Starting Anew (Life Unexpected Book 3)

by Melanie D. Snitker

  Chapter Sixteen

  Lynn waited at the hospital long enough to see Perry again before she agreed to leave later that afternoon. She then drove behind Nathan to the police station where they filed a report. Nathan wasn’t overly happy when he was also informed that they couldn’t do anything about the man if he hadn’t broken laws.

  “This is ridiculous,” Nathan said as they left the police station. “What does it take? The guy breaking into your house? Following you into Little Lambs? Breaking into my home? It shouldn’t have to get to that.”

  Lynn couldn’t agree more. It was all incredibly disheartening and overwhelming. Was it horrible that seeing Nathan so upset on her behalf was also reassuring and sweet?

  It was, wasn’t it? She probably shouldn’t be thinking about any of that right now. Just because he’d stuck around for the day didn’t mean their relationship was back to the way it was before.

  What if he was only sticking around because he had a need to protect her?

  Just like he would any other person he knew that needed help. He’d probably do this for Sharon, too.

  In a moment, her bubble of comfort and hope burst. See, this was exactly what she was trying to avoid and why she’d hesitated to tell him any of this in the first place. He had Mia to worry about, and Lynn didn’t want or need his pity.

  Great, now she felt like crying. Oh, and she hadn’t heard a word Nathan said in the last minute or so.

  He leaned in a little to study her face. “Come on, let’s go to your house where you can leave your car. Ride with me to Little Lambs. I can pick up Mia, you can talk to Sharon. Then I’ll bring you back home.”

  Being home alone right now was the last thing Lynn wanted. It was probably selfish to agree to his plans, but she nodded all the same.

  She couldn’t help but scan the road or glance at the cars behind them. If the frequency with which Nathan checked his rearview mirror was any indication, he felt the same way.

  At her house, Nathan made sure her cameras were still in working order, waited for her to give Thai a little attention, and then they headed back out again.

  When they entered Little Lambs, Sharon finished talking to one of the families and hurried over. Her arms surrounded Lynn in a tight hug.

  “What a day you’ve had. How’s your sister? So Jeb followed you to the hospital?” As she asked her questions, she linked arms with Lynn and motioned for Nathan to follow. She led them into the back room where Mia’s eyes lit up when she saw them.

  She toddled, full speed, into her daddy’s arms. But as soon as she’d received her hug, she was reaching for Lynn, too—a sweet gesture that had Lynn’s eyes swimming with tears again. Man, she’d cried more today than the last year combined.

  “It’s good to see you, too, bug. I’ve missed you.” Lynn pressed a kiss to the little girl’s cheek and was more than happy to hold the girl close.

  Sharon folded her arms and looked from Lynn to Nathan. “So what happened today with Jeb?”

  Nathan filled her in, including some of the details he’d left out when he’d called earlier that day to check on Mia.

  Lynn told her about going to the police department and filing another report.

  Sharon shook her head. “That’s it. You’re coming to stay with me and Walt for a while.”

  “That’s not a bad idea,” Nathan agreed. “At least we don’t have to worry about you at your place alone.”

  “Exactly,” Sharon added with a definitive nod.

  Lynn held Mia close and rubbed her back. “I’m not going anywhere.” Her words snagged their attention and earned her a look of disapproval from both of them. “This guy has been bothering me for years. What am I supposed to do? Hide at your house, Sharon, for two or three more?”

  Mia squirmed so Lynn set her back down again. The little girl made a beeline for the toys.

  After watching her for several moments, Lynn turned again to her friends. “Look, Jeb creeps me out. I don’t like feeling as though he’s there watching me at all times. But I have to live my life. My windows are double paned and locked, both of my doors have deadbolts, and I’ve got cameras above them. The only thing I’m missing is a watchdog.”

  “But you do have a killer rolling pin,” Sharon reminded her with an amused smile.

  “That’s right. I do have that.” Lynn chuckled a little and shrugged. “The situation isn’t ideal, but it is what it is. If there’s one thing Jeb’s proved, it’s that he doesn’t quit. And I’m not willing to have him control my life because he doesn’t have one of his own.” She planted her hands on her hips for emphasis.

  Sharon frowned but didn’t argue. Nathan’s expression was a mix of disapproval and respect. They looked at each other. “I guess that’s that,” Sharon said. “But promise me you’ll call if you need anything.”

  “Of course.” Lynn reached to give her friend a hug. “I do appreciate the offer to stay with you.”

  “And it’s open any time, just say the word.”

  Mia didn’t stay interested in the toys for long before she was back and fussing at her daddy’s feet. Nathan scooped her up in his arms. “I’m pretty sure this little gal is hungry. We’d better get going.” He nodded to Lynn. “I’ll drop you back off at your place.”

  “Sounds good.” Lynn turned and hugged her friend again. “I’ll see you here tomorrow morning. I’ll drive myself since I plan on leaving from here to go back to the hospital.”

  Sharon agreed. She smiled and waved goodbye as they made their way out.

  Once she’d secured her seatbelt, Lynn covered a yawn as exhaustion set in. She’d dozed a little at the hospital earlier this morning, but otherwise, she’d been awake since before two. She planned on eating a sandwich, calling the hospital for an update on Perry, and then getting some sleep.

  Nathan pulled up to Lynn’s place. “I know this probably sounds silly, but if you’ll give me your keys, I’ll check your place out first. Make sure Jeb hasn’t messed with it.”

  Lynn handed him her keys and then grinned as he walked up to her house. She turned to look at Mia in the back seat. “Your daddy sure is a gentleman. Did you know that?” She reached back and tweaked the little girl’s knee, earning herself a giggle. “Yes, he is.”

  She scanned the street in front of her house, noting the cars. She wished she’d made more of a point to know her neighbors. It’d be easier to spot a car that wasn’t supposed to be here. If she could get a license plate, it would help.

  Nathan returned and opened the passenger door before handing the keys to Lynn. “Everything’s all clear. If something comes up and you’re worried, call me, okay?”

  She nodded but Nathan ducked his head to look into her eyes. “I mean it.” He ran a hand through his hair. “I’ve been meaning to ask…Can I still call you Lynn? Or would you prefer Bethany?”

  “I’d love it if you called me Lynn.”

  He nodded, a hint of relief in his eyes. “I can understand why you left the music industry behind. I can even get why you changed your name and tried to start over again.” He paused. “But I have to ask: If things only get harder now that Jeb knows where you are, is leaving again an option?”

  “No.” She didn’t even have to think about it. “I’ve built my life here, and I have no intention of letting that go. I may have to deal with some things I tried to escape from, but I suppose that was going to happen eventually.” Lynn gave him a reassuring smile. “I’m not going anywhere.” She held her breath then, hoping and praying the same would be true for him. That he’d be willing to weather the difficult days ahead—preferably together.

  He smiled in return. “Good. I’d better get Mia home.”

  She wished he didn’t have to go. “Thanks for everything today. For the hospital, the ride, and for clearing my place.” She waved goodbye to Mia before getting out and closing the door behind her. Nathan stood close enough for Lynn to get a whiff of his aftershave. Memories of what it was like to be held in his arms came flying bac
k. She needed to get inside before she made a fool of herself. “I hope you and Mia have a good night.”

  “You, too, Lynn. Be careful.” He studied her for several moments as though he were going to say something else.

  Only when he dropped his arms to his sides did Lynn give another nod. “I’ll see you and Mia at Little Lambs tomorrow.” With one more attempt at a normal smile, she turned and started up the driveway. She was glad they’d had a chance to talk a little, but she wished she knew where his head was. Was he still struggling with what the future might hold?

  She hadn’t gone more than a few steps when she heard her name followed by Nathan’s arm on her shoulder. His hand slid down to hers where he clasped it gently and tugged her around to face him.

  Without a word, he leaned in with the softest, sweetest kiss she’d ever experienced. It lasted only a handful of seconds, but it was enough to turn her legs into jelly.

  “I’ll see you tomorrow.”

  Certain at least twenty pounds had been lifted off her shoulders, Lynn reluctantly walked away from Nathan and went inside. After closing and locking her door, she leaned against it and released a happy sigh. Maybe they really did have a chance of surviving this together.

  Thai rubbed against her legs with a meow. Lynn leaned over to pick him up. “Sorry, buddy. I guess I’m a little distracted,” she said with a dreamy smile.

  ~*~

  Jeb slammed his binoculars against the center console of his car and cursed. After everything today, the guy still had the audacity to go after her? Jeb had half a mind to walk down the street right now and prove to Bethany exactly why she should be with him instead.

  But the more he thought about it, the more he realized he needed to get Bethany alone. Talk some sense into her. Surely then she’d see why he was the better choice.

  He just had to figure out the details.

  ~*~

  It was anything but easy for Nathan to drive away and leave Lynn at her house. Even though he scanned the street as he left, he couldn’t help but feel like he was leaving Lynn at the mercy of the psychopath who wouldn’t leave her alone. He’d be feeling much more relaxed if she’d agreed to stay with Sharon.

  He had to admire her, though, for standing up to her stalker and not letting him completely change her life. A lot of people wouldn’t have the guts.

  Her tenacity was only one of many things he admired about her.

  Maybe it was foolish to have kissed her before they had a chance to iron everything out. There were a lot of things he wanted to know—questions he wanted to ask. But she’d been adorable, with that look of vulnerability and uncertainty in her eyes. He couldn’t let her walk away like that. Especially when he understood how she felt. The situation wasn’t easy—not by a long shot. Choosing to kiss her, though? He wished he was as certain about every other decision he had to make.

  If Mia hadn’t been waiting on him, he no doubt would’ve gathered Lynn into his arms right there in the driveway and kissed her until they were both breathless.

  Just thinking about it had him smiling.

  He’d figure out a way to see her soon. If there was one thing that their week apart taught him, it was that he didn’t want another one like it.

  Mia whined from the back seat, bringing Nathan to the present. “Sorry, baby. We’re going. Let’s get you home.”

  As he pulled away from Lynn’s house, he prayed for protection not only for Lynn but for himself and Mia as well. The stalker had been focused on Lynn for years, he was bound to make a mistake soon.

  Nathan could only hope to be there when he did.

  Chapter Seventeen

  Lynn entered work with a smile on her face the next day, a detail Sharon immediately noted.

  “Someone’s in a good mood.”

  Lynn shrugged as she put her stuff up and got ready for the day. She lowered her voice. “No sign of my stalker, and Nathan kissed me after he took me home last night. So yeah, I guess I am in a good mood.”

  Sharon grinned then. “Oh, I’m so glad. Does that mean you two are okay then?”

  Unfortunately, Lynn wasn’t sure what it meant. But at least it was a sign they were moving in the right direction. She told Sharon as much. “I wish I knew for sure. I have to make sure I get in to see my sister this evening. Otherwise I’d see if Nathan and I could meet and talk.”

  “Things are weird right now. You two will figure it out.” Sharon winked.

  For the first time in days, Lynn really felt her friend might be right.

  She only saw Nathan for a few minutes when he brought Mia by before he was off to work. The day went well and was uneventful—just the way Lynn preferred. Before she knew it, it was evening and Nathan was back to pick up his daughter.

  “Are you going to head over and see your sister next?”

  Lynn nodded. “I figured I’d swing through somewhere and grab a sandwich to eat on the way. I’d take her something to eat, except she may be on a restricted diet. Then do I pick something up for my parents or not? Way too complicated. So I’ll see how she’s doing and maybe run down to the gift shop and get her a balloon or some flowers or something like that.”

  “That sounds like a good plan.” Nathan picked up Mia and settled her in his arms. “I’m going to take this munchkin home. If you need anything, call me.”

  The way he looked at her then, Lynn had a feeling he would’ve kissed her if they’d been somewhere besides Little Lambs. She wished they were somewhere else.

  “I will. You two have a relaxing evening. Would it be okay if I call later and let you know how the visit went?”

  Nathan’s face brightened. “Of course. I’ll be looking forward to it.”

  Lynn waved as they left and then released a happy sigh.

  Sharon came up and nudged her shoulder. “Keep that happy feeling when you see your parents in a while.”

  Lynn scowled at her. “You just had to mention them. Are you trying to depress me?” She chuckled. “Truthfully, I’m going to see my sister and talk to Nathan tonight. I won’t let my parents get to me.”

  And she maintained that attitude all the way to the hospital. Her parents were nowhere to be seen in the waiting area, so she went to Perry’s room only to find it was empty.

  Fear and panic gripped her as she dashed down the hall to the nurse’s station. “Where is Perry Truitt? I just went by her room and she wasn’t there.”

  “Oh! I’m sorry—are you a member of the family?”

  “Yes, I’m her sister. I was coming by this evening to check on her.”

  The nurse pulled something up on the computer. “Ah, yes. She was moved to a different room. You’ll find her in 823. Go down the hall, take the first right, and then the room will be on the left.”

  “Thank you.” Lynn hoped this meant Perry was doing better than the doctor expected. When she found the room, her parents were inside. They glanced at her, and immediately her father shifted his attention to his phone.

  With some effort, Lynn ignored it, offered her mother a small smile, and then walked up to the other side of Perry’s bed. To her relief, Perry was sitting up. She waved, and Lynn gave her a gentle hug. “How are you feeling? Any better?”

  Perry nodded. “A little bit, but I keep getting tired.” As if for emphasis, she yawned. It wasn’t for show, though. There were dark circles under her eyes and a sleepiness about them.

  Lynn leaned over again and gave her another hug. “I know. It’s a good thing, though. While you’re sleeping, your body is working overtime to help you feel better again soon.”

  It was still really hard to see her normally-energetic sister so quiet and still.

  The door opened and a nurse came in with a smile on her face. “How are we doing in here? Are you ready for me to change your bandages? Then we’ll have some food brought up for you.”

  Originally, the mention of changing bandages had a frown on Perry’s face, but the idea of eating dinner seemed to erase some of that.

  The nur
se gave them all an apologetic smile. “If I could have everyone step outside for a minute, that would be great.”

  Lynn led the way into the hall and then their group of three shuffled a little to get out of the way while they waited. She lowered her voice. “So is she really doing okay?”

  Mom nodded, although there was a shadow of concern on her face. “She is. I hate seeing her so tired after doing any little thing. Just the act of eating wears her out.”

  Dad spoke from his position, nearly startling Lynn. “The doctor said it’s normal, and that it can take as long as six months before she’s feeling herself again.”

  Dad said actual words to her. To relay something helpful. Lynn could hardly believe her ears.

  He looked at her then. “You shouldn’t come tomorrow after you get off work.”

  Lynn’s eyes widened. “Look, I get you don’t want me here. But I’m coming by every day she’s in the hospital no matter what you say.”

  Dad held up a hand to stop her. “I’m not trying to get you to stay away. I’m just saying to wait and come by around seven. Last night she struggled to visit while eating and then fell asleep. By seven, she’ll probably be awake again and on her second wind.”

  Lynn’s gaze swiveled to Mom because she wasn’t entirely sure she should believe her dad’s suggestion. It was almost nice of him.

  Mom smiled and nodded. She hid it well, but even Lynn could see that Mom was surprised by her husband’s words as well.

  “Okay.” It actually made a lot of sense. “Sure. That’ll give me time to go home, eat some dinner, and change clothes. Then maybe I can guarantee I don’t have baby spit on my shirt.” She’d washed the spots off, but that was never quite enough.

  Mom chuckled. “Do you like your job at the day care center?”

  “Are you kidding? I get paid to cuddle and play with a bunch of babies. What’s not to love?” She meant that, too. There were always little things she’d like to change, but they were just that: little. “I take care of Nathan’s daughter there. That’s how we met.” Just thinking about them made her heart flip flop in her chest.