Mending His Past

by Kristen Iten

  “I made a promise—”

  “You kept your promise to Molly. You were here when she woke up.” She gazed up at him with cheeks flushed and tears gleaming in her eyes. “That really meant a lot… to both of us.”

  “I told you before, I’m not going anywhere.”

  “I’m not going to hold you to that promise, Trent. You’ve got a business to run… I understand that.” She shivered as if the words had sent a chill deep into her bones.

  Trent closed the gap between them and cupped her elbows with the palms of his hands. “You’re not holding me to anything. It’s a promise I intend to keep—one I want to keep. I don’t care about some call from a realtor.”

  “But what about the auction in San Antonio tomorrow?”

  “I don’t care about that.” He moved in so close his chest pressed against the arms Olivia still wrapped around herself. Civilian lines of communication had caused him nothing but trouble since his discharge. He was ready for an open and direct dialogue.

  He reached up through the thick silence between them and lifted her chin with a gentle coaxing from his index finger. He gazed into the same sea-green eyes he’d looked into a thousand times before, and yet still found a fresh new beauty in their depths that made it hard to breathe. He traced the pad of his thumb along the edge of Olivia’s soft lower lip. “My heart isn’t in San Antonio.”

  He felt the jolt his words sent through her body. Her arms fell to her sides, and he slipped his around her waist.

  “What are you saying?” Her whispered words were little more than breath laced with desire.

  “I’m saying that I love you, Olivia. Leaving you was the biggest mistake of my life, and I never make the same mistake twice.”

  Olivia blinked wildly as the flush in her cheeks deepened. Trent flexed his biceps in response to her touch as she rested her delicate hands on his solid arms. “You mean you’re staying in Liberty Cove?”

  Trent’s eyes traced the outline of her lips as she spoke, their hypnotic movement drawing him ever closer. “If you’ll have me.” He breathed the words, his voice husky with desire.

  Olivia’s eyes lit up even as fresh tears streaked her cheeks. Placing a feather-soft hand at the back of his neck, she pulled his face down toward hers. Without another word, she stretched to her full height, pausing just before their lips met. “I love you, too.” She smothered the last word against his lips when she closed the final gap between them.

  Trent thought he’d felt the flames of love burning in his belly before, but nothing he’d ever experienced compared to this. Every beat of his heart sent a new wave of fire rushing through his body, threatening to consume him.

  One of his hands found the small of Olivia’s back and held her so close his heart couldn’t tell where he ended and she began. The other found its home in the silky strands of hair at the base of her neck. He wove his fingers into her thick tresses, cradling her head as the tenderness of a kiss ten years in the making finished mending all of the pain from his past.

  With a racing heart and burning lips, Trent pulled back and filled his lungs with a deep breath, expanding his chest fully to take it all in. “Let’s go take care of our girl, so we can bring her home soon.”

  Olivia’s eyes sparkled in the low light of the hospital room as she nodded in agreement, too overcome by emotion to speak.

  Trent took her hand and they stepped through the curtain together. Kat’s eyes widened and filled with tears when her gaze fell on their clasped hands. She dropped the book and it landed on the bed next to Molly, who’d fallen fast asleep. With one hand clutching her heart and the other covering her mouth, she leapt to her feet and rushed to the other side of the bed. She threw an arm around each of their necks. “I knew it,” she whispered. “I just knew you two belonged together.”

  Trent hugged her back with one arm, while keeping a firm hold of Olivia with the other. “Were you eavesdropping, Aunt Kat?” he said with a teasing lilt.

  Kat released their necks and stepped back. “Me? I would never do such a thing. But this is a pretty small room.” She cut her own words off with a wink and a shrug. “To tell you kids the truth, I may have been listening in just a smidge. But I thought the most exciting part was when the talking stopped.” She elbowed Trent.

  “I can’t disagree with you there,” Olivia said, shooting him a look that sent tingles washing over his body all over again. “Did Molly fall back to sleep?” She turned her attention to her daughter.

  “Yes, she’s resting peacefully. That story book got quite a few smiles out of her before she dropped off,” Kat said, returning to her seat.

  Olivia sat in the same chair as before, and Trent reclaimed his old post at the head of the bed. One hand still held on to Olivia and the other stroked Molly’s fine, curly hair. He was here and he wasn’t going anywhere. No matter how long it took, he would make sure she knew it—he’d make sure they both knew.

  Chapter Twenty-Five

  Olivia filled her chest with fresh air for the first time in four days as the hospital doors closed behind her. Tilting her head skyward, she relished the warm sunshine on her cheeks. She tightened her grip on Trent’s hand and offered a silent prayer of thanks when she glanced over at Molly, her little arms wrapped around his thick neck as he carried her.

  “You want me to bring the truck around?” Trent asked.

  “I don’t mind walking. It’s such a perfect day.” It had been difficult to get a decent night of sleep during Molly’s stay, but the moment the doctor signed the release papers, Olivia’s fatigue lifted. Excitement coursed through her veins, making her so light on her feet, she couldn’t stand the idea of waiting around for curbside service.

  Trent bounced Molly gently in his arm. “There’s somebody special waiting for you at the truck. Can you guess who it is?”

  Molly scrunched her nose and shook her head. “I don’t know.”

  “We’d better go see who it is then,” Olivia said with a bright smile on her face.

  Olivia and Trent stepped off the curb in-step and strolled past rows of parked vehicles. She paid no attention to which direction they walked; Trent was their navigator. The way his fingers intertwined with hers captivated her thoughts. She’d waited so long to feel a strong, yet tender hand cling to hers that she’d given up hope of it ever happening. Yet here they were—she and Trent—a couple again after so many years. Her stomach fluttered at the thought.

  The truck came into view when they neared the end of a row. Molly’s face lit up when she saw her surprise. Her gasp made Olivia’s heart dance.

  “My friend!” Molly pointed to Sport in the bed of the truck. Whimpers and yips accompanied a tail that seemed to wag his entire body. He bounced up and down the length of the bed, his claws clicking with each hurried step.

  “He sure is happy to see you,” Trent said to Molly. He stepped up to the truck, still cradling her in his arm, and reached out a hand to calm Sport. “Take it easy, boy. Molly’s here to see you.”

  Sport dropped to his haunches pressed his broad head against Trent’s chest. He couldn’t seem to decide if he needed to pant or lick everything in sight. He continued to whine as his furry tail beat the truck in wild rhythms.

  “Calm down, boy.” Trent stroked the side of Sport’s head and patted his side. “We’ve gotta take care of this little girl.”

  Olivia’s heart sang. She and Molly weren’t alone anymore. They’d done all right on their own, but she couldn’t deny the warm feeling it gave her to know that Trent was there to look out for her sweet child as well. Could he be any more perfect?

  Sport’s tongue flicked out and caught Molly on the cheek. Tears of joy pricked the corners of Olivia’s eyes at the most beautiful sound in all the world—Molly’s giggle.

  “Let’s get loaded up,” Trent said, opening the rear passenger door of the crew cab. He put Molly in her seat and stepped back so Olivia could buckle her in.

  “Sport can sit by me?” Molly asked, her cheeks pul
led into a wide smile.

  “Of course he can,” Olivia said, fastening the buckles.

  Trent walked around the truck and opened the door opposite of Molly’s. He lifted Sport and placed him on the seat next to her. “Who’s driving?” he called through the door.

  “You’re over there already. You might as well drive.” Olivia tossed him the keys. “I’d rather just sit and chill if you don’t mind.”

  “Fine by me.” Trent snatched the keys out of the air and they both climbed inside. He adjusted the rear mirror and elbowed Olivia. “Take a look at those two.”

  Looking over her shoulder, she saw Sport’s massive head lying in Molly’s lap. Her dimpled fingers lightly drummed on top of it while she rested her head on the side of her seat. They were the very image of contentment.

  “What do you think… should I keep him?” Trent asked.

  Olivia shifted her gaze to Trent. “If you love him even a sliver as much as Molly does, you should totally keep him.”

  A soft smile curved his lips when he gazed in the mirror again. “She does love him, doesn’t she?”

  “She’s been in love since day one.”

  Trent’s gaze shot over to Olivia, something powerful shining in his eyes. “So have I.” In the blink of an eye, he’d slipped his hand into hers and laced their fingers. He drew the back of her hand to his lips and kissed it. His heated breath lit her on fire, sending a blaze rushing up the length of her arm and covering her skin with goosebumps in its wake.

  He released her hand to start the truck, his eyes still riveted to hers. “It’s settled then.”

  “Wh—” Olivia blushed at the way her voice cracked; she blushed even harder at the half smile it brought to Trent’s face. She cleared her throat. “What’s settled?”

  “When it comes to love, making things permanent is the only way to go. Don’t you agree?”

  Olivia’s stomach dipped at Trent’s words. “Yes.” She scarcely breathed. Was he talking about keeping the dog, or something entirely different? Possibly both? A shiver of excitement raced down her spine. His eyes smoldered with unspoken possibilities before he winked and turned his attention to the truck. She clutched the console between them when he put it in reverse and pulled out of the parking space.

  She rolled down her window when they pulled out onto the main road, but not even the wind rushing by her face was enough to cool her burning cheeks. She leaned back and closed her eyes, allowing the wind to carry her mind to a place she hadn’t visited in a long time; a place where her hopes and dreams resided. A smile eased onto her lips. With Trent beside her, there wasn’t a single one that was out of reach for her now. She sunk into the cushion of her seat and let her mind drift off.

  Olivia’s eyes shot open when the truck came to a stop. Looking out her window, she was surprised to see her home. “Was I asleep?” She smoothed down her windblown hair.

  “The whole way, but I’d say you earned that nap.”

  “Look, Mama. Pink!” Molly wiggled in her seat, anxious to break free.

  Olivia gazed out the window again, and saw pink balloons tethered to the mailbox by a rainbow-colored assortment of ribbons. Pink streamers and more balloons decorated the front porch railings, along with a sign that read, Welcome Home Molly. “I see it, sweetie. It’s beautiful, isn’t it?”

  “Yeah!”

  Olivia turned to Trent. “Kat only said she wanted my house key so she could have dinner waiting for us when we got home. She never mentioned any of this. It’s so sweet.” Kat stepped onto the front porch, along with Trent’s parents, while Olivia still admired the decorations. “Your parents came to welcome Molly home, too?”

  “Today is full of surprises. My mom cooked up another one inside, too.”

  She studied Trent for a moment. “You knew about all of this?” A suspicious smile crept onto the corner of her mouth. “Just how many secrets have you been keeping from me today?”

  Trent’s ears turned bright red as a single peal of laughter escaped his lips. He opened the door and hopped out. “Do you want me to carry Molly in for you?”

  Olivia stepped out of the cab and unbuckled her. “No, thanks, I’ve got her this time. But you didn’t answer my question.” She pinned Trent with a probing stare through the window.

  His cheeks flushed beneath her gaze as he helped Sport to the ground, but he remained silent.

  More evasion tactics? “Okay, keep your secrets to yourself then.” Olivia laughed.

  “Are you okay with everyone being here?”

  “Of course I’m happy they’re here, but they know Molly’s pretty much just going to have to go inside and lie down, right? She has a couple of weeks of mandatory rest ahead of her.”

  “According to Mom, she’s got that covered.”

  “Can I have one?” Molly pointed at the balloons tied to the mailbox.

  “They’re all yours Molly-girl,” Kat called from the porch. “Andy will bring them in for you a little later.”

  Alice held open the front door. “We’ve got an extra-special surprise waiting for you inside. Why don’t you come in and see?” The rosy apples of her cheeks drew up as a warm smile spread across her lips.

  Olivia ascended the stairs, holding Molly tight, with Trent right behind her. Placing his large hand on the small of her back, he leaned down and spoke into her ear. The wood-tones of his earthy cologne caressed her senses, causing her to breathe a little deeper to take his scent in. “You go ahead and take her inside. I need to talk to my dad out here for a minute.” She nodded and stepped inside, instantly missing the warmth of his hand.

  Molly gasped when she saw the old recliner in the corner of the room. Fabric covered in pastel rainbows was tucked in at all the right places, making the tired chair look like it had been reupholstered. Fluffy pillows in shades of pink lined the back, and a white faux-fur blanket was spread over the top. The chair was already reclined, and waiting for an occupant.

  An old, unused plant hook in the corner of the ceiling above the chair supported a canopy of sheer pink fabric that extended to the floor on either side of it. The iridescent threads woven throughout it shimmered in the light breeze. And in the middle of it all sat a new rhinestone tiara.

  “A princess chair!” Molly was all smiles. “I can sit in it?”

  “You sure can, sweet thing.” Alice said. “It’s all yours.”

  A familiar quiver found its way onto Olivia’s chin at the outpouring of love for her little girl. She sat Molly on the chair and looked at the two kindest women she knew. “You did all of this for her?”

  Kat nodded and jabbed her thumb over her shoulder. “Alice was the mastermind behind this little project. I was the balloon lady.”

  Olivia turned to Alice. “This couldn’t possibly be more perfect.” Her voice wavered as tears of gratitude pooled in her eyes. Her baby was home, and she was so loved.

  “We knew she’d have to lie around for a while to finish recovering,” Alice said. “And what better way to convince a little princess to stay put, than to give her a throne?” The kindness in Alice’s eyes as she gazed at Molly warmed Olivia to the core.

  She wrapped her arms around Alice’s neck. “It’s fantastic. Thank you so much.”

  “Andy and I fell in love with that sweet baby when we spent the day at the flea market with her. I was more than happy to do it.” A loud beep sounded from the kitchen and Alice stepped back. “That’s my casserole.” She hurried off to see to the evening meal.

  Molly held up the tiara. “Look!” She slid it on her head and relaxed into the mound of pillows behind her.

  “What a beautiful little princess you are. You must be sitting in the prettiest chair in the house,” Olivia said, adjusting the pillows behind Molly.

  “It’s a princess chair,” Molly corrected.

  “How’s dinner coming? Anything I can do to help?” Olivia called out to the kitchen.

  “Oh, no,” Alice said, popping her head around the corner. “You’ve got better
things to do tonight than to work in the kitchen.”

  “Better things?”

  A sly smile crept onto Kat’s lips. “Dinner won’t be ready for a good long while yet. Why don’t you and Trent take advantage of this gorgeous day? Go take a stroll down the beach while we wait on the food. Go unwind a little.”

  Olivia hesitated. Her eyes flicked over to Molly. She was still beaming and completely relaxed on her fluffy pillows.

  “You don’t need to worry about Molly,” Kat said. “I have a whole stack of brand new story books and a fresh new arsenal of coloring books and crayons. I’ll keep this little one entertained for you while you two go decompress.”

  “It does sound nice, but I can’t help but feel like you’re trying to push us together again,” Olivia said, matching Kat’s impish grin. “You don’t have to keep trying so hard, you know. We’re already together.”

  “I’m shocked you’d even say such a thing,” Kat said. Her brows raised in mock surprise before she broke down in laughter. “All joking aside, you’ve had a stressful week. Wouldn’t a barefoot walk down a warm sandy beach feel good?”

  “When you put it that way, I can’t really say no, can I?” Olivia bent down and kissed Molly’s cheek. “Would you be okay here with Kat-Kat if mama went for a little walk?”

  “Yeah, I love my princess chair.”

  “How much time do we have?” Olivia asked.

  Alice and Kat shared glances with each other, stifling their grins. The air between them buzzed with secrets. “Take all the time in the world, honey,” Alice said.

  Those two were cooking up something more than dinner, but Olivia couldn’t quite put her finger on what it was. “I wouldn’t want to let dinner get cold.”

  Kat shooed her toward the door. “Don’t be silly. That’s why God invented microwaves. Go on, now. Get!” Sport ran into the house and laid next to Molly’s seat the moment Kat opened the door for Olivia.

  “See you in a little while, sweetie,” she called over her shoulder as Kat nudged her through. Trent quickly shoved something into his pocket before snapping to attention when she stepped onto the porch. “Sorry, did I interrupt something?”