Something in her sister’s words pushed at Sierra. “I’m sorry to be such a problem to you.”
“What on earth are you talking about?”
“If I could tell Jo or Claire, you wouldn’t need to come such a long way to be with me.”
“Oh, good grief.” Chelsea threw her hands in the air. “You think I resent it? Not in the least. I’m flattered you’ve allowed me in, even the little bit you have, and I had vacation days coming to me. But you can’t keep hiding. For one thing, Mom will know something’s up the minute she sees you.”
Chelsea was right about their mother. Why did this have to happen now, with Thanksgiving in the middle? What was there to be thankful for? Surely she’d think of something.
“Get your stuff together. We need to check out before eleven.” Chelsea stalked toward the bathroom door then turned and stared hard at Sierra. “You are feeling better, right? We don’t need to go back to the hospital?”
“I’m fine.”
“Well, you don’t need to bite my head off about it.”
Sierra tugged her pillow over her face. Now she was pushing her sister away, too. Who was left to stand in her court? “I’m calling Tyrell to invite him for Thanksgiving dinner.”
That brought Chelsea’s head around the bathroom door in a hurry. “You’re what?”
“Inviting Tyrell—”
“I heard you. I just didn’t believe you. Why on earth would you do that?”
“Because I might marry him.”
Chapter 26
Two cars with Oregon license plates parked beside the straw bale house stopped Gabe dead in his tracks halfway to the deck.
Why hadn’t he realized Sierra’s parents might be here for Thanksgiving? Why hadn’t Claire warned him? Somehow his brain hadn’t gotten farther than Chelsea, who only accounted for one of the beaver state plates.
Zach crossed the yard carrying Maddie as she rubbed sleep out of her eyes. “Rubachuk!”
“Nemesek.” Gabe met Zach’s fist with little enthusiasm. Even Maddie’s shy grin as she leaned into her daddy’s shoulder didn’t spark any warmth.
“What’s wrong?”
Gabe pointed at the cars. “Anything I should know?”
Zach’s eyebrows drew together in a frown for an instant. “Oh, man. I never put two and two together.”
Gabe knew he’d have to face Sierra’s dad sometime if he ever hoped to marry the man’s daughter. He’d figured on some privacy and a setting of his own choosing. Not at Thanksgiving with — he glanced over the assorted vehicles — at least two dozen people, some of whom he probably didn’t know.
He pivoted. “I’m not doing this.” If only things were sure between him and Sierra, he’d gladly face her father. But this? It was totally a mistake.
Zach grabbed his arm. “Don’t go. I want you here. So do a lot of other people in that house.”
Maddie reached for Gabe then pulled her hand back with a giggle.
“Even Maddie wants you to stay. To be thankful with friends.” He stressed that last word. “No one here means any harm to you, man. It’s just… yeah, it’s unfortunate timing. But let’s get it over with, okay? And if it’s really that bad, you can leave early. We’ll even send a plate of turkey along.”
Gabe took a deep breath. He’d been invited by Noel and Claire. As friends. Not as Sierra’s boyfriend. After the last ten chilly days, he had no clue if he’d dreamed the kisses, hugs, and whispered flirtations between them.
“Listen, Sierra’s dad is a nice guy. You’ll see.”
The urge to get back into his car and drive back to his lonely apartment nearly flattened him. He could cook up a box of Cora’s macaroni and cheese and eat it in the turquoise and gold haven Sierra had helped paint. So much like hers.
If he were still hungry, he could have some plain rice cakes for dessert. Live a little. Smear some of Sierra’s honey on top.
“Unc Abe?”
Gabe focused on the bouncing cherub in his best friend’s arms. The last vestiges of her nap had disappeared. He reached out as she flung herself toward him.
She was a delight. He squeezed her tight. As soon as he loosened his grip, she launched for Zach, who barely caught her in time. A second later she leaped back to Gabe.
How could he stay glum? How could he go back to hiding? Zach was right. His relationship with Sierra — or lack thereof — had nothing to do with Mr. Riehl.
He gave a curt nod and followed Zach into the house, Madelynn bouncing on his arm.
“Hey, man, there you are!” called Noel from the kitchen as Gabe set Maddie down and shrugged out of his coat. “I thought I’d have to do all this prep by myself.”
“As if!” Claire appeared behind the peninsula long enough to swat Noel with a tea towel.
Noel winked at Gabe. “She’s a slave driver.”
“And that’s a recommendation?” He headed toward the kitchen. This would be immeasurably easier than the great room where Sierra’s dad probably sat with a football game on. Though he couldn’t remember a TV set in there.
Gabe paused in the doorway to the kitchen. Noel and Claire peered into the oven built into the rock wall as the aroma of roasting turkey puffed out. His stomach grumbled. It definitely wouldn’t be satisfied with boxed pasta, organic or not.
Sierra dumped a bag of potatoes into the peninsula sink before she noticed him standing there. Something flickered in her eyes.
Pain? Remorse? He couldn’t be certain. He had an instant to react, but he was too late. She’d already shut him out.
“Hi, Gabe.”
“Hi, yourself. You look great today.” She did, and it wasn’t just that he’d missed feasting his eyes on her. A long pumpkin-colored top warmed her features. Or she was blushing. It might just be the temperature in the room.
“Thanks.” She rinsed garden dirt off the potatoes with the extended faucet, pointedly ignoring him.
With a near physical wrench, he pulled his gaze over to Noel, who set the turkey baster back on the island as Claire shut the oven door. “What do you need me to do?”
“Sierra could probably use a hand peeling potatoes.” Noel winked.
Gabe glanced her direction. Twin red dots rode high on her cheekbones. Noel’s suggestion was going over well.
“Maybe something else?” Gabe asked uncertainly.
Sierra flashed him a look.
So… he was supposed to persist? Or not? Honestly, women. Was she really worth this much agony?
She blinked back tears. Her lip trembled as she bent over the potatoes, her hair sliding forward to hide her features.
“There’s another peeler in the drawer to your right,” Claire said.
Okay, fine. He’d peel potatoes beside the most beautiful woman in the universe. The one he’d kissed and dreamed about. The one who’d coldly blocked him from her life without a speck of notice.
Not quite as immune as she’d like him to think, though.
Gabe reached for a potato and brushed Sierra’s hand. She jerked away as though he’d stabbed her. For all he knew, she reacted less to a bee sting.
He glanced around the room to see if anyone was in earshot before starting to peel. “I’ve missed you, Sierra,” he began in a low tone. “I’ve missed how vibrant you are. How impulsive.”
She stiffened beside him but continued to work.
“Man, I’ve even missed arguing with you.” He chuckled softly. “Remember when I first got back? We fought about everything.”
No response.
Gabe took a deep breath. “I’d give anything to know what you’re thinking. Why you won’t tell me what I did wrong. I’ve replayed everything, over and over. I know I’m not perfect, I really do, but what did I say? Can you never forgive me for it?”
“It’s not you.”
Had he really heard those quiet words? And if he had, what did they mean? His heart couldn’t help doing a little dance. She’d spoken to him. Given him a clue. A clue he had no idea how to follow up o
n. “Then what? What happened?”
Her shoulder lifted in the barest of shrugs, but her face remained curtained off behind her hair. It was all Gabe could do not to guide the locks behind her ears. Turn her toward him. Tip her face so she’d have to meet his gaze.
Hadn’t worked out so well for him the other day, had it? And that hadn’t been in front of a bunch of people.
“Sierra, talk to me. Please. You’re putting me through torture.” Maybe his voice got a little too loud on that one.
“I’m sorry. I really am.” Her voice shook. “So sorry.”
What could she possibly have done that was so horrible? “Let’s discuss it. It will be okay. I know it will.”
Unless — what if it were a much bigger deal than he’d guessed? What if… what if she were pregnant by Burke, for instance? No, he wouldn’t think such a thing. He had no evidence to support that line of thought.
“Is it Tyrell Burke?” The words slipped out before Gabe could censure them.
Sierra dropped her peeler into the sink and bolted from the kitchen.
Nice job, Rubachuk.
* * *
Sierra stuffed her feet into boots — hopefully hers — and charged across the yard to the duplex. Even the stinging cold didn’t keep her face from burning and her eyes from dumping gallons of tears down her cheeks.
She slipped into the blessed quietness of her little home, ran into her bedroom, and threw herself across her bed.
Why? Why? Why, dear God, why?
Why couldn’t she accept the love of a good man who patiently cared for her? Why did her stupid uterus have to act up now? Why not five years ago or three years in the future?
She’d seen Gabe enter the house carrying Maddie snuggled against his chest. Well, as snuggled as that child ever got, before she wiggled her way down and scampered into the great room.
Gabe craved a family of his own. Wanted kids so badly. There was no denying it when she watched him with Maddie.
Yeah, it was really hard for them both right now. He didn’t know pursuing her would lead to heartbreak for him down the road. She was a ticking time bomb. She’d have a hysterectomy before Christmas, and there would never be a chance to conceive.
The doctor had said the diagnosis wasn’t certain, but she knew. She’d always followed God. Loved Him and served Him, confident that He had her best in mind. That faith had laughed in her face before fleeing from her soul. How could God do this to her?
How could He do this to Gabe? But Gabe would get over her. He’d fall in love with another woman, like maybe Allison, and have the family he’d always wanted. It would be painful to watch, exquisitely agonizing. At least if she lived long enough to see it.
Sobs choked out of her. Tears soaked her pillow. Her hair was a mess, her makeup no doubt blotchy. It didn’t matter. She wasn’t going back over to the big house for dinner. No one could make her. Besides, she wasn’t even hungry.
“Sierra? What’s wrong, sweetie?”
How had she not heard her mother come into the duplex? She sent silent vibes to push her away, but instead felt the mattress dip as Mom sat down on the edge of it. A hand smoothed hair away from her face, just like in memories from her childhood.
Sierra cried harder. She couldn’t have stopped the barrage now if she tried. Sobs convulsed her until her throat was hoarse and her eyes burned from the passage of tears.
Through it all, that hand gently massaged her back and swept her face.
Hiccups took over.
The massage stopped, the mattress lifted, and a moment later Mom said, “Here, sweetie. A drink of water will help.”
Sierra took a few sips between hiccups then curled up on her side, her back to her mother. She stared dully at the dim glow the curtains made of her window.
“Tell me what’s wrong.”
It was a miracle Chelsea hadn’t blabbed, but Sierra had made her sister promise. Good to know she’d kept it, though part of Sierra wished she didn’t have to hold this in from everyone. Just for a few more days. Then, come what may, she’d tell.
“I love you, my girl. I wish you’d let me in.”
Everyone said that. Jo and Claire. Gabe. Oh, Gabe. If only he loved her enough. But he wouldn’t. He’d never pretended his love for her superseded his dream of having kids. But why should he? Didn’t every normal red-blooded woman expect to have a family one day?
Just not her. Oh sure, she’d always dreamed it, just like all the other girls. She’d settled on names for her two boys and two girls before she was ten years old. The dream had faded over the years, only to surge with Gabe, and then be torn away forever.
“I’ll leave you for a bit, sweetie. They said dinner should be ready in an hour or two, so take your time. I’ll come over for you when it’s time to eat if you haven’t come back by then, okay? Would you like me to make you a cup of tea before I go?”
“Tea would be good.”
“Okay. What kind? What would you like in it?”
“Chamomile, I think. Sweetened with honey.”
“I’ll get it for you.”
* * *
It was a lot of potatoes to peel alone. After a bit, Doreen slipped in beside him. “Need a hand?”
“Sure. That’d be great.”
This big gathering was probably as awkward for her as it was for him. Other than Sierra running out on him, of course.
“Have you met Sierra’s parents?”
He shook his head. “You?”
“Not yet. I think they’re here, though. I just pray that God can bless them through me.”
Gabe glanced at his former mother-in-law. “That’s a great way to look at it.” Of course she was thinking of Bethany’s death. His angle was much more complex. It included loving two women.
The outside door opened and Gabe caught a glimpse of a trim middle-aged woman slipping outside. Sierra’s mom going after her daughter? Most likely. He probably knew everyone else who was present.
A shadow darkened the space in front of Gabe, and he glanced up again.
A large man pulled out a stool across the counter and settled into it.
Gabe sucked in a deep breath and released it slowly.
“Gabriel?”
At his tight nod, the other man carried on. “I’m Tim Riehl. Sierra’s father.” He bit his lip. “And the guy who was in the wrong place at the wrong time a few years ago.”
Gabe swallowed hard. “I know the accident wasn’t your fault.”
“No, but that doesn’t mean I don’t regret it. I’ve prayed for you every day, asking God to restore His joy and blessings to you.”
Had he known he was praying for his daughter at the same time?
Doreen reached her wet hand across the counter, a potato peel sliding off. “I’m Doreen Klimpton. Bethany’s mother.”
Tim took Doreen’s small hand into both of his. “Doreen. I’m so sorry for your loss. I understand she was your only child.”
Doreen nodded. “She was.” She glanced at Gabe. “Her daddy died when she was young, and we were very close.”
“I’m sorry. You, too, have been in my prayers.”
“You are forgiven.” Doreen picked up the next potato. “And I thank you. I’ve felt the prayer support of many.”
“Yes, thanks.” Gabe met the older man’s gaze. “I’m trusting God for His answers. It’s been a rough three years, but I’m beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel.”
As the old saying went, the light seemed to emanate from an oncoming train. But that wasn’t any of Mr. Riehl’s business at the moment.
“Thank you, son. Your forgiveness means a lot to me.”
“Like Doreen said, there’s nothing to forgive. Bethany’s death was an accident, pure and simple.” Yes, it had taken time to get that through his thick skull, but he knew it for a fact. “I’m sorry you were part of the situation.”
Tim ran his fingers across his buzz cut. “I had nightmares for months. Probably not as long as either of you.�
��
Gabe grimaced. “It’s okay, man.”
The outside door across from him opened once again, and Gabe glanced up. Sierra back, maybe? His gaze froze just as surely as the icy air that swirled in with the newest guest.
Tyrell Burke.
What in the name of all that was holy was that man doing here?
Chapter 27
Sierra was halfway across the yard before Tyrell’s pickup truck leaped to her attention, parked right beside Gabe’s old car.
No. No, no, no, no, no.
What had she been thinking? On the other hand, who had invited Gabe? Zach must have. She should’ve known.
She took a deep, shaky breath. The temptation to bolt back into the duplex was nearly unbearable. Pull the shades, turn out the lights, crawl into bed. Maybe under it.
Would it be better to face the music and see if she could pull this off, or let them all talk about her behind her back? Not just Gabe and Tyrell, but her entire family, Allison, Steve and Rosemary, Jo and Zach, Claire and Noel. Doreen. Possibly a few more strays someone had picked up.
Oh, Lord, there is no direction to turn!
Except to God Himself. She’d decided how to handle things and forged ahead. Sure, she’d prayed, but then she’d gone right back to her plan. Tomorrow she’d spend some quality time with Jesus. Today, right now, she had to face the mess she’d created.
Sierra mounted the steps, crossed the deck, and opened the door, but it didn’t open fully. An instant later, she saw why.
Tyrell stood on the mat just inside, his smile widening to a cocky grin when he saw her. “There you are, doll.” He tugged her to his side as the door shut. “There are a lot of people here I don’t know,” he stage-whispered. “How about some introductions?”
Beyond Tyrell’s chest buttons Sierra focused on the view into the kitchen over the peninsula.
Gabe still stood at the sink where she’d left him, his eyes wide in shock. Then they narrowed, and he bit his lip. With a brisk headshake, he bent over his task.
A Farm Fresh Romance Series 1-3 (A Farm Fresh Romance Box Set) Page 71