Call of the Canyon

by Nancy Pennick

  She searched the large room, unable to locate Drew. Kate thought it was a good time to touch up her make-up so she headed down the hallway to the bedroom. As she grew closer, she heard voices coming from the other side of the door.

  “We never met this girl or her family. Who are they?”

  “They’re fine people, Father. I told you that.”

  “What about Gia, Andrew? What do we tell her? Do we say you met some young girl we know nothing about and on a whim, married her? You were supposed to marry Gia, not this girl.”

  “I never loved Gia. That was your fantasy. You wanted me to marry her so the two families would have quite the empire, wouldn’t they?”

  “She loves you. Ask your mother. She’s always coming over to the house, asking about you. She was willing to wait until your silly infatuation with the canyon ended, but then you found another one. This girl! I can have the marriage annulled. Just say the word.”

  “That will never happen.” Drew’s voice sounded so stern.

  “You’ll come to your senses.” Nicolas hissed. “I can wait.”

  Kate opened the door and looked at Nicolas. “Then I hope he never comes to his senses, sir. You see, we love each other. We’d love to have you in our lives and we’ll be waiting for you to come to your senses.”

  His father stormed out of the room, brushing past Kate. Drew ran to her and pulled her close. “I’m sorry you had to hear that.”

  “Why didn’t you tell me?”

  “I didn’t want to ruin the day. Ignore him. We won’t see much of him, anyway.” Drew huffed. “Boy, won’t he be sorry after he finds out I die.”

  “Drew!” Kate lightly slapped his arm. “That’s not funny.”

  “Come on, Mrs. Martin, we’re going to enjoy our wedding.” Drew kissed her passionately and swept her into his arms.

  “Drew, set me down!” Kate really didn’t mind he carried her all the way back to the reception. She never realized how strong he was, must be all that climbing in the canyon.

  When everyone saw the couple, they clapped and cheered. Champagne flutes were held in the air and toasts were made. Her dad went first and thanked everyone for coming. He almost sounded like the father-of-the-bride, he was bursting with pride. Kate’s mom came and joined him, giving him a little shove that only Kate noticed. It was enough to get him back on track.

  Everyone headed to their tables so dinner could be served. Kate could hardly eat. She hoped Anna would have memories of the wedding when she called her in the present. If she did, it would make it all the more real.

  The band set up before dinner and played softly as everyone ate. Kate saw Lindsey at the very back table with Carl, Maya and Carl Sr. She wanted so badly to join them but knew she had to bide her time. That time came when dinner was over and they started clearing the tables. Kate wound through the tables and sat down across from her friends.

  “So is everyone having fun?” Kate purposely looked at Carl Jr. with eyes that could burn a hole right through him.

  “Yes, absolutely, Kate. Thanks for making sure we came.” Carl smiled at her as if nothing was wrong. “Elmer, I mean Lindsey, is sticking right by me.”

  Kate appreciated the glue reference because it meant Lindsey was doing her job.

  “I love being at my grandparents’ house.” Lindsey whispered across the table so Carl Sr. didn’t hear. “It’s been fantastic except for being the babysitter for you-know-who.” She cocked her head toward Carl Jr.

  Carl didn’t seem bothered by anything. He seemed way too happy for having to leave in just a few hours, sporting a hug grin on his face.

  “Do I get to keep the dress?” Lindsey asked.

  “Of course, just make sure you wear it to bed.” Kate giggled. “I’m so glad you like it. I’d love to stay and keep you company, but I have to mingle with the guests. Have a safe trip home.” She ran around the table and gave them a group hug. “Love you both,” she whispered.

  Kate went from table to table visiting, just like a good bride should do and noticed Drew doing the same thing. They finally met up and swore they’d stay together for the rest of the night. She was finally able to tell him that Carl and Rachel disappeared for over an hour after the wedding. The look on his face said it all. “Forget about it. It’s our wedding. We know Rachel and Thomas will eventually marry,” she whispered.

  “Unless someone does something to stop it.” Drew’s face grew red with anger. Then his expression changed. “You know what? You’re right. This evening is about us. No one is going to spoil it. May I have this first dance?”

  They danced the night away with Anna and Daniel always nearby. Kate noticed Lucinda brooding at a corner table and hoped she was having fun. It looked like Henry was doting on her, bringing her food and drink. Lucinda was in a serious discussion with Maya at the table and Kate was concerned. Before she could think about it any further, she was whisked away to throw her bridal bouquet. Kate made sure Anna caught it.

  Lucinda got her attention after the tossing of the bouquet. “Kathryn, Henry and I will be going now. A car is waiting to take you over to the Circle H whenever you’re ready. It’s been a beautiful evening. Best wishes.”

  “Oh, Lucinda, you can’t be leaving already?”

  “Yes, I’m feeling a little under the weather.”

  “It’s because of the baby.” Kate realized her goof after she said it.

  “You know? I just figured it out after talking with Maya tonight.” Lucinda wore a look of surprise.

  “My cousin just had a baby, Lucinda, and I remember her feeling sick all the time. I just guessed.” Kate quickly made up a story. “I couldn’t believe you were sick because you’re absolutely glowing.”

  “Oh, Kathryn, I’m so glad you know. I need a friend during all of this. I’m planning on telling Henry when we get home. He’ll be over the moon.” Lucinda clutched Kate’s hands. She felt a twinge of guilt because she knew she wouldn’t be there to help her aunt through a pregnancy or anything else.

  “Do you want a boy or a girl?” Kate thought it was a safe way to change the subject.

  “I really don’t care. I have the names picked out already. Henry if it’s a boy and Henrietta if it’s a girl.’

  Kate tried to look enthused about the names, especially the girl’s name.

  “Kathryn, don’t look at me like that. I like the name Henrietta. It’s a combination of Henry and my sister, Loretta. We’ll call her Retta for short.” That made sense to Kate because she always wondered about her cousin’s name.

  The two friends clasped hands and Lucinda disappeared into the crowd. Tears welled up in Kate’s eyes. It would be the final time she’d see her great-great aunt this year. Kate knew she could see her anytime during her summer visits but it would be like déjà vu. This was a new part of their story, one Kate created with Drew.

  “Drew!” Kate had to find him. They promised to stay together but kept getting separated. “I guess that’s how weddings are for the bride and groom.”

  He found her instead. “There you are. Are you ready to leave after we say our goodbyes?”

  “Yes, I saw Lucinda and she said a car’s waiting to take us to the ranch whenever we’re ready. I requested our bedroom, the one I always stay in. That’s the perfect place for our honeymoon.”

  “It certainly is. Come on, love.” Drew took his bride’s hand and they circled the room quickly. Kate hugged her mother tightly and whispered to make sure Lindsey and Carl got home safely tonight.

  Her dad drew her into his arms. “You make a beautiful bride, pumpkin.” Then waved them off, shooing them toward the door. “Now go before I announce my daughter just got married and I’m the proudest papa in the world.”

  They stepped out into a beautiful evening. The sky was full of stars.

  “I ordered this sky for you tonight.” Drew swept his hand across the skyline. “My wedding present to you. I wanted to give you the stars and here they are.”

  “Nothing could be lovelie
r.” Kate put her head on Drew’s shoulder. “Thank you.”

  The couple sat in the back of the car enjoying the ride to the ranch. When they arrived, Frieda, Carl Sr.’s sister, answered the door. She smiled widely when she saw who it was. “Welcome,” Frieda said in careful English. She was making progress since Kate last saw her.

  “You’re doing well in your English lessons?”

  “Yes, thank you.” Frieda smiled shyly. “Let me show you to your room.”

  The couple followed her up the winding staircase to their room. Frieda opened the door and gestured for them to go in. “Let me know if you need anything,” she called over her shoulder as she walked away.

  “Oh, Drew, look!” Kate couldn’t believe her eyes. Lucinda was good at making things special. Candles were everywhere, giving off a soft glow. A bottle was chilling in a bucket. Two crystal flutes sat in front with lavender ribbon tied around the stems. Lilacs sat in beautiful vases placed discreetly around the room. A group of white blossoms was placed on each pillow. Drew walked over to the table and pulled the sparkling juice from the bucket.

  “Might as well not let this go to waste.” He popped the cork and they both laughed.

  Kate took the glass from him. “This is all so beautiful.” She waved the glass around. “You probably wish this was wine or champagne.”

  “I’ve been drinking wine since I was nine. It was part of our meal. I never drank to get drunk although I was only allowed one glass until recently,” Drew chuckled. He tilted his glass toward Kate. “To us, Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Martin.”

  Kate set her glass down. “I like the sound of that. Now, Mr. Martin, help me out of this dress.”

  Drew pulled the dress up and over her head placing it carefully on a chair. Kate helped him removed his suit jacket and undid his tie. Slowly she pulled the tie from around his neck. Then her hands went around his waist and her mouth found his. She slid her hands back around to the top button of Drew’s shirt. It was already undone and she went for the next one, slowing unbuttoning each one. Drew quickly pulled off the shirt and the two sat down on the bed staring into each other’s eyes. Kate’s head was spinning but she wanted to remember every moment. They slipped under the soft, white sheet together and melted into one.

  Please, let this all be real, Kate thought, as she drifted off to sleep in Drew’s arms.

  * * * *

  Kate woke to the smell of coffee. Drew sat at the little table in their room, sipping from a cup and reading the paper.

  “How come you always wake up before me?”

  “I need less sleep than you, I guess.” Drew jumped on the bed. “Come on, get dressed, I have a surprise for you.”

  “Oh, can’t we stay here for awhile? I like it here.” She pouted.

  “We can stay for a while, but then we have to get going. We’re invited to breakfast at Henry and Lucinda’s part of the house. I thought you might like that.”

  “Yes, I love it.”

  “Then we’ll be leaving here.”

  “Leaving? I want to stay.”

  “Part of the surprise. Trust me?”

  “Fine,” Kate padded across the soft carpet to the bathroom on the other side of the hall. She looked in the mirror and studied herself. Staring at her image, Kate hoped to see a more mature, worldly girl. She carefully examined herself, but didn’t seem any different. Nothing changed. I don’t look like a married woman. Trying to find something out of the ordinary about herself, Kate finally gave up. She quickly cleaned up and got ready for the day.

  “Drew, I’m ready!” Kate bounced back into their room and came to a sudden stop at the sight of him. His head was in his hands and he appeared upset. “Are you alright?”

  “It’s nothing.”

  “Oh, it’s something and you’re going to tell me.”

  “I don’t want to put a damper on our wedding weekend.”

  “You won’t, I promise.”

  “I had the dream last night.”

  “On our wedding night?” Kate knew she promised but was shocked he could dream of dying on such a night.

  “That’s why I didn’t want to tell you.”

  “I’m glad you did. It’s just a dream. You haven’t had it in a while, right? I’m sure it will be less and less as time goes on.”

  “Yes, I guess you’re right. Let’s get going.” He wasn’t too convincing and Kate decided to discuss it with him later. After all, it was their honeymoon.

  They headed over to Lucinda and Henry’s home, part of an addition to the original home. Kate was anxious to see it.

  “Kathryn, look at you, now who is glowing?” Lucinda grabbed her and they twirled around. “You look like...”

  “...a married woman.” Henry finished for her as he shook Drew’s hand. “Congratulations.”

  Kate looked at Lucinda as if to ask if Henry knew about the baby. Lucinda nodded yes.

  “Well, congratulations to you, too.” She hugged Henry.

  He seemed startled and pointed to the couple. “They know?”

  Lucinda giggled. “You know I can’t keep anything from my best friend.”

  Guilt filled Kate’s heart as she heard those words coming from her aunt. Lucinda would feel betrayed yet again by a friend, like she did with Anna. Kate knew she would disappear and never return in just a few short weeks. She only hoped Lucinda would understand and believe Drew’s “death” was the reason Kate couldn’t stay in Arizona.

  Lucinda turned to her. “Maybe you will be next.”

  “Next for what?” Kate wasn’t listening to the conversation.

  “A baby, silly!” Lucinda giggled.

  “Oh, that couldn’t happen, I’m on the p...” Kate caught herself. She almost said pill. How would she ever explain that?

  “Too much information!” Drew saved the day. “I’m starving!”

  “I imagine you are.” Henry said with a wink. He patted Drew on the back. “This way, my man.”

  The morning went by too quickly. As they said their good-byes, Kate hoped to get a message across to Lucinda as discreetly as she could.

  “Cindy.” Kate used the pet name Lucinda’s father gave her and now Henry used. “I’m your friend forever. No matter where we end up or what happens in our lives, know that I love you. You’re my best friend forever.”

  Lucinda covered her mouth with one hand. “Kathryn, you’re scaring me. Please tell me you two are not leaving Arizona forever.”

  “No, no we’re not, but you never know what can happen in life.”

  “We’re all young. We’re not going anywhere. I plan on having the largest Christmas party this side of the Rockies. You add it to your calendar now.”

  Kate took Lucinda’s hand with tears in her eyes. “I’ll be the first one here and the last to leave, if that’s what you want.” She didn’t want to go, but saw Drew’s pleading eyes.

  “See you soon.” She whispered in Lucinda’s ear as they said their good-byes, knowing this would be the last time Lucinda would remember seeing her.

  The couple found their way back to the room, packed their things and headed out to the waiting car. Drew spoke with the chauffeur and soon they were driving back toward the canyon.

  “You’re not taking me home to Ohio.” Kate crossed her arms. “I refuse to go.”

  Drew let out a hearty laugh. “You can be really stubborn when you want to be, but don’t waste it on this. We’re not going home.”

  The car continued on and finally came to a stop behind El Tovar. Drew got out and offered Kate his hand. She looked quizzically at him.

  “We’re here?”

  “Yes, we are.”

  “Are we eating in the dining room?”

  “I thought you would figure it out by now, Kate.” He headed toward the path leading to his cabin.

  “We’re not staying at the Circle H tonight, are we? We’re going to your cabin.”

  “I want you all to myself.” Drew placed his arm across her shoulders and pulled her close.


  As they approached the cabin, Kate thought it looked different from the last time she saw it. It appeared bigger but that didn’t make sense.

  Drew felt around on the top of the doorframe for the key, unlocked the door and put the key back. He came over to Kate and picked her up, kicked the door open with his foot and carried her inside.

  “This is perfect.” Kate exclaimed as Drew spun her around the great room. She remembered the room well. It was the only room she ever was in. It all came back to her as she glanced around. She had sat in a chair, talking to Thomas, and gave up hope of finding Drew. It was a dark time in her life. Now everything looked like it was bathed in golden sunlight not the dreary gray she recalled.

  The room was still the same, a sitting area in front of a huge fireplace with the dining room and kitchen behind it. Kate assumed the hallway led to the two bedrooms. Drew walked down that hall, still carrying her.

  “I added a bathroom for you plus another bedroom. I’ll show you my wine cellar later.”

  “When did you have time to do this?” Kate waved her hand around.

  “I found time. You don’t always know what I’m up to.” He kissed her lightly on the lips. “I wanted to make this more of a home for us. I’m glad you like it.”

  “Is this why you wouldn’t let me come here all summer?” Kate took Drew’s face between her hands and kissed him back. He gently set her down so she could have a better look around. “I don’t want to go home. Let’s stay here a few more days.” She spun around, hugging herself. “Show me everything you did to the cabin.”

  Drew grabbed her hand, guiding her through the rooms. He was proud to show the many improvements he made. Beside the room additions, he’d installed steam heat throughout the home. “This is becoming a house instead of a cabin. Don’t change it because of me. I love it the way it was.” Kate pulled Drew down toward her and kissed his cheek.

  “It needed some upgrades. I enjoyed doing it.” Drew headed for some stairs. “This leads to the wine cellar.”