Chapter Twenty-Eight
“I’D NEVER BEEN THAT terrified in my life.” Laredo swallowed hard as he and Diana walked along the beach back in his home state. Even two days later, everything in him trembled. “I’m still surprised I agreed with that idea. You could’ve been killed.”
The familiarity of the ocean’s whisper and the seagulls’ screeches usually soothed him. Today, it failed to do its job. He couldn’t even imagine what might’ve happened.
“You didn’t really agree to it. You tried to stop me.” She looked up at him timidly.
Though today was warmer than usual and the temperatures never dropped too low here, the water must be rather cold. Yet, Diana kicked off her white ankle boots, took off her socks, and walked into the waves.
“Um, it might not be the best idea to walk in the water barefoot,” he said.
She shook her head, sending her hair flying. “I’ve always been afraid to do new things or the wrong things. Humor me. This makes me feel alive. It sharpens my senses. I need it right now.”
He toed off his cowboy boots and joined her. He braced for the sharp bite of cold, but it wasn’t so bad. And it made him feel alive, too. Present in the moment. With Diana.
She touched his hand, and that did soothe him somewhat. “I didn’t mean to worry you. I wore a Kevlar vest. Well, besides the wire.”
“He could’ve shot you somewhere outside the Kevlar vest.” Like her head. He shuddered, then drew a deep breath of salty, humid air.
“He didn’t. I’m fine. Well, I feel like I was hit by a brick wall and a bit sore. But nothing compared to the damage a bullet could’ve done. Let’s go back to our footwear.” She turned around and took his hand, causing his heart to stir. “I know it was risky. But I couldn’t continue living looking over my shoulder. I couldn’t risk him hurting Pat again. We had no proof, only suspicions. Just... the memory of a scent. Nothing to build a case on, and Marina confirmed it.”
“Well, now he’ll pay for his crimes.” Laredo couldn’t remain angry when Diana’s fingers were intertwined with his, when she was right there beside him. Alive and well. And hopefully healing. This was his true Christmas miracle, an early gift two days before Christmas.
She wore a fun Christmas sweater beneath her peach cardigan, and that, coupled with jeans, seemed the best outfit in the world to him. The breeze caressed her beautiful blonde hair. When the wind threw it on her face, he moved the soft tendrils away with his left hand. His fingertips grazed her smooth cheek, and a jolt charged through him.
“I believe he already started paying when he accidentally killed his son instead of me.” Her voice turned dejected. As compassionate as she was, she clearly pitied the man. Even though her former father-in-law had tried to kill her multiple times. She was amazing. “But at least now he won’t harm anyone else.”
“True. Thanks to you and your immense courage.” Admiration for her filled his chest together with a salty ambience, but he didn’t want to give the culprit any more attention. Worried her feet might get cold, he glanced toward the shore where their boots were standing.
“Okay, enough walking in the water. We don’t want to get sick.” She ran ashore.
“Good idea.” He took off his jacket. “Let me dry your feet.”
She startled as she picked up her white boots. “Are you sure?”
“Totally.”
She sat on some nearby driftwood, and he used the jacket’s outer fabric to rub her feet, one by one. Finally, his sling was off, and he enjoyed being able to do things again. Her feet were cold, and he rubbed them between his palms until they felt warm again. He slipped her socks—also with a fun Christmas-tree pattern—back onto her feet, and then her ankle boots.
He dried off his feet much faster and soon was in his cowboy boots again. “Thank you for coming here for Christmas. My family is thrilled to have you.”
A timid smile blossomed on her lips. “Thank you for inviting Pat and me. I so hope she’ll heal from everything that happened to her. Although she’s regained most of her memory, it’ll take time for broken bones and bruises to heal, and even longer for her heart.” A deep sigh joined the ocean’s whisper. “I hate to think she suffered because of me, because she wanted me to know the truth about Adam.”
He squeezed her fingers as he joined her on the bleached driftwood. “It’s not your fault. At all. As for inviting Pat, it was all Harris’s doing. And my mom is happy to have her at the ranch house. She says she’s glad to fuss over someone when all of us are grown up and on our own. Well, besides spoiling her grandchild rotten.”
“You’re great with your nephew, too.”
“Little Houston is precious. Mom insisted the first grandbaby be named after the Texas city—in keeping with her penchant for naming most of us after Texas places. In case you haven’t guessed, she’s a Texan like you. She named Barrett after her little hometown, in Harris County.”
“I knew you and some of your brothers were named for Texas places. I hadn’t realized Barrett and Harris were, too.”
“Yeah, but she skipped Houston—saving it. I always figured I’d name my son Antonio, for San Antonio, if one of my brothers didn’t beat me to it. Dallas worried their little one would be a girl and she’d get stuck with Houston, but Skylar said the name would be nice on a girl too.”
“You’re a wonderful uncle. You’d make a wonderful father.” Wistfulness softened her tone.
“Thanks. So are you.” His heart squeezed. “I mean, you’d make a wonderful mom.”
He loved all his brothers and didn’t envy them, but the time he’d spent with the little one made him wish for his own children. And he could so easily see Diana’s lovely face in his children.
The engagement ring was burning a hole in his pocket, but he wanted his family and Diana’s friend present when he proposed, so he’d best wait until Christmas. Even if nerves were getting the best of him.
Would she say yes? Or would she need more time? Or...
He knew all too well that she blamed herself for her former addiction and that her family history made her cautious. She might refuse his proposal out of some misguided desire not to hurt him if she ever turned to a bottle again. Just the thought made his heart clench.
“I always wanted to be a wife and a mom.” She chuckled as she got up and started walking along the shore—the dry part thankfully, causing him to join her. “Unlike Pat, who turned down several surprise marriage proposals. She said she never wanted things to get serious, so she was shocked each time she’d been proposed to.”
Which didn’t sound good for Harris. Most likely, Harris didn’t think as far ahead yet as a proposal, and he and Pat hadn’t even dated. But Laredo’s brother was clearly smitten. That said, Laredo wouldn’t interfere with his brother’s choices.
Diana looked out at the ocean, her gray eyes becoming misty. “I don’t know how to be a good mom, but I know well what kind of mother not to be.”
“You’ll be a wonderful one,” he said it again because he meant it. He sidestepped a clam’s spout. Could he ask whether her relationship with her parents was improving, or would that touch a sore spot?
She seemed to read his question. “I had a long talk with my parents after they returned home from their trip. I’m sad it took nearly losing me to instigate some kind of change, but they apologized and even cried. Maybe compared to the adored son-in-law who turned out to be a cheater and a blackmailer and a friend who nearly killed their daughter, a daughter who didn’t become a doctor didn’t sound so bad any longer.”
“Anyone would be honored to have a daughter like you.” He squeezed her fingers in support again.
“They even decided to retire and take a long vacation in Port Sunshine to be close to me. Go figure.” She chuckled without mirth. “When I was nearby, they barely paid attention to me. Now they are ready to move states for me.”
“It was a wake-up call for them.” At least, they did, indeed, wake up from it. “Will you ever be able to forgive them?”
“They are my family. Of course, I still have bitterness and regrets, but I’m working on it. I pray for them, and it helps me, as well. My parents and I have to find the path back to each other.” She gestured toward the ocean. “Even if that path was washed away.”
“I said it many times, but it bears repeating. You’re incredible. And... I’ll pray for them, too. You know I already pray for you many times a day.” More admiration for her stirred him.
He’d thought he’d been the one to teach her about faith, something her parents had failed to do, unlike his mother. But again and again, Diana was teaching him important things.
His chest constricted. He needed to try to pray for his late father. Because even decades later, Laredo hadn’t forgiven his dad for all the damage he’d done to his family. And much more damage his father could’ve still done.
Did he die from his own hand, as officially stated? Or did someone in Laredo’s family stop him? The new development that it might’ve been a jealous husband gave Laredo hope. But would they ever know for sure?
“So do I. I pray for you.” Her smile never failed to touch his heart. This time, it also redirected his thoughts to a much safer path.
“Your parents are welcome to stay with us.” Maybe not totally welcome. He wasn’t fond of them after what they’d done to Diana. But if she could forgive them, so could he.
“Thank you for the invite, but they like their privacy and already rented a cottage.” She raised her free hand when he winced. “Not the cottage with the bad reputation.”
“It goes without saying that you and Pat are welcome to stay as long as you want.” He brought Diana’s hand to his lips.
Preferably forever.
Afraid to pressure her, he kept the words to himself. So many people had tried to control her life, from her parents to her late husband and former in-laws, but surely, she knew, with him, she’d always have a choice to do what she wanted to do. To be what she wanted to be.
“Of course, I’ll accept whatever you decide.” Long-distance relationships could be rough, and the one he’d had before hadn’t worked out. But for Diana, he’d do it.
“I’ve never done anything this spontaneous.” She swung their hands between them, the skip in her step kicking up sloshy sand. “But I quit my job and applied for a position at the local hospital. I also put my house on the market.”
He nearly dropped on one knee, cold water or not, and proposed right then and there. Instead, he just lifted her and whirled around, the water splashing in all directions. “I’m so glad!”
She laughed, and it sounded like the most beautiful melody in the world, way more beautiful than anything he’d ever written.
“If I don’t get the job, I have lots of other ideas,” she said once he put her back on her feet. She giggled like a little girl. “I’ve never had so many ideas, but the ones I’ve had, I never had the time to try. Like a lot of Grandma’s recipes I wanted to try and never had the time. Her oatmeal cookies, for example. Adam said he was allergic to oatmeal, so I never baked them.” Her face darkened but then brightened. “And Mom, Skylar’s grandmother Delores, and I, as well as Mrs. Tisdale and Dr. Carol talked, and we have this idea.” She glanced away, probably a lifetime of mocking taking its toll. “You might think it’s ridiculous....”
“I’d never think it’s ridiculous,” he said with conviction. “I’ll support you, whatever it is. Well, it would take effort if you, let’s say, decide to move to Asia and work with tigers, but I’ll still support it.”
She laughed, the sound music to his ears, as always. “That sounds more like Pat.” She giggled again. “I can’t believe Mom and I are planning something together. Anyway, we’re thinking of opening a tearoom, as there isn’t one in Port Sunshine. Dr. Carol said a small building just went up for rent in a good location. It would be perfect. Dr. Carol and Mrs. Tisdale know how to run a business here, and Dr. Carol’s nephew is about to graduate with a pharmacy degree and is ready to take over Sunshine Healing. She figured she’d try something else part- time. We all love and know tea, and maybe we can also offer some baked goods based on Grandma’s recipes.”
Delightful how much her face lit up! The breeze brought strands of hair onto her face, and he slid them away, caressing her smooth skin.
His pulse spiked from the simple touch. “Maybe name some dishes after her?”
“Yes! I love that. And Dad is going to be a consultant at MUSC in Charleston. He and I were talking, and we plan to offer a scholarship for students wanting to pursue nursing. Well, I wanted to do it in Grandma’s name because I saw how much some students in my group struggled when I was studying at the university. Dad surprised me by saying he’d like to join and contribute funds. He’s okay naming the scholarship after her, and I’d love to honor her legacy somehow.”
“You honor her legacy just by existing, but I understand what you mean.” He was so proud of her.
“We’re studying the market right now and if the tourist season can support it. I can provide the financial backing and so can my mother. Mrs. Tisdale offered her expertise in sweets and local business, but she has an ailing husband. Mom and I offered caretaking-nursing help to Mrs. Tisdale in return. Maybe we’d even organize a tearoom meeting for sort of a Hibiscus Club for people over sixty, including the members who need support and a break from caregiving. I remember how Grandma struggled with Grandpa and the desolation in the eyes of my patients’ caretakers. So it wouldn’t be just a place for tea, but a place for support and hope. And would you believe Dr. Carol raises some herbs for tea in her garden?”
“I heard about it. The tearoom and a new group are both fantastic ideas.” He rubbed his jaw. “Mom loves to bake and is an awesome baker. She might be on board if you’re open to more help. And like Mrs. Tisdale and Dr. Carol, Mom knows nearly the entire town and would invite them to the tearoom opening.”
“We’d love that!” Diana threw her arms around him, making his heart gallop. Before he was ready, she pulled back.
“Please tell your parents we’d love to have them for Christmas at our place.” While Laredo was mostly sincere, he had an ulterior motive. He didn’t want Diana to have to choose between spending Christmas with her parents or his family.
“I’d love to.” Her smile widened, then dimmed. “My family doesn’t even have Christmas traditions.”
“We have plenty and would be happy to share. Like exchanging Christmas ornaments. Or singing carols in Port Sunshine. Or decorating gingerbread houses.”
“Thank you.” Then she lifted her chin. “Besides, we can start our own, right?”
How sweet that word our sounded coming from her! And who could help but admire her newly found spunk? Surely, it had always been there, just suppressed by the people who were supposed to love and support her the most.
“Right. That’s my girl.” He drew her close. “I mean, I’d love for you to become my girlfriend.” He wanted her to become his wife, but all in due time.
She squealed and threw her arms around him again, making his heartbeat skyrocket. “Yes!”
This time, she lingered—though it would never be long enough, would it? After a long hug, she eased out of his embrace. “In truth, if the hospital offers me a job now, I’m not sure I’ll take it, though I might go back to nursing later. It’s meaningful to me, and I’m good at it. But before I only knew one path and felt obligated to follow it, no matter how exhausted and worn out I was. Now I know God gives us so many opportunities. It is us who limit ourselves.”
“Very true.” His chest swelled as her eyes shone. Wonderful that she knew the world was open to her.
Then she fell into step near him as they sauntered along the shoreline again. Seagulls cried in the distance, and the whispering ocean provided a calming soundtrack. “I meant to ask you...” Her shoulder nudged his arm. “If you want to try for a music career and talk to that producer Lolly mentioned, I’d go with you on tours and invest in marketing your songs. I can become your assistant. We’d have to hire people, of course, but I’d learn how to help them help you. I want you to follow your dreams. Because your dreams are my dreams now.”
His heart overflowed with more love for her than the bay during high tide. “You’re more than any man could ask for. And your offer means so much to me. More than I can express.” He didn’t rush his answer. Once upon a time, he’d dreamed of becoming a country singer. But no, it wasn’t what he wanted now. “I said no to Lolly’s offer.” And he felt good about it.
Her eyes went huge. “But it’s a one-in-a-million opportunity. Are you sure?”
“It’s not what I want anymore. It’s not just the stage fright I’d have to constantly struggle with. It might sound strange, but fame doesn’t interest me. I feel I’m right where I want to be. Where God wants me to be. I can write songs anywhere. It’s a lot of hard work, but I love being a cowboy. I love being a rancher. My heart is in this place.” And now his heart was with her.
Her lips curled up, and that bashful smile touched his very soul. “Then my heart is in this place, too.” Her hand slipped into his, and at that moment, she had his heart in the palm of her hand. She always would. “Also, importantly, I want to attend to my best friend while she’s recovering.” Once a nurse, always a nurse. Diana’s kindness was the size of this ocean.
Maybe she was staying here because of her friend and not Laredo, but he’d take what he could get. He was just grateful for her presence.
Yet the thought slipped out. “Is that the only reason you’re staying? I mean, don’t get me wrong, I’m ecstatic you’re here.”
She laughed again, the breeze carrying the sound. “No, not the only reason. I’ve never been this forward, but I want to give you and me a chance.” Then she hesitated, her expression sobering, and her hand slid from his, leaving him bereft. “You know who I am and that a significant part of me will always crave alcohol and the oblivion it brings. My grandfather’s addiction didn’t just ruin his life. It ruined the life of the person he loved the most and who loved him the most.”
“Diana.” He gripped her shoulders, turned her to him, and stared into her vulnerable eyes, hoping she could see all the passion and affection in his. “We’re in this together. Your former addiction doesn’t define you. And whatever happens, I’ll be by your side.”
Could she hear his total confidence? If she refused his proposal or started drinking again and pushed him away, being by her side was going to be a challenge. But he’d be there whenever she needed him.
In good times and bad.
Without a doubt, this was the woman God had created for him, and he’d thank God every day for it. Probably every minute.
This Christmas, he wished for her to be healthy and happy and for a lifetime together.
Her gray eyes dimmed and turned forlorn. “There’s no such a thing as a former addiction. There are just breaks, in rare cases for life, more often for a few days or a few months.”
He didn’t hesitate. “The answer is still the same.”
“That’s one of the many reasons I love you.” Her face lit up again.
His heart nearly stopped beating, then resumed with a wild force. He’d been wrong before because those three words were the most beautiful, the most precious melody to his ears. “I love you so much. All of you. Everything in you. Now and forever.”
“Ditto about you. But I do have an important question. Do you want a boy or a girl?”
“Both. Whoever God gives us.”
“A boy should be named Antonio as you said. But what about a girl?”
He didn’t have to think twice. “What was your grandmother’s name?”
Her sweet smile was his reward as she answered, “Carol.”
The desire to kiss her consumed him, and he brought her close.
As his lips brushed hers, a hymn of love sounded in his head while his heart was beating in rhythm to it.