What the bloody hell?
For a second, the sun broke through the clouds and the glint of gold caught his eye.
The ring. He scooped it off the bench. Sara. I’ve got to find Sara.
Chapter Twenty-One
Her back aching, Sara stood and stretched. Between the flight and these meetings I’ve spent way too much time sitting. I’m not accustomed to this. Out of courtesy, the men in the room stood as well.
“Please don’t get up, gentlemen. I simply need to stretch my legs. Would you mind if we took a break?”
Heads nodded.
“Is there anywhere to get in a quick walk around here?”
A young man rose from his seat. “Hyde Park is no more than two blocks from here. I’d be happy to escort you.”
Sara smiled at him. “Thanks, but that’s not necessary. If you point me in the right direction I can probably find my way.”
The man shook his head and smiled in return. “I insist. London traffic can be what you Yanks call bumper cars. I’d feel better if you had someone to clear the way for you.”
There’s no harm in letting him accompany me. “All right, thank you. It’s kind of you.” But don’t read anything into this, bud. My heart belongs to a dead man. She grabbed her purse and followed his lead.
The two walked outside into the late afternoon sunshine. Sara tried to keep from laughing. The young man was so proper and protective, holding every door open for her. He even stopped traffic like a school crossing guard so she could cross the street in safety.
Hyde Park was perfect for a stroll. The shade trees were planted in neat rows, the paths well maintained, the grass trimmed. Sara couldn’t help but smile. It seemed a world apart from the wilderness that was her piece of property.
Oh yeah, Sara, London is a world apart. This is the world where Nathan died. Her smile vanished. I wonder where he went. Did he slink off to his family estate, or is he here in London, hiding from me?
“I don’t mean to pry, but when is your baby due? I only ask because my wife is pregnant.”
“Oh?” Sara glanced at him. He seems awfully young. “Congratulations. How pregnant is she?”
“Seven months.”
“Are you having a girl or a boy, or don’t you know?”
He smiled. “We decided to remain in the dark. We prefer the element of surprise.”
“I’d say the same thing, but the tech told me the sex of the baby before I could stop her.” Sara shrugged. “It’s okay. At least now I know what to name her.”
“Ah, a girl then. Lovely.” He sounded sincere.
“Yes, it is. I only wish…” Shut up, Sara, and enjoy the walk.
“What do you wish?”
You stuck your foot in it. “Her father’s not, well, he’s not here.”
“Oh? Where is he?”
Sara’s steps faltered, but she kept her voice even. “Is that any of your business?”
“Well, I suppose it is, Sara.”
That voice, there’s something about his voice. She stared at the young man. “Do I know you?”
He smiled, the corners of his eyes crinkling. “Do you? We’ve only just met today.”
“I thought you said…” Sara shook her head. “Sorry. I think I must be jet-lagged.” And sex lagged. She covered her mouth with her hand and yawned. “I haven’t had much sleep in recent days.”
The young man appeared distracted for a moment. “Perhaps you’d like to return to your hotel? We can continue the brainstorming session tomorrow. I think we’ve covered most of the salient points anyway.”
“Would you mind? If it wouldn’t be terribly inconvenient I could use some rest. I’ll go back and tell…”
He interrupted her. “No, Miss Wise, it’s no trouble. Let me.”
“But my notes…”
He stopped her with a wave of his hand. “They’ll be fine in the conference room until tomorrow. I’ll lock the door myself.” He took her elbow and steered her back toward the busy boulevard. “Let me flag down a cab.”
He seems to be in quite a hurry to get rid of me. Sara politely pulled her elbow from his grip. “Please don’t bother. I noticed this morning that my hotel isn’t far off. I think I’d prefer to walk.”
“No, Miss Wise, I insist. A woman in your condition…”
“My condition?” Sara felt like stomping her foot. He may be nice enough, but he’s a pushy busybody. “I’m fine. I can walk and…”
“I’m sorry dear, are you talking to me?”
Sara blinked her eyes several times. An elderly woman stood beside her. “No I was talking to… Where did he go? I was with a young gentleman. He insisted upon getting me a cab and then…” She turned around and scanned the park. “He vanished.”
The woman looked her over. “He didn’t steal anything, did he? We do have occasional pickpockets, but not usually in Hyde Park. Do you want me to call a bobby for you?”
Not again. She promised they wouldn’t bother me again. Please tell me that wasn’t a ghost.
“Do you smell incense?” The old woman asked, her nose sniffing the air. “I distinctly smell incense.”
Sara inhaled. She smelled it too. But it was more like cloves or allspice. Like the spice box she’d sniffed as a very young child when she attended the synagogue with her father.
Chester. Chester smelled just like this.
“Are you all right, my dear? You look pale. Perhaps you should sit down. Here, let me help you.”
Sara let the woman guide her to a park bench.
“Can I bring you something to drink? There’s a kiosk just over there. I’d be happy to get you some water or perhaps a cup of tea.”
Pay attention, Sara. She’s talking to you. You better keep an eye on her, she might disappear too. “No, thank you. I’m fine. I’ll sit here for a few minutes and then I’ll go get something to drink.”
“Are you sure, my dear?” The woman patted her knee. “It’s no bother.”
“Yes, I’m sure I’ll be fine.” Sara willed her mouth to form a smile and she forced herself to add, “I don’t want to keep you. Thank you for your concern.” Sara noticed a wrinkle form in the woman’s brow.
“Well, if you’re certain…”
“Yes, very.” Sara nodded.
“All right, then.”
Eyes glued on the woman’s back, Sara followed her progress through the park, keeping her in sight until she reached the far side and climbed onto a bus. Thank god she wasn’t a ghost; at least, I don’t think she was a ghost. Or a Guardian. Sara shivered. Why would a Guardian show up here? And why was he in such a hurry to get me into a cab? God forbid there’s another serial killer waiting in the wings.
The baby shifted and Sara placed a protective hand over her belly. Maybe I should head back to the hotel.
***
“Miss Wise?” The desk clerk motioned to her the moment she entered the lobby.
Crap. What now? Sara pasted a smile on her face. “Yes?”
“I’m sorry to bother you, but you’ve received several phone calls from a Miss Dalton Murrano. She wants you to call her back. She says it’s urgent.”
Sara glanced at the clock on the wall above the woman’s head. She made some quick internal calculations. It was ten-thirty in the morning back home. “Thank you.” Sara walked to the bank of elevators and pressed the button.
“Oh, Miss Wise?” The clerk called after her.
Sara turned.
“The day clerk mentioned you had another call, but I can’t seem to find the note. As soon as it turns up, I’ll ring your room.”
Sara nodded and the elevator door shut behind her. Why on earth is Dalton trying to reach me?
Not certain she’d get a good connection with her cell phone; Sara used the room phone to dial overseas.
“Hi, Dalton, it’s Sara. The desk clerk said you’d been trying to reach me. What’s up?
“My…? I’m sorry; did you say my mom died?” Sara dropped down on the bed.
&nbs
p; “How did you find out? Who called you? How did it happen?
“My aunt Ellie called? A stroke? No, no, it’s fine that you answered my phone. I appreciate it, Dalton. It’s…” Sara took a deep breath and blew it out. “It’s a good thing you were there to get the call.
“Tomorrow? Yes, of course, how silly of me, of course she’s being buried tomorrow.
“I’ll notify the clients here and catch the next plane home. I can call the office when I get back to the States.
“No, hon, I don’t need a ride. I have my car.
“Yes, I’m all right.
“Thanks, Dalton. I appreciate that. Bye.”
Sara hung up the phone, numb. How many years has it been since I’ve seen my mother, five, ten? I can’t remember. Isn’t that odd?
It was several minutes before Sara rose and made a half-hearted move toward her carry-on bag.
“I’m not mad anymore, Mom.” Sara walked around the hotel room, gathering up the few items she’d unpacked. “I’m all right. I’ve spent enough time with ghosts to know you can hear me. I forgive you and I’ll be there for you tomorrow. The least I can do is say goodbye.”
Nathan, if you can hear me, I could use your arms around me right about now. I don’t even care if you’re incorporeal. I need you so bad.
***
Nate switched on his Bluetooth. “Jack, I need a big favor.
“Yes, I know you’ve already covered for me. I need another one.
“I’m on my way back to the city now.
“The meeting went well, eh?
“No, that’s great, but it’s not why I called. I need you to find someone for me, a woman.
“Very funny. No, not that kind of woman.
“Stop with the jokes, Jack, this is important.
“I met her.
“What do you mean, who? I met the dream woman, the red head.”
Nate rolled his eyes. “Shut it, Jack, or I’ll shut it for you when I get there.
“I know where she’s staying and…
“Yes, I need you to go to her hotel and make sure she doesn’t leave before I get back.
“I’ve tried. She’s not picking up.
“Of course I’ve left messages.
“No, I don’t have to explain myself. Just go.
“I don’t care how you stop her. Park yourself in the lobby. Sit your ass outside her door. I don’t care what you do as long as you keep her in London.
“How long? Until I get there, that’s how long. Don’t let her leave.
“What? What am I forgetting?”
The name of the hotel, you idiot.
Nate gave Jack the information.
“Jack, touch her and you’re a dead man.”
Nate clicked off. He floored it, uncertain when Sara planned to leave for Spain. If she leaves for Spain I’ll follow her. It doesn’t matter where she goes, I’ll be there.
***
Nate stormed into the lobby, heading straight for the front desk. “I’m looking for Sara Wise. Would you ring her room for me, please?”
The clerk looked puzzled. “There’s a gentleman sitting behind you who’s been asking for Miss Wise. As I’ve already explained to him, she checked out of her room several hours ago. A family emergency, I believe.”
“A family…?” Nate spun around. He spotted Jack lounging near the fire pit. He turned back to the clerk. “She’s returned to the States?”
The woman nodded. “Could I have your name, sir?”
“My name?” Nate glanced over at his friend.
“Yes, sir, if you don’t mind.”
“Nathaniel Henry Neville. Why?”
“Thank you, sir. Miss Wise left a note for you.” The clerk reached into a drawer beneath the desk and pulled out an envelope. She handed it to him.
Walking towards Jack, Nate ripped open the envelope. He stopped halfway to read what Sara had written.
“Nathan, if you’re reading this note; either you’ve remembered our time together, or you’ve screwed up your courage and come to tell me goodbye. It’s not permitted, Nathan, goodbye is not permitted. You said you would always remember that you died in my arms. I will always remember that I lived in yours. Find me, Nathan. Come find me. I love you. Sara.”
Nate looked up. “Jack, I need a ride to Heathrow. Let’s take my car.”
Jack got to his feet; his movements slow, as if he didn’t believe the words coming out of Nate’s mouth. “Where are you off to?”
“California.” Nate spun on his heels and headed to the exit.
“Setting off on a wild redheaded ghost chase, are you?”
Nate didn’t bother to answer. Sara was no ghost. He smiled despite the churning in his stomach.
Chasing a ghost? Jack’s question barely scratched the surface. He was chasing far more than that. The real ghost, Natan de Manua, his memories were now Nate’s, every single one. Sara Wise was the love of his life and the child she carried was his gift.
Nate laughed out loud. Forgetting this remarkable woman was not only impossible, it was not permitted.
Chapter Twenty-Two
Sara stood at the graveside. Her mother’s few friends had gone and she’d sent her own friends home. She needed to be alone. Sara caressed her belly, her heart filled with love for her unborn child.
Once upon a time, she must have wanted me. But I’ll never know, will I? My father did love me. There’s no doubt about that.
Her steps hesitant, Sara turned away from her mother’s partially covered casket. Threading her way through the grass, she hiked to the far side of the cemetery, drawn to the cold comfort of Nathan’s grave.
Her vision blurred with tears. What an odd sensation, to know that the man you love is buried in the ground at your feet, yet at the same time he’s in England, alive and well.
But Sara, remember; he was dead when you first met. He was dead when you fell in love with him.
“No, that’s not true, brain. Even incorporeal, Nathan was alive, more alive than any man I’ve ever met. He’ll find me; he’ll find us. He has no choice.”
“You’re right about that, you know.”
The voice was rough and raw. It was the most beautiful sound she’d ever heard.
Sara whirled around. Catching the toe of her boot in the soft soil, she stumbled and nearly pitched headlong into the grass. Nathan caught her up in his arms.
“I never had a choice.” His lips brushed her earlobe. “When it comes to loving you, Sara, I’ve never had a choice.”
“Nathan.” Overcome with emotion, Sara stopped speaking. She felt his breath slide through her hair like a caress. The warmth of his body flowed into hers.
What is there to say?
“What is there to say?” Nathan tilted her head back. His eyes bored into hers. “I love you, Sara Wise. That’s what there is to say. I’m never leaving you again.”
She smiled through her tears. “Never?”
The corners of his mouth twitched, but he didn’t smile, not yet. “Never. Can you live with a real man, or would you prefer the ghost?”
Sara lifted her hand to caress his cheek. “You were always a man, Nathan de Manua. Always. I never doubted you.”
Nathan set her down and looked her over from head to toe. His palm settled on her belly. “I have no explanation for you, Sara. I don’t understand any of this.”
“I know. I don’t either, but I’ve come to realize I don’t care. Logical explanations don’t exist and if they did, they’d be meaningless anyway. You are the answer to all my questions. She…” Sara placed her hand over Nathan’s, “is the answer.”
They stood together in silence for a long time. At last Sara saw the crinkles in the corner of Nathan’s eyes as he smiled at her. Her heart light, she smiled back.
“Do you want to go home?” she asked, twining her fingers around his.
“Yes.” He squeezed her hand. “It’s time to go home. I have another gift for you.” He flashed a wicked grin. “And I could use a showe
r.”
The End.
J.R. Barrett lives on the West Coast of the United States. She writes romantic suspense, science fiction romance, paranormal romance and the occasional contemporary. You can find her other works on Amazon under her author names, Julia Rachel Barrett and Julia Barrett. For additional information, see her website:
http://juliarachelbarrett.net
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