Falling for the Hometown Hero

by Mindy Obenhaus

  Even though it wasn’t the first time he’d heard those words from his father, his throat still thickened.

  “Get in the shade so I can take your picture.” His mother pointed to a grassy spot.

  Grace let go of his arm and stepped away.

  “No, no, Grace.” Mom waved her back toward him. “I want you in the picture.”

  Considering she was wearing a dress for the second time this week, he wanted her in it, too.

  He slid his arm around her waist, inhaling the sweet floral fragrance he’d come to recognize as uniquely her. He liked having her with him. If only he could convince her that Ouray was where she belonged. With her family. With him.

  Likewise, Grace slipped her arm around him. “I’m glad my mom suggested you wear your uniform.” She smiled up at him. “You make that thing look good, soldier.”

  The comment sent a strange sensation whirling inside him. One that had nothing to do with his speech.

  “Smile.” Mom held up her phone. A second later, she stared at the screen. “Cute couple.”

  “Let me see.” Coming from behind them, Donna slowly sidled up to his mom and studied the shot. “Aww... You’ll have to send that one to me.”

  He pulled Grace against him. “Hear that? We make a cute couple.”

  “Yeah, I heard.” A blush crept into her cheeks as she eased out of his grip.

  “Sorry, but I need to borrow Kaleb for a minute.” Donna took him by the arm and led him along the front of the stone building that had once been a hospital. A podium adorned with red-white-and-blue bunting had been positioned to the right of the main entrance.

  “We’ll have all of our donors lined up along here.” She gestured to the sidewalk. “You’re welcome to hold the microphone or leave it on the podium, whatever you’re comfortable with. By the way, you’re going to be the last one to speak.”

  Yes, let’s just prolong the agony.

  “Where’s Roger?”

  “Right here.”

  Kaleb turned to see his friend sporting a blue garrison cap with the VFW emblem. He choked back a laugh. “Nice hat.”

  Roger smirked. “Hey, I’m not the one wearing a beret.”

  Beyond his friend, he saw Grace talking with Vanessa and the other families. “Excuse me, please.”

  He wove his way toward the group. Seeing them no longer filled him with dread. Instead, they gave him hope for the future.

  Yesterday, he’d taken everyone on a Jeep tour over Imogene Pass. What a great group of people. They had so much fun. There had even been talk of making this reunion an annual event. Maybe next time he’d suggest they come for an old-fashioned Ouray Fourth of July.

  “Afternoon, everyone.”

  “Afternoon!” They responded in unison.

  “If you wouldn’t mind, I’d like to get a group picture with all of you.” He handed Grace his phone. “Do you mind?”

  “Of course not. Why don’t you all get up on the steps there so we can get everyone in the shot.”

  They huddled together, Kaleb in the middle at the bottom.

  “Cheese.”

  A few minutes later, Roger tapped him on the shoulder. “They’re ready for us.”

  “Okay.” He turned to Grace.

  “You’ll do fine.” She ran a hand along the breast of his jacket.

  “As long as I know you’re here.”

  She smiled. “So what are you waiting for?”

  Kaleb lined up to the side of the podium with the five other men. He knew Phil Purcell, the father of his friend Gage, who’d served in the Marines, and Clay Musgrove, caretaker of the Bachelor-Syracuse Mine, who, like Roger, had served in Vietnam. The other two, one a Korean War vet, the other Desert Storm, Kaleb wasn’t familiar with.

  Delores Whitley, the museum’s director, took the podium to welcome everyone. “Today, we are here to honor our hometown heroes. Those who have served our country, never to be forgotten.” She briefly explained what the exhibit was about and what folks might find there.

  The Korean War vet was the first to speak, followed by Roger, Clay, Phil and the Desert Storm guy. Some shared stories, while others spoke about what it meant to them to serve their country.

  Finally, it was Kaleb’s turn. He set his notes on the podium, electing to leave the microphone right where it was. Then he stared out at the hundred or so faces before him, scanning them until he found Vanessa, Shannon White, the Squires and the Kowalskis.

  Suddenly, he had the clarity he had been hoping for all along. He knew exactly what he was supposed to say. And it came from the heart.

  He shoved his notes aside. “The theme for this exhibit is hometown heroes. However, not one of us standing up here today is a hero. We’re just ordinary people who were put in extraordinary circumstances and forced to step out of our comfort zones.”

  He cleared his throat. “As some of you may know, while serving in the Middle East, I was injured by an IED. But the four men with me that day perished. They paid the ultimate price for our freedom. They are the true heroes.”

  Applause filled the air. Only this time, he didn’t mind it so much. Because it wasn’t for him. It was for those who rightfully deserved it.

  When the noise wound down, he continued. “Thank you for coming today. And I hope you enjoy the exhibit.”

  Stepping away from the podium, he sought out Grace. Just the sight of her made him smile. No matter what she said or did, his heart refused to be derailed.

  She was clapping along with everyone else, but the wink she sent was just for him and he knew he’d made her proud.

  In that moment, he knew he couldn’t let her go. And before this day was out, he had to tell her how he felt.

  While cake was served to those in attendance, Kaleb and the other five donors, along with a photographer from the local newspaper, were led inside the museum for the official ribbon cutting at the room holding the display.

  Later, he and Grace and the families made their way inside.

  Looking at everything from photos to uniforms to World War I weaponry, he had to admit that he was impressed. They’d managed to span every era from World War I to today.

  “There’s my daddy!” Hannah pointed to a photo of Beau, Jason, Stephen, Dayton and Kaleb standing in front of their Humvee.

  He turned to Grace. “Was that in my stuff?”

  She nodded. “We had it blown up for the exhibit. Along with a few extra copies. There’s an eight-by-ten for each of you.”

  While the families enjoyed the entire museum, Kaleb whisked Grace outside and, with Donna’s permission, into the log cabin that sat to the side of the main building.

  “What are you doing?”

  Envisioning a future with Grace had become second nature. The way they seemed to work toward the common goal of building a successful business reminded him of his parents.

  He’d never forget the day they opened the Palmer Realty office. Seeing their dedication to each other, their family, as well as their business. He wanted that. A partner. A helpmate.

  Grace was all of that. And so much more. She understood things he couldn’t even put into words.

  “This.” Slipping an arm around her waist, he pulled her to him and kissed her.

  Her arms wound around his neck, filling him with hope.

  When the kiss ended, he watched her, waiting to see if she had any regrets.

  Instead, she gave him a shy smile. “What took you so long?”

  He laughed, tucking her head under his chin as he held her close. He caressed her silky hair, noting how perfectly they fit together. As though they were made for each other.

  When she lifted her head, he combed his fingers through her hair. “I don’t want you to leave, Grace. I love you. Please, stay in Ouray.”

>   Her stunned eyes searched his. “Y-you love me?”

  “With all of my heart.” Then he lowered his head and claimed her lips in a kiss that would erase any doubt. Grace was his future. And even though she was supposed to leave, he was trusting God to work out the details. Because living without her was not an option.

  * * *

  Grace was on the front porch Sunday evening, putting on a pair of strappy sandals, when she saw Kaleb walk up. He was wearing shorts again. Denim this time, along with a deep maroon polo shirt that hugged those massive biceps.

  She liked a man who was comfortable in his own skin.

  The families had left today, promising to extend their visit next time. She’d really enjoyed her time with them. It was because of them that Kaleb had grown. Learning to accept the past and move forward.

  “Wow!” Kaleb’s appreciative smile when he spotted her set her insides to bubbling. She felt as though she were at a junior high school dance. And just as petrified.

  She had yet to respond to his declaration of love or his request that she stay in Ouray. Interestingly enough, she’d received an email from the cruise line just this morning, saying that, due to unforeseeable circumstances, the ship’s renovations would be delayed and that they would not be able to set sail until November. Making her contract null and void, unless she was to sign an amendment.

  “I’m glad you approve.” At the last second, she’d chosen to wear the turquoise tank she’d accidentally bought in Montrose the day Mama fell ill, along with a pair of white shorts.

  “Grace, you’d look great no matter what you wore.”

  Her cheeks warmed, though it had nothing to do with the heat. “I think we’d better go.”

  Sami had invited the family for dinner tonight and she didn’t want to be late.

  As she descended the steps, Kaleb offered his arm. With him, chivalry was not dead. Things with Kaleb were easy. Comfortable. She still found it hard to believe that he actually loved her.

  But did she love him?

  She could easily see herself loving him. But fear was a powerful emotion. What if he stopped loving her like Aaron had?

  Gravel crunched beneath their feet as they meandered from one street to the next, talking about the weekend’s events. The slightest hint of a breeze stirred the evening air as two broad-tailed hummingbirds zipped past them. Their playful cricket-like chirps still amazed her, since every hummingbird she’d ever seen was silent.

  He stopped and kissed her. Every nerve ending in her body went on high alert. Kaleb made her feel cherished. And more alive than she had in a very long time.

  Resting her head against his chest, she sighed and listened to the pounding of his heart. She savored the strength of his embrace and the protection it offered. He was the kind of man she had always dreamed of. Was it possible that her dreams had finally come true? Was there really a hope and a future for them?

  They started walking again, stopping a few blocks later.

  “And here we are.” Kaleb paused in front of a cute single-story house that she suspected was new construction, yet had the charm of an older home. “You smell that, Grace?”

  She sniffed the air. “Meat.” On the grill, of course. Smiling, she closed her eyes and inhaled deeper. “Ribs... Chicken... Burgers...” Opening her eyes, she glanced up at Kaleb. “Smells like the three basic food groups to me.”

  His grin was priceless. “You’re my kind of woman.”

  That comment, coupled with the protective feel of his hand against the small of her back as he urged her up the walkway, robbed her of all rational thought. And had her wondering if, just maybe, she really could entrust her heart to someone again.

  Holding her hand, Kaleb rang the bell.

  Sami swung open the door. “About time you two got here.”

  “Hey, it’s not like we have a business to run or anything.” Kaleb pushed past his sister, bringing Grace with him.

  Grace couldn’t help noticing how he used the plural sense. As if Mountain View Tours belonged to both of them.

  Jack charged toward Kaleb. “I’m a monster twuck.”

  Kaleb intercepted him, flipping him end over end until he rested on Kaleb’s shoulder. “You’re a monster all right.”

  Jack giggled when Kaleb tickled his belly.

  While Kaleb set Jack on the floor, Sami gave Grace a quick hug before leading them to the back of the house, where Scott was grilling on the patio.

  Tom and Bev relaxed in the glider, though Bev quickly stood.

  Grace liked her. Liked all of Kaleb’s family, for that matter.

  Jack charged ahead of them.

  “Sorry we’re late.” Grace continued toward Bev, who was awaiting a hug.

  “Uncle Kaleb, I got bubbles.” As if to emphasize his claim, Jack dipped the wand into the small red bottle of liquid he held in his other hand, pressed it against his lips and blew. Naturally, the bubble burst without ever making it into the air.

  Kaleb crouched to his nephew’s level. “Don’t touch it to your mouth, soldier. You gotta hold it in front of your mouth, then blow.”

  Jack dipped the wand again and blew. This time a stream of bubbles took flight, swirling around them. “Yay! I did it.”

  “You sure did.” Kaleb ruffled the boy’s curly brown hair, his smile filled with pride.

  “Grace, what can I get you to drink?” Sami stood at a table near the French doors that led into the house. “Water? Lemonade? Soda?”

  “You don’t even have to ask, sister dear,” said Kaleb. “Just hand her a Diet Dr Pepper and move on down the road.”

  “Oh, so I’m that predictable, am I?” Her fist planted firmly on her hip, Grace only pretended to glare at him. “I was actually thinking some lemonade might be nice.” She winked at Sami.

  A short time later, Sami handed both Grace and Kaleb their drinks. “Now that everyone’s here, there’s something Scott and I would like to share with all of you.”

  Tom moved into the circle as Scott slipped an arm around his wife’s waist.

  Sami peered lovingly up at her husband before addressing everyone else. “We’re going to have another baby.”

  A collective gasp filled the air, followed by a round of cheers.

  Bev let go a squeal as she hugged her daughter. “When?”

  “January.”

  Kaleb nabbed his nephew and threw him in the air. “You hear that, Jack? You’re going to be a big brother. Just like me.”

  Tom shook Scott’s hand before embracing his daughter. “’Bout time. Your mother’s been chomping at the bit for another little one.”

  “Oh, I have not.” Bev dabbed her eyes.

  “Congratulations to both of you.” While Grace’s wishes were sincere, she was helpless to stop the sadness that leached into her heart. What she wouldn’t give to be able to make an announcement like that. To be surrounded by excited family members and have a loving husband by her side.

  But if past experience was any indication, Grace would likely never experience that same pleasure.

  Perhaps God simply didn’t want you to have children with Aaron.

  Her gaze drifted to Kaleb. With Jack perched on his shoulder, he hugged Sami, his smile explosive. How much greater would his reaction be if the child were his own?

  Suddenly chilled, she rubbed at her arms. Kaleb longed for a family. He deserved a family. But, with her, he might never have that joy.

  What had she been thinking? She’d allowed herself to get caught up in emotions and had begun to think that, maybe, someone could love her, regardless. That maybe Kaleb was that guy.

  Watching the ongoing celebration, she wished she could escape. But she wasn’t about to ruin everyone else’s good time. She’d put on a happy face and, somehow, make it through the night.
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  When she and Kaleb finally left, he wrapped his arm around her. “I’m sorry you had to endure that. I could tell you were struggling.”

  She lifted her face to look at him, trying to pretend all was right in her world. “And why would I be struggling?”

  “Because of Sami’s announcement.” He held her close. “The light in your eyes fades when you’re hurting.”

  “Oh.” Could he really read her that well? She drew in a deep breath. “So apparently there’s something in the water and everyone’s getting pregnant. Your sister, my sister... I’m happy for them.”

  He tugged her closer. “I know you are. Just remember, you get to be the cool aunt.”

  She appreciated his attempts to make her feel better. But she cared about him too much to allow him to settle for a what-if.

  She’d already decided it would be better for everyone if she just left Ouray. Away from the close-knit community that made her want to call it home. Away from the man who stirred her heart like no one before. And away from the dreams that had dared to take root.

  Chapter Sixteen

  What a weekend.

  Kaleb’s time with the families had surpassed all of his expectations. So much so that even an out-of-commission Jeep couldn’t bring him down on this rainy, gloomy Monday.

  In the span of just a few short days, his outlook on life had done a complete one-eighty. Instead of regret holding him captive to the past, he was now free to contemplate the future. A future he prayed would include Grace.

  Since his guides had yet to arrive, the shop was quiet. Kaleb liked it that way. Liked hearing the sound of rain on the tin roof.

  Standing beneath the rental Jeep in question, he stared up at a leaky rear differential. Likely the result of being dragged across a rock. It shouldn’t take too long to fix. However, due to the weather, it wasn’t as if his rentals would be in high demand.

  He seated a drain pan to catch the fluid, then grabbed a socket wrench from the rolling tool chest beside him. Telling Grace he loved her had been the right thing to do. Everything was finally out in the open, erasing any doubts she might have had regarding his feelings for her. Now they could concentrate on their future.