by Croix, J. H.
Tess was so wrapped up in her thoughts that she jumped when a phone rang. Susie grabbed her phone, sitting on the table between her and Hannah.
“Yes?” she asked quickly. “Okay, so they radioed?”
Hannah tugged at Susie’s arm. Susie listened and nodded before turning to Hannah, her mouth away from the phone. “They radioed in. One of the engines went out when a wave washed over the back of the boat. Hang on, let me get more info.”
Hannah nodded, one hand clenching her coffee mug and the other holding tight to Susie’s arm. Emma spoke quietly to Hannah, telling her to focus on the positive – that they were okay. Tess could only imagine how Hannah felt, given how Tess felt. Her heart was hammering, her throat tight. She just wanted to have Nathan here, on dry land again. They waited while Susie asked a few more questions and ended the call.
“They’re okay, but the harbormaster’s called the Coast Guard. There’s too much water in the boat. The wave flooded one of the engines and they’re busy bailing water. Shouldn’t be too long,” Susie said, flicking her eyes between Hannah, Emma and Tess.
Hannah sat silently, her hand still holding tightly to Susie’s arm. Susie uncurled Hannah’s hand from her arm and gave it a squeeze. “How about we focus on the good part? Listen to Emma. They are safe. The Coast Guard is on the way. Ted…” Susie glanced to Tess. “He’s the harbormaster,” she said and turned back to Hannah. “Ted got their location and everything, so it’s not like the Coast Guard is flying blind to find them.”
Hannah took a shaky breath. “I know, I know. I just hate knowing they’re out there in this weather and the boat’s taking on water. It’s not good.”
Tess took her own shaky breath, trying and failing to calm her heart. “Did Ted know roughly how long it should take the Coast Guard to get to them?” she asked.
Susie nodded. “He thought probably fifteen minutes by helicopter. They were heading out with two helicopters and one of their boats. He said he’ll call as soon as he hears. The part we don’t know is will they wait until the boat gets there and tow them in? Or will they need to airlift them out of there? If they do that, it means the boat can’t be salvaged. He just didn’t have enough info to know more than that right now.”
It suddenly occurred to Tess that John wasn’t with Hannah. She’d been so wrapped up, she hadn’t noticed. “Where’s John?” she asked.
“Dropped him off with Susie’s mom,” Hannah explained. “I thought it’d be best if he wasn’t here right now. I’m too worried and when they get in, we’ll be busy helping. Not to mention that he doesn’t need to see all me so worried. Plus, he loves Susie’s mom.”
Susie chuckled. “She spoils him rotten. She’s his stand-in for a grandkid these days.”
Tess took another breath, her mind promptly returning to wondering when they’d hear back and how Nathan and everyone else on the boat were doing.
They had been silent for several moments when Susie’s phone rang again, the fork sitting beside the phone vibrating along with the phone. Susie snatched the phone, asking a few rapid questions.
She put her hand over the phone. “Coast Guard is on scene. Everyone is okay, but they’re concerned about hypothermia because they’re all wet so they’re going to airlift them out. Sounds like they plan to tow the boat back.”
Hannah’s eyes filled with tears, the look of relief on her face evident. Tess felt her own tears press behind her eyelids. As relieved as she was, she didn’t think she could relax until they were back on dry land. Looking out the window, she saw that they were losing the light. The gray was darker and thicker, the rain blowing in sheets, hitting the windows with sharp pelts. Thinking of Nathan out in this weather, on the ocean and probably soaked through, made her heart hurt.
“Tess honey, what’s going on?”
Tess turned to see her mother walking over, her father at her side. They walked to the table, both looking curious. They had met Hannah when she’d helped on two of their guiding trips.
“We were just in the front getting some fresh towels and saw you in here,” Celine said.
Much as Tess didn’t want to explain, she saw no way out of it. She knew her parents would worry because they liked Nathan and his brothers. She wasn’t prepared to be in the middle of battling her fear, her worry and the realization that she loved Nathan while she tried to keep it together in front of her parents.
Susie jumped in by introducing herself and explaining the situation. Tess gave Susie a silent thanks. She settled in for the long wait until Nathan and his brothers were back on dry land.
Chapter 11
The sound of helicopter blades blocked out everything else, slicing through the air in a rhythmic slap. Tess stood at the side of the landing strip—Hannah, Emma and Susie waiting alongside her. They had waited at the hotel lounge for a long hour before word came that the Coast Guard had airlifted everyone into the helicopter, and they were headed in to shore. Tess’s nerves were worn. Her parents had waited with them for a while. To Tess’s relief, they’d graciously bowed out when it was time to head over the airport where the helicopter would land, asking only that she call them with an update. Much as she appreciated their support, she didn’t want to have a meltdown in their presence.
Rain fell steadily, the wind blew sideways with the helicopter adding a swirl to the wind as it slowly landed. Tess was soaked through, shivering against the cold. Looking around, she saw Hannah, Emma and Susie were in no better shape. Moments later, the helicopter settled firmly on the ground and the sound of pouring rain seemed quiet without the whir and whack of the helicopter blades.
Tess watched as one person after another stepped out into the rain. Hannah ran to Luke, Jared was tugged into the cluster with Susie and Emma. A few others stepped off next who Tess assumed to be the tourists the brothers had taken fishing for the day. Nathan finally stepped out, looking around, his eyes catching hers through the rain. She ran to his side, Nathan tugging her quickly into his embrace.
“Hey,” he said, his voice muffled against her wet hair.
She burrowed against him and felt him shiver. Pulling back, she looked up. Tears slid down her cheeks. “You’re cold, we need to get you somewhere warm.”
His smile was tired, but true. “I know. Just glad to see you,” he replied, keeping her tucked close to his side.
Despite or perhaps because of her overwhelming feelings, Tess became worried about what happened to their boat. “Is the boat okay?” she asked, looking up at Nathan through the rain.
He nodded. “It’s gonna need some repairs because of the flooded engine, but it’ll be alright. The Coast Guard is towing it to the dock for us.”
The next few minutes were a bustle of activity. An ambulance had been waiting by the landing strip. Despite their protests, Nathan, Luke and Jared were ordered to go to the hospital to be cleared. After some haggling, the family who had gone fishing with them was escorted in the ambulance, and Emma drove the rest of them there.
The hospital waiting room, despite its typical sterility, was warm and comforting, a haven from the rain and wind. Nathan had been taken in for a quick exam, along with Luke and Jared, all three complaining it was unnecessary. The waiting was quiet and slow. The news droned on the sole television in the waiting area.
Another long hour and the brothers were cleared to go home. The teenage daughter of the family on the guiding trip was hypothermic and would remain for the night. During the wait, Emma had driven Susie home to retrieve her car. Emma took Hannah and Luke home, while Susie took charge of Jared, Nathan and Tess. The ride to the hotel was quiet. No questions had been asked, it appeared everyone assumed Nathan would stay with Tess at the hotel. Tess wasn’t sure what to think of that assumption, but she wasn’t letting him out of her sight tonight.
Tess closed the door to her room, the thick carpet muffling its sound. She switched on the lamp by the bed, turning to look toward Nathan. “Shower,” she said, pointing to the bathroom.
�
�Aw…I don’t want a shower, just want to lay down with you,” he whined.
She shook her head firmly. “You’re soaked and so am I. Let’s enjoy some hot water instead of freezing rain.”
Nathan shrugged and offered a tired grin. “In that case…”
In the steaming shower, Tess soaped his back and turned him around to soap his chest. She ran her hands through the dark curls scattered across. Nathan leaned forward and captured her lips in a long kiss. A soft heat suffused Tess. Nathan stumbled a little. She pulled away, holding his eyes for a long moment. His eyes were bloodshot and droopy, his face haggard from exhaustion. “You are too tired for this. Out now,” she directed.
“Geez, you’re bossy.” He tried to kiss her again, but his balance was off and he fell against the wall.
Her heart clenched. She didn’t like seeing him this tired. Tess shook her head against the tears that threatened. She briskly turned off the shower and stepped out, immediately handing him a towel.
Hours later, in the thin light of dawn, Tess woke to the feel of Nathan’s hand sliding down her hip, the other hand caressing her breasts, the feel of his roughened palm coasting across her nipples bringing a catch to her breath. They made sleepy love, barely moving from their spooned position. Nathan slowly worked her into a heated frenzy with soft strokes and nibbles on her neck. He’d slipped his fingers into her moist center. Gasping his name when his fingers disappeared, she’d sighed in relief when he’d entered her from behind with a deep thrust. She tumbled into an orgasm the moment he delved a hand down the front of her body to caress her just above where he stroked deeply into her. Nathan followed her over the edge, holding her close as their breathing slowed. Tess fell back asleep and didn’t wake until light sifted through the heavy hotel curtains. Nathan was still curled around her, his breathing soft and steady. Slowly untangling herself, she slipped out of bed and went to the bathroom. When she returned, she propped herself with pillows and sat beside Nathan, stroking his hair.
***
The next day, Tess stood by the windows in her hotel. The room was quiet and tense. Nathan wanted to drive her to the airport and she’d just told him no for the hundredth time. He sat on the edge of the bed, his hands raked in his black curls.
“All I’m asking is that you think about it. We don’t have to let geography be a barrier. If you won’t consider moving here, I’ll move to North Carolina,” Nathan said, his eyes determined.
She almost laughed aloud, not because it was funny, but because she couldn’t believe that when he’d charmed her into dinner that this is where they ended up. She still hadn’t adjusted to the power of her feelings during that long hour she’d waited for word on him and his brothers.
“You can’t do that! I can’t imagine you anywhere other than Diamond Creek. This place…it’s you, it’s your life. I’m not saying no, I’m just saying I don’t know.” Tess paused, tears choking her words.
Nathan’s dark blue eyes held hers, almost daring her to ignore the practical side of herself. She gave her head a sharp shake.
“Nathan…” Her voice cracked, she took an unsteady breath. “We didn’t plan on…this…” she gestured between them. “I didn’t know that dinner would end up being so much more. I’m not trying to play this down. You mean so much to me. I just…I just need a little time. You have to understand; this was a vacation. I have a life, work, all kinds of things that I can’t just toss away. Just like I’d never ask you to walk away from everything you have here. The thought of moving to Alaska never crossed my mind before I met you.”
Nathan latched onto her last sentence. “So does that mean it has crossed your mind now?”
A tear rolled down her cheek as she nodded. “I just don’t know what to do. Please just give this some time,” she pleaded.
Nathan turned away, looking out the window, his profile stern, his emotions tightly held in check. He nodded firmly, as if to himself. “Okay, you have your time. But listen…” he turned and walked to stand in front of her. Placing his fingertips under her chin, he tipped her face towards his. Much as Tess wanted to look away from the raw emotion in his eyes, she looked straight into them, memorizing the feeling there. His words tore through her, her heart. “I love you.”
“I love you too,” she whispered.
Nathan wrapped her in his secure embrace and just held her for several long moments. There was a knock at the door. She knew it would be her mother. She called out that she’d be right there.
She looked up at Nathan, searching his eyes. “Just let me say goodbye here.” A tear slid down her cheek, the dampness cool on her skin.
Nathan nodded. “Promise me you’ll think about what I asked.”
Tess’s throat tightened as she nodded. “I will…I promise.”
There was another knock on the door, her mother’s muffled voice reminding her they had to go. They were due to leave for the airport any moment. Nathan pulled her back into his embrace. His strong arms held her close. She breathed his scent in, memorizing it. He leaned back and held her gaze, those blue, blue eyes reading into her heart. “Don’t you dare forget about me, Tess.” He tapped his heart and then hers with one finger. “I know you didn’t plan this, I know it’s not convenient—but you are the woman for me. I love you.” He leaned in for a slow kiss, his lips exploring hers in that slow, leisurely way of his—for that one moment, making her forget time.
Tess didn’t look away when he broke their kiss. “I love you too. I won’t forget you. I promise.” Nathan released her gently. He stepped away, and she felt bereft out of his arms. Nathan braved his way through her mother’s entrance into the room. With one quick kiss, don’t forget whispered into her ear, Nathan left the room.
Chapter 12
Tess took a slow look around her condo. It was a small two-bedroom condo in a wooded area of Greenville. Tall loblolly pines surrounded the condo complex creating a shaded landscape. Her condo consisted of an open living room and kitchen area with hardwood flooring, granite counters in the kitchen, and a wall of windows with a sliding glass door that led to a small deck. A small alcove on one side led to two bedrooms and the sole bathroom. She’d decorated the apartment with her mother’s help—bright purple curtains, a few framed photographs of the ocean and mountains and a painting by her grandmother of a field of lavender. An inviting sofa and chair set of soft green fabric and deep cushions with throw pillows and soft blankets completed the room.
Her friend, Deanna, had watered her plants while she was gone. The condo had the quiet, still feeling that places held when they’d been empty for a while. Tess went into action mode, unpacking her luggage, starting a load of laundry, and taking stock of what she had in the refrigerator. Since Nathan had left the hotel, she’d been in an emotional cocoon—her feelings distant and numb. Thoughts of her last few conversations with Nathan rotated through her mind. She’d slept through most of the long flight from Alaska.
Tess opened the sliding glass door, leaving the screen closed. The salty, moist, green scented air that was eastern North Carolina filled the room. She breathed deeply, inhaling the familiar essence. For a moment, she missed the crisp, bright air that was Diamond Creek. The salty scent there was sharper and cooler.
A few days later, just when she felt like she was getting caught up at work and somehow managing to tolerate the sharp spikes of feeling that tore through her when she thought of Nathan, her work phone rang.
“Tess Stanton,” she said briskly, her mind half on the spreadsheet on her computer that outlined the current numbers on one of her fundraising projects.
“Hey Tess, it’s Chad.”
Tess had known that the second he’d spoken. She was silent for a moment, unprepared for his call. As she sat there, staring at her computer screen, she realized that hearing his voice didn’t elicit much more than a brief flash of irritation and a lingering residue of shame.
“Yes?” she finally asked.
“How was your trip to Alaska?
” Chad asked, his tone casual as if it was perfectly normal that he was calling her out of the blue.
“How did you know I was in Alaska?” Tess asked sharply.
“Geez, Tess. Your father’s been planning it forever. It’s not like we didn’t talk about it,” Chad replied, his tone conveying the sense that she was being silly to wonder about his question.
“It was fine. Why are you calling Chad?” she asked, deciding it was best to get right to the point.
“I thought maybe we could have dinner, catch up, that kind of thing.”
Tess had absolutely no idea why Chad thought she’d even consider this. After she’d walked out, he had tried to persuade her to return off and on for a few months, but he hadn’t called in over six months. She figured he’d finally gotten the clue that she wasn’t going back and moved on. She’d never gotten too close to his circle of friends, so she hadn’t heard much about him, which had been just fine with her.
“I don’t think so, Chad. Like I said before, we’re done. I learned more than I needed to know about what was going on behind my back when we were together, so I’m not really up for the whole friends thing with you.”
Chad didn’t miss a beat. “Tess, can’t we just move past all that? We had something together for two years and went through a lot at the end there. I know the miscarriage was difficult for you, and I was there every step of the way. I don’t see what’s wrong with trying to be friendly and have dinner.”
Tess thought back to the weeks after she’d learned she was pregnant and then miscarried. Chad had been barely supportive. He hadn’t gone to the doctor with her, had spent most evenings watching television in the living room while she holed up in the bedroom. He’d made his usual comments about her weight and trying to put more effort into what she wore. Thinking about how Chad treated her brought Nathan to mind. He’d called last night as he had every night since she’d returned home. He was everything Chad wasn’t – warm, supportive, curious about her daily life. She could barely stand to think about the way she felt when they were intimate. It was so foreign from the experiences she’d had with Chad; it almost felt like she was devaluing it to think about it in any context related to Chad.