The quick development of their relationship worried Rand. In her heart, she knew he was the one for her. She loved him, whether it had been three weeks or three years. But she couldn’t stay around waiting to see if or when he’d choose her.
She took another bite of ice cream. The sweet, cold chocolate slid down her throat, slightly easing the tension.
Marian didn’t want to bounce back and forth like a Ping-Pong ball between him wanting her for a lover and then not. Seeing him every day, making love to him and knowing his struggle, was too difficult. She’d almost died this afternoon. It had woken her up. It was time for her to take firm control of her future and not wait for someone else to do it for her.
Tomorrow, she’d fly to New York and give her notice. Then she’d go home. She wanted to have her mother’s arms around her, to sleep in her old bed, to be comforted by her family. Her near-death experience had changed Marian’s outlook and had shaken her world. At home she’d think about what changes to make in her life.
Chapter Eleven
“You are certain this is what you want to do?” Chelsea asked for the umpteenth time. “And you’re not even going to let him know?”
Marian took her eyes off the passing scenery. Chelsea had agreed to drive her to the airport.
“We’ve gone over this. If I tell him, he’ll convince me to stay. But he’s too uncertain of his feelings. I don’t blame him. He just ended his engagement, he has a new job, there’s a lot on his mind.
“We met at the wrong time. I want permanence. He wants his freedom and to have fun. Neither is wrong, if both the people involved want the same thing.”
“I’m going to miss you. You cut your visit short, and I have an idea you won’t be back for a long time.”
“You know I’ll come when the babies are born. I can’t wait to meet them. You’ll need help then, too.”
Chelsea pulled into a parking space. “You promise?”
“I do. Don’t get out. I can take care of my bags. The one has wheels, and the other isn’t that heavy.” Marian gave Chelsea a hug and got her suitcases from the trunk. She waved as she headed inside the terminal.
She’d made reservations by phone. There was a long hour before her flight. After checking her bags, she wandered through the terminal. She found a shop selling papers and books and bought a paper to read on the plane.
At a small eatery, she tried to eat a sandwich. She got half of it down past the lump in her throat. Marian hoped she’d made the right decision. It was too late to question herself now. If he loved her, he’d still be around when she came back. If he found someone else, she and Rand weren’t to be.
As they called her flight number her cell rang. It was Rand. He was calling as promised. But it wasn’t the promise she needed. With a heavy heart, she turned off her cell and entered the plane.
* * * *
A recording answered, telling him to leave a message. She must be at Chelsea’s or out riding. Rand closed his cell and went to call his next patient. He’d try her again, later.
Patients kept him busy, and he had three home visits to make. The day flew by. At five, he realized he hadn’t called Marian back. Before driving off from his last visit, he got in his car and dialed her number.
The same recording, to leave a number or message. That was strange. Rand called Chelsea.
“Hi, I’ve tried to reach Marian twice today. Is she with you?”
There was a long hesitation. “Didn’t she leave you a message?”
Rand chuckled. “If she did, I wouldn’t have to call you.”
“I hate her for leaving this on me. Well, not really. But I’m angry at her.”
“Leaving what on you?” Rand’s throat tightened. He was pretty sure he didn’t want to hear her answer.
“Marian left this morning for New York. She cut her visit short. I think she’ll be calling you later to explain.”
“Did her boss call her back?”
“No.”
“I see.”
“Rand, don’t come to any conclusions until you talk with her.”
“I think her silence says it all.”
If someone had hit him in the chest with a board, it wouldn’t hurt any more. She’d left without a word. He started the car and stopped at the convenience store on a road headed to his new property. He bought a six-pack of beer. No “on call” tonight.
His truck ran smoothly over the paved road onto his property. He grabbed the blanket he’d hoped to use tonight when he made love to Marian in the moonlight. He took his six-pack and headed toward the stream and the trees.
After the third beer, he zipped up his jacket. He was cold. Cold and lonely, with no one to warm him. The memory of their night together in the sleeping bag haunted him. His mind tricked him. For a second he smelled her, and her soft body seemed to brush against his hand.
He’d get over her. It was just for fun. He’d kept telling her that until she believed him. He clasped his head in his hands. Had he made the worst decision of his life? Obviously, he wasn’t very good at relationships. He’d stayed engaged for three years to a woman he didn’t love because it was comfortable. And when what he was looking for came right to his door, he ran for fear of losing his independence.
A car turned down the road toward him. He recognized Andy’s vehicle. Andy spotted him and strolled in his direction.
“Can I have one of those beers?”
“You came a long way for a drink.” Rand handed him the beer.
“I had to find my best buddy.” He sat on the ground facing Rand. “Want to talk?”
“Marian left. No message. She just got on the plane and flew off.” Andy started to speak. “Don’t. I might punch you. I’m itching to hit something.”
“All right. Show me around this place and tell me where the cabin is going.” Andy stood.
Rand joined him and pointed out the boundaries where the cabin would be situated and face the stream, talked about the porches on three sides, and then stared silently at the dark night.
“I’ll drive you back. We’ll get your car tomorrow.”
Rand let Andy lead him to his car. Then Andy locked Rand’s up. The drive back was quiet.
When they stopped outside the apartment, Andy shut off the engine and turned to Rand. “I promise not to advise you ever again. I made a big mistake. For me, playing the field is fun. I keep it light. You can’t. And if I’ve made you lose someone important, feel free to punch me. I think it’d make me feel better.”
“Forget it.” Rand got out and went upstairs, straight to his bedroom. He sat half the night waiting for the call that didn’t come.
Three days later, her letter arrived. Rand had finished seeing his morning patients and stopped at his mailbox before going to his apartment for lunch. Her scent wafted on the breeze to his nose.
He walked slowly up the stairs. Might as well get it over and done. She hadn’t put a return address on the envelope. He ripped it open. Rand recognized her neat, concise writing.
Dear Rand, I hope you will read this and not tear it up. I’m sorry about not calling, but my determination was weak. I didn’t have the strength to hear your voice and have you try to change my mind.
You were right. We are at different places in our lives. I want a home and family, with all the trimmings. You’re ready to be free and play. Nothing’s wrong with that, but I couldn’t be the playmate. Not anymore. It hurt too much.
I’m going to change my life, do something totally different. I’m not sure what yet.
I wish you happiness and success in your career.
Marian
She’d been braver than him. He’d fought back and forth with his feelings. He’d let the joy she gave him scare him away. But she’d be back. Chelsea’s babies were due in about five months. This time he’d be ready for Marian. He’d know his answers.
* * * *
His weeks were busy, but time still went by slowly. Marian had been gone six weeks. They hadn’t had contact si
nce her letter. Rand had the weekend off but wished he was working. Andy had gone out on call. Rand wandered around the small apartment.
He’d ride to his property and look at his cabin. The contractor said they’d be done in a week. On the way, he’d visit his brother Graham.
Graham had built his home toward the back of his land. It was smaller than Dirk’s. As Graham had said, it was all he needed. If he needed more, he’d add on. The comment was so like his brother. He’d been the loner from the day he was born. He had entertained himself with books, building projects, or riding his horse. He liked sports, and he was usually on the winning side. But it took a lot of encouragement from his brothers to get Graham to join them.
Rand knocked and waited. He heard Graham stirring and then saw him sauntering toward the front door.
“Well, to what do I owe this visit?” Graham grinned and unhooked the screen.
“I thought you might like to get out of here. I bought some property recently, and I’m going to check on the cabin I’m having built. Want to ride along?”
“Are you buying breakfast?”
“Is that the price of your company?”
“Yep, I don’t come cheap.”
Rand laughed. His face muscles felt stiff. He hadn’t smiled or laughed much since Marian had left.
“Sure. I guess I need to eat, too.”
“Let me grab my hat. We’re going to Millie’s place, aren’t we?”
“Best place in town. As you said, you don’t come cheap.” Rand heard Graham chuckling as he walked off. He’d often wondered what haunted Graham. Since he’d returned from his overseas travels, he’d become more of a recluse. He wouldn’t talk, not even if you asked him. Graham was a no-comment man unless he was ready.
Millie greeted them at the door. “My, my, two of my favorite cowboys done come to see me.”
“You say that to all the men,” Rand teased. Millie was short, with a round face surrounded by snow-white hair. Rand didn’t remember it any other color. She was a good cook and always cheerful. Her café did a good business, especially on the weekends.
She led them to a back booth and brought two cups of steaming black coffee. “I’ll be back for your order.”
Graham sipped his coffee. “What brought you in my direction?”
“Couldn’t I just be missing my brother?”
“Maybe. But your face looks haggard, and I’ve heard rumors your lady left town in a hurry.”
“Damn that gossip line.”
“Now I may have to hit you if you’re insinuating I’ve been listening to gossip. Mom’s worried about you.”
Millie came back before he could answer. She took their orders and hurried off.
“When have you seen Mom?”
“She visits every few days or I go by to see her.”
“I’m glad you bought the property next to the home place. One of us needed to be close to her. Not that any of us seem to stay gone. We’ve all, except Clay and Grace, come back,” Rand said and grinned.
“You surprised me the most,” Graham said. “And you broke off your engagement to a beautiful woman.”
“We weren’t suited.”
“It took you three years to see that? I could have told you after the first meeting.”
“What?”
“I’m a writer. I study people. Always have.”
Rand sat back. “Well, I’ll be damned.”
“Here you are, boys.” Millie sat hot, steaming plates full of sausages, eggs, grits, biscuits, and another smaller plate of pancakes in front of them. “If that don’t fill you up, you’d better see the doctor.” She walked away laughing at her own joke.
“She makes this place. When she’s gone it won’t be the same,” Rand said. He faced Graham across the table. “Tell me how you knew.”
“Eat. My food is hot. The way I like it.” Graham poured a layer of syrup on his pancakes and, ignoring Rand, started eating.
It didn’t take long to polish off the food and several cups of coffee. Graham took the bill.
“My treat,” he said. “You pulled me out of my dark hole and drove me here.”
“What dark hole?” Rand asked as they walked to the car.
“I’m stumped with my story. And I needed the company.” Graham opened the car door and got in.
When Rand got inside, he stared at Graham and glanced around them.
“What are you looking at?” Graham asked.
“I thought the world must be coming to an end for my brother to admit he needed company.”
“Very funny. Shut up and drive.”
More relaxed than he’d been in weeks, Rand headed out of town. “Mom had told me you’d bought some property,” Graham admitted.
“She did? Were you surprised?”
“Nope.”
Rand shook his head. He might as well enjoy the drive. Graham was back to his usual short, to-the-point answers.
They walked around Rand’s land and inspected the cabin. “It’s small, but it will suffice, for now.” He showed Graham where the bigger house would be built in the summer. “This cabin will be a great place for visitors.”
“You expecting a rush of people to visit?”
“Maybe, sometime in the future.”
“I like the cabin and the land. When are you getting married?”
“What? I’m not settling down yet.” Or at least not until I talk with Marian. She haunts my dreams and my daylight hours.
“Word has it you aren’t dating at all.”
“Mom or the gossip line?”
Graham grinned. “The gossip line this time.” They both hooted with laughter.
Rand took a deep breath. “I needed that.”
“Glad to be of service. Take me home. I think I’m ready to write. And if I were a gambler, I’d bet you’ll be leaving town soon to see your lady.”
“But I haven’t known her very long,” Rand said, reminding himself again of the short time he’d known Marian.
“Damn, man. You were always so serious, checking everything. It’s good for a doctor but not necessarily for deciding your life. I’d bet it took you over a year of dating to propose the first time.”
“It did.”
Graham opened the car door. “Do what you want. I’m not your psychiatrist.” The old Graham had returned. Rand got in and started the car.
Back on the highway, he glanced at Graham. “You never talk about the job you had when the family all thought you were just exploring Europe.”
Graham jerked his head around and frowned at Rand. “How’d you know?”
“A good guess.”
“I leave the past in the past.”
“And that’s all you’re going to say.” Rand turned into the drive to Graham’s place. “Who’s the woman standing by that blue sedan?”
Graham didn’t answer at first. He was staring at the tall, willowy brunette dressed in a rose-colored suit.
“She’s part of the past.” When Rand stopped, Graham got out. “See you. Thanks for breakfast.”
Rand knew that was his cue to leave. In his rearview mirror, he saw the woman smile and step toward Graham.
Chapter Twelve
Marian had given her two-week notice at work. She took another week to pack up and move her and her stuff home to North Carolina.
Mom welcomed her with open arms. Her father kissed her cheek and said he’d missed her. Neither asked questions. Which was a relief. She didn’t think she could talk about Rand without crying.
She puttered around the house, helped her mother paint a bedroom, worked in the flower gardens, and visited all her siblings. Her nieces and nephews ran to her, grabbed her legs, and begged for games. It was good to be cuddled inside the loving arms of her family.
Rand hadn’t responded to her letter. If he even read it. She didn’t expect to hear from him. But deep inside, a tiny flame of hope refused to go out.
Her mom called out, “The phone’s for you, Marian. Mike has an offer.”
>
Puzzled, Marian picked up the extension. “Hi, Mike. What’s up?”
“My receptionist is sick. Can you fill in for the day or until she returns? I’d appreciate it.”
Marian hesitated. She knew her oldest brother had a soft spot in his heart for all his siblings, especially his two sisters. She suspected he was making a place for her. “You’re sure you didn’t just give her the day off?”
“No way.”
“I’ll be there in thirty minutes.” She’d dressed to go to the store for Mom, and the outfit she had on was fine for Mike’s office.
“You knew he was going to call,” she said to her mother.
“He mentioned wanting to find a job for you in someone’s office. You told him how much you’d enjoyed helping out while you were on vacation.”
“He says his receptionist is sick.”
“You know he wouldn’t lie about one of his staff. I’m sure the opportunity just opened up. Don’t be so suspicious. See how you like it. He may be a terrible taskmaster.”
“Mike? You’ve got to be kidding. He’s more softhearted than you, Sis, and me combined.”
“Go.” Her mom handed her car keys to Marian.
When Marian walked into the medical office, memories of Rand swamped her. Ignoring them, she stiffened her shoulders, smiled at the patients, and soon was immersed in the busy cardiology office.
* * * *
Seven weeks and counting, Marian thought as she left her brother’s office. Her temporary job had lasted longer than she’d expected.
The receptionist had to have emergency surgery but was expected back in another week. The job had helped keep her busy and her mind off of Rand. At least part of the day.
A cold wind flipped her coat apart at the bottom. Thanksgiving was next week, then Christmas, and then winter would have fully arrived.
She went in the back door of her parents’ house. She’d go freshen up before helping Mom with dinner.
“Marian, is that you? You have company.”
Cameron, Paige - The Alluring Billionaire Country Doctor [Wives For The Western Billionaires 6] (Siren Publishing Everlasting Classic) Page 10