by Jean Oram
“Sure.”
A beat of silence rested between them.
“I’m sorry I didn’t call you.”
Canyon shrugged. “It’s fine.”
More silence.
“Why won’t you look at me? I thought you’d be happy to see me. Or are you mad?”
He cleared his throat. “I could never be mad at you, Maggie.”
“Then look at me.”
Canyon turned, but he stared at her nose as he couldn’t look her in the eyes, and her lips only reminded him that he would never be able to kiss them again.
“I’m sorry I ran off like that. It was just that the news shook me up so bad I couldn’t think.”
“It’s understandable.”
“I didn’t mean to worry you.” She took his hand in hers. “But I called the doctor’s office and found out it’s true. The test results were mixed up. I can have kids.”
“I’m really happy for you.” His flat tone probably told her how he really felt—miserable for himself.
“I’m really sorry for upsetting you.”
“It’s fine.” He turned back toward the water, unable to even face her nose any longer.
She spoke, but he couldn’t process what she said. Not when she’d chosen another. He held her no ill will, but it was becoming clearer by the second that he couldn’t be around her.
He spun around and finally looked her in the eyes. “I can’t do this. I’ve got to go.”
Her mouth fell open. “What?”
“Goodbye, Maggie.” He marched away, kicking up sand with each step.
“Canyon!” Maggie called. “I don’t have your—”
He burst into a run before he had to face her again. Once in his car, he squealed the tires as he pulled out of the parking spot.
Chapter 31
Maggie stared at the parking spot that Canyon had just left.
That hadn’t been the sweet reunion she’d pictured. She’d imagined him taking her into his arms and giving her that heartfelt kiss of his.
What happened? Where did she go wrong? Was it something she said? Or something she hadn’t said? And how was she going to talk to him to work it out?
It was time to find out. She marched toward her car.
“Maggie!”
She spun around to see Isabella waving frantically.
“It’s so good to see you!” Her friend ran over and nearly squeezed the air from Maggie’s lungs as she hugged her.
That was more like the response she’d expected from Canyon.
“Everyone was so worried. You should’ve seen your auntie. She was madder than a wet hen.”
Maggie frowned. “I really didn’t mean to worry anyone. I just…” There was no time to get into it. Not when she needed to find Canyon. “Hey, I have to get going. If you see Canyon, can you tell him that I need to talk with him?”
“Sure. I have something to ask you when you get a minute.”
“What?” Maggie asked.
“I want you to be one of my bridesmaids. It goes without saying but I wanted to officially ask if you would be one. It wouldn’t feel right if you weren’t standing with me.”
“Oh, you’re so sweet!” Maggie embraced her friend. “I would love to. I’m sorry to have to run, but I’m dealing with a little bit of an emergency.”
Isabella’s eyes widened. “Is everything okay?”
“I hope it will be. I’ll call you soon.”
“Anything I can do?”
“Just tell Canyon to call me if you see him.” Maggie bolted toward her car before she could lose another moment.
“Can’t you just—?”
Maggie would find out what she was asking later. She headed in the same direction Canyon went, but she’d lost so much time, it would be hard to find him if he didn’t want to be found.
She wanted to drive faster but knew better than to speed through town. As she gripped the steering wheel, she kept looking for Canyon or his car. She saw neither.
Her mouth was like a parched desert, so she pulled into a spot in front of Sweet Caroline’s. If nothing else, she could have Caroline tell Canyon she was looking for him.
“What can I get you, darlin’?” Caroline smiled at Maggie, but then it faded. “Is everything all right?”
Was she referring to Maggie’s disappearance, or could she see Maggie was upset?
“I can’t find Canyon.”
Caroline shook her head. “You kids have to stop disappearing. First you, now him. Is he okay?”
“He didn’t seem himself, then he just took off.” Maggie took a deep breath. “It’s complicated, but if you see him, can you tell him to call me? I lost his number. You don’t happen to have it, do you, Miss Caroline?”
She shook her head. “I don’t think I have his mama’s number, either.”
“It’s okay, thanks.” Maggie ordered a tea, then gulped it down as fast as she could before heading back to her car.
She drove to Canyon’s house, but his car wasn’t there. It wasn’t at the little house or anywhere else in Indigo Bay as far as she could tell.
Her stomach twisted in knots, and she understood what everyone else had gone through the previous night when she’d been in that field.
If only she hadn’t blocked Dan’s number, she’d give him a piece of her mind for deleting all of Canyon’s information from her phone. But it was for the best, because there was no way she was going to give him the satisfaction of knowing he’d actually managed to interfere with her getting ahold of Canyon.
After driving all over town twice, she stopped at the little house and went inside, despite not seeing Canyon’s car.
Harry was painting the living room. He turned to her and smiled, a long streak of light green paint smeared across his face. “Hi, Maggie. Have you found Canyon?”
Disappointment washed through her. “I was going to ask you the same thing.”
He shook his head. “Still hasn’t come back since lunch.”
“Do you have his number?”
Harry gave her a double-take. “You don’t?”
“I did, but don’t now. It’s kind of complicated.”
“Hold on.” Harry set down the paintbrush, then wiped his hands on his overalls. “Let me grab my phone.”
Maggie dug her phone out and waited eagerly for Harry to return to the living room.
He read out the number, then Maggie entered the number in again. She’d have to make a point to of memorizing it after she talked to Canyon. “Thank you so much, Harry!”
“Sure thing. Do me a favor and have him give me a call once you reach him.”
“Definitely. Thanks again!” She raced outside, already calling Canyon.
Straight to voicemail. She threw back her head in frustration.
She sent him a text saying how much she wanted him to call her.
Now the question was what to do next. Should she keep looking for him, or should she go home and get some rest? She’d already scoured Indigo Bay. He either wasn’t there, or he didn’t want to be found.
Her phone rang.
Maggie whipped it up to check the caller ID. It was just Aunt Lucille.
“Hi, Auntie,” she answered.
“Did you find Canyon?”
Technically she had, but didn’t feel like getting into all the complicated details. “I’m trying to find him. If you see him, can you tell him to call me, please?”
“I will. I’m about to take Princess for a walk—she was just groomed, and I want to show off her new haircut. I’ll be sure to keep an eye out for him.”
“Thanks, Auntie. I appreciate it.”
“Why don’t you come home and rest? You’ve had quite the day.”
Maggie yawned, despite her worry. “I might just do that. A nap sounds great.” If her mind would let her sleep.
She said goodbye to her aunt, then trudged to her car. It felt like giving up, but Canyon obviously didn’t want to be found.
Then she realized exactly where
he had to be hiding.
Chapter 32
Canyon tossed the burger wrappers into the garbage and waved to the kid at the register. “Thanks.”
The kid said something, but Canyon couldn’t hear it over “Why do Fools Fall in Love?” blaring from the juke box. How fitting.
He went outside and stared at his car. The air itself seemed to crush him. Or was that his heart breaking? Either way, he was in no mood to get on the road.
There was a lot to figure out, and he needed air. Canyon tightened the laces on his shoes, then headed for the path leading to the waterfall.
Unfortunately, all along the way he could only think of his last hike—with Maggie. It had been wonderful, everything he’d ever dreamed that taking her there would be. But that one memory was all he would ever have now. She was probably planning her wedding with Dan as he made his way up the path.
Canyon shoved those thoughts aside, only to see a root sticking out. Maggie had stumbled over it, and he’d caught her. Then she’d given him her bright smile, and they’d laughed and shared a heart-exploding kiss.
He took a deep breath. Maybe going to the waterfall wasn’t such a hot idea, after all. Instead of giving him something to think about, it would probably only remind him more of her.
In fact, everything in and around Indigo Bay would do that. The beach would only make him think of all their secret dates and the night they’d danced then talked by the water.
At least he’d had those two weeks with her. It was more than he’d ever thought he would get. They were from two different worlds, and he was lucky just to be one of her best friends for so many years. Dating her was something he didn’t deserve.
Not that Dan did, either. But he was the one who could give her the life she was used to. They’d be able to send their future kids to an expensive private school and give them every opportunity under the sun.
What could Canyon give Maggie or any future children? Even if he worked long hours, he couldn’t come close to providing what Dan could.
Stop!
Canyon tried once again to shove Maggie from his thoughts. It was pointless to think about her. They had no future together.
Why had he thought he actually had a chance with her? He’d have been so much better off never having reconnected with her. Knowing how good they’d been, what could’ve been, only made it hurt all the more.
He reached the waterfall and leaned against a tree.
What was he going to do now? If he stayed in Indigo Bay, everything would be like a slap in the face, reminding him of what he’d had but lost.
Even his job would be a constant reminder—the house that had been for Maggie. Not that it would be any longer. No, she was probably already packing for Georgia if she wasn’t already on the road.
His heart shattered all over again. It was becoming apparent that it could break time and time again.
Maybe what he needed was to go back to the cruise line. His boss had told Canyon that he could have his job back anytime he wanted it.
He didn’t really want to go back, but it would be better than facing the soul-crushing reminders waiting for him back in Indigo Bay.
What other option did he have? At least he would be busy on the boat. He would hardly have a free moment to think about Maggie. It had been the perfect distraction all that time before, and it would work again.
He hoped. It had been one thing to hop on the ship and leave his memories of Maggie behind when he’d never experienced what it had been like to be loved by her. Now there was the chance that nothing could distract him. His thoughts would be on her as he worked himself to the bone, unable to push her aside.
Canyon would probably see her in other people—someone with similar eyes or a similar build. Nobody would have her smile. That was unique to her, especially the way her eyes lit up when she smiled at him.
But now she was going to look at Dan like that. Not Canyon.
No point in thinking about that. It was time to move on with his life, and for now that meant returning to the cruise ship. He just needed to get himself back to Florida.
He pulled out his phone and called his old boss. Voicemail. Not that that was surprising. There was no cell coverage out at sea.
Canyon left a quick message, then called Archer, but his number went to voicemail. He must be back at work. It had been a couple weeks since he’d called.
Were any of his other friends taking a week off? Or maybe he could just find a club or party to hang out at to forget his problems. Anything would be better than this.
Not that partying could completely make him forget how much he loved Maggie, but it would be enough of a distraction that it wouldn’t hurt as much for a while. Eventually it would stop hurting altogether.
Right?
Canyon stared at the waterfall as if it could give him the answers he needed. It didn’t. He kicked some rocks, then headed down a different path than the one he’d taken. The last thing he needed was another trip down memory lane.
It was a steeper, rockier path, but at least the only thing it would remind him of would be tromping around with his brother. The brother that he hadn’t talked to in years.
Canyon really needed to give him a call. He also really needed to get out of South Carolina and back to Florida. The open sea would be like returning to a friend with arms wide open, welcoming him back. All he needed to do was to get back home, throw his few belongings into his car, and take off.
But no, he didn’t want to go back to his old life. He’d already learned that it wouldn’t replace Maggie. There had to be another option.
And there was, but it made his stomach twist in knots.
Canyon could call his brother. They were out of state, running a father-and-son plumbing business. He would have to swallow a lot of pride to call them but at least he wouldn’t have to face Indigo Bay.
He pulled out his phone and found Dayton’s number. His pulse drummed in his ear as his thumb hovered over the call button. He closed his eyes and tapped it.
The phone immediately started ringing. Canyon hadn’t been blocked!
“Canyon?”
Dayton’s familiar voice soothed all of Canyon’s worries. “Yeah, Dayton. It’s me. How are you?”
“Great. A little surprised, I have to admit.”
Guilt stung Canyon. He was as guilty for their estrangement as his brother. In fact, he couldn’t even remember what had started the whole thing. Canyon raked his fingers through his hair and cleared his throat. “I was thinking of heading your way. You got a couch I can crash on, by chance?”
“I’d give you my bed! Get your butt over here.”
“Wait. Seriously?”
Dayton laughed. “Are you kidding me? I haven’t seen my brother in years.”
Canyon’s mind raced. This was perfect. Not only would he be able to stay with Dayton—at least for a little while—but he was eager to see him!
“When will you be here?” Dayton asked.
“Um, let me call in an hour or two.”
“Sounds great. I can’t wait to see you! Dad’s missed you, too.”
“He has?”
“Well, he hasn’t said anything. You know him. But I can tell. He keeps your picture on his desk.”
“Wow. I don’t know what to say.”
“Say you’ll bring pizza.”
Canyon laughed. “Okay. I’ll bring pizza.”
“Perfect. Talk in an hour or so.”
They said their goodbyes, then Canyon leaned against a tree and let the news sink in. His dad and brother actually wanted to see him.
He’d just filled the fridge and paid rent to his mom, so she would be fine. Probably wouldn’t even miss him.
Now it was just a matter of getting out of Indigo Bay without another unwanted trip down memory lane.
Chapter 33
Maggie pulled into the parking lot at the little fifties diner. Relief swept through her when she saw Canyon’s car parked in the back corner.
&n
bsp; She bolted out of her car and glanced over at his. Not seeing him in it, she raced inside. “Splish Splash” blared from the juke box. She looked around, not seeing him, then rushed to the counter.
A bored-looking teen glanced over at her. “What can I get you?”
“Have you seen Canyon?”
“The Grand Canyon?”
Maggie groaned and found a picture of him on her phone. “No. This guy. Was he in here?”
The kid glanced at the picture. “Yeah. He left a little while ago.”
He’d already left? But his car was in the parking lot. She hadn’t missed him, had she?
The waterfall! He had to have gone there.
“Thanks!” She spun around and raced out of the restaurant.
Canyon’s car was still there. Her sandals weren’t the best for hiking, but she’d be fine. She broke into a sprint toward the path she’d taken with him before.
Everything had been going so well the last time. If only she knew what had gone wrong in the last day—other than Dan showing up. Obviously, seeing him threw them both off despite the news that he could’ve just told her over the phone. Did he really think Maggie would go back to him?
She shuddered at the thought. Him figuring out her passcode, or somehow finding a way around it, showed Maggie just how much better off she was without him. Actually, no. Everything about Canyon showed her how much better off she was without Dan.
Maggie’s feet blistered, and she broke out into a sweat as she made her way through the trail. She made sure to avoid some exposed roots as she continued on.
At last, the sounds of the waterfall. Maggie gasped for air and picked up her pace.
She was almost there. The muscles in her legs burned, protesting. She pressed on, working them harder. Later, after working things out with Canyon, she could give them a break.
The path twisted and turned some more before the work of nature finally appeared.
Maggie raced for it and looked around. Canyon wasn’t there.
“Canyon!”
The waterfall muffled her cry. She raced around to the other side and searched behind every tree.
He was nowhere.