Chapter 21

Dinner with Heather’s family two nights before had been perfect. It felt like home. Today, Allen worked with his patients and by the time he headed home, the sun was setting. The clouds below picked up the colors of yellow and deep gold in the sky, and Allen hummed along to the Christmas music on the radio. When his cell rang, he connected his Bluetooth to his truck. His heart leaped inside his chest by the name on the screen.

“You miss me already?”

Heather giggled. “I’ll neither confirm nor deny that.”

“I’ll let you have that one. What’s going on?”

“I realize I’ve never been to your house.”

“What do you have in mind?”

“I was thinking I would… come over and cook you dinner.”

“That won’t be too much for your knee?”

“I’ll be fine.”

“What are you’re cooking?”

“I’m not telling. It’ll be a surprise. How does an hour sound?”

He checked the time on his watch. “That’ll work. It’ll give me time to clean up.”

“Long day at work?”

“Something like that.” He hadn’t told her about seeing his ex-wife. Were they that serious that he needed to? Besides, Allen hadn’t seen Crystal since that evening with Heather at the restaurant. He didn’t want to go back down memory lane. His life was changing for the better. He wanted it to stay that way.

“Then I’ll bring something special for dessert.”

“More gingerbread?”

“I thought cheesecake,” Heather said.

“I’ll see you soon.” He hung up as his chest expanded. He and Heather were dating. Would he always smile at nothing thinking of her? He hoped so.

Pulling into his driveway, he spotted a Mercedes Benz. Cutting the engine, he stepped out of his car as his eyes widened.

Crystal stepped out of the car wearing a white and black checkered coat. Her chocolate brown curls were longer. Eyes like honey, they stared into him. She laced her gloved hands together. She bit her bottom lip. This was not happening. Who told her where he lived?

Her voice was only a whisper. “Hello.”

“Crystal?” He stared into her eyes the same way he did at the hospital. That day, she jerked her hand away from him. Her eyebrows scrunched, and her expression pinched. He sat on her bed and tried to comfort her, but the doctor asked him to leave and not to upset her.

Traumatic Brain Injury tore Crystal from his life, but it was the retrograde amnesia that sealed his fate. She didn’t know who he was. Even when he proved it with their marriage license and wedding photos, Crystal turned her nose up at him.

Her parents made it worse, convincing her to divorce him. It would be a clean break since they already had problems in their marriage. Her parents loved sharing with him about the phone calls where Crystal shared about their marital woes. No, he wasn’t perfect, but she could have at least met him halfway.

Because of the friction and her parents filling her in on their rocky marriage, divorce came into the conversation. Allen objected, but he couldn’t convince his agitated wife. She spent weeks in the hospital with her injuries, including psychiatry help to deal with the post-traumatic stress. He should have fought harder for her. He should have taken Crystal away with him, but between her accident and losing his mother, Allen couldn’t take anymore.

Now she stood before him. Her skin glowed, and her eyes shimmered with affection. Did she remember him?

“Crystal?” He stepped closer.

Her eyes teared up, and she made a steeple of her fingers. He heard her breath hitch, and she inched closer. “Allen?”

“You know who I am?”

“You’re Allen Richards.”

His chest heaved with a sigh. “I can't believe it.”

“Me neither.” She wiped at her damp eyes. “I asked around to find out where you lived. This town is friendly. You like it here?”

“Yeah, I do.” He’d grown to love Maple Meadow and the people in it. They embraced and treated him like family. The Christmas fair was coming up soon. He even spoke to people as he walked up and down the street.

“Can we talk?” Crystal asked.

“I...”

“Please?”

He gestured for her to follow him. She remembered him. He never thought the day would come. Once inside, Crystal loosened the checkered scarf around her neck. She looked around his home, focusing on the pictures on the coffee table.

“Nice pictures,” she said.

“Thanks.”

“I don't suppose you have any of... us?” she asked.

Allen sighed. “I thought it was best to forget.”

“What?” She raised her eyebrows.

“That's what your father said. You agreed.”

Her lips parted. “You make it sound as if I caused the accident.”

He ran a hand down the back of his neck, ignoring the tightness in his chest. “I'm not. What I am saying is we were having problems long before you lost your memory. I wanted to try, but you filed for divorce.”

“Can you blame me? After the accident, I was so confused. I didn’t know what I was doing. I’m sorry.”

His body went still. Crystal was apologizing. “You’re what?” Allen did a double-take. She couldn’t have been the same woman he married in college. Though the Crystal who stood before him now seemed sincere, he didn’t trust her.

It was best she left. She never listened to him when he wanted to fight for their marriage. Allen never begged, but the calls she had sent to voicemail were a slap to his face. She didn’t give him a chance.

Yet, an unexpected release of tension left his body. He prayed for the day Crystal would remember him. “Tell me why you’re here?”

“Allen,” she said as she walked over to him. She reached for his hands, grazing his palms with her fingers.

“Crystal… I…”

“Please?” She pulled him into an embrace, wrapping her arms around his neck. His hands hung to his sides at first, but then he pressed his fingers into her back.

Crystal held him tight and for a moment, Allen closed his eyes. Reality took over. He lost those memories. Crystal cared more about what her family thought, working to please her parents.

Allen pulled away from her embrace. He was glad she regained her memories, but she couldn't have come at a worse time. Stepping away, she wrung her hands together.

“What’s going on, Crystal?” he asked.

“I wanted to see you.”

“After all this time.”

“I've been doing a lot of thinking. I shouldn’t have left you the way I did. I spent too much time beating myself up about it, but I remember now.”

“I’m glad.”

“Face it, Allen, we were too young. I didn’t know what I wanted except a career of my own.”

“Did you get it?” he asked.

She nodded her head. “Yes, but I… I lost you. I shouldn’t have let my parents talk me into it. Though I convinced them on our wedding, I should have cut ties then.”

He crossed his arms as heat flushed through his body. Life wasn’t fair at all.

“Allen?”

He wouldn’t break. In the past, he would have given into her spoiled ways, wanting to appease and keep her happy. Those days were over. He didn’t answer.

Crystal touched a hand to her chest. “I don’t remember you being like this. You've changed.”

“I like it,” he said.

“I can’t tell you how sorry I am.”

“You’ve said it already,” he said.

“Don’t be like that, Allen!”

His nostrils flared. “Like what? Truthful? You didn’t even give us a chance to fix it. You chose your family over me. You didn’t even tell me face to face you were leaving. I find out with a note and later that day your parents’ lawyer calls.” He inched closer. “I loved you with everything I had. I would have given you the world if I could. I loved you, Crystal.”

“I didn’t mean any of it. I loved you too. I need you to understand.” She cupped his face. “I couldn’t remember, Allen. After all the trauma I went through in the hospital, the doctors didn’t think I would recover. You seemed like a nice guy, but my parents thought it was best. They kept telling me it was the right decision, but then I remembered how horrible I was. I let my parents into our marriage and I ruined things for us.” Her hands fell from his face. “I didn’t know about your Mom until later.”

Allen blew out his cheeks. He understood, but it didn’t change what happened. “Crystal…”

“Don’t shut me out. Not now.” She locked eyes with him once more. “I need to tell you—”

“Can you go, please?” He turned away. He couldn’t look at her anymore. Her tears were too much.

“Allen, I can't. I have to—”

“I need you to go.”

She reached her hand to his arm, but he pulled away.

“I’ll let myself out,” she said.

***

Heather stirred the last of the spaghetti as the garlic wafted off the sauce. She tried not to bounce on her toes, but tapped the spoon against the pot after tasting her mother's secret sauce. Heather licked her lips in approval, getting the recipe right. While she could stand longer on her feet, she didn’t want to overexert herself.

Spaghetti was on the bottom of her meal plan list, but it was quick and simple. Parting her lips, Heather grinned at nothing. Wow, she felt corny. If silly grins and giggles were a sign of being in love, she was falling deeper and deeper.

She warded it off, but staying away from Allen proved impossible. Tonight she would tell him. He said how he felt, and while she hinted at it, she hadn’t shared her heart. Hearing her front door open, Tinsel barked.

“Sis?” Sonia called out.

“In the kitchen,” Heather said.

“Are you ready?” her sister asked.

“Almost.” She turned to see her sister frown. “What’s wrong?”

“Last night I heard Mom on the phone. I think she‘s bringing her boyfriend to meet us.”

“That’s a good thing. We can give him the third degree.”

Sonia raised an eyebrow.

“I’m kidding. If she’s happy then I’m happy.”

“Who are you and what have you done with my sister?”

Heather turned off the burner, pivoting to face her. “I’ve been doing some thinking. Mom’s always sacrificed for us, even if it meant not seriously dating and putting herself out there for a relationship. I don’t want her to miss an opportunity.”

“This wouldn’t be because you’re dating Allen, right?”

“What can I say?”

Sonia didn’t look convinced. She rested her elbows on the kitchen island.

“Don’t worry about Mom,” Heather said.

Sonia blew out her cheeks. “It’s just got me thinking. I'm happy for her, but it’s been the three of us for as long as I can remember. I hope this guy loves her.”

Heather walked over and wrapped her arms around her sister. “I’m scared too. I shouldn’t be, but—”

“Why can’t you be?”

Heather straightened and sat on a barstool. “I’ve always been the strong one. I know no one asked me to, but I couldn’t stand by and not help Mom. So I worked throughout high school and college. When Dad left, I didn’t want the load to be all on her shoulders. She’s too great of a person.” She rubbed at her eyebrow.

Sonia took her sister’s hand. “I’m sure Mom didn’t want you to do that. She’s proud of us both. Perhaps we had to grow up faster than most kids, but don’t put that pressure on yourself.”

Heather dabbed at her eyes. “I know. I tried not to, but I couldn’t help it. I wanted Mom to know she could depend on someone.”

“She depends on both of us, but she’s not helpless.”

Heather bobbed her head. If she gained strength from anyone, it was her mother. “I know.”

“But…” Sonia bit her bottom lip.

“What?”

“What if this guy’s name is Harold? Or Bob?”

“What’s wrong with that?”

Sonia shrugged. “I don’t picture our mother with a man with that name. Is he bald? What does he do for a living?”

“We’ll find out soon enough. Until then...” Heather gestured to the pot on the stove. “You sure you don't mind giving me a lift?”

Sonia shook her head. “It's on the way home, anyway.”

“Thank you.” She caught her sister staring at her with a smile. “What?”

“Nothing. I'm happy for you.”

Heather hugged her sister tight.

***

Allen rushed to the door only to stub his toe on the coffee table. He hopped in place, as a groan escaped his lips. He needed to calm down, but Heather made his heart soar.

Regaining his bearings, he opened the door after the doorbell rang for a second time. Heather stood with a pot in her hands. Allen took it from her, taking care to use the towel underneath in case it was too hot. He waved at Sonia in her car, and she pulled out the driveway. He smiled at Heather, ushering her inside.

She didn’t wobble as much, but she was walking better with her knee. Soon their sessions would be over. She took off her coat, revealing her sweater dress. “Nice place.”

Allen liked how the dress hugged her curves. Her skin glowed, and despite the knee brace, she looked stunning. “Thanks.” He walked to the kitchen and set her pot on his stove.

Heather called out to him. “I see a few boxes lying around.” She sat on the sofa by the time he returned to join her in his living room. She noticed a photo on his coffee table. “Is this your mother?”

Allen sat next to her on the couch. His fireplace popped as a fire kindled, but his eyes diverted to the photo Heather mentioned. The picture captured his mother decorating their family Christmas tree. He was the little boy in the background, tangled in the garland.

“Yeah, it’s one of my favorite photos.” He cleared his throat.

Heather took his hand. “I didn't mean to bring the mood down.”

He smiled and leaned in to kiss her cheek. How did she always manage that floral scent? “You look great.”

She gestured at her knee brace. “This itches.”

“You’ll be free of it soon enough.”

“I’ve been thinking about that.” She tucked a curl behind her ear.

“What?”

“When our sessions are over…”

“Yeah?”

“I know I haven’t said it, but I want to be honest with you. I can’t stand that. If only people would talk things out.”

Allen swallowed. If only Crystal wasn’t in town. “Go on.”

Heather continued. “I don’t want to see anyone else. I didn’t plan on… on… liking you, but I don’t think I can stop.”

He bowed his head. The timing was off. He had to figure out what Crystal wanted and cut ties with her for good. Looking up at Heather, he stroked her chin. “I feel the same way.”

“I’m…” She blew out her cheeks. “I also want you to know I’m scared of… this.” She gestured between them. He rested both hands on her shoulders. Heather released a deep breath. “I can’t promise anything.”

“I can’t either,” he said.

“But I want to try... with you.”

Allen pressed their foreheads together. It was now or never. “Heather?”

“Yes?”

“I need to tell you something.”

She cleared her throat. “What’s that?”

His mouth went dry. “I… I want you to know I will not let my past come between us. I’ll face whatever I have to if it means being with you.”

She cupped his face in her hands. Heather kissed him and a moan left his mouth. She was it for him. They were opposites, but she complemented him. Opposite of his reserved life, Heather faced life head on. He wanted to do the same—with her. Her mouth, sweet as always, and his fingers played in the curls of her hair. He couldn’t keep the truth from her.

He broke the kiss. His heart pounded inside his chest. “Heather, I need you to listen to me.”

She teased the nape of his neck. “Okay.”

“That night at the restaurant and we left early, I saw someone. It had nothing to do with you.”

“Are you okay?”

He sighed. “I saw... my ex-wife.”

Heather’s hand dropped from his shoulder. “Have… you seen her since?”

Allen rubbed the back of his neck. “She came by.”

Heather turned to face his brick fireplace. Her stare was blank. “But how could she know... she remembers you?”

“She does.” Could Heather trust him when he said he wanted to be with her? No matter what tricks Crystal was pulling, he wouldn’t give in to her.

“Wow,” Heather said.

Allen looked over at her. “I promise you it’s over between us.”

She gave him a soft smile. “I believe you.”

He grabbed her hands and kissed them. “Thank you.”

“Don’t make me regret this, Allen.”

He shook his head and pulled her into an embrace. “I won’t. I promise. I want you and only you.”

She wrapped her arms around his neck. Her body trembled, but she calmed as he stroked her back.

“I’m here, Heather,” he said. “I’m here.”

“Stay with me.”

He kissed the space behind her ear. “Always.”

***

“So a fitness instructor eats spaghetti and meatballs?” Allen asked.

Heather pointed her fork at him, but her meatball attached only fell back on her plate. “Moderation is the key. See what you made me do?”

Allen laughed, and she couldn’t help but join him. “Tell me more about your family.”

Heather paused mid-bite. The thought of her mother remarrying still baffled her. “Well… my mom and her boyfriend may get married.”

“Have you met him yet?”

She shook her head. “She’s set on keeping him a secret. I don’t know why.”

“Something bad happened before?” he asked.

She shrugged. “Sonia and I may have pulled a few pranks when we were growing up. The last man she brought over didn't like dogs. That was a red flag for me.”

Allen poured more tea in her glass. “Is your Mom happy?”

“I think she is. I’m trying to be supportive, but it will take some getting used to.”

He rubbed at her shoulder. She relaxed at his touch, exhaling.

“I don’t want her to get hurt if it doesn’t work out,” she said.

“I’m sure your Mom will use her best judgement. She raised two incredible women. I think she’ll be fine.”

Heather bit into her meatball. Perhaps her mother didn’t need her to protect her anymore. Allen was right. She nudged him. “Think you’re smart.”

He pointed to her mouth. “You got some sauce there.”

Heather grabbed her napkin and wiped at her mouth. “Did I get it?”

He leaned over. “Let’s see.”

Her belly fluttered when he kissed her. Would she ever tire of this man? Meshing his lips with hers, she leaned into his embrace. His hand ran down her neck while her fingers pressed into his hard chest.

She meant what she told him earlier. Heather trusted him. She only prayed it wasn’t a mistake. When the doorbell rang, Allen broke the kiss. His eyebrows drew together.

“Are you expecting somebody?” Heather asked.

“No.” He pushed back his chair and walked towards the front door.

Heather checked the time on her phone. It was after nine. Who could that be at the door? What if it was—

“I have to talk to you,” a female voice said.

“Crystal, now is not a good time.”

“It’s important. I wanted to tell you earlier, but you wouldn’t listen to me. I have to tell you—now. I can’t put it off,” she said.

Heather unlocked her phone and called for an Uber. Allen needed to handle this with his ex and he didn’t need an audience.

“What are you talking about?” he asked.

“Allen… we’re… still married,” Crystal said.