“You don’t sound like the Sylvia I knew. I never really thought you’d suggest leaving the group you’ve worked with all these years.”
“I didn’t either, but times change. When do you have to get back to your job?”
“I’m on leave. I still have time left. I’ll ask Mrs. Brodie if I can come stay with you all. We can visit and talk, and later, when you’re up to it, we can try riding.”
“Sounds great to me.” Mrs. Brodie walked in the door. “Sorry about eavesdropping, but I heard my name. You’re both welcome, but I thought you might stay at Graham’s.” She looked at Gina.
“He’s busy with his edit and enjoying being back on his own. I’d rather keep out of his way.”
“Perhaps that’s a good idea, my dear. We three will have a lovely time together.”
Gina turned her head so her sister and Mrs. Brodie didn’t see the tears in her eyes. “Since Mrs. Brodie is here to visit, I’ll go out to the cabin and pack my things. If it’s all right with you, Mrs. Brodie, I’ll move in this afternoon. I can help you get Sylvia’s room ready.” She talked as she walked to the door.
“That’s fine. I’ll drive by and get you when I leave here.”
Swallowing around the lump in her throat, Gina hurried to the elevator and was glad to find it empty. She let the tears run down her face then wiped them dry when the door opened on the bottom floor. Graham had let her use his truck this morning. She climbed in and drove to the cabin. The next few hours would be difficult. Gina wasn’t going to let it show how much this move hurt her. She did have her pride.
* * * *
Graham tugged his hand through his longish brown hair. “I don’t understand why you’re moving to my mother’s house.”
“I’ve explained. I want to help her get Sylvia’s room ready and then be there to help take care of her.” Gina spread her hands out. “I’m sure you’ll be very happy to have your place back to yourself.”
“What will happen to the food in the freezer? You know I don’t cook.”
“That’s an excuse. You are an intelligent man and quite capable of cooking.”
“Maybe you could come by in the afternoon and start supper.”
“No, I’ll be busy.”
The poor man, he did look dumbfounded. Gina fought to keep from grinning or sticking her tongue out at him. At this point she had very mixed emotions regarding Graham.
He took her bags. “I’ll put these in the truck for you. You can use it while you’re here. I have my other one.”
“Thank you for the loan of the truck and for keeping me safe. I’ll call your mother so she won’t drive by here for me.” Gina didn’t look back as she drove off, but it didn’t stop her from sobbing all the way to Mrs. Brodie’s house.
* * * *
Graham watched until the truck went out of sight. His chest felt as though a knife had been thrown into his heart. It hurt.
She’s doing what you wanted her to.
A sarcastic voice inside his head spoke.
“I don’t know what I want,” he mumbled to himself. “The idea of marriage scares me. All the changes in my life I’d have to make. This is best. I’d make her unhappy if I married her.” He paced the floor, still mumbling.
Will you be happy?
that annoying inner voice asked him.
Damn, I’m going crazy if I’m talking to myself
. He looked at the clock. Dirk and Chelsea would be sitting down to dinner soon. He’d drive over to talk to Dirk and maybe get invited to dinner. Graham, for the first time in his life, didn’t want to be alone.
As soon as he knocked on the door, Chelsea pulled him inside. “I’m so glad to see you. You hardly ever come by. You must stay and eat with us. Dirk’s showering. He’ll be right out.”
“Thanks, I don’t want to bother you.”
“Don’t be silly. I cooked enough, hoping to have company.”
“Believe her,” Dirk said coming into the kitchen. He kissed Chelsea and saw she had her usual glass of tea on the counter. Going to the fridge, he reached in and got a beer out for him and Graham. “If you don’t stay and eat, I’ll have the leftovers tomorrow night.” He patted Chelsea’s bottom as he walked by. “Come on into the great room and sit while Chelsea puts the food on the table.”
Once they were seated, Dirk got a serious expression on his face. “What’s happened?”
“Nothing, why would you ask?”
“Well, you look like you’ve lost your last friend, and you haven’t visited us in six months. Not that we’re not glad to have you anytime.”
Graham took a swig of his beer. “Gina left.”
“She left with her sister still in the hospital?”
“No.” Graham frowned. “She moved to Mom’s house.”
“Hmm, interesting.”
“What the hell does that mean?” Graham snapped.
“You must have been showing her your reclusive persona. For a while I thought she’d made you almost human, dear brother.”
“I don’t understand you or her.”
“If you truly don’t, then forget her. There’s no hope for the two of you.”
Graham caught himself squirming on the lounge chair like he did as a youngster when his dad caught him lying. Which wasn’t often. He took another swallow of his beer.
“Think about what I said. You’d have to change more than she would for you two to be happily married. She’s a quiet sort already, and I think she’d blend well with you if you meet her halfway.”
“I’m not going to marry.”
“Then brighten up. She’s moved out. Eventually she and her sister will leave this area. All your problems should be solved. But if you are lying to yourself, don’t wait too long to tell her.”
“Come to dinner, you guys. This is the second time I’ve called.” Chelsea waited at the door to the dining room, her hands on her hips. “Don’t blame me if the food’s cold.” But she winked at Dirk as he walked by.
Graham enjoyed the dinner and seeing his nephew and niece, but an ache had settled around his heart. He’d be better tomorrow and the next day. His life would get back to normal. He needed time.
“Thanks, guys.” He waved at Dirk and Chelsea as he drove off. The light from the kitchen framed them, Dirk’s arm around his wife and hers around him.
Graham pulled into his parking place by the cabin. The place was small and dark. He’d never minded coming home alone, in fact he’d looked forward to it, but when he stepped inside tonight, empty quietness and cold, damp air greeted him. He’d never been lonely before tonight.
He switched on a few lights. Damn, he was getting morbid. He’d finish his edit and go to bed. Tomorrow, he’d be more himself.
* * * *
Mrs. Brodie drove Gina to the hospital. They were bringing Sylvia home today. Her room, a bright, cheerful pink, was ready for her.
“Has the doctor been by?” Gina asked as they entered the hospital room.
“I’ve seen all three of them. Dr. Brodie came in first, and then the orthopedist. The plastic surgeon just came. He can’t do much for my face until the infection is completely gone. I have a prescription for antibiotic pills.”
“We’ll stop at the drugstore before we leave town,” Mrs. Brodie said.
“People may see me. I’m not ready to sit in the car or go in the drugstore yet.” Sylvia’s face had gone white.
Mrs. Brodie patted her hand. “No problem. My son Sam will come get it later. Let’s get you discharged.”
Soon they were on their way out of town. Sylvia glanced at Mrs. Brodie. “You get people to move. I thought I’d have to wait all morning to get released.”
“I’ve been around a long time,” Mrs. Brodie said, but she grinned at Sylvia’s words.
When they drove up the road to the house, Sylvia turned her head, looking all around, and when she saw the house, she said, “This is yours? It’s beautiful. The land, the house all reminds me of one of those magazines that show outstanding homes.”
“I married and came to live in this house. My husband and I raised six children here. It’s the family home.” Her face shone with pride. “There’s Sam waiting. He’s next to my youngest and is the youngest boy, but he’s an old soul. In any emergency he’s calmer than anyone else, and he runs the ranch as well or better than his father.”
Sam opened the car door and smiled at Sylvia. “Welcome to our home. Do you need help getting up the steps?”
“I’m fine. The one part of me they didn’t damage is my legs.” But she flinched when she moved to get out. Sam put his arms around her and lifted her, holding her close to his chest.
“I can see your pain in your eyes. Relax, I’ll have you inside in two minutes.” He took long strides to the door. His mother held it open, and he walked through and down the hall to the bedroom they’d arranged for her. He placed her gently on the side of the bed.
“I’m not fine china. I won’t break.”
“I’m going to make sure you don’t.” He winked and left the room.
“Gina and I will help you change into something more comfortable,” Mrs. Brodie said.
“How did he know this was the room I’d be staying in?” Sylvia asked.
“He helped us get it all straightened up for you. The bed needed to be rearranged so you can get up and out easier. It’s going to be so much fun having you two ladies with me. I miss my daughter.” Mrs. Brodie patted Sylvia’s hand. “I’ll go get lunch ready. You two come out and join me whenever you want.”
“Are you staying here, too?” Sylvia asked.
“Yes.”
“I thought you and Graham had something going.”
“No, just your imagination. Being here I can help you, and we can talk.”
“I have nothing to talk about.”
“Fine. I’m going to the library tomorrow morning. I’ll get you some books.”
“As soon as I’m stronger we’ll leave this place,” Sylvia said.
“When the time’s right.” Gina helped her sister into jeans and a short-sleeved red shirt. She brushed her sister’s hair out, and it lay in waves down her back.
“You are so beautiful,” Gina said.
“Don’t say that. I’ll never be pretty with my face like this.”
“There is so much more to you than your face,” Gina protested.
“Sorry to interrupt, but Gina’s right.” Sam gave Sylvia a gentle smile. “I see your beauty, as does your sister.”
“Why are you listening to our conversation?” Sylvia frowned at him.
“Didn’t mean to, Mom sent me to tell you lunch was ready if you are.” He turned on his heel and left.
Gina crouched down and faced her sister. She took Sylvia’s hands in hers. “Don’t let this make you bitter. Then you won’t look pretty. You were so brave. I know you took those beatings to protect me. You’re my hero.”
Sylvia hugged Gina and cried. “I love you so much, baby sister.”
“I know. All the bruises and injuries you suffered were because of your love for me. I’ll always remember that.”
“You’re still a much better person than I’ll ever be.” Sylvia wiped her eyes. “We’d better go and not keep Mrs. Brodie waiting. I think I might have a little appetite.”
Gina led her sister into the small dining alcove off the kitchen. Mrs. Brodie had fixed a light lunch, fruit and a sandwich.
“Sit and eat,” she directed Sylvia. “You look better already, and once I finish with you you’ll be back in good shape.”
“Not unless you know of a brilliant plastic surgeon who can make this face as good as new,” Sylvia said.
“I don’t know, it looks good to me,” Sam said.
Gina had heard footsteps but none of them had noticed him come to the door.
“Is there enough lunch for me to join the ladies, Mom?”
“Of course, Sam.” She placed the platter of sandwiches and the bowl of fruit on the table.
Gina watched as Sam sat between them but closer to Sylvia. Her sister had another admirer. She hoped Sam wouldn’t get a broken heart. Frontier City was much too tame to contain Sylvia’s restless spirit. It was very similar to the small town where they’d grown up, and Sylvia had fled from there the minute she’d graduated from high school.
Why was she worrying about her sister’s love life when hers was in such disarray? Her plan was falling apart. She had to make a decision, devise a new plan, and stay to try to win Graham, or go back home and pick up her old life. Was she ready to give up on her reclusive cowboy?
Graham paced around his small cabin. The empty house echoed with silence. What had given him peace before made him insanely restless now, but he’d get past it.
He got a cup of coffee and stopped to stare at the new curtains, the clock, and the tablecloth. He’d meant to take them down as soon as she’d left. He kept putting it off. Right now he needed to pack up his manuscript and send it to his agent. Then he’d check with Rand or Dirk about fishing.
When he called Dirk, Chelsea said he was busy branding cattle today. Next he tried Rand’s office. Their new receptionist answered. Marian was in the last trimester of her pregnancy and planned to be a stay-at-home mom, so she had recently quit.
“Dr. Brodie is off today,” the receptionist said.
“Thanks, I’ll call him at home.”