A Forever Masterpiece (The Masterpiece Trilogy Book 3) (7 page)

Hunter ordered delivery, and he sat Becca down in the living room as they waited. He didn't want to ruin the buzz of excitement over the gallery owner, but he wasn't going to avoid the subject of Becca's avoidance, either. "Bec," he started as he took her soft hands in his. "I know you're tired of everyone hovering and asking how you are, but-"

She groaned. "Not this again. I'm fine!"

"I wish I could believe that," he replied gently.

"You don't believe me?" Becca narrowed her eyes. There went the nostril flare, too.

He looked her in the eye. "I know you believe it, but from my standpoint, I worry. You went from one extreme to the other in quick time." Sure, she'd always done that, but then she'd never been attacked and had a gun go off, resulting in a man's death. Could she still be in a state of shock? Becca acted normal, but it was too fast of a move for such an extreme situation. He wasn't trying to push, but with the way he'd been in these cases, they were both better off facing the facts before it was too late.

"What does everyone want me to do? Break down and cry? Hide from the world? I've done enough of that. I dealt with it, Hunter. The man is dead, and I'm sorry for it. I'm sorry for his family who has to live without him, but he came after me and Joe! I did what was best to save our lives. I know I was scared that night, but I've dealt with my feelings. I want to focus on the good things, because there are far too many bad ones. I'm not you. I can-" Her lashes lowered and she looked away. She didn't finish.

Hunter opened and shut his mouth. Becca didn't have to complete her sentence. He knew what she meant. She wasn't like him. She could handle it. Whether Becca meant it in a mean way or not, it hurt. He sighed.

"I'm so sorry. I didn't mean it as bad as that came out." Becca reached for his hand.

"That hurt, Bec. I don't want to go down this road again. I'm not trying to push or hover. I'm trying to understand. I know you handle things well, you always have, but this baffles me." He chose his words very carefully, still unsure.

"I know you had great memories in Maryland on this trip, but personally, I'd like to forget and leave the bad behind. In fact, I'm still thinking you should stop searching. I can't hold on, waiting every day for a clue to my past. It's been killing me enough, and I don't want it to hang over me so much."

Hunter had no idea what to say. He digested Becca's words.

The doorbell rang. Probably their food. Becca pulled her hands from his and went to answer it.

This still wasn't right, and he didn't have any idea how to get Becca to let it all out before she couldn't take any more. She'd somehow convinced herself she was fine. Hunter knew better. He'd been there himself. Becca did a damn good job reminding him of that just now.

One surprise Becca never anticipated waited for her at home the next evening with Hunter and Shara. "Rissi!" she squealed, running to her best friend's open arms. "You're here!"

"Surprise! I know you know about our plans, but I still had to throw you for a loop at least once!" Rissi bear hugged her. It was so good to have her here! Becca beamed. "I originally thought to wait until the party to surprise you, but I brought an outfit I think you'll love."

"That's great. I have exciting news to tell you!" Becca kissed Hunter hello, rubbing her hand across his smooth skin. His intense gaze searched her face, probably still wondering if she was really okay. Becca wished he wouldn't worry so much. This was the time to let the past go. It didn't do either of them any good to dwell. Hunter already had a chance to make peace by seeing his old house, meeting up with a childhood friend, and having Joe in his life.

She had to face the reality that she may never get that chance. Maybe it was better not knowing. She'd just live the life she'd been forced into and be Rebeeca Lange, soon to be Beckman. That was that.

Rissi carried a bag and followed Becca upstairs. Once in the bedroom, Becca closed the door, and Rissi pulled out the contents of the bag. Becca took a look and immediately picked up the pair of pants Rissi laid on the bed. "You found a pair in my size!" Becca hugged them to her chest. The last time she saw Rissi, she wore a pair of stylish and flashy pants that Becca wanted, but their sizes varied so much. They were a little loud, as people liked to say, but the various shades of purple on the pants suited Becca.

"Yep! I went searching for these. Thought you'd want to debut them tonight. Unless you have a dress or something?"

"No, I never had time to shop, and even if I did, I'd pick these over a dress any day. I love them! Thank you, Rissi!"

"And here's a top I found that will compliment them." Rissi hugged her again. "So, news. What's the excitement?"

Becca wondered why Rissi never asked about Maryland and how she felt. Not that she wanted her to, but Rissi said what she had on her mind all the time, so it surprised her. Maybe Hunter warned her off. Oh well. This way she didn't have to talk about it. Good. Maybe everyone finally got the hint.

While getting dressed, Becca told her about the art gallery owner and what he said. Rissi screamed really loud.

"Becca?" Hunter called from the other side. "Everything okay?"

"We're fine! Rissi's just freaking out because I told her about the gallery owner."

Hunter laughed. "Okay. Stop scaring us like that, Rissi," he chided.

"I'll try!" Rissi called back, laughing.

Becca dressed quickly, did a small touch of makeup, and ran a brush through her hair. She and Rissi left the room giggling.

"Ready?" Hunter exited the office. He wore khaki pants and a black button down shirt.

"Ready." She took his outstretched hand and gave him a quick kiss. At least now he wasn't looking at her with worry. Maybe they could go for a normal night after all.

"What a turnout!" Hunter stood next to Beverly, Todd, and Shara as he kept an eye on Becca. She sat cross legged in a chair next to Rissi, and they were engaged in conversation. "I can't believe you guys pulled this off. Thank you."

"You deserve it," Shara said softly. She stared in the same direction Hunter did. "After the hellish few months, it's the least we could do." She gestured in Becca's general direction. "Still can't get her to talk about it?"

Becca tossed her head back, laughing. What were they talking about? "No. She's sticking to the fact that she's fine."

"It'll hit her when it's least expected." Shara sounded like she knew from experience. Would she eventually tell him what happened now that she'd mentioned an incident?

"I know she doesn't want to go back to the state of mind she was in right after Sylvia came out of the blue. There's been one hit right after another recently." Hunter stuffed his hands in his pockets as he continued to watch Becca. Sienna bounced with excitement as she climbed up on Becca's lap.

Rissi stood and made her way to the head of the table. Everyone quieted down while she began her speech. "Ten years ago, I met my best friend Becca when I moved into the apartment complex she'd lived in since she was seventeen. I've watched her grow as a person and become stronger every day. I know you all know what she went through, so I don't need to get into details. Becca inspires me all the time. I can't tell you how happy I am that these two hard headed soul mates finally gave in to what I knew for years- at least on Becca's end. She's loved Hunter forever, but wouldn't ever admit it."

Hunter moved to sit with Becca, still holding Sienna. He loved stories from Rissi about her time with Becca.

"As for Hunter, I've gotten to know him the past few months and even with some ups and downs in life, the one thing I've always seen is his love for Becca. I have no doubts they'll be happy together forever. These two are made for each other." Rissi picked up a glass and raised it. "To soul mates."

Everyone around them cheered. Hunter leaned over for a kiss as glasses clinked. "I love you," he whispered after the kiss ended.

Becca's eyes lit up. "I love you, too."

As Hunter turned his gaze to the front of the table again, wondering who planned to make the next speech, he noticed a shadow from the corner of his eye. Someone lurked in the distance. His heart raced. He peered around the room, trying not to alert anyone. Was someone missing that he knew? Maybe someone went outside for a smoke break or to get some air? No, it seemed like everyone he knew of was accounted for. Todd and Beverly were seated on the other end of the table. Shara stood next to Rissi now, about to make her own speech. Eva sat near her parents. Doctors and friends from the Lange Center were here. Nope. Hunter couldn't think of why someone would be lurking outside the house, unless it was for no good reasons.

"Hunter?" Becca questioned.

He drew his attention back to her. "What?" Did she ask him something?

"Are you okay?"

"Yeah, why?" So they were back to this again. He should have just told her he saw something odd. It was true, and only his mind played the worst case scenarios.

"You keep looking around like you're searching for something specific," she pointed out. Sienna climbed off her lap and headed toward Eva, asking about a drink.

"No. I'm just awed at how many people came out tonight," he lied. Okay, so that was true, but he'd already done that earlier.

Becca smiled. "This was way too sweet of everyone." She pointed to the humongous pile of gifts stacked on the back table. "I can't even imagine what's in there."

"Let's go find out in a bit." Hunter pulled her close, and this time when he looked around, he tried not to make it obvious that something seemed off. Who'd been watching them from afar, and why?

Chapter Five

Rissi surprised Becca with one more thing that weekend before she went home. Wedding dress shopping. She dropped the bombshell on her just as she'd finished putting together a new piece. She'd woken up early and instead of waking everyone else, Becca worked on something new. Rissi burst into the room with her typical morning bright ray of sunshine attitude and announced the plan for the day.

"Dress shopping? But it's only November!" Becca protested.

Rissi giggled, pulling Becca away from her canvas. "I love you, but get your head out of the paint fumes! Wedding dress shopping is huge! You can't delay. I'm here now, so we should totally go! Come on! Haven't you ever dreamed about your big day as a child?"

Becca's eyes welled with tears. "If I'd grown up normally, maybe."

"Oh shit. Me and my big mouth. I'm sorry, Bec. I didn't mean it like that." Rissi hugged her. "Forgive me?"

"Nothing to forgive. I know you were one of those girls who had big wedding dreams. I never thought- well, never mind." She'd never imagined someone would love her the way Hunter did. He never saw her as a burden or thought of her as less of a person because there were things she couldn't do sometimes. He loved her, gave her all of his support, and so much more. Rissi was right. She should embrace the time and go find the perfect dress to marry the love of her life in.

"What are we doing today?" Hunter stood in the doorway, glancing between the two.

"
We
aren't doing anything." Rissi pointed at him. "Becca and I are going dress shopping, and you aren't invited. It's bad luck to see your bride in her dress before your big day!"

Hunter smirked and folded his arms. "There's no bad luck when it comes to marrying Becca, but if you two want to go out and look for a dress, I won't stop you." He slipped a hand in his pocket and pulled out his wallet. "Take my card. Rissi, I'm trusting you to not let Becca worry about price. My bride gets whatever dress and accessories she desires. If she hesitates, push her. Not literally push her, but you know what I mean." He handed a credit card to Becca.

"Hunter-" She started to protest.

"Quiet!" Both Hunter and Rissi said at the same time. They all laughed.

"This is your big day, Bec. You should have what you want," Hunter said softly, moving to her side. He kissed her cheek, then slid his arm around her waist.

"I have what I want. I'm marrying my best friend," she insisted, leaning into his arms.

"Well, your best friend wants you to go out with Rissi, get the dress of your dreams, and have a good time," Hunter persuaded.

He had her there. "Okay, okay." She laughed.

"Hey, I want to go too!" Everyone turned at the sound of Shara's voice. "I just got here. I wonder if my boss will mind if I go shop with his wife to be?" She entered the room and poked Hunter's arm. "Off the clock, too."

"Ooh, I don't know. I heard you have a real brat of a boss," Rissi teased, her eyes twinkling.

Hunter scowled. "Is that what you think? Just for that, lunch is on you today, Rissi."

"I'd love for you to come along," Becca said to Shara.

"You should ask Beverly," Hunter suggested. "She said something the other day about your wedding dress, so I think she'd love to be included."

Becca faced him. "That isn't too weird?" What would Eva think? Hunter's ex-wife had been much nicer to Becca since Hunter's trip to Rhode Island, but she still didn't want to overstep.

"I think we've had a lot weirder go on around here," Hunter replied.

True. He had a point.

"I'll ask her." Hunter pulled his phone out and dialed.

Becca cleaned up her morning's work as everyone around her buzzed with excitement about wedding dress shopping. When she returned from the bathroom carrying her washed paintbrushes, Hunter, Rissi, and Shara were huddled together around something. To her dismay, she discovered they were looking at her painting from the other night, the one Becca was unsure what to do with because of its darkness in subject matter. It was what came out on canvas that day. She didn't normally paint images of things which resembled the front cover of a mystery or thriller book, but this one had that type of feel. It wasn't every day she painted a scene with a cemetery in it, which represented so many different feelings inside.

"Bec?" Hunter hesitated. "This painting-"

"I put it away for a reason," she snapped. "It's not done. You know how I feel about that." A total lie. She'd finished the painting, and they probably knew it, but the words slipped from her lips anyway.