The Reluctant Bride. Anne Duquette Marie

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СКАЧАТЬ and forty-five miles to Flagstaff. Last night they’d checked into a hotel and were up early again this morning to finish the distance between Flagstaff and Grand Canyon Village. They’d meet the Hunter brothers in less than an hour. Although the skies were cloudy and gray, the deluge had ended last night, and the women were making good time.

      “The sun should come out this afternoon,” Anita said. She reached for her take-out cup of coffee.

      “Fingers crossed,” Karinne said. “Or we’ll have a wet hike all the way down to the river.”

      “It’s only a day hike,” Anita said cheerfully. “A mile straight down.”

      “Fifteen trail miles, and it’s monsoon season, remember? We’re gonna get wet.”

      “I know,” Anita said. “But it can’t rain the whole time. I want to take pictures. I brought along a waterproof digital camera.”

      Karinne smiled. “Maybe you can let me pay for copies, then.”

      “You didn’t bring a camera?”

      “Lord, no. I need a break. I’m tired of looking at view screens and through lenses.”

      “It’s driving you crazy?” Anita asked sympathetically.

      Karinne thought of her last batch of photos showing the woman who reminded her of her mother.

      “You have no idea,” she said wryly. “Besides, this way I can spend more time with Max.” Karinne had always loved him. Her memories of Max went so far back she couldn’t tell when childhood worship and friendship had changed into adult love and passion.

      “It’ll be good to see Max again,” Anita said. “He leaves the canyon area about as often as Cory does.”

      “Which isn’t often.”

      “My family wishes I’d married someone local, but I can’t imagine being with anyone but Cory,” Anita said.

      “Well, the upside of losing your job is that now you’ll have plenty of time to spend with him.”

      Anita nodded. “I’m tired of us being apart. Maybe I can find new employment up north. Married people shouldn’t be separated for such long periods.”

      Karinne said nothing. She’d often thought the same thing, as had Max. But Max couldn’t quit his job, and she didn’t want to quit hers. Besides, Jeff Cavanaugh had heart problems and had no other family around, so she felt obliged to stay close to him. Both Karinne and his doctor knew Jeff didn’t take his medication regularly. Whether it was due to forgetfulness or a deliberate attempt to keep his daughter’s attention, the result was the same.

      “Hey, where’s your ring?” Anita asked curiously.

      “My diamond? At home. I felt it would be safer.” At the last minute, Karinne had removed it—and packed the pink sweatshirt.

      “It seems strange to see you without it. In fact, with your jobs, I don’t know how you two ever got engaged. Good thing you were childhood sweethearts.”

      Karinne frowned at the old-fashioned term. “Not really.” Her love for Max was based on deep trust since childhood, not some clichéd idea like that.

      “How would you describe it, then?” Anita teased.

      “Call it destiny, and leave it at that,” Karinne said lightly. “Max and I grew into each other. He’s the man for me.” Karinne darted a quick glance at her friend. “But we all can’t be as lucky as you and Cory, the perfect couple. Even miles apart, you’re happy.”

      “We’re not perfect,” Anita said. “And I am happy. But I’d be happier if I could be with him all the time.”

      “So would I. With Max, I mean.” She and Max were at a stalemate about the subject of one of them relocating. Karinne appreciated that Max loved his job, but so did she. Not only that, Jeff was too ill to be moved, or, at least, claimed he was.

      She remembered their argument the last time she’d postponed the wedding.

      “You’re using your father as an excuse, Karinne. With his heart, he should be in an assisted-care facility. Your living at home is no substitute for professional care.”

      “He’d be miserable at some nursing home!”

      “He’d have a fuller, healthier life than he does right now. We can move him up near us if you want. And no—” he held up a hand when she would have protested “—he isn’t too ill to be moved. He just says that because he doesn’t want to leave his home. But it’s time, and his doctor agrees,” Max insisted.

      “How would you like giving up your home?” Karinne countered.

      “If I had to, I hope I would do it gracefully. But that’s not the issue. You know how hard Cory and I have worked to make our concession a success. Do you want me to give it up when I’ve finally become profitable? And ruin Cory’s finances in the process?”

      “No, but—”

      “I’m not trying to be heartless, Karinne. But Cory and I still have to make a living. Support our families, if we have any. You were the one who wanted Jeff to see his grandchildren,” he reminded her.

      Karinne flushed. “I know.”

      That last argument had convinced her to take the week off and spend more time with Max. Their weekends were usually filled with loving reunions in bed, and lately talking seemed to make things worse. Now Anita and Cory were coming along—but it was Cory’s business, too.

      “Well, all four of us will be together this weekend,” Anita continued. “I’m glad you don’t mind me tagging along. If you need privacy, just let us know. Maybe we can split up into pairs. I can catch a mule down with Cory,” Anita suggested. “I’ve never ridden a mule.”

      “Mules are usually booked six months in advance. Unless you grow wings, we’re all hiking.” Karinne’s well-worn hiking boots were in the car trunk.

      “Cupid’s wings are the only wings we’ll be seeing,” Anita teased. “What with your wedding and all.” She paused. “I wonder why your father hasn’t remarried after all this time.”

      “Dad can’t get remarried! He’s…” Widowed? Still married?

      “What?” Anita asked.

      “Too old,” she quickly substituted.

      “I didn’t think you’d mind if he did.”

      “If the circumstances were right, I wouldn’t,” Karinne replied. “Let’s please get through one wedding at a time, okay?”

      “You shouldn’t make it sound like a chore. This is your future we’re talking about.”

      Karinne exhaled. “You’re right. I’m nervous, that’s all.”

      “Let me be the nervous one. I just got fired and I have to find a new job. Wish me luck.”

      “Good СКАЧАТЬ