Marrying Raven (Brides of Clearwater Book 2)

by Melanie D. Snitker

  Mom nodded. “We’re making it, and we’ll be okay. But there hasn’t been much left to pour back into the store. And you know how your father is. He considers his heart his weakness. So every day when he goes to that store and sees the repairs that need to be made, they remind him of why he can’t take care of them. He’s way too proud to ask for help.”

  Heath knew that was true. “Do me a favor? If I ever get like that, you be sure to smack some sense into me, okay?”

  Mom smiled. “I’ll remember that.” She released a lungful of air. “Your father has a lot of regrets in his life, and instead of facing them, he projects them onto others.”

  When Heath looked at his mom, the grief on her face squeezed his heart. “I don’t believe for a second you were ever one of those regrets.”

  She nodded. “Neither were you.” She sighed. “But I learned long ago there’s not a thing I can say to change how he feels.” Mom shrugged. “Thanks for bringing the groceries by.”

  “You’re welcome. I’d have you over to my new place for dinner, but all I’ve got for furniture is a futon, a table, and some paper plates. I think you’d like the house, though.”

  “I’m sure I would. Maybe next time you’re in town.” She looked hopeful. “How’s Raven doing?”

  One of Heath’s eyebrows rose in surprise. That was a swerve in topics. “Okay. Why’s that?”

  “Oh, I heard she and her boyfriend broke up. I hated to hear that.” Except the tone in her voice suggested otherwise.

  Heath gave her a stern look. “I’d heard, and she seems to be doing okay.”

  “That’s wonderful.” She paused. “Maybe it’s not a coincidence that you’re back in town, and she’s single again…” Her voice trailed off.

  “Mom.” There was no way she could miss the warning tone of his voice. “When I left, I didn’t just burn that bridge, I blew it up.”

  “It’s just… You’ve been in love with that girl since you were kids.”

  “A lot can change in twelve years, Mom.”

  “You’re right. But can you honestly tell me you no longer have feelings for Raven?” When he didn’t answer right away, she smiled in satisfaction. “Maybe this is your second chance. Have you spoken with Raven?”

  Heath thought about their near kiss the other night, and a small spark of hope came to life. But then Raven’s words nearly put it back out again. “No. But she’s made it clear how she feels.”

  Mom placed a hand on one of his. “I know your father has always had a certain path he’s expected you to follow. But the most important thing you can do is to pursue what makes you happy.” She patted his hand and stood. “I’ll go make you a sandwich, I’m sure you’re starving after therapy. Come on in when you’re ready.”

  He nodded but stayed seated.

  Do what made him happy? Isn’t that what he’d been doing all along? He enjoyed playing football. Not every guy got to play a game he loved for a living.

  His father had harped about regrets and making sure Heath didn’t make the same mistakes he had. Heath had grown up determined to not let regrets and bitterness rule his life. He didn’t want to be like his father in another ten or twenty years.

  But wasn’t he on that track now? His thoughts shifted to Raven. Leaving her behind had been the big regret that had haunted him since he was eighteen. Instead of fading, those feelings had only intensified since he’d returned to Clearwater.

  His father had drilled into his head back then that Heath couldn’t have a career in football and have Raven by his side. Maybe it was time to prove to Pop—and himself—that he’d been wrong.

  What would it take to prove to her that Heath wanted to be a part of her life? It was high time he figured that out.

  Chapter Eleven

  Raven’s phone pinged first thing Thursday morning with a text message from Rosie. Every time her sister texted, Raven was sure her sister was going into labor. Thankfully, the cramping Rosie had experienced calmed down, and she was up and around again. At least she was trying to take things easy, for which they were all thankful.

  Raven tapped the message to open it.

  “Don’t forget the birthday party on Sunday. 1 p.m. Dress nice!”

  As if Raven could forget their joint thirty-first birthday.

  Her parents had thrown a party for her and Rosie every year since they were four or five. Dad always served steaks, hamburgers, or something else that he could cook on the large grill outside. Mom made an amazing dessert that everyone wowed over. In the end, the guests had fun and walked away impressed which was exactly what her parents wanted.

  Best of all, Mom and Dad were on their best behavior, which meant Raven didn’t have to suffer through the normal contrasts between her and Rosie. Compared to the rest of the year, it was like a mini vacation.

  Mom liked to plan parties while pretending to be an impartial parent, and Raven liked to eat. It was a win-win.

  She texted back. “I’ll be there with bells on.”

  The birthday party would be a great distraction from her life right now. The thought cheered her up as she got into her car and headed for Clearwater Coffee for her morning caffeine fix.

  This would be the first Thursday in weeks where she didn’t have to worry about seeing Heath. Her stress levels had dropped only to be replaced by disappointment. Raven chose to ignore it as she found a parking space and walked into the coffee shop. The tantalizing scents of coffee and pastries filled her nostrils. She didn’t normally grab breakfast, but today, a scone might be in order.

  Raven only had eyes for the counter up ahead where she could place her order, so when someone spoke to her from a table on her right, it startled her. She turned and stared. What was Heath doing here?

  He stood. “I was hoping I could buy you a coffee this morning.”

  She took in the table where he’d been sitting. It was empty. How long had he been waiting for her? Stalker much? A million questions filled her mind, but all she said was, “No, thank you. I need to grab something quick and get to work.”

  There was no missing the flash of disappointment in his eyes before he’d schooled his features. “In that case…” He motioned for her to get in line ahead of him.

  Raven preceded him, but now all she could think about was that he stood right behind her. When it was her turn to order, Chrissy noticed them both and gave Raven a quizzical look. Raven returned it with a subtle shrug and hoped her friend would say nothing. She placed her usual coffee order, added a scone, and went to sit in a chair nearby while she waited.

  She watched as Heath ordered a coffee. Once he’d paid for it, he joined her in the chair next to hers.

  This whole thing was weird. Was Raven the only one who got that? She looked at him out of the corner of her eye. “I still can’t believe you drink coffee now. You didn’t tell me you’d sustained a head injury during your football career.” After all, he’d disliked coffee enough that Raven had always eaten a mint between when she drank it and kissed him.

  Really? Did all memories linked to Heath have to lead to kissing?

  Heath chuckled. “No head injury.” He paused long enough to make Raven question whether he was going to say more. Finally, he took a deep breath. “I drank it when I started school at PSU.”

  Despite trying to play it cool, Raven turned her head to look at him. “Why?”

  He shifted to face her. “Because it reminded me of you.”

  “Raven! Your order’s up.”

  Raven jumped at the sound of Chrissy’s voice and hurried to the counter to claim her coffee and scone. Chrissy leaned forward and whispered, “What’s he doing here?”

  “I don’t know,” Raven returned in a fierce whisper of her own. “I think I’ve entered an alternate universe or something.”

  “Text me later.”

  Raven nodded. She was tempted to leave but couldn’t be quite that rude. Instead, she turned to Heath. “Have a good day.”

  She’d barely exited the coffee shop w
hen she heard Heath’s voice behind her. “Wait, Raven.” He caught up to her, his crutch under his left arm and a cup of coffee in the other hand. “Could we meet after you get off work? Maybe go for a walk or get some dinner?”

  Raven’s eyes narrowed. “Why?”

  “Because I’d like a chance to talk, preferably while I’m not swinging a hammer and you’re not torturing my Achilles tendon.” He gave her one of his quirky little smiles.

  She shook her head. “I can’t.”

  “Why not?” There was a subtle challenge in his eyes as he watched her.

  “Because there’s a boundary that shouldn’t be crossed, Heath. You drew it there, and now it’s my job to keep it in place.” Why won’t you understand? I can’t handle you walking out on me again.

  Heath hooked one arm around hers and lead her off to the side and away from the coffee shop doors. He set his cup on an empty table nearby. “Leaving Clearwater—leaving you—was the hardest thing I’ve ever done.”

  Raven shook her head and moved away from him. He reached out and grabbed her hand before gently tugging her back around to face him.

  “I can’t understand what all I put you through. But you have to know walking away from us was the biggest mistake of my life.”

  Heath’s eyes begged her to understand. If he’d regretted it, why did he keep his distance? If he truly felt his decision was a mistake, then he should have tried to mend their relationship years ago. Didn’t he know she would’ve gone to Oregon with him in a heartbeat? Raven’s stomach ached, and her pulse pounded in her ears. “It’s twelve years too late.”

  This time, when she distanced herself, he didn’t try to stop her.

  ~*~

  Saturday afternoon, Heath got out of his truck, prepared to help with the float. He hadn’t seen Raven since the other day at the coffee shop. He’d hoped she might show up at the game on Friday. Even Rosie was there, but there was no sign of Raven. When Heath asked her if Raven was feeling okay, Rosie said she was but that her sister wanted to relax for the evening. Heath had no reason to doubt her, but he assumed she was avoiding him. And why shouldn’t she?

  He’d wasted so much time trying to run away from the guilt. His time at college and then later watching his dreams come true playing for the NFL had been amazing. But through it all, something—someone—had been missing. He’d refused to analyze it too closely then, but now he knew the missing piece of the puzzle was inside that building, and he’d be lucky if she ever spoke to him again.

  No matter how long he stood here, nothing was going to change. He finally went inside and spotted Raven at the back of the room near the decorations with a group of three other women. Heath was snatched up by the men who were adding the needed details to the float. The school had voted for a time traveling theme to express how fast four years of high school had flown by. They had to build and mount a large clock along with other details that would be decorated today and next weekend.

  Carl and another guy hefted the heavy wooden clock and held it still while Heath nailed it into place. Once the clock was in place, the men stepped back with satisfaction.

  “It’s coming together,” Heath said. He turned to Carl. “How’s Rosie feeling this evening?”

  “She’s good, thanks. She’s enjoyed the pregnancy and said she will be sad to see it end. But I think she’s more than ready to get the baby here.” He chuckled. “So am I. There’s not a lot I can do to help until I can hold Tilly in my arms.”

  Heath smiled. “Sounds like it won’t be too long.”

  “She’s due in about three weeks. Oh! She left specific instructions to invite you to join us Sunday for Rosie and Raven’s birthday party.”

  Heath couldn’t be more surprised. Who was inviting him? Seeing as how Raven had avoided him all evening, he doubted it was her. His thoughts must have shown on his face because Carl raised an eyebrow.

  “It’ll be at their parents’ house and the invitation comes from Mrs. Weber.” He hesitated. “I know there’s a lot of history there. Don’t feel obligated to come.”

  Heath wanted to ask if Raven knew he was invited, but someone called Carl over.

  Carl clapped Heath on the shoulder and walked to the front of the room. “Excuse me, everyone.” He waited until the garage quieted and all eyes were on him. “We’ll be having pizza and drinks available next Saturday at 5 p.m. to thank you all for your time, patience, and skills. We hope you’ll be able to make it.”

  There were cheers as people returned to work.

  Heath scanned the room for Raven. She was speaking with someone, her profile to him. He watched as she laughed at something and then pushed her hair behind her ear.

  He remembered how soft that hair was when he’d nearly kissed her last week. There’d been a time when he could’ve walked across this room and taken her in his arms. Was it a crime to wish he could get that back? To get her back?

  He kept hoping he’d have the opportunity to speak with her, but every time he went to get a drink or search her out, she was in the middle of a conversation. By the time five o’clock came around, he’d decided he’d wait around as long as he had to. One way or another, he’d talk to her before he left.

  Heath helped clean up and load the extra lumber into a truck. Paint cans they were finished with were separated from those they’d need for touch up next weekend. Most of the volunteers had gone when Heath went inside to find Raven struggling to fold the legs of two long tables. The one she was working on wouldn’t budge. Heath crossed the room and reached her as she hit the lever with her palm.

  “Here, let me help.” Heath tried to flip the lever that held the legs straight and finally had to use the heel of his right shoe to get it to move. “Wow, that was stuck.”

  “We had enough glue slinging over here tonight, it might have been glued open.” Raven offered him a small smile. “Thank you.”

  “You’re welcome.” He returned her smile. “I’ll get the other table. Where do these go?”

  “In that closet over there.”

  Heath carried each one over to the closet while Raven packed up several boxes. She’d stacked them in a pile and was brushing her hands off on her jeans when he returned. “Is there anything else I can help with?”

  “I don’t think so. Thank you again.”

  “You’re welcome. Can I walk you out?”

  Raven hesitated before finally agreeing. They waved at several people in the parking lot as they walked to Raven’s car. Upon reaching it, she immediately unlocked the door and stepped behind it as though it were a shield. “I’m glad things are coming along with the float. I think this may be one of my favorites.”

  “Mine, too.” Heath scratched the back of his neck. “You heading home?”

  “Yeah, it’s been a long day. Have a good evening, Heath.” She got into her car, gave him a wave, and drove off.

  Heath frowned as he watched her car disappear. He should’ve asked if she wanted him to come to her party. Or see if she’d like to join him for dinner. But even as he thought it, he knew she would’ve turned him down.

  How upset would she be if he showed up at her party tomorrow? Uncertainty plagued him as he got in his truck and drove home.

  Chapter Twelve

  Raven smoothed her black skirt and straightened the teal and black shirt she was wearing. Her mom put one arm around her shoulders and the other around Rosie’s. “I can’t believe my girls are thirty-one today.” She sniffed. “You both look lovely.”

  Rosie tried to adjust the waist of her dress. “I feel like a whale.” She wrinkled her nose and then smiled as she turned to Raven. “It would’ve been fun if she’d been born on our birthday, wouldn’t it? Talk about the best birthday gift ever.”

  Raven smiled. “Yeah, it would have. But I’m glad she’s staying in there to cook a little longer, though.”

  “Me, too.”

  The doorbell rang, and Mom leapt into action. “Okay, the celebration has begun!” Hosting parties was one of her
favorite things.

  Guests arrived over the next half hour. Raven was thrilled that Chrissy made it as well as Mandy, Preston, and little Barry. Raven hoped they didn’t mind that her Mom snatched Barry away and was already making him giggle.

  Mandy gave Raven a hug and then handed her a heavy bag. She then put an arm through Preston’s and brought him closer. “Go ahead and open it,” she said with a smile.

  Raven pulled the tissue paper out to find a wooden box inside with the image of a tree of life carved into the top. She carefully lifted it out of the bag, gasping at the details. “Wow, this is gorgeous.” She looked at Preston. “Did you make this?”

  He nodded and tapped the lid. “It’s sized to be a photo box, but you can use it for anything you’d like.”

  “This is amazing. Thank you both.” Raven She lifted the lid and admired the construction. Preston’s woodworking skill was known through most of Clearwater, and he kept busy shipping handmade and custom items all over the country. She gently set the box on the side table next to her and then hugged her friends.

  “How pretty,” Chrissy said as she came up behind them. “I should order something for my mom for Christmas.” She smiled at Preston and then turned to Raven. “My gift isn’t quite so beautiful but…” She whipped a card out and handed it to her.

  Raven opened it to find a gift card to her favorite bookstore. “Are you kidding? This is great. Thanks, Chrissy.” She hugged her friend.

  Preston motioned to the back door. “I’ll go see if your dad needs any help with the grill. Happy birthday, Raven.”

  “I appreciate it. Thank you so much for coming.”

  She visited with Mandy and Chrissy another minute or two until the doorbell rang. Raven looked up to find Heath walking into the room, and her breath caught, alerting both friends to the newcomer.

  Chrissy looked at Raven in surprise. “Did you invite him?”

  “No.” She watched as her mom led him right to the snack table. “I’m pretty sure I know who did, though.” She sighed. What were her parents thinking?