Cabin Fever

by Shani Greene-Dowdell et al.

  “Yeah, he’s marrying my best friend. I am learning to make peace with Kara’s decision to marry Collin.”

  Peter’s eyes darkened.

  “We will see a lot more of each other, Peter. Let go of your grudge. You should come to the wedding and support Kara.” I cringed on the inside when those words left my mouth. I didn’t want that fucker anywhere near my woman.

  “No, I can’t accept your relationship with Kara.” He stared like he wanted to say something else. Then stormed through the kitchen doors.

  I peeked at Eric. “He makes me uncomfortable. I don’t trust him. He gets in my face again; I’ll lay his ass out permanently.”

  Eric shook his head. “I’ll have a talk with him. He’s taking it harder than any of us about Kara getting married. I will be at the wedding.”

  I tapped his shoulder. “Great, I’ll be sure to tell her.”

  My eyes fell on the kitchen door. Peter hadn’t returned.

  “Hey, has he ever said anything worrisome in front of you to Kara?”

  “No, I caught him staring at her a few times over the years. His behavior kind of creeped me out. The second Kara held a conversation with him, it was like a switch flipped and he was back to normal.”

  I needed to ask Kara about her interactions with Peter. Maybe I needed Harry down here to keep an eye on Kara while I handled business in Anchorage.

  “Thanks. What are you drinking?”

  “Alaskan Amber. You should try one.”

  “Beers on me. I think I will try one.”

  Eric and I discussed the game, mostly. I decided to keep our conversation light. He turned out to be an all right guy.

  Later that night, Kara’s feet rested in my lap on the sofa.

  Her eyes were glued to the thriller we were watching on TV.

  “I saw Peter today at the bar. He gave me a death stare.”

  Her eyes widened.

  “Don’t worry, I practiced self-control. Did I want to bash his face in again? Yes, but I didn’t.”

  She massaged her belly. “Thank you.”

  “Has he ever made you feel uncomfortable?”

  She was silent. Her eyes fell on the fireplace.

  “Kara, talk to me.”

  “Yes. He’s kissed me a few times over the years. I told him we couldn’t be anything more than friends. He apologized. Told me he couldn’t help himself. His feelings would never change for me.” She visibly swallowed.

  “After the fight between you guys, I thought that was the end. I was in the diner grabbing a pie to bring home, and he walked in. Peter greeted me. The staring was creepy. Like he was in some sort of trance. Peter asked how I was doing. I told him I was fine. I said it was good to see him and I got the hell out of there.”

  I clenched my fists. “That’s it. I am filing a restraining order against him.”

  “Collin, the town is so small it’s impossible not to run into him.”

  “I don’t care, Kara. This shit stops now. Harry will be here tomorrow. If the wedding wasn’t approaching, I’d have you accompany me to Anchorage.”

  “Between you and Harry, I know I have nothing to worry about. I stand by your decision to obtain a restraining order.”

  I sighed and rubbed her feet. “Good.” Peter needed to understand his obsession with Kara had to end. No more making her feel uncomfortable in her hometown.

  CHAPTER TWELVE

  KARA

  My eyes marveled the beautiful embroidered wedding gown hugging my body. We were engaged in May, then planned to walk down the aisle mid-June. A summer wedding in Talkeetna I knew would be beautiful.

  “You are glowing.” Michelle hugged me from behind as she stared at me through the tall mirror.

  Chrissy’s chin rested on my other shoulder. “You are a beautiful bride. Your make-up looks stunning, if I may say so myself.”

  I laughed. “Chrissy, you did an amazing job, thank you.”

  The deep embroidered neckline enhanced my growing breasts. The A-line skirt fell over my belly, gracing the floor. Michelle pulled the veil over my face. Lavender and white flowers surrounded the princess bun on top of my head. The flowers matched my bouquet.

  My fingers slipped over my belly as I adored my appearance for the last time as Ms. Kara Riley.

  “Let’s get you and that cute little baby bump downstairs,” Chrissy gleamed.

  Michelle smoothed her hands over her lavender brides’ maids dress. “Yes, you are about to become Mrs. Kara Daughtry.”

  ∞

  Standing outside the chapel doors, my arm looped through my fathers.

  “How do you feel?”

  I peeked at him. “Ready to marry the man of my dreams.”

  Who knew, I’d really marry the man of my dreams. It seems surreal. What began as a crush turned into love. My heart thudded my chest as the ushers opened the doors. We strolled down the aisle. The beaming guests were bursting at the seams in the chapel. We invited our closest family and friends. Collin’s side of the chapel was full. Some of his guests filled in the seats on my side of the church.

  We halted at the altar, and the pastor spoke to my father. I was starstruck by my husband to be. The navy tuxedo jacket with black lapels brought out the white dress shirt, black tie, gray vest, and navy slacks. Too bad we couldn’t skip the reception. I’d love to fly to the lodge in Denali now. I froze. All the flying I’d done lately reminded me of my birth parents, dying in a crash aboard a small plane, so many years ago. They’d never see me get married. The deep sorrow ripped through me. I stumbled forward.

  Collin caught me. “Kara, what’s wrong?”

  His worried brown eyes searched mine.

  Whispering fell over the crowd.

  My father grabbed my other arm. “Kara, what happened?”

  “My birth mom and dad aren’t here to see me get married.” Tears slid down my face.

  My dad kissed my forehead through the veil. “Kara, they are here.” His hand pressed my heart.

  “They are right here. Feel the love around you.”

  A sense of calm fell over me. I pressed my lips through the veil against his cheek. “Thank you, Dad. I love you.”

  His green eyes glassed over. “I love you too.”

  He placed my other hand in Collins.

  “I got you, babe.”

  My heart melted for Collin all over again. He didn’t miss a beat. His love was so genuine.

  Chrissy approached and dabbed my face with a Kleenex under the veil. Then our ceremony began. My eyes never wavered from Collin’s.

  “You may now kiss the bride,” the pastor announced.

  A single tear slid down Collin’s cheek as he slipped the veil over my head.

  He clutched my face and stared into my brown eyes. “You are everything I didn’t know I wanted, needed, and so much more.” His lips encased mine.

  The flutters of the butterflies circled in my tummy. Gripping his lapels, my tongue slipped past his lips, deepening our kiss. Clapping erupted from our guests.

  ~

  Playing a classic Irish song on the bagpipes, Collin’s uncle strolled across the lawn wearing a Celtic kilt. Collin and I walked behind him, waving at our guests, standing on the lawn, holding wine glasses. My dad’s house sat on a large piece of land. It was the perfect place for our wedding reception. The moment the song ended, Collin’s aunt Fiada and several cousins surrounded us, clutching their glasses.

  “Everyone gather around,” Fiada stated. Her long vibrant hair cascaded over her shoulder.

  My maid of honor slipped through the crowd wearing a wide grin. I couldn’t remember the last time I’d seen Chrissy smile so much. She placed a glass of mead in my hand, then Collin’s.

  I swallowed past what felt like cotton in my throat. I’d just learned the toast last night.

  Holding our glasses high, we recited:

  "Friends and relatives, so fond and dear, 'tis our greatest pleasure to have you here. When many years this day has passed, fondest memori
es will always last. So we drink a cup of Irish mead and ask God's blessing in our hour of need."

  Collin’s family recited: "On this special day, our wish to you, the goodness of the old, the best of the new. God bless you both who drink this mead, may it always fill your every need."

  The guests cheered. Our local DJ began playing my favorite song. Long tables with white linen graced the lawn alongside the dance floor Collin had built. Several of our family and friends filled the dance floor.

  Fiada grinned from ear to ear, sipping her wine. “I am so happy you are a part of the family now. Too bad my stubborn brother wouldn’t attend his only son’s wedding.”

  Collin’s hand swept over my stomach. “It’s ok. I am happy you’re here.” He leaned down and kissed her forehead.

  “And what about me? Are you happy I am here?” I heard from behind.

  We turned to the voice.

  “Mom, you came.” Collin hugged her tight.

  “Yes, I’m here. I couldn’t miss my only son get married to his beautiful bride.”

  He stepped back, all smiles.

  Was she serious? We barely talked over the last few months. I stepped closer and hugged her. “Happy you could make it.”

  I pulled back and her eyes fell over my stomach.

  “Look at you. That baby bump is growing. When are you due?”

  “November twenty-third.”

  Her lips tightened. “So Collin was right, you weren’t pregnant before you arrived in Los Angeles.”

  “That he was.”

  Fiada stepped between us. “Kara, I’ll take my sister-in-law off your hands,” she winked.

  I kissed her cheek. I loved his aunt. She was a firecracker. Maybe I reminded Collin of her. She was more of a positive mother figure than his mother was. Doris should have put her foot down and told her husband he couldn’t treat their son like shit. He was such an asshole. Happy he didn’t show his face at my wedding.

  Collin pulled me close and his lips swept mine. “You’re finally, Mrs. Daughtry.”

  I smiled so wide my cheeks hurt. “Yes, I am, Mr. Daughtry.”

  “Collin and Kara, congratulations,” Bryce shouted as he approached.

  He embraced me.

  “Thank you.” I squeezed him tight.

  “All right, that’s enough of the hugging.” Collin gently pushed Bryce back.

  “Kara, your sassy maid of honor...” His eyes found her body moving to the beat on the dance floor. Bryce licked his lips.

  “…do you think I have a chance with your friend?”

  My brows rose. “I’m not sure. She’s downright meaner than me most of the time.”

  He rubbed his hands together in a sneaky way. “I guess I’ll have to find out.”

  I shook my head as he walked away.

  “He’s never experienced rejection. This should be interesting?” Collin rubbed his brow.

  My eyes fell over the crowd. “Where’s Harry?”

  “He’s here working. Keeping you safe. Happy Peter left town after the restraining order was filed.”

  “Collin, I felt terrible. I ran him from his home.”

  “No, you didn’t, Kara. He had no right, kissing you a second or third time. After the first time you shut him down, that should have been enough. We needed to nip it in the bud.”

  “Deep down, I know you’re right. But I also asked you to control your temper.” My fingers slipped over his faint bruised knuckles.

  I remembered the night so vividly.

  The shop door bell rang. “We’re closed.” I continued pounding away at the keys.

  My dad didn’t ask for my help, but I inputted the appointments on the computer calendar for the rest of the year, anyway.

  “Kara, how could you?”

  My eyes darted to Peter. His eyes darkened as he approached the counter.

  My heart lurched. “Collin was concerned. He thought you might harm me.”

  He stepped closer and stretched out his hand. I jerked back.

  “I could never hurt you, Kara. You have to call off the wedding. He’s no good for you. He doesn’t know you like I do.”

  “Peter, sometimes you scare me.” I rubbed my belly.

  “I have to protect the child growing inside me.”

  His face turned beet red and his chest rose and fell. “You’re having his baby,” he growled.

  “How could you violate us like that?” his eyes saddened.

  I shook my head. “Peter, you’re not thinking straight. You need to leave.”

  “I love you, Kara.”

  There was like a fog over his eyes. I’d never seen him like that.

  “I’m leaving for now. Going to stay with my grandmother in Fairbanks. I can’t stand all the judgmental eyes on me in Talkeetna.”

  “Maybe you should see a therapist while you’re there. You need help, Peter. This isn’t normal. I’ve told you several times I don’t want to be with you. I’m getting married to another man.”

  In a blink of an eye, he moved, clutching my wrist. “I’ll be back, Kara. Our love is forever.”

  “No, you won’t.” I heard beside me.

  Collin reached over the counter and grabbed Peter’s short hair. “Remove your fucking hand from my fiancée’s wrist.”

  Peter didn’t budge. Collin slammed his fist into his nose. His hand released me, and he fell into the map display. Collin rounded the counter quick, grabbing Peter by the front of his shirt.

  He peeked over his shoulder. “Lock up and go home, baby.”

  “Collin, he said he’s leaving. Just see him out of town.”

  Collin’s curls fell in his face as he dragged Peter toward the door. “Will do, sweetheart. Harry’s waiting for you in the truck.” His back fell against the door and he pulled Peter out of the shop.

  I shut down the computer, then scurried across the shop and straightened the map display.

  “You won’t ever learn, will you?” I heard Collin yell in a whisper.

  I flipped off the lights, then locked the door. Harry leaned against the back of my truck. My entire body shook. I was terrified for Peter and Collin. My man’s temper was brutal. He could kill Peter during his bout of rage. I stepped to the front of Collin’s Yukon. He held Peter by his shirt, pounding his fist into his face.

  “Collin, please stop.”

  Luckily our shop was at the end of the block so we didn’t have any wandering eyes passing.

  Blood poured out of Peter’s mouth.

  Collin paused, fist midair. “Harry, get her out of here.”

  I stepped back. “No, I’m going with you. We’ll drive Peter to Fairbanks. I won’t let you kill him, Collin.” My fists curled at my side.

  “I almost forgot how feisty you are.” Collin grinned.

  He dropped Peter against the ground like a rag doll. “Fine.” Collin stood over me like a giant and crushed my lips. Hate to say, I was a bit turned on by violent Collin. He wasn’t the man in the suits that night. He wore a T-shirt, shorts, and sneakers. My pussy ached for brutal, rugged Collin.

  I slipped out of his grasp, rushed to the back of my truck, and grabbed my first aid kit and a blanket.

  “Collin, I’ll follow you.” Harry jumped behind the wheel of my truck.

  Collin opened the back-passenger door of his truck, threw Peter inside, and zip tied his hands. He stalked to the other side of the truck and helped me into the back seat. I buckled me and Peter’s seat belts, then tended to his superficial wounds.

  Peter’s lips curled upward as I blotted his bruised face with an alcohol gauze.

  “It was worth it.”

  My brow wrinkled. “What was?”

  “Pissing your boyfriend off so I could sit close to you,” he whispered.

  My eyes darted to Collin. He didn’t hear what Peter said. Thank goodness or Collin would have snapped his neck.

  “Kara, how do you adjust to the long stints of daylight?”

  “I just do. It’s what I’m used to. That’s
why it was better for us to live here in the winter. You wouldn’t have to adjust to eighteen hours of daylight.”

  “Good point. But I’d like to embrace it all.”

  A smile curled my lips. After tending to Peter’s wounds, I scooted closer to the door.

  “Everything all right back there, Kara?”

  My hands and body stopped shaking. “Yes.”

  “Are you hungry, baby?”

  “We were supposed to have a quiet dinner at home.”

  “Babe, I told you he’d show up.” Collin winked through the rearview mirror.

  “You baited me? Smart, asshole.”

  “Hey, dude. I was tired of you hanging around every corner, stalking my woman. I brought my bodyguard from L.A. to watch over Kara and to watch your ass. He learned your schedule. And boy, are you obsessed with my fiancée. Don’t you want to know how we’re on our way to grandma’s house without you giving us directions?”

  Peter shook his head. “You’re a rich boy from a big city. It doesn’t take a genius to figure out how you found out where she lives.”

  “If I catch your ass back in Talkeetna, I will kill you,” Collin growled.

  My hands shook again. “Collin, can you stop at a gas station? I’d like snacks to tide me over for the next four hours.”

  “Sure.”

  The moment Collin hopped out the truck, I turned to Peter. “Get over your obsession with me. I’m warning you.” My eyes narrowed.

  “If you ever return to Talkeetna to fuck with me, you won’t have to worry about Collin. I’ll be the one holding the double barrel shotgun pointed in your face.”

  Sadness fell over his pale features. “You wouldn’t?”

  “Oh, yes, I will. I’m tired of being harassed by you. I hate you couldn’t just walk away. Collin and I are bringing our child into this world soon. He or she is our only focus.”

  He dropped his head. “I can’t believe you allowed him to take your virginity and impregnate you.”

  A shiver shot up my spine. “How did you know I was a virgin? Guys talk in our small town. Besides, Eric has a big mouth. He told me and Garrett a few years back you were still a virgin.”

  I planned to tear my best friend a new asshole.