“You’re wrong. I’m thinking about you right now.”
“No. You’re thinking about you.”
Meg felt a strange sort of déjà vu envelop her. Hadn’t she had this conversation before, but in a different context? With her mother. Years ago.
Meg shook her head. “I want to leave. Now.”
Kent regarded her for half a minute as if deciding his next course of action. Finally, he shrugged. “Sorry, but I can’t take you home.” His voice was just above a whisper. “You’re going to have to spend the night with me regardless.”
“What?” She blinked in disbelief.
He raked a hand through his blond hair. “I drank too much to get behind the wheel of my car. I can’t afford another DUI. I’ll lose my license. I’ll lose my job. And then I’ll never get my kids back.”
She understood, even respected, the fact he refused to drive while under the influence. But she noticed that it was still all about him.
“Come on, Meg.” He set his hands on his hips. “Why do you think I insisted we walk to the restaurant and back? It was just a given you’d stay.”
“Stupid me. Here I thought you wanted to walk because the rain stopped and it’s a gorgeous, brisk November night.”
His broad shoulders rolled with a laugh. He glanced at the white carpet, then at her once more. Stepping around the couch, he reached out and allowed his finger to trace her cheek before Meg moved to a safer distance.
His arm fell to his side. “You’re serious about all this ‘real’ nonsense, and promises, and the gorgeous, brisk November night, aren’t you?”
“Dead serious. Laugh at me all you want to, I don’t give a rip.” She didn’t, either. Her mind was fixed on figuring out how on earth she’d get home from Lexington.
“I’m not laughing, Meg. Not at you, anyway. Your ideals are both commendable and refreshing.” His gaze honed in on her. “I can honestly say I’ve never met anyone quite like you. You’re the real deal, that’s for sure. Vance Bayer’s a lucky guy.”
Vance. No, she couldn’t call him. He had Cammy to think about and could hardly drop whatever he was doing now, at midnight, and make the forty-five-minute drive to come and get her.
“Years from now, he’ll never have to lie awake at night, wondering if you’d been faithful.”
“That’s sort of the idea behind a real and committed relationship, Kent.” Meg’s temples began to throb. She couldn’t call Leah, either. Dave was in town, staying in the Lawtons’ guest room, and Leah’s folks would never understand if their daughter had to take off suddenly and pick up her friend who’d made a series of unwise choices and stranded herself in the drunken gym teacher’s condo in Lexington.
Meg suddenly realized she was in the worst possible situation a woman could ever find herself facing. She hadn’t sensed any danger. She had felt that Kent was harmless, that she could adequately defend herself if necessary. But what if he had been more determined? The outcome might have been disastrous.
She instantly regretted letting her guard slip and giving Kent a chance. Hadn’t she sensed all along that he was untrustworthy? She should have obeyed her instincts about him.
He left the room and returned minutes later with one of his T-shirts. It had the words Minnesota Vikings printed across the front. He handed it to her, then pointed toward his kids’ never-before-used bedroom. “You can sleep there, but if you change your mind—”
“I won’t.”
“Didn’t think so.”
“And I’m not staying over, Kent.” She tossed back his shirt and began digging through her small purse for her cell phone. She’d have to call Grams. If nothing else, Grams would help her think of a respectable solution. After all, she couldn’t very well ride into Stanford in Kent’s Corvette at eight in the morning on Thanksgiving Day when her car had been parked in Fairview’s lot all night long. Someone, somewhere was sure to see it, and she could only imagine the gossip that would follow.
Now, where was that phone?
She dumped her purse’s contents out onto the narrow, glass-top table behind Kent’s sofa and rummaged through the items. It was only then that she remembered: She’d dropped the phone into her school bag—which was in the backseat of her car.
Shoot!
Kent had ambled down the short hallway and into his bedroom.
“Hey, can I use your phone?”
“Sure. My cell’s in here. Come and get it.”
“Yeah, in your dreams, buddy.”
He chuckled.
She clenched her jaw, seeing nothing amusing about the situation. She felt suddenly trapped, her back against the wall. Lolling her head back, she stared up at the stark, white ceiling.
Then she closed her eyes. Lord, what do I do now?
Chapter Twenty-six
Vance finished his umpteenth cup of coffee, feeling glad he’d arranged for Cammy to stay with Debbie tonight. At first his little girl had been disappointed about missing Meg’s surprise birthday party, but after Vance explained that he planned to settle the differences between him and Meg tonight, she was quick to agree to spend the night at her aunt’s.
Vance combed his fingers through his hair. Things just couldn’t go on this way, Meg not speaking to him, giving him the cold shoulder. He was half out of his mind. He loved her, and he planned to tell her so. He’d also share the news of what happened with Cammy at her consultation today. That’d be the icebreaker.
Now if she’d just come home.
Suddenly every clock in the Jorgenson home sounded, giving Vance more of a jolt than the coffee he’d just drunk. His gaze flew to the mantel clock. Midnight.
“I’m sure Meg will be here any minute now.”
Vance nodded at Mrs. Jorgenson while quelling the skepticism that threatened deep inside of him. He trusted Meg completely, but he trusted that macho gym teacher about as far as he could throw him. Which he’d enjoy doing right about now. “I hope you don’t mind my hanging around until Meg gets here.”
“Of course I don’t.” She pressed her lips together as she worked her needle and thread in and out of the quilted fabric on her lap. “I’m just sorry tonight was such a catastrophe.”
That it was. Vance couldn’t argue.
He stood and walked to the kitchen, where he poured himself another cup of coffee. Then he meandered onto the screen porch. The air had a chill to it. He brought the ceramic mug to his lips and tried not to speculate as to what was going on inside Meg’s head when she climbed into Baldwin’s sports car. He only hoped and prayed she was all right.
He stayed outside until he’d finished drinking his brew. He couldn’t handle an ounce more or he’d stay awake until Sunday. As he slid open the patio doors and entered the kitchen, the phone rang. His heart jumped, and he quickened his steps into the living room where Mrs. Jorgenson had lifted the telephone receiver to her ear.
“Meg, where are you?”
Vance’s entire body tensed. He held his breath. Wasn’t she coming home?
“Oh, my. I see. . .you forgot your cell phone. . .”
Vance rolled his eyes. That explained a lot.
“Oh, yes, you did the right thing. It’s not too late to call. . .” Her blue eyes flicked to Vance. “We’ll come and get you right away. It’s no trouble.”
He understood the collective “we.”
“Where is she?” He whispered the question.
Mrs. Jorgenson lifted a forefinger as if telling him to be patient. “Now, let me get this straight, hon. You’re at the Denny’s, across from the Fayette Mall. . .”
Vance felt his gaze widen in surprise. He knew where the mall was located. He’d find the restaurant easy enough. But what was she doing way over there?
“Stay put and stay safe. We’ll be there as soon as we can.” Mrs. Jorgenson hung up and turned to Vance. “Seems she went out to dinner with Kent and he drank too much—can’t drive her home.”
Vance’s world reeled as he imagined what might have happened if the gu
y had gotten behind the wheel of his sports car. Losing Meg in another senseless drunk driving tragedy? Unthinkable.
“To Kent’s credit, he refused to get behind the wheel in his state, and Meg, of course, refused to spend the night at his place. So she’s in need of a ride home.”
Vance extracted his keys from his jeans pocket. “I’m on my way.”
Meg sipped her coffee, trying to quell the jackhammer in her head. It seemed that all the tension of the last week, combined with tonight’s fiasco, converged to result in one fine headache.
She massaged her temples while keeping watch out the window for either Grams’ or Tom’s car. When Grams had said, “we’ll be there,” Meg presumed Tom would be with her. At least, Meg hoped that was the case; she disliked the thought of Grams driving all this way by herself in the dark.
What a mess this whole night turned out to be.
She took another sip of coffee and looked at the door in time to see Vance walk in. She felt herself stiffen. What was he doing here? Where was Cammy? Was she in the hospital?
Before Meg could slide out of the green vinyl booth, he scooted in beside her.
“Is Cammy all right?”
He appeared puzzled by the question. “She’s fine. She’s with my sister tonight.”
“She’s not sick? The school office said she had a doctor’s appointment. I’ve been worried all day.”
Vance’s featured relaxed. “We’ll talk about Cammy’s doctor’s visit later.” He considered her, searching her face while rubbing his thumb and fingers along the sides of his beard. “But first, would you mind telling me just what you were thinking tonight when you left Fairview with Kent Baldwin?”
“What do you mean? It was—well, it was my birthday and since it didn’t appear I had anything to do, and no one to spend it with, he offered to take me out to celebrate.”
“Hmm.”
“Nothing happened, Vance. We’re just friends.” She paused. “Were. We were friends. The guy’s a total jerk.” Meg massaged her temples. “Got any aspirin?”
“Might be a bottle out in the truck. Don’t tell me you’re nursing a hangover already.”
“Not even close.” She took another drink of coffee. “So how is it that you came to pick me up, anyway?”
“I’m a little hurt you called your grandma first and not me.”
“I thought Cammy was sick, and I knew you couldn’t just up and leave her.”
“Well, that’s true, but—” Vance shifted and draped one arm around her shoulders. “I’d try to move heaven and earth for you, Meg.”
She could see in his eyes that he meant every word. An instant later, she regretted the circumstances that kept them apart for the last several days. Placing her hands on either side of his face, she kissed him long and deep.
“Happy birthday.”
“Thanks, but it’s been a rotten day.”
“Well, it didn’t have to be. It just so happens that your grandmother had a surprise party all planned with food and cake and a houseful of folks. Only problem was, the birthday girl never showed up.”
Meg felt her heart drop. “No way.”
Vance nodded.
“I didn’t think anyone remembered.”
“Oh, we remembered. All your friends were there, including Leah and Dave.” Vance smiled. “Seems like a nice guy.”
Meg felt completely crestfallen.
“Your dad, stepmom, brother, and sister came, too, but they left just as soon as your mother arrived. Most folks did, actually.”
“What?” Meg blinked and her heart missed a beat. “My mother? She’s in town? Grams invited her?”
“No, she crashed the party, and I can honestly say, Meg, that you and your mama are as different as the night is to the day. I saw it firsthand. Everyone did.”
But Meg was still recovering from her shock. “Mom’s in town.”
Vance hugged her around the shoulders. “You’ll never have to worry about anyone comparing you to her again.”
Meg felt grateful for that much. “Things really do happen for a reason, don’t they?” Word would get around, and everyone would soon know that Meg Jorgenson wasn’t about to follow in her mother’s footsteps.
“Well, it seems your mother’s bought you a plane ticket home as a birthday gift.”
“Home? But I am home!”
Vance removed his arm and regarded Meg with a pointed gaze. “She said she doesn’t want you falling in love with some Kentucky hillbilly.”
“Too late.” Meg couldn’t help teasing him.
Vance smiled.
“I do love you, Vance.” Meg slipped her hand into his. “I never realized it more than I did tonight. We’ve got something very special between us. Something rare and precious. Something real.”
Softness entered his hazel eyes, and his expression turned somber. “You’re right. We do. And—” He gave her hand a squeeze. “I love you more than I can say, Meg.” Leaning forward, he pressed a kiss on her lips.
“You really love me?”
“Can’t you tell?”
“I’ll never replace Angie.”
“You don’t have to.” Vance lowered his gaze for a moment and seemed to gather his thoughts. “I realized that what’s between us, Meg, can become every bit as wonderful and powerful as my relationship with Angie was, and yet it’s different, because you and Angie are different people. And that’s okay.”
Meg smiled. “You just gave me the most perfect birthday present ever.”
“Well, that’s not all I have for you.” Vance grinned, and there was a twinkle in his eyes. He threw a couple of bucks onto the table. “Come on, let’s get out of here.” He pulled her from the booth. “I want to tell you all about Cammy’s doctor’s appointment on the way home. Talk about a miracle.”
With the turkey stuffed and seasoned, Loretta slid the roasting pan into the oven. No telling what the day would bring, what with Tricia being in town.
She stifled a yawn. Meg and Vance had literally stayed awake all night, sitting in the living room and talking. From her bedroom, Loretta had heard bits and pieces, although she tried not to eavesdrop. But a body couldn’t help it in this small house.
She smiled and closed the oven door. They loved each other. Why, the fact was plain as day and had been for some time. And Meggie said she had no intentions of going anywhere with her mother. Said that this morning when Loretta made a pot of coffee. Miracle was her home.
The back door creaked open and then banged shut. Tom ambled into the kitchen.
“G’morning, Retta.” He eyed her with a frown of concern adding yet another crinkle to his face. “You look tired. Didn’t you sleep well?”
She wiped her hands on her apron. “I slept in short intervals.” She smiled. “Vance and Meggie decided to make up for lost time and chattered the night away. They did their best to be quiet, but every so often I’d hear a laugh or footsteps in the hallway, and I’d wake up.” Loretta poured Tom a cup of coffee. “But that’s all right. I really didn’t mind one single bit.”
“And you’re still thinking of a big Thanksgiving Day meal?”
“Well, yes, but later. Paul and Ryan are hunting, and Lord only knows what’ll happen with Tricia. Meggie met her for breakfast this morning. I hope she’s got her wits about her. That girl’s been up all night, and that mother of hers has tricks up her sleeve.”
Tom took a noisy slurp before folding his lanky frame into one of the kitchen chairs. “So you think she’ll convince Meg to leave town like she said?”
“Not a chance. But it’s possible Meg will invite her here for Thanksgiving dinner. She didn’t want her mother to spend the holiday alone, so when she mentioned asking her mother over, I told her there’s room at the table. And stop scowling at me, you ol’ goat. What else could I say?”
Tom seemed to think it over while sucking down more of his coffee. “Well, maybe Tricia won’t come.”
“Maybe. But if she does, then Paul and Donna won’t sh
ow. But Ryan and Kelly promised to come. They’re not intimidated by Tricia and they love Meg. Speaking of loving Meg, Vance and Cammy will be here. So will Vance’s sister and her boyfriend. And last night Leah and Dave said they’d come by later for pie. Leah’s folks are stopping by, too.”
Tom laughed.
“What’s so funny?” Loretta placed her hands on her hips. She raised a stern brow. “Stop your sniveling.”
“I can’t help it.” His bony shoulders shook with each chortle. “One way or the other, Retta, you’ll have this house all filled up with folks, just like you wanted. One way or the other.”
Just a few breakfast stragglers milled around the lobby of the hotel in which Mom was staying. She hadn’t wanted to go out to eat, even though Meg offered to treat. Mom just wanted coffee, so Meg helped herself to the continental fare.
Meg sipped from her glass of orange juice and looked across the table at her mother. “It’s Thanksgiving Day. I told Grams I’d invite you to dinner. She said it’s fine. Can’t you forget your animosity long enough to at least enjoy the holiday? Just this once?”
“Why’s it so important to you?” Mom cleared the morning cragginess from her throat. “It’s really just another day. Holidays were never a big deal for us.”
“I know.” Meg took to studying her glass of juice. “Maybe that’s why they’re important to me now.” She glanced back at her mother. “I’ve really gotten into the whole family thing.”
“It’s a phase.” A knowing look entered her blue-green eyes. “I went through it, too, but it’ll pass. Just remember: family ties are the ones that bind and gag.”
“I beg to differ.”
“Beg all you want. It’s true.” Mom sipped from her coffee cup. “And if you marry that guy I met last night, you’ll regret it.”
“Vance?”
“Whatever.”
“Mom, I love him, and he’s got the sweetest, brightest daughter. She’s eight years old.” Meg thought of what Vance told her last night. The news still thrilled her.
Love Finds You in Miracle, Kentucky Page 25