Finding the Way Back (Book 1 in the Forgiving Hearts Trilogy) (11 page)

“Have you been working out or what?” she asked.

“Stop it or I’ll call your husband.”

“He can’t get a signal on the golf course. Look, there’s Amber and Tony.” They walked toward the other couple. “Go sign in and meet us over by that tree. We’ve still got about thirty minutes.”

“You told me this thing started at eight-thirty,” Colton accused.

“I wasn’t taking any chances,” Greta retorted as she led him away from the crowd forming around the registration area.

Colton took a drink from the water bottle in his hand. “It looks like we’re going to have lots of company. I wonder how many will finish.”

“I wouldn’t have been able to a few years ago.”

“Me, either,” he admitted. “I never used to like running; now I can’t imagine not doing it. It’s so much more enjoyable than lifting weights at the gym.”

“Nothing beats being outside,” she agreed.

Amber and Tony joined them. “I can’t believe you talked me into this,” she said to Colton.

“You got a t-shirt out of it,” he pointed out. He turned to Tony. “I’m taking the boat out tomorrow afternoon. You’re welcome to come along.”

“Can we find a reason to make Amber stay home?” Tony asked with a grin. “She talked so much last time she scared away the fish.”

Amber jumped in before Colton could answer. “Don’t worry; I’ve got other plans for tomorrow.”

Tony winked at Colton. “I knew that already.”

She punched Tony in the arm. “Keep this up, and I’ll never marry you.”

“I didn’t think I had a chance anyway,” he teased as he dropped a kiss on her head.

A voice boomed from a loud speaker urging the participants to take their places behind the red tape. After everyone was more or less in the right spot, the whistle blew. As he waited for the crowd of runners in front of him to move, Colton did a mental headcount. There were probably three hundred people – a good turnout. Greta tugged on his shirt to get his attention.

“Whatever you do, don’t leave me behind.”

“That’s what you deserve for signing me up without asking; however, you made up for it by getting all my sponsors. So, I’ll let you set the pace.”

“Always the gentleman, aren’t you?”

He thumped her on the head. “Don’t be impertinent. I think it’s clearing a little. Let’s get this thing started.” They joined the swarm of people moving forward. Colton noticed a large group of teenagers bringing up the rear. Their antics brought a smile to his face. “Prepare yourself,” he warned Greta. “We’re about to be passed by a bunch of kids wearing spandex.”

“I can hear them. What is it about teenagers that makes them so loud?”

“Maybe it’s caused by years of listening to loud music. Let’s move out of their way.”

The rest of the run passed without incident. Colton was explaining to Greta why he couldn’t go out to dinner with her and her husband when Amber came running up to him.

“Dr. Samuels, your….um, your patient from the ER with the sprained ankle hurt herself again.”

It took Colton a few seconds to figure out who Amber meant. “Laurel’s here?”

“Yeah, a person pushing one of those strollers with the big front wheel ran into her. She’s bleeding pretty bad.”

“Where is she?” he asked quickly, trying to see through the crowd of people.

“They took her to the first aid table.”

“Huh! Like they’ll know what to do?”

Colton took off at a run, with Amber trailing behind him. When he finally tracked Laurel down, she was ineffectually trying to stop the bleeding with a napkin. He grabbed one of the event t-shirts and clamped it over the gaping wound. Only then did he look at her.

“It looks like you need some help.”

* * * *

Laurel was too stunned by his sudden appearance to do anything other than nod. The pain in her leg combined with her usual aversion to the sight of blood had left her pale and shaken.

Colton threw a set of keys in Amber’s direction. “Get the passenger door of my car open.” Amber nodded and took off. As he swung Laurel into his arms, she stiffened. “You’re going to have to put up with me carrying you because I’m not letting anyone else do it.”

Neither of them spoke on the way to his car. Laurel looked everywhere but at the man carrying her. This defensive action wasn’t successful in keeping her unaware of him. What she couldn’t see, she could hear and feel. After he set her gently on the seat, she broke the silence.

“I’m going to bleed all over your car.”

“I’m not worried about it; keep applying pressure with the shirt. We’ll soon be at the ER.”

Colton parked as close to the emergency entrance as possible. When he came around to get her out, she said, “I think I can walk.”

“I admire your determination, but let’s not chance it.” Again, he lifted her into his arms and carried her through the swinging double doors. As he passed the nurses’ station, he said, “Cindy, I need you in cubicle 1, please. We’ve got a deep, jagged laceration to take care of.”

Sweeping through the curtains, he laid Laurel on the gurney. A nurse followed him in and started laying items on a tray. Colton brushed the hair back from Laurel’s face and gave her a reassuring smile. “Cindy is going to clean you up and then I’ll give you a shot. Once it takes effect, I’ll put in a few stitches, and you can go home.”

He moved to let Cindy do her work. Laurel could hear him talking to someone outside the curtain. His voice was oddly reassuring. She watched as he moved to the sink, washed his hands and drew on a pair of sterile gloves. Her eyes went from his windblown hair to his bloody t-shirt and shorts.
Was she dreaming this?

“She’s ready for you, Dr. Samuels.”

“Thanks, Cindy.”

Colton reached for something on the tray. “I’m not going to lie, Laurel. This is going to hurt. It will be easier if you don’t watch.”

Laurel hated getting shots. She tensed as the needle pierced her skin, her eyes locked on his face.

He glanced at her and smiled gently. “The worst is over now.” Without thinking, he ran his fingers down her bare arm. When he realized what he was doing, he pulled his hand away abruptly. “Sorry about that,” he said stiffly.

Not looking at him, she said, “It’s okay.”

“Let’s get these stitches in so you can get out of here.”

Laurel watched the hands she knew so well move back and forth as he worked on her leg. Her eyes eventually returned to his face. Unlike the last time she’d been in this position, she felt no animosity. Instead, she mourned the loss of a friendship.

She and Colton had been husband and wife, but they’d also been best friends.
What were they now? Indifferent acquaintances?
The separation deprived her of the company of someone who understood her better than anyone else.
Would she ever have with another person what she’d shared with this man?
Did she want to?
A heavy sigh escaped her.

He heard it and said, “Not much longer now.”

“Will it leave a scar?”

This drew a laugh from him. “If so, it will be small.”

“I don’t know why I’m worried about it.”

“You’re not worried about it; you’re doing your best to get through a difficult situation.”

“It’s no easier for you,” she said softly.

“No, it’s not; but I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else right now. I’m going to put a bandage over my handiwork. Leave it on for twenty-four hours and then take it off. If you notice any kind of redness, swelling or drainage, call me; or if you don’t want to do that, come by here and let someone take a look at it.” He stood up and stripped off his gloves, dropping them on the tray. “Did you drive your car?”

“No, I rode with someone. I’m surprised she hasn’t shown up here.”

“I’m sure Amber explained everything. I’ll take you home.”

For many reasons, Laurel didn’t want Colton to drive her home. “I can call Patty to pick me up.”

“It’s silly to do that when I’m right here.”

She gave up. Being churlish at this point seemed ridiculous; he’d just stitched up her leg. “I’m sorry; I wasn’t thinking.”

Once they were in his car, he gave all his attention to the road, and Laurel glanced out the side window. They might have been strangers instead of a couple who’d once been inseparable.

“I’m at the Sea Breezes in St. Simons,” she offered after a few minutes.

“How do you like it there?”

“It’s nice. I ran into Amber at the pool a few weeks ago.”

“Yes, she told me.”

Laurel laughed shortly. “I figured she would.”

“Did you figure she would put two and two together and realize you’re my wife?”

“It doesn’t matter. Unless I change my name, it’s bound to happen.”

He glanced at her. “Are you planning on doing that?”

“Not right now. Listen, Colton. I want to thank you for what you did today. I probably would have bled to death if you hadn’t come along.”

“Amber is the one we need to thank. She saw you and rushed to tell me. I didn’t even know you were there.”

“She really likes you.”

His lips twisted bitterly. “But she doesn’t know me, does she?”

“Do any of us really know someone?”

“I guess I asked for that.” He pulled into the parking lot. “Which building are you in?”

“The one behind the pool. Just park anywhere.”

Colton pulled in next to her car, but he didn’t shut off the engine. Instead, he hopped out and opened her door. “Do you need any help getting in?”

“No, I’ll be fine now. Thanks again, Colton.”

He nodded and walked back to his side of the car. As she unlocked the door to her apartment, she turned around in time to see his car drive away.

Chapter Seven

The cut on Laurel’s leg healed much quicker than the emotional impact of the accident. She knew Colton would have acted the same way with anyone in her predicament, but she couldn’t forget the way he’d taken care of her. His actions put into sharp relief what she missed most - the joy and fulfillment of being loved.

Two weeks later, Laurel was scooping popcorn into bags. Beside her, Patty was giving updates on the football game. “Well, they just intercepted our quarterback for the third time tonight. I wonder if he’s color blind. He doesn’t seem to know the difference between blue and green uniforms. That pass went right to their defender.”

Laurel laughed. “Maybe our receiver didn’t run the right route.”

“If he doesn’t know where to run, we need to throw it to someone else.” Patty turned away from the game and glanced around the concession stand. “They need to invest in an air conditioner for this place.”

“Go take a walk; you’ll soon cool off. It’s not like we’re overrun with customers.”

“Just wait ‘til halftime. You’ll be wishing you never volunteered for this.”

“What else would I be doing on a Friday night?”

Patty threw her a sideways glance. “You could be out with that gorgeous husband of yours.”

“Or I could be here enjoying this football game.”

“I give up; I’m going to find my not-so-gorgeous, but definitely nice-looking husband.”

“Tell Roger I said hi.”

Laurel finished bagging the popcorn and went to lean against the counter. Her eyes swept over the people sitting in the stands and moved to the band getting into position for their halftime appearance. A loud cheer brought her attention back to the field.

One of the receivers had finally caught a pass and was running down the sideline. Everyone came to their feet, eyes focused on the player in blue. A collective groan erupted from the crowd when it looked as if he might get tackled short of the goal line, but at the last second, he dove headfirst into the end zone.

The roar was thunderous. Everyone was jumping up and down both in the bleachers and on the field. Considering it was their first touchdown of the year, the extended celebration was understandable. They’d been held scoreless the first two games of the season. Hopefully, this was the start of something good.

Laurel climbed onto the counter and leaned through the opening to watch the extra point attempt. When the football sailed through the goalposts, she let out a shout that died away at the sight of Colton standing a few feet away.

“Where did you come from?” she asked as she moved to a more dignified position.

“The parking lot. I assume this is where you’re teaching.”

“Not necessarily. I could work concession stands in my free time.”

He walked up to the counter. “In that case, could I get a Snickers and a soda? I came straight from the office and haven’t had dinner yet.”

Laurel handed him the candy and the drink. “That’ll be a dollar fifty.”

Dropping the money into her outstretched hand, he asked, “Are you winning?”

“No, but we’re only down by a field goal.”

Colton seemed in no hurry to go. He opened his soda and took a long drink. “One of my patients has a son playing on your team. He’s been after me to come to a game.”

“That’s no hardship for you – you love football.”

He looked in her direction and then back at the field. “It’s not the same watching games alone.”

Neither of them heard Patty enter the concession stand. She walked up behind Laurel and stopped dead at the sight of Colton. “Now I understand why you rushed me out of here.”

Laurel turned toward her with a strained smile. “Patty, I’d like you to meet my husband, Colton.”

He held out his hand. “It’s nice to meet you, Patty. You were with Laurel at Subway, right?”

Patty shook his hand. “That was me. I’m surprised you remember.”

“That particular day is engraved on my memory. I better go find my friend before halftime. Don’t work too hard while I’m gone.”

As they watched Colton walk away, Patty slid closer to Laurel. “My goodness, how have you stayed away from him for a year? I’ve never seen such soulful eyes. And then that voice - oh, my gosh - I could sit and listen to him talk all day.”

Laurel laughed at the dreamy expression on Patty’s face. “Did you find Roger?”

“Of course. He’s worn out from chasing Benjamin and Caleb all over the place. I don’t think they’ll be staying for the second half.”

“If you help me get through halftime, I’ll do the rest myself, and you can go home.”

Patty appeared to consider this offer. “Hmm. Bathe my kids, read stories until I’m hoarse, and collapse on the couch or stay here and visit with you. Which one would you choose?”

“I’d go home in a second.”

“I guess you’re right. Why do I feel like I’m going to miss something exciting if I leave?”

“Because you’ve got an overly active imagination. Nothing exciting is going to happen.”

“You don’t call Colton exciting?”

“Never mind what I think about Colton. Make yourself useful by icing down those drinks.”

* * * *

Colton found his friend standing along the fence near the bleachers, his crutches lying on the ground at his feet. Mike glanced in his direction and grinned.

“So you’ve already made a donation to the school.”

“Sugar is my weakness. How’s Jonas doing tonight?”

“He sacked the quarterback a few times, but man, we don’t have an offense. If we did, we might actually win some games.”

Colton was pleased to discover that if he positioned himself just right, he could converse with Mike and watch Laurel at the same time. Now if he could just get his heart to slow down a little. He was still getting over the shock of coming around the corner and seeing her hanging out of the concession stand. If that hadn’t been enough, her guarded friendliness had completed his state of distraction. The last time they’d seen each other was when she cut her leg. She’d been less hostile to him then, but the circumstances were unusual.

This occasion was different; in these surroundings, she wasn’t obligated to talk to him. He tried not to attach any significant meaning to her behavior. He couldn’t allow himself to get his hopes up only to have things revert to the way they’d been for the last year. For now, he was content being close enough to see her.

* * * *

The twenty-minute halftime was as busy as Patty had predicted. Laurel didn’t have a second to wonder whether Colton was still around. It was only after her friend had been reluctantly sent home that she found herself scanning the groups of people for a familiar profile. The third quarter had come and gone before she saw him again. Agitation warred with curiosity inside her as she watched him approach the concession stand.

“Back for more candy?” she asked.

Colton smiled uncertainly. “I thought I’d try popcorn this time.”

Laurel handed him a bag. “One dollar, please.”

When she reached for the money, his fingers brushed the palm of her hand. As slight as the contact was, she felt it all the way to her toes. Willing herself not to blush, she moved away to put the bill into the cash box.

“How long do you have to stay open?” he asked into the silence that had fallen between them.

“I start closing down when there’s five minutes left in the game.”

“Do you mind if I stay and talk for a while?”

Laurel’s eyes dropped. “Don’t you want to go back and join your friend?”

“Mike’s great, but I can see him anytime.” As if he sensed her withdrawal, he returned his attention to the field. “It looks like the other team is going to score again.”

“We’ve only been playing football a few years. It takes time to build a winning program. Aren’t you going to eat your popcorn?”

Colton glanced at the bag in his hand as if surprised to see it there. “I suppose I should. It seems a shame to waste it.”

“Don’t you want it?” she asked on a laugh.

He put a few kernels into his mouth and shrugged. “Not really; I just wanted an excuse to see you again.”

Laurel began to regret her friendliness. She didn’t want this conversation to stray into personal areas. “Is your practice going well here?”

Colton seemed surprised at this question. “Yes, it is. It’s a more diverse caseload than I had in Charleston. Have you found a church yet?”

“I’ve been going with Rose and Greg. Patty goes there, too.”

“I’m glad to hear that. One of the doctors at my clinic invited me to his church. I’ve been doing the men’s study that meets on Wednesday evenings.”

“Is this the same Colton I had to drag to church on Sundays?”

His glance fell from hers. “I’m not the same Colton or at least I hope I’m not. I was a Christian before, but I didn’t have a close relationship with God. I knew all the right things to say, but I didn’t actively seek His will in my life. God didn’t become an integral part of everything I do until I lost…everything. That’s when I discovered how real God is and how little I deserve His grace. He’s the only reason I can stand here and face you now.”

Laurel lifted trembling fingers to her lips. “What do you want me to say?”

“You don’t have to say anything. I just wanted the opportunity to tell you.”

“I’m not sure this is the best time and place to do so.”

He threw away the half-eaten bag of popcorn. “Would you be willing to talk to me somewhere else?”

“I don’t know. This is all happening so fast.”

Colton nodded. “I’m sorry, Laurel. I’m making you uncomfortable, and that’s the last thing I wanted to do.”

Before she could reply, he turned and walked away. Her initial feeling was relief, but it was closely followed by guilt.
Why did she feel guilty?
He shouldn’t have brought up all that stuff from the past; she didn’t want to hear it.

When she looked in his direction again, she saw that he was almost to the gate.
Was she always going to run away? Wasn’t it time to let him speak?
The next thing she knew she was through the door of the concession stand and running after him.

“Colton!” she called, feeling ridiculous. He stopped and let her catch up with him. “Are you busy tomorrow?”

“I’m on call so I don’t have any definite plans.”

“Can you come to my apartment around two? I’m number 25.”

* * * *

Colton wondered if his hearing had failed.
Had she actually invited him over?
He couldn’t believe it. A few minutes ago, he thought his impetuosity had ruined everything.

“Yes, I can do that,” he managed to get out.

“Good. I’ll see you then.” With a quick wave of her hand, she turned and ran back to the concession stand.

In a daze of disbelief and happiness, he continued his trek to the parking lot. All the way home thoughts swirled around in his head. What did this mean? Had he finally broken through the walls Laurel had built around herself?

By the time he reached the condo, Colton had quelled the anticipation building inside him. He couldn’t get too excited. This could mean everything and nothing. It would take more than a conversation in her apartment to put their marriage back together. In a sense, he had to win Laurel’s heart a second time, and it wasn’t going to be easy. She didn’t have any reason to trust him.

* * * *

Laurel went through the motions of storing away food and counting money in the cash box, but in her mind, she was far away. Colton’s words about being a changed man were small consolation to a soul tortured by the memory of a night she would never forget.

As if she’d been transported back in time, her eyes could clearly see through a tunnel of darkness two silhouettes. She could feel the pounding of her heart and the trembling in her legs. She could hear the startled scream erupting from her throat mixing with the agonized cry from the part of the room in shadow. A familiar wave of nausea sent her running to the bathroom. No matter how hard she tried, she couldn’t stop remembering.

Grabbing a paper towel, she wiped the sweat from her face. “Father, please help me,” Laurel whispered. “I can’t go on like this anymore.”

With a final glance at her reflection, she returned to the concession stand. Once there, she refused to think about anything else except the tasks before her. She gathered the money from the cash box into a large envelope just as the concessions manager came through the door. Waving away his thanks, she grabbed her purse and made her way to her car.

During the drive to her apartment, Laurel thought about what Colton had said. He sounded sincere, but could she believe him?
Were all those words about God real? Or was he saying what he thought she wanted to hear?
She had to admit there was something different about him – he seemed to have a peace of mind and spirit she hadn’t been able to achieve. How had he been able to move on while she was still dealing with the past?

* * * *

Colton was early. Laurel had said two and it was only one-thirty. He wasted five minutes driving around the apartment complex before deciding to go to the gas station. He didn’t need gas, but it would give him something to do. If he sat in the car staring at number 25 any longer, he’d lose his nerve and go back home.