Only Today

by Jeri Odell

  “Anywhere you’re going.” She hadn’t anticipated the huskiness in her voice or the blatant honesty of her answer. Brady stroked her cheek with an index finger and moved his face closer to hers. Her heart pounded. Surely he must notice the loud drumming that nearly drowned out her ability to hear. She anticipated his kiss as he drew near.

  Brady stopped short of kissing her mouth and instead planted his lips on her forehead near her temple. Disappointment coursed through her, and she closed her eyes against the onslaught, hoping he wouldn’t notice.

  He shut her door, and while he walked around to his side of the vehicle, she drew in a couple of deep breaths, trying to clear her head and emotions.

  Brady cleared his throat and glanced between the seats in her direction. He appeared unscathed by their encounter.

  “You know all the games I’ve taught you the last few weeks?” He started the car, watching her through the rearview mirror.

  Their eyes met. She only nodded, not trusting her voice to sound normal.

  “Today you’ll put that knowledge to good use.” Pulling out of the church parking lot, he headed toward his parents’ house.

  “Every other Sunday is family day. We start by sitting together at church; then we have lunch either at a restaurant or my parents’. All afternoon we play games, hang out, catch up. I have to warn you, though, we are a pretty competitive group.” He rattled on, and Kendall was thankful he wasn’t requiring much from her in the way of conversation.

  “You ready for the Cooper clan?”

  “Sure.” But was she? Her stomach knotted.

  “My parents moved after all the kids left home. They live in Coughlin Ranch. Does that ring a bell?”

  “Nope.” She kept her answer short, not wanting him to perceive the confusion flooding through her.

  “It’s a fairly new development set on the far west side of Reno.” Brady turned the corner. “This is where it begins.”

  Kendall spotted a lake off to the right.

  “There’s a house for every buyer in here, or so they say.” Brady followed a maze of tree-lined streets.

  Kendall noted that every yard was manicured to perfection with inviting lawns and lush green plants, but she couldn’t help but notice the dry, barren-looking hills not too far off in the distance. They stood as a reminder of her empty, meaningless, barren life.

  Brady drove to the end of a cul-de-sac and stopped in front of a gray two-story trimmed in white.

  “We’re here.” Brady made the unnecessary announcement.

  Suddenly nervous, Kendall unhooked her seat belt and waited for Brady to help her from the backseat. He lifted her, carefully protecting all of her casted appendages. She studied his strong jaw as he carried her toward the house. “What about my wheelchair?” She glanced at the SUV where the chair remained folded in the back.

  “I thought it would be easier without it, especially with a dozen or so of us landing in my parents’ great room. Can you press the doorbell?” He turned so she had easy access.

  “Brady. Kendall.” Delanie threw open the wide front door. “What can I do to help?”

  Delanie was beautiful—soft blond hair, Brady’s eyes, and a petite build.

  “Will you lay a sofa pillow on the coffee table?” Brady carried Kendall effortlessly and set her in an oversized chair, propping her foot on the pillow Delanie had put into place.

  “Welcome.” Mrs. Cooper handed her a glass of iced tea and settled on the end of the couch closest to Kendall. “Did you enjoy church this morning?”

  “Very much.” Kendall sipped her tea. “Church feels very familiar to me. That must mean something.”

  “I hope so.” Mrs. Cooper shone one of her encouraging smiles on Kendall. “Lunch is just about ready. Frank is grilling out back. Can I fix you a plate?”

  ❧

  “I’ll do it, Mom.” Brady sat on the arm of Kendall’s chair.

  “Okay, sweetie. I’ll finish getting everything set up.” His mom patted Kendall’s knee. “It’s so good to see you up and dressed and out of the hospital.”

  “And thanks for the wonderful outfit. It fits perfectly. In a few months, I’ll stand up and model it for you.”

  “You’re welcome.” His mom rose.

  “You saved me from showing up at church in a pair of scrubs.”

  “You look adorable in your scrubs,” Brady assured her.

  Brady moved Kendall to the dining area.

  “This is the biggest table I think I’ve ever seen.”

  “That’s saying a lot coming from a woman who only remembers the last several weeks of her life.”

  Kendall laughed. “I guess that statement was loaded with irony.”

  After enjoying pizza, they set up two game boards for Ticket to Ride. Delanie and Eli joined Brady, Kendall, and Cody. Kendall caught on quickly, and they played the game several times.

  Mason and Summer were drawn to Kendall. She was very good with them, so the three of them had a game of Candy Land going at the same time.

  Brady contemplated the near kiss earlier today. Unfortunately, Mitch’s words, “What if she’s married?” taunted him. So he aimed for her forehead instead and put some distance between them. However, as this afternoon had worn on, he realized his heart had passed Go and Kendall was much more than “just a friend.” He’d fought an inner battle all afternoon and finally convinced himself there was no way she could be married. She’d have a ring. Her husband would be looking for her.

  His heart had secretly thrilled when disappointment had etched itself across her face, just as it had etched itself across his heart. She was apparently growing as attached to him as he was to her.

  He studied her as she played with his niece and nephew. She’d grown more beautiful each day. The swelling was gone and much of the bruising had disappeared, leaving behind a flawless complexion.

  She smiled up at him, and his heart jolted. Yep, either he had some rare disease, or he was crazy about Kendall.

  Kendall had to be back at the joint before seven, so they were the first to leave. After many hugs and promises to Summer and Mason that she’d be back, Brady loaded her into his SUV.

  “I’m excited, Brady. I know two more things about myself—I enjoy children, and church is a place I know I belong.”

  “One piece at a time, your life is falling into place.”

  “I just wish it was faster.” She paused. “Hey, thanks for today. I love your family! They’re all wonderful.”

  “Yeah, me, too. They’re the best. I feel blessed in this day and age when so many families are fragmented, even Christian families.”

  Kendall grew quiet. She must be wondering about her family. Brady decided to give her time to think, so they drove the rest of the way in silence.

  When he pulled up to the rehab center, he turned off the engine, half turned in his seat, and placed his hand on her knee. “You okay?”

  “After four weeks, I have to face the facts. No one is missing me. No one is searching to find me.” She unhooked her seat belt. “Brady, I don’t matter to anybody.”

  “You matter to me.” His words carried deep emotion.

  “I know—friends for life, right?” She sounded flippant. “But who am I? Where do I belong?” Her voice cracked. “Why isn’t anyone looking for me?” A sob escaped.

  He went around to her door and pulled Kendall back against his chest, running his fingers through her long, silky strands of hair. “Let’s take it a day at a time.” He kissed the top of her head.

  She twisted her head, raising her gaze. In the dim lights shining into the vehicle from the rehab center, he saw the raw fear painted across her face. “A day at a time sounds easy enough, but I’m fighting a growing hopelessness that sometimes threatens to drown me.” She released another sob.

  He took her hand in his. “It’s okay to cry.”

  She raised her tear-streaked face. “You don’t know what it’s like, Brady. You can’t possibly understand.”

&nbs
p; She was right—he couldn’t.

  “What if I never remember? What if no one ever comes?” Her words were devoid of hope.

  Brady had nothing but platitudes to offer, so he remained silent and held her close.

  “As a woman without a known past, it’s difficult to have hope for a bright future.” She sniffed and raised her head. “I am so sorry. Listen to me. I’m swimming in self-pity.”

  “You don’t always have to be brave.”

  “I do. Your mom’s teaching me what the Bible says about taking captive my thoughts. I can’t let the fear win. I can’t give in to it.” Kendall raised her chin in a determined fashion and patted her cheeks dry with the sleeve of her sweater. She glanced toward the rehab center. “I guess you’d better get me inside. They’ll think I’ve tried to escape and send a pack of dogs searching for me.”

  Brady chuckled and unloaded the wheelchair. After Kendall was settled, they went to the check-in desk. Then he rolled her down the shiny tile floor to her small but private room.

  Brady knelt in front of her chair. “You are the bravest person I know, Kendall, but don’t beat yourself up because you’re afraid sometimes. Of course you’re afraid. Who wouldn’t be?”

  She leaned forward and laid a casted arm on each of his shoulders. “You, Mr. Brady Cooper, are my knight in shining armor.”

  Their gazes connected, and Brady felt the warmth of deep emotion spread through him. She leaned farther toward him, and his heart sped into double time.

  Five

  Kendall kissed Brady’s cheek and whispered near his ear, “Thanks for today. I loved every—”

  He turned his head, ever so slightly, ever so slowly, but it was enough, enough for their lips to touch.

  This was worth waiting for.

  The kiss was long, slow, undemanding. When he raised his face from hers, Kendall felt regret—not at the kiss itself, but that it was over.

  “Sleep tight,” Brady whispered. Then he left Kendall to ponder the million emotions churning within. It was a long time before she fell asleep. Feeling giddy, she knew a smile must have been planted on her face the entire night.

  The following day, Brady and the kiss were very much on Kendall’s mind all through therapy. She felt certain she wore a silly grin most of the day, but she couldn’t help herself. No one commented or questioned, so she didn’t broach the subject.

  Shortly after she’d returned to her room from her day’s workout, Delanie breezed into the room. “Hi, Kendall. An accident brought me to the hospital, so I thought I’d drop in and see how you are today.” She wore her police uniform, and her hair was French braided down the back.

  “Hi. Come in.”

  Delanie took the chair usually occupied by Brady. “I’m so glad you got to come yesterday. Did you have a good time?”

  “Yes. You have a great family, and Summer and Mason are adorable.” She pictured the two blond cherubs with light blue eyes.

  “I’m glad I finally got to meet you. My mom and Brady talk about you all the time.”

  Kendall’s cheeks grew warm. “He does? I mean, they do?”

  Delanie giggled. “He does, and they do.”

  “Can I ask you something?”

  Delanie shrugged. “Sure.”

  “Is Brady always this wonderful? I mean, he seems next to perfect.”

  “The truth?” Delanie raised her brow.

  Kendall nodded, anticipating learning more about the guy she’d fallen for. He wasn’t one to talk much about himself and gave monosyllabic answers to any personal questions.

  “He is next to perfect. I love all three of my brothers, but Brady has a special spot all his own in my heart. He is kind and compassionate. More merciful than the rest of our brood.”

  Kendall grinned. “I thought so.”

  Delanie studied her, and Kendall wanted to look away but didn’t. “Are you falling for him?”

  Kendall’s face heated up. “I think so, but I’m not sure.” Embarrassed, she dropped her gaze to her hands.

  “He’s easy to care about. Did you know he never even dates? He’s just waiting for God to bring the right woman at the right time.”

  Kendall shook her head. Talk about pressure. “How did you know Eli was the one?”

  “Well, I was attracted to him from the first day we met, but as I got to know him and his character, my fluttery feelings of uncertainty grew into a rock-solid love.”

  Kendall nodded.

  “It would be natural for you to fall for Brady. I mean, he saved your life and has stuck by you through this very difficult time.”

  Kendall sensed Delanie didn’t approve of what was happening between her and Brady. “You mean more like hero worship.”

  “Yes, but not exactly. It’s not unusual for women to fall for the rescuers in their lives.” Delanie shrugged. “You know, a doctor, a teacher, a pastor. I think as women we are especially vulnerable to men we admire and who rescue us or protect us in some way.”

  “Maybe you’re right.” But I don’t think so. “Maybe I’m confusing gratefulness and admiration with something more.”

  “Perhaps.” Delanie smiled.

  It was obvious Delanie didn’t want Kendall to fall in love with Brady, and the knowledge hurt. But she’d put on a brave face and not let the pain show. “So how long have you and Eli been married?”

  “Six months.” Delanie sighed, and a dreamy expression settled over her face. “Six wonderful, blissful months.” Delanie laughed. “Listen to me gushing all over the place.” Delanie glanced at her watch.

  “Guess I’d better run.”

  “Thanks for stopping by.” Her statement didn’t feel honest. She’d rather not have had this enlightening visit.

  “You’re welcome. Do you need anything?”

  “Nope, I’m good.” Will you go already? I may need a few minutes to indulge in some self-pity and possibly have a good cry.

  Delanie was studying her again, and Kendall felt like a bug under a microscope. Delanie moved closer to the bed. “I may have been too blunt just now, and I’m sorry. It’s not personal.”

  Kendall nodded. How much more personal can it be? You don’t think I’m good enough for your brother.

  “Kendall, I’ve hurt you, and I’m sorry.” Delanie seemed to struggle with what to say and how to say it, but her expression of regret was genuine.

  “I’ll be fine.” Squeezing the words around the lump in her throat proved difficult, and her voice sounded low and raspy.

  “I’m going now before I make things worse.” Delanie patted Kendall’s hand and left.

  A tear rolled down Kendall’s cheek. How long would it be before Brady’s family convinced him she wasn’t that one special girl for whom he’d waited more than thirty years?

  ❧

  Brady, Mitch, and the four firefighters on Shift C were playing Mexican Train on the kitchen table at the fire station. Brady laid down a double two and a two-seven to win the hand.

  The buzzer at the front door sounded. “I’ll get it while you guys count your points,” Brady teased. When he opened the door, there stood Delanie.

  “Sis! Is everything okay?”

  “More or less.” Her expression was troubled. “No big family emergency. I just wanted to talk.”

  “Sure. Let me tell the guys, and we can sit out here.” Brady hollered and excused himself from the rest of the game. Closing the door, he asked, “Everything all right with you and Eli?”

  “Yes. More than all right,” Delanie assured him. “I wanted to talk to you about Kendall.”

  “Kendall?”

  Delanie sat down on a step, and Brady joined her.

  “Do we know who she is? Did someone show up to claim her?” Part of him hoped someone had, and another part of him dreaded what that might mean.

  “No, and that’s part of what I want to talk about.” Delanie sighed and pursed her lips. “She’s falling for you, Brady.”

  He nodded. That much he’d figured out on his own
.

  “You know?” Delanie’s tone carried both frustration and accusation.

  Brady stood, feeling too close to Delanie on the shared step. “It’s not one-sided, if that’s what you’re worried about.” He turned to face his sister and knew immediately he’d said the wrong thing.

  Delanie jumped to her feet. “Not one-sided?” She stood to her full five feet. “That would be good news compared to this.”

  Annoyed, Brady asked, “What is it with you? You’re not usually so reactionary, and you’re never this dramatic. Kendall and I share a mutual interest in one another. It’s not that big of a deal.”

  “Brady, it’s a huge deal.” Delanie had calmed herself and spoke with quiet precision. “We have no idea who Kendall is. Perhaps she’s a married woman, possibly the mother of some small children.” Delanie scrutinized his reaction.

  “If Kendall’s married, somebody would be looking for her. She wasn’t wearing a wedding ring and had no imprint of one on her finger.”

  “Brady, think about what you’re saying. Maybe she dumped the guy and came to Reno to start a new life. Stuff like that happens all the time.”

  “She’s not that type.”

  Delanie let out a loud, long sigh. “She doesn’t even know what type she is. How can you possibly think you do?”

  “I know in my gut.” Brady ran a hand through his hair. He didn’t want to think about all the possibilities. His heart was too involved now.

  “What about her belief system?” Delanie challenged in a sure but quiet tone. “Not only might you be falling for some other guy’s wife; you might be falling for a person who doesn’t share your walk with the Lord.”

  “I’m pretty sure she’s a believer. Church, prayer, and the Bible all feel familiar to her.” Doubts were ebbing into Brady’s thinking. Perhaps he’d moved too quickly, let his emotions do his thinking for him.

  Delanie returned to her previous spot on the step. “Will you at least slow down?” The pleading tone of her voice evoked a promise.

  “I’ll try.” He settled back in his spot next to Delanie. “Here’s the thing—I’m in love with her.”

  Delanie squeezed his hand. “I know what that’s like, remember? I fell in love with Eli before he’d committed himself to Christ, but I never acted on it.”