Finding the Way Back (Book 1 in the Forgiving Hearts Trilogy) (6 page)

“This is only the beginning.”

The waiter appeared with their food. To Laurel, a meal had never tasted so delicious. A secret desire of her heart had been granted. She’d worried what would happen to their relationship if he left Charleston and now she didn’t have to.

* * * *

Colton pulled up to the security gate guarding a newly constructed block of luxury apartments.

“What are we doing here?” Laurel asked.

“You’ll see.” He punched a code into the keypad and a few seconds later, the gates opened. They followed a winding road around an attractive clubhouse. Just past the first of two lakes, he parked the car and shut off the engine. “You’ve been admiring these apartments from the outside for weeks. I thought you might want to see the inside.”

Laurel looked at him as if he’d lost his mind. “How can we do that? Do you know the manager?”

“Yes, and he was only too happy to give me a key.” When she continued to stare at him in disbelief, Colton reached over and unbuckled her seatbelt. “Well, aren’t you the least bit curious? You may never get an opportunity like this again.”

As he escorted her along the sidewalk, he could sense her confusion.
Did she really not know?
He hadn’t thought he would get this far without her figuring out what he was leading to. He inserted the key into the lock and ushered her inside. Laurel walked slowly into the darkened foyer and stopped. Going around her, Colton flipped on the lights.

“I like the light oak flooring paired with the white walls,” he said into the silence. Placing his hand in the small of her back, he urged her down the hall into a rectangular kitchen.

“Stainless steel appliances and granite countertops! I like it already,” Laurel commented as she slid her fingers across the smooth gray surface.

“A nice upgrade from the laminate I grew up with,” he agreed.

As they moved into the living area, she glanced upward with a grin. “The high ceilings give it a feeling a space – not like you’re cramped in a tiny box. Being one of the taller people in the world, I appreciate those little touches.”

Colton laughed. “You and me both. What about the ceramic tile?”

“I prefer that over vinyl. Look how big the master bedroom is. It’s as large as one you would find in a house.” She peeked into the master bath. “A garden tub and a walk-in shower! I’m officially impressed.”

“Does that mean you like it?” he asked as he followed her down the hallway.

“Of course I like it.”

She went to stand by the sliding doors leading to a decent sized balcony. Moonlight streamed through the glass, bathing her in an ethereal glow. Colton was reminded of the way she looked when they walked on the pier the first night they met.

He came up behind her and wrapped his arms around her. As he breathed in the intoxicating scent of her skin, a familiar wave of longing went through him. “This is nice,” he said softly into her ear.

“I was thinking the same thing,” she whispered.

He gently turned her around to face him. “From the first moment when I turned my head and saw you sitting beside me, I’ve been drawn to you. Not only are you beautiful on the outside, but you also have a gentle and loving spirit to match.” Taking her hand, he went down on one knee. “I love you, Laurel, and I can’t imagine my life without you.” Drawing a tiny gold box from his pocket, he asked, “Will you marry me?”

Her startled glance darted from the diamond ring resting on a bed of black velvet to his amazing eyes. What she saw there brought a look of unbridled enchantment to her face. “Oh, Colton; I love you, too, and the answer is yes.”

As he slid the ring on her finger, he said, “I’m so glad you said yes. I would have felt silly not to mention terribly lonely living here by myself.”

Laurel reluctantly took her eyes off her left hand. “You mean this is our actual apartment?”

He nodded as he came to his feet and drew her close enough to feel the rapid beating of his heart. “I signed the lease this morning.”

Laurel never got a chance to comment on his action. Colton teased her with kisses until she thought she might faint from the sweet pleasure of it. When he finally released her, he leaned his forehead against hers, his breathing as unsteady as her own. Laughing huskily, he said, “My mother was right to put Josh in the basement.”

Her eyes fell to a point below his chin. “When you love someone, it can be difficult to wait.”

His strong hands framed her face. “I’m willing to wait as long as you need to plan whatever type of wedding you want.”

She smiled slowly. “Something tells me it won’t take very long.”

Chapter Four

Something woke Laurel in the early morning hours. Colton was awake as he usually was at this time. Years of hospital work made it nearly impossible for him to sleep more than six hours at a time. She could see his adorable smile in the semi-darkness. He was propped up on one elbow watching her, his hair ruffled from sleep. Since their wedding night over a year ago, when he’d loved her with a passionate tenderness that left her shaken in his arms and more deeply in love with him than ever, they’d never been apart.

“I have to leave soon,” he whispered regretfully.

“I wish you didn’t have to go. Four days without you will seem like an eternity.”

The sadness in her voice moved him. “I’ll call you every night and text you every chance I get.”

“That’s not the same as being with you,” she pointed out.

“Would it help if I took a later flight?”

She slid closer to him. “Could you?”

Instead of answering, he bent to kiss the creamy skin of her neck before moving to her mouth. He couldn’t leave her – not yet.

* * * *

As he backed out of the driveway, Colton wished Laurel had been able to come with him. The conference sessions he was interested in wouldn’t take the entire day; there would have been ample time to explore Nashville or just hang around at the hotel. It definitely wouldn’t be as enjoyable a trip without her.

Her disappointment in not being able to accompany him rivaled his own, but as the sponsor for the drama club, she couldn’t be absent from the annual Christmas play. Laurel took her commitment to the students in her classes and after-school activities seriously. This quality of selflessness was one of the many things he loved about her.

A reminiscent smile touched his lips as he recalled her reluctance to let him leave. When Laurel was in his arms, Colton didn’t care about anything else. He loved her so much it frightened him sometimes. He’d never thought his happiness would become so dependent on someone else.

* * * *

Thanks to that later flight, Colton barely made it to the hotel before registration for the conference began. In his room, he hastily changed into a suit, grabbed the bag holding his laptop and strode out the door.

During the banquet that followed the introductory speeches, he spied a familiar face in the crowd. He walked over and slapped Jacob on the shoulder. “I didn’t know you were going to be here.”

“Colton! Good to see you. You’re a long way from Charleston.”

“I had to find out what all the fuss is about with this new rotator-cuff surgical technique.”

Jacob nodded. “That’s the only thing that could drag me away from Orlando in December.”

“Did Juliet come with you?”

“She was going to, but Lily got an ear infection.”

“I’m sorry to hear that. Laurel has her pictures all over our refrigerator. Your daughter didn’t get her good looks from you.”

“I couldn’t be more relieved. Juliet is planning a huge party for Lily’s first birthday. She’s hoping you and Laurel can come.”

“If it’s at all possible, we’ll be there.”

“When are you going to jump in and start a family?”

Colton’s smile grew. “It’s only been a little over a year, Jacob. I consider myself to still be on my honeymoon.”

Jacob laughed as he glanced at his watch. “I’ve got to go pick up my partner at the airport. Are you staying for the entire conference?”

“If I can stand to be away from Laurel that long.”

“I know the feeling. It gets even harder to leave when you have a child. See you tomorrow.”

Colton made his way back to the table where he’d left his bag. Everyone was gone except two physicians still enjoying a lively discussion. A member of the catering staff approached and offered to refill their drinks. Thinking he could use some coffee before going to his room, Colton absently handed the young woman his cup.

“You’re Colton, right?”

He glanced up in surprise. “Yes, I am.” For a moment, he was at a loss and then he smiled. “I hardly recognized you, Taryn. How are you?”

“Right now, I’m dead on my feet. I’ve been working since nine this morning.”

“I didn’t realize you were from Nashville.”

She grimaced. “It’s not where I want to be, either. My parents own a farm not far from here. How’s Laurel?”

“She’s great; we got married last year.”

“I’ll never forget how nice she was to me. When you talk to her, tell her I said hello.”

“I’ll do that.”

“Well, I better get moving. I’m not supposed to stand around talking. It was nice seeing you again.” With a tired smile, she walked away.

* * * *

Colton left the banquet hall not long after that encounter. Once in his room, he shrugged out of his jacket, loosened his tie and stretched out on the bed to call Laurel. She answered so quickly he knew she’d been waiting to hear from him.

“How’s the most beautiful woman in the world?”

“Missing my husband. I never thought I would be one of those possessive type women, but I’ve been jealous of everyone in Nashville because they’re with you and I’m not.”

He laughed. “You don’t have a jealous bone in your body. How did the rehearsal for the play go?”

“Terrible. I had kids forgetting lines, dropping things, and bumping into each other. It was as if they’d forgotten everything we’ve been doing for the last three months.”

“I think it’s a good thing in the theatrical world to have a bad rehearsal before the big performance.”

“I hope you’re right or we’re in trouble.”

“Have you talked to Juliet lately?”

“Not in few weeks. Why?”

“I ran into Jacob tonight – he’s here for the conference, too. He was telling me about Lily’s birthday party.”

“I told Juliet we probably wouldn’t be able to make it. That’s a long drive for a weekend.”

“No, it’s not. How many times does a little girl have a first birthday? We should go.”

“What if you’re on call?”

“I’ll swap weekends with someone else.”

“You’re too good to me, Colton.”

“You’re easy to be good to. Do you remember Taryn?”

“Of course. I’ve often wondered how she’s doing.”

“I saw her tonight; she was one of the waitresses catering the banquet.”

“Wow, what are the chances of that?”

“I didn’t recognize her at first. Who would have thought underneath all that makeup was a pretty girl?”

“Should I be concerned that you noticed?” she asked teasingly.

“You have no worries, sweetheart. I’m yours forever.”

She sighed softly into the phone. “I knew I was going to love you when you kissed my birthmark.”

“If you were here, I’d do it right now.”

“My birthmarks will be waiting for you when you get home.”

His voice lowered. “Speaking of when I get home, don’t make any plans to leave the apartment this weekend.”

Laurel laughed. “We have to leave on Sunday. It’s our turn in the nursery.”

He groaned. “All right; but that’s it. I expect to have your undivided attention the rest of the time.”

“Sounds fine to me.”

“Good. It’s late, and we both have to be up early. I love you, darling. Don’t ever forget that.”

* * * *

Though he missed Laurel, Colton enjoyed listening to the speakers and talking with his peers. He’d always been interested in learning new things and in his profession, he couldn’t afford to be unaware of the latest procedures. He looked around for Jacob, but didn’t see him all day.

As he wasn’t interested in the entertainment scheduled for the evening, he closed his laptop and headed to his hotel room. Laurel had told him to call her after ten; she was going to something called a “cookie swap” at a friend’s house. He debated going out to eat and then decided he was too tired.

A quick search of his room revealed the room service menu. Colton picked up the phone and ordered a cheeseburger and fries. Not exactly healthy, but something he hoped the hotel restaurant couldn’t mess up. While he waited for his food, he changed clothes and turned on the television. Flipping through the channels, he found a bowl game.

A knock at the door brought his attention from the screen. He hoped this interruption was his food. When he swung the door open, Taryn was standing beside a dining cart that he presumed contained his dinner.

“Hello, again,” he said as he moved aside and waved her in.

As he reached to take the covered plate off the tray, Taryn slapped at his hand. “I’m supposed to do that.”

Colton laughed. “Well, hurry up. I’m hungry.”

After arranging everything on the table, she glanced back in his direction. “Is there anything else you need?”

“No, I’m good.”

“When you’re finished, set the tray outside your door.”

“Okay. Thanks for bringing it.” As they walked toward the door, he stopped suddenly. “Wait a minute, Taryn. I forgot to pay you.”

He opened up his wallet, took out a twenty dollar bill and handed it to her. “Keep the change.”

She made no move to take the money. “I can’t accept such a large tip.”

Smiling gently, he asked, “Why not?”

Taryn’s face turned red. “You’re doing it because you feel sorry for me.”

“I’m doing it because I know how hard waitresses work. I used to wait tables at a restaurant when I was in high school.”

“Thank you, Dr. Samuels.”

“You called me Colton yesterday.”

“I didn’t know you were a doctor.” She stopped at the door, and he reached around her to open it.

“I hope you don’t have to work too late.”

“I’m done for the night,” she told him.

“Be careful driving home.”

A short laugh escaped her. “I will. Goodnight.”

“Goodbye, Taryn.”

Colton dismissed Taryn from his mind almost immediately. The hamburger wasn’t the best, but he was too hungry to worry about it. Once the football game was over, he made his call to Laurel. She’d had a great time and was overjoyed that her holiday baking had been taken care of with so little effort. The freezer now contained four dozen cookies.

Just as he ended the call, someone pounded on the door. Glancing through the spyglass, he was shocked to see Taryn standing outside.
What was she doing here?
It was after eleven.

As he hesitated, she knocked again. When he opened the door, she darted inside and threw herself into his arms. For a moment, Colton was too surprised to do anything other than reach over and close the door. Taryn was clinging to him as if she never meant to let go.

His eyes noted her rumpled clothes and tangled hair. “What’s going on, Taryn? Are you in some kind of trouble?” When all he got was a strangled sob, he loosened her arms from around his waist and urged her toward the only chair in the room. “You’ve got to tell me what’s going on. I can’t help if I don’t know the problem.”

She slowly raised her eyes to his face. “I was sleeping in one of the vacant rooms – or what I thought was a vacant room. I woke up to find a man standing over me. He wouldn’t let me leave; he thought I was there on purpose.”

He took hold of her trembling hands. “Did he hurt you, Taryn? I need to know; if he did, we have to call the police.”

A shudder went through her. “No, I kicked him in the stomach and ran out of the room.”

Colton figured that probably dampened the guy’s enthusiasm. “I’m glad you’re okay. What I don’t understand is why you didn’t go home.”

“My father threw me out a few weeks ago. I was able to get this job, but I can’t afford apartment rent.”

“So you’ve been sleeping in the hotel rooms that aren’t booked.”

“It worked fine until tonight.”

“I see. Well, you can’t go back to that room. I’ll get a room for you.”

She grabbed his arm again. “I don’t have enough money to pay for it. Can’t I stay in here with you?”

Colton shook his head. “No, but don’t worry; I’ll pay for the room.” He dialed the number for the front desk. After a few minutes, he turned to her again. “You’re in Room 124. Where are your things?”

“In the other room,” she admitted reluctantly. “It’s just one bag.”

“What’s the room number?”

“What are you going to do?” she asked in a panic.

“Get it back – if I can,” he said. “What does the bag look like?”

“It’s black with white trim. I think it was Room 345.”

A faint smile touched his lips. “I hope for both our sakes that it’s Room 345; I’d hate to disturb the wrong person.”

As Colton strode down the carpeted hallway, he wondered how best to approach what could only be a delicate matter. While he could fully sympathize with Taryn, he also recognized that her presence in this unknown man’s room was difficult to defend. Hopefully, the guy would be reasonable; otherwise, Colton would have to involve the police. When he turned the corner, he noticed a dark duffle bag slumped against the wall. He picked it up with relief; this was the best of all possible endings to this strange situation.