by Kate Sweeney
Cara and Morgan exchanged quick looks, as though they both were caught with their hands in the cookie jar.
“Well, that’s what I thought, anyway. It’s up to you. If you want to take chance. I just wanted to let you know about this. Morg, you know I love you. And, Cara? I’ve grown very fond of you in the past ten days. I don’t know what will happen in Chicago, but I hope it brings you back here someday. One way or the other.” She stood then. “Now I have to get back home. I have things to do, and your father will be hungry. He has no idea how to make a sandwich, and yes, I take full responsibility for that. Give me a kiss, and I’ll be on my way.”
Cara ran around the table, pulling her into a monstrous hug. “Thank you, Betty. Thanks for telling me this.”
“You’re welcome.” She pulled back. “We’ll see you before you leave in the morning. All right?”
Cara’s bottom lip quivered; she only nodded.
Morgan stepped in and kissed Betty on the cheek. “You are a meddling thing. I love you.”
Betty whispered in her ear, “I love you too. Don’t be afraid.”
Morgan pulled back. “I won’t.” She kissed her on the forehead. “Now get out of here.”
They walked Betty to the door. As she pulled away, she waved to them.
“I did it,” she said happily. “I hope.”
Chapter 14
“So…” Morgan stared at the fire.
“So…” Cara glanced at Morgan. “Unreal, isn’t it?”
“Pretty much, yeah. But knowing my mother as I do, I suppose it’s not surprising.”
“It’s a wild story.”
“I hope it’s true.” Morgan laughed when Cara shot her a horrified look. “It’s true. My mother may be many things, but she’s not a liar.”
“She’s a good person.”
“She’s afraid of going to hell.”
“Stop it,” Cara said, laughing.
They sat for a moment or two in silence. Morgan stood and threw another log on the fire.
“Did you send the article to Linda?” she asked.
“Yes,” Cara said. “It’s all set. Hopefully, people will read it.”
“I’m sure they will. It’s very good. You have a way with words. Maybe you should write a book.”
“Let’s see how this goes. Linda said the weather should cooperate while you’re there, though they’re in a cold snap. Oh, she’s sending the plane. We leave around eleven tomorrow. That’ll give us plenty of time.”
“Okay.” Morgan felt her stomach flip at the idea.
“Still looking forward to it?”
“Stop asking me that. Sure, I am. It’ll be fun. I’ve never been to Chicago. I’m looking forward to doing some sightseeing for a couple days.”
“Linda has you staying at the Drake.”
“Is that good?”
“Indeed it is. It’s an old prestigious hotel and right on the lake. She made sure you got a room with a view.”
“She shouldn’t spend a lot of money. It’s no big deal to me.”
“Well, the city of Chicago wants to thank you properly. And you’ll get to meet the mayor.”
Morgan laughed. “Not such a big deal, eh?”
Cara laughed along with her. “Don’t go by me. I have a problem with politicians.”
“So, where did you decide to go on vacation?”
“Someplace warm.”
Morgan raised an eyebrow. “That narrows it down. I suppose it’s none of my business.”
When Cara didn’t respond, Morgan tossed another piece of wood on the fire.
“I need to go over to the airfield. Andy is training Paul, and I need to get the plane in the hangar. Will you be okay here for a while?”
Cara seemed a little taken aback. “Oh, okay. Sure, I will. I have to pack and check in with Linda.”
“Great. I’ll be back later this afternoon. I took out some steak for our last dinner. Splurge a little. Pick out a nice bottle of wine. I’ll be back around five.”
“Okay…”
“See ya later.” Morgan grabbed her jacket and headed out the back door.
Once in the air, Morgan let out a deep sigh. The day was sunny and cold, but that was usual for early October. She saw a few people on the lake, not too many. Barry and Sal would shut their lodge up for the season in a week or so. The snow would soon start; it always started early on the lake. And before you knew it, Morgan would have to get the Bobcat ready with the plow. Paul would be plowing the street and access roads for those who remained on the lake during the cold dark winter.
Morgan looked down as she flew over the lake on the way to the airfield. Some of the colors were beginning to fade, though many maple trees were hanging on with their vibrant orange leaves; they stood out against the dark green of the pines. She wondered what Chicago would look like now.
As the airfield came into view, Morgan passed over the office. She saw Andy and Paul wave as she passed. She was blessed on many levels. Being able to live this type of life out in nature. Helping people while doing what she loved.
Speaking of love, she thought of Cara. Love? Was that what was happening? She couldn’t deny she had feelings for Cara Pembroke. The moment she saw her on her doorstep looking confused.
Morgan laughed then. “She thought I was a guy.” She stopped laughing then. “And Mom started all this. Oh, that woman. I don’t know if I should thank her or strangle her.”
She landed and taxied to the hangar where Paul and Andy met her.
“We were wondering when you were going to get here,” Andy said.
“How’s it going?” Morgan walked into the office, checking the mail. “Bills.”
“It’s going great.” Andy slapped Paul on the back. “Paul’s a quick learner.”
“Good.” Morgan took off her sunglasses. “You’re not having any problems?”
“Not at all.” Paul wiped his hands on a rag. “Andy just showed me how to check the engine on his plane.”
Andy leaned in. “Technically, it’s Morg’s plane.”
“Hey, your dad’s here.” Paul motioned outside.
Chuck walked in, puffing on his pipe. “Good afternoon. How’s everything working out so far?” He sat down, stretching his legs.
Before anyone could answer, the phone rang. Andy picked it up.
“Gavin Tours. Oh, hi…” He immediately stopped and looked at Chuck. “Okay.” He offered the phone to Chuck. “It’s Betty.”
“I just left that woman.” He took the phone. “What could you possibly want?” He listened, glancing at Morgan before turning his back. “You’re insane. Fine, fine. Yeah, I love you too.”
“What did she want?” Morgan asked; she didn’t like the evil laugh before he hung up.
“She wanted me to tell you to get your ass home and not leave Cara alone on her last day.”
Andy laughed, then stopped when Morgan shot him a look.
“Anyway, things are good so far,” Andy said, avoiding Morgan. “I was just telling Morg, Paul’s a quick learner.”
“Good. So, Morg. You’re leaving tomorrow?”
Morgan sat behind the metal desk. “Yeah. They’re sending a jet. We need to get to International Falls by eleven.”
“I’ll drive you,” Chuck said, relighting his pipe.
“I can’t believe you’re going to Chicago. I’m jealous,” Andy said.
“Boys, give me and Morg a minute?” Chuck asked.
“Take a look at my plane, Andy? It’s still running a little rough.”
“You got it. C’mon, Paul. You’ll have to learn this too.”
Morgan waited until they left the office. “What’s on your mind, Pop?”
“You.”
Morgan smiled. “I’ll need a little more to go on.”
“You and Cara.”
Morgan immediately stopped grinning. “Um…”
Chuck smiled while puffing on his pipe. “Exactly.”
“Pop, there’s nothing between me and Cara.”
“Why not?”
“Um…” Morgan nervously scratched her chin. “Did Mom send you?”
“Nope. She’s out with the ladies, so I thought you and I would have a little father-daughter chat. Look, Morg. I see the way you look at her, and I see the way she looks at you.”
“What, um, what way?” Morgan grabbed the mail and leafed through it.
“She cares for you. Don’t ask me how I know. Have you said anything to her?”
“Yeah. I…I kissed her.”
“Did she kiss ya back?”
“Yes.”
“That’s a start.”
“What can I say to her?” That came out a little too loud. She noticed out in the hangar, Andy’s head shot up. “What can I say?” she repeated in a quiet voice.
“Tell her how you feel, you idiot.”
“Thank you.” Morgan tossed the mail on the desk. “I told her, sort of. Oh, I don’t know how I feel.”
“Why not?”
Morgan looked up. “Because she’s in a relationship with someone.”
“Married?”
“No.”
“Engaged?”
“N-no.”
“Living together?”
“I-I don’t think so.”
“I have a feeling you’re not thinking clearly, and it’s because of Uncle Jerry.”
Morgan slumped forward. “Please, Pop. It’s not that.”
“Then what is it?”
“Oh, I don’t know!”
Again, Andy looked like a meerkat. Morgan winced.
“Now that’s a good thing. So, what is it? Are you afraid she’ll reject you?”
“Maybe.”
Chuck laughed then. “Well, then what’s the problem? I mean, you’ve been rejected before, right?”
Morgan frowned deeply. “Thanks. Again.”
Chuck gently hit his pipe against the heel of his hand. “What I’m saying is, if she said no, you’d be no better off than you are right now. No, I take that back. You’d be better off. At least you’d know.”
“I suppose you’re right.”
“Maybe when you’re on her home turf, you can see how she is. She might be more receptive.”
“She’s supposed to go on vacation the day after I get there. With her girlfriend.”
“Then you’d better get busy.”
“Get busy? How?” Morgan asked helplessly.
“For chrissakes, you’re a grown woman. Reasonably attractive, which you get from your mother’s side. And very intelligent, which you get from me.”
“Can I ask you a question?”
“Sure.”
“Did you ever have a problem with Cara’s father? I mean, sending Christmas cards and letters.”
“I remember when your mother told me how they met and the summer they had. I had a moment of ‘great, she’ll never want me,’ but that didn’t last long. I’ve always loved your mother, and I trust her. We’re more than just married. We’re partners and best friends. I had no reason not to trust her, and to tell you the truth, I always wanted to meet Brad and his wife. We just never got around to it. But to answer your question, no, I never had a real problem with any of it. Now let all this go. I’ll take care of the business for the next few days. We have nothing going on. It’ll be nice and quiet.”
“And if anything happens…”
Chuck put his hand up. “Don’t. Everything is fine. Go away for a few days and have some fun. We’ll all be here when you get back.”
“Promise?” Morgan hated that she sounded like a child.
“I promise,” Chuck said. “And I promise not to get into any trouble. But I can’t promise that for your mother. Deal?”
Morgan laughed then. “Deal. I love you, Pop.”
“I love you too. Want my advice?”
“Always.”
“Don’t give this too much time. Either tell her before you leave or when you get to Chicago. But tell her, honey. Tell her how you feel.”
Tell her how you feel…Morgan felt like throwing up. She hoped that was a good thing.
Chapter 15
“You’re back already?” Cara took off her glasses.
Morgan smiled. She liked the idea of coming home to find Cara wrapped in a quilt, reading a book. She wondered what book; there was so much she wanted to know about Cara.
“Mom called and told Pop that I should get my ass home and not leave you alone on your last night.”
Cara laughed; she closed the book. “You didn’t have to do that. You have your business to take care of.”
“Andy is doing a fine job training Paul.” Morgan looked at the fire, which was nearly out. “Do you not know how to stoke a fire?”
“Yes. I was engrossed in this book. I found it on your shelf. I hope you don’t mind.”
“Not at all.” Morgan threw a couple of logs on the fire. The flames quickly warmed her hands. “I’m glad you feel comfortable. What are you reading?”
“Thoreau. Walden Pond. I had read this a long time ago. I thought I’d give it another try.”
Morgan sat down, stretching her legs out in front of her. “I tried reading that, but I get easily distracted when I read. I think I have ADD.”
“Not when you fly, I hope.”
Morgan laughed. “No, I’m very focused when I fly.”
They were quiet for a moment or two, each of them staring at the fire.
“So, my father will take us to the airport in the morning,” Morgan said, breaking the irritating silence. “I’m sure my mom will want to come along.” She realized her palms were sweating for some reason.
“Oh, that’s fine. The plane will get there around eleven.”
“Right. We should leave about ten or so. It’s a good thirty minutes or so.”
“Okay.”
“Seems like it’s getting a little chilly.” Morgan winced. What an idiot.
“I know. Linda said they’re having a cold spell in Chicago.”
“I’ll pack accordingly.”
“Speaking of packing…I’d better go do just that.”
“I’ll get the grill going. Steak is okay?”
Cara stood. “From what animal?”
Morgan let out a genuine laugh. “Cow. And not Fred’s.”
“All right then. Steak is fine. I’ll just be a few minutes.”
Morgan nodded, watching her disappear down the hall. She stared at the fire for a moment or two longer, then headed outside.
It had turned chilly, and the sun was setting, making it much cooler. She turned on the propane to heat up the grill. She looked around the woods and the lake, wondering what it would be like when she got back from Chicago.
She thought of one word—lonely. But how could she feel this after only ten days? She sighed and walked down the pier. She sat in a dejected heap, shoving her hands in her pockets. She looked at the expanse of the lake, shrouded by the array of fading autumn colors. Soon the trees would start shedding their leaves, and dark cold winter days would come. The idea of spending the winter cuddling Cara flashed through her mind; she wondered what that would feel like—to hold her close at night with the fire blazing.
“May I join you?”
Morgan jumped when she heard Cara’s voice.
“Sorry.”
“I was lost,” Morgan said with a laugh.
Cara had two glasses of wine. “I thought you’d like a glass.”
“I would. Thanks.” Morgan took the glass. “I should get regular wineglasses.”
“Don’t you dare. These are growing on me.” Cara took a sip. “It is getting chilly.”
“Yeah. Halloween will be in a couple weeks, then it’s all winter after that.”
“Better start stocking up.” Cara lifted her glass. “We put a dent in your stash.”
Morgan laughed again. “It’s well worth it. Can’t imagine anyone I’d rather share it with.”
“Thanks. Ya know, Chicago is only nine or so hours away.”
“Th
at’s all? Well, then I’ll get my plane ready for winter travel.”
“Can you do that?”
“I can do anything. It’s my plane.” She stopped when Cara laughed; she loved that sound now. “But the weather will have its say. Once the snow flies…”
“Morgan, I’m not sure what’s going to happen once we get to Chicago.”
“What do you mean? You’re going on vacation, right?”
“Well…”
Morgan turned to face her. “You’re not?”
“I don’t know. I’m…I’m not sure of anything anymore.”
Morgan grinned. “That’s hopeful.”
“You like that I’m confused?”
“I like that you’re thinking about me. You are thinking about us, aren’t you?”
“Yes.” Cara sighed. She looked at the lake. “I can’t help it. I’m attracted to you.”
“Why?”
“Why?” Cara laughed nervously. “I like the way you take care of everyone. I like your sense of humor. The way you love your parents and your friends. You know what you want, and you seem centered. As if you nothing bothers you. And those damned blue eyes. The minute I saw them, I should have known. But I was so intent on keeping this professional. And I still am, so get that grin off your face.”
Morgan drank her wine.
Cara sat back, glancing at Morgan. Morgan took another sip but said nothing.
“So?” Cara asked.
“So what?”
“Are you attracted to me?” Cara asked, almost angrily.
“Of course I am. I kissed ya, didn’t I? I can barely keep my hands off you.” Morgan reached over and took her hand. “I like your sarcasm. The way you seem to know before anyone says anything. I see the way my parents light up when they see you, and my friends have taken you in, which rarely if ever has happened. They like you, and I like the idea of them liking you. I’ve been attracted to you since the moment you stepped onto my porch. The dumbfounded look when you realized I wasn’t a man.” Morgan laughed along with her. “And I love the way you were with the kids at the cookout. You were especially sweet with Pete. He likes you, you know.”
“He’s a good kid. I’m so glad he and his father are getting along better. I love how you gave Paul a chance. I love…”
Morgan waited; her heart racing. “You love…?”