Alaina thought back to the last apartment she could remember, the one she’d had five years ago. It had been modest, but hanging above her bed, she had placed a Renaissance-style painting. The myths drew her in. She loved that each painting captured a Greek tragedy or legend.
There wasn’t one painting like that in this whole place.
Did Porter hate that sort of thing? Had she given up her taste in favor of his? And should she just start changing things now?
The bramble of her thoughts was interrupted as she came to the staircase and practically walked into her mother-in-law.
Courtney’s hair was swept into a tight but elegant topknot. Polished. Her green dress swished as she moved toward Alaina. Jimmy Choo heels clicked with each step.
The poised, older woman waved with long, manicured nails. “Come with me. I need coffee. Or a mimosa. Unless you would rather some time by yourself?”
“Of course not.” Alaina had too much time to spend with a jumble of questions about her missing thoughts. “I would love the chance to visit with you.”
Her mother-in-law cast her a sidelong glance. “Dear, it’s all right. You don’t have to tiptoe around my feelings.”
“I welcome the chance to get to know you. You’re Porter’s mom.” She extended her arm for Courtney to take. It was time to start to get to know her family. Her old life.
Had they got along before?
Courtney linked her arm with Alaina’s. “I’m also your mother-in-law. Thomas’s grandmother. I’m here to help however I can. Not that you really need it. You’re very good with Thomas.”
Was she? God, she hoped so. “I don’t know anything about babies.”
“Maybe not before you got married, but since I’ve known you? You’ve learned a lot about infants. You volunteered in the NICU three times a week, holding the newborns or just talking to the ones too tiny and fragile to be held.” Her mother-in-law guided her back toward the kitchen.
Back toward Porter.
“I did that?” Another thing to add to the list of things she was learning about her life during these missing years. Fancy art exhibits. A postgraduate degree. NICU babies. She had certainly filled her time while married to Porter.
“It was hard for you, wanting to be a mother so desperately.” Courtney patted her hand. Sympathy radiated from her touch.
There was a certain calm that settled between them. An understanding Alaina seemed to be close to grasping, but couldn’t quite settle. Not yet. Although it wouldn’t hurt to ask a few questions.
“What about Porter? Does he want to be a father?”
“Of course he does. You’ve seen how he is with Thomas.”
Alaina thought back to the way he had massaged Thomas’s hurt leg last night. About how he had insisted on watching him as he worked. He was taking his fatherly duties seriously. And it made her heart melt.
“Whose idea was it to adopt?”
Her mother-in-law hesitated midstep before walking again, heels clicking on travertine tiles. “You would have to ask him that question.”
Did Courtney not know or was there something deeper here? An argument within the family? “I’m so tired of asking him about every single detail of our lives together. I was hoping you could help fill in some details.”
“I’m sorry about the amnesia, dear.” She squeezed Alaina’s hand, her touch lotiony soft. “That has to be so frustrating, but maybe you can focus on the good things, like your child, your marriage, your home. Not everyone has all of that.”
The woman was such a mix of coolness and warmth. One minute Alaina was certain her mother-in-law disapproved of her, and the next Courtney was offering genuine comfort. Navigating life lately was like walking through a maze with a blindfold on.
“I hear what you’re saying and I appreciate your trying to help. Really.” They were practically at Porter’s office now. Alaina glanced at the wall that housed photographs in handsome frames. Not one photograph had Alaina side by side with Courtney.
Glancing at her mother-in-law, Alaina chewed on her lip. What had their relationship been like? Judging by the photo albums she’d pored over, there wasn’t much of a relationship between them. She forced herself to ask the question that had weighed on her mind since Porter announced that Courtney was at their vacation house. “Did you and I like each other?”
Arched eyebrows lifted. “Honestly? Not very much. We don’t have a lot in common.”
Finally, what felt like an honest answer from someone. “I think I like you now.”
“That’s probably because you don’t feel married to my son.”
True as it was, the declaration stung. Alaina spun her wedding ring around on her finger. “And could it also be that you don’t see me as Porter’s wife anymore?”
“Maybe...” Courtney paused, worrying one fingernail with another. “I made my mistakes—you made yours. But lucky for us, we get a fresh start.”
There was a lot of fresh-starting going around. A lot of work going into creating a second chance at her life. If only she knew how long it would be until her memories came back. If they ever would. Was the effort to start over wasted—or vitally necessary?
Either way, right now, Alaina had no choice but to press on. “Courtney, will I dislike you again if I remember? Was it that bad?”
And if she remembered, what would she think of her marriage? That was a question she couldn’t bring herself to ask.
“Somehow, I think we’ve found a middle ground that will stick regardless of what you remember.”
“Good. I need a friend I can trust.” And she meant it. Whatever had been in the past between them—well, it didn’t matter right now. Alaina wasn’t that person anymore. While it hadn’t been long ago since she’d woken up in that hospital, the accident and the amnesia had changed her irrevocably. “So? Can we be friends?”
“Friends. I like that. No mother-daughter mess. I’m not your mother. Hell, I’m having enough trouble getting used to being a grandmother. And just so we’re clear, I don’t change diapers. But I excel at watching while a baby naps and I’m superb at holiday shopping.” Courtney winked a perfect smoky eye.
“I’m not going to be ready for that anytime soon.” The idea of going out in public was absolutely overwhelming. And venturing out in public at Christmastime? That sounded dreadful.
Claustrophobic.
“That’s why we’re going to shop online. Later, of course, once you’ve had time to settle in and recover.” Courtney stopped outside her son’s office door and tapped lightly until Porter glanced up. “Since the baby is napping, that’s my call to be a grandmother. Son, take your wife out and romance the socks off her.”
Four
His mom walked away from the office door, heels click-clacking in time with her singsong voice as she spoke to Thomas. He hadn’t expected his mom to embrace the grandmother gig so wholeheartedly, but then his life was anything but predictable these days.
Porter searched Alaina’s expression. The tension in her jaw. The way her brow furrowed as she subconsciously drew one arm across her midsection to grasp the opposite upper arm.
She gave him a good-natured grin, but it was clear she was still unsure of how to act around him. He couldn’t blame her for that.
But she also looked ready to bolt and that’s the last thing he wanted, so he took the time to take her in. Alive. Vibrant. Here, with him and Thomas. Thank God.
On top of her head, she’d piled her hair in a loose, messy bun. Wavy blond strands fell out of the bun, framing her slender face.
Her white dress hugged her breasts, drawing his eyes. Tempting him. Reminding him of the heat they’d always found in bed. The passion that still simmered between them, that they could find again if he could make the most of this time. His hands ached to stroke the fabric along her
skin, to caress her along the length of the dress that fell in rolling pleats from her waist, to trace the red flower embroidery snaking around at midthigh.
To press his mouth behind her knee and tunnel his way up her skirt.
She looked like a vision right out of The Nutcracker. Clara, as she ran away with the Nutcracker Prince. The only question was, could he be that prince again? Could he charm her, show her how damn great they were together? Somewhere along the years the fantasy had given way to a reality that neither of them had anticipated.
And he hated that.
And he hated that the reality had broken their family, nearly ending the life he’d dreamed of as a boy.
Though she lacked memories, every item she’d added to the house screamed its sentimentality. It was like alarms blaring. The dress she wore was no different.
It was the same dress she had worn two years ago, on their vacation to St. Augustine. They were only supposed to be in town for the night. He had surprised her after a major art opening by booking a charming bed-and-breakfast room for the weekend. They’d spent the whole time laughing, drinking local wine. Back when things were simpler. When they still sparkled and sizzled together.
It could be that way again.
It would be that way again. He refused to accept any other outcome.
“Don’t let my mother get to you or put pressure on you when it comes to our marriage.”
It was the best he had to offer. Wooing her back into this family was a delicate task requiring finesse.
“There’s not much you could do to romance a new mom who’s recovering from amnesia.” She tapped her forehead in jest.
“That sounds like a challenge.” He thrived on a challenge.
“Okay—” she spread her arms wide “—give it your best shot.”
“Really? You want me to sweep you off your feet?” He cocked his head to the side, a thrill zipping through him.
“Sure, what woman wouldn’t want to be swept off her feet?” Inclining her head, she dramatically twirled. The fabric of her skirt tightened and loosed as she turned. She was so damn sexy.
And he wanted her for his own.
“Challenge accepted.” Progress. He could practically taste it.
She stopped midspin. “Wait, never mind. This shouldn’t be a game.”
“Believe me—I understand that all too well.” Closing the gap between them, he rested his hands on her shoulders. “So relax. I’ve got this under control. Let me pamper you, and you focus on recuperating.”
“You’re right. The best thing I can do for my family is to regain my memory so we can move forward with our future rather than staying here in limbo with you working from home at a vacation house.” She twisted her hands nervously, glancing out the window. “Honestly, I believe it’s too soon for us to go on some extravagant outing.”
So large gestures were out of the question. It was time for a game plan. He knew he had to be quick. They couldn’t hole up in this house forever. Her memory would slowly come back into focus. It was time for action. Now.
Still, he said, “Of course. I agree and I have a few ideas, but I’ll need a half hour to pull things together. There’s a hammock past the pool, by the shore. I’ll meet you there.”
Her smile was hopeful. Beautiful. “Sounds perfect.”
* * *
Alaina inhaled deep breaths of ocean air, one after the other, a foot draped over the side of the hammock, toe tapping to keep the steady swaying motion. The hammock was attached to two fat palm trees, branches and fronds rustling overhead.
Could Porter really find a way to put her fears to rest? Could regaining her memory be as simple as relaxing and enjoying time with the man she’d married?
She wanted to believe that. It had only been a week since she’d woken up after all. Yet, every hour that passed with no breakthroughs knotted the anxiety tighter within her.
Answers. That was what she needed. She was desperate for them. She kept hoping the scenery would jog her memory. Bestow the memories that were locked away somewhere in her mind.
Glancing at the harbor, she tried to imagine what sort of person she had grown into. A twenty-eight-year-old woman with a husband rich enough to bump elbows with the incredibly wealthy. And, judging by the sheer size of the yachts before her, incredibly wealthy didn’t even begin to cover it.
Yachts spotted the water with the same frequency as white caps in a storm. A few of them looked like personal cruise ships.
Had she been out on any of these? Did she move comfortably in a world like this? Knowing what her life had been like before, she couldn’t imagine it.
Her thoughts were cut short as a sun-bronzed woman approached. Alaina guessed the woman was probably a decade older than her. Maybe more. But older, Alaina realized, was a matter of perspective. She still felt as if she was looking through the eyes of a twenty-three-year-old.
The woman bustled toward Alaina, brunette hair flapping beneath an oversize white floppy hat. Cat-eyed sunglasses shielded the majority of her face, concealing her eyes from view. The gust of wind tugged at her bright pink-and-peach shift dress.
Alaina stood with mixed feelings. On the one hand, she was glad to have someone else to talk to, but on the other, she was nervous. It was too soon. What if the woman asked something Alaina couldn’t answer?
But then hadn’t she just thought how she needed to push ahead? She had to be strong, brave, for Thomas.
And Porter.
The woman jogged the last few steps and hugged Alaina hard before stepping back, her hands clasped to her chest. “Oh my God, Alaina, I thought that was you.” The woman scrunched her nose, crinkling zinc oxide into the creases. “I forgot for a minute you can’t remember all of us. I’m Sage Harding. Your neighbor. I like to think I’m your friend, even if we only see each other a couple of times a year for holidays.”
A couple of times a year? But Porter had said they came here often. Perhaps Sage didn’t come as often and so their paths only crossed a couple of times a year. Alaina wanted to believe that. Porter had no reason to lie.
She didn’t understand her need to believe the worst in him, to be so suspicious of his every word.
They were married. There was ample proof. And they’d adopted a child together. They had a beautiful life—if she could just bring herself to accept it.
“Thank you for coming over to speak to me, Sage. That makes me feel less like an amnesia freak or a patient.”
“Honey, you can’t help what happened to you.” Sage sat on a teal Adirondack chair next to the hammock. “You were in a car accident.”
“I understand the facts in my mind, but it’s difficult to trust my mind these days.” She rolled her eyes at her own lame joke. “But enough about my medical woes. Tell me about yourself. Where are you from? Are you here with your family? How did we become friends?”
“Wow, that’s a lot of questions.” Sage held up her fingers, holiday-green glitter polish on short nails. “I’m from the D.C. area. My husband’s in the House of Representatives, so we keep this house to stay Florida residents. Our two kids go to boarding school. And you and I became friends at an art gallery fund-raiser for the homeless.”
That all rang true and fit with everything Porter had been telling her. “What type of art do you enjoy?”
“Oh, I don’t know jack about art.” Sage waved a self-deprecating hand. “I was there for the canapés, champagne and movie-star company. And helping the homeless. I like being a part of charity work. It’s a rewarding way to spend my time.”
“That’s nice.” Alaina wasn’t sure what else to say to this refreshingly honest woman.
Sage leaned closer, her elbows on her knees. “Are you okay, really okay? I’ve been so worried. I came by the hospital when I heard and left flowers. But you weren’t allowed to
have visitors. I would have a baby shower for you, but that might be awkward just now. Maybe we’ll wait until you get your memory back.”
“I think that’s best. And I’m still...resting.”
“Oh, right. Silly me. I didn’t mean to intrude. I was just so glad to see you and wanted to make sure you and Porter are doing okay.”
Now that was a loaded statement. Alaina opted for an answer that wouldn’t land her in hot water. “We’re enjoying being parents.”
“How is your little guy’s foot?”
“Healing.”
“I’m so relieved.” Sage studied her matching Christmas-green toenails for three crashes of the waves. “I wasn’t sure you would be back this year after, well, your male visitor last Christmas.”
Alaina forced herself to stay still. There was no answer to that revelation and she sure as hell wasn’t going to quiz a virtual stranger. “Thank you for stopping by.”
“I shouldn’t have said anything. I thought maybe he’d contacted you and I wanted to be sure you knew. I mean well.” She pushed to her feet and dusted sand off her legs. “Please accept my apology.”
“Accepted. It’s tough to know the right thing to say. Amnesia isn’t an everyday occurrence and it’s difficult to know how to handle it.” Alaina stood and saw Porter walking down the bluff carrying a picnic basket and an insulated bag. “There’s my husband.”
Sage crinkled her nose again. “That’s my cue to leave.”
“Merry Christmas to you and your family.”
“To you and yours, too, honey.” Sage squeezed Alaina’s hand quickly. “Enjoy your baby’s first visit from Santa Claus.”
Santa Claus?
Of course. She should be focusing on Thomas’s first Christmas. On doing normal family things like picking out toys for him to enjoy over the next year. Or making Christmas cookies, as her mother had always done as far back as Alaina could remember. Starting her own family traditions with Porter.
A Christmas Baby Surprise: Reclaimed by the Rancher Page 5