Chapter Seven

 

They enjoyed the summer weather and talked late into the evening. During that time, her mother never brought up the subject of Albert. As the two headed into the kitchen for more lemonade, Kate decided to find out what she was waiting for.

“I’m biding my time. Your father had a long day.”

“Mom, I’m not being pushy or anything but I want to invite grandma to my wedding so you better tell him.”

“You’re going to have to plan a fall wedding then, Kate. We always go back the beginning of October and Lilly might not know who you are before then.”

“Fine! I don’t want her there if she doesn’t know who I am. Let’s just go tell Dad.” Kate slid the door open to the backyard deck.

“You two are up to something, I can tell.” Her dad smiled at them when they returned.

“Dad, I know all about your family crisis and I want grandma to come to my wedding.” Kate blurted out.

He raised his eyebrows and leaned back in his chair. Then he folded his hands together and started tapping his thumbs together. “Why am I always the last to know everything around here?”

“Because you’re never here!” Kate’s mom said it with her, laughing at their old joke.

“Please don’t be mad. I was doing some research and Mom filled in the blanks. I hate Uncle Albert!”

“You don’t even know him, Kate.” Her father said quietly.

“I don’t care, I still hate him!” She got up and went over to hug her father. “Right now we’re going to plan my wedding. I know Drew filled you in during the trip. I think he asked you to be his best man.” She looked over at Drew. “We may have to postpone a few weeks, if that’s alright. I really want my Grandma Lilly to come.”

Drew nodded in agreement. “It will give my parents time to come out for the wedding. I plan on telling them when I go back to see them after Lucinda’s wedding.”

“Lucinda! I forgot all about her! I have to be in that wedding first. I don’t think I can start my senior year at school, I’ll be so busy.”

Her father appeared to not like the sound of that. “You will definitely be going to school, Kate.”

“I’m just kidding.” She sat on Drew’s lap. “I’m tired. I’m going in.” She whispered in his ear. “And you have to come with me.”

“Guest room, Drew.” Her dad said over his shoulder as they went in the house.

“Yes, sir.” Drew gave him a salute and huge grin.

They ran upstairs and into the guest room. Drew had a drawer full of clothes in the room plus the book. It was more his room than a guest room.

“Drew, do you feel up to going to the canyon tonight? I’m so wound up about everything. It might help to get back there.”

“Sure, let me shower first and then we can go.” Drew pulled her into his arms and kissed her quickly. “Now go, or I’ll never get ready.”

Kate walked down the hall to her room. Grabbing her phone, she decided to give Carl a call. It might as well be the night he traveled to 1927 with them.

“Kate? Is everything okay?” Carl’s voice sounded concerned.

“Yes, I’m fine. I know it’s late but I wanted to let you know that if you’re ready, Drew and I are heading to the canyon tonight.”

“This is great timing. My mom left today on a two week cruise with some of her friends from the college. I was going to tell you earlier, but you were so upset over the dream, I thought it could wait. She’ll never know I went. Perfect!”

“Remember to stay where you are in the morning until Drew or I find you.” Kate hung up her phone and waited for Drew to finish his shower.

Before long, he came into her room, wearing just pajama shorts and toweling his hair dry. It was too much for Kate to resist. She jumped out of bed and into his arms.

“Drew! How can you stand this! I want you right now!”

Drew kissed her and said, “I can wait because I love you. Quit teasing me, though!” He sat on the edge of her bed. “Let’s change the subject. I’m guessing you called Carl while I was in the shower. I have a feeling he’ll be in one of the rooms upstairs when we wake up. That’s where I end up. I’ll check on him so you don’t have to worry.”

“That would be great. I’ll meet you two outside and we’ll bring Carl into the boardinghouse saying we just met.”

Kate sat down next to him. “Goodnight, love,” and she kissed him sweetly.

“Too much, I need to get over to my room. I love you!” Drew ran out the door.

Kate giggled to herself. Maybe she wouldn’t have to wait to get married after all.

* * * *

Waking at the boardinghouse was the best part of the day. Its wonderful aromas always greeted her, something was always baking and fresh coffee was brewing. On most days, the sun streamed in her window through the thin cotton curtains. Kate always liked that moment, when she woke up not having a thought in her head. The cares of the day hadn’t crept into her mind and she could just lie there contemplating the new day.

“Carl!” Kate knew the peacefulness would not last long. Jumping out of bed, she ran to her closet in the hall to grab some clothes. As she was going back to her room, she spotted Drew and Carl going out the front door. She quickly dressed and followed them outside.

When she reached them, Carl had the biggest grin on his face she’d ever seen. He looked so happy and put out his arms as if to hug her. She held up her hand.

“No, Carl! We don’t know each other, remember?”

“Sorry, you’re right. You two better start calling me Joseph, then.”

“Joseph, may I take you inside and introduce you?” Kate pointed the way. She turned to Drew. “See you later.”

They walked down the hall to the kitchen. Kate called out. “Mr. Johansson? Are you in there?”

“Yes, flicka, in here.” A voice came out of the kitchen. Flicka meant girl in Swedish and she loved when Carl Sr. called her that name. The first time he did, she was insulted thinking he was calling her the same name as his horse. She smiled at the memory.

Carl Jr. stopped short in the hall and leaned against a wall. His hand covered his face and Kate could see he was deeply moved. “I haven’t heard that voice in over ten years.”

She gave him a minute to compose himself and then continued into the kitchen. “Carl, this is Joseph. I just met him outside. He said he’s looking for Maya.”

Carl Sr. turned from the stove and looked at Carl Jr. His eyes flashed for a moment in recognition, but then it was gone. He put out his hand. “Carl Johansson, nice to meet you. Sorry, Maya’s not here today. She goes on long visits sometimes and isn’t here for days.”

“That’s fine, I’m sure I’ll catch up with her. I was passing through on my way to California and thought I’d stop for a visit. I’m her cousin, Joseph.”

“Welcome, Joseph. I know Maya would want me to make you feel at home. Please feel free to take a room upstairs.”

“Oh, I couldn’t do that, really.”

Kate could tell he was flustered from lying to his father.

“Then I have a small bunkhouse out behind the barn. I insist you stay there.” Carl Sr. was persistent.

“Thank you, sir. I may do that.” Carl Jr. smiled. “I hope you don’t mind if I look around? I may even take a visit to the canyon.”

“Not at all, my home is your home. Maya would want me to make you feel welcomed here. You can drive in with me later, when I take the girls to work. You’ll need to conserve your energy for walking the canyon.”

Since everything was going so well, Kate slipped out of the room and back to hers. She knew to follow her routine from last year, work at El Tovar and come back to the boardinghouse each night. While at work, she would see Drew and her friends. It was a simple life. And maybe she needed things to be simple for a while. It would give her time to think after learning so much the past week about her family. Besides, there could possibly be some answers right there at the canyon.

Kate heard the Buick’s horn and knew it was time to go. Carl Jr. was already in place, up front with his dad and Kate hopped in back with the girls. She could see the two men having an easy conversation while they waited. Kate was thrilled Carl got to see his dad again and was sure he felt the same.

When they arrived at El Tovar, Carl Jr. jumped out with the girls. “Kathryn, may I talk to you for a minute?”

“Sure.” Kate waved to Carl Sr. and the other girls. “Be in soon, give me a minute.”

“Kate, how do I look? Am I younger, stayed the same? Do I look as old as my father? Boy, he looks good, doesn’t he? He uses more Swedish than back in the eighties and nineties with us.”

“Carl, calm down! I think you look the same as back in Ohio. You and your father look about the same age and there’s an eerie resemblance between the two of you. I hope no one notices.”

“I think everyone will just notice a black man wandering around the Grand Canyon. I don’t think they will say, ‘Hey, he looks just like Carl Johansson!’”

“That’s not funny!” She wanted him to have a good experience. “Go and explore and have fun. See you back here for lunch. Head over to Kolb Studio, I’m sure Drew’s there. He’ll give you some tips on exploring the canyon.”

“Great! See you later.”

Kate stepped into the kitchen to the sound of familiar chatter and clanking of dishes. Thomas was at the stove, as usual, humming to himself. He turned and winked at her as she walked past. Kate decided she would get to know him a little better this time around. She went back to the stove area and started a casual conversation.

“What has you so happy today, Thomas?”

“I have a date with a girl tonight, Kate. Hopefully, I’ll be able to say she’s my girl soon.”

She knew he was talking about Rachel, but acted like she didn’t. “Do I know her?”

“Well, let me see...” Thomas had a delightful grin on his face. “Since you only have been here a few days...no.”

Kate laughed at his teasing. “What’s her name? Will I meet her?”

“Her name is Rachel and I hope you’ll meet her soon. Now get to work before we both get in trouble.” Thomas motioned to Miss Betsy who just appeared in the kitchen.

“Miss Betsy is harmless.” Kate laughed but got back to work.

She loved working with Anna and Ruthie because they always had fun together. Her great-great Aunt Lucinda was already promoted to the dining room so she didn’t see as much of her. She might be meeting her future husband, Henry Hasting, in there right now. Kate enjoyed knowing what was going to happen this year. Last year she lived it, this year she knew what to expect. She reminded herself to let things play out and not interfere...which was a little hard to do.

Lunchtime came quickly and Kate hurried around to the front of El Tovar to meet Drew. Carl also sat on the porch with him. Kate waved to both of them.

“Carl, um, I mean, Joseph, how has your day been so far?”

“Before we left the boardinghouse this morning, I did a little exploring. I went in the barn, found the bunkhouse and walked the grounds. I can see why you love it so much, Kate. I may take Dad up on his offer to live in the bunkhouse.”

“Carl! We said one day only.”

“Well, I’m a grown man who can make his own decisions, right? I think I may come back. I met someone and I’d like to get to know her better.”

Kate was shocked. “You were here half a day and you met someone?”

“Yep, she was taking a break from her job, enjoying the canyon. She’s a maid at one of the hotels, even looks cute in a uniform.”

“Not a good idea.”

“You did it, Kate! And look how that turned out.” Carl reached over and patted Drew on the shoulder.

“I’m supposed to be dead, Carl. So Kate didn’t interfere with my history here, you know, I have no future wife, children...” Drew tried to defend her.

“But she did change history, Drew. You have to admit that. You’re alive and living in a different century.”

Kate decided to stop the debate. “So who is she, Carl? Does she like you?”

“I don’t know her name yet, but we’re meeting after she’s done with her shift later today. If she agreed to meet, then I think she must like me.”

“Okay, meet up with her one time. Find out her name and we’ll try to research her history when we go back home.”

Carl nodded his head in agreement. “Maybe I’ll be bringing someone to the future, too. I’ll meet you back at the boardinghouse tonight, should know more then.” He bounded off the stairs and out toward the canyon. He turned and gave the couple a quick salute. “Wish me well.”

Kate looked at Drew and saw he was as worried as she was. “What have I done? I’ve created a monster!”

He took her hand. “He’s in charge of his own destiny. If it’s meant to be, then it’s meant to be.”

“Where have I heard that before?” Kate placed her other hand on the side of her temple. “Maya would be so upset if she knew we were doing this without her knowledge.” Maya was Kate’s grandmother figure and always on her side. Now Kate felt guilty doing this behind her back.

“Don’t you think Carl Sr. will be telling her soon?” Drew squeezed her hand.

“Oh, I forgot to tell you. Carl said his mom is on a two week cruise. He has time to come back as much as he wants. She’ll never know.”

“Again, Kate, I’m going to say you’re not at fault. I think Carl would have made it back here...with or without your help. Now I have to get back to work and so do you. I’m planning on coming out to the ranch tonight. See you then.”

“I’ll talk some sense into Joseph...make that Carl...when we get back to the present.” She called over her shoulder as she headed back to work.

Kate couldn’t wait for the day to end and was relieved to see the Buick pull up behind El Tovar. The girls ran out to greet Carl Sr. He seemed to be looking around for something or someone. “Girls, have you seen Joseph? I’d like to give him a ride home.”

They all shook their heads no. Carl started up the car to head back to the boardinghouse. He continued scanning the landscape as he drove away, but Carl Jr. was nowhere in sight. Kate crossed her fingers everything would work out as planned.

After dinner, Kate went outside to sit and wait for Drew. In the distance, she spotted him and his horse, Canyon, coming down the road. She got up to greet them. Someone was on the back of the horse, behind Drew. As they came closer, Kate saw it was Carl.

“I’m so glad to see the both of you.” Kate ran to Drew as he slid off the horse.

“I’ll take him to the barn for you.” Carl took the reins of the horse and headed toward the stable.

Drew appeared to be in shock. Kate grabbed him and spun him in her direction. “What’s wrong?”

“You’ll never guess whose Carl’s date was.”

“It will be a little hard to guess because I don’t know any of the maids at the hotels.”

“Yes, you do.”

“Drew, stop it! Just tell me. Who is it?”

“Rachel.”

Kate couldn’t believe what she heard. “You mean Thomas’ Rachel?”

“Yes, that’s who I mean.”

Carl walked toward them, looking pleased with himself. “Kate, I met the most wonderful girl. I think it’s love at first sight. She’s smart, beautiful...brilliant in fact. In our time, there’s no way she would be a maid. It’s not fair. I plan to do something about it.”

“Carl, no! You can’t. Rachel’s taken.”

“Not according to her. She has some date tonight with the cook at El Tovar but that’s just a casual thing. They aren’t exclusive.”

“That cook is my best friend.” Drew looked like he wanted to punch Carl.

“Guys, let’s sit down and talk this out.” Kate took both of them by the arm. A group of trees away from the boardinghouse looked like the perfect spot. She pulled them both down to the ground, facing each other, when they arrived. “Carl, we said you’d come one time. You can’t change Rachel’s life by coming back.”

“No, Kate, you said I should come one time. I never agreed to that. I like it here. I’m planning on coming back no matter what you say.”

Drew stood up. “I’ve had enough of this. Carl, you can’t come back. I won’t let you ruin Thomas’ life.”

Carl stood, too. “I won’t. If Rachel is meant to marry Thomas, she will.” He stormed off toward the house.

“This isn’t the practical Carl I know. Give him some time to cool down. He’ll come to his senses.” Kate reached up to Drew and he pulled her to her feet.

“If you say so, I’ll try to believe it. But those were the eyes of a determined man.” Drew walked slowly with Kate back to the boardinghouse. “Carl decided to sleep in the bunkhouse tonight and I will, too. The bunkhouse is part of the ranch, so it should bring us back to the present. Hopefully, I’ll see you tomorrow back home.”