Back in Karyn’s office, Grayson took one look at her face and immediately knew something was up. “Hey, what’s the matter?”
She shook her head. “Looks like something has happened between Joie and Andrew. I suspect it’s not good.”
“Something happened?”
“Yeah,” she said, gathering her purse. “That was Andrew in the lobby. He asked me to help him find her.”
“He lost her?”
Karyn rolled her eyes. “No, silly. She took off—like she does whenever she’s hurt. C’mon, we’ve got to go.”
“Where are we going?”
“I need to let Leigh Ann know. From there, I’m not sure.” She didn’t leave him any choice but to follow as she made her way back down the hall.
Grayson scrambled to catch up. “Wait!” He took hold of her wrist, stopping her midway through the lobby. “Joie knows how to reach you. I know you love her and all, but maybe she just wants to be alone to process things.”
She realized with a start that he might be right. Reluctantly, she nodded. “Okay, yeah. I suppose there could be some truth in what you’re saying. I just—”
He pulled her close. “No, I get it. You love your sister and what happens to her matters.”
She took a deep breath, thankful he understood. “The three of us are—well, we’re very close. I mean, we’re different as night and day but we’re like a cord of three strands, tightly woven.”
Grayson lifted her knuckles to his lips and kissed them. “Even so, it’s okay to unwind from them on occasion.”
“Hey, there you are!” Leigh Ann appeared in the doorway leading out to the portico and waved them outside. “Hurry up, you’re going to miss the show. Dad, Mark and me—we’ve all been waiting for you.”
“What about Colby?”
Leigh Ann shrugged. “He’s hanging with friends. Said he’d join up with us later.” Her sister turned to Grayson. “You spend years raising them and then they never want to spend a minute with you. This morning I gave him some socks, told him I found them at the dollar store. You know what he said to me?”
Grayson shook his head. “What’s that?”
“He told me I got ripped off!”
They laughed and made their way onto the portico and through the crowd.
“Hey, everybody,” Grayson said as they approached the table.
Her dad stood and patted his shoulder. “Good to see you again, Grayson. This is quite the crowd, huh?”
Grayson pushed his hand through the top of his shortly-cropped hair. “Man, you’re not kidding. I ended up parking at Karyn’s place and I just jogged over.”
She raised her eyebrows. “You jogged? All the way from my place?”
Leigh Ann slid in next to her husband. His arm went around her shoulders and a look passed between them, one Karyn hadn’t seen in a while.
Their dad seemed to notice too, and smiled. “Remember when I used to bring you girls to this show every summer?” he asked.
Karyn took a seat next to Grayson. “I sure do. One year, Leigh Ann sewed us matching outfits to wear to the show—all in red, white and blue. If I recall correctly, Joie threw a fit and refused to wear hers.”
Their dad laughed. “Ah, yes. I remember. Only I’m not sure if it was the costume or the fact we wouldn’t let her wear her skates.”
“Yeah, just try to convince a stubborn six-year-old that blades won’t work on grass,” Leigh Ann murmured.
“She became quite the skater though,” their dad reminded. “Every winter, Joie practiced for hours and hours on the pond out at the ranch.”
“Yes, and despite her being a little pistol at every turn, I stayed out there on the ice with her, coaxing her on.”
Mark squeezed her shoulders. “Always the big sister.”
“Hello, hello.” Trudy Dilworth swept up to their table, wearing hot pink leggings and a flowing white sleeveless top. Her ample arms were decorated with stacks of gold bracelets, that bangled as she fanned herself. “Goodness, it’s warm this evening.”
She glanced at Mark and Leigh Ann, raised her eyebrows. “Well, well! Just look at you two love birds—holding hands and all.”
“Hi, Miss Trudy.” Leigh Ann greeted her with a satisfied smile. “Where’s Ruby?”
“Oh, she’s been at the Opera House for days, shepherding the final touches on the Yankee Doodle Dandy production. You’re all going tomorrow night, aren’t you?”
“We wouldn’t miss it,” their dad assured her. All of them nodded in agreement.
“Well, I can’t chat long. I’m joining some of my art students and they’re waiting.” She fingered the side of her hair. “Oh, but aren’t these ice shows wonderful? Next to the symphony series, these productions are my very favorite of the summer. I especially adore the synchronized skating. Such loveliness. Did you know every big name figure skater in history has starred in this show at some point? It’s true—from the 1956 Olympic champs Tenley Albright and Dick Button, all the way through to today’s stars.”
Miss Trudy leaned down and shielded the side of her mouth with her hand so as not to be overheard. “It’s a shame the men must now wear trousers. I miss the good ‘ole days when leotards were still allowed.” She winked and dropped her hand. “Oh, how I wanted to be Peggy Fleming or Dorothy Hamill gliding on the ice next to all that manliness.”
Karyn ignored the inuendo. “My favorite was Tara Lipinski.”
Leigh Ann perked up, frowned. “I thought Kristi Yamaguchi was your favorite? Remember when she made that ridiculous fitness video with the California Raisins?”
“Hey now.” Karyn gave her sister a look of mock horror. “What’s wrong with the California Raisins?”
“Apparently not much,” Leigh Ann teased. She pulled a bottle of wine from a basket she’d brought and passed out wine glasses. “Especially since you had dozens of their posters on your bedroom wall growing up. It was a toss-up who you loved more—those California Raisins or The New Kids on the Block.”
That little tidbit seemed to tickle Grayson. “Is that so?”
“Don’t listen to Leigh Ann,” Karyn handed a corkscrew to Grayson, who took it and opened the bottle. “I think I remember my oldest sister meditating, sitting cross-legged in her bath robe for weeks after the Dalai Lama visited the Community School.”
Leigh Ann rolled her eyes. “Wrong sister. That was Joie.”
“Where is Joie?” Mark asked.
“We’re not sure.” Leigh Ann pulled out a second bottle. “She’s spending time with Andrew.”
Miss Trudy lifted her eyebrows “Who is this Andrew?”
“Her new boyfriend,” Leigh Ann reported. “Andrew Merrill is an attorney Joie worked with in Boise.”
“Oh? Well, that’s wonderful!” Miss Trudy’s smile was rich and genuine. “Wouldn’t it be nice if she decided to practice law again. She’s such a smart girl, that one.”
Leigh Ann nodded. “We’re all hoping.”
Miss Trudy waggled her fingers in a little wave. “Well, I’d better move along. We’ll see you at the Opera House tomorrow night, if not before.”
Everyone bid her goodbye.
Karyn waited until the wine had been poured before she couldn’t stand it any longer. “Leigh Ann, maybe we shouldn’t have told Miss Trudy about Joie and Andrew.”
Mark picked up his glass. “Yeah, if your sister finds out, she’s going to hunt you down like a pair of Jimmy Choos on clearance.”
Leigh Ann playfully punched at his gut. “What? Joie has nothing to hide. And, I can’t think of anyone who cares less about brand name shoes.”
Karyn glanced over at Grayson. Perhaps this problem wasn’t hers to untie, but she couldn’t bear to keep what she knew a secret one more minute. “I’m afraid there might be more to the story.”
That got Leigh Ann’s attention. “What do you mean?”
Karyn took a deep breath and recounted what had happened earlier in the lobby, how Andrew Merrill had been frantic to find Joie. “I hope I’m wrong, but looks like the relationship has already turned sour.”
Both her dad and Leigh Ann’s faces showed immediate dismay. “Oh no, I hate hearing that,” her dad said.
Mark shook his head. “That’s tough. We were all hopeful she’d finally found someone.”
Her sister shook her head. “Truthfully though, I was afraid that might happen. Joie doesn’t have the best track record with men. And Andrew looked like a player. Don’t you think he looked like a player?” She took a sip of her wine.
Karyn didn’t know whether to defend her sister, or agree. “Regardless, if true, Joie’s likely hurting. And that’s typically when she goes into hiding.”
She wanted to say more, suggest they possibly go try and find her, but the announcer introduced the first production number. The crowd quieted and the music began.
Leigh Ann leaned and lowered her voice. “I just hope she isn’t at Crusty’s with her friend, Jack Daniels.”
Karyn nodded, took a deep breath and forced her attention on the ice, taking in the graceful movements of the skaters as they entered the rink, the way they moved in perfect unison, the stunning costumes and the electrifying music.
She slipped her hand into Grayson’s, knowing he was right. Joie likely needed time to process this turn in things. There’d be time to console her when she was ready to talk about it.
On the ice, four skaters were performing an amazing barrel jumping routine. Karyn tucked away her concern and let the grandness of the ice show carry her away.
At intermission, Colby showed up with two of his buddies from high school. “Hey, everybody. Any spare room at this table?”
“We’ll make space. Sit down, boys.” Leigh Ann quickly stood and motioned for Mark to scoot over.
“Hey, Aunt Karyn. Grandpa.” Colby pointed to his friends. “You remember Nick and Jimmy?
Karyn greeted the guys and then turned to Grayson. “This is Colby, my nephew. He’s an engineering major at the University of Washington and is home for the rest of the summer.”
“Engineering, huh? Impressive.”
Instinctively, Karyn looked to her sister. This is where Leigh Ann would often jump into a conversation and explain how she and Mark were steering their son toward a biomedical engineering specialty, and what could potentially become a very lucrative career.
Surprisingly, her sister was barely paying attention to the discussion around the table. Her head leaned close to Mark’s and she whispered something in her husband’s ear. They both laughed, enjoying their private exchange.
Soon, it was time for the grand finale—an amazing performance with skaters in red, white and blue costumes making their way across the ice to the tune of Lee Greenwood’s patriotic song God Bless the U.S.A. Overhead, fireworks crackled and burst into color-filled lights sprinkled from above the crowd.
Karyn glanced sidelong at the neighboring table where a small girl perched on her father’s shoulders clapped with joy. Her sister laid her head against her husband’s shoulder. Colby stared at his parents with a wide grin on his face.
Grayson squeezed her hand.
She looked up into the dazzling sky, grateful. Despite a myriad of stresses, what had started out as a day filled with pressure had magically morphed into a wonderful night spent with people she loved. Most especially Grayson.
She told him so as he walked her out to her car after the ice show. “Grayson, this was a perfect evening.” She wove her fingers with his. “Even though I nearly derailed the entire experience before it even started by giving in to interruptions.”
He squeezed back. “Yeah, there were a few of those.” He looked at her thoughtfully, stopped and cupped her chin, lifting her face to his. “Speaking of, I believe you owe me a long overdue kiss.”
“Here? In the parking lot?” She tilted her head playfully. “How would it look if some of the lodge guests were to see us?”
He grinned and lightly brushed her hair from her face. “Wouldn’t be the first fireworks they’d witnessed this evening.”
Grayson leaned into Karyn, so close he could smell the shampoo she’d used. They were finally alone and without interruption. He’d waited a long time for this kiss, and he wasn’t about to let another second pass without feeling her lips against his own.
He reached and nested his fingers in her long silky hair—pressed his lips against hers, tenderly at first and then with growing intensity. From the moment their mouths touched, he was a man hopelessly lost, bewitched by the heady experience.
He kissed her full on the mouth, his body stilled against hers. This felt so right, so natural.
All he could hear was the roar of blood in his ears. It had been too long since he’d felt like this—far too long. He’d wanted her for months—well, from that first day when he’d stumbled upon her at the Hemingway Memorial.
Her breathing became shallow and warm on his skin as she returned his kiss with an insistence that surprised him. A groan trapped in his throat as she locked herself against his chest. “Karyn,” he whispered, paralyzed by the heat of her body.
“Woo hoo—there you are!”
Their heads bolted up in unison to find the Macadams crossing the parking lot, only paces away.
His heat immediately simmered to a slow boil. He groaned in frustration. What were they doing here? And, why now?
Karyn raced to straighten her blouse, her hair. “Bert, Aggie—um—well, hello.”
Shock crossed Aggie’s face. “Oh, dear. Bert, I think we interrupted—”
“No, no,” Karyn quickly assured. “No interruption. Really.” She quickly glanced back at Grayson before continuing, “Did you enjoy the ice show?”
Bert nodded enthusiastically. “We had seats in the VIP box. The fireworks were stunning.”
Grayson’s hand went to Karyn’s back. “We loved them as well. But hey, we were just about to head out. So, maybe we can catch you later?”
Karyn stepped forward and gave her former mother-in-law a hug. “Yes, I’m afraid that’s true. But I’m so glad we ran into each other.”
Bert and Aggie exchanged cagey glances.
“We were kind of hoping you might join us for a bite of dessert at Konditorei,” Aggie said, not bothering to conceal her disappointment. “It’s just a short walk. We wanted to treat you to a sampling of their sachertorte, which is simply to die for.”
Amazed, he watched as Karyn’s resolve melted. She looked back at him. “I suppose—I mean, maybe we have time for one little piece of chocolate cake. Don’t we, Grayson?”
What was he going to say? He looked at the three of them staring at him and reluctantly nodded. “Yeah, I guess. One small piece of cake.”
He wasn’t sure they even heard him. Karyn had already linked her arm with Aggie’s and they were three paces ahead, leaving him to walk with Bert, a situation that was uncomfortable at best, and completely awkward at worst.
Bert felt it too. They followed the women and walked the short distance in silence.
Inside the café, the women parked them at an open table near the window and sent Bert to the counter to place their order.
Aggie set her bag on the floor next to her chair and lifted her nose in the air. “I love the way it smells in here.” She turned to Grayson. “So, our girl tells us you moved here from Alaska?”
“Yes,” he confirmed, joining in her attempt at small talk. “I’m a backcountry pilot.” He slipped his hand over top of Karyn’s.
“Goodness. That sounds . . . very adventurous.” Aggie fingered her collar. “And a little dangerous.”
“Well, no. Not really.”
“You should see the house Tessa McCreary found for Grayson,” Karyn’s voice was so sparkly, it dang near glittered. “Gorgeous property up Warm Springs nestled against the river.”
Bert returned to the table followed by a girl carrying a tray loaded with their desserts. He slid into his chair, lifted the napkin and placed it over his lap. “Did you just mention Tessa McCreary? She did a marvelous job finding our place, and we couldn’t have asked for a more shrewd negotiator when we were vying for that house for you and Dean.”
Their server placed their dessert plates. “Would anyone like coffee this evening? We are featuring a wonderfully rich European blend. Fresh roasted this morning.”
Bert and Aggie nodded enthusiastically. “Oh yes,” Aggie said. “Cups all around.”
Bert slid a piece of dark chocolate cake onto his fork and into his mouth. He chewed with appreciation and swallowed. “Oh, this is delicious,” he quickly reported.
Aggie’s face broke into a smug smile. “Like a little piece of Vienna on a dessert plate.” She turned to Karyn. “By the way dear, Bert and I are so glad we ran into you. Our talk the other day spurred us to buy you a little something.” She turned to her husband. “Isn’t that so, Bert?”
“Yes, we thought a lot about what you said. About how we’d always remain family, no matter what your future holds.” He and Aggie exchanged wide smiles.
She pulled a blue envelope from her purse and slid it across the table. “Don’t open it now. Wait to open it until later, when you’re alone.”
Grayson fought to keep from scowling. He stole a glance at Karyn, who seemed reluctant to meet his gaze.
She reached for the envelope. “What is it?”
Aggie waved her off. “You’ll see. It’s something special.” She looked to her husband. “A little gift from two people who love you very much.”
Perhaps he’d missed something, but there was a glimmer of challenge in the woman’s eyes. Which is why later back out at her car, he urged Karyn to open the envelope.
“Aren’t you curious?” he prompted. “Of course, if you’d rather open it in private, I’d understand.”
“No, that’s not it.”
“Then what?” He knew he was being pushy. The contents of that envelope were none of his business. Still, he couldn’t seem to back off from urging her to reveal what was inside.
She shrugged and pulled the blue envelope from her bag. “I warn you, the Macadams lean toward extravagance. I mean, from our earlier conversation you likely guessed they bought Dean and me a house for a wedding present. On the morning I turned thirty-two, a brand new Buick Enclave sat in our driveway wrapped in a huge red ribbon.
He raised his eyebrows and patted the top of her car. “This one?”
She nodded reluctantly. “Uh-hum. The Macadams are very affluent, and they lavished much of that wealth on Dean. When I walked down the aisle with their son, they extended that generosity my way.”
He let his gaze drop to her hand. “Is that why you put the ring back on?”
A spasm of guilt crossed Karyn’s face. “It’s complicated,” she said, with a thread of pain in her voice.
He drew a deep breath. Did he even have the right to push her to start over? Maybe she wasn’t as ready as that kiss had suggested. “Look, I know it’s hard to let go. I’ve learned that lesson from experience.”
She shook her head. “This is different. His parents have been so good to me. While they can be a bit officious, and often intrusive, their hearts are in the right place. I simply can’t bear to wound them in any way.” The look in her eyes begged him to understand. “I’m all they have left. They need time to adjust to the idea of you and me, that’s all. It’s the least I can do.”
How could he argue that? Still, he felt like a new puppy forced to wear the prior pet’s collar.
He pointed to the envelope. “So, you going to open that?”
“Of course.” As if to make a point, she donned a bright smile and ripped the end open, then pulled out a folded paper that appeared to be an official document of some sort. A frown quickly sprouted on her face.
“What is it?”
“I—I’m not sure.” She curiously fingered the gold seal at the bottom.
He held out his hand. “Do you mind?”
She slid the document into his hand and fixed her eyes on him, blinking nervously.
After scanning the contents, his head shot up, confused. “The Macadams bought you a pair of cemetery plots?”
Karyn chewed her nail and slowly nodded. “Next to theirs.”
“I don’t get it.”
She reluctantly stared at him. “They’re for me—and Dean.”
He rubbed at his jawline. “You mean, Dean isn’t already—” He didn’t finish his sentence.
“Dean once mentioned he wanted his ashes spread at the Hemingway Memorial,” she explained. “So, I never—I put things off for a while. Until I felt ready.”
Understanding suddenly dawned. So, that’s what she was doing that day when he first saw her. The revelation pushed the air from his lungs. “Oh.”
Karyn gently pulled the cemetery deed from his hand. “The Hemingway Memorial—it was a bit of a private joke between the two of us.”
Grayson rubbed at the back of his neck. “So, you want to be buried next to your dead husband, and his parents?”
Flustered, she refolded the certificate. “I—I don’t know. I mean, no—Dean and I both wanted to be cremated.”
His whole body felt odd, like an engine idling too fast. What was he supposed to do with this news?
He paced the pavement, trying to find the right words.
She grabbed his wrist. “Grayson, talk to me.”
It felt for a moment like time had stopped. Finally, he flipped around and stared at her. “Karyn, what is it you want?” He motioned between them. “From this?”
“What do you mean?”
“I need you to know that I’m not pushing you. I get that you lost your husband a relatively short time ago, and I can only imagine the pain you still carry at some level. That in a way, you’ll always have a spot in your heart for Dean. I understand. Really, I do.”
“But . . . ?”
He looked right at her. “I need to know what you want?”
“You asked me that already, and I don’t know what you’re getting at?” She looked in a near panic. Even so, he wouldn’t retreat. This was too important.
He took both her hands in his. “I don’t date.” Seeing the confusion on her face, he hurried to clarify. “I acknowledge we are still very early in this relationship, but I need you to know I moved into this with full understanding of what I hoped for. I looked ahead—months, years—I don’t know how long, but I knew that somewhere out there I wanted you in my life.”
“Like in marriage?” she asked, her eyes wide.
Obviously, all this was coming at her far too fast. He forced himself to slow down and explain. “Perhaps.” He fingered one of her shoulders. “Of course, that would be down the road a ways.”
He took a deep breath and leaned back against her SUV, looking up into the starry black sky. “The entire time I was married to Robin, I had to compete—with her schedule, her ambition, her job. Finally, I lost out to another man, one I didn’t even realize was in the picture until it was too late.”
She reached for his arm. “Grayson—”
He hesitated, but was unwilling to pull back. “I want you in my life, Karyn. But I won’t compete with Dean.” He swallowed and looked her directly in the eyes. “I just can’t.”