Читать книгу The Reluctant Bride - Anne Duquette Marie - Страница 10

Interstate 17,

North of Flagstaff, Arizona

“At least it’s dry for now,” Karinne said behind the steering wheel. The freeway had dried off enough for the high-speed driving no longer possible in more populated areas.

Anita turned off the weather station on the car’s radio. The day before, they’d left Phoenix before sunrise, and driven one hundred 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 luck,” Karinne said sincerely, trying hard to hide her envy.

I can’t believe it. I’m jealous of Anita—even though she lost her job. She gets to be with her husband.

“You really mean it?” Anita asked. “You might be losing a roommate.”

Karinne nodded. “Of course.”

“Wouldn’t it be great if you could work in the Grand Canyon area yourself?”

“There aren’t any jobs for sports photographers and I don’t want to freelance doing nature pictures. Too much competition and not enough money. There’s no sense wishing for the impossible.”

Even if she wanted things to be different.

Grand Canyon Village parking area

LEANING AGAINST his car, Max eagerly watched the incoming traffic for Karinne. He and Cory had taken a single vehicle to meet the women. Lodging vacancies were scarce and traffic was heavy, despite the overcast sky and “sometimes-yes, sometimes-no” sun. The Grand Canyon was open all year, and according to the visitor count, one of the most popular vacation destinations in the world. Thousands swarmed to see one of nature’s true great wonders. The temperatures inside the canyon desert were warm year-round, even when desert tundra winter cold enveloped the land at rim level. But summertime in Arizona was peak season for tourists and locals alike to experience the rainbow of colors the Colorado River had etched through rocks a mile high. The South Rim parking lots overflowed with trolling cars and frustrated drivers. The Hunter brothers fortunately had employee parking passes.

“I want to visit with Karinne, too,” Cory reminded his brother. “Try not to hog her too much.”

“Can’t promise anything,” Max said with a grin. “Besides, I expect you and Anita to be holed up in your tents getting reacquainted. Like Karinne and I will.”

“That should be them,” Cory said.

“Where?” Max asked, excited about seeing his lover and fiancée for the first time in months.

Cory jerked his chin toward the arrivals area. Two women climbed out of a parked vehicle, but Max only had eyes for Karinne. He’d recognize her anywhere, and his pulse quickened at the sight. She traveled light—no camera slung over her shoulder—and was clad in a worn pair of denims and her gray sweatshirt. The blond hair he remembered from childhood had long ago deepened to a darker blond, although her green eyes remained the same. Bare toes peeped out from casual summer sandals, and the sweatshirt didn’t hide the curves beneath. But his eyes lingered on her face.

He didn’t call out her name. He enjoyed anticipating her beautiful smile of recognition. When she finally caught his gaze, that smile always rewarded him.

“Max!” Karinne shouted. The four gathered together. Max hugged Karinne, loving the feel of her against his body. Then Karinne hugged Cory.

“Isn’t this great?” Karinne said. “The four of us together again.”

Cory kissed Anita on the mouth, then both cheeks. Glossy black hair around a bronze face with dark eyes and high cheekbones reminded Max of Spanish nobility in the early days of Mexico. Anita was exquisitely beautiful. Max appreciated beauty and was the first to acknowledge it—but his sister-in-law had never tickled his hormones like Karinne.

“Karinne, why don’t you ride with me in the Jeep? Cory, you and Anita can follow, okay?”

Max hugged Karinne’s shoulders with one arm as the other pair split off. They sauntered toward his vehicle, and got in.

“How was your drive up?” Max asked, his hand resting on her thigh, her fingers entwined with his.

“Too long and too wet. I’m glad I’m here.” She squeezed his fingers.

“So am I.” Max stopped at the intersection light. He took the opportunity to kiss her before the light turned green.

“I’ve missed you,” he said, watching the traffic as he gradually accelerated. “How’s your father?”

“Fine.”

“And you?”

“Okay.”

“Sounds like something’s not okay.” He always knew when Karinne was troubled. He had when they were children, and still did. “What’s up?”

“I thought it was strange that Cory invited Anita rafting,” Karinne replied. “I thought this trip was supposed to be just for us.”

Max shrugged. “He wanted to save on the food stuff. We can only freeze so much of it. But the main reason is that he misses her.”

“Well, she has plenty of time to visit now,” Karinne said. “Anita just lost her job.”

“Yeah, Cory told me.” Max stopped at a four-way stop sign. “I’m sorry to hear it.”

“Anita wants to get a job up here. Wish I could.” Karinne sighed.

“I just thought you’d be tired of sports by now.”

“Hey, I was the girl’s softball champ, remember? I love sports.” Karinne adjusted her sunglasses.

“Don’t you get tired of traveling?”

“Sometimes.”

“That won’t change after we’re married, either… Not with me living here and you working in Phoenix. You could always switch to landscapes—plenty of scenery.”

“Dad’s older and he isn’t well. He can’t really move. And when it comes to postcard and calendar shots, they don’t pay enough. Still, I’d love to be able to earn a living with material like this.” Karinne gestured at her open window. The wooded area of northern Arizona and the Coconino Forest shone a brilliant green from the night’s rain. It was the “earn a living” part that posed a problem.

“Can’t blame you there.” Max pointed to the left.

A doe and her fawn browsed the tender young leaves on a shrub, unconcerned with habitual park traffic. Karinne followed the pair with her eyes until the Jeep’s path around a winding curve put the deer out of sight.

“It sure beats a sweaty athlete with a bat or ball in his hands,” Max said.

“Well, maybe if you’re the model,” Karinne hedged. Cute shots of fawns in the forest were a dime a dozen. Her action shots with professional athletes were unique. “One of these days you’ll pose for me, Max.”

“In a suit at our wedding,” he told her.

“What about during our honeymoon?”

“Just scenery stuff. No jock shots,” he insisted. Her wicked smile at his unintentional pun prompted Max to add, “You know what I mean.”

“I have other plans for our honeymoon,” she promised.

“Have you talked to your dad about those assisted living homes?”

Karinne bit her lip. “I—uh—haven’t got to that yet.”

“Checking out the homes or telling Jeff it’s what his doctor recommends?”

“Neither,” she said with a sigh.

“I’m surprised you even agreed to come up for the week, you’re so busy protecting your father.”

“Please, Max, let’s not argue. I just got here.”

“We have some things to discuss this week, Karinne. Either we settle them, or…”

“Or what?” Karinne asked. “You’re giving me an ultimatum?”

“At least I’m willing to give something new a try for the sake of our relationship. Which is more than you’ll do. You’re going to argue, aren’t you?”

Karinne sighed again and turned her head away. He could rarely say no to her. Maybe that was his problem. Max relented.

“You and Anita have breakfast? Did you bring boots? Hats?”

Karinne nodded. “We ate. And we have everything ready for the hike down.”

“How about a mule ride?”

“But…I thought they were booked.”

“The park service had two cancellations. They said we could have the slots if we’d piggyback their mule-pack gear down with our regular chopper load supplies,” Max said, referring to the chopper delivery service the concessions often used. “One couple can ride, the other can fly. Your choice.”

Karinne nodded. “Anita would love the flight. I’d rather savor the quiet. And you.”

“We might lose the sun again,” Max warned, smiling at her response.

“That’s not a very romantic answer,” Karinne replied.

“I’m saving the romance for after tonight, since we’ll be in a dorm. Sorry, but all we’re allowed is a good-night kiss.”

“I can drag that out for quite a while,” she said merrily.

“Ms. Cavanaugh, you’re a woman after my own heart.”