Stealing Time

by Nancy Pennick

  So many thoughts filled her head at once. She needed to go along with him since it was his dream. On the other hand, she had to stop him no matter what. Say whatever he wanted to hear. And finally, what would the man off in the distance, the dark-haired, emerald green-eyed man she loved with all her heart, think when he heard her profess her love for someone else?

  With every step, Tyson grew closer to the edge. Kate knew she had to avoid confrontation between the two rivals. Tyson might try to fly just to show Drew he could. She took a deep breath, almost gagging on the words and whispered, “I love you.”

  She was certain Drew wasn’t close enough to hear. Tyson didn’t see him coming along the walkway.

  Tyson cupped his ear leaning forward. “I didn’t quite hear you.”

  “I love you,” she called out, wincing as she said it, because she knew Drew heard that time.

  Tyson ran to her and grabbed her by the arms. “I knew it. Some day you’d come to your senses and say you loved me.” He pulled her toward him into a deep kiss.

  From the corner of her eye, Kate saw Drew stop in his tracks. When she was able to break free he was nowhere to be seen. Torn between finding Drew and keeping Tyson safe, Kate chose the latter. She grabbed Tyson’s hand and said, “Come with me.”

  He tagged along willingly as she dragged him to the barn, hoping to find Drew and saddle up Flicka at the same time. Drew had to figure it out by now and was probably planning the next step of getting Tyson back to Ohio in one piece.

  “Hey, great choice. We can be alone.” Tyson grabbed her around the waist from behind. He spun her around, lifting her off the ground, kissing her neck.

  She felt light-headed, almost nauseated, but knew she had to keep up the charade. “Put me down.” She kicked her legs playfully. As he set her down, she turned and gave him a quick kiss.

  “Help me saddle up the horse.” She patted Flicka’s side.

  Once the horse was ready, Kate swung into the saddle, helping Tyson up behind her.

  “I like this. Where are you taking me?”

  “It’s a surprise.”

  On the way to the boardinghouse, Kate tried to formulate a plan. Carl should still be there. He was having Thanksgiving dinner with his mother and father. No drama like last year, he promised. Wednesday’s showdown had been enough excitement.

  Kate shivered as she remembered last year. Carl took Drew’s place in the boat on that Friday after Thanksgiving and headed down the river. His grief over losing Rachel caused him to make a bad choice. He felt someone needed to die that day and would make the sacrifice. Luckily he was saved, although one of the men died in the rescue attempt. Carl promised to go back to the present tonight and not return for that fateful day. Everyone made that promise. Thanksgiving would be the last day at the canyon. Now Tyson was here and could drastically change that plan.

  As they arrived at the boardinghouse, Tyson let out a yell. “Hey, I know this place.”

  “Shhh,” Kate held her finger to her mouth. “You don’t want anyone to know we’re in the barn, do you?”

  “No, no I don’t.” Tyson slid off the horse and helped her down.

  “Would you mind taking the horse and putting her in a stall? I’ll be right in.” Kate used the sweetest voice she could muster. She slammed the door behind him, sliding the board into its latch, locking him in, and started for the house as Maya came out the door.

  “What’s all that yelling going on out here?” She wiped her hands on her apron, glancing around. “Haven’t we had enough excitement to last us awhile?

  “Maya!” Kate ran toward her. “Tyson’s here. I have him locked in the barn. Tell Carl Jr. I need his help.”

  Maya quickly disappeared into the house, and within moments, he was on the porch.

  “Can you bring yourself to knock him out? Without him seeing you?”

  “Sis, I’d be happy to. I’ve been waiting to punch his lights out for a long time.”

  Kate giggled. “You’re terrible. I’ll go in first and distract him so you can come up from behind.”

  She unlocked the door and slipped inside, finding Tyson in a pile of hay. “Come here.” She wiggled her finger at him. He popped up, and as he came toward her, crumbled to the ground.

  “Wow, you waste no time.” Kate felt a little sorry for the young man who was now in a collapsed pile at her feet. “Let’s get him upstairs.”

  Carl was shorter than Tyson but able to sling him over his shoulders and carry him into the house. “The sun will be setting soon. He’ll never know what hit him, pardon the pun,” he called over his shoulder as he climbed the stairs.

  “Will you do me a big favor? Stay with him until he’s gone? I need to find Drew. We had a misunderstanding.”

  “Sure. Go. I got this.”

  Kate ran from the room and back out to the barn where Flicka was still saddled up and waiting. She hopped quickly into the saddle and raced back to the canyon. All of this would be straightened out as soon as she found him. Her heart raced as she tried the barn first. Canyon was in his stall, and she thought she saw someone with the horse.

  “Go away, Kate,” Drew’s voice called out.

  “Let me explain.” Kate stepped into the stall and saw he was crying.

  “Nothing to explain. Just like the first time. Don’t you remember? We made plans to meet here for the holiday weekend. You ruined it by telling me about the boyfriend back home. Seems like you still have mixed feelings. I told you I’d set you free back then. The same goes for now. Maybe you’re just not ready as I am to settle down.”

  Kate couldn’t believe what she was hearing. “Do you really think I love Tyson? After all this time you should know me better than that. Didn’t you see him perched on the edge of the canyon ready to take flight?”

  She could feel the anger rising inside her but tried to push those feelings deep inside to reason with him. “We said we’d do anything to keep Tyson safe at the canyon and make him believe he was dreaming.”

  No response from Drew. He just continued brushing down his horse. Then suddenly, new emotions overtook her. Her body ached as it filled with hurt and pain. “What about our wedding, Drew? Our New York trips? The times at the cabin? Anna’s faith in us? How could you even think for a moment...?” She hesitated and made a choice. “Say good-bye to Freddie for me. Tell him I love him.” She started to turn and hesitated. “And since you’re already mad at me you might as well know. Tyson kissed me at senior prom.” She spun away in a huff and walked away. She needed to see Tyson made it safely back to Ohio.

  Pushing Flicka to her limits, Kate wanted to return home as soon as she got to the boardinghouse. All of this felt too familiar. As tears streamed down her face, she recalled the day two years ago when she and Drew fought over Tyson. Eventually Drew came to understand Tyson was the aggressor, and Kate did her best to keep him at arm’s length. Why was it so different now? Was it the kiss? Drew saw her kissing another man. It was more than he could take.

  Carl Sr. was waiting for Kate as she came into the drive. He waved her off and took the reins from her hands. Although he only lived in this world now, Kate had a suspicion he knew more than he was letting on, but was grateful for his silent assistance. Dashing into the house and up the stairs, Kate wanted to be sure Tyson was gone before she left. Maya was in her sitting room and nodded to her as she walked down the hallway to the room Carl deposited him in.

  “Good. He’s gone.” Kate peeked into the room and saw an empty bed. “Once again you caused a major problem for me, Tyson. Thanks.”

  She ran to Maya’s room and collapsed on the floor by her chair like she did when she was a child. Maya would stroke her hair until all the worries of the day seemed to be magically smoothed away. Kate wished for that now more than ever but knew it was just a little girl’s dream. “Maya, why does everything have to be so complicated?”

  A low chuckle came from Maya as she stroked Kate’s hair. Kate really didn’t want an answer and knew Maya was aware o
f that fact.

  “I’m going home now. Will I see you there? You’re coming for Thanksgiving. Right?” Kate gazed up at her.

  Maya nodded, still not speaking. She wiped a tear from Kate’s cheek and finally said, “I love you like you were my own, child. I told you many a time, what will be, will be. That’s my advice to you now. You can try to turn everything inside out and back again but if...”

  “If it’s not meant to be, I can’t make it happen.” Kate finished for her. “I love you, too. I’m so glad I have you in my life. If it all ends here at the canyon today, I have no regrets.”

  Kate got up and quietly padded out of the room and down the stairs to her room. Glancing around her little boardinghouse bedroom she took it in for one last time. “I’m not coming back.” She told the room. “If Drew has that little faith in me, it ends here today.” And with that, she grabbed her magical book, crawled into bed and drifted off to sleep.

  Chapter Twenty-Three

  “What a nightmare!” Kate said as she slowly woke up, not quite ready to face the new day. Something inside said she wanted the dreamy quality of sleep, not the reality of the new morning. Memories flashed through her head. Tyson standing on the edge of the canyon. Carl Jr. knocking him out. Drew’s face when she found him in the barn.

  “Not a dream. Drew! Where is he?” She bolted upright in bed. He had to be waking up next door.

  Kate slid out of bed and ran to his room. She threw open the door without knocking. Her plan was to playfully jump on the bed and laugh about the whole fight. Drew definitely had forgiven her by now. He knew she had to help Tyson.

  “Andrew Kelly, are you awake?” Kate called out to the empty room. The bed was neatly made as if he’d never been there. She double-checked the bathroom and ran through the upstairs looking for him.

  “You’re up early, Pumpkin.” Kate’s dad came out of his room and kissed her cheek. “Happy Thanksgiving. I hear we’re all staying home this year with no sudden trips to the canyon. A peaceful, family holiday...we deserve that.”

  “Dad, Drew’s not here.”

  “He’s probably at the Campbells.”

  “No, I mean he didn’t come back with me last night.”

  “After all you went through in New York? I’m surprised. I thought he wouldn’t leave your side.” Kate was silent, staring down at the floor. “What’s wrong?”

  “Tyson, Dad, as always. He showed up at the canyon and was going to try to fly across it. I had to save him. He told me if I said I loved him he wouldn’t do it.”

  “And Drew heard it.”

  “And saw me kiss Tyson.”

  Now it was her dad’s turn to be quiet. Rubbing his face, he eventually said, “Andrew has a jealous streak when it comes to you and Tyson. But I thought we all agreed to protect him and make him believe he was dreaming, no matter what.”

  “I think Drew forgot the ‘no matter what’ part. I’m getting dressed and getting the book back. It’s the least I can do.”

  Kate hurried back to her room and got ready for the day. Family would be coming soon. She’d have to make up an excuse as to why Drew wasn’t there. She could already hear her voice explaining over and over to cousins, aunts and uncles, grandparents where he was.

  Jeans, t-shirt and a ponytail were the best she could muster for her holiday outfit. Her mother wouldn’t be pleased but should be happy Kate was even attending the festivities.

  Bounding down the stairs, Kate didn’t check to see if her mother was around. She’d offer to help later. The turkey was in the oven, and bowls of food were everywhere in the kitchen. She grabbed a bottle of water, steadying herself at the counter as she drank. If Tyson wanted a showdown, that’s what he would get. Kate was in no mood to be civil or polite. She was on a mission.

  Hurrying across the street, Kate kept taking deep breaths. She needed to remain calm as she dealt with Tyson and reminded herself that he was just waking up from a great dream. Hers was more of a nightmare —saying good-bye to her room and life at the canyon for the final time. It was one of the hardest things she ever had to do. Now, with Drew not returning, reality was setting in. This would be her life. She had to make the best of it. But she was strong now, stronger than she ever felt in her life. She could do this.

  Kate rang the doorbell and stood impatiently waiting for someone to answer. Luckily, it was Tyson.

  “Katie, what are you doing here? Sorry, where are my manners? Come in.” He motioned for her to enter, and they both sat down in the living room. “I had another one of those dreams last night. I was at the Grand Canyon, and I thought I could fly. But you stopped me. You said you loved me. It was so real. I remember it so clearly. Damn, I wish it was real.”

  Kate stared at the wall above his head as he retold the story of their day at the canyon. He went on and on about the kiss and the ride back to the boardinghouse and feeling her in his arms.

  At that moment, Kate felt a sharp stab in her heart. He sounded so sweet as he recounted the tale she wanted to wrap her arms around him and tell him how sorry she was. She just couldn’t love him like he wanted. But she had to be tough. “It was just a dream.” Kate said coldly. “You know that, right?”

  “Right.”

  “I want Drew’s book back. The one you took from his room.”

  “Don’t know what you’re talking about.”

  “Yes, you do. It’s an old book. It belonged to his grandfather, and he kept it next to his bed. I want it back.” Glaring at him, Kate was determined to not back down.

  Tyson slowly got up. “Come with me.”

  Kate hoped it wasn’t a trick or a way to get her into his room, but she followed him anyway. The house was so familiar. She was always surprised at how comfortable she felt there.

  As they ambled up the stairs, she looked at the photos adorning the wall along the side of the steps. She was in some of the pictures like she was family. “Tyson, can we go back to being friends like before? These pictures bring back a lot of memories.”

  “Our moms always thought we’d get married, you know.” Tyson half-laughed.

  “Would they settle on us being friends forever?”

  “Maybe.”

  “Well, it’s up to you.” Kate spotted the book on his desk. She wanted to lunge for it but held herself back. She’d only use force if she had to.

  “Here. Sorry about that. Just wanted to see what was so great about it. I can’t even remember what I read.” Again the sad laugh.

  “I hear it’s really boring stuff.” Kate wanted to grab and hug the book to her chest but gently took it from his hands. The lie worked. She wanted to run out the door but remained calm. She would tell him anything he wanted to hear as long as the book stayed safe.

  Tyson leaned in and kissed Kate on the cheek. “I’m going to try hard to be a good friend from now on.”

  “Thanks, Ty, and happy Thanksgiving.” Kate bounded down the steps and out of the house into the cool morning air. She wanted to dance across the street, screaming she had the book but kept up the act of it not being a big deal until she stepped inside her house.

  “Mom, Dad, I got it!” Kate called out.

  “Got what?” Drew came out of the family room and walked toward her.

  “The book.” Kate’s voice dropped off to barely a whisper. “I thought you didn’t come back.”

  “That would be really stupid of me. I’d miss a great Thanksgiving with the family. I’d miss seeing your beautiful, smiling face...although, it doesn’t seem to be smiling right now.”

  “Drew Kelly, how could you ever think I’d love another man? It’s you and always been you!” Kate wanted to cry and scream and pound his chest, but stood motionless.

  “I reacted badly. I’m sorry. I was just so shocked and jealous and not thinking straight. When I saw you kissing someone else, it killed me inside. After you left, Carl found me and told me I was acting crazy and reminded me of the agreement. Tyson might be dead if it wasn’t for you. You saved his life. I guess
I wanted mine to be the only life you ever saved.”

  “Aww...” Kate couldn’t help but smile. “I saved your life for us. That’s much different than what happened with Tyson.”

  “I see it now. Can you forgive me?”

  Kate rushed into his arms. “There’s nothing to forgive. I love you across the miles, across time. I love you forever.”

  “And I love you beyond forever, Fiore raro.”

  Chapter Twenty-Four

  Everyone held their glasses high, toasting another New Year. Kate stood surrounded by family and friends for their third annual party. She smiled as she noticed her mother resting her head on her father’s shoulder, gazing into his eyes. She glowed with happiness. Her dad looked calm and relaxed, not the frazzled mess he was last year. What a difference a year made.

  Last year, Carl and his mother, Maya, were in Texas where he introduced her to Josie for the first time. This year they were right where they were supposed to be. It didn’t feel right if Kate didn’t have them close by.

  A few new guests were added to the festivities. Renae flew in from New York with Freddie on his private jet. She couldn’t seem to stay away from Ohio when she wasn’t working and practically lived at Maya’s house. Carl deserved to be happy, and Kate felt he found it with Renae.

  Freddie was the life of the party. Everyone fell in love with him, just like Kate did so long ago. He kept everyone in stitches as he told how he secretly loathed playing the violin. He was introduced to Lindsey’s parents as an old family friend, which in some instance was true. All the time travelers plus one knew who he really was. Lindsey filled Charlie in on a few details of Drew’s life last year. He was cool with it and a little in awe. Kate hoped those two would always be a couple. One day, hopefully, the four of them could travel back in time together.

  Freddie had left his New York family behind to join his brother for tonight’s party. He didn’t seem the least bit upset that his wife and sons weren’t with him.

  “They all have parties to attend and won’t even know I’m gone,” he informed the group. “I’m not a big party man. Charlotte’s the one who loves to dress up and go out. I take her to whatever party she wants, stay an hour and then go home. Watching the ball drop with a good bottle of bourbon is my celebration.”