Evie felt the world spinning below her feet. A runaway carnival ride she couldn’t escape. Emmitt couldn’t repeat after Dr. Myers. The only clear word he could say was her name.
“Rest a bit more,” Dr. Myers instructed, but there was a furrow to his overgrown brows that sent Evie’s heart to her throat.
“Is he all right?” Evie asked in a panic.
“Let’s wait for some more of his family to arrive,” Dr. Myers said, clearing his throat. “I’ll go check the waiting room to see if they’ve come in.”
Dr. Myers was gone before Evie could beg him to stay, to fix this. To fix the man she loved. “It’s all right, Emmitt,” she assured him shakily as she placed a cool hand on his warm cheek. “Just think of that night,” she whispered, leaning in close to him. “Think of that night we had out on the water. Remember the way you laughed when I almost fell in? Just think of those crazy nights we had.”
“Evie,” he said with a delirious kind of smile. His eyes were closed now and she took it as gift. He couldn’t see the fear in her eyes, the tears streaking her cheeks of the shake in her hands.
“Just think of those nights.”
Chapter 40
“I still can’t believe you wanted to come back here,” Evie said, yawning as the jetlag kicked her butt. But at least she was in good company. The only one of their group who seemed unfazed by the long traveling and time difference was Mathew, who traveled frequently for work. Harlan, her daughters, and her mother, even Jessica looked exhausted.
“It’s not just the trip,” Emmitt explained as he tried for what seemed like the millionth time to walk and barely rely on his cane. His leg and brain surgery had been a success, but rehab was slow going and Emmitt hated slow. They were anticipating a full and complete recovery over time, as long as he was willing to work hard.
“But to come back to the place where you got in the accident,” Harlan said, wiping some sweat from her brow, “seems kind of morbid.”
“I have something to show all of you. That’s why we’re here.” Emmitt reached for his sister’s bag but Mathew snagged it first.
“I’ll get the bags; you just concentrate on staying upright.” Mathew was slinging the luggage on a wheeled cart and shooing his brother away.
“You like it, Mom?” Emmitt asked hopefully as he gestured toward the hotel. “It doesn’t look like much from the outside, but it really is like nowhere else I’ve ever been.”
“It’s so wide open,” she replied, casting her arms out wide. “I’m nervous,” she admitted, then rubbed her son’s shoulder. “But I’m excited too.”
Emmitt walked them to the lobby and assured them the air conditioner would be working in each of their rooms. “You’ll be very comfortable. I promise.”
Harlan sent the girls forward with Jessica and tried to get her brother’s ear quietly. “We’ll see Dad, right? He’s still doing fine?”
“Dad’s doing exceptionally well,” Emmitt replied loudly and every head spun toward him. “I’m proud.”
“Sorry,” Mathew apologized, having to force his shocked eyes to return to their normal size. “We’re all still just getting used to this new cheery optimistic Emmitt. It’s a lot to take in.”
“Nearly dying can give you tons of perspective,” Emmitt said, slinging an arm over his brother’s shoulder. “But I don’t recommend it under normal circumstances.”
“You still haven’t told us exactly what we’re all doing here,” Evie chimed in as they walked straight through the lobby of the hotel toward the courtyard in the back.
Emmitt directed them all toward chairs that had been clearly laid out for them in a half circle. Charles was sitting in one, and though the greetings were tentative and reserved, everyone did say hello to him.
“The accident didn’t take anything away from me,” Emmitt started as everyone sat down. He paced in front of them looking mildly nervous and still aggravated with having to use the cane. “Botswana didn’t take anything from me. It actually gave me something. I’ve been in deserts, I’ve been in the rainforest, and I’ve been on beaches all over the world. But here, I discovered a type of quiet and serenity I’ve never found anywhere else. And with it I finally started to hear all the things that had been said to me. The things I wouldn’t allow myself to let in.”
“So you’re finally willing to take all my brilliant advice?” Mathew joked, but Jessica quieted him with a stern look.
“In a way,” Emmitt nodded. “But mostly I could hear the things Evie had told me. I could hear her explanation of hope, and with Dad here I finally started to understand it. It wasn’t about things being perfect, but it was about allowing some imperfections as we worked on things.”
“That’s great,” his mother sang proudly, as she fidgeted with a loose curl. This trip was so far outside her comfort zone, and Emmitt was so grateful she took on that enormous pressure just to support him. He asked, and she showed up.
“I want to start a retreat here in Botswana that focuses on hope. It will cater to all types of addiction and be staffed with the leading professionals in their respective fields.”
“Here?” Evie asked, still looking shell-shocked by the scenery around her. The vastness and unfamiliar way it both went on forever and closed in around them.
“Yes,” Emmitt smiled. “Well, about a mile from here, but I figured taking you to an empty plot of land I’ve bought wouldn’t really count. You’ll have to use your imaginations.”
Harlan, whose gaze kept falling on her father’s profile, nodded her agreement. “I think it’s a great idea. You could help so many people.”
Evie looked nervous but was forcing an encouraging smile on her face. “You’ll stay here?” she asked, waving at the air around her. “You’ll stay in Botswana?”
“For a while. I was hoping you and I both would,” he offered. “The retreat here has allowed me to set up a few spots to get things rolling until the center I want can be built down the road. That means people could be getting help right now.”
“I just moved my mom into the halfway house two months ago. I’m not sure I can pick up and move to Africa for any period of time. I need to be more accessible to her.” Evie’s eyes were glassy and nervous, and Emmitt felt awful for bringing any more uncertainty to her life. She’d been unwavering when it came to his recovery and healing. And as much as he hated the weakness that came from his accident, it had made his love for her stronger.
“The halfway house doesn’t focus on the addiction. She got no support there, mentally or physically. It’s just a place for her to live, not a place she can get better.”
“I understand that,” Evie countered, sounding a bit more aggravated now. “But it’s the best option I have right now, considering she doesn’t want to try any more rehab. At least in the housing I can know where she is most of the time.”
“She’s ready for treatment,” Emmitt said slyly. “She’s been here for nearly two weeks, and while she’s not ready to see everyone, she’s very happy you’re here. More importantly she’s happy she’s here.”
“My mother is here?” Evie asked incredulously. “How did you get her to come? She was adamant the last time I tried.”
“I listened to your advice,” Emmitt explained, gesturing excitedly, so glad to finally be able to share all this news. “Addicts don’t keep doing it for fun. Deep down your mom is tired. She was waiting for a way out, and this was worth the risk. When I explained what it was like out here, what she could expect and how you’d be here every step of the way, it seemed to hit her. I’m sorry I didn’t tell you, but I wanted to give her some time to decide if she wanted to stay here and really give this a shot. So far so good. She’s under the care of a specialist, and they’re doing more than just rehab. It’s a whole body, mind, and soul approach to recovery.”
“It’s a lot to take in,” Charles spoke up, looking unsure anyone wanted to hear from him, but continuing anyway. “I was skeptical at first too. But Emmitt is right; when you come
to Botswana it forces you to strip everything you have. You start to understand things you never did before. The clarity is surprising at first. I’m not saying it’s easy, but I’ve had everything I needed to be successful here.”
“She’s here?” Evie asked again, looking around like her mother might pop out from around any corner.
“Like I said, she’s not ready to see everyone,” Emmitt said, coming in close to her and rubbing from her shoulders down to her elbows, holding her up at the same time. “But she’s waiting for you.”
Bursting into tears, Evie flung herself into his arms. “It’s no guarantee. I just want to give her the best shot possible.” He braced her as her knees buckled, and she hugged his neck tightly. “But if she stays, I hope you’ll consider it too. I’m not sure I’ll be able to build this without you. I know without a doubt you have that one thing this place needs.”
“What’s that?” she asked, finally loosening her grip and using the back of her hands to dry off her cheeks.
“Blind, misplaced, unwavering, illogical hope in the face of any evidence that should make you stop believing. I have seen you keep the faith with even the most impossible situations,” he said, dropping suddenly down on one knee. “With the most impossible people.” He smiled and they both knew he was talking about himself. Pulling a ring box from his pocket, he flipped it open and took her hand. “Evie, I have no idea what the rest of my life will bring, but because of you I have hope that it will be worth sticking around for. And with any luck you’ll feel the same way. Will you marry me?”
An eruption of excitement rose up behind them and Evie used her free hand to cover her mouth. She had not seen this coming, which was his plan. All of it. She deserved joyful surprises for the rest of her life.
“Well?” Harlan asked when Evie tried to gather herself. “Don’t leave us hanging here. Are you going to marry him?”
Evie just nodded feverishly as she extended her hand for him to slip the ring on her finger. “Yes,” she gasped out.
Emmitt rose and lifted her off her feet, spinning her around until she begged through a frantic laugh for him to stop.
“Can we really live out here?” she asked, a small worry line forming on her forehead.
“We’ll have everything we need,” Emmitt promised. “As long as we’re together.”
“And there’s coffee,” Jessica cut in. “As long as we’re all together and there’s coffee.”
Everyone circled in around them, congratulating and taking turns complimenting the ring. They passed around champagne glasses and began to clank them together as hugs were exchanged.
Mathew raised his glass, ready to toast. “To hope,” he said, slapping his free hand to his brother’s back.
“You’ll need a better speech if you’re going to be my best man,” Emmitt joked, and Mathew accepted with a simple nod of his head, not seeming to find anything perfect to say.
“To hope,” everyone said in unison, raising their glasses.
“Now let’s go explore this place,” Emmitt said, filled with excitement. His future wife was by his side, his family rallied behind him. “I’ve got a job for all of you. There’s a lot of work to be done.”
Evie had cleared the stinging tears off her cheek as she downed the champagne and giggled. “Watch out everyone, your new boss can be a real hard ass.”
“No,” Emmitt laughed. “Not your boss.” He shook his head as though she were being crazy. “You can call me your supreme leader of everything.”
They followed him down the courtyard to the open and sprawling land that lay before them. This was a fresh start. A new day. And Emmitt finally believed his life was worth living. It was time to pass that belief to anyone willing to follow him here. He could do anything with Evie by his side.
He whispered to her, “I’m always right. I told you if there was ever a chance I could be a good man, it would be with you.”
“You were always a good man, Emmitt. And I told you I’d believe it until you were ready to believe it yourself. You’re a slow learner, but I’m glad you finally caught up.” She rose to her toes and kissed him, and unlike their time leading up to this moment, he didn’t have to worry that kiss would be their last. He knew without a doubt he’d spend the rest of his life kissing her.
The End
Continue the series with Book 4, Loyal Hearts
Loyal Hearts
Loyal Hearts
Harlan Kalling can shake any security detail her over-protective brothers assign. It is the only thing she’s good at lately. A string of bad luck and worse choices has her believing rock bottom is her new normal. But when one determined agent decides he’s not letting her give him the slip a seductive game of cat and mouse begins.
Dallas Rockland doesn’t fail. When assigned to guard his friend’s sexy but stubborn sister he’s determined to protect her, no matter how difficult she makes it. The only challenge: keeping his head in the game when she’s standing close enough to touch.
As the heat of attraction begins to smolder between Harlan and Dallas, she soon finds there might be something worse than hitting rock bottom. Flying so high that when it ends, the fall may kill her, but only if the danger nipping at their heels doesn’t get her first.
Chapter 1
It had been a while. A while since Harlan had put on this much makeup. Since she’d worn her little black dress. It was very little. Too little? It was too late to second guess. More importantly it had been a very long time since she’d been out with a man. It was common knowledge among her friends how dismal her love life had been since the divorce and probably why Krissy had forced her to go on a blind date.
“Who goes out this late?” Harlan asked, her phone wedged precariously between her ear and shoulder as she fished her lipstick out of her tiny black clutch. She missed her giant oversized mom bag, filled with snacks and little toys. If she ever skidded off the road in a snow storm, that bag and all its contents could keep her alive for a week. The tiny clutch was barely functional.
“This is not a dinner date,” Krissy snickered. “You are looking to knock the cobwebs off your lady bits. You’re sitting in a club, not a white tablecloth restaurant. Just relax, pick a ridiculously strong drink, and flirt your ass off.”
“I don’t flirt,” Harlan groaned. “I pack lunches. I scare monsters out of closets. I don’t even know how people do it anymore. Is it some kind of app I should download on my phone and use?”
“Stop,” Krissy scolded loudly. Harlan pulled the phone from her ear. “Get out of your own head. You have a body I would kill for and eyes guys can’t stop talking about. We went to college together. I know you’ve got this in you. Flip your hair around seductively. Suck the tiny straw in your drink a little too long while you bat your lashes.”
“Fine,” she gave in, checking her watch. “But where is he? You said he’d be here at ten. It’s twenty past. I need to know more about him.”
“He’s a musician,” Krissy explained, but Harlan heard something unsettling in her voice. “I don’t really know much more about him. He’s my boss’s cousin. But she assured me he’s a catch.”
“I hate this,” Harlan groaned, the butterflies in her stomach fluttering violently. “I want to go home.”
“You need some lovin’,” Krissy reminded her. “You deserve some sweaty, hair-pulling, name-screaming fun. I’m your overnight babysitter. The house is secured with those hot guys your brother hired to protect you. I’ve got the girls all settled. You just do you. Well, do him too.”
“I’m not committing to that. There’s a good chance you’ll see me pull in the driveway in an hour with a pint of ice cream.”
“I’ll lock you out.” Krissy laughed. “I’m hanging up.”
“Bye,” Harlan sighed. “Thanks for the pep talk.”
“Get some, girl.”
Harlan tucked her phone away and ordered a drink as Krissy had suggested. She’d had her share of wine after her daughters went to bed, but she hadn’
t had a strong martini in ages.
This musician was nearly half an hour late now. She could practically picture his eyes glazed over with lack of sleep and his intentionally messy hair as he begged for forgiveness. She’d dated a drummer in high school who had this easy charm about him that made every lie he told seem believable. She had no doubt this guy would be the same.
If Krissy was there, she’d be reminding her those details didn’t matter. This was not a night to forge a long-lasting relationship. Harlan had already done that. Married by twenty, she wished someone had told her if she couldn’t legally drink at her wedding she might want to consider waiting. But out of something messy and complicated came the simplest most wonderful thing she’d ever experienced. Motherhood.
“Mrs. Kalling?” a surprised voice asked as the man bumped awkwardly against her back, nearly spilling her drink. His pungent cologne overtook her like a strike to her nose.
“Benny?” Harlan asked, shocked by the familiar but out-of-place face before her. His acne had cleared, his hair was clean and cut short, but he was still the baby-faced boy down the street who used to sell her candy bars for school fundraisers. The neighbor’s kid who trick-or-treated at her house. “What are you doing here?”
“I’m meeting a blind date,” he smiled, flashing a dimpled cheek and cheerful expression. “A woman named Harlan.”
“No,” she said, her stomach flipping to the point she considered vomiting as an exit strategy. “There must be some kind of mistake. I’m supposed to meet a musician. His name is Ben.”
“I’m your musician. Piano, remember?” He smiled again, as though the coincidence was comical. “I don’t go by Benny anymore. I guess I never knew your first name was Harlan.” Ben inched closer to her as if this wasn’t at all unsettling to him. Which of course meant he was insane.
The Barrington Billionaires Collection 1 Page 55