Always the One

by Tara Randel

  Hannah led them through the crowded medical center parking lot to her car.

  “Every holiday, even if his own family had plans, he’d tag along,” her mother continued. “Really, anytime you were there.”

  “Kind of like now.”

  “Not nearly as much as when you were kids.”

  It sure felt like it. Every time she turned around he was there, at school, at home. Was she complaining? “You always had a soft spot for him.”

  “How could I not? He loved you like crazy, even when you were both too young to understand the meaning of lasting love.”

  Oh, they’d understood, if taking a serious step like marriage was an indication.

  Hannah inhaled a deep breath and blurted, “Before the Marshals showed up Derrick and I were going to elope.”

  Her mother jerked to a stop and had to brace herself with a hand on the car hood. “Come again?”

  “We had it planned.” Hannah unlocked the passenger door. “Once we both turned eighteen we were going to city hall.”

  Her mother placed a hand over her heart. “You never said a word.”

  She shrugged. “We didn’t want you and Dad or his parents trying to talk us out of it.”

  “And you kept it a secret?”

  “Yes. Between the Marshals showing up and our family fleeing in the night, it kind of put a damper on our plans.”

  Hannah got her mother settled in the car. She drove them to the little downtown area of Dark Clay. The town boasted an excellent ice cream shop, with an adjoining coffee shop.

  The silence stretched until her mother said, “I’m sorry, Hannah.”

  “It’s in the past, Mom. We readjusted our dreams.” Hannah took her eyes off the road to meet her mother’s. “Everyone did. Even you.”

  “We all sacrificed,” her mother replied, staring out the window. “Your father doesn’t even know I had cancer.”

  They’d cut off communication in hopes it would keep them safe. Hannah wished she’d insisted her father get in touch with her once he found a new place for himself. Now...they’d always wonder.

  On a sigh, Hannah continued down the road. The day hadn’t warmed up much even though it was early afternoon. The temperature still hovered around thirty degrees, with a few weak rays of sun poking through the cloud cover. The roads were damp and piles of dirty snow sprinkled every curb. Hannah shivered, envious of those enjoying a temperate Florida winter.

  “We won’t stay long,” Hannah said as she pulled up to the building. “I want to get you home.”

  “Stop worrying.”

  Sorry, Mom, that’s my job.

  Once she parked, Hannah went for coffee while her mother ordered ice cream cones for both of them. The shop was decorated in shades of pink and purple and smelled exactly like Uncle Sonny’s shop had, sweet and yummy.

  “Mint chocolate chip?” Hannah asked as she set two steaming cups of freshly brewed coffee on the small bistro-style table and sat down.

  “Only the best,” her mother said after taking a long lick.

  Chuckling, Hannah dug into her cone. “Mmm. This is good.”

  “That’s the only flavor you’d ever order. Even Derrick couldn’t get you to try any other.”

  “Why mess with perfection?”

  They both focused on their treats. Once Hannah had had enough, she sipped her rich coffee and waited. Her mother hadn’t said a word about the doctor’s visit, but Hannah knew it was coming.

  “The report wasn’t exactly what I’d hoped for,” her mother started. “The tumor is gone, but I’d expected Dr. Owens would have told me I’m in remission.”

  “The doctor was being realistic. After the surgery and treatment, he said it would take time for a definitive answer. You only just ended your treatment. Even though the tumor didn’t show up in the scan, he was right not to tell you the cancer was gone.”

  As her mother enjoyed her sugary treat, Hannah could see that she looked so much better. In the two weeks since she’d completed the chemo, her skin bloomed with color and her eyes were bright. She had renewed energy, which encouraged Hannah the most. She didn’t like that her mother might be getting a cold, but Sophia was so upbeat, and refused to stay at home, instead going out and about with her friend Carol. Hannah had hated seeing her seem so defeated during the treatment, so she hadn’t created much of a fuss over her mother’s busy activities.

  “You didn’t have to come, you know.”

  “And miss all this?” Hannah scoffed, her tone leaving no doubt that she would have rescheduled everything on her calendar that day to be with her mother. “No way. I actually got the gym teacher to cover my class since he had a free afternoon.”

  Roger had been more than happy to fill in for her. He’d actually suggested he and Lynny combine the classes in the gym for a special game time. Lynny had agreed immediately, practically pushing Hannah out the door, in case either she or Roger might change their mind.

  “Did that young man ask her out on a date yet?”

  “No. But she volunteered both of us to work at the home basketball games. I think her philosophy is, if she’s in his line of vision, he can’t forget about her.”

  “She does go after what she wants.” Her mother wiped her fingers with a napkin. “She certainly made it her mission to get you out of your comfort zone when we moved here.”

  “Have you ever tried saying no to her? It’s next to impossible.”

  Her mother laughed. “I can’t thank her enough for taking you under her wing.”

  Hannah wanted to grumble that she’d been fine all along, but who was she kidding? After they’d set up the house, she wasn’t sure what she’d do for a job. Moving again had been another blow. All she wanted to do was stay in bed with the covers pulled over her head. Then Lynny knocked on the door, a plate of cookies in hand and so full of fun, she sort of took over, a reminder that Hannah had to get her act together.

  When her mom got sick, Lynny had helped Hannah find a doctor and stayed by her side during the surgery. Now that things had settled down some, Lynny was determined to see Hannah out and about, regaining some balance in her life. But since Derrick had showed up, she wondered if the balance part was even possible.

  Her mother sneezed, grabbing a napkin from the table to cover her nose.

  “See. You’re overdoing. Your immune system took a hit, Mom.”

  “So I’ll go home and rest after we’re finished here.”

  Somehow Hannah doubted that.

  Her mother took another sip of her coffee. “He’s been good for you since he showed up.”

  Hannah tilted her head. “What? Who’s been good?”

  “Derrick. Since he came to town you’ve been more like your old self.”

  She bristled at the idea. “I’ve always been the same old me.”

  Her mother didn’t look convinced.

  “Okay, maybe not, but I doubt it’s to do with Derrick. Meeting Jonathan helped a great deal.”

  “You know I adore Jonathan. He’s such a sweetheart, but he doesn’t know you like Derrick does.”

  “Did, Mom.”

  “Fine. But I don’t see Jonathan getting a rise out of you if you don’t agree with him. Or a blush of color cross your cheeks when he gives you a compliment.” She leaned across the table, a conspiratorial expression on her face. “You laugh a lot more since Derrick arrived, and I’ve seen you sending looks his way when you don’t think anyone is looking. Never seen you do that with Jonathan.”

  Was she that obvious? Apparently. Mortified, she dropped her head into her hands.

  “Some connections are hard to break,” her mother said.

  Hannah looked up. “I’m getting married.”

  “Yes. You are.”

  “To a man who isn’t Derrick.”

  “True.”

&nbs
p; Hannah frowned. “Why do I hear a but in your tone?”

  “No buts. You’ll do what you think is right.” She reached over and patted Hannah’s hand. “You always have.”

  No pressure. She’d spent more than one sleepless night trying to decide what to do about the two men in her life. And despite the extra hours awake, she hadn’t come up with any concrete answers. Derrick would be gone after he solved the mystery he’d come to investigate, right? He’d go back to his exciting FBI job, chasing after art thieves, while Hannah would remain in Dark Clay teaching fourth grade, a fulfilling job in many ways, just not the dream she’d wished for since she’d been on her first museum field trip. Oh, and she’d be getting married.

  Her mother glanced at her watch. “What do you say we run by the grocery store before heading home. The pantry is getting a little bare.”

  “As long as we pick up plenty of chicken noodle soup. I swear you’re coming down with a cold.”

  “Soup it is.”

  Fine with her. She was pretty much done discussing Derrick.

  An hour later she pulled into the driveway after they’d stopped at the grocery store. She popped the trunk, ready to haul the bags in when a figure rose from the porch steps. Her heart pounded until she saw who it was. Jonathan.

  Disappointment washed over her.

  He hurried over, presenting a large bouquet of flowers to her mother.

  “Oh, Jonathan. These are lovely.”

  The beautiful spring flowers, bright yellow daffodils with white snowdrops sprinkled in the mix, were joyful, just like her mother’s expression when she took the unexpected gift.

  He sent Hannah a scowl. “I didn’t hear anything from you about the appointment, so I drove over.”

  With her mind in the clouds, she hadn’t noticed his car parked in the road. “I’m so sorry, Jonathan.” She lugged a bag out of the trunk. “Tell him the good news, Mom.”

  “The scan was clear.”

  Jonathan’s handsome face lit up. He hugged her mother. “That’s fantastic.”

  Her mother pulled back. “I still have to have regular tests to make sure nothing reoccurs, but the doctor seemed pleased.”

  “You know, I think this deserves a celebration.” He spread his arms wide. “What do you say we have dinner at a nice restaurant.”

  “We already—”

  “That sounds wonderful,” her mother cut in, shooting Hannah a glare. “Why don’t I get these flowers in water.”

  As her mother hurried to the door, Jonathan came to help her with the groceries. “You must be relieved.”

  “You can’t imagine. The waiting was excruciating.”

  He brushed a strand of hair from her cheek. “You both deserve good news. It’s been a rough year.”

  It had. But she’d had Lynny, her fellow teachers and Jonathan to get her through the hard times.

  “I’m sorry I didn’t call. One minute we were in the office and then my mother talked me into getting ice cream.”

  “Now that I know Sophie had a good report, I can’t be mad at you.”

  They walked up the sidewalk.

  “I hope the flowers were okay. Michelle and I wanted to do something nice, no matter the outcome of the appointment today.”

  Hannah tried to tamp down her annoyance at the mention of his assistant’s name, but really, did that woman always have to horn in? Still, they worked well together and Michelle had boosted the gallery’s social media presence. Jonathan was a good man and deserved the best for his business.

  “I know Mom appreciates it. It was a lovely gesture.”

  Smiling wide, Jonathan said, “So, dinner? Just the three of us?”

  Her heart melted at his loving expression. Even though she worried about her mother’s health, she couldn’t deny them a night out. “Sounds wonderful.”

  “This will be good for your mom.” He paused, caught her gaze. “And for you. I know how anxious you were to hear the results of the test.”

  “Honestly, it’s the only thing I’ve been able to focus on.”

  “Then tonight we’ll paint the town red.”

  She chuckled. “I don’t know about that. It’s a Monday night and I have that field trip tomorrow.”

  “Field trip?”

  “I told you last week.”

  He sent her a frown.

  “I’m taking the class to the Styles Museum of Arts and Crafts.”

  “Yes, you did mention it. How could I have forgotten? I enjoyed going to the museum when I was a kid.” His shoulders straightened. “I would have been an excellent tour guide, if I do say so myself.”

  After his last foray in entertaining her students, she thought the kids might disagree, even though he meant well.

  She placed a hand on his arm. “Listen, you’re more than welcome to come.”

  “I’d take you up on that offer, but I have a meeting that can’t be rescheduled. Bernard has finally decided to show his work at the gallery.”

  “Jonathan, that’s wonderful. He’s been on the fence for a while, but his creations of glass and metal couldn’t find a better home.”

  “He is one of the finest sculptors around.” He grinned at her. “I can’t take all the credit. My two favorite ladies convinced him to show at the gallery. You’re so positive about his work that you boosted his confidence. Michelle came up with a marketing campaign to showcase his art. Between both of you, he finally settled on the Prescott Gallery to show his newest collection.”

  “I’m happy for you.”

  “The gallery’s success is on the horizon. We have to celebrate.”

  The ever-present guilt she experienced whenever she was with Jonathan grew. Yes, she’d been so concerned about her mother and the follow-up appointment with the doctor that she forgot to call him. But what bothered her even more was the fact that since Derrick had blown into town like a sudden summer storm, she couldn’t deny the attraction that had revved up her heart.

  “How about I join you on the next field trip?” he asked.

  “Definitely.”

  He grinned at her, then leaned down to brush a kiss over her lips. Okay, it wasn’t a three-alarm fire like the kiss she’d shared with Derrick, but it wasn’t bad.

  As he led her up the stairs and into the warm house, she wondered if she could live with his tepid kisses after they were married. Then immediately chastised herself for the thought.

  * * *

  AS THE DOOR closed behind Prescott, Derrick’s hands tightened on the steering wheel.

  He’d missed Hannah at school because early this morning he’d driven forty minutes south to the FBI resident agency to access the Rawlings case files, then speak to his boss. They’d discussed the situation and strategy, with his boss informing him he’d call a colleague in the Marshals’ office and speak to the agent who’d been in charge of the case. When he got back and found Hannah gone, Lynny told him about Sophia’s appointment and his curiosity took over. Was she okay?

  After the students left for the day, he jumped in the rental car and drove over to learn the results. What he hadn’t expected to find was the loving couple sharing a kiss on the front porch.

  Firing up the engine, Derrick slowly drove through the neighborhood until he came to the main thoroughfare. Now what? He glanced at the box of specialty cookies he’d picked up at the bakery on the way over and frowned. Cookies? What was he thinking? Prescott had upped his game with flowers.

  Derrick stomped on the gas pedal and headed south to his hotel. He didn’t want to be cooped up in his room so he changed into running clothes and braved the elements to sweat the frustration out of his system.

  Why had he been disappointed when Hannah failed to tell him about her mother’s doctor visit? It wasn’t like he was family. Shoot, he was just the guy who showed up on her doorstep after having caused the d
isruption in her family to begin with. He didn’t deserve to be part of the inner circle, not like her fiancé.

  The more he considered his place—or lack of it—in Hannah’s life, he pounded the ground and pumped his arms to move faster. Maybe if he forced himself to the brink of exhaustion, he wouldn’t think about her.

  Highly unlikely.

  Still, he pushed himself as if he were running a sprint. His breath fogged and perspiration beaded his face. The damp air misted his hair. When he reached the small town park he slowed down to check his pulse. The sun would set in about an hour and it would be cold and damp and miserable outside.

  Just like his mood.

  He walked now, regulating his heart rate, when he noticed a few boys on the concrete court at the end of the park throwing a basketball at the hoop. A teenage girl sat on a park bench, busy scrolling through her phone. As he moved closer, he recognized one of the kids from Hannah’s class. He opened the gate and headed inside the enclosure.

  “Hey, Tommy.”

  The boy turned, dropping the ball as a smile split his face. “Mr. Fields. What are you doing here?”

  “Out for a run. You?”

  “Practicing. Mr. Garver said I had a good chance of starting the next game.”

  Derrick held out his hand for a high five. “Good for you.”

  “I’m not the best on the team. When we don’t have practice after school, I come here.”

  “I’ve watched you play. You aren’t bad.”

  He’d been drawn to the gym the first day he’d started work at the school. The squeak of sneakers and shouts from the coach had fueled his curiosity, so he went to watch the intramural basketball team practice. The gymnasium with hoops at either end reminded Derrick of his school days, from the hard bleachers to the smell of socks and disinfectant. He’d ended up having a conversation with the coach and, since that day, stopped by to give Roger a hand with the team after seeing the children off with their parents.

  Tommy wiggled around on tiptoes. “Really? You think I’m good?”

  “Yes.” Derrick glanced at his watch. “Where’s your dad?”

  “He’ll be home soon.” Tommy jutted his chin toward the girl on the bench. “Casey watches out for me and her brother when we practice.”