Another Man's Wife

by Rebecca Winters

  “No. I have no idea what his plans are. I have no idea about anything.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “Oh, Julie—I’m in love with him.”

  “I knew it!” she whispered.

  “If he doesn’t feel the same way about me, then I can’t ever see him again. Brent told me I should wait for him to make all the moves, but what if they’re motivated by his loyalty to Scott and nothing else? What if he’s just being kind to me?

  “You have no idea what it’s like to see him walk out the door without knowing if he’ll be back or not. I can’t take any more.” She stared at her sister. “I’ve been so happy since the moment we cleared up the misunderstanding. He’s such an exceptional man, Julie. What am I going to do?”

  Her sister’s expression sobered, and she put a hand to her sister’s forehead. “All this emotion isn’t good for you. You’re running a temperature.”

  “I know. The nurse gave me something for it.”

  “Good.” After a pause, she said, “Laurel, when Brent told you to let Nate do the running, he meant you should wait for him to make the next move. Since that talk Nate has made several. He was still here when we left last night.”

  “But if it’s because he feels he has to be Scott’s substitute through—”

  “Then it’s time you found out the truth,” Julie muttered. “If he was any other man than Scott’s best friend, I’d encourage you to be patient and see what happens.”

  Laurel nodded.

  “But this situation is unique. I’ve discovered for myself that he’s honorable yet complicated. If you hadn’t been the aggressive one, you would never have resolved that awful misunderstanding. I don’t believe I’ve ever met anyone who keeps things hidden that deep.”

  “You don’t know the half of it. Talking to him is like walking through a minefield. One wrong step and he closes up, or suddenly has to leave.”

  “He had an abiding friendship with your husband,” Julie said. “If he is in love with you, I’m not sure he’ll admit it. Unless you confront him, he’ll go back to his career without ever telling you the truth.”

  “That’s my fear. Right now I’m afraid I won’t see him today, afraid he won’t call. I can’t live this way any longer.”

  “Not if you don’t want to upset the baby.”

  “That’s the last thing I want to do.” Tears streamed down her flushed cheeks. “The hospital isn’t the place to talk to him. I’ll have to wait until I go home tomorrow, where we can be alone.”

  Whatever Julie would have said was drowned out by hungry infant cries. “Here we are. Time for baby’s lunch.”

  Laurel accepted her baby from the nurse, anxious to try out the tips she’d learned in class. With a few more suggestions from Julie, things went smoothly, and twenty minutes later, her baby fell asleep in her arms, content until next time.

  “Thanks for your help, Julie.”

  “Anytime. Did I tell you the boys have nicknamed her Becky?”

  “That’s what I plan to call her.” She sighed. “It’ll probably hurt Reba’s feelings.”

  “How could it do that when you’re naming the baby after her? Wait—forget I asked. Oh, there’s the phone. I’ll take Becky so you can answer it.”

  Their eyes met as Laurel reached for the receiver. Her heart was pounding too fast.

  “Hello?”

  “Hello, honey. How are my daughter and granddaughter doing today?”

  “Dad! We’re fine. She just ate and now she’s sound asleep. Julie’s holding her.”

  “I’m thankful you two have each other.”

  “So am I.”

  “Your mom’s got bronchitis. Don’t worry. It’s not a serious case, but she’s still too sick to fly. I think we’re going to wait until you come out here. How soon does your doctor figure you can travel?”

  “I’ll ask him when he discharges me tomorrow.”

  “Honey?” His voice had grown quiet. “Is everything all right? If you need me, you know I’ll be there as soon as I can.”

  She could read between the lines and she realized it was time for complete honesty—with everyone.

  “I know. If you mean am I still missing Scott, then the answer is yes, I’ll always miss him but I’m ready to move on. I’ll always treasure our memories. I have a responsibility to my daughter—and to Scott—to live my life as fully as I can.” She paused. “My little girl has brought me more joy than you can imagine.”

  “You don’t know how happy that makes me,” he said with a tremor in his voice. “The world’s an exciting place. Your lives are just beginning.”

  “That’s exactly how it feels.” That’s how Nate makes me feel.

  “Living with Julie and Brent was exactly what you needed. Though your mom and I had a hard time letting you go, we had to trust it was for the best.”

  “It was.”

  What if she’d never bumped into Nate? She couldn’t comprehend his not being in her life now. But she had to find out if he was emotionally involved with her, too. A plan was forming in her mind.

  “We can’t wait to see you and the baby.”

  “Becky can’t wait to meet her grandparents.”

  “Becky, is it?”

  “Yes. I’ve decided to name her Rebecca. That was something Scott and I had discussed.”

  “I like it. Your mother-in-law will be pleased.”

  “She cried when I told her.”

  There was a silence. “I’m proud to be your father, Laurel.”

  “Thanks, Dad.” She wiped more tears from her eyes. “Give Mom my love. I’ll call both of you tomorrow when I get home from the hospital.”

  “We’ll look forward to it. Put your sister on for a minute. I want to tell my other wonderful daughter how thankful I am for her too.”

  “Okay. Love you, Dad.”

  NATE AND RICK FLANKED their father as they left the bank. When all the paperwork was done, Jim Springmeyer would be the new owner of Eagles’ Nest Ski and Bike Shop.

  Clint appeared to have no regrets. In fact, since Pam’s early-morning phone call to let him know the doctors had been able to save her cousin’s leg, he’d been almost jubilant.

  “I’m taking you boys out to lunch. Any place you’d like to eat here in Denver.”

  Nate desperately wanted to head over to the hospital in his mother’s car. But since their dad was flying to Texas in the morning, Nate had the feeling he wanted to use this time to discuss his future plans as well as theirs.

  “You two decide and I’ll follow you,” Nate said when they’d found their cars in the underground parking area.

  Once he’d driven out to the street, he phoned Laurel’s hospital room. After four rings she answered. “Hello?”

  “Laurel? It’s Nate. How are you and the baby doing today?”

  “We’re fine, but I’d be lying if I didn’t admit I’m exhausted.”

  If that was a hint she didn’t want company, then he wouldn’t visit. But his excitement in the day had suddenly vanished.

  “That doesn’t surprise me.”

  “I’ve discovered the hospital is no place to get any rest.”

  She definitely didn’t want visitors. She didn’t want him. Knowing he wouldn’t be seeing her today came as such a great disappointment he was stunned by his reaction.

  “How soon can you go home?”

  “Sometime tomorrow. Julie will come for me when I’m discharged.”

  “I’m sure you can’t wait.”

  He’d intended to help her when she was released from the hospital. So much for his plans.

  “Would you like to drop by tomorrow afternoon around four to see Becky in the outfit you gave her?” she asked unexpectedly.

  Was she inviting him out of kindness? Simple courtesy? “I didn’t realize you’d already picked out a name.”

  “Yes. Scott and I made lists several years ago. I believe this is the one we would’ve ended up choosing for a girl. His mother’s name is Rebecca
, although everyone knows her as Reba. I thought I’d call my daughter Becky so there won’t be any confusion.”

  He gripped his cell phone tighter. Of course they’d discussed names. They’d wanted children. Becky was Spade’s little girl. Spade’s parents were her grandparents. Laurel was their daughter-in-law. She would always be an integral part of the Pierce family’s tight community.

  Desolate, Nate said, “The name suits her. She’s a cutie.”

  “I think so, too, but then I’m her mother. What I’d like to do is use Mike’s Polaroid to take some pictures of you holding her. That is, if you have the time.”

  “I’ll make the time.”

  Laurel, Laurel. You’ve turned me inside out. What the hell am I going to do about you?

  “Good. After we decide which photo we like best, I’ll have several dozen made up and send them inserted in announcements to all the guys in the old squadron. Do you think Duce still has everyone’s address?”

  After what Nate had accused her of, it was no surprise she was anxious to make certain the guys knew about Spade’s child.

  “I’m sure he does. He’s always been the self-appointed liaison.”

  Nate could hear the baby fussing in the background. “Sounds like Becky’s hungry again. I’d better let you go. See you tomorrow.”

  “Thanks for calling, Nate.”

  Thanks for calling, Nate.

  Those words might as well have been goodbye.

  After what they’d experienced in the delivery room, her whole demeanor over the phone seemed so detached…. Evidently that was because he was the only one who’d felt any kind of emotional revelation yesterday.

  He grimaced. Rick had been wrong.

  She would always be Spade’s widow. Anyone who’d known Spade could see Becky was his look-alike. She would be a constant reminder of the husband Laurel had lost.

  After tomorrow, Nate had no intention of seeing her again.

  He stared at the peanut butter and plum jam sandwich he’d made for her. It was lying on the seat in a sealed plastic bag. Joey had told him it was her favorite snack. While Nate searched for the Blazer, which didn’t appear to be anywhere in sight, he opened it and ate both halves.

  Another minute and his cell phone rang. He checked the caller ID and clicked on. “Rick?”

  “You must be lost in thought—not to mention just plain lost!”

  “Where have you decided to eat?” he asked, ignoring the comment.

  “We’re at Chee-Chee’s in the downtown mall.”

  “I know the place. See you there.” He hung up before his brother could needle him any further.

  By the time Nate joined them, he’d made up his mind to focus on his father, who was ten years away from early retirement. Over a taco salad and coffee he brought up the subject he knew was on Rick’s mind, too.

  “What are your plans after you move to Texas?”

  “Pam owns a little house on a portion of her family’s ranch. She’s always wanted to build a bed-and-breakfast Texas-style, on her property, but without the capital and someone to help her, it’s still a dream.

  “She doesn’t know it yet, but I’m thinking of using the money from the sale of the ski shop to turn that dream into a reality. Looking at it as a business venture, it’ll be the same kind of thing I’m used to doing. Of course, the product will be different, but it’s people-oriented. I like that. We’ll live there and run it.”

  “But is that your dream?” Rick’s concern was as real as Nate’s.

  “No,” came the blunt reply. “I lived my dream with your mother. Now I’m looking forward to helping Pam achieve hers. She has a lot of impressive ideas and excellent business sense.”

  Rick shook his head. “Texas is as different from Copper Mountain as Hawaii is from the North Pole. You may end up wishing you’d never moved.”

  “True. If that happens, then Pam and I will discuss it. We can always sell the business and move back here. What’s important is being together.”

  “Couldn’t you have talked her into staying at Copper Mountain and helping you run the ski shop?”

  “Your mother’s death brought me to the end of an era, Nate. Meeting Pam has set me on a different course. However, one thing will never change. Whether I’m in Colorado or Texas, my home will be your home, too. You understand what I’m saying?”

  They both nodded before Nate intercepted a glance from Rick. For the time being, their father’s decision seemed firm.

  “Enough about me.” He turned to Rick. “Have you figured out what you’re going to do?”

  After a pause, Rick said, “I’ve decided to fly out to New York tomorrow and spend a few days talking to the Trans T & T people. Nate can drive both of us to the airport at the same time.”

  Nate sat forward. “Isn’t that the company Brent works for?”

  “Yes. In the past they’ve sponsored pro golf. Brent believes they’d be willing to sponsor something else. He gave me the name of a contact. I have no idea how it’ll turn out, but it’s a place to start. There are other companies in the Big Apple I plan to call on, too.”

  It didn’t look as if their brother-to-brother talk had done anything to make Rick consider finding himself a safer career.

  “Well, that takes care of you for the time being.” He studied Nate, who fidgeted a little under his steady gaze. “Nate? What are your immediate plans?”

  “After I drop both of you off, I’m driving to Colorado Springs to find out what I have to do to get recommissioned.”

  Rick’s eyes flared in surprise but he didn’t say anything.

  Their father continued to gaze shrewdly at Nate as he finished drinking his coffee. When he put down his cup, Clint said, “Is that still your dream?”

  Touché, Dad.

  He looked away. “It’s all I know. It’s what I trained for.”

  “I thought your perspective might have changed while you’ve been home.”

  “You mean since I’ve spent time with Laurel?” His jaw hardened. “I hate to disappoint you, Dad, but her husband’s only been dead seven months. She’s just had his baby. Her nephew told me she’s going home to Philadelphia as soon as she can travel.”

  “My disappointment doesn’t enter into it,” his father responded calmly. “It’s your pain I’m concerned about.”

  He lifted his head to meet Clint’s eyes. “What pain are you talking about?”

  “Nate, I was there to cut the cord when you were born. You think I don’t know when my firstborn is hurting? Do you honestly imagine I don’t know you’ve been suffering for years now?”

  Rick gave a subtle shake of his head, as if to say he had nothing to do with their father’s astute observations.

  Nate believed him. Their father’s instincts had always been uncanny. Except for his precipitous marriage to Pam, he’d somehow managed to understand everything in their lives—their hidden feelings and secret desires, their reasons for the choices they made. But right now Nate couldn’t take the compassion he saw shining from his wise gray eyes.

  Needing to do something physical, he picked up the bill the waitress had put on the table. “I’ll take care of this and wait for you outside.”

  “You’re not going to the hospital?”

  “No. It turns out Laurel’s exhausted. I’ll see her once more at the Marsdens’ tomorrow after I return from the Academy.”

  His father studied him briefly. “In that case, let’s go home and get in some spring skiing for old times’ sake.”

  Nate knew he couldn’t. His heart wasn’t in it.

  Since his conversation with Laurel, he’d gone numb inside. It terrified him because he had a premonition that this was how he’d feel from now on.

  LAUREL STOOD next to the crib, trying to quell the frantic beating of her heart. Nate would be here any minute.

  She’d just finished nursing the baby and had dressed in a pair of maternity jeans, the ones she’d bought when she first started to show. At seven months, she�
�d had to put them away in the drawer.

  After considerable debate, she’d chosen a flowing dark-green cotton top. It was round-necked and long-sleeved. For an article of clothing that wasn’t made for a pregnant woman, it managed to cover a multitude of sins.

  To her relief, she’d lost a lot of weight. Though it was still a snug fit, she could slide her feet into her Italian leather sandals again.

  Her hair had grown over the past month. The blow dryer brought out its natural curl. After applying a dark pink lipstick, she reached in her jewelry box for the green enamel earrings she’d purchased in Florence to match her top. Each delicate flower was outlined in gold. She loved them.

  For a final touch, she fastened the treasured gold watch Scott had bought her in Toledo, Spain, to her wrist, then put on a dash of her favorite lemon spray.

  Although she was no longer pregnant, the figure in the mirror still left a lot to be desired. She’d already accepted the fact that she would never look like the nineteen-year-old Nate had met in Las Vegas. However, once she’d completely recovered from the birth, she planned to work out and make herself as attractive as possible.

  “Laurel?”

  She swung around anxiously. “You think I look all right?” she asked her sister. “Too much? Too little? Change everything? Tell me the truth!”

  Julie shook her head. “After having a baby two days ago, it isn’t fair you could look as gorgeous as you do. Nate’s never been able to take his eyes off you, anyway. He’s going to be speechless when he sees you.”

  “Thanks for the compliment, but you’re biased.”

  “Even if I am, the truth speaks for itself. I came to tell you he just pulled up in front of the house.”

  She started to tremble. “Oh, Julie… This is it.”

  “Frankly, I’m glad it’s here at last. As soon as I tell Nate to come upstairs, I’ll take the boys to do errands. After that we’re meeting Brent for hamburgers. You’ve got the house to yourself. Make the most of it.”

  “I could be making the biggest mistake of my life.”

  “No, Laurel. If he’s not in love with you, then it’ll be a blessing to find out. Even if brings you more pain for a while.”