by Lisa Harris
Gwen held out the boxes of chocolates she and Caden had bought. “We heard you’re a bit of a chocolate snob.”
Bruce’s eyes brightened. “You didn’t.”
“A friend of mine here in town makes these,” Caden said. “They sell them at the gift shop. Best chocolate you’ll ever taste.”
“We’ve heard about these,” Levi said. “And have always talked about picking some up. They’re supposed to be amazing.”
“They are,” Caden said. “And while it won’t make up for getting shot, we hope you enjoy them.”
Levi shot them a smile. “I have a feeling these will ease the pain.”
Gwen shoved her hands into her pockets. “I just want to say how sorry we are about everything. When we flagged down your raft, we had no idea just how bad everything was going to get.”
Kennedy squeezed Levi’s hand from the side of the bed where he was resting. “I’ll admit that the initial phone call had me in a panic, but honestly, both these guys would never simply walk away from trouble. And on the plus side, according to the local news, they’re heroes. Though I already knew that. I’d trust these guys with my life any day.”
Trusted them with her life.
The words dug through her, as she tried to shake the conflicting emotions between wanting to give Caden a chance and running.
“Bottom line is that we owe you both our lives,” Caden said.
“What about your brother?” Bruce asked. “How is he?”
“He’s in surgery right now,” Gwen said, “but the doctors are optimistic.”
One of the nurses walked in, clearly unhappy about the crowded room and her patient who, according to her, was supposed to be resting.
“We were just heading out.” Caden pressed his hand against the small of Gwen’s back as they took a step back. “But thank you. All of you.”
“I’m guessing you want to go see about your brother,” Caden said as they left the room.
Gwen nodded. “He should be getting out of surgery soon.”
“Would you like me to wait with you?”
“Do you mind?”
“Of course not.”
A part of her felt relieved as they started walking down the hallway, that she wasn’t going to have to wait alone. But on the other hand, she’d answered before she had time to weigh her response. Why couldn’t her heart listen to her head?
Caden’s phone rang, and he pulled it out of his pocket. “It’s my mom.”
“Talk to her. I’ll be fine.”
“I know, but I’ll be right there.”
The surgical waiting room was on the second floor of the small hospital, which was decorated in blues and grays with calming artwork on the walls. But she wasn’t sure anything could calm her spirit at this point. She’d only just sat down and pulled out her phone, when a woman wearing purple scrubs and a bright smile walked up to her. “You wouldn’t be Gwen Ryland by any chance, would you?”
“I am.”
“I’m Tory Faraday. Caden’s brother Griffin’s fiancée”
“Hi. It’s nice to meet you.”
The woman’s smile widened as she sat down next to Gwen. “I was looking for you because not only did I want to meet you, but also because I assisted with your brother’s surgery and heard you were here.”
Gwen’s hands fisted at her sides as the anxiety struck again. “Please tell me he’s okay.”
“The surgeon was able to take out the bullet and repair most of the damaged tissue.”
“And his recovery?”
“There will more than likely be some nerve damage, but we’re optimistic he’ll get back most of his shoulder movement. In the meantime, you’ll be able to see him in about thirty minutes.”
Gwen pressed her hand against her chest. “I’m so happy to hear that. These past few days have been pretty stressful.”
Tory glanced down at Gwen’s boot. “Are you okay?”
“The doctor said it just needs a few weeks to heal.” The pain medicine the nurse had given her was starting to kick in, but at the moment, she’d rather forget the reminder. “When are you getting married?”
Tory held up her hand to show Gwen her engagement ring. “Four more months. I keep pinching myself to remind me it’s real.”
“I’m happy for you.”
“Thank you, but I’m sorry about this. How are you? It’s been quite a nightmare from what I’ve heard.”
“I think a part of me still thinks I’m going to wake up. The other part is just eternally grateful that I’m still alive. Honestly, I don’t think the realness has completely hit yet.”
“There is something about an experience like this that will change your life forever.” Tory fiddled with the ring on her finger. “You don’t know my story, but someone wanting to take your life is terrifying. I can attest to that firsthand. Right now I’m just doing my best to put it all behind me. It’s hard, I know, but don’t be afraid to talk with someone, get some counseling or see your pastor. Or if you ever want to grab coffee sometime, I’d love to do that. I’m living here now.”
Gwen nodded. “Maybe I’ll get a chance to hear your story one day, but thank you. I really appreciate it.” She felt her shoulders relax some, realizing there was something cathartic about talking to someone who understood. “I know you’re right. And I will. At this point, though, I feel like my entire life has been ripped apart. My brother…he’s really my only family, and if he goes to prison…”
“Mistakes of others can be difficult when you have to live with the consequences. I understand that. And while the pain won’t necessarily completely disappear, it will get easier. Just be there for him. That’s what he needs right now. And take time to care for yourself, as well.”
“Thank you. I’m going to try.” Gwen pushed back the tears that threatened to spill out. “So what’s it like being a part of the O’Callaghan family?”
Tory laughed. “I’m learning there’s never a dull minute, but I can’t imagine not being a part of their lives. What about you and Caden? I heard the two of you go way back.”
Gwen forced a smile, but really didn’t want to go into her relationship with Caden. “I guess you could call us old friends, but acquaintances is probably more the right word. We haven’t seen each other for years.”
“Maybe not, but he sure went the extra mile for an old friend.”
“He did, but there isn’t anything between us. Romantically, anyway.”
Then why did you kiss him?
“He’s a wonderful guy,” Tory said, not seeming to catch Gwen’s conflicting emotions. “I’m always amazed at how good he is with the horses and running the ranch.”
“I’m not surprised.”
“And I think he needs a good woman in his life. I’ve heard enough of what happened to you to know you had to be strong to go through what you just did.”
Gwen glanced at the doorway of the waiting room, suddenly feeling uncomfortable.
“I’m sorry.” Tory laid her hand on Gwen’s arm for a moment, then stood up. “I shouldn’t have said that. When I first started getting to know the O’Callaghan family, it was pretty overwhelming because I come from a small family. But there’s so much love and acceptance there. I can’t imagine not having them in my life.”
“I’m happy for you, but as for Caden and me… I meant what I said. There’s nothing between us other than the fact that I’ll always be grateful to him for rescuing me.” Gwen blinked back the tears. “Congratulations again.”
“Thank you. I appreciate it. And, Gwen? You already know this, but Caden is a great guy.”
Gwen frowned. Maybe. But she also knew that with Caden there was too big a risk of her ending up with a broken heart.
Caden hurried toward the waiting room, trying to come up with what he was going to say to Gwen. He’d thought the pas
t couple days had erased the years of mistrust they’d held toward each other. Thought that maybe theirs was a relationship worth pursuing. But apparently he was wrong, because she clearly didn’t feel the same way.
A minute later, he paused in the doorway of the sitting room where she was sitting on one of the chairs, typing something on her phone. He hadn’t wanted his heart to stir every time he saw her. And it wasn’t just the connection he felt because of everything that had happened to them. She made him laugh. Made him wonder what it would be like to take a risk with his heart again. He could see them working together on his ranch, using the facilities for trauma victims and veterans…but that was never going to happen.
Maybe it was simply that Liam and Griffin, who’d managed to fall in love recently, had made him feel like he was missing something—or rather, someone—in his life. But whatever the reason, it really didn’t matter. He’d tell her goodbye and never see her again. That was the reality.
“Caden…” She looked up at him and smiled. “I didn’t see you. I was letting some of my friends know what was going on. Asking them to pray.”
“That’s good. And I’m sorry about the phone call. I hadn’t been able to connect with my parents until now. As you can imagine, they’ve been worried sick.”
“I’m sure they have. I’m glad you talked to them.”
“They’re on their way here now, but what about you? Any news on your brother?”
“Yes, actually.” She slipped her phone into her back pocket. “I just talked to your future sister-in-law, Tory, who assisted with his surgery. The doctor is pleased and believes he’ll make a full recovery. I should be able to go in and see him soon.”
“That’s great. I’m glad to hear that.”
“Me, too, but then he’ll end up in prison, and—”
“Don’t think about that right now.” He sat down next to her. “Just concentrate on him getting better. One thing at a time.”
“I know—it’s just hard.”
He studied the pattern on the carpeted floor, wishing he knew what to say to help her feel better. But he also knew that this wasn’t a situation he could fix.
“So you met Tory,” he said, searching for something to say.
“Yeah…she seems good for your brother.”
“She is.”
And you—you seem so good for me.
“I know this is all hard on you,” he said.
“I won’t try to pretend I’m not frustrated. I thought Aaron had finally gotten to a place in his life where he was beyond doing something like this, but this choice of his…” She shook her head. “He’s made such a mess of things. I had to call his boss…and his girlfriend. She’s on her way here now.”
“What were their reactions?”
“His boss is understandably furious. And Emma… I don’t think she knew how to react. She was pretty taken aback by everything that happened. And I don’t blame her. I don’t know how to handle this, either.”
He pressed his hands together, praying God would give him the right words that would somehow encourage her.
“I think you have to remember that while this situation with your brother probably seems insurmountable, there’s a bigger picture we can’t see. God can still redeem this.”
“I know.”
But even though she said the words, she didn’t look convinced.
“I’m not trying to sound cliché—”
“You’re not.” She looked up at him. “It’s just that while I’m praying for exactly that, I still feel so out of control.”
“I’ve always had a hard time believing that everything happens for a reason, but I do believe God can redeem this situation. People make bad decisions. Think of King David, Moses and Jonah. And, yes, there are consequences that are going to play out, and he’s going to need to take responsibility for that, but don’t let this choice of his become all you see.”
“I will try.”
“It probably won’t be easy, but the bottom line is that God designed us to be reliant on Him. Don’t try to do this on your own.”
“People tend to seek God when things are falling apart. I just… I’ve tried to be the anchor in my brother’s life—”
“You’ve tried to handle it all on your own.”
She shot him a sliver of a smile. “Most of the time, I supposed I have.”
“Just remember you’re not alone. In fact, my parents wanted me to ask if you’d like to come out to the ranch for a few days while you wait for him to recover. It’s not that far away, and it would be quiet. I could even show you some of my favorite places. We could ride some horses…or you could use the time to be alone. Whatever you want. After all that’s happened, I’d say you deserve a few days of quiet.”
“I appreciate it. I really do, but I think I need to stay here in town, close to my brother. At least until they take him into custody. I called one of the local B and Bs while I was waiting for the doctor to see me, and I have a room for the next few nights.”
“Okay. That’s fine… I understand.”
He shoved away his disappointment. At least his head understood. His heart wanted her to trust him.
“And you don’t have to wait with me.” She glanced at her watch and stood up. “I think they’ll let me see him now.”
He felt the wall back up between them, wishing now she’d never kissed him, while at the same time wishing desperately he could kiss her again.
“If you change your mind, just call,” he said. “You have my number. And if you need anything—anything at all—call me.”
“I will, and thank you.”
“And Gwen. I just…” He searched for what to say before she walked out of the room. “After everything we went through, I don’t want to leave with things sour between us.”
All because of a kiss.
“I don’t, either, and please know that I will forever be grateful for what you did for me.”
But clearly nothing more.
He watched her walk away a moment later, wishing he didn’t feel that continuous tug of his heart when he was around her. Maybe she was right, and he could never be that person in her life. Because no matter what had happened between them, she wasn’t ever going to forget what had taken place all those years ago. And really, he couldn’t blame her. Of course, if things had been different back then… If she’d known the truth… He shook off the thought. None of that mattered anymore. She needed to focus on getting her brother through the next few weeks, and he needed to forget her. Because while she might have trusted him with her life, she clearly wasn’t going to trust him with her heart.
SEVENTEEN
Two months later
Gwen sat at one of the booths in the back of the restaurant waiting for Cammie to arrive, but her mind was struggling to focus. She’d been surprised to hear her friend was back in town. It seemed strange to be meeting for lunch with Cammie when she’d just received an invitation from Caden’s parents for the Fourth of July, an invitation she’d yet to respond to, because there was still something holding her back from going.
Caden.
Which made no sense.
Didn’t she want to see him?
Despite her conflicted feelings, they’d texted and called each other regularly over the past few weeks, and she’d found herself getting to know the man she’d resented so much over the past decade. And the result had been surprising. She’d found herself reaching for her phone far too often just to see how his day was going, or to get his advice on something. On top of that, she’d shared more with him about her desire to start a wilderness expedition program, while dreaming about him at night and waking up wanting to talk to him.
But the whole time they’d just skirted around the idea of a relationship between them, and she knew it was her fault. Because every time she thought about moving forward with
him, she couldn’t stop thinking that she was headed for inevitable heartache. Maybe Caden really was trustworthy, but Seth had broken her heart, and made her afraid to give it away again.
On the other hand, while he might not be the man she once thought he was, that didn’t mean he was falling for her. He’d been honest with his input for her ideas on her wilderness trek, even to the point of considering expanding what he was doing at the ranch, but it wasn’t as if that was a marriage proposal. And she wasn’t looking for a business partner.
But neither could she shake the question of how the man she’d thought was so self-centered and egotistical had turned into someone who was managing to steal her heart. He might have changed, but what if what had happened to Cammie happened to her?
“Gwen?” Cammie waved at her as she approached. “There you are. So sorry I’m late.”
Gwen slid out of the booth and gave her friend a hug. “I’m so glad to see you.”
“You were a million miles away.”
“Sorry.” She shot her friend a smile. Cammie had changed little over the years, from the cute outfit she’d probably picked up at the boutique downtown, to the perfect mani and pedi, and eyelashes that were a mile long… “I was just thinking.”
“I’m just glad to see you’re all right.” Cammie slid into the booth. “How’s your brother? When I saw the story about him on the news, I had to see you. You must be horrified.”
Gwen frowned, not missing the hint of scandal in her friend’s voice. “He’s currently out on bail, which is ironic for a bounty hunter. His court case has just been scheduled for September. More than likely he’ll end up facing some jail time.”
Saying it out loud made it seem even more real, but it was what it was. He’d made bad choices and, like it or not, he was going to have to live with the consequences.
“I have to imagine it’s pretty stressful,” Cammie said, clearly digging for details.
“It is.”
The waitress came over, and Cammie asked for a glass of ice water with lime, not lemon. “I told my mother what had happened, and she was shocked. She met your brother at least once and couldn’t believe he was involved in the scandal.”