by JoAnn Durgin
“One more question.” He waited, silent. “When you sent me back down to Texas on Madelyn, how did you get there? Thank you again. It was very generous.”
Landon straightened in his chair. “Welcome. I’m glad you called me. Since you asked . . . men with private planes . . . well, we know other men with private planes.”
She laughed. “Oh, yes, of course. Let me guess, the Howard Hughes Aviation Club?”
He chuckled. “Before I left New York, I called Josh, and he drove Winnie and Chloe to meet up with me to drive into Asher. It saved a lot of time. He’s a great guy.”
“I’ll agree with you there. TeamWork has some of the best people you’ll ever meet. But then, I guess you know all about that. That’s another thing. Why didn’t you tell me you’re part of TeamWork?”
He appeared slightly uncomfortable. “I prefer to keep it behind the scenes. Enough of my life is laid out for public scrutiny and consumption.”
“I know.” Blowing out a breath, she rose and walked back over to the window. “I’ve been doing some thinking.”
“As a wise woman once told me, that’s always a good thing.”
Facing him, she ached for his strong, protective arms to hold her close. “You were right. A part of me—subconscious or not—didn’t want to know you were Landon although I think in the back of my mind, I must have known all along. I wasn’t sure of you, but for some reason, I instinctively trusted Cooper. Explain that one.”
Crossing the room, he stood beside her. “Maybe it’s because Landon is running from the past, but Cooper’s more comfortable in his own skin.” He caught her look. “Okay, I realize I’m talking in third person again and I sound a little nuts, but hear me out. Until I met you, I couldn’t see it. You’ve opened my eyes to so many things, Amy, and for that, I’ll always thank you. Like I told Mitch, there are some things I need to settle and get straight in my life.” Taking both her hands, he laced his fingers through hers. She didn’t stop him, didn’t want to stop him. “And then I’m coming for you. I only pray you’ll still be waiting.”
He didn’t give her the opportunity to answer as he withdrew his hands and left the room, not looking back.
“Happy New Year,” she whispered.
Chapter 49
Mid-January 2003
“Amy, if you haven’t seen it yet, you need to run—don’t walk—to the newsstand and get the Valentine issue of New York Scene. It’s Landon’s swan song.” Mitch’s message got her heart pumping. She was already in her pajamas. At seven o’clock. What an old maid. Next she’d be visiting the animal shelter on adoption day. After the last episode with Tam, she’d made a personal vow: no more running outside in sleepwear under any circumstances. Grunting, she ran into her bedroom and pulled on sweats and a T-shirt. Shoving her arms into her jacket, she grabbed a twenty from her purse. Locking her door and pocketing the keys, she scrambled down the front steps of the townhouse and hurried down to the corner, hoping the cranky old guy who operated the newsstand hadn’t already closed up shop for the night.
“Wait! Please!” she called, raising her arm in the air as she ran.
“Gimme a break, lady.” He pulled down the screen to cover the newsstand. “I open again at seven in the morning.”
“Please,” she said. “Look, this really is one of those things that could change the course of my life.” Maybe. Dramatic yes, but true all the same. I need to find out.
He looked at her like she was delusional, but he stopped and gawked at her. “You mean to tell me something in one of these papers or magazines is gonna change your life? Yeah, right.” He snorted and continued on with his task. “Did I tell you I’m meeting with the Queen tomorrow? We’re having high tea at The Ritz-Carlton.”
“Fine. I’ll see you at seven.” Shoulders slumping, she turned to go. Hearing a car horn, she jumped and put a hand on her chest.
“Miss Amy!”
That friendly voice made her pivot. “Louie!” When he stopped the cab in the street, she ran over to the side of the taxi. “What brings you to my neighborhood?”
“Took on an extra shift. Hey, Mel,” he said, nodding to the newsstand operator. “You know my friend here?”
Mel waved back. “You mean Miss I-gotta-buy-this-now-’cause-it’ll-change-my-life?”
Louie surprised her by bursting into laughter. “Give her what she wants and put it on my tab.”
“Oh no, Louie. I’ve got money,” Amy said, starting to offer the twenty curled in her palm, feeling like a street urchin.
With a grunt, the man reversed the screen. “All right. Make it quick. Which one?”
“New York Scene, please. Thanks, Mel. I really appreciate it.”
“Yeah, yeah. Save it.” Pulling out the magazine, he thrust it in her hands and refused to take her money.
“That your boyfriend’s magazine?” Louie asked, humor infusing his voice.
She glanced at the issue in her hands with its cover story, What the Eyes Conceal, the Heart Reveals, by outgoing editor, Landon C. J. Warnick. “Could be,” she said with a wistful smile. “Thanks, Louie. Tell Angelina hi for me. One of these days I want to meet her. Tell her I’ll call her and we’ll go to lunch.”
“Make it high tea and I’ll bring Queenie along,” Mel said.
Amy laughed and Mel waved her off.
“Thanks, Louie! See you soon.”
She couldn’t get back home fast enough. Securing the door, she tossed her jacket on the sofa and ran into the bedroom, diving on her bed, prepared to read.
~~**~~
Before turning off her light to go to sleep, Amy had to read the beautifully written piece one more time. Her lids growing heavy, she read some key passages of his article again.
I was a groomsman in a wedding in Louisiana recently. After meeting a lovely young woman and falling a bit in love with her during the course of only a few hours spent together here in New York, I discovered she was a bridesmaid in the very same wedding. When I first saw her coming down the aisle in the wedding, my journalistic instincts kicked into high gear. I’d always thought of doing an exposé on the life of identical twins, and the advantages and disadvantages. Could this be my chance? She knew me as the New York publisher, but could I make her believe I was an urban Texas cowboy? Knowing she could have no idea of my connection to the groom, the irresistible lure of combining the wedding with my article proved too potent. It was my opportunity to live out the fantasy of being two distinct individuals identical in looks yet different in personality.
I’ve heard it said how powerful a kiss can be, but I’d always discounted it as the illusion of romantic fools. I’ve also heard how love can make a person do crazy, irrational things. Not me—a completely sane, rational, logical person. A man too proud to admit he needed love, a man afraid of loving because of past hurts and failures. A man who kissed this woman for the first time and knew he loved her. I barely knew her, yet knew her so well. Was it because of the romance in the air at the wedding reception or something from my wildest imagination or sweetest dream?
I quickly dismissed the idea of writing the story about identical twins. However, in a strange twist of irony, the joke was on me. She had the mistaken impression I was, in fact, someone else—an urban cowboy, no less. We’d arranged to go to Austin together after the wedding so I could show her my hometown before I was to take her to Houston. Against my better judgment and my conscience, I played along with the mistaken identity ruse, becoming the exact type of romantic fool I’d always scorned. Through all our adventures, I began to see the true beauty and honesty in this woman. She’s so trusting with her heart. She touched me deeply and I callously toyed with her affections, although that was never my intention. I’ve seen her grace when she hugs a child, her compassion when she takes action when so many stand on the sidelines, her fierce loyalty to her friends and family, and her spirit and unflagging devotion to a moral cause near and dear to her heart. This incredible, beautiful woman has touched many lives, and none more
so than mine.
I soon realized I could no longer keep up the deception. I had to somehow reveal my true identity to her. Although only one man, I’m both a Texas cowboy with a ready wink and flirtatious smile and also the publisher of this New York magazine. Two entirely different identities, but with one heart beating between them. A heart that beat faster whenever she was in my presence. A heart that hurt knowing how I’d failed and disappointed her. A heart that bled with the realization I’d pushed her away because of my unjustified loyalty to a nonexistent story. No story is worth losing someone, no deception worth losing your soul. What started out as a mere story idea quickly became my albatross, and the sharp arrow that ultimately pierced straight through her precious heart, wounding her deeply, and I will forever be ashamed.
She skimmed down the page and continued to read.
My plan worked, but it also misfired in colossal fashion. Instead of having the effect I intended, this woman I’d grown to love felt deceived, hurt, angry and unbelievably betrayed. Looking back, I can see why, and I can only hope she’ll forgive me in time for breaking her trust in me. I love her, and I hope she’ll accept my heartfelt apology for hurting her. With God’s help, I’ll spend the rest of my life proving to her she’s the only one who makes my heart beat faster. I have been truly blessed and abundantly graced by her presence in my life. If she reads this, I only pray that, at the very least, she’ll give me the opportunity to one day prove to her the depths of my adoration, affection and boundless love for her.
Amy didn’t know how Landon was able to sneak the words “pray” and “with God’s help” past the powers that be, but he’d managed to do it. Closing the magazine, she switched off the bedside lamp, and fell asleep with a smile.
Chapter 50
Friday, February 14, 2003 — Valentine’s Day
The phone ringing woke her up at five in the morning. “Amy, have you heard?” Winnie. The perkiness in her voice—at this insanely early hour—assured her nothing was wrong.
Rubbing her eyes, glancing at the clock, Amy yawned. “I guess I haven’t since I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“Lexa had the twins shortly after midnight. Hannah Grace and Leah Rachel arrived safely and all is well. Sam’s beside himself and loves holding a little girl in each arm.”
“I’m so thrilled for them all,” she said, covering her mouth to stifle another loud yawn. “Let me know when you find out which twin is the bossy one.”
“What?” Winnie asked, laughing.
“Something Lexa said when I was in Houston.”
“Things going okay with you and Landon?”
“We’re making progress. I think everything’s going to be fine.” Her heart swelled with the words. A new peace had settled in her heart in the last week alone.
“He’s got it bad for you, sweetie. On our trip to Asher, he gripped the steering wheel so hard, I thought the thing would break off in his hands. The whole way, he asked questions about you. He tried to be subtle, but he was pretty obvious.”
“I hope you gave him the good stuff.”
Winnie giggled. “Trust me, sweetie, I sold you good. You came out smelling like a Texas rose. Don’t mind saying I even fell in love with you all over again. He barged into that restaurant like a police officer. Sounded like one, too, the way he grilled the employees. He’s a great guy, Amy, and he loves you. Know we’re praying for you and hope it works out. Promise you’ll fly down to Houston again soon, okay?”
“Sure thing, and you’ll have to schedule a trip here, hopefully in the spring since you’ll be paying a visit to the maternity ward yourself soon enough. Bring Chloe and we can make a weekend of it.”
“Sounds great and we’ll talk soon.”
“Hey, Daydreamer.” She smiled at the sound of Josh’s sleepy voice.
“Tell Josh hi, give Chloe a hug for me and thanks for calling.” Hanging up the phone, Amy hugged her pillow. She startled when the phone rang not ten minutes later. What’s up with all the early morning calls today? Glancing at the phone, she recognized the area code as Texas, but couldn’t place it. Here we go again. Knowing it probably wasn’t a random phone call or wrong number, she picked it up. Hopefully, everything was okay with Tam. Last they’d talked, she was feeling good, working at the diner, living with Kaye, getting help from Denton and his sister, only “just friends” with Denton, and expecting a little boy in the fall.
“Hello?”
“Is this Amy Jacobsen?” The woman’s voice had a distinct southern drawl, warm and pleasant.
“Yes.” She waited, not knowing what else to say until the woman identified herself.
“This is Madelyn Resnick.”
The name registered and her breath caught. “Mama Warnick?”
The woman laughed, soft and gentle. “Call me Madelyn, and yes, I’m Landon’s mother. Resnick is my married name.”
“Of course.” Her heart thudded. Why would Landon’s mother be calling her at five in the morning? “Is everything okay with Landon?”
“Yes, and I’m sorry if I alarmed you. I don’t make it a habit to call someone I don’t know this early, but I wanted to let you know that Landon won’t be able to make his dinner date with you tonight at Kyle’s. He’ll call you later, and I know how much he regrets it. It’s all my son’s talked about since the New Year.”
“It’s okay,” Amy said, swallowing her disappointment. “I’m sure he has good reason.”
“Landon’s father was due to be released from prison earlier this week, but it was delayed. We found out he’s had a heart attack and he’s in an Austin hospital.”
“Is he . . .”—Amy gulped—“going to be okay?”
“We don’t have any details yet but he’s holding his own at this point. I wanted you to know that Landon’s getting ready to fly down to see him. I know he’d love it—”
“Is he taking Madelyn, I mean, his plane?”
“Yes.” She gave Amy the name of the airport—the same one she flew out of when he sent her to Texas to see Tam—and what time he planned on leaving.
“If I hurry, I can make it. Thanks for calling, Mrs. Resnick, but I have to go now.”
“Call me Madelyn, please. I’ll have Landon bring you to see us while you’re here, Amy. I need to meet the woman who’s completely captured my son’s heart.”
“I’ll look forward to meeting you, too.”
Dialing Juliet’s line, thankful for the answering service, she left another hasty excuse. At least it was a Friday and no articles were due. She hoped her boss wouldn’t think this was becoming a habit with her, but this was too important. Important enough for Landon’s mother to call. She loved her already.
~~**~~
Two Hours Later
“Wait! Stop!” Of all the days to wear her ridiculous new high-heeled designer shoes in an effort to look pretty.
Landon’s dark head was visible through one of the plane’s small windows. His head was bowed, most likely in prayer. Hurrying as fast as she could, sliding when she hit a patch of ice, Amy kept going, praying under her breath somehow the pilot—or his passenger—would hear or see her. It was a miracle she didn’t twist an ankle or worse. Finally, she stopped. It was hopeless. “Landon!” Her cry was lost in a bitter gust of cold wind; her tears froze as soon as they hit the tarmac.
I’m too late.
Her heart heavy with an unbearable sadness, she slumped to the ground as his plane soared overhead. Crossing her arms across her mid-section, she rocked back and forth a few times. This isn’t the best idea. It was too cold and she was already partially frozen. Feeling like she’d never be warm again, she hauled herself to her feet and walked back to where she’d dropped her suitcase. Numbness—emotional as well as physical—overwhelmed her as she headed toward the small terminal. If only she’d been a few minutes earlier, she might have had a chance. She brushed away a few more tears and gave into the sob hovering around the edges of her heart, her soul, her mind. Lord, I tried. Problem wa
s, she wanted Landon to know. Needed him to know.
Hearing a noise behind her, she stopped. If she wasn’t mistaken, it was the sound of an engine. She turned as it grew louder. A small cry escaped and her mouth dropped open as a small plane landed on the runway. She blinked hard. Could it be? Surely not; she’d watched his plane lift off the runway, heard it fly overhead. Many of the smaller planes looked very similar, but something kept her rooted to the spot. Sure enough, when the plane pulled closer, her eyes widened as she spied the numbers identifying the plane as Landon’s. “Madelyn.” When she saw Landon rise from his seat and peer out the window—a wide grin on his face—she half-laughed, half-cried.
Immobilized, she stared as the door opened and he jumped onto the tarmac, sprinting toward her. He was the most welcome sight she’d ever seen in his jeans, black wool coat, Stetson and boots. He stopped a heartbeat away, slightly out of breath, staring at her as though she was a figment of his imagination.
“Don’t just stand there,” she said. “It’s cold out here. Aren’t you going to invite me in?”
The lines of worry eased and Landon unbuttoned his coat and opened his arms. She felt his smile as he wrapped her in the cocoon of his warmth, pulling his coat around her and tucking her into his chest. Where she always wanted to be, where she belonged.
“You’re the best sight I’ve seen in a forever of Fridays,” he said. “Tell me, what brings you here to my desolate stretch of runway on such a harsh, bitter winter day?”
“Mama Warnick—Resnick,” she self-corrected, “called me this morning. I’m so sorry about your dad. Have you heard any more?”
“He’s doing better, but I need to see him. Whether or not he asks the question, I need to let him know he’s forgiven, and then ask him to forgive me. We have a lot to discuss.”