Back to You

by Claudia Burgoa

  I take a look around, remembering why it was that I wanted to open the resort. Abby. I want people to come and to leave happy, recharged. Inspired.

  “This place will be ready in less than a year.” I grab her hand and drag her to the golf cart. “Follow me.”

  I take her to the construction offices where the blueprints and models are set up. She opens her mouth in amazement.

  “This is going to be beautiful.”

  “Could you use it?” I ask, searching the room for the architect.

  “What do you mean?” Abby frowns not moving her gaze from the buildings.

  “As a center,” I explain.

  “I mean, I could, but this is your lodge,” she says, lost in thought.

  “Not yet, it’s just a building full of possibilities,” I correct her.

  “As I told you, what I had in mind was that the guests come here and are able to forget what’s happening for a few days. But I’d rather gift it to you and use it for a good cause. Those trips when we came here to visit, you forgot your problems for a little while. Visiting this place is good for the soul. Staying while they recover from a bad experience could be a game changer for them.”

  “You’d do that for me?” She swallows hard. “Donate this property?”

  “Abby, there’s nothing I wouldn’t do for you,” I say.

  “I love you so much, Wes,” she says, throwing her arms around me and kissing me until I can’t remember my own name.

  “Let me think about this. It’s an amazing offer and the absolute perfect spot. Safe, secluded, beautiful, and inspiring. When do you need an answer by?”

  “That’s a great question. We’ll continue with our plans. You can see that there’s going to be plenty of room. There are a few private cabins. Those could be used for the medical personnel or for therapy. We can add or modify. But you’ll have to tell us what you need soon because any adjustments to the original plans have to be approved by the city.”

  “No pressure.”

  “There’s none,” I assure her.

  “Should I let go of the land in Franktown?”

  “We can have two centers,” I suggest.

  “That would be ideal.” She nods, her eyes shine, and her smile is the best reward.

  “Weston Ahern, you’re the most amazing man in the world.”

  “You should show me how amazing I am when we get home.” I wink at her.

  “I’ll talk to Luna, see what she thinks. We’re in this together.”

  “Is that a yes?”

  The door of the trailer swings open, and we stop our conversation. “Let’s see what’s going on, Abster. We can talk more about the center later today.”

  Thirty-Two

  Abby

  When we arrive at the house, we take a long nap. I’m bone tired. Maybe it was the excitement, or the fact that we haven’t slept much in the past few weeks. Between sex and our dogs thinking that they should be sharing our bed, it’s been almost impossible. When I wake up, I call Luna.

  “Hey, Lady,” she answers. “How’s it going?”

  “I was expecting your voicemail. It’s a good day to save the world.”

  “Ha! I hung up my super suit today, and I’m with the fam,” she says.

  “Interesting. Even superheroes get to take a break or two,” I joke.

  “More often than you think,” she says mockingly. “What’s going on?”

  “We have new options for the center,” I announce.

  “I thought we got the land in Franktown.”

  “We do. It’s ours,” I confirm.

  “Did I tell you that Wes is building a resort in Tahoe?” I go on about the history of the space and why he decided to venture into hospitality. “He said that if I want, he’ll donate it to the non-profit I started and make it into a center too.”

  “As in, take this land where I’m building a resort and turn it into a rehabilitation center?” Her voice is excited, even giddy.

  “Yep.” I nod vigorously. “We can start now and make any modifications that we want.”

  “When will the property be finished?”

  “The contractors said around June of next year.”

  “We should start raising money for the furniture, salaries, equipment, and … wait a second. Harry has something to say.” She sighs and covers the phone, then I hear several clicks. “You’re on speaker, Abby.”

  “I was saying that you have a trust fund that can finance the center. Save that energy for the second one.”

  “My trust fund?” How does Harrison Everhart know about it?

  “No, I’m talking about Luna’s. If you have one, maybe you should put it to work for you. Raising funds is all good, but you have to prepare an estate so the place can sustain itself. Maybe you should allow paying clients. Charge according to their financial ability—sliding scale.

  “Your husband has a point,” I agree.

  “Whose husband?” Wes enters the room.

  “Luna’s. He’s talking about setting an estate to ensure that the centers can be self-sustainable.” I put the phone on speaker too. “Wes is here.”

  “Ahern, how are you?” Harrison greets him. “I hear that the resort is a no-go.”

  “The resort is still there, we’re just changing the function.”

  “I was telling Abby that we can set up an estate. We have money to furnish the center.”

  “We do too,” Wes adds. “We can set up a trust for it. Use some of the assets that I donated and transfer the trust Dad set up for philanthropy for this particular cause.”

  “Then we’re set. We can open the centers starting next year. I think we should start planning the next stage, Luna.”

  “Excellent. We’re submitting your name and the non-profit into the gala. We can distribute the funds across all the centers that we’re opening,” Luna sounds cheery.

  “I agree. Wes’ mother is helping me raise funds too.”

  “I’m so proud of you,” she says. “You’re a strong woman. I told you that night, and I’ll say it again today.”

  “Thank you, for that night and everything that you’ve been doing. Let’s plan on speaking next Wednesday.”

  “Sounds like a plan. Have fun in Tahoe, Abby.”

  “Bye,” I say hanging up and hugging Wes. “You’re amazing. I love you so much.”

  As we’re about to kiss, Chester barks and Oakley brings both leashes in her mouth. These two are way too smart for their own good.

  “They’re training us pretty well,” Wes laughs.

  Thirty-Three

  Abby

  Our weekend in Tahoe is too short. We spend some time planning the center and creating a schedule where we can visit each other every other weekend. For now, that’s the only way we can make things work for both of us. I won’t leave Sterling, and Wes can’t move the offices of Ahern Brothers. At least not now. Our relationship blooms. We’re still best friends who happen to love each other down to the very soul.

  With the resort becoming a center, Wes puts me in charge of the entire project. Luna and I meet a couple of times on site. We work together to make sure that the center will open on the first day of June.

  Ahern Brothers continues to grow. CorpSolv has an update release for their billing software happening in December. The gaming division is growing too. Wes’ five-year plan is ambitious. It’s not only more software, but he plans on releasing a console. I’m proud of him. Yet, I miss him. For the past three months we’ve seen each other a handful of times—mostly through FaceTime.

  “Hi, Abby,” Anita enters my office. “Here’s the mail. I was wondering if you need me to stick around today? It’s pretty slow.”

  “We should close Mondays,” I say moving my gaze away from my computer. “Hi, sorry. I’m reading the updates for the Tahoe site. Yes, you can leave early.”

  “Closing Mondays is a good idea, but does that mean I have to work on Saturday or Sunday?”

  “No. We still have to solidify the sch
edule. Like we told you from the beginning this is temporary while we get a feel for what works best for everyone. You’re salaried anyway, so it wouldn’t change your paychecks.”

  “I just want to make sure that my weekends are open. That’s the only time we spend together as a family.”

  “Don’t worry, we’ll sit down to talk to you about our new ideas soon.”

  Sterling and I have been discussing Anita’s role. I want to delegate some of my duties to her. I ignore the mail for a few seconds, but the golden envelope that’s at the bottom drags my attention back to the stash.

  It’s addressed to me, just my name. The card says, Meet me outside. I frown and make my way outside my office.

  Anita walks up right behind me. “You forgot your purse and your jacket.” She hands them to me.

  I grab it without paying much attention and find an SUV waiting outside with Aaron, Wes’ former driver at the wheel. My pulse quickens, excited at the prospect that maybe Wes is here.

  “Miss Lyons,” he greets me, opening the passenger door. “It’s a pleasure to see you again.”

  Millions of butterflies take flight inside my belly. Their wings stroke my soul.

  “Where are we going?” I peek inside the truck, but it’s empty.

  “The airport,” he says.

  “Airport?” I climb into the car. “Where is Wes?”

  “I wouldn’t know, Ma’am. He just asked me to drive you there.”

  When I arrive at the airport, he hands me an envelope with the gate information and the name of the crew. The plane takes off only a few minutes after I get there. The flight attendant doesn’t reveal where we’re going, but she tells me that I should be arriving at my destination in less than two hours.

  I spend two hours texting Wes, who ignores me. Sterling just tells me to stop bothering him. He’s busy. When we land in San Diego, there’s a car waiting for me. The driver takes me to Wes’ house right as the sun is about to set. I don’t wait for him to open the door. I rush inside the house where there’s a big sign that reads, Meet me outside.

  There’s a bonfire burning, and the dogs sit right next to Wes, who is down on one knee waiting for me. Tears flow down my cheeks as I take one step after another.

  “Hi,” I greet him once I’m right in front of him.

  I stare at his midnight blue eyes. They are full of emotion. Love.

  “I love you,” he says.

  “Since the first time we met you made me feel all sorts of emotions that I never believed were possible. You made me feel alive—vulnerable—exposed. You scared me, and yet, I felt safe with you. You make me think that I can conquer the world. Though, I don’t need the world. I only need you.

  “I love you. That means I’ll defend you with my life. It means I’ll comfort you in the difficult and painful times. It means I’ll dance and rejoice with you when times are good. It means I’ll never give up on you. It means I’ll never put you in danger. Love says, I forgive you no matter what. Love says, though life may test me I am yours for all eternity and I will never abandon you.

  “I love you and that means I want to spend the rest of my life with you. I’m here to ask you to love me back. Take me forever. Be my wife, my partner, my best friend. My Abby.

  “Will you marry me?”

  I kneel right next to him, throwing my arms around his neck. “I love you, so much.”

  “Is that a yes?”

  “Yes, yes!”

  Epilogue

  Abby

  One summer later …

  Our first rehabilitation center is ready. Ava’s House opens its door in just a couple of days. Luna and I worked hard to ensure that the place operates perfectly from day one and onward.

  “You did great,” Luna says with a satisfactory smile.

  “We did great,” I correct her and look at everyone around us.

  Wes, Sterling, Luna, Harrison, Mason and all the guys from HIB are here with their families. We’re celebrating the grand opening of our first center—without patients. They’ll start arriving tomorrow. This is only the beginning. The place in Franktown won’t open until next year, and it’s bigger than Esperanza’s Home or Ava’s House.

  “Let’s celebrate. Everyone kicked ass,” Sterling says, sending a flirty smile toward one of the nurses.

  “Rule number one. Don’t screw any of our staff members,” I warn him.

  “Hey, babe,” Wes says, walking toward me. He’s been working with Mason to make sure everything is in order. They found a glitch while testing the CCTV though.

  “The security system is running,” he says.

  “Are you guys coming back to Denver?” Sterling asks giving me a stern glare. “I should fire you.”

  “Anita’s in charge. You can’t fire me. I’m your silent partner,” I correct him.

  Last December, I married the love of my life. After the ceremony, we spent a month in Bora Bora. Anita took over my responsibilities. She’s great at keeping Sterling in line. Wes made a few changes too. He moved his software business to Denver. Having to travel to three different places was too much. Right now, we split our time between Tahoe and Denver.

  “Still, come back to Denver. You need stability.”

  “I have to make sure this place is running smoothly before I can go home. Your brother is releasing a few new games before Christmas.”

  Wes makes a killing out of the holiday shopping rush. Next year, he and Mason are launching the console. It’s supposed to revolutionize the gaming industry. I’m skeptical. Maybe because I don’t play video games and don’t understand the market. However, I’m happy that he loves his life and what he does. That he loves me more than anything.

  “You should knock her up. That might keep you close to home,” Sterling says.

  “Kids aren’t part of the plan yet. Sorry, Slugger,” I tell him.

  We’re not sure when we’ll be ready. Instead of having children, we might become foster parents. I’m not sure what the future holds, but for now we’re happy the way things are.

  Two summers later …

  The car stops right in front of a big house nestled between the pines. Mrs. Betz said it’s right by the lake. I wrap my arms around myself when the door opens. We’re here to meet my new foster family. I don’t want them. I only want Mom.

  “It’s going to be alright,” Mrs. Betz reassures me. “They are waiting for you.”

  As I get down from the car, I see a line of people watching me. Two dogs sit right by their side. My pulse quickens, and my legs shake while I walk beside Mrs. Betz. The Aherns, that’s what Mom said when she explained to me that I was being sent to a foster home.

  They own Ava’s House. The place where Mom’s staying until she’s better. This house is like a fairy tale. The house where I imagine Snow White and the seven dwarfs would live. It’s in the middle of the forest. Birds sing around us, and there are flowers everywhere.

  “Hello, sweetheart,” A woman with big brown eyes steps closer to me, squatting. “I know this is scary, but I promise that you’ll be safe with us.”

  She smiles and turns toward the others. “Meet Wes, Sterling, and Linda. I’m Abby, and I’m very excited to finally meet you.”

  Stupid lady with her perfect family and her perfect life. I clamp my mouth harder. This lady has no idea what happened to us, to Mom. Why would I trust her?

  “Home,” I say, trembling. “I just want to go back home with Mom. She needs me.”

  She takes me into her arms and whispers. “You’re safe, honey. No one will hurt you again. I promise.”

  Excerpts

  Do you want to meet read more about Sterling?

  Keep reading for a sneak peek of Once Upon a Holiday. Also, I have a sneak peak of Unsurprisingly Complicated and Until I Fall

  Once Upon a Holiday

  You know what to do. Beep, the answering machine blares loudly.

  I sigh in frustration. I check the phone number on the website to see that it’s correct. Would it have
killed them to include a professional greeting?

  This better be worth it.

  “Good afternoon,” I recite calmly into the phone. “I’m calling on behalf of Juniper Communications and PR.”

  Pausing, I make sure to check the address for the property I found. Multitasking isn’t going well today. It’d be so much better if someone could answer the phone so I could get all the information I need beforehand. And on top of all that, there’s a long list of tasks I have to do before I begin the next chapter of my life.

  Where did this year go?

  I feel like November is over and it only started last week. If I blink, it’s going to be Thanksgiving and I’m not quite ready yet for what comes next. I scribble the address of the property I just found and make a few notes about the restaurants, grocery stores, and amenities nearby.

  Maybe I should search for a gym where I can sign up for a one-month membership. Then, I remember I was leaving a message.

  * * *

  “Right, so we came across one of your properties and would like more details. Could you please call us at your earliest convenience? Thank you and have a wonderful day.”

  I hang up the phone and take another look at the house online, clicking through each picture. This is perfect for what I have planned. I can’t imagine anything more fitting than this as I read through the amenities again. Two-bedroom house with a spacious kitchen and a cozy family room with a built-in fireplace. Only a five-minute walk from shops and restaurants. What better place to take a hiatus while I decompress, relax, and work on my new life?

  Now if only they'd call me back so I can lease this sucker.

  My cell phone rings a couple of minutes later. I check the caller ID which reads The Art of Real-State. Good, at least they’re fast at getting back.

  “Juniper Communications, how can I help you?”