As the last rays of sunlight bathed them in a warm glow, Charlie Grace’s heart skipped a beat. There was a flicker of uncertainty in Nick’s eyes, and she could tell he was grappling with something.
“Charlie Grace,” he began, his voice soft and earnest, “I have to be honest with you. This time in Wyoming has been more than just a job and a photography adventure for me.”
A surprising wave of need swept over her as she took a step closer to him. “What do you mean, Nick?”
He took a deep breath, his gaze never leaving hers. “I mean that being with you, spending time together…it’s been completely unexpected. It feels like there’s something special here, something beyond friendship.”
Unexpected tears welled up in her eyes as she realized he was expressing the very emotions she’d been trying to contain. “I feel it too,” she whispered. “This is unlike anything I’ve ever experienced.”
He reached out and gently brushed a strand of hair away from her face, his touch sending shivers down her spine. “I don’t want to rush into anything, but I can’t deny how I am starting to feel about you, Charlie Grace.” He paused. “I’ve circled the earth enough years to know it’s rare to find this kind of connection.”
Her heart soared, and she placed her hand over his, savoring the warmth of his touch. “I feel the same way. It’s like I’ve found a missing piece of myself.”
Nick leaned in, his breath mingling with hers, and their lips met in a tender, heartwarming kiss. It was a kiss filled with hope and the promise of something beautiful.
Now, as the pickup cruised down the highway, Charlie Grace reached for the radio dial. She hummed along to the tune that played, remembering the way he tasted, the way he smelled, the way his hand felt on her back. Something told her that the kiss symbolized a threshold crossed.
There was no going back, and she didn’t want to.
30
Reva parked her car in front of Dick Jacobs’ house with a mix of concern and affection in her heart. Dick had been an important part of her AA journey, often offering quiet guidance and support, as she had for him. Learning about his cancer diagnosis left her with a heavy heart. Being there for him, as well as Capri and her mother, was the least she could do.
She grabbed her bag and the pie she’d purchased from the Heavenly Bites Bakery, then stepped from the car, taking care as she traversed the gravel driveway in her stilettos. Someday she’d accept that Thunder Mountain was no place for four-inch heels. Oh, but how she loved the way she looked in them!
She approached the door and knocked gently. Moments later, Capri’s mother opened the door.
“Hi, Emily.” Reva held the pie out. “This is for you and Dick.”
The woman’s eyes widened. “Oh, my. You didn’t have to do that.”
Reva leaned and gave Emily a quick hug. “I wanted to. It’s huckleberry. Leona told me she pulled it from the oven only an hour before I bought it.”
“Well, it looks delicious. Come in.” She ushered her inside.
The living room was like stepping back in time. An eclectic mix of vintage furnishings filled the space, including a plush, mustard-yellow velvet couch adorned with colorful paisley throw pillows. A sleek teakwood coffee table displayed well-worn copies ofGood Housekeepingmagazine and a couple of Louis L’Amour western novels. In the corner, a pile of vinyl records sat on the floor next to a record player.
“Would you like a cup of coffee?” Emily offered. “We can sample this pie.”
Reva shook her head. “Not for me. Thanks.” She glanced around the room. “I came to check on Dick. How is he?”
As if on cue, Dick appeared wearing a blue flannel shirt, baggy jeans, and slippers and looking more haggard than the last time she saw him. “Hey, Reva,” Dick greeted warmly. “Thanks for coming by. Please, make yourself comfortable.”
Reva took a seat on the couch as Dick settled into an armchair opposite her.
“How are you holding up?” Reva asked, concern evident in her voice.
Dick took a deep breath before answering. “It’s been a whirlwind, to say the least. The diagnosis was a shock, but I’m trying to face it head-on.”
Emily stood near and patted her husband’s shoulder. “He has a great medical team in Cheyenne and has started treatment.”
Reva had learned that much from Capri but wanted to know more about what lay ahead for her friend. “What’s the plan?”
Emily didn’t wait for Dick to answer. “Initially, the prognosis was grim. But we’ve learned there are options. He’s scheduled for surgery next week. They’ll be removing the tumor from his liver and surrounding lymph nodes. Then, depending on what they find, he might need some follow-up treatment, like radiation or chemotherapy.”
Reva nodded, absorbing the information. “That sounds intense. But you’re a strong person, Dick. I have faith that you’ll pull through this.”
It was a lie. She’d performed some internet research. The findings were not good. There was no promise Dick would make it out of this. Still, she believed in hope…and miracles. She certainly was praying for one.
