A Forever Masterpiece (The Masterpiece Trilogy Book 3)

by Nikki Lynn Barrett

  Hunter groaned. "Is this ever going to stop?"

  They both knew the answer to that. Not until they found Sylvia, or weeded out the suspects.

  "I guess I'll head out now," Jesse said, interrupting their conversation. Becca pulled away from Hunter.

  "Let me give you a ride home," Hunter offered. "It's late."

  "No, I'm good," Jesse said uncomfortably.

  "I'm going to say something point blank here." Hunter's tone was edgy. "If you've got something to hide, then we're going to find out somehow. I told you about the trust here. But it's more than that. Someone's been watching Becca and I, revealing secrets from people we don't trust a hundred percent. I'm not sure what side of the fence you're on yet, but either way, whatever you're hiding won't stay that way for long."

  Jesse froze. "Okay, fine! I don't want you to drive me home because I don't have one! I've been living in my truck. Satisfied?"

  Whoa. Unexpected. Becca wondered what Hunter would say next.

  "You have a job out here, have been here for months, but you don't have anywhere to live?" Hunter raised his voice.

  "I did at first. I was living with someone. He kicked me out. I think my PTSD freaked him out, and I've been in my truck since. Guess that should have been my cue to go back to Maryland and stop hiding out here, but I wanted to know my sister." Jesse wiped his sweaty brow. "You saw what my mom was like today, Hunter. Ever since her stroke, she's been back and forth about past and present when it comes to Becca. I can't keep apologizing for how I did things, but I was desperate."

  "Your truck?" Hunter repeated, shaking his head. "It's been cold and snowing! How the hell do you keep warm? Hell man, that's no way to live!"

  "Hunter, I think he knows that," Becca said quietly, taking this all in.

  "You're right. Sorry. I got a bit thrown off there. Stay here tonight to start with. We'll help you figure out something. You can't keep living in your truck. No wonder you wanted to meet up somewhere to pick you up yesterday."

  Jesse lowered his gaze. "It's not something I'm proud of. I don't want you two to think I'm here trying to gain anything, other than the chance to know you and maybe put my family back together, especially because of the way I did things."

  "I'll go grab some blankets." Hunter headed upstairs.

  "Becca, what's going on with someone watching you guys?" Jesse asked quietly, stepping closer to her.

  "It all leads back to the crash, I think. Some things don't have anything to do with the event itself, but all people involved with anything from the crash are being threatened with exposing secrets."

  "So now that I'm around, they could find anything out and expose it?"

  "It's possible."

  "This isn't good. If word somehow gets back to my- our ... Dad, then all hell will break loose. He thinks he ki- I can't even say it. You weren't supposed to make it after what he did."

  Bile rose in her throat, and she thought her legs would give out. Jesse reached for her.

  "I know. I hate saying it. I hate thinking about it. It's why we got you out of there first. We have to find this person so nothing else gets out."

  "I made the mistake the other day of looking him up," Becca admitted. She and Jesse both sat down on the couch.

  "The sad thing is, before the incident that blew his true colors out of the water, he was a good father. It's scary. He did things with us while living a secret, deadly life. There were plenty of good memories before everything went down hill." He shook his head. "I can't forget it, even when I try."

  "So you really do have PTSD."

  Running a hand through his hair, Jesse inhaled sharply. "Oh yeah. It's been hitting me again since Mom started begging for her family back. I know she's half there mentally and maybe this isn't the best for her, but then again, it's what she wants. Once we know the answers, I have to find Annabelle and call Elijah. There's going to be so much to explain."

  Chapter Twenty-Three

  Finding distractions for the next few days wasn't going to be easy. Jesse went to work the next morning, so Hunter and Becca picked Sienna up for the Christmas decorating. After talking with the Sundstroms for a while, they headed home. Sienna was so excited for the day's events.

  "After the holidays, I think we should finally get the rest of your stuff from Rissi's storage unit," Hunter suggested to Becca as he brought the tree down from the attic.

  "Yeah, we should. Some of it I don't think I'll be keeping, like much of the furniture." Becca's eyes lit up at the tree. Sienna stood in front of her, cheering.

  "Don't feel like you have to get rid of anything. If you're attached to any of your furniture, then we'll make it work." Hunter set the tree box down, then kissed her. "We're in this life together. Just because there's already things here doesn't mean yours won't get a place. Or we can get new stuff together. Whatever you want."

  "Right now, I want to set up this tree for our first Christmas season together, before this little squiggle worm bursts." Becca tickled Sienna's sides, and bouts of giggles followed.

  "Not a worm! Not a worm!" Sienna squealed, tickling back with her tiny fingers. Hunter couldn't help it. He wrapped his arms around his two favorite girls and joined the tickle fest.

  Ten minutes and a sore side later, Hunter let go of them and put the tree together. The three of them stared at it undecorated, then headed up the stairs to grab boxes of ornaments. Soon there were boxes scattered all around the living room. "I never realized how much I had." Hunter laughed as Sienna picked up a silver strand of garland and wrapped it around herself, striking a pose. He pulled his phone out and snapped a picture. She flashed a gap toothed smile. Those cute little cheeks and her sweet smile warmed his heart.

  "I had a small tree, one that set atop a table." Becca sifted through the boxes. "You do have a lot!"

  "Christmases were always big here, especially after Sienna was born." He ruffled his daughter's hair as she pulled out her favorite ornament. "Careful with it, baby girl."

  "I know, Daddy." Her speech had improved so much within the last few months. She grinned at him again as she set her bulb in place.

  Hunter stood back and studied her. Sienna was growing up. Next year she'd be four and starting preschool. She danced around as she set ornaments on the tree, as if she'd done this on a regular basis. Last Christmas, she helped him a little, but this year she wanted to do most of her ornaments herself.

  Becca moved to stand beside him. He slid an arm around her. "What are you thinking?"

  "I want another baby. I want to extend our family. I can picture this belly right here," he moved his hand to the middle of Becca's abdomen and rubbed lightly, "expanding with a little Beckman inside."

  "I want that, too." Becca's eyes were moist with tears when she peered up at him. Hunter pulled her close. "I want it so much. And he or she would never ever go through what happened to my family."

  "God no," Hunter whispered, knowing how much she was affected by everything. "I think if we don't hurry, Sienna will have all the ornaments up before we do. Our family will have so much love, Bec. So much. I can't imagine a world without you." He threaded his fingers through hers and gave her hand a comforting squeeze. She smiled at him through her tears, and he kissed each one away.

  "No kissy!" Sienna folded her arms over her chest and stared at the two. "We gotta put the star up!"

  Hunter laughed and let go of Becca. "How about we put the star on last like we always do? We have this argument every time, little miss." He swooped down and picked Sienna up, setting her on top of his shoulders. "Let's put some bulbs up top here." Becca handed Sienna a few, and they continued to decorate the tree.

  *****

  Becca loved decorating, and she had a new idea for a painting. Earlier, Sienna sat cross legged in front of the fully decorated tree and had reached to gently touch an ornament. Her wide eyed innocent look touched a place in Becca's heart, and she wanted to capture it on canvas. She'd give it to Hunter as a Christmas present.

 
Hunter turned on the radio and danced to the Christmas songs playing. Sienna laughed and danced right along with him. They were in the middle of the living room holding hands, moving around in circles and happy. Sienna announced she had to go to the bathroom, then ran upstairs to do so.

  "What's on your mind, O quiet one?" Hunter turned his attention to Becca, full of question.

  "Just watching the two of you. I was thinking about how lucky Sienna is to get to grow up with her daddy by her side. I had two. One never cared a thing about me, and the other died to keep me safe." A tear slid down her cheek. "I really do need to talk to someone about all of this. I feel like my body is a dam, ready to burst with anger, fear, hurt, and sadness."

  Hunter hugged her tight.

  "You know how you asked about our trip to the island? I had a thought I'm not sure what you'll think of." Becca hesitated.

  He pulled back and stared into her eyes. "What is it?"

  "Do you think it's too late to change our wedding plans a little? We go to the island to reflect and honor their memory, so I thought maybe combining the trip next year for our wedding and to do just that. We always felt closer to them there, and it's where we started bonding again. If it's too much for you-"

  Hunter ran his thumb over her lips. "We'll do it. No questions asked. You just need to be sure it's what you want to do."

  "I'm sure, but what about you? Your triggers? Everything else?"

  "Maybe it'll be our last go. It's been a hard year, and we've had a lot of shake ups. It might do us some good to get a last bit of closure, then find another way to honor their memory. We don't have a huge wedding planned, so changing it won't be too difficult. Despite the heartache, Mount Desert Island is beautiful and we do have good things to remember there. It's where we fell in love. Well, it's where we gave in and admitted our feelings. You know what? It's perfect, Bec. I don't know why we didn't think of it before."

  Relief washed over her. Becca hadn't been too sure of the idea, but it wouldn't let her go. "Thank you. This means a lot to me."

  Sienna called for Hunter from upstairs, and as he headed up to help her, Becca's phone rang. She didn't recognize the number, but answered.

  "Hi Becca! It's Brock. I have big news for you."

  "Oh, hey! What's up?" Curiosity made her heart race.

  "Well, I was working with a framer this morning on one of your pieces when someone walked in and wanted it. You sold your first painting already!"

  "What?" She shrieked. "No way! You're kidding me!"

  He laughed. "No, I'm not kidding! You really did! I didn't even get a chance to hang it up and the buyer wanted it. Congratulations! I knew you'd do well here. I just didn't expect it that soon!"

  "Oh wow. Wow! I don't even know what to say. Which piece was it?"

  "The one that hung in the lobby at the Lange Center. My favorite piece." There was pride in the man's voice.

  Becca held a hand to her chest, letting her tears flow. "I- I'm in shock!"

  "Bec?" Hunter flew down the stairs, Sienna in tow. He rushed to her side.

  "I wanted to tell you the news right away. I have to get back, but couldn't wait to tell you. Have a good rest of your day."

  "Thank you Brock. Thanks so much!" Becca hung up the phone and squealed. "I sold my first piece already!"

  Hunter's worried frown dissipated, replaced with the biggest smile. "What? This is fantastic! Oh my God. I knew it, but wow!" He picked her up and spun around the room with her in his arms.

  "Daddy, Daddy. What's going on?" Sienna followed close behind, jumping up and down.

  Hunter set Becca down, then picked up his daughter. "Becca's famous, that's what!" He kissed her cheek, then pulled Becca in his arms and he danced them all around the living room. "We're celebrating! We are so celebrating! This is big!"

  Becca laughed, loving Hunter's enthusiasm. She was still in complete shock over it. A painting she brought to life from her heart would be hanging in someone's house, office, or some kind of personal space. Someone wanted what she created so much, they didn't wait for it to be hung up. What a surreal feeling. This would take some time to really sink in!

  Hunter set Sienna down and reached for Becca's hands. "I'm so proud of you. I've been waiting for this moment, and it finally happened. To the first of many!" He cupped her face, then kissed her passionately. "Don't forget about me when you're famous, okay?" Hunter murmured against her lips.

  Becca burst into laughter. "I don't know about famous, but if it ever happened, I could never forget you. You've always been my biggest fan."

  "Always going to be, too." Hunter brushed her hair back, tucking threads behind her ear. "Next year is going to be our year. We're going to conquer it all and give life our best from now on. We're going to create a forever masterpiece."

  *****

  Becca's first appointment had been emotionally draining. It was the first of many to sort out all the truths that now made up her life. She entered the office with a heavy heart and left with the same emotion, just for different reasons. She now had an understanding of how Hunter felt when he first went to talk about his PTSD and the reasons behind it. It was for her own good, but the road wasn't going to be straight and simple.

  A vase full of roses waited for her on the front porch when she arrived home. Becca hesitated, unsure of why they were there. She picked up the card and stared at it. Her name was scrawled across the front. Hunter's handwriting. Becca blew out a sigh of relief and opened the envelope, carefully extracting the card from it.

  Dear Becca,

  I wanted to be the first to send you fan mail, as you are an official artist selling in a gallery. I can't begin to tell you how proud I am of all your accomplishments. I've been a fan of yours since you were nine years old and you gave me the first masterpiece to treasure. We were sitting on a swing, and it was the first time I'd seen you after a year. I'll never forget it. I've loved every single one of them ever since. I hope you don't mind me sending a letter and flowers to your home address. I know your fiancé pretty well, and he gave me permission to write to you. By the way, he says hello, and he can't wait until the day you become Mrs. Rebecca Beckman.

  This writing in third person thing is confusing. I love you, my beautiful angel. Congratulations on your first sale. I know there's many more to come, so we'll have to travel and give you plenty of the world to capture your own versions of.

  You may create beautiful masterpieces, but the best one of all is the masterpiece of our love. See you in a few hours when I come home to you.

  Always yours,

  Hunter.

  Becca smiled, set down the flowers and note, and decided to call Hunter. This right here was why she loved him. Not because he sent her flowers, but because he believed in her so much and always had her back. Always. Through the good and the bad.

  "Hey you," he said softly when he answered. "What's up?"

  "I got my first fan letter with flowers today. Thought you'd be jealous, so I called to warn you ahead of time." She held the laughter back.

  "Oh really? He can't be cuter than me, so I've got nothing to worry about," Hunter shot back matter-of-factly.

  "Well, he did send beautiful roses..."

  "Hey!"

  "But you're the one for me," Becca finished.

  They both laughed. "I'm glad they made it safely. I'll be home in about two hours."

  "I'll be waiting," Becca promised. "Love you."

  "I love you, too. Tell me how your appointment went."

  She unlocked the door and brought everything inside. "I felt like I was going to be judged. I had to talk about Nathan today. I waited for some kind of accusation. There was none, but it was so weird."

  "It gets easier, and you know it has to be somewhat accurate, coming from me. As long as you're comfortable with the psychologist you're seeing, you'll be okay."

  "I had a good first impression. Other than you, Shara, and Rissi, I haven't had to expose all the things that make me feel like a dirty person."r />
  "You're not a dirty person, Bec. You're just learning who you are and getting the painful events off your chest. Don't let everything define the real you."

  "I'm trying." She focused on the roses, running her thumb across the soft red petal.

  "You'll get there. See you soon, okay?"

  The sound of a truck engine approaching had Becca looking out the window. Jesse was back. He'd been here since Saturday night. Neither Becca or Hunter wanted him to live in his truck.

  Becca opened the front door to let him in before he made it up the porch steps. He held his phone to his ear. "I want him to stop calling her! He does this every time he gets a phone privilege. You need to make sure all of your new caregivers know not to hand over the phone. Of course she's going to be agitated. That's her ex-husband calling from prison almost twenty years after he went in! He's a sick man who enjoys tormenting his family. Wish someone would kill him and get it over with," Jesse snapped. Moments later, he hung up the phone. "Becca," he said quietly, as if realizing she was there just now. "I'm sorry you had to hear that, especially ... I'm so sorry."

  She understood why he said it, but it didn't help the conflicted feelings about where she came from, especially after what she had to talk about today.

  *****

  It had been months since Hunter stepped foot on his plane, let alone looked at it or gave it a lot of thought. For whatever reason, today he decided to go inside. He'd been good on planes as the passenger, and he wasn't near ready to fly, but a pull made him yearn to climb on board. His shift ended and he should go home to Becca, but instead Hunter found himself heading in the direction of his abandoned plane.

  He'd just climb up and sit in the pilot's seat for a while. See what happened. It was long overdue. Hunter pulled out the key he hadn't used in a long time and did just that.

  He recalled the day he frantically told Becca how to land. Hunter never remembered driving to the airport that night. He vaguely remembered the fight with Becca. But he remembered the nightmare, then hurting the woman he loved. He'd woken up to her staring in horror over him. Then again, there'd been little bits and pieces of that night he lost. The disassociation thing maybe?