Clearwater Romance (19 page)

Rebecca glanced around the apartment again, checking to make sure everything was in order. It had been nearly eight month since she saw her father, and even longer since she saw her mother. Clearwater allowed Rebecca to keep her distance from the problems her mother created, but she hated the distance it caused in her relationship with her father.

The clock struck two and a knock sounded against the thick wood door of her two-bedroom apartment. She timidly stepped to the door, her heart beating frantically in her ears. Taking a deep breath, she turned the handle.

Even nearing fifty, her father was toned. His years in the Navy had instilled good values. To this day he worked out at the gym three times a week, and every morning, rain or shine, he went for a two mile run. Rebecca envied his dedication.

His hair had grown out a little from the crew cut he normally sported. The only sign that showed his age was the hit of grey showing around his temples. The deep brown tan, from hours in the sun, reminded her proudly of the job he took after leaving the military. Instead of deployments and training, he was now an architect, designing and building homes for military men and women who were injured as a result of their service.

He dropped his small, black duffle bag. It hit her floor with a thump.

“Dad.” She smiled as he extended his arms wide. He wrapped his arms around her, filling her lonesome heart with love. Clearwater had become her home and she had made many friends, but without any family around, she was lost and alone. Her father’s hug drained away the loneliness and doubts.

“Becca, I’ve missed you.”

She wanted to remain in the comfort of her father’s arms, but finally stepped aside to allow him inside her apartment. “Come in. You’ve had a long journey. Do you want to rest for a bit before we go for lunch?” Once the words were spoken she realized how stupid they sounded. Her father had never taken a nap in all the years she’d known him, no matter how long he had been awaken. He just couldn’t sleep in the afternoon.

He shoved his bag with his foot before stepping into her apartment, and shutting the door. “I’m fine. The drive was good. I left Denver before rush hour traffic. I’m hungry. How about we have lunch in Jackson Hole? I heard there’s a delicious Italian restaurant there, and I know how much you love Italian.”

“Sure. Let me grab my purse. If you want to put your bag in the guest room, it’s the first door on the right.” She nodded toward the hall leading from the great room.

“Thanks,” he said.

Collecting her purse from the kitchen, she slipped it over her shoulder and tucked her cell phone into the pocket of her jeans. She wanted to ask why her father chose now to visit. Was he terminally ill? Had her mother drank her liver to failure?

As her father returned from the bedroom, she stuffed away her questions. He’d tell her in his own time. Pressuring him wouldn’t make him spill whatever secret he was hiding any sooner.

* * *

JC added the last student’s information into the first self-defense class database that was set to start in two weeks. He then pushed away from the desk. It had been a long day and he still had two hours to go. Coffee, that’s what he needed. He considered going to Express-Ohh’s, not just because their coffee was better than the crap sitting in the pot in his office, but also to see Rebecca again. She weighed in his thoughts since their first encounter.

“JC, got a minute?” Jordan leaned against the doorframe. Jordan, a former Marine, was now retired and settled into a quiet life with his wife Chloe, running Winterbloom Bed and Breakfast.

“Sure, come on in. I was just pouring myself a cup of coffee, would you like some?”

“No, thanks.” Jordan sank into the chair in front of JC’s desk. “Cameron asked me to teach a self-defense and weapons training class specifically for business owners in Clearwater. One evening a week, an hour long each, over the course of three weeks. I’d prefer Thursdays, but any day except Fridays works for me. Can you set this up?”

“Sure. With so many of the business owners being female, it would be good for them to learn basic self-defense. Clearwater is pretty safe, from what I hear, but being so close to Jackson Hole you could have tourists passing through who cause trouble.” JC glanced at the computer screen, checking the scheduled class rooms. “How about Thursday evenings from seven to eight, starting the second week of September? The course will be complete before tourist season.”

“Works for me. I’m flexible on the number of attendees, but ten would give me more hand–on-hand training. If there’s more interested, maybe we can split into two classes, one at seven and the next at eight. Whatever works in the schedule, just send me a list of the participants so I can tailor some of the training to their needs.” Jordan rose from the chair and nodded toward JC’s coffee mug. “You need the good stuff from Express-Ohh’s.”

JC laughed and walked Jordan out. He went back to his office and took another drink of the muddy coffee. His stomach rumbled in protest. He ignored it and sat at his desk. Instead of making a run to town to catch a glimpse of Rebecca, he had more work to get done. It was for the best. He didn’t need to be anywhere near her, even if he craved to see her again.
Friendship only.
He vowed.

He grabbed his notepad and jotted down the names of some local businesses that might be interested in the new class. He’d create a flyer and head into town tomorrow to get people to sign up.

* * *

The Italian restaurant overlooked one of the ski hills, but without snow the scenery didn’t have the same attraction it boasted in the winter. Rebecca arched her back against the booth, trying to ease the tension that had settled there. An awkward silence settled between Rebecca and her father, which was very unusual for her normally talkative father.

“Dad, what’s going on? This isn’t like you.” She leaned forward, placing her folded hands on the table.

“I was hoping to tell you after lunch, but I can see it’s unavoidable.” He placed his hand over hers. “Your mother and I are getting a divorce.”

The surprise of his blunt comment stole her words. “What?”

“I know this is a shock, but our marriage just doesn’t work any longer. It’s time to accept that.”

Doesn’t work any longer? Where had he been all these years? Her parents’ marriage hadn’t been good since she was a child. “I’m astonished that it’s taken you this long to realize it.” She shook her head, swallowing all the nasty words she wanted to say about her mother, and about their suffering marriage. “You said you could never leave her, that she needed you. What changed?”

“Becca, I’ve always loved your mother, that hasn’t changed. But your mother…she’s found someone new. She filed for divorce last week.” Sadness thickened his voice.

“I’m sorry.” She held his hand, giving it a little squeeze. “Nothing I say will lessen what you’re going through, but you deserve better.”

“Oh Rebecca, if you could have known the woman I fell in love with.” Her father glanced at their entwined hands before continuing. “Your mother was so full of life. My career stole that from her, and stole the mother you should have had. For that I’m truly sorry.”

“This isn’t your fault. She made the choice. She didn’t have to stay in a marriage she wasn’t happy in. She chose the bottle over us.” Rebecca wanted to say something else to remove the pain from her father’s eyes, but nothing she said would bring him any comfort. He had stayed with her mother because he loved her, even if she was a mess. Whereas, Rebecca could barely stand to be in the same room with her mother for five minutes without wanting to scream. “What now?”

“I’ll get an apartment in Denver, it’s central to the airport, and with my job that’s important. Plus it’s close to you. I’m hoping you’ll allow me to visit from time to time.”

“I never wanted to separate from you. I just couldn’t live like that. Mom was driving me insane. I needed to get out of there, to make a life of my own. Moving to Clearwater has been the best decision for me, made me stand on my own feet.”

He nodded, his thumb trailing over her knuckles. “I’m proud of you. You’re twenty, supporting yourself, and nearly finished your degree. You’ve become your own woman.”

“Thank you.” All her life she strived to please her father. Her throat tightened and tears slid down her cheeks. “I hope you’ll visit often.”

JC had been looking forward to Saturday and the town picnic since meeting Rebecca, but now that the day was upon him, here he sat working. Nothing needed his attention that couldn’t wait until Monday, but he was using work to stall going to the picnic. Part of him craved to see Rebecca again, while the other half thought she deserved better than him. She was young and had her whole life ahead of her. While he might be young in years, he grew up too fast. Being the man responsible for his family’s home and a stand-in father for his siblings, his childhood and rebellion years were cut short.

Before his injury, he longed for a steady relationship—for a woman to settle down with. His fear of ending up like his mother, with children he couldn’t afford, prevented him from taking that step. JC’s family dream was unreachable. He already had a family to provide for…and now he wasn’t a complete man, capable enough to be a husband or a father.

“JC.”

He glanced up from the paperwork to find Tessa standing in the doorway.

“Aren’t you coming to the picnic?”

“I should stay here. There’s a lot of paperwork that needs to be dealt with and phone calls to return.” He pointed to the paper scattered on the desk.

“Come on, that stuff can wait.”

“Not only is my wife beautiful, but she’s always right.” Cameron stepped beside his wife, with Rosie nestled against his chest. Tessa slid her arm around his waist. “Phone calls, seriously? You won’t get any response because everyone will be at the picnic. So come with us. It will be good for you to meet some of the residents. Many of them you’ve spoken to, and now you can put a face to the name.”

Nodding, JC slid the papers back into the folder and rose from the desk. He followed Cameron and Tessa to their truck, reminding himself his interest in Rebecca was as a friend, nothing more. Who was he trying to kid? Just the thought of her sent his nerves on edge.

A refreshing breeze brushed his shoulders, cooling his heated thoughts of Rebecca. Waiting for Cameron to strap Rosie into the car seat, JC glanced back at the shop. In two weeks the place had transformed. The boys had finished adding landscaping around the building. The mature trees around the area brought shade and also gave an appearance they had been there for years instead of only a few weeks.

On Monday the manager’s flat would be completed. The furniture he had chosen from Country Home Fixing’s would be delivered and he could finally move it. Cameron and Tessa were great, giving him space, but he wanted his own place, where he could relax and not have to worry about being in the way.

Cameron pulled the truck to a stop not far from where everyone had already gathered. The sun glistened off the lake, gleaming like a diamond in the rough. People gathered on blankets and around picnic tables, while children ran to and fro. A few were even playing in the lake water with their watchful parents nearby.

JC felt like an outsider, watching everyone having a good time with their families.

“This is your home now too.” Tessa met his gaze as she slipped the car seat out careful not to disturb the sleeping Rosie from her car seat. “We are one big family here. You’ll enjoy the picnic if you let yourself.”

It was crazy to run now. He couldn’t sit in the hot truck and wait for them. He was here and would make the best of it. Opening the door, he stepped out and his gaze immediately found Rebecca. She was wearing a pair of jean shorts, a pale pink tank top, and her long, brown hair was pulled into a ponytail. An older man sat across her.

A twinge of jealousy passed through him, but he had no reason to be jealous. There was nothing between him and Rebecca, even if he wanted to heat up the night with her next to him.

“Hey, Cameron, JC, over here.” Jordan waved from a picnic table with Chloe and Jennifer.

JC followed Cameron’s lead toward the table. He knew Jordan and Chloe, and he had met Jennifer once when she dropped something off at the house for Tessa. Being surrounded by new people always put JC on edge, making the hairs on the back of his neck stand on edge, but he quickly grew comfortable with the people of Clearwater.

“Want a beer?” Jordan asked JC as he handed one to Cameron.

“Sure.” He lowered onto the corner of the bench, obtaining a clear view of most of the crowd, and Rebecca. Taking the bottle from Jordan, he twisted the cap off, and took a long swig.

“Let me hold my sugarplum.” Chloe bent, unhooking Rosie from her car seat. “I’ve missed her.”

“Now that Jordan’s finished your log home and Holly’s running most of the day-to-day operations for Winterbloom, you need to visit more,” Tessa said, taking a seat next to Chloe. “Cam’s always busy, and I only get goo’s and gah’s with Rosie. I need some adult interaction.”

“I’ve cut back now that JC’s here.” Cameron added defensively.

“Before you newlyweds bicker too much, Tessa, why don’t you ask my workaholic wife how she’s doing with giving up the reins to Winterbloom.” Jordan held his hands up in surrender as Chloe whipped around to face him.

“Chloe?” Tessa raised an eyebrow.

“Winterbloom has been my life since I was a child, running it with Gram until she passed. It’s my heart and soul, and hard to give it up.”

“But there’s life outside of the Bed and Breakfast.” Jordan slid his hand down Chloe’s arm.

“He’s right,” JC added. The minute the words escaped his lips he wished he could take them back. Everyone turned to him. He gave them a halfhearted smile. “I didn’t expect to make it after…I left the Marines, but now that I’m here, I do my best to live every day to the fullest. Chloe, you just need to find a balance. All you need is a competent manager for Winterbloom. Let that person handle the daily operations while you sit back and enjoy your family. My mother has worked two jobs most of her life, never having the time to spend with her children. Now they are growing fast, and she regrets the lost time. Don’t miss out because of work.”

“Wow.” Tessa broke the silence that followed JC’s comments. “So young and knowledgeable. Cam needs to take your advice. Thankfully with you running the shop he finally gets to spend more time with Rosie and me.” She smiled at her husband.

“I am, and JC is learning the ropes quickly, but it’s a new business, which I still need to keep my hands in. Once the classes start I’ll have even more time to spend with you.” Cameron leaned to kiss his wife.

JC sat there for a moment realizing he had told everyone at the table that they needed to live their life, yet he wasn’t following his own words. “If you’ll excuse me, there’s someone I’d like to say hello to.” He rose from the table and headed toward Rebecca before the courage escaped him.

Her gaze found his as he neared, and his heart skipped a beat when she smiled. Her grin was like a lighthouse in the middle of the darkest night, guiding him like a beacon. Speeding up his pace, his lips curl upward, returning her smile with one of his own.

“JC, I’m glad you could make it.” She waved a hand to her father. “This is my father, Robert James. Dad, this is JC.”

JC accepted the man’s extended hand, giving it a firm shake. “Juan Carlos Marquez, sir, but please call me JC.”

“None of that sir stuff. Robert is fine. What branch are you in, son?” Robert tapped the bench, offering JC a seat.

JC sat across from Rebecca. He was surprised that her father knew he was in the military. “I was a Marine, but an injury cut my career short. How did you know?”

“It’s the way you carry yourself. A fellow service member recognizes another. I was in the Navy for over twenty years. What brings you to Clearwater? Or are you originally from here?” Robert’s brows furrowed over his eyes, almost as if sizing up JC. To determine if he was good enough for Rebecca?

“Cameron White was my commanding officer. He needed help with his shop, Clearwater Combat and Guns, so here I am. Do you live here or are you in town visiting?” One thing JC didn’t miss about dating was impressing the parents, not that he dated often before his injury.

“Visiting. I’m returning to Denver in the morning.” Robert turned to Rebecca and nodded. “I’ll leave you two for a bit. I need to make a couple of phone calls.”

“Okay, Dad.” She watched her father leave the park before glancing back at JC. “I didn’t know he was coming into town until yesterday.” She shook her head. “I’m really glad you came.”

“I’m glad I came too.” He smiled, suddenly feeling like a schoolboy again. “I don’t want to interrupt your visit with your dad, but I’d like to talk to you for a few minutes. Could you take a short walk with me?”

She glanced over her shoulder at her father, who was in the parking lot talking on his cell phone. “Okay.”

JC walked away from the noisy picnic area, hoping to gain a little privacy for what he wanted to tell Rebecca. She stepped in beside him. Once they neared the far edge of the lake, he nodded toward the bench. “Let’s sit.”

She sat on the bench, staring at him intently. “You seem tense, is everything all right, JC?”

“Sitting over there with Cameron, Jordan, and their wives, I realized something.” He paused and inhaled a deep breath. What he was about to tell her might change how everyone in Clearwater saw him. He’d no longer be the new guy in town. He could become the new handicapped guy in town. How he hated that label. Even without his leg, he was still the same man he was before. It took coming to Clearwater to help JC understand that there wasn’t anything he could do before his injury that he couldn’t still do.

“What is it?” A hint of concern filled her voice.

“I gave up living life to the fullest after I was discharged from the Marines, but that’s about to change. I told you I was injured on my last mission. The truth is, I lost my leg in an IED explosion. I don’t know if I’d have made it through without Cameron. I owe my life to him. He’s the reason I moved here. I’m telling you this because I want to be honest with you and it’s only right that you know up front. If you’re okay with my disability, I’d like to take you out sometime.” He let the words fly off his tongue, desperate to get them said.

A glimpse of sadness shadowed her hazel eyes. “I appreciate you telling me this, but I’m wondering if I should be offended that you thought I’d have an issue with your injury.”

“Rebecca, that’s not what I meant.” He ran his hand down the length of his jeans. “Damn it. This isn’t coming out how I wanted it to.”

She laid her hand over his. “JC, you’re still alive, that’s what should matter. You lost your leg, but you’re alive and healthy. Many of our military members are denied a second chance at life. When my father retired from the Navy, he took a job as an architect, designing homes for injured military members once they’ve been discharged. I’ve met some of the people he has helped. They’ve suffered loss from this war, but they are alive and that’s what counts. Their families are grateful to have them. I’ve also seen the families of those who never made it home. In honor of the soldiers who will never make it home, you need to live the life you were meant to. You’ve been given a second chance. Don’t let it pass you by.” She didn’t bother to wipe away the tears that slid down her cheeks.

“When I first woke up in the hospital and realized what happened, I prayed for death. My mother is a single mother of nine children, and I’ve always been the man of the family. I helped her make ends meet, with the younger children, and whatever else she needed done. It was the reason I joined the Marines. Without my career I didn’t know how I was going to continue taking care of them.” He sighed. “My mother was beside my bed and cried, not for the loss of my leg, but because I made it home. My heart broke at the sight of my mother crying.” If he would have died it would have been worse for her and his whole family.

“It sounds as though you’re close to your mother and your siblings. If not for yourself, you need to be strong for them.” She frowned. “Why are you here, instead of being with your family?”

That was the one question he didn’t want to answer. Why he ran as quickly as his legs would carry him from North Carolina. “I’m close to my family, they mean everything to me, but I had to leave.”