by Sable Hunter
“I’m sorry, Isaac,” Denver apologized. “I’ll be on my feet soon. Tomorrow, hopefully.”
“No.” Libby held up her hand. “You will not. You’ll stay in this bed until the doctor releases you.”
“Not a second more, though,” Aron said with a grin. “We’ll need our new foreman on the job for in-house training.”
Denver was shell-shocked. “You mean it?”
“We certainly do,” Joseph said. “You’ll have some big shoes to fill, but we’re positive you can do it.”
“I don’t know what to say.” He looked at Lance. “Except thank you and I’ve had the best teacher in the world.”
Tricia kept shifting from one foot to the other, until Lance grabbed her hand. “What’s with you, sugar? You got ants in your pant?”
“No.” She looked at Denver as if she was about to pop. “Bryn was here. Bryn was the one who found you.”
Denver exhaled. “So, I’m not crazy. I just had this…feeling.” He looked at the door with hope in his eyes. “Is she still here?” Now, he knew who saved him and the love he felt for her was so overwhelming he ached.
“No.” Libby shook her head and smiled sadly. “We met her leaving as we came in.”
“That’s okay, you’ll see her again,” Cady reassured him. “You’re a lucky guy. Your guardian angel was there when you needed her.”
Denver was struck by the weight of Cady’s words. Guardian angel. “I guess you’re right.”
“Well, if you’re going to hook up with Bryn, you’d better hurry,” Isaac said out of the blue.
“Hush, Isaac, now’s not the time.” Avery tugged at the sleeve of his leather jacket. “No business talk.”
“What do you mean?” Denver asked.
“What?” Isaac, oblivious to anything but what went on at the ranch and Hardbodies, continued talking. “I just meant that Bryn is moving. She put her notice in at the shop and we’re buying her place.”
“Oh.” Denver felt as if a rug had been jerked out from under his feet. He threw the covers back. “I need to get out of here.”
Libby and Avery made a grab for him. “Not tonight.”
Cady came to touch his arm. “They’re right. Just rest. Nothing will happen until you are up and on your feet. There’s time.”
Denver felt panic rising in his chest. “I really need to leave.”
“What’s the matter with my patient?” A large gray-haired nurse came in with a syringe in hand.
“I just need to go,” he told her, but Denver knew he was fighting a losing battle.
“Yes, you need to go to sleep.” Nurse Choate gave him the shot. “Okay, everybody out. Visiting hours are over.”
A chorus of goodbyes met his ears and all Denver could do was lift a heavy hand. As the sedative took effect, he made up his mind. If he ever got out of this place, he was going to set his life in order.
And the first order of business was Miss Bryn.
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
“What’s a guy got to do to get some service in this place?” Denver yelled, pressing his call button a dozen times. He was ready to leave the hospital. Damn it, he was more than ready to leave.
In answer to his tirade, the door flew open and a very unhappy Nurse Choate came into the room. “If you don’t stop that this instant, I’m going to give you an enema before I release you!”
Suddenly, Denver felt very calm. “Sorry. I really need to leave. There’s somewhere I have to be.” Someone I need to be with.
“Well, you’ll just have to be patient,” she said, then giggled as she took his vitals one last time. “That’s why we call you people patients.” When Denver didn’t see her humor, she continued. “There’s procedures we have to follow and papers we have to get processed. So just chill.”
Dammit.
“Would it make a difference if I told you that I need to get out of here for…love?”
Nurse Choate narrowed her eyes at him. “Love?”
“Yea, there’s this girl I need to see.” Denver couldn’t stop thinking about Bryn. He didn’t doubt for a moment that she was the one who saved him. When he learned that she was there when he needed her came as no surprise. From the very beginning, their meeting and the things they shared just seemed meant to be. He couldn’t explain how or why he merited the love and attention of such a wonderful woman, but he was tired of running from fate. If the universe wanted him to be with Bryn Harmon, who the hell was he to question his good fortune?
“Why don’t you give her a call?”
“I guess I lost my cell in the wreck, it wasn’t with my belongings”
She picked the room phone off the bedside table and set it in his lap. “Allow me to introduce you to an old-fashioned contraption. It might not be cordless or miniature, but it works just fine.”
Denver considered it. “No, what I need to say, I need to say in person.”
She placed a hand on Denver’s arm and began to undo the tape to remove the IV. “For love, huh?”
“I need to tell her how I feel before it’s too late.”
“Let me see what I can do.” With a sharp move, she yanked the tape off and Denver yelped. “In the meantime, no more yelling and pressing the call button.”
“Yes, ma’am, I’ll be good,” he promised the nurse as she left the room.
Once she was gone, Denver eyed the phone. Without a truck and without a cell, if he was going to pull this off, he needed some help. Picking up the receiver, he dialed Lance’s number.
* * *
Bryn stood at the window of Tricia’s Treasures, her phone to her ear. “Yes, I’m calling to check on a patient. Denver Bolden. Could you tell me how’s he doing this morning?” Outside, people were scurrying down the sidewalk as a summer rain began to fall.
“Are you family?”
Bryn counted to five. A white lie for a good cause. “Yes, I’m his sister.” A tiny play on words, she used to be a sister. Everyone’s sister.
“Hold on one moment.” Bryn held on very impatiently.
The nurse on the other end of the line was laughing. “I would say he’s doing much better. He’s already checked out with a clean bill of health. He just needs to take it easy.” She lowered her voice to a near whisper. “He barely escaped Nurse Choate giving him an enema.”
“Oh, my.” Bryn grimaced, then smiled. “I’m sure he’s relieved. Thank you.” She was relieved too.
As she stared at the darkening sky, she let her thoughts go back to the moment she realized Denver was the one in the accident. Her life hadn’t been devoid of pain and sorrow. One of the earliest memories she had was the frantic terror of being abandoned by the people she thought of as parents. The time when she sat, alone, in front of the council and listened to them condemn her acts of kindness, calling her evil and Satanic and an abomination – that had been traumatic. She could still recall very clearly the cringing shame and the sickening feeling of her sins being exposed for all to see. But neither of those things even came close to the devastating fear she’d experienced when she’d seen Denver lying hurt and dying on the ground, covered in blood.
What did other people do, whose only weapons against such tragedies were destiny and prayer? She knew prayers were answered, but not everyone could be the active participant in the process that she was blessed to be. Why were things different with her? Bryn held up her arm and ran a finger along her skin. She was flesh and blood. Arguably, nothing special. Why was she given such power to manipulate the laws of nature?
As she pondered those things, a great sense of warmth and contentment enveloped her body. Without hearing the still, small voice of heaven, she felt a knowledge pervade her senses, telling her not to question the wisdom of the ages. His ways were not her ways. His vision was greater than hers. Closing her eyes and smiling, she acknowledged the truth. Now, she looked through a dark glass into an uncertain future, but one day she would see clearly and know as she was known.
“Sometimes, letting go of your burdens
is harder than carrying them.”
Turning away from the window, Bryn continued her work. She had no idea what the future held for her. Each time she tried to see beyond the veil of tomorrow, to make plans, her mind would balk, as if she encountered a barrier, a fog bank of indecision. She knew the best choice might be to cut ties in Kerrville and move on, but her heart wasn’t quite ready to do so. When or if she’d see Denver again, Bryn didn’t know, but she was ever so glad he was alive and well.
* * *
A few hours later, Bryn heard the bell over the door ring.
Ting! Ting!
“Come in! I’ll be right with you,” Bryn called as she tugged on a palm tree, trying to move it nearer to the back door to be loaded into the van for transport. “Move you dang tree, or I’ll cut you down and hang lights on you.” She tugged once more and sat down hard on her fanny. “Fudge! Who orders a blasted full-size palm as a get-well gift?”
“Language, Sister Brianna.”
The familiar voice almost caused Bryn to swallow her tongue. “Mother!” Bryn left her overly large plant and moved to the front to greet her unexpected visitor. Straightening her hair and searching for composure, she rounded the corner, then almost fainted when she realized the nun wasn’t her only customer.
Standing right behind her was Denver Bolden.
The sight of him almost brought Bryn to her knees. “Hello. I’m glad to see you’re well.”
“I’m good.” He motioned to Mother Superior. “Take care of your customer. I’m not going anywhere.” Denver held Bryn’s gaze for a few heartbeats, trying to convey without words his intent to bridge the gap that existed between them.
Bryn was fidgeting. She tugged on the hem of the cotton top she wore, wishing she was dressed in something more appealing. After giving Denver a slight nod to show she understood, she faced Mother Superior head on.
“What are you doing here, Mother?” She knew the nun wasn’t there to order flowers.
Mother Superior was a serene figure in her black habit and white coronet. Her hands were folded in front of her, as if in prayer. “I didn’t realize we would have this conversation in front of an audience.” She cut her eyes to Denver, who looked a bit nervous and kept glancing at his watch.
“No, it’s fine. This man is a…good friend. I don’t mind him hearing what you have to say.” He already knew all her secrets. She had nothing to hide from him. The realization made her breathe easier.
Mother nodded. “Very well.” She gave Bryn a placid smile. “I have heard from the Bishop. You’ve been granted absolution. You are restored to fellowship.”
Denver cleared his throat and Bryn swallowed nervously. “I see.” She smiled slightly. Actually, Bryn didn’t think she needed absolution, not for those particular deeds. “Thank you for letting me know.”
Mother looked at her expectantly, as if she expected her to say more. For a few moments of awkward silence, the only noise was the low drone of the radio and the shallow breathing of the three occupants of the room.
Finally, the nun began to speak. “Brianna, I have come to take you home. I made a mistake when I asked you to leave. You belong with us.”
Bryn stared at Mother Superior. She’d hinted at this moment, but now that it was here, Bryn felt the weight of centuries. The prayers of a thousand saints. The faith of an entire religion. This was what she’d always wanted. This was her dream, a life of service. A few weeks ago, she would’ve given anything to hear these words.
“No, you’re wrong, Sister.” Denver’s voice broke the silence. “Bryn belongs to me. She’s perfect and she belongs to me.” He stepped across the room and turned on the radio. “Just in time.”
Bryn stared at him, trying to follow what was happening. His smile was so full of love, she felt her heart would burst. “Time for what?”
“Just listen.”
As Bryn did as he asked, the DJ began to speak. “And now, we have a special message going out to Miss Bryn Harmon. Bryn, this song is dedicated to you from the heart of Denver Bolden. A beautiful song, entitled Your Love Amazes Me.”
Bryn held her breath as the song began to play, telling the story of a man who’d seen all the wonders of the world, the beauty of sunsets and rainbows, yet they paled in comparison to the love he’d been shown by the woman who inspired the song.
“You give me hope, Bryn. You gave me something to believe in.” Denver began to speak over the song, claiming the sentiment as his own. “So many times, I prayed for a miracle to deliver me, but I never expected my prayers to be answered in such a perfect way.”
Mother Superior didn’t move, she seemed as mesmerized as Bryn by the sight of the big cowboy searching for words to explain himself.
“This morning, I struggled with what I was going to say. You deserve words of apology and reasons why you should hear me out and give me a second chance. But now that I’m here and looking at you, all I can think is how beautiful and precious you are.” He held out a box with a ring in it as he went to his knees before her. “I love you, Bryn. I love you so much. Marry me, please. Live in my world. I have no doubt you’re an angel sent from heaven, but I want you to be my everyday angel. One who will live in my life and let me hold you and love you. Forever.”
Caught in a web of fulfilled dreams, Bryn looked from Mother Superior to Denver. Standing before her was the epitome of everything she’d ever wanted. Two paths. Each completely different from the other. Two doors waiting to be opened. Two ways of life waiting for her – the convent or Denver.
Two amazing opportunities…but only one choice.
There was only one choice that made sense to Bryn.
Bryn came slowly from around the counter, seeing her old life and her new. Yesterday and tomorrow.
“I’m sorry, Mother. I can’t go with you. I want to stay here with the man I love.”
With a cry of pure joy, she ran to Denver and knelt with him. “Yes, Denver, a thousand times yes. I would love to marry you!”
“I wish you every happiness, Bryn.” Mother bowed out gracefully, leaving Bryn with a kiss on the cheek. “I will call you sometimes, if that’s all right.”
She glanced up at the nun. “Yes, please, call me.”
Once they were alone, Bryn threw her arms around Denver’s neck. “I love you so much!”
Denver enveloped her in his arms and sighed with contentment. This was right. This was what he’d been looking for. “I’m so sorry I was such a fool.”
“Shhh, don’t apologize. You’re here now and that’s all that matters.” She ran her hands over his body, checking for injuries. “You’re okay? Do you feel all right?”
Denver peppered kisses over her face. “Thanks to you.” He framed her face and joined their lips for a long drink of passion. “I know you came to me. I know you saved me.” He placed his forehead to hers and gazed into her eyes. “But even if you hadn’t, I’d have gone to my grave loving you, Miss Bryn. You’re it for me. I took one look at you and fell head over heels. You were meant for me. Made for me.” He wrapped his arms around her. “I’m never letting you go.”
“I don’t want to let you go. You’re my home, Denver.” She nestled closer, loving the feel of his body against hers. “I used to think hearing that apology from Mother Superior was all I wanted in the world, but I was wrong. You are a million times more important to me.”
“And you mean everything to me, Bryn.” He placed a tender kiss to her neck. “You saved me in more ways than one, baby. I love you so much. I should have told you before you told me. I was just scared. Scared that I’d fail you. Scared that I’d never deserve you.”
“There’s no question of our deserving anything, Denver.” She lay against him, happier than she’d ever been. “Be mine, Denver, because all I want to be is yours.
As the song finished playing on the radio, he slipped his ring on her finger and they sealed their love with a kiss.
… “Do you think you’d get in trouble if you closed up early?” Denver a
sked as he helped Bryn to her feet.
“I have one delivery I have to make to the clinic, then I’m free for the day.”
“I’ll help you,” he offered.
“Okay.” She smiled at him, her eyes dancing with joy. “I think I should tear up my letter of resignation and leave a note that I want to stay, if they’ll let me.”
“Oh, they’ll let you. I have no doubt of that.”
As she took care of that matter, Denver lifted the palm tree onto a dolly.
“Don’t hurt yourself, wait for me to help.”
“I’m as good as new,” he reassured her as they maneuvered the large palm out to the van. “I guess it will have to lay on its side.”
“That’s okay, the pot is wrapped tight.” Bryn hopped up in the back to secure the six-foot tall plant. She couldn’t quit glancing at him and smiling. “I keep looking at you, hoping you don’t disappear.”
“I’m not going anywhere, I promise.” He came around to climb into the passenger’s seat. “In fact, I’ve got some good news.”
Bryn got behind the wheel, started the van, and took off. “You have? What?” Today seemed magical, she wouldn’t doubt anything.
Denver rubbed her arm, loving the fact that he could reach over and touch her anytime he wanted. “After Lance and Tricia move, you’re looking at the new foreman of Tebow Ranch.”
“Amazing!” She squealed and swerved the van. Denver had to grab the wheel to keep her from running off the road.
“Easy, baby, let’s get there in one piece.”
“I’m so proud of you!”
Denver chuckled. “I’m proud of myself, to tell you the truth.”
“I think I should call Isaac and tell him I don’t want to sell.” She looked to Denver for support. “No money has changed hands and I haven’t signed anything. Do you think he’ll be mad?”
“No, I don’t, baby. I think Isaac will understand completely.” He thought for a moment. “If it’s okay with you, I think we should live at your house. The trailer just came with the job, it doesn’t belong to me. I’d love to remodel the house and make it a showplace for you.”