered in cheese and sprinkled with bacon and green onion were waiting in a pan. She removed the lid and breathed in deeply. “Yum.”
She took a plate from the cupboard. “Mom,” she called.
“There you are, Ace.” She came in carrying her purse and keys. She looked beautiful, her short gray hair set with natural curls. Her mom hadn’t ever worn much makeup either and she hadn’t changed. Only a light pink lipstick.
“Where are you off to?” Ana asked, stabbing a forkful of egg and potato.
“Your sister is being released from the hospital. I’m going to pick her up and take her to her place. Get her situated.”
Iced Raspberry Cookies and a Curse Page 3
