by Myrna Parks
Carter forced himself to back away. Gingerly, he climbed down from the porch.
The ground around the cabin was covered in thick layers of rusty pine needles, and Carter was grateful they muffled his footfalls. Quickly, he searched around the house for another way in. The building looked to be a two-room structure with only one entrance and two windows facing the front. He returned to the porch. Creeping to the window, he watched the scene with a trembling realization that whatever he did, Beth might get hurt. Yet he decided his only course of action was to rush through the door and tackle the man as soon as he turned away from Beth.
Down on his knees, Carter crawled to the door, and then carefully, he lifted himself into a standing position. He reached for the rusted metal doorknob with trembling fingers.
He waited, his heart pounding and his throat dry.
After one quick prayer for deliverance, and with the wild stallion of fear chomping at his feet, Carter smashed through the door. He flung himself across the floor, making a grab for the gun. Just as Carter charged the man like a bull hitting a scarecrow, he saw the old man’s eyes grow pop-eyed, and his mouth fly open.
As Carter scuffled with the man, the gun fell to the floor, and somewhere behind him, he heard a woman scream.
Chapter Nineteen
“Carter, no!” Beth screamed again, just as the elderly man crumpled in Carter’s arms like a bag of dusty old bones. In the next instant, Beth was beside him. Breathless and flushed, tugging on Carter’s arm, she cried, “What are you doing? You could have killed him!”
Still running on adrenalin, Carter lifted the elderly guy upright, placing him in a standing position. A little feeble and winded, but otherwise the man appeared to be stable.
“Bring him over here,” Beth ordered. Hurriedly, she moved toward the seat she had recently vacated, a faded chair that had once been blue.
Beth raked her bag and notebook onto the floor. Carter assisted the man to the other side of the room, gently lowering him onto the cushion. “I’m sorry. I saw the gun and feared—”
“That I needed rescuing again.” Beth turned toward him, smiling for the first time. The sight of her injected another pint of adrenalin into his bloodstream. She looked so lovely. Carter wanted to touch her in the worst kind of way, to make sure she was real and safe.
Beth’s attention returned to the fragile gentleman. Leaning over the old man, she asked, “Are you feeling okay, Mr. Sawyers?”
The man’s hand trembled as he lifted the limb to his face, his voice was weak, but he answered reassuringly, “I’ll be all right in a minute. Just need to catch my breath.”
Carter raked shaky fingers through his hair. “I feel very foolish.”
Beth met his gaze. With a look of tender pride, she whispered fiercely, “I thought you were magnificent!”
Carter’s heart did a silly flutter. “You think so?”
“Shall we go outside? Let’s give Mr. Sawyers a few minutes to recuperate.” Beth leaned over, patted the old man’s thin blue-veined hand. “We’ll not go far. If you need anything, just call out,” Beth said in a clear, reassuring tone.
Carter followed Beth through the door. He chuckled as he remembered his foolish charge only moments before.
He jumped off the porch and then offered her his hand as she descended the rickety steps. He was increasingly aware of her nearness and each tender glance in his direction.
In the dense shade, the air was damp.
“Let’s walk over there,” Beth suggested, pointing down the pathway toward a patch of sunlight.
Carter reached for her hand. When she didn’t resist, he wound his fingers through hers. “And you said nothing exciting ever happens in Laurel.”
Beth squeezed his hand in reply.
Down the hill, through the trees, Carter followed the path back the way in which he had come. Halfway down the hill, the foliage thinned, and a patch of sunlight made its way through the dappled shade of a grove of tall pines. Beth pulled away for a moment. Walking a short distance off the trek, she stood in a beam of sunlight. Carter caught his breath. With her glowing hair and persimmon-colored dress, she appeared to him like a shaft of autumn sunbeam, standing within the murky shadows.
He looked into her eyes and thought he could see the glimmer of an invitation. His heart lurched.
Softly, she said, “I learned a valuable lesson from that elderly gentleman today.”
Carter waited, drinking in the sight of her.
Beth continued, “There is no substitute for truth. Many years ago, a young man fell to his death trying to run from his own deception. The man had told Mr. Sawyers that his wife was ill and their baby was starving so Mr. Sawyers would loan him his valuable milk cow. Instead, the man sold the animal, and Mr. Sawyers found out sooner than expected. He trekked his friend down the mountain toward Laurel. When the man caught a glimpse of Mr. Sawyers riding after him, carrying a gun, he took off running. Before Mr. Sawyers could catch up, the former friend slipped and fell over the edge of a big rock overhang, not too far from here. His neighbor was dead when he reached him. Mr. Sawyers buried his friend right where he found him.”
Carter moved forward. “Was that the story the old man was telling you while waving his gun around?”
Beth nodded. “He told me several stories of his early life here. Mr. Sawyers was a successful hunter and trapper when he was a young man. His gun was his best friend.”
“I was afraid he was going to hurt you.”
“His weapon hasn’t worked in years.” Beth looked at him with a tender smile. “I love you, Carter Phillips, and that is the truth.”
It took half a heartbeat for Carter to cover the distance between them. As she came into his arms, she whispered close to his ear, “You will always be my hero.”
“Even if you don’t need a hero?” Carter murmured, his face buried in the sweet scent of her hair.
She laughed softly. “You were so daring, so brave, rushing to my rescue.”
“Tackling a geriatric commando with his ancient firearm?”
“You didn’t know his weapon was useless.”
Holding her tightly, Carter relished the warmth of her body molded perfectly against his. He drew back, looked into her shimmering eyes. She met his gaze with features soft and inviting.
Carter lowered his head and touched his lips to hers, reverently and thoroughly; he kissed her as if nothing else mattered. Her lips soft, warm, and welcoming beneath his, he savored each tender moment, praying he would not awaken and find himself dreaming.
The leaves whispered overhead. Somewhere beneath the distant October sun, clouds billowed in a sea of Georgia blue sky. When at last Carter lifted his mouth from hers, Beth rested her cheek against his chest. It was then that Carter heard the distinct sounds of a police siren moving swiftly up the mountainside.
Beth raised her head and listened. With a mischievous smile, she laughed softly. “Sounds like the Cavalry — just in time.”
****
Late in the afternoon, Beth began to wonder if she would ever be alone with Carter. The couple had spent most of the day inside the sheriff’s office answering questions, making statements, signing papers. When Nate Thomas finally let her go, Beth breathed a sigh of relief and followed Carter out to his vehicle. As she climbed inside, she gave him directions to her apartment.
“I still don’t understand. Why must they bring Mr. Sawyers in for questioning? He explained the accident,” Beth argued.
Carter kept his eyes on the road, steering the truck with one hand as they left the outskirts of the valley. He reached for Beth’s hand and brought it to his lips “They have only the old man’s word that it was an accident. He should have reported the incident when it occurred.”
“He was afraid no one would believe him. He was chasing a thief. What could he do?”
“He could have told the truth and allowed the law to do their job. The man’s family never knew what happened to him. Perhaps they can trace some of his children. Even aft
er all these years, it will be good for them to know how he died and where he is buried.”
“What will become of Mr. Sawyers?”
Carter shrugged. “It’s up to the judge. However, given his age and the fact that he readily admitted the incident, which nobody could prove, the courts will probably go easy on him.”
Beth sighed. “If only his friend had been honest, none of this would have happened.”
“The thief allowed his desire to cloud his judgment.” Carter glanced at Beth with a heart-stopping grin. “Like a few others I know, he appeared to value getting what he wanted above everything else.”
Beth could feel the heat creeping up her neck and into her cheeks. “If you made that comment as a hint for me, then I must confess that I shudder to think how foolish and obsessive I must have sounded when I first told you my plan. It’s no wonder you found my self-centered behavior both childish and laughable. Instead of working hard and taking rejection in stride, which is what every writer must do, I was lazy and wanted a shortcut to success. I realize now that I should never have lied.”
“We are both guilty of deception.” Carter squeezed her hand reassuringly. You are right, it’s always best to be truthful. I have one revelation, which I hope will please you.”
Beth met his glance with a puzzled look.
Carter’s lips curved upwards with a slow, promising smile. Before Beth had time to wonder, he spoke four beautiful words that sent her senses reeling like dry leaves in an autumn sky.
Chapter Twenty
In a tone of reverent wonder, Beth repeated Carter’s words. “You liked my book?”
“I liked your book.” Carter emphasized the words. “That day in Sacramento, when I was sick and remained behind,” he confessed, “in search of something to occupy my time, I discovered your manuscript. Since I knew you intended me to read the book anyway, I had no qualms in removing the document from your briefcase.”
“And… and you really thought it was good? You aren’t just saying that because…” Beth hesitated, and then blushed.
Carter laughed. “Because I’m half-crazy in love with you?”
Beth’s heart hammered at the passionate tone in his voice. She still couldn’t believe someone like Carter could fall for a simple woman like herself.
“I’d never extend false hope to a fellow writer.” Carter chuckled. “The plot is too complicated, and your beginning needs a great deal of work, but otherwise the book is very good.”
“You really think it is publishable?” Beth’s hand fluttered toward her heart.
“I’ve already spoken to my agent. He’s agreed to take you on as a client. When I told him I wanted to take time off from writing and assist you, he was anxious to help.”
Beth digested Carter’s statement in speechless wonder. She was scarcely able to take it in. As they approached her house, Beth pointed absentmindedly. “Turn down this side-street and drive around to the other side. My parking space is in the rear.”
Carter voiced his admiration of the big house with its tall trees, manicured grass, and colorful autumn flowers. “I envisioned you living in a tiny duplex with thin walls and no lawn.”
“Not much of that kind of housing in Laurel. Most of these old homes have been converted into multiple family dwellings.”
Carter parked the truck as Beth told him. When he helped her out of the vehicle, he leaned over to kiss her. Beth placed a restraining hand to his chest, with a nervous glance in the direction of the house. “I have a nosy landlady who’d never approve of kissing in public. Ms. Mabel is a feisty, little widow who lives upstairs just so she can have a clear view of the street. My apartment is on the ground floor.”
Carter trailed behind Beth up the sidewalk, waiting patiently as she unlocked the heavy door. Beth turned right and then unlocked an interior door of the dwelling. Carter followed inside the apartment, with its tall ceilings, elaborately carved moldings, and colorful overstuffed furniture. However, the instant Beth closed the door Carter pulled her into his arms and kissed her until her knees were numb.
Both were breathless when they drew apart. His eyes were dark. Beth’s stomach dipped. With his tender smile and husky voice that melted Beth’s heart, Carter said, “I’ve been longing to do that all afternoon.”
To put some distance between them, Beth moved to the sofa on the other side of the room. She sank into its deep cushions.
Carter remained where he was for a long moment, just looking at her. Seeing the look in his eyes took her breath away.
“Did you really sign a year-long lease on Mountain View Lodge?” she asked, with a shaky laugh.
“Yes,” Carter affirmed and then walked slowly toward her. He sat down next to her on the couch, not too close, but near enough to send a shiver up her spine when he placed his arm along the back of the sofa.
“Why would you do such a thing? You already own a place, which I feel certain is much nicer.”
Carter gently stroked the hair away from her temples. “I think you can guess.”
Beth’s eyes dropped to her lap. Her heart did strange things in her chest.
“I planned to take as much time as necessary to win you over.” He chuckled. “I’d have come sooner, but I had to wait for property to become available. I envisioned long hours and late nights with us together — you, working on your manuscript, and me, working on your heart.”
Beth gulped. “Instead, all it took was a single bouquet and one cheeky card that summed up my feelings with one stroke of your pen.” With Carter so near, his touch warm, gentle, and reassuring, Beth could hardly think. She took a shaky breath. “I’m sorry that I became so angry and allowed all reason to fly out of the window.” Beth looked at him with honest eyes. “I acted foolishly. I allowed my pride, my jealousy, and my resentment to cheat me out of the most precious relationships — with my sister, my parents, and with you.”
Carter reached out. Slowly, he pulled her into his arms. Beth pressed her face against his neck, breathing in his scent. She could feel his lips on her hair. She wished the night would never end.
“Like your family, I don’t easily give up. I too, must confess. I should have been honest.” He chuckled softly and then admitted, “I think I fell in love with you on the airplane the moment you fiercely proclaimed me the best writer of our day!”
Beth tilted backwards, looking at him, her eyes searching his to see if he was serious. He kissed her lightly on the mouth. “Selfishly,” he continued, “I wanted to do everything my way. So, I waited until our last night together, never imagining I might be forever jeopardizing my chance of a lasting relationship with the woman I love.”
Her pulse quickened at his words.
“You are the most incredible woman I’ve ever known.” Beth lifted a skeptical eyebrow. Carter spoke with passion. “You have an energy that goes with you wherever you go. I love your smile that comes from the inside out. I love your eyes that light up the room the moment you get excited, your wonderful hair that does strange things to my senses, and most of all, I love your courageous little heart.”
Carter gently set her away from him. From the sofa to the floor, he knelt in front of her. When he removed a small box from his pocket and looked at her with such tender love that she suddenly realized what was about to happen, Beth’s hand flew to her mouth.
A slow smile that was both serious and disarming spread across his face. Carter opened the box, revealing a simply perfect diamond solitaire. “Bethany Ashton, I love and adore you. I’m miserable without you. Will you please relieve my suffering and consent to be my wife?”
Tears filled Beth’s eyes. She’d dreamed of this moment. Even after Carter had declared his love, she’d not allowed herself to believe this could happen... perhaps in a distant dream... she tried to speak. No words came out.
Carter waited patiently. She moved her head up and down and, through the blur of tears, watched him slide the ring onto her finger.
Beth choked on a sob and once again, C
arter was beside her, pulling her into his arms. She cried on his shoulder. She had fantasized about this day since childhood — but had never envisioned her response to be like this.
****
On the second Saturday in June, with her book in the hands of the publishers and their commitment still intact, Beth stepped into a beautiful bridal gown of white lace and shimmering satin. Inside the vestibule of a small chapel in Colorado, Beth anxiously waited with her sister.
“You look wonderful!” Alexis said, her eyes glittering with unshed tears.
Beth gestured to Alexis’s bridesmaid dress, the color of deep violet. “So do you. Married life obviously agrees with you. I haven’t seen you looking this radiant since your wedding day last December.”
“We’ve had some challenging moments, but if I’d known how wonderful marriage would be, I would’ve dragged Lon down the aisle a long time ago.” Alexis glanced to her left and then to her right and then leaned toward Beth with a conspirator’s whisper. “We haven’t told anyone yet, but early next spring, Lon and I are expecting a tiny addition to this happy little family.”
Beth gasped in radiant wonder, and then with a heartfelt hug of congratulation, she held her sister, breathing in her fragrant perfume. “I’m so happy for you!” Before Beth could beg for more details, the door opened. She could hear music playing inside the sanctuary and glimpsed eager heads turning toward the back of the room.
Beth’s father stood framed in the doorway. Extending his arm, he asked, “Are we ready?”
A bubble of delight floated into her chest. Beth nodded. With a smile on her face, she rested proudly on her father’s arm as she walked slowly down the aisle of the little chapel filled with people. However, the only person Beth had eyes for was Carter. He stood at the altar, looking adorable and anxious in his formal attire. His expression softened when he captured her gaze.
Thirty minutes later, joined together in holy matrimony, the couple climbed into the silver convertible her parents had given them as a wedding gift, and with the top down, streamers bouncing behind the vehicle, they left their mutually-delighted families waving from the church steps and drove up the mountains toward Carter’s perfect honeymoon villa.