Lib Novel Page 50
“I don’t know, a few days, a week…I just need to see my father and brothers. I can’t explain it any better than that.”
“Becca, the wedding is in three weeks. Are you telling me that there is a chance that this wedding will not happen?”
She was crying now and she’d promised herself that wouldn’t happen. All afternoon she rehearsed every word and felt every emotion in preparation for this moment. Now, looking at Christopher, her heart broke and she couldn’t hold back the tears.
“Please, Chris. Just give me this time to think. Please don’t ask me to explain it any more than I already have. I’m doing the best that I can.”
Becca knew she’d tied his hands and now made it impossible for him to control any of what was happening to him, but she had no choice.
She had to go home to Captiva and everyone that she knew and loved. That was the only security she craved. The rest would find its way to her or not. Either way, she’d be with her family and that was more than enough…it was everything.
CHAPTER 18
Beth didn’t sleep at all the night before her lunch with Christopher. Thoughts bounced around in her head until the stress forced her out of bed and into the living room to watch the snow fall. So much had happened over the last year and now, with the possibility that Chris and Becca might not marry, Beth wondered what other disasters were around the corner.
She pulled her bathrobe close and tried to shake the feeling that her brother’s heart was about to break. If there was any way she could help, she’d do her best, but she wasn’t convinced there was much she could do once the heart made its choice.
“I thought you’d stay in bed today. It’s a perfect day to do it. Have you seen those clouds?” Gabriel asked.
“Yeah, I heard it was going to be a cold one. No more snow thankfully because I’ve got to head into Boston anyway to have lunch with Chris. I might as well go into the office. Mitchell left me a bunch of paperwork.”
Gabriel wrapped his arms around Beth and kissed her neck. “Too bad. I was hoping you’d be around to bring me soup and massage my back at lunch.”
Beth pulled his arms off her and turned to face him. “When have I ever done that for you?” she asked.
“Never. That’s the point. Now that you’re living here, I think it’s a great opportunity to start a new precedent. You can spend days in the kitchen, cooking up gourmet meals while I’m out in the barn working my hands to the bone creating masterpieces of furniture,” he answered.
Beth walked toward the bedroom. “I should tell you now that I’m not the bring you your slippers kind of wife. I’m the go to work and catch killers kind. You’ve got exactly three weeks to decide if you can handle that.”
Gabriel rubbed his beard. “Killers, huh?”
Beth smiled. “Yup.”
“Well, I guess somebody’s got to do it. I’ll have Charlie get my slippers. He loves me unconditionally. He loves pleasing me.”
“Most dogs do, my love. I’ve got to get ready, so how about you fill my coffee travel mug for me?”
Gabriel shook his head and laughed. “No can do. I’m not that kind of husband.” He waited a few minutes and then filled Beth’s mug. He then poked his head around the bedroom door and smiled. “For you, just this once, I filled your coffee thing.”
Beth kissed him. “You’re the best. Thank you.”
“Say hello to Chris for me. I’m headed to the barn…and be careful on the roads. It’s still a bit slippery out there.”
“Will do,” Beth said as she grabbed the coffee and put on her coat. Looking at the Save the Date card on the refrigerator for Becca and Christopher’s wedding, she said a quick prayer that all would be well for her brother.
* * *
The pale ashen look on Christopher’s face was enough to convince Beth that she was right to worry.
Beth hugged Christopher and as they sat in the nearest booth, he spoke. “You know, then?”
“I don’t know what I know. Only that you look terrible.”
“She’s gone. Becca left for Captiva early this morning.”
“What? Why? What happened?”
“She’s not sure she wants to get married,” he answered.