Chapter 7 #2
“I know,” she said, pulling into the driveway and shutting the car off. They entered the cozy cabin, and she placed the bag on the table while she gathered dinnerware and glasses. Archer poured them water while she plated the food.
They sat down, and she watched as he cut into his steak, took a bite, closed his eyes, and chewed. “This tastes like heaven,” he moaned.
“I told you,” she said, biting into her chicken.
“How does he get it this tender?” he asked in wonder.
“Everyone says the same thing. It’s hard to believe Ty doesn’t want to go into one of the bigger cities and open a larger restaurant. It’s our little gem of the community.”
“He’s not the only gem in Serenity. Everyone sings your praises, too,” he informed her as they dug into their meal. “Do you want a bite of steak?”
“I’ll trade you. How about a bite of chicken in exchange?”
“Deal.” He held out a bite for her while she pierced a piece of chicken and held it to his lips. He slowly savored the flavors as she bit off the steak from the fork. Her lips glided along the tines and appeared shiny from the juices. He yearned to swipe his tongue along her soft pink mouth.
“It’s delicious,” she said softly. “We’ve never discussed your plans after you conclude your treatment. Do you plan to return home?”
“No. I’m officially retired from the military, and after all the hospital stays, I haven’t given much thought about where to settle down.” Archer cut another slice of meat while he ate a fry.
“Leo, the head of Serenity Securities, hires veterans from the hospital. You might want to speak with him about a job if you still want to work,” she suggested.
“I’m not ready to retire. The mountain has grown on me, along with other things. Do you know of any houses for sale?” he asked, watching her finish her food.
“I don’t, but Kassie might. The realtors alert her when houses become available. She uses them for patient families. It encourages them to visit frequently,” she explained. “Do you want me to introduce you to Leo?”
“Patch offered to introduce me. Honestly, I didn’t know how you’d feel about it.” He placed his knife and fork on his plate and gazed at her.
“Oh, I…I can’t tell you where to live,” she stammered.
Reaching across the table, he took her hand. “It’s time we cleared the air about your wedding day. You deserve to know the truth.”
“Why do you want to ruin our dinner and talk about this now? I don’t want to hear it,” she said, confused.
“Don’t you ever wonder why I didn’t tell you?” he asked.
“Yes, a million times,” she gritted out. “I don’t want to know now. It’ll ruin everything. Between us.”
“My timing isn’t perfect, but you’re suggesting I ask Leo for a job, we’re living as roommates, and every day I spend with you makes me want more. We can’t move forward with this between us. ”
She gathered their plates and took them to the sink. She turned and gripped the counter as she stared at him with teary eyes.
“You didn’t have the decency to leave me a note or anything,” she fumed. “Do you know how humiliated I felt when I stood before the whole town and explained about the cancelled wedding? It didn’t take long for everyone to know he left me.”
“I know. I can’t imagine how you felt. You didn’t deserve it,” he said softly. “Please hear me out.” Archer rose from his chair and slowly approached her.
“Don’t say anything,” she choked out. “I’ll call Patch to pick you up. You …hurt me on purpose.”
“It wasn’t my intention, nor Jonah’s. I’m the one who begged him not to go to the church.”
Her eyes widened at his confession and then hurt appeared. “I don’t want to hear this,” she said, shaking her head.
Archer caged her in his arms, wobbling on his crutches, his eyes desperately pleading for her to listen. “Give me time to explain.”
She searched his face. Did she want to revisit one of the worst moments in her life? Closing her eyes, she choked out, “Two minutes.”
“Jonah and I were brothers in every way but blood. I knew him like the back of my hand. How many times did I show up to keep you company until he arrived? Hell, I went with you to pick out the cake, music, and flowers for the ceremony. The night before the big day, I found him with a woman from the bachelor party. It infuriated me how he took you for granted. On your wedding day, I insisted he tell you before making vows to you about loyalty and fidelity. Jonah agreed to leave, but he refused to tell you why. I assumed he might leave you a note or call you later to explain, but he never did. You deserved better. I refused to watch you marry him under those circumstances. It’s the only time I wished to run in and step into his place like I had a million times before,” he confessed.
Candy’s breath caught in her throat. “What are you saying?”
“I loved you, Candace. I’m the reason he didn’t show. Jonah confronted me about it last year, and I admitted my feelings for you. He knew all along and made me promise to find you when I returned and make this right. It’s the reason I’m here.”