Chapter One
Kate didn’t know if she should laugh or cry, but couldn’t do either since she was sitting in the back of her history class. Drew was at the desk across from her, alive and well. Her heart soared with joy. The bell finally rang and they were able to escape to the hallway.
She jumped into his arms, hugging and kissing him. Drew seemed a little stunned. “Kate, not a good idea. Everyone’s looking and we’ll get in trouble.”
“I don’t care! Plus everyone does it.” That wasn’t exactly true, the school had rules about public displays of affection but did tolerate holding hands. “I can hardly breathe, I’m so excited! You’re alive!”
“Your dad’s the bee’s knees, Kate.” Drew smiled down at her.
“Ooh, we don’t say that anymore. Talking like that will be a dead give away you’re from another century or make you sound like a complete nerd.”
“Then what do I say?”
“Awesome, you can say he’s awesome.”
"I can’t believe we’re having a typical high school conversation after being in your presence for less than an hour.”
“Sorry, I want to hear everything, but not here.” Kate squeezed his hand.
“Is there somewhere we can go?”
“There’s an outdoor courtyard where we can have lunch. We can meet there.”
“I think your dad arranged for me to be in most of your classes so we don’t have to meet.”
“He did? Then follow me.”
Kate led Drew through her morning classes, unable to contain her excitement. She didn’t pay attention to what was being said, she only concentrated on Drew. She studied his face, the shape of his nose and lips. His emerald eyes caught hers every once in awhile, and she got a lump in her throat. Still handsome as ever.
She looked longingly at him and hoped he was happy with the decision he made. He gave up so much to be with her. Guilt overwhelmed her for a moment. In reality, he would’ve died on his trip and she held onto that notion. They rescued him and gave him a second chance at life. She knew Drew could have stayed in the past if he chose. His life would’ve gone on without her. As painful as it would be for her, she could have accepted his choice to stay. That’s how much she loved him. Still she was glad he made the decision to join her in the present.
Lunch hour couldn’t come soon enough. When the bell finally rang, Kate dragged Drew to her locker so she could grab a coat. Not too many people would go outside on a cold day so she knew they would have the place to themselves.
They slid into seats opposite each other at a picnic table, holding hands and staring into each other’s eyes.
“I know it hasn’t been long, but I feel like I haven’t seen you in months.” Kate wiped a tear from her eye.
“Kate, don’t.” Drew reached across the table and touched her cheek. “I’m here and I’m not going anywhere.”
“I know.” She grabbed his hand and brought it to her lips. “Start at the beginning and don’t leave anything out.”
“Your dad arranged for me to live with Lindsey’s family.”
“My best friend, Lindsey?”
“Yes, the one and only. Her dad is now my uncle, caring for me while my parents are in Africa doing missionary work.”
“That’s the story? They agreed to that?”
“Your dad’s persuasive. Said I was a family friend who really needed a favor. Beth and David didn’t ask too many questions...plus they like me.”
Kate felt a giggle bubble up inside and had to let it out. “Of course, because you’re so charming. My Prince Charming.”
Drew gave her a wide grin as if to say she was right. “Your dad gave me a crash course in all things 21st century until I had to scream ‘Enough!’ Want to see my phone?” He held up the latest model.
“Impressive. I assume you know how to use it.”
“Sure, it’s easy. And my name? It’s Drew Kelly. My middle name is Kelly, my mother’s maiden name.”
“So you aren’t Drew Martin anymore.” Kate felt a little sad.
“No, it will take some getting used to.”
Kate didn’t want Drew to be depressed on their first day in the present together. She thought it best to change the subject. “So what do you like better, television or computers?”
“The camera store.”
“Out of all the new technology, you’re still drawn to the camera store.”
“The guys that work there are awesome...did I use that right? Awesome?”
Kate nodded.
“I bought all the latest equipment. They said come back any time I want.”
“Your first friends are guys who work in a camera store. I guess I shouldn’t be surprised. I do have one question. If you just got here, what did you use for money?”
Drew closed one eye and tilted his head at her. “You don’t know how your dad gets his money?”
“I’m asking about you. My dad writes books, remember?”
“Yeah, but he’s not getting rich off that.” Drew chuckled. “You really don’t know?”
“I guess not. So you’re going to tell me.”
“Jack goes to New York City once or twice a year, right?”
“He has business there, meets with his agent and publisher.” Kate folded her arms across her chest and leaned back. “There’s more to it than that?”
“Jack did a little research and found the Bank of New York was established in the 1800’s. That’s the one he uses in the past because it’s still operating in the present. He puts stocks, gold coins, money and jewelry in his safe deposit box back in 1927 and withdraws it here. He’s lent me a little cash until I can set up my own.”
“It makes sense. Leave it to my dad to figure it out.”
“During spring break we’re going to New York City. I’ll make my first deposit then.”
Kate grew quiet. “You two will be going back...without me?”
“You have to wait until July. Jack said that’s the agreement. It makes sense. That’s when your life starts at the canyon.”
Kate played with her napkin. “You get to have all the fun. I love the canyon and would go every night if I could.”
“That’s my girl. I’m glad you love it as much as I do.”
“I don’t mind you going for a day because you’ll be back in the morning. It’s like you were never gone. When you go to New York you have to take the book so you can stay longer.”
“Yeah, I’m still learning all the secrets of the book. It allows us to stay longer than one night if we take it with us. We only get to the Grand Canyon from here. Then it’s old-fashioned transportation to get us the rest of the way. Jack says it takes a few days one way so we could be gone a week.”
“I don’t like it.” Kate pouted.
“We won’t be leaving for months.” Drew touched her bottom lip. “So stop it.”
“I’ll try not to think about it until the time comes. For now, you still need to meet my friends, especially Jordyn. She’s definitely a 21st century girl. She’s into clothes, boys and make-up, but you’ll love her. She’s the planner of the group and the rest of us follow merrily along. Her moms adopted her from China.”
“You mean mom.”
“No, she has two moms. They’re a family.”
“Two moms.” Drew’s face wore a puzzled expression. He shook his head. “I’ll have to meet them.”
“Good, because you will...soon.” Kate cleaned up the table and tossed the leftovers in the garbage. “Afternoon classes await. Ready?” She held out her hand. Drew intertwined his hand in hers. “This feels so right, Drew. Welcome home.”