by Kay Correll
Jason grinned. “Next time, try not to do it so close to the edge, buddy.”
“Good call.”
“When does the doc say I can leave? I got stuff to do at the chalet to get it finished.”
“Don’t worry about it. If it’s not done in time, it’s not. Madeline and Gil will understand. We’ll rethink their setup. Maybe try to have it outside.” Jason gave him another sip of the coveted water.
“It’s supposed to rain next week. That will mess up having it outside.” Zach frowned. “Call the doc and see if I can get out of here.”
“Forecast could change. And you’re not leaving until the doctor says you’re good and ready.”
Zach settled against the pillow and closed his eyes. He needed to get to work. He did. But maybe he’d just rest his eyes for a brief moment.
Cece, Bree, and Jason sat at a table at the dining hall of the lodge that evening. Cece had steadfastly avoided going to the hospital. She was sure that was the right decision.
Certain.
Mostly.
Jason had asked her if she was going to see Zach, but she’d just given him a shrug as an answer.
Annie and Nick came in with Nora, and Cece welcomed the interruption. They came over and joined them at the table.
“I do love it when the friends and family table is full.” Nora smiled as she sat down.
“I was too tired to cook, and Nick suggested we come here. I thought it was a great plan.” Annie sat beside Nora, and Nick took a seat next to her.
Beth and Mac walked up. “Looks like everyone had the same idea tonight.”
Nora motioned for them to sit. “This is even better. Both my kids here tonight.”
They all ordered and chaos descended on the table. Dueling conversations and laughter. Cece remained quiet and just listened as the words flowed around her.
“So, is the chalet almost finished?” Nick’s words caught her attention.
“Jason said that Zach is out of commission for a few days. I don’t think he’s going to get the chalet finished in time for Madeline’s wedding.” She knew that Zach must be devastated to not have the project completed on time, though it was out of his control now.
“What’s left to do on the chalet?” Nick asked.
Jason leaned forward. “I’m not certain, but a couple of windows need to be installed. I saw they got delivered today. The railing on the loft, of course.” He gave a wry grin. “And I’m sure there are other little things. The inspector, Henry, is scheduled for two days from now. I guess I’ll call him in the morning and reschedule.”
“Zach is going to be upset.” Cece’s heart tightened as if she could physically feel Zach’s disappointment. Not to mention they had to figure a way to pull off Madeline’s wedding without the occupancy permit on the chalet.
“I practically had to tie him to the bed to keep him at the hospital tonight.” Jason shook his head.
“But he’s going to be okay?” Annie asked.
“He is, in time,” Jason assured her.
Nick rubbed his chin. “You know, I put myself through school doing construction. I’d be glad to help.”
“And I helped my father with his construction company. I did a lot of the loft at Bookish Cafe. I’d be glad to help, too,” Annie offered.
“I’m handy. I’ll help.” Mac joined in.
Nora grinned. “You know, I think with all of you helping, we might just pull it off.”
“I’ll talk to Henry—he’s a fishing buddy of mine. Maybe he can run by and tell us what’s left to be checked off his list.” Nick’s forehead wrinkled. “I think we can finish it up and give Zach a hand.”
Cece looked at these people so willing to jump in and help Zach. Help get the chalet ready for Madeline’s wedding.
And darned if tears didn’t begin to flood her eyes. She’d cried more in the last few months than she had in her whole life before this. And she was ever so tired of tears.
She sighed. This town, these people, they were why she was so glad she’d moved to Sweet River Falls. They were all willing to jump in to help Zach.
Bree looked at her with a questioning glance.
“I’m fine,” she whispered as she choked back the tears.
Chapter 22
Zach didn’t care what the doctor said about taking it easy. He was going to the job site. He might not be able to get the chalet finished by Cece’s cousin’s wedding, but he was going to get it finished ASAP. He was so annoyed at himself for missing the deadline. Fall or not, he didn’t miss deadlines. Ever.
He pulled his truck up near the chalet and frowned. The area was crowded with trucks and cars and a couple of delivery vans. He slowly hauled himself out of the truck, ignoring his aching shoulder, and headed for the chalet. He walked through the doorway—which now had two glass doors installed—and looked around in surprise. The building was filled with his workers and people from town.
Jason walked up to him and grinned. “Looking good, right?”
“What’s going on?” He scanned the room, noticing the missing window along the lakeside of the chalet was being installed as they spoke. “How’d the window get here? They said it would take a week.”
“Mac called the glass company, then drove into Denver to pick it up.”
“But… all these people…”
“They’re just here to help you out. Should be all finished by Madeline’s wedding. Nick got the inspector to come out, and we got a list of everything that’s required to be finished to pass inspection. You’ll still have a few things to wrap up, but the chalet should be ready for the wedding.”
“I don’t understand.”
“Well, Nick offered to help, and Annie. Then Mac said he would. Then Cece called around to get more people here. She’s pretty persuasive when she puts her mind to it.”
“She did that for Madeline?”
Jason rolled his eyes. “I’m thinking she did it more for you.”
For him? But she didn’t want anything to do with him. She hadn’t even come to visit him in the hospital.
“Anyway, aren’t you supposed to be home resting up?” Jason eyed him.
“I’m fine.”
“You’re stubborn, I’ll give you that. If you insist on being here, come sit down and I’ll show you the list of what we’re working on to get things finished up.”
Zach looked around at the dozen or so people installing the window, hanging light fixtures, and putting the much-needed railing up in the loft area.
Jason nodded toward the loft. “Made a decision to install a half wall up at the edge of the loft, and a railing above the half-wall. Not taking any more chances. Henry okayed the plan change.”
“I don’t even know what to say.” Overwhelming emotions ran through him. Surprise, relief, gratitude. “Jason, I can’t thank you enough.”
“Don’t thank me. Thank Nick for suggesting it, and Cece for rounding up the workers.”
Cece stood in the far corner of the chalet watching Jason and Zach talking. She wasn’t really surprised to see Zach show up here even though, according to Nora, the doctor had told him to go home and rest for a few more days.
She wasn’t sure Zach knew the definition of rest.
Zach looked her direction, and she knew the moment he realized she was standing there. He stopped talking and Jason turned to see what had caught his attention. Jason nodded his head her direction, and Zach started across the distance toward her.
She didn’t know if she wanted to flee… or maybe meet him halfway.
She did neither, and he walked right up to her, albeit with a slow, unsteady gait. “I hear you got all these workers here to help finish the chalet.”
“It was Nick’s idea. He’s got a lot of experience.”
“Well, I’m grateful to all of you.” He stood in front of her mindlessly rubbing his arm that was in the sling. “So… are you okay? I know I frightened you with my unfortunate… tumble.”
“Tumble? That’s one way t
o put it. And you did scare me. But you’re the one we’ve all been worried about.”
“You’ve been worried about me?” His eyes brightened.
“We all have, of course.”
A slight frown crossed his face. “I didn’t mean to worry you.”
“Zach, it’s okay. I’m just glad you’re okay. Well, pretty okay. I imagine you’re still sore.”
“I’m fine.” His words said one thing, but she’d seen him wince when he shifted his arm in the sling.
“Why don’t you sit down?”
He looked at her for a moment. “Yes, I will. Jason wants to go over some things with me. I just wanted to make sure you’re okay.”
“I’m fine.” She mimicked his words, but she wasn’t really sure she was fine. She was so grateful he was okay, but the scene played over and over and over in her mind. Zach plunging through the broken railing and falling to the ground below. She scrubbed a hand over her face to swipe away the memory.
“I’ll get back to work then.” He turned and headed back to Jason. She watched every step he took, looking for some reassuring sign that he was truly okay.
Chapter 23
“Who’s the guy who can’t take his eyes off of Cece?” Madeline stood in front of a full-length mirror, finishing getting ready for her wedding.
“That’s Zach. He’s in love with Cece. But she won’t let him love her.” Bree continued buttoning up the multitude of tiny buttons that trailed up the back of Madeline’s wedding gown.
“Hey, you two. I’m right here.” Cece looked up from where she was tugging on her shoes. They were cute, but really not very comfortable. She’d gotten used to everyday flats. She stood and wobbled a bit in the heels. Not good.
“So why won’t she give him a chance?” Madeline picked up a necklace from the dressing table and draped it around her neck. Bree hooked it for her.
“I’m still here.” Cece walked over to them.
Madeline looked at her in the mirror. “So why won’t you give him a chance?”
“We just have some… stuff… that we can’t work out.”
“Every couple has stuff. Gil and I did. And we lived in separate cities half a continent away from each other. Relationships are hard work. But so worth it with the right person.”
“And this Zach guy is the right person for Cece, she just won’t believe it.” Bree gave her an I’m-the-older-sister-and-I-know-this look.
“Cece you are a wonderful woman. But I swear, you just don’t see it. You don’t believe you deserve to be happy.” Madeline scowled.
“That’s exactly what I told her.” Bree bobbed her head enthusiastically.
“You two can quit ganging up on me. And anyway, it’s Madeline’s day. Change the subject.” Cece touched the necklace around Madeline’s neck. “That’s lovely.”
“It was my mother’s.”
“It’s beautiful.” Cece admired the gold chain with the tiny heart and gold filigree clasp. She gave Madeline a quick hug, being sure to not mess her dress. “I know you miss your mother today.”
“I do.” She paused, obviously fighting back tears.
“She’s here with you. I know she is.” Bree stopped with the buttoning and stood beside Madeline. “You can feel her here.”
“I just miss her so much.” Madeline’s voice was barely a whisper.
“I know, sweetie, I know.” Bree put her arm around her shoulder. “But Cece and I are here for you. I’m sorry Abby couldn’t make it.”
“You’re all the family I have left.”
“But you’re marrying Gil and will have all of his family now.”
Madeline smiled. “And it’s a great family to marry into. I love them all so much.”
“Let’s finish getting you ready and get you married then.”
Bree tackled the last of the buttons, then Cece adjusted the beautiful headpiece entwined in Madeline’s hair with a small, simple veil hanging down her back. They all stood and stared in the mirror.
“You look… beautiful,” Bree said.
“Gorgeous,” Cece added. “You ready?”
“I’m so ready.” Madeline nodded.
Madeline stood beside Gil at the arbor covered in white flowers and twinkling lights. The cloudy gray sky outside the large picture window did nothing to dampen her mood. Everything was perfect. She was marrying the love of her life. Gil squeezed her hand, and she looked up into his shining eyes.
She glanced out at the people sitting here, sharing in their special day. Gil’s Aunt Josephine and her husband Paul sat in the front row, holding hands like newlyweds. Which they kind of were after recently finding each other after years and years. His Aunt Catherine sat with Bella, Gil’s sister. Bella’s lifelong best friends, Jenny and Becky Lee, were here. They’d all practically adopted her as a BFF after she and Gil had gotten engaged.
Cece had been right. She was gaining a family. A very large family. She turned back to look at Gil. He mouthed the words “I love you” and squeezed her hand again.
The ceremony went by in a blur of I do’s until Gil leaned forward and gently touched her face, then pressed a kiss on her lips. A good long kiss. Then one more.
Everyone erupted in applause and laughter. He took her hand in his, and they walked back down the aisle as husband and wife.
They walked outside to the large deck overlooking the lake and stood while people walked by to congratulate them. Gil held her hand and kept sneaking quick kisses, a boyish grin on his face each time he kissed her.
“You look beautiful.” Bella walked up and hugged her. “So beautiful. I’m so glad to have you as my sister now.”
Madeline hugged her back. “Thank you.”
“I’m going to claim your cousins, too. I adore Cece and Bree. It’s been great getting to know them.” Bella moved on as more people stopped by with their congratulations.
As the people filtered away for drinks and appetizers, she finally had a moment alone with Gil. “I’m so happy.” And she was, even though, a part of her longed for her mother’s presence.
He touched her necklace as if reading her thoughts. “She’s here with you, you know.”
She reached her hand up and clasped the tiny, golden heart. Just then the sun broke through the clouds, and the sky lit up in brilliant shades of yellow.
“Oh.” A lone tear trailed down her cheek. “She’s here. Yellow. That’s her favorite color.”
“Of course she is.” Gil gently kissed the top of her head as they stood and watched the sunset unfold.
Chapter 24
Cece sat in the swing beside the lake. She wanted to believe her sister and Madeline. That it was the right thing to do to give Zach a chance. To give herself a chance to find the elusive happiness she’d been looking for.
If only something or someone would give her a sign.
A lone red cardinal swooped past her and landed on a log near the water’s edge. He turned his head to look at her. He hopped along the log, coming closer. He wasn’t a bit afraid of her. Heck, he was braver than she was.
Braver than she was.
He hopped closer, cocking his head and staring at her.
“Hey there, Mr. Cardinal.”
He sang her a short burst of chirps, looked at her one more time, and flew away to the branches of a nearby tree.
The sun burst out from behind the clouds, flooding the lake with golden light.
The cardinal sang again.
And suddenly she knew what she wanted to do. What she needed to do. She jumped up from the swing and saw Jason approaching her.
“Hey, Cece. I just thought you’d like to know…” He paused, looked down at his feet, then back up at her. “Zach is headed back to Denver. Said he’d pick up some jobs there in the city for a while. He wanted to give you some space and said it was just too da— darn hard to be here right now.”
“He’s leaving?”
“Yep.”
“He can’t.” He couldn’t. Not now. Not when she’d just made
her decision. “I’ve got to go find him.”
“He just headed back to his place. Said he had a pounding headache, and he didn’t look so hot. I think he did too much, too soon. But he said he’s leaving for Denver. I can’t talk the fool into resting for a few days.”
“Thanks for letting me know.” She rushed into the cabin and grabbed her purse. Panic raced through her. Had she waited too long to make her decision?
“Where you going in such a hurry?” Bree looked up from the table where she was sorting the mail.
“I’ve got to go find Zach.”
“Well, it’s about time.” Bree nodded with a wide grin spread across her face. “About time.”
Cece rushed out to her car and headed to Zach’s. Now if she could just remember all the turns to get there. Was it right, left, left then the left, right, left. Or was it left, left, right then left, right, left? She started to drive past the meadow at the bottom of the mountain and frowned. What was Zach’s truck doing parked at the meadow?
A man approached her from the trail leading out of the meadow and waved to her. “Road’s out ahead. Rockslide.”
“Again?”
The man peered at her. “You know about that? Are you Zach’s girl?”
“I—” How did she answer that?
He didn’t give her a chance. “Anyway, looks like we’re going to have to put up a retaining wall. Zach and I’ve been hiking in and out the last few days.”
He shouldn’t be hiking up there after his fall. Was he crazy?
The man got into an SUV parked beside Zach’s truck. “The trail’s the only way in or out right now.”
She pulled her car next to Zach’s truck and turned off the motor. She’d just call him to come down to the meadow to talk to her.
She dug through her purse, found her cell, and called him. She let it ring, but he didn’t pick up. Well, he couldn’t leave with her sitting right here. Eventually, he’d have to come down to his truck. She’d sit here all night if she had to.
