“Is he conscious? Can I talk to him?”
“He regained consciousness after the ambulance brought him in, but I’d rather move him to intensive care first, before he has visitors.”
“I’d better call Dr. Michaels,” Luke offered. “He can tell you more about Dad’s medical history.”
Dr. Reynolds stood. “Already taken care of.”
“If he was unconscious until you brought him in…” He thought of Annie. Could she have known?
“I’m not sure how Dr. Michaels was notified,” the doctor answered. “But your father’s medical records were released about two minutes after he arrived.”
“That quickly?” Luke said.
“Yes. I’d say your father has a guardian angel looking out for him.”
The doctor gestured toward the door and started out. Luke followed as far as the treatment room. He stood in the hall as the staff work on his father. It was difficult to watch the man who had built a legacy from the ground up, so helpless.
Luke wanted to do something. He hated feeling useless. In his job, he could literally move mountains. But he hadn’t been there when his father needed saving.
After a few minutes, he returned to the waiting room. He hoped Annie had kept her promise to wait. He had a feeling she knew some of the answers to his questions.
His gaze swept over clusters of people waiting on plastic chairs. Some browsed through outdated magazines while others gawked blankly at a TV on the wall. His heart leapt when spied Annie sitting alone in a corner.
She was staring at her hands clasped on her lap, but glanced up and saw him. A tentative smile graced her inviting lips. She stood, but didn’t rush to his arms as she had before.
He sensed her embarrassment at her earlier emotional display. For now, he was simply glad that she’d waited.
“How’s your father?” she asked.
He crossed to her. “They’re moving him to intensive care. The doctor said it was a heart attack and wants more tests before he gives a prognosis.”
“But he’s okay. Right? He’s going to live?”
Luke took a deep breath. “Yeah, I think he’ll recover.” As he spoke, Luke realized his father would be fine. The old man was just stubborn enough to out-live them all.
“I’m glad.” Annie’s shoulders relaxed. “Did you talk to him?”
He led her to an unoccupied corner of the waiting room. “No. I only saw him through the window. After he’s moved to intensive care, I’ll be able to visit.”
“Good.” She leaned back and closed her eyes. A little color returned to her cheeks.
Luke’s gaze lingered on the smooth skin of her neck, noticing how it led seductively to her collarbone and lower.
Clearing his throat, he forced his thoughts back to his dad. “The doctor said my father had a guardian angel. Would that be you?”
Her eyes snapped open. “I don’t know what you mean.”
“Why are you here, Annie?” he asked. “How’d you know about my father?”
“I...your father…” She seemed flustered. “I should go.” She picked up her purse from the floor. “I only wanted to make sure you got here so he wouldn’t be alone if—” She stopped. “I’m glad he’s going to be okay.”
“Annie.” Luke reached for her, but she stepped aside. “I’m trying to be patient.” He gestured to the emergency room. “But this is a lot to handle. Please. Stay. Keep me company for a while. There’re some things I need to ask you.”
****
Annie hesitated. “Wha…what things?” She hated the way her voice trembled. She wanted Luke to admit they’d shared a past. Except, that wouldn’t solve the problem they faced now. Things between them were already complicated enough without his father demanding she stay away.
How could she be with Luke knowing she caused his father’s heart attack? If Mr. Maxwell hadn’t sought her out, hadn’t tried to stop her from ruining his son’s life—maybe he’d be home, instead of in a hospital fighting for his life.
The only thing she could offer Luke was an apology for messing up his life. He couldn’t possibly want more from her.
“Let’s start with why you’re here,” he said.
She clutched her purse and glanced around the room. A few of the waiting patients gave them furtive looks. “This isn’t a good time,” Annie said.
“The time is right, but not the place.” He grabbed her hand. “Come on.”
Luke stopped at the desk to inquire if his father had been moved yet. When the nurse told him they needed another thirty minutes to prepare the room, he asked directions to the cafeteria.
Still clutching Annie’s hand, he led her to the elevator.
“I haven’t eaten yet today and I’m starving. Come on.” Not giving her a chance to run off, he punched the button for the lower level. When they reached the cafeteria, he released her hand and selected a tray. “What would you like to eat?”
“I’m not hungry.” She’d lost her appetite during Mr. Maxwell’s visit and it hadn’t returned.
He took a few seconds to study her figure, which made her squirm.
“You’re not eating enough.” Then he started through the line and grabbed two sandwiches, two cartons of milk, and two plates of chocolate cake. After paying the cashier, he carried the tray to a table in a corner that offered privacy.
“This should do,” he said and placed a turkey sandwich, milk, and cake in front of her. He handed her a fork. “Eat.”
Annie looked at the tray. The way he presented the food made her think of the first time they’d shared a meal in White Rock at the Founders Day celebration. The day she went back in time and fell in love with him. She hadn’t had much of an appetite then either.
Luke unwrapped his sandwich, took a large bite, and barely chewed before swallowing. He opened the milk and drank half of it in one long gulp.
When he put the carton down, Annie noticed his milk mustache. Impulsively, she started to reach across the table with her napkin to wipe his lip, then caught herself. Pulling back, she gave a shy smile. It didn’t seem to take much for him to charm her all over again.
Luke grinned and pointed to her plate. “You’re not eating,” he complained. “I’ve gone to all this trouble to provide you a three-course meal.”
“A turkey sandwich and chocolate cake only makes two courses.”
“I disagree,” he said. “The sandwich is cut in half. That makes two parts of a three-course meal.”
She stifled a giggle at his logic and lifted the sandwich.
“That’s better.” He took another bite, talking with his mouth full. “Now eat up. You never know when the next meal will be.”
At his remark, her hand stopped with the sandwich halfway to her mouth. Her breath caught in her throat.
The smile faded from Luke’s face. “You’ve gone pale. What’s wrong?”
“You’ve told me that before,” she barely whispered the words.
The cafeteria acoustics were like a high school gym, but she could tell by his frozen expression that he’d heard her.
He cleared his throat. “I must’ve said it at the café the other night.”
It really happened, Annie thought. We did go back in time. Was this the proof she’d been hoping for? If so, why would Luke deny it?
She refused to let the issue slide this time. “No. That’s not when you said it.”
Luke pushed his plate aside, then slowly took the sandwich from her and laid it on the plate next to his. Ever so gently, he took her hands in his.
She couldn’t tell which of them was trembling more. Her entire body shook from the inside out.
He took a deep breath and closed his eyes. “If you heard me say it, then it must be true.” When he opened his eyes, his gaze was warm and inviting. “I thought I was going crazy. The only way I could rationalize the situation was to believe it was all a dream. I didn’t dream it, did I? We didn’t dream it. It really happened.”
“I…I don’t know. Ever
yone said we had an accident.” She’d denied the truth so many times. It was mind-boggling to face it now. “I think it was real. I’m different. I have these feelings, these memories that I can’t explain.”
Luke stood, never letting go of her hands and guided her around the table into his arms.
Annie went to him. Willingly. Desperately. She looked into his face.
He loosened his hold just enough to capture her mouth.
The hunger in his kiss sparked hers.
He greedily took and she gave. She tasted a hint of his meal, felt his firm lips as he feasted. As she feasted.
Somewhere in the cafeteria a child giggled, but nothing interrupted the long-awaited surrender.
Several moments later, he lifted his head.
Annie thought she’d die from the happiness shining in his eyes.
She’d waited, hoped, dreamed for this moment. Now that it was finally hers, she couldn’t have it.
Anguish, so sharp, stabbed at her heart.
Luke’s father had almost died because of her. She had to tell him what happened. She owed him the truth.
****
Luke felt Annie withdraw. One moment she was in his arms, her tantalizing kiss urging him to throw caution to the wind. The next, she was gone.
Physically she was beside him, but something inside her had left. Unwilling to relinquish this magical moment, he drew her close.
“Where did you go?” he asked tenderly. He couldn’t lose her now. Not after they’d rediscovered each other.
She pressed her palms against his chest and pushed out of his arms.
Reluctantly, he let her go. For now.
He struggled to wrap his mind around the phenomenon the two of them shared. They’d traveled back in time! Better than that—what they’d shared was real. They’d been in White Rock together. It wasn’t a dream or some imagined memory due a lightning strike.
“Luke, we’ve so much to talk about, but it has to wait. There’s something you need to know—about your father—the reason I’m here.”
He smiled. “I know you’re the guardian angel who saved his life. What I don’t know is how you were with him when he collapsed.”
“He was at my house when he had the heart attack.” She shuddered, and tears welled in her eyes.
“Dad came to visit you?”
She nodded and swiped at the tears.
“Why?”
“Because I’m ruining your life. He said you’ve changed because of me.” She backed away as she spoke. When she reached the wall, she flattened her palms against it as though she could push it out of her way and disappear on the other side. “He said you’d revised the project plans on the property because of me.”
“I have changed because of you, Annie. I’ve also changed because of what happened when we were in White Rock.” He stepped toward her. She didn’t turn away as he stroked his thumb along her cheek, catching a tear. “Dad can’t stop the plans. I’ve already re-filed with the state and county. It’s a done deal.”
“But you tore down the mill. You know what it meant to my family.” She wrapped her arms around her middle. “You cut down the tree, yet never gave it to me.”
Luke realized how his actions must look. When they’d been together in White Rock, he’d worked to improve the community. In the present, he’d demolished the icons that marked the town’s existence. Removed the tree that meant so much to her. To them.
He touched her shoulder. “Come and sit with me. I’ll try to explain.”
He pulled out a chair.
She looked at him warily, and then tentatively sat.
Dragging another one over, he scooted close. He gathered her hands in his. They were cold and he began rubbing them as he spoke. “I had to demolish the mill. I explained the other night, the company must follow EPA regulations. We have to clean up those tailings before I can build again.”
She seemed to relax as he talked. The cafeteria noise faded into the background, leaving only the two of them. He hoped she’d be happy about his next bit of news. “I’m rebuilding the mill.”
She shot him a look of disbelief. “Why? The mine is no good. The vein played out long before fire destroyed the town.”
“I’m not reestablishing the mine. I’m rebuilding the entire town.”
“What about your summer homes?”
“We’ll still build condos, they’ll just be different.”
“Why are you doing this? Won’t it cost more than then the original project?”
“Costs will go up, yes. But I’m not concerned.” He smiled, remembering the announcement that made his new plans all the more viable. “A few days ago, I learned about plans for a ski resort on the other side of valley. The town will be functional. All the businesses will be real, serving the community, just as they did while White Rock was booming—when we were there. That’s one of the reasons I was in the library.”
“The ski resort won’t need a livery.”
“That’s where you’re wrong. Besides the winter sports, the resort will offer summer activities like hiking and trail rides. We’ll need a place for horses and tack.”
“But the mill…”
“Will be restored too. An exact non-working replica. Built as a monument to the town. I’m thinking of making a museum inside. We’ll conduct tours and field trips for schools and the public.”
“You still didn’t answer the question. Why are you doing this? Why the changes?”
“For you.” He smiled, almost giddy to finally share his good news. “I wanted to surprise you. Obviously my father had other ideas and spoiled it for me.”
Annie went silent. Not the reaction he’d hoped for. “What’s wrong? I thought you’d be pleased.”
“I’m thrilled that you’re keeping the valley and meadows as they were. It is wonderful that you’re rebuilding the town…”
“But?”
“Something still isn’t right.”
“What is it?”
“I think you’d better ask your father. He was extremely upset with the changes. He acted as though he’d planned something very specific for the property. The way he talked about my grandfather…”
“Well, of course he knew your grandfather. He made the original offer on the land to him, you know that.”
Annie shook her head. “No, there’s something else. He talked as though they’d spent time together. Almost like they were enemies.”
“What makes you say that?”
“Because he called my grandfather a cheat.”
****
It hurt to repeat those words almost as much as knowing that Arnold Maxwell didn’t want her near Luke.
For days, she’d wished for a miracle. Proof that they had gone back in time—that they’d shared the most incredible experience together. Now she had it and everything was unraveling like an old sweater.
She wouldn’t force Luke to choose between her and his father. She couldn’t imagine how she’d feel if she had to make that choice.
Luke leaned back in his chair, his brow furrowed. “You’re sure my father called him a cheat?”
“I’m sure.” She sighed. “I don’t know why he’d say such a thing. It’s not true.”
“The only people I’ve ever heard Dad call cheats are his poker buddies.”
“I assure you, my grandfather wasn’t one of his poker buddies.” She would have remembered if her grandfather had played poker.
“I won’t disagree with you. I’ve met most of his buddies—even played a few hands with them. I don’t remember meeting your grandfather.” He frowned. “The only person who can really answer that question is Dad.”
Luke glanced at his watch. “It’s been long enough now. I should see how’s he’s doing.” He stood and held out a hand. “I’d like you to come with me.”
She resisted the temptation to take his hand. “I’m afraid if your father sees me, he’ll get upset again. I don’t want to cause a relapse.”
“What do you
mean, again?” Luke asked.
“Our conversation triggered his heart attack.” Annie bit her lip. Luke deserved to know. “He’s in the hospital because I almost killed him.”
“Nonsense.”
“I’m not willing to take that chance. Are you?” As much as she didn’t want Luke to leave, she had to let him go. His father needed him.
Annie knew her presence would be upsetting. She wouldn’t risk a setback to Mr. Maxwell’s health.
Luke pulled her into his arms and held her tightly against him. “I can’t let you go. I just found you again.”
For an instant, they were back in White Rock with their entire future ahead of them. She rested her head on his shoulder, basked in his warmth for a moment, then pushed away.
She had a lot to think about. Topping her list was why Luke’s father disliked her. That problem must be resolved before she and Luke could be together. She refused to come between father and son.
“Go. Be with your father.” She gathered her purse. “I’ll go home and search for something to shed light on why he called my grandfather a cheat.”
Chapter Eighteen
Luke walked with Annie to the hospital exit and kissed her one last time.
She responded readily to his demanding lips.
He was torn between his need to hold on to her and see his father. Finally, he let her go. His father was critical. He couldn’t leave the hospital without seeing him.
Tomorrow though, he’d be with Annie. He and Annie could search for answers on how they’d ended up in 1891. He still had no idea how they’d returned home, but suspected the medallions played a role.
More importantly, he wanted answers as to where they stood with each other now. He had a hunch the path ahead had a few rough spots to get through.
Luke entered the intensive care unit and found Arnold Maxwell awake. An oxygen tube was in his nose and he was still connected to the heart monitor and IV.
“About time you showed up.” His dad probably intended to intimidate, but his words came out in a weak rasp. “Where the hell have you been, boy?”
Luke grinned. His father was a fighter. He’d pull through this setback. “Doctor’s orders. I was told to wait until you were settled in your room.”
Lightning Only Strikes Twice Page 24