by Deb Stover
"Yeah, and I'm sure finding a note saying you went up the mountain alone after a mud slide gives her a warm fuzzy." Gordon arched a brow. "Hmm?"
"Yeah, we better call her." Ryan hadn't meant to worry his mom or make Gordon mad or anything. He'd only wanted to...to... He looked at Dr. Bowen again while Gordon fumbled in his pocket for his keys. Why'd she have to be so doggone nice? He sighed and leaned on the track-maker. "I really am sorry."
"You're forgiven," she said.
"Well, looks like I lost my keys." Gordon kept digging through both pockets. "Mom and Sue have the spares."
"They must've fallen out of your pocket when you took off–uh, back in Silas Canyon." Dr. Bowen's face turned fire engine red.
"Hmm." Gordon glanced up. "And it's going to rain again. Too bad Max can't unlock the door. Guess I'll have to break a win–"
A low and un-canine-like growl rumbled from the side of the cabin. Patches bolted for the source of the growl. Ryan ran after his dog, but Dr. Bowen grabbed Ryan.
Gordon threw open the door to his old Jeep. "Get in."
"Patches," Ryan called as Dr. Bowen and Gordon both hauled him toward the Jeep. The dumb dog disappeared around the corner. "Patches!"
Another growl and a high-pitched yelp preceded the dog's speedy return. They all piled into the Jeep together–Gordon and Taylor in front, Patches and Ryan in back.
Breathing hard, they watched the bear lumber around to the front porch, sniffing the ground and making low, rumbling sounds. The bear paused at Ryan's bike and nudged it with its nose, then turned toward Henrietta.
Taylor squeaked, and Gordon put his arm around her shoulders. Disgusted, Ryan closed his eyes and released a heavy sigh.
"We're safe in here," Gordon said quietly, rubbing her neck and shoulders. "Don't worry."
Ryan folded his arms across his rumbling belly. "Got anything to eat?"
Gordon chuckled. "Cheese and wine in my backpack."
"Wine?" Ryan's hopes soared. He'd tasted wine once when Mrs. Lane wasn't watching her evening glass too closely.
"Not for you, squirt," Gordon said, pointing toward the front porch. "Besides, my backpack's over there."
The Jeep moved, and Ryan saw the bear's head appear over the hood as it stared through the windshield at them. Dr. Bowen buried her face against Gordon's shoulder.
"Man, this sucks."
"Watch your language, young man," Gordon said and honked the horn. The bear dropped down to all fours and returned to the porch.
"Well, so much for the cheese and wine," Dr. Bowen said as she looked up. "Maybe he'll get drunk and pass out."
"I'll bet he's a she," Ryan said, narrowing his gaze on the back of Dr. Bowen's head.
"Doesn't matter." Gordon pointed. "Well, there goes a perfectly good backpack."
Ryan saw that the bear had clawed open the whole side of the backpack and was pulling things out with its teeth. It paused to chew. "Must've found the cheese."
"I didn't know bears ate cheese," Dr. Bowen said, sounding calmer now that the bear was away from the Jeep.
"Bears eat just about anything." Gordon shrugged. "There goes the wine." The bottle rolled off the porch and broke, spilling red liquid across the bare ground. "Now maybe it'll finish up and get out of here."
Patches growled and barked at the closed window. "Hush," Ryan said.
The bear lumbered past the Jeep again, pausing to stare at the occupants, then headed toward the creek. "It's about time. I'll get us inside the cabin in no time." Gordon opened the door. "You two stay here until I get the front door open. Just in case."
"Not a problem," Dr. Bowen said.
Ryan didn't say a word. He'd much rather risk the bear than stay in here with Dr. Bowen. If she hadn't come here, Gordon might be ready to marry Mom. Resentment oozed through Ryan and he clenched his teeth.
"Look." Dr. Bowen pointed toward the woods across the clearing.
"Mom?" Ryan saw his mom and that nasty Dr. Dweeb emerging from the woods on horseback.
"She must've been very worried." Dr. Bowen looked back at Ryan, then waved to the newcomers.
Ryan watched his mom's horse rear. She fell and the horse bolted. "Mom!"
Dr. Cole's horse pawed the earth and snorted as he dismounted, then Ryan saw the reason for the horses' fear.
That stupid bear again.
Dr. Bowen opened the window. "Hurry, this way."
The yuppie-dweeb scooped Mom up as if she didn't weigh a thing and ran to the Jeep. He opened the back door and slid in beside Ryan and Patches.
The dog growled.
"Sue, are you all right?" Dr. Cole pushed her hair back from her face.
His mom was smiling. "I am now."
And she was sitting in that dumb doctor's lap. Ryan scooted closer to the door, almost ready to take his chances with the bear, who was now busy with Gordon's backpack again.
"Ryan Paul Wheeler," his mom said in that voice Ryan hated more than anything. "What possessed you to do something so...so...?" She slid off Dr. Cole's lap and grabbed Ryan and Patches both in a bear hug.
Bear hug. Yeah, right. Ryan let his mom smother him with kisses, knowing in another minute she'd be yelling at him again. But at least she was off Dr. Dweeb's lap.
"Where's Gordon?" Dr. Bowen asked.
At least that distracted his mom for a minute. "What happened? Is he in the cabin?"
Dr. Bowen shook her head. "He lost his keys and we couldn't get in. Good thing Henrietta wasn't locked."
"I'll say," Dr. Dweeb said, pressing his forehead against the window to watch the bear. "The only bears I've ever seen were in the zoo."
"Unfortunately, I've seen too many," Dr. Bowen said in a weak voice. "I wish Gordon would come back."
"Where is he?" Ryan's mom asked again.
"Trying to break into the cabin."
"Huh." Mom shook her head. "I remember when he built that thing. He said he wanted it to stand a thousand years. I don't think he can break in."
A moment later, Gordon appeared at the side of the cabin, peering at the bear. While it busied itself chewing something else from the destroyed backpack, Gordon made a dash for the Jeep and didn't stop until he was sitting in the driver's seat, huffing and puffing.
"Remind me never to build my own house a–" He jerked his head around to stare at the new arrivals. "How'd you two get here?"
"Horseback," Dr. Dweeb said, offering Gordon his hand. "We meet again."
"Dr. Cole." Gordon lifted both brows and shook Dr. Dweeb's hand.
"Jeremy, please."
"Fine, call me Gordon. Sue, I don't suppose you have my spare key with you?"
She shook her head and shrugged. "Sorry, but all I could think of was finding this juvenile delinquent here."
"Sheesh," Ryan said.
"I'm still waiting for an explanation about why you decided to scare me half to death by running off, Ryan," Mom said, reaching out to grab his track-maker and holding it up in front of her. "And I suppose you have a very good reason for this contraption."
Gordon and Dr. Bowen both stared at him expectantly.
He was in deep shit.
Chapter 14
Taylor's heart ached for Ryan. She knew darned well why he was trying to run her out of Digby. The reason was obvious. She met Gordon's gaze and he took her hand discreetly.
"Well, Ryan?" Sue prodded.
Ryan's face reddened and he doubled up his fist to smack his jeans-clad thigh. Then he mumbled something completely unintelligible.
"What was that?" Sue cupped her hand to her ear. "I didn't hear you."
"'Cuz I want you to marry Gordon." Ryan turned to stare out the window. "That's all."
Patches put his front paws on the seat and licked the boy's ear. Ryan buried his face against the mutt and fell silent.
As did all the adults in the Jeep. Taylor looked from Sue to Gordon, then at a stunned Jeremy. What could they say? They'd asked Ryan for an explanation and he'd given it succinctly.
; "Ryan," Sue said, touching her son's shoulder. "Gordon and I are friends. More like brother and sister after all these years."
Ryan remained silent with his face hidden in all that black and white fur.
"Your mom's right, Ryan," Gordon said, turning completely around in his seat. "Did you know I even asked her to marry me once, but she said no?"
Ryan lifted his face and sniffled, looking at Gordon. "You did?"
"Yep, she told me that'd be like marrying her own brother."
"Yuck," Sue said.
Ryan nodded. Apparently, that made sense to a ten-year-old's perception of the world. "Yeah, I get it," he said, then turned to stare out the window. "I told Dr. Bowen I was sorry about trying to scare her."
"Yes, he did," Taylor said. "And I forgave him."
More strained silence spanned between them, and Taylor wished someone would say something.
"Well, now that that's settled," Jeremy said jovially, I have a little announcement to make.
Taylor met Sue's curious gaze, but the other woman shook her head. Whatever Jeremy's announcement was, Sue obviously didn't know about it yet.
"Taylor, your brother told me while I was in Denver that he's found a research grant for you at Children's Hospital." He smiled. "In immunology."
A dull roar began in her ears. "What?" Her mouth turned dry and she tried to swallow the lump in her throat. She felt Gordon stiffen beside her, even though he'd dropped her hand when he turned around to speak to Ryan. "But I'm sure they won't wait three years for–"
"Ah, but that's where I come in," Jeremy said, still smiling. "I called the mayor and asked him if he'd take me in your stead."
The roar grew louder.
"You did what?" Sue asked. "You mean you want to stay in Digby?"
Ryan released a long sigh, which Patches echoed.
"More than anything," Jeremy continued. "And, Taylor, the mayor said yes. As soon as we get the contracts drawn up and signed, you're free to go to Denver."
"I see." Taylor couldn't bring herself to look at Gordon. After their incredible reunion, the last thing she wanted was to leave him. But what about her dream? This was a huge and incredible opportunity. How could she turn her back on this?
She glanced from Jeremy to Sue, realizing she had to agree. It was, after all, what she'd always wanted.
Wasn't it?
And Sue and Jeremy belonged together. She smiled and drew a deep breath. "Well, I don't want to make any decision without talking to the folks at Children's Hospital first." That would buy her a little time.
"Yes, definitely." Sue squirmed, obviously uncomfortable with this discussion. "And I think Jeremy should think this over before–"
"I have thought it over." He took Sue's hand and held it in both of his. "I've done nothing but think about Digby." He smiled. "And you."
"Yuck," Ryan whispered, and all the adults chuckled nervously.
"You know, I believe that bear has taken a hike," Jeremy said.
Taylor turned to look at Gordon and her breath froze in her throat. The expression on his face ripped her heart out. He averted his gaze and reached for the door handle.
"I'll get that back door open this time," he said.
Then he was gone.
"I'm going, too." Ryan jerked open the door and scrambled out with Patches.
"Make lots of noise, Ryan," Sue called when her dive to stop her son failed. She looked at Taylor and shrugged. "Can you believe I'm telling him to make more noise than usual?"
Taylor gave a sad smile and met Jeremy's gaze. "Did I...screw up?" he asked.
She sighed and tilted her head to one side. "I...I'm just in a state of be careful what you wish for, Jeremy." She gave him a sad smile and Sue reached for her hand. "That's all."
"Well, I suppose I'll get out with the...men." Jeremy flashed a boyish grin and opened his door. He leaned over and gave Sue a peck on the cheek. "And I promise to make lots of noise."
The door closed and Taylor said, "My God, he's actually charming. What have you done to him?"
Sue laughed. "He's wonderful. Taylor, do you believe in love at first sight?"
Taylor squeezed Sue's hand and drew a deep breath. "If you'd asked me that question a month ago, I would've said no."
"Now?" Sue's eyes were wide and expectant.
"Now, seeing you and Jeremy, I have to say definitely yes."
Sue's hundred watt smile illuminated the inside of the Jeep. "Thanks."
"You're very welcome." She sighed. "And thank you for making me talk to Gordon."
"Is everything okay now with you two?"
Taylor blinked back the tears stinging her eyes and cleared her throat. "For just a little while, everything was perfect." She rubbed her aching forehead. "Absolutely perfect."
"Oh."
Jeremy returned to the Jeep and opened the door. Poking his head inside, he said, "It's all clear now and the front door's open, thanks to Ryan."
"Ryan?"
"Yeah, he fit through the basement window." Jeremy chuckled and held his hand out while Sue slid out of the backseat.
Taylor climbed from the Jeep and shivered. The sky was dark and brooding again like her mood, and she was no longer alone with Gordon. Even so, they were surrounded by good friends, and she had some important decisions to make. Being alone with Gordon would cloud her judgment.
She had to think with her head, not her heart.
* * *
Gordon looked in the mirror in his office and straightened his tie. He'd be late for the wedding if he didn't leave right now. A soft knock on the door startled him. He didn't have time to deal with anything right now. Flustered, he opened the door and found Mike Bowen wearing a very serious expression.
"Mike, aren't you supposed to be at the church?"
"Yeah, but so are you." He inclined his head. "Got a minute?"
Gordon nodded. "Come on in. They can't start without us."
Mike sat in a chair across from Gordon's desk while he leaned on the edge of it with his arms folded across his abdomen. "What's up?"
"I was talking to Taylor last night," Mike said, "and she told me about..."
"Us?"
"No, but we're going to get to that in a minute, too." Mike grinned, then shook his head. "She told me about Ryan–about how Sue got..."
"Pregnant?" Gordon nodded. "Go on, I'm listening."
Mike gave a nervous laugh and raked his hands through his hair. "I came back from college for your graduation."
"Yeah, I remember."
"Sue was partying with me and Rick Miller that night."
"Are you saying Rick–"
"No, he would have taken responsibility. You know that." Mike shook his head, a stricken expression on his face. "It was me, Gordon. We were both plastered–dumb teen-age stuff–and after Rick went home, Sue and me, we..." He rolled his eyes. "And she doesn't remember."
"Oh, God." Gordon released a breath and rubbed the back of his neck. "Man, I had no idea."
"And I didn't know she was pregnant." Mike stood and paced the room. "How could I have known? My family moved away, Taylor wouldn't talk about why she left, but the minute I heard the story of how Sue ended up pregnant..."
"You knew."
Mike nodded. "And how am I going to tell her?"
"You have a family now, Mike," Gordon said soberly. "Sue has a right to that, too, but she also has a right to the truth."
"Yes, and Ryan's my son." Mike's eyes flashed. "My son."
"Well, after Sue and Jeremy come back from their honeymoon, you'll have to tell them the truth, then let them decide how to tell Ryan."
Mike nodded. "I never would've let her do this alone if I'd known."
"Of course not." Gordon shoved away from the desk and patted Mike on the shoulder. "That means Ryan's about to get a step-dad, a birth dad, and an aunt." Taylor.
"And grandparents in Florida." Mike laughed again, then smiled. Really smiled. "They'll be thrilled."
"And your wife?"
&n
bsp; Mike's expression sobered. "She'll be all right with this. We have a good marriage, and Sue happened a long time before I met her. Thanks, Gordon."
"Did your family drive up with you?" Gordon said as they moved by mutual and silent consent toward the door.
"Yeah, they're at the church. Taylor drove up on her own." Mike paused outside and gave Gordon a questioning look. "She's miserable, you know."
She's not the only one. "This is her dream, Mike." He shook his head. No reason to be evasive with Mike. He knew how much Taylor meant to Gordon. "Loving her meant letting her go."
"Cut the noble shit," Mike said. "For once in your life, be selfish, Gordon. You're crazy about each other, and it's high time one of you stopped making sacrifices and decided to take what you want from life. You're a couple of frigging martyrs."
Taken aback, Gordon stared long and hard at Taylor's brother. "Yeah, you have a point, and I appreciate your advice," he said. "And I promise to think it over after the wedding. Honest."
"Taylor's staying up here to cover for Jeremy at the new clinic while they're honeymooning." Mike sighed and looked at his watch. "If we don't get the move on Sue will kill us both and we won't have to worry about anything anymore."
Gordon chuckled and climbed into Henrietta to follow Mike across town to the church. Mike's lecture replayed itself through his head all through the ceremony.
He watched Ryan walk Sue down the aisle. The kid had decided that Jeremy wasn't half-bad after learning that he could fish and ride a horse. Jeremy had even helped Taylor diagnose Patches' allergy to Ryan's down comforter, which explained why the dog's condition worsened with cooler weather. Some bird dog.
And, most important of all, as Ryan had announced in a very grown-up way, Dr. Dweeb made his mom smile.
What could be more perfect?
Gordon stood up as Jeremy's best man, but his gaze kept drifting beyond the bride and groom to Taylor. He caught her gaze once and held it for a lingering moment. She was the most beautiful maid of honor who'd ever lived, he decided.
After the service, he took her arm and followed the newlyweds back down the aisle. His mother surprised him by giving a thumbs-up signal as they passed. Priscilla Lane was in her glory, playing surrogate mother of the bride to the hilt, and entertaining Jeremy's disapproving blue blood parents while they were in town. Had her thumbs-up gesture been because of the successful ceremony, or for Gordon and Taylor?