Twenty

 

 

Casey grabbed her coat off a hook by the front door and grinned. Slipping her arms into it, she looked around at her cute apartment and felt a sense of satisfaction that would be hard to define to anyone else. Somehow everything had fallen into place. The apartment she had read about in the newspaper turned out to be perfect, a completely renovated wing in an old, yet very familiar house. Warm colorful rugs over Saltillo tile enhanced her green leather furniture and gave it a genuine southwestern look. She even had an office behind the kitchen, and she was preparing the nursery in the small second bedroom.

Casey felt like a truly blessed woman.

She almost forgot the swatches of material for the curtains in the nursery and she rushed back into the bright kitchen to grab them off the counter. She was meeting Amy for lunch later, and the two of them could decide together. How wonderful to be close to her sister again, she thought as she dropped the material into her purse, picked up a ledger, and hurried toward the door.

Walking down the street, she couldn't help but grin at everyone who passed as she murmured "Good morning." How she loved this city with its many cultures and creative energy. As always on her daily walk to the plaza, she paused in front of a gallery and stared at the bigger-than-life sculpture of an older Indian woman assisting a younger woman into a shawl. It always made her think of Juana. Right there, right on the street, a masterpiece for all to admire. It was part of why she so appreciated this city. Santa Fe was a city different, as it was now known.

Sighing with a love of life in any time, she walked toward the plaza and her first stop—the coffee shop and her new friends who greeted her every morning.

"Casey… great to see you again."

"You, too, José. I'll have those papers ready for you to sign tomorrow," she called out.

"Casey, you look so happy. Want to share some of whatever you've got?"

"I sure can, Andy," Casey answered with a laugh as she moved past the people sitting at the counter. "It's called happiness."

Andy, standing behind the counter at the old-fashioned coffee shop, wiped his hands on his apron and said, "You want the usual? Herbal tea and a bagel?"

"After four months of me coming in here, Andy, do you think I'm going to change now?"

Still grinning, the man leaned over the counter and muttered, "Hey, it's a heck of a lot easier than shrimp and sherbert. My wife used to send me on hunting trips in the middle of the night!"

Casey giggled as she laid the ledger she was carrying on the end of the counter. "I guess herbal tea and bagels ain't so bad then, huh?"

"Oh, and speaking of wives," Andy said, "mine informed me that we're going to Hawaii with the money you saved us on the state taxes. Thanks again, Casey."

Smiling with happiness, she nodded. "Thank you for referring me to José. I really think I'm going to make it here, Andy."

The man brought her a take-out cup of steaming water and placed a wooden box of neatly lined tea bags on the counter. "Pick your poison."

Laughing again, she refused to egg on this man who seemed to love to tease her. Andy, who looked like an ex-hippie, had quickly become a good friend. "Let's see…" she pondered while looking through the selection. "Yesterday I had chamomile. I think I'll try"—she paused as she picked up a tea bag—"Strawberry kiwi!"

Andy lifted his lips in an expression of distaste. "If you say so."

"I do," she pronounced, tearing open the wrapping. "Now, what about my bagel? Lightly toasted with cream cheese."

"I got it, I got it," Andy said, while walking over to the commercial toaster. "One bagel, coming up!"

Leaning her elbow on the counter, she looked past the friendly faces of the people sitting there to the booths that lined the front window. Casey opened the first three buttons on her coat and watched the steady stream of people on the plaza. She never tired of it, and spent almost every morning sitting on a bench, eating her breakfast, talking to Luke about everything that was going on in her life… the pregnancy, the move, the apartment she had miraculously found in the d'Montoya compound, her work, things she was learning. She told him everything, knowing that somehow their connection could never be broken. She had finally come to peace about it all… realizing that she didn't have to have all the answers, for what was happening was a much bigger picture than she had been used to viewing.

She was content to be a rookie and learn now at her own pace.

"Here ya go," Andy said, interrupting her thoughts and sliding a brown paper bag across the counter.

"Great," she said, grinning as she picked up her ledger, the bag, and the bill. "I'd leave ya a tip, but then you'd just have to declare it, and we're trying to keep your gross down, remember?"

Laughing, Andy said, "That's what I get when a customer does my books!"

"See you tomorrow, Andy," she called out as she walked toward the cash register in the front of the shop.

"See you, Casey. Keep on keepin' on…"

Without turning back, she raised her fingers in a peace sign. "Adiós."

Standing at the cashier's counter, she watched a man walk down the street with his baby strapped to his chest. She smiled at the sight as she handed over her check.

"How are you this morning, Maria?"

"Ay, if it gets any more busy, I'm going to pull out my braids. It's the skiing season and I hear Taos is so crowded this year you can't drive down the streets without stopping for the tourists." The Indian woman took Casey's money and gave her the change. "How are you doing, hon? You look good. No more morning sickness?"

Casey shook her head proudly. "Haven't been sick for over a week. I think I'm finally over it."

Maria pushed up from her stool and leaned closer to her. "Now the best part comes. This is when you start radiating it to everyone else. That must be some baby you're carrying, 'cause you're beamin'!"

Both women giggled together, as though they shared some wondrous secret. Casey realized she did that a lot… giggle. She couldn't help it. She was too happy to contain it and simply had to let it out.

As she walked out of the coffee shop into the brisk morning air, she again wondered about something that always crossed her mind when she was people-watching.

Why weren't there bumper stickers proclaiming the joy of life? It was real. She was living it! Was there such a thing as being too happy? She didn't think so.

Walking to the corner, she sighed deeply with contentment. Despite not having seen or heard from Luke in four months, she was still happier than she had ever been in her life, at least since she was a little girl. She was living in a great community, in a great apartment, exactly where she wanted to wake up every morning. She was gainfully self-employed, had her sister within walking distance, and had more genuine friends than ever, friends who invited her to gallery openings, concerts, plays, festivals, workshops… Her life was full of joy.

She rubbed her palm over her stomach as she waited to cross the street. And a miracle growing within her to boot! Being a time traveler was the best thing that had ever happened to her, and she wouldn't have changed a moment. Luke was right, everything was evolving at exactly the right time. Why not enjoy the adventure?

She crossed the street and entered the plaza, happy to see that her familiar bench was unoccupied. Only once had it been taken, and then she'd gone back to the coffee shop. That was when she and Andy had really started to talk. She figured that was meant to be too, and so not much tended to bother her anymore.

As she sat down and arranged her things around her, Casey had to admit that only one thing could bring up any clouds on her horizon. And it was her own lingering desire for Luke to find her. She wondered where he was, what had happened to him when she'd slipped off that horse. She worried that he might need her and then reminded herself he was a seasoned traveler. She didn't have to worry about him, as it certainly didn't help either of them, but she did miss him so much.

At night, in bed, she recalled the sensation of being with him… talking to him, watching him move, listening to him, dancing with him, laughing with him, making love with him. The yearning and desire had only increased.

Although Amy was totally behind her lifestyle change and the pregnancy, she was not too thrilled that the father hadn't shown up. Casey had told her sister about Luke— well, what she could tell her about Luke—and Amy was very protective. Casey couldn't blame her. If the situation were reversed, she probably would feel the same way, yet she knew something her sister didn't. Luke was not an ordinary man.

Luke d'Séraphin was an angel in disguise and he had delivered quite a message into her life!

She opened her teacup and blew away the steam before gently sipping. She had wanted someone special to be the father of her child, and she'd certainly gotten her wish. It was actually okay with her to be alone now. The love she shared with Luke could never be diminished by time.

She watched an older couple, dressed in winter clothes, walk hand in hand across the street. The woman stopped at a window to admire the spectacular sculptures being offered for sale. The man put his arm around the woman as the two of them admired the artistry.

That would be nice, she thought, to grow old with Luke… to share adventures and dreams. She should make that her next wish, since all of them seemed to be coming to pass.

Closing her eyes for a moment, she smiled as she centered herself and took a deep breath.

I wish to grow old with Luke… no matter where we are or what we're doing. I just want to share my life with his, my love with his, always.

She opened her eyes and sent it out there into the universe and didn't worry about how much time it would take to fulfill it. Satisfied, she opened her bag and took out her bagel. Chewing happily, she saw the Indians across the street selling their beautiful silver jewelry in front of the Governor's Palace and thought she might reward herself for getting Jose's huge Mexican restaurant as her latest account.

Why not pamper herself?

Making up her mind to do just that, she wrapped the remaining bagel in its wrapper and dropped it into the bag. Taking another sip of tea, she replaced the lid and stood up. She gathered her things and started across the plaza. Something silver… a bracelet maybe, or a ring with a stone to mark this time when everything in her life seemed to be unfolding so beautifully. Some might call it luck, but not her. She could see how one thing led to another now, how at each crossroads she had made a decision, and each time she had called on something within her that had been labeled faith, trust, or love to make the appropriate choice. Somehow it all worked out.

She was filled with happiness, her attention captured by a certain blanket. The sun was glittering on a wide silver cuff which seemed to capture the shining brilliance. She began to cross the street when suddenly everything started to slam into her consciousness…

A car approaching too fast.

Her feet frozen in fear.

In an instant she thought her mind had separated from her body. Everything began to move in slow motion, as though she were watching herself in a movie. All she heard was the pounding of her heart and the rush of blood in her veins. Somehow she sensed she couldn't stop what was unfolding in front of her. Just as she began to accept the inevitable, she felt a force that nearly took her breath away… a force so hard, her teacup flew out of her hand and she was spun around and stumbled into a dark figure as the car whizzed past.

"Buenos días, señorita. I believe we have met before."

The voice! She squinted hard to make out the face.

"When I told you to enjoy the moment, querida, I didn't mean to become oblivious to everything around you." He leaned closer and whispered, "Part of being a time traveler is being aware of where you are."

Luke!

Yes, it was he! Luke d'Séraphin, philosopher, builder, time traveler extraordinaire, and let's not forget, father-to-be!

Stunned, she watched him take her bag and the ledger. "I don't think I want you going anywhere without me again," he said with a breathtaking smile.

She could only stare at him, wearing his cowboy hat and that big riding coat. Her hands free, she suddenly pushed him on the shoulders. "Where have you been?!"

He laughed at her actions and said, "Oh, my love… how I have missed you. Come here and give me a kiss, for I've been busy and have dreamed of this moment."

All questions vanished as her body relaxed with gratitude. She slipped her arms around his waist and hugged him closer. His lips gently brushed hers for just a moment in greeting before becoming more insistent, demanding a response that Casey gladly gave.

I knew he would find me, her heart sang.

She had followed her heart and here she was… in a moment of sheer bliss.

"Come, let's get off the street," he whispered into her mouth.

Realizing they actually were in the street, she giggled and allowed him to lead her back into the plaza. It was like waking from a dream, one that she'd had so often. It was why she kept coming back to the plaza, day after day… wanting, dreaming, wishing… and here it was. She was protected beneath Luke's strong arm.

"I still want to know where you've been," she announced in a falsely stern voice while leaning her head against his upper arm and squeezing his waist.

He chuckled. "I've been busy arranging some things and—"

Her head snapped up. "You think you've been busy?" she interrupted in disbelief. "Well, let me tell you a thing or two, Mister Time Traveler… I've quit my job, moved out here, hustled myself a fine little business, and—"

"Estoy aquí, mi amor… I am here, my love," he whispered, bending his head and looking at her beneath the wide brim of his cowboy hat. "You are brave, Casey… and irresistible." It was his smile that was irresistible. "Not many would seduce an angel and then draw him back again and again. Have you no shame for the quandary you have created? Have you no regrets?"

The child within her seemed to quicken with soft butterfly movements. "None," she answered truthfully. "If I had any, it would be that I didn't meet you years ago. We've lost so much time."

His brown eyes seemed to sparkle with mischief. "What's time, my love?"

She giggled again. "I would say an illusion, 'cause I know that answer would please you, but I've got to say in five months we're going to be on a whole new adventure."

"You know this?" he asked with a smile, placing her things on an empty bench.

"Uh-huh," she replied. "I know this."

He looked at her again, closely… smiling into her eyes, connecting with her deeply. "You have changed," he whispered in an impressed voice. "You must have been learning on your own, for you're literally beaming now."

"There's a reason," Casey threw out to see if he would catch her drift. Maybe being pregnant, she wasn't so easy to read. There could be lots of bennies to her condition she had yet to discover.

"I'm sure there is a reason. Would you care to share it?"

"I'm pregnant. Four months pregnant, to be exact. In May of next year, you and I will be entering the adventure of parenthood, Luke."

She watched as his eyes became huge with shock. She was right. He didn't know. He seemed stunned and slowly lowered himself to the bench. Stifling a laugh, Casey sat next to him and started rubbing his back.

"Breathe," she ordered, and watched as he took a huge gulp of air.

"Now, breathe again," she advised just as he had done in a different time, under different circumstances. It was obvious that on this new adventure she wasn't the rookie. Luke was. "Now calm down and tell me how you feel."

He stared out at the street for a moment before turning to her. He still looked surprised, yet there was something in his eyes and she swore it was tears. "Do you remember when you first told me that you had been thinking about having a baby right before you were brought back in time?"

She smiled. "Yes. You looked like I had dropped a brick on your head."

"That's because I knew your thoughts had been so powerful that you were making your future unfold, and it was obvious I was to be a part of it. It really shook me. Me, a father…"

"And now?" She held her breath as she waited for his answer.

"I came back to you, Casey, for you, but this… this miracle makes the adventure all the more beautiful, querida. Gracias, from my heart."

He gathered her in his arms. "We must get married at once!"

Casey sank into his embrace with such love that she couldn't contain it. She started giggling.

"What?" He pulled back and searched her face. "Why are you laughing?"

"Oh, Luke," Casey said, wiping at the moisture under her eyes. "I'm giggling like a bloody fool all the time now. I just love the way this pattern is unfolding. Of course I'll marry you… again!"

He was staring at her and she felt herself lost in the past, in their shared memories, in his dark fathomless eyes, his tender yet sensual smile.

"Fools rush in where angels fear to tread, my love. I could not stay away. You've enchanted me with your love, and a love such as yours, anywhere, in any time, is irresistible to my kind. We have all the time we need to live as one."

"I know," Casey breathed as it all fell into place. "Two fools."

"You will understand when I must disappear for short periods? That I still have services to perform?"

"I understand." She could think of a few services he could perform as soon as they were back at the apartment.

He nodded. "That is what I was doing. I had to retrieve that note you left for Rosalinda, and I have something for you." He reached into the inside pocket of his coat and held out his hand.

Casey opened her palm and watched as her four-leaf-clover pendant fell into it.

Staring at him, her hand, and then back at him, she whispered, "Rosa gave it to you?"

"Sí, she said it worked for her." He closed his eyes briefly. "I must get her words right. She said to tell you that hope, faith, love, and destiny all came together when Tomás asked her to be his wife. Now it's your turn and she hopes we will attend her wedding feast."

"Rosa's getting married to Tomás?" Why that surprised her, considering how everything else was unfolding, she didn't know… Just the shock of holding her pendant again was startling.

"Sí, a summer wedding is planned. Do you think we could find a baby-sitter, my love?"

Still stunned, Casey held up her hand and began her rant. "Oh, I am not planning that far ahead. And you still have to meet my sister. She isn't too pleased with you at the moment, but when she gets to know you, she'll understand. Whether she'll baby-sit or not is another story."

Luke pulled her into his arms. "Oh, my precious angel… I am so sorry I wasn't here for you. When you said you had left something behind, I had to go back for it."

"I caused this?" Casey murmured against his neck.

He shook his head. "There is no blame, my love… there is only now. We're together. I am honored you are carrying our child beneath your heart. I will be here for you. I promise. We are a united force now."

She sighed as she looked down the street to the chapel where his staircase drew hundreds of visitors each week. How many women could claim to be loved by someone whose very name means angel of light? There were no detours on the road to grace, only side trips, all leading back to this moment of joy. Again she counted her blessings.

Why, she'd almost given up until Luke had come along, enchanting her, reminding her of what every unmarried person secretly feels and often denies…

She just knew she had a greater destiny.