A Forever Kind of Love

This book was given to JOANNA Rączkowska on Instafreebie. www.instafreebie.com

A Forever Kind of Love by

Mona Ingram

©2011 Mona Ingram All rights reserved This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events, or locales is entirely coincidental. This book was formerly titled Moonlight Dancer.

TABLE OF CONTENTS Prologue Chapter One Chapter Two Chapter Three Chapter Four Chapter Five Chapter Six Chapter Seven Chapter Eight Chapter Nine Chapter Ten Chapter Eleven Chapter Twelve Chapter Thirteen Chapter Fourteen

Prologue Saskatchewan, September 1938 Charlotte closed the lid of the trunk, barely aware of the late afternoon sunlight filtering through the window of the attic. Eloping! The thought took her breath away. There were times she didn’t believe it, didn’t believe that within a few days she’d be far away from here in the arms of Harm, the man she’d fallen in love with. She closed her eyes and conjured up his face. The face she’d come to love over the summer months. They’d met at the dance hall in town. It was his first visit. Hers too, and when their eyes met the attraction had been instant. The thought of something as corny as falling in love across a dance floor brought a wistful smile to her lips now, but that was precisely how it had started. That first night the fluttering in her chest was an unfamiliar sensation, but it became one she welcomed in the weeks that followed. They’d met every chance they could get, which wasn’t nearly enough for either of them. The desire to be together was so strong she’d been having trouble sleeping at night. She ached for him; longed to be held by him, kissed by him, loved by him. She hated the fact that he’d gone away this weekend. Every time she thought about what he was doing, fingers of unease crept down her spine. He’d gone to compete in a rodeo in a neighbouring town. She hadn’t wanted him to go, but he’d convinced her that they could use the few

extra dollars he would earn. Still, she’d been on edge since he left. She hadn’t dared to tell anyone of their plans. Besides, who could she tell? Her only close friend had moved away a few years ago and was living on the outskirts of Regina with her new husband. She ran her fingers over the spines of the books on the makeshift bookshelf. Growing up, this attic had been her refuge, her sanctuary. She supposed that her parents loved her, but they had never showed affection. Maybe they didn’t know how, but Charlotte was determined that when she and Harm had children she’d tell them every day how special they were, how much she loved them. “Charlotte! Would you get down here!” Her mother’s voice cut into her reverie. “Coming Mother.” She checked the attic quickly, making sure there was no sign of her imminent departure. Not that anyone else ever came up here, but she wasn’t taking any chances. There would be a full moon on the weekend, and that was when she and Harm planned to elope. Her parents were off to the Agricultural Fair in Regina this weekend and by the time they came home and found that she’d left, she and Harm would be far away, starting their new life together. Charlotte stopped at the bottom of the narrow attic stairway and smoothed the skirts of her dress. No sense drawing attention to the fact that she’d been in the attic. “Really, Charlotte. You know you promised to get the potatoes ready.” Several neighbours were helping her father with the harvest today, and she and her mother were providing the evening meal. She filled the big pot with water and hauled it over to the stove. She had plenty of time to peel and cook the potatoes before supper. Her

mother always got a bit nervous when it was her turn to feed the men. She peeled the potatoes with quick, efficient movements, put them in the pot and covered it with the lid. She hadn’t been paying much attention to the conversation between her mother and the other women, but as she started to clear the table, a sudden change in their tone caught her attention. “Yes, it was a terrible accident. Killed instantly, he was.” Ruby Bowker pursed her lips. “Frank said it was a blessing that he didn’t suffer.” Charlotte stared at her. “Who?” she asked, her voice barely audible. She clutched a small flowered teapot in both hands. “That nice young ranch hand who was working the Cavanaugh spread. Harm something. He was thrown from a horse at a rodeo yesterday and broke his neck.” Charlotte’s vision started to blur and her hands began to shake. The teapot lid fell to the floor and shattered, but she scarcely noticed. “Harm? Are you sure?” “Why yes.” Ruby gave her a curious look. “Did you know him?” Charlotte looked around wildly. “Excuse me,” she mumbled, and ran from the room. “What’s the matter with her?” Ruby looked at Charlotte’s mother. “I don’t know.” Jean Freeman’s eyes narrowed as she looked after her daughter. “She’s been acting odd recently.” * * * Still clutching the teapot, Charlotte ran up the stairs to the attic and flung herself into the chair at the end of the

room. She couldn’t catch her breath, and it had nothing to do with racing up the stairs. She set down the teapot and tugged on the chain she wore around her neck, pulling it out from beneath her dress. A gold ring hung on the chain and she raised it to her mouth, running the smooth metal back and forth across her lips. “No!” she moaned aloud. “No.” But she knew it was true. She’d known it the moment Mrs. Bowker opened her mouth. She lowered her head and wept.

Chapter One Present Day Charlie looked around her condo, checking one last time. She’d agreed to sublet the condo and her car while she went to Saskatchewan to help her aunt. An aunt she scarcely knew. She paused at the sliding glass doors leading onto the small deck and took a moment to gaze past the city of Calgary to the foothills beyond. She was surprised that she didn’t feel more emotion. Had it really been only a few months ago that she and Carson had stood here planning their future together? She gave her head a quick, decisive shake and forced her thoughts back to the present. Now wasn’t the time to be thinking about that. Next thing you know, she’d be re-visiting the ongoing discussion–okay, argument–she’d been having with Allie ever since she told her of her plans to leave. “You’re running away!” her best friend had insisted. “No, I’m not.” Allie’s chin jutted out and Charlie recognized the signs. Her friend simply didn’t know how to back off when she decided she was in the right. “He’s not worth it, Chuck. He’s a tight-ass lawyer and you’re much better off without him, but there’s no need to run away.” Charlie clenched her teeth. “Sometimes you can be a real pain, you know that? It’s a good thing we’ve been friends for so long.”

“Okay, okay.” Allie’s tone softened. “It’s just that I’m going to miss you, ya know? I wish you’d taken a bit longer before you decided to sub-let.” “Sure you do, because you would have done your best to talk me out of it.” “That’s true. It all happened so fast…” Allie’s voice trailed off. It had indeed happened quickly. Charlie’s thoughts drifted back in time. * * * Charlie had taken a deep, calming breath when she saw her mother’s name on call display. It was the second call in as many days. She picked up. “Hi, Mom.” “Do you remember your Aunt Janelle?” As usual, her mother didn’t waste time with pleasantries. “Uh… not really.” Charlie vaguely recalled visiting her aunt in Saskatchewan, but that had been many years ago. She couldn’t have been more than eight or nine. “Why do you ask?” “She’s a widow, you know.” “No, I didn’t know.” “Her husband died about four years ago. Lung cancer. But then he was a smoker, what do you expect?” Disapproval hissed through the air. “I’m sorry to hear that.” Charlie trolled through her mind for what she knew of her aunt. All she could come up with was that Janelle was younger than her mother, and that the sisters had never been close. Other than those slim facts, she knew nothing about her aunt. “How is she?” “Well, that’s what I’m calling about. I called her this morning to wish her Happy Birthday and she’s had an

accident. Broke several bones in her foot.” “Ouch.” “It’s not funny, Charlotte.” “I wasn’t being funny…” Her mother cut her off. “Anyway, she’s having a hard time and I thought of you. Lord knows why she’s kept that farm, but there’s a lot of physical work involved and now that she’s laid up she just can’t manage on her own.” “You thought of me?” Where was this going? “Yes. I was thinking about what you said yesterday, when you told me that you’d broken off your engagement to that nice boy. You said that what you’d really like is to get away from Calgary for a while.” She should have known better than to confide in her mother, but the call had come when she was feeling low, and she’d spilled her guts. And then there was that small, discreet notice on the tenants’ bulletin board in the lobby, looking for a rental. “I know. I did say that but…” “I just thought I’d mention it, that’s all.” What was this? Reverse psychology? Her mother usually hammered home a point with all the finesse of a construction worker. The ploy, if that’s what it was, had worked. Within a few days, she’d sub-let her condo, packed away her personal possessions, and was about to hand over the keys. The decision had been easy once she’d spoken to her aunt, who had insisted that she call her Janelle. “None of this ‘aunt’ business,” she’d said, her voice bubbling with enthusiasm. Charlie had been intrigued. This woman sounded nothing like her mom. She’d laughed more times in the

ten minute conversation than her mother had done all last year. “I have to tell you something, though.” Janelle’s voice had lowered as though imparting a secret. “I can manage quite well on my own. I don’t know where your mother got the idea I need help, but I’m delighted you’ve decided to come.” Charlie’s stomach fell and she was surprised at the depth of her disappointment. “Would you rather I don’t come?” “Heavens, no. I’m thrilled, but I wanted to be up front with you. Your mother always was a drama queen about stuff like this. I suppose you could say we’re opposites in that respect.” Charlie bit her tongue. There’d be lots of time to discuss that later. “Okay,” said Janelle. “Let’s run over this one last time. You’re leaving your car behind as part of the rental, and you’re coming on the bus.” “Yes. I’ve sent some clothes ahead in a small trunk. I hope that’s okay.” “No problem. Okay, you know where to get off the bus, then.” “Yup.” Charlie checked her notes. “The corner of Old Clearwater Trail and Whiskey Jack Road. It sounds like something out of a book.” She paused. “A Western.” “It does, doesn’t it? I’d forgotten that you’re a writer. A heads up, though. There’s nothing there. It’s just an intersection in the middle of the prairie, but someone will be there to pick you up, okay?” “Okay. And Janelle?” “Yes?” “I’m not a nine year old anymore. I’m twenty six now. I think I can take care of myself if they’re late.”

Her aunt laughed again. “Gotcha! See you in a couple of days.” * * * “How far are you going?” Charlie jumped slightly, startled by the woman in the seat next to her. “I’m going to Clearwater Springs. That’s in Saskatchewan.” “Can’t say I’ve ever been there.” The woman rummaged around in a voluminous purse and came out with a roll of Lifesavers. She picked off a bit of lint and popped one into her mouth. “Care for a Lifesaver?” she asked, shoving the roll under Charlie’s nose. “Ah…no thanks.” “How about you? Have you ever been there? Clearwater Springs?” “Once, but it was a long time ago.” Memories of a large farmhouse lingered in the corners of Charlie’s mind. She also thought she recalled chickens scratching in the back yard, but she wasn’t sure. Perhaps her imagination was working overtime. “That means you’ll be switching buses at Regina.” The woman looked at her watch. “Should be there in about an hour.” The change of buses was simple, and the next driver waved her into the front seat. “I’ll be glad to drop you off at Whiskey Jack Road,” he said, smiling at her from behind mirrored sunglasses. The bus pulled out a few minutes later and in no time at all was rolling along a narrow secondary road. Charlie relaxed and watched the scenery scroll past. She’d never quite understood why some people considered the prairies flat and uninteresting. Maybe it

was her writer’s eye, but she saw it differently; saw gently rolling terrain as far as the eye could see. In some fields, the first crop of hay had already been cut and harvested. Placed randomly along the roadside, the huge rolls made ideal perches for hawks. Unblinking, the magnificent raptors watched the bus roll by, claws firmly anchored in the hay. “We’re coming up to your stop now,” said the driver over his shoulder. The air brakes squealed and he swung the door open. A blast of hot air hit her in the face as she jumped down, juggling her computer case and her tote bag. The driver scanned the intersection. “Are you going to be all right here?” His brow furrowed, but she could tell he was anxious to get going. She looked around, then gave him her most confident smile. “I’m fine. Someone is meeting me here. Thanks, though.” “All right then.” With a brisk nod he closed the door and after looking both ways he pulled through the intersection, leaving behind a cloud of exhaust. Blinking in the brilliance of the late afternoon sun Charlie turned slowly, looking anxiously in all directions. A small dust devil flirted with the edge of the road and then vanished. In the distance, the sound of the bus grew fainter and she clung to it as long as possible, until there was no denying that she was alone. She aimed a lethargic kick at a clump of weeds and set down her two bags. She took out her cell phone and looked at it. Nope. No missed calls, no texts, nothing. “What am I doing?” she said aloud, and snapped the phone closed. “Just because there’s nobody here waiting for me…” She stood up and stretched, taking in her

surroundings. The stillness was unfamiliar, but surprisingly peaceful. Below her, on the far side of the road, the fields sloped away, revealing the distinctive patchwork of the prairies. Behind her the land rose and she couldn’t see much beyond the crops that edged the road. A low rumble broke the silence and Charlie turned in the direction of the sound. It wasn’t a car, and she didn’t think it was a truck either. It seemed to be coming toward her at a fairly fast clip from the high side of the road. A cloud of dust rose into the air, keeping pace with the sound and she realized that there must be some sort of an access road running through the middle of the field. The sound grew louder and she watched in amazement as an ATV burst out of the field, careening around the end of the planted area. It came to a stop just above her. The dust cloud had a life of its own. It billowed down, engulfing her and she waved a hand in front of her face. The growl of the motor stopped abruptly. She took a step backward as a tall figure jumped down. Impossibly white teeth gleamed in a tanned face and the man pushed back his hat, revealing eyes the colour of the brilliant blue chicory flowers growing along the edge of the road. “You must be Charlotte.” He grinned down at her. “And you’re late.” She regretted the sharpness of her words the moment she uttered them, but he looked so cocky standing here with his hands braced against his hips. To make things worse, he was wearing a Stetson. Not the kind the tourists wore during the Calgary stampede. No, this hat was the kind that ranch hands wore. The kind that made her weak in the knees. As she spoke the light went out of his eyes. “If I didn’t like your aunt, I wouldn’t be here at all.” Gone was the

smile, the friendly, welcoming tone of voice. Too late she realized that he probably had better things to do. He slid down the incline to road level and pointed at her bags. “I’ll help you with those.” Her bags weren’t large, but they were heavy. He hoisted them as though they weighed nothing. She took a moment to study him. He was wearing a faded denim shirt with the sleeves rolled up and she couldn’t help but notice the muscles flexing just below the skin, and the way the hair on his arms shone golden in the lowering sun. She tore her eyes away. “You don’t expect me to ride on that, do you?” She glanced warily at the ATV. He bounded back up the incline and swung the bags onto the rack at the rear of the machine. “Not unless you want to go to Janelle’s.” He proceeded to strap down her bags then stood there, looking as though he was trying to make up his mind about something. Finally he stuck out his hand. “Come on, I’ll help you up. By the way, I’m Jason.” She ignored the outstretched hand. “I can manage thanks.” She headed up the small incline, but her sandals slipped on the dried soil and she lost her footing. She tried again, and this time she almost made it to level ground before sliding back. He watched her, trying unsuccessfully to hide a grin. “Are you always this stubborn?” he asked, offering his hand again, wiggling his fingers impatiently. She placed her hand in his, and in one effortless motion he pulled her up. “So I’m told,” she replied, staring into his eyes. The irises were rimmed with a darker blue, and suddenly she couldn’t breathe. “Yeah, I can see that,” he said softly. His gaze drifted slowly over her face and she flushed uncomfortably,

realizing that she hadn’t retrieved her hand. Removing it from his grip, she gulped down some air. “Sorry if I was a bit abrupt back there. I’m not usually such a witch.” He turned toward the ATV, mumbling inaudibly. “What did you say?” she challenged. “I said that remains to be seen.” His eyes flashed. “I mean, I break away from work to come and get you as a favour to Janelle and you give me attitude.” He threw a leg over the ATV and patted the seat behind him. “Hop on, and hold onto me.” He started the motor and she scrambled onto the back seat. Broad shoulders blocked her view and sandy blonde hair curled against his collar. She placed her hands tentatively on his shoulders and he turned his head, speaking over his shoulder. “Grab my waist,” he said. His eyelashes cast long shadows on his cheeks. Half the women in Calgary would kill for those eyelashes. She moved her hands to his waist. His body was hard and muscular, and for one crazy moment she wondered what he’d look like with no shirt on. Whoa! Where had that come from? He grabbed her hands, pulled them firmly toward the front, and patted them gently. “Okay?” he asked. She nodded, aware that he couldn’t see her, but her throat had gone dry. “All right, then we’re off.” The machine surged forward and Charlie’s heart raced in synch with the rumbling motor. If she’d had time to think about it, she’d realize that her racing heart had nothing to do with the excitement of the ATV ride and everything to do with the man in front of her. They sped along the edge of the field and in spite of the discomfort of bone-jarring bounces and the terror of the breakneck speed, the ride was exhilarating. The

machine plunged down into a low spot and Charlie slid forward, her face coming to rest against Jason’s back. For one irrational moment she wondered if she could bottle his smell and then they were racing up the other side, and she was forced to tighten her grip against the taut muscles of his abdomen. The ATV climbed for about a hundred yards then crested the top of a ridge. Jason slowed the vehicle and Charlie gasped at the beauty of the land flowing into the distance. Below them, tucked into a cluster of trees, a farmhouse appeared like something out of a fairy tale. “That’s Janelle’s place,” Jason spoke over the muted roar of the motor. Charlie focused on the house and something stirred deep within her. It was painted white, with a steeply angled dark green roof and matching green shutters. A wrap-around verandah completed the structure, and a picture of comfortable furniture flashed through her mind. Was it a memory from her visit as a child or was her special awareness kicking in? She didn’t know, but the house seemed to open its arms to her, urging her to come closer and discover its secrets. Jason gave her a few moments to take in the scene and then continued down toward the farm at a reduced speed. Charlie studied the layout of the property as they approached. Beyond the house stood an empty corral, some small outbuildings and a sturdy red barn with white trim. Beside the barn, a weeping willow hung over a small pond and as they drew closer she spotted some large birds floating on the water. Jason circled the yard before pulling up at the back door.

“Are those ducks?” she asked tentatively as she climbed down from the ATV. Now that she was here she felt clumsy and out of place. “On the pond…those brown ones and that white one.” Her slacks were coated with dust and she brushed at them self-consciously. He gave her an odd look. “What?” she said defensively. He shook his head “For a minute there I thought you were kidding.” He glanced toward the pond and frowned. “Yes those are ducks but I suppose you’re not used to seeing that kind. These are domestic ducks. Some people love duck eggs and others think that roast duck is a real treat.” “Duck eggs?” He rolled his eyes. “Yes, and let me tell you they’re more trouble than they’re worth.” “Why?” “Because ducks are sneaky.” “Surely…” “No, trust me. They’re sneaky. They can find hiding places for their eggs you’d never think of looking.” He was grinning now “Plus they lay their eggs at different times from the hens. Keeping up with them is a constant battle.” Movement in the nearby vegetable garden caught Charlie’s eye. “Chickens. Now those I recognize. Are there more?” He gestured expansively. “There are a few dozen around here somewhere. Janelle gives them the run of the yard, and they don’t wander too far. She has regular customers for the eggs. Let’s see, in addition to the ducks and chickens, she has a horse which is out in the pasture, and a cat.” He looked over her shoulder, a wide smile on his face. “Here comes Thomas now.”

“Thomas?” “Yeah. Thomas The Cat when he’s being formal, but Tomcat to his friends.” The cat brushed up against his legs and he crouched down and scratched it behind the ears. “Hello boy.” His voice was low and affectionate and a pang of envy caught Charlie by surprise. He looked up at her and for a moment she wondered if he was reading her thoughts. Their gazes locked for what seemed like forever; neither willing to look away. “Charlie!” Janelle’s voice broke the spell and they both looked toward the verandah. Her aunt stood there, balancing on a pair of crutches. “I’m so sorry I couldn’t meet you, but I see you made it all right.” She smiled at Jason. “I don’t know what I would do without this guy.” Charlie ran lightly up the broad, low steps and gave her aunt a hug. Janelle’s hair smelled faintly of lemon, and she carried with her the scent of herbs. Charlie closed her eyes, inhaling the delightful mix. “You must be tired! Have you eaten? What about something to drink?” She headed through the door leading into the kitchen. “Come on, Jason. You must be thirsty too. I’ve never known you to refuse a glass of my lemonade.” Swept along by her aunt’s energy and enthusiasm, Charlie found herself in the kitchen of the farmhouse. Even though her aunt lived here alone, she sensed the echoes of other voices, laughing and talking around the kitchen table. An old teapot sat in the middle of the table, crammed with a bunch of lavender. Jason lowered her bags to the floor and his gaze darted from Charlie to her aunt. “I’d better get going. I promised to check on the cattle.” Janelle pulled a large glass pitcher from the fridge. “At least have a glass of lemonade” She poured some of

the pale liquid and slivers of ice clinked against the tall glass. Jason downed it appreciatively, his Adam’s apple bobbing up and down as he drank. Charlie took a small sip of hers, hiding behind the glass. The lemonade was delicious, but her throat still felt dry as she watched him. “Thanks, Janelle.” He placed the glass in the sink. “I’ll see you tomorrow.” With a nod in Charlie’s direction he left the kitchen, closing the screen door quietly behind him.

Chapter Two “You don’t know how delighted I am to see you! I never would have recognized you. Come on, let’s sit outside and finish our drinks.” Charlie carried the glasses and followed. Large wicker chairs with comfortable cushions covered in a floral fabric awaited them. Janelle propped up her foot and got settled as Jason’s ATV disappeared behind the barn in a cloud of dust. Janelle’s eyes narrowed as she sipped her lemonade. “Did I notice some tension between you and Jason?” Her aunt was watching her carefully. “I thought I detected a bit of frost in the air, and I didn’t hear you thank him for picking you up.” Charlie studiously observed the condensation rolling down the side of her glass. “You’re right,” she murmured. “I kinda snapped at him when he first showed up.” “Why?” Janelle leaned forward and Charlie raised her eyes. Her aunt’s brow was furrowed and her green eyes were troubled. Charlie took a deep breath. “This is going to sound really lame, but when I got off the bus and nobody was there I got the strangest feeling. Almost as though I’d been rejected.” She held up a hand. “I know, it was completely irrational, but I was unceremoniously dumped by a boyfriend recently and I suppose it affected me in ways I’m only now beginning to recognize.”

Janelle sat back, her eyes focused on something in the distance. “That must have been tough,” she said eventually. “If you need to talk about it, I’m a good listener.” “Thanks.” The tension that had been building ever since she got off the bus disappeared with the kind words. “I’ll make sure I apologize to him tomorrow.” Janelle nodded. “Tell you what. While you’re here, you can dump on me all you want, but don’t take it out on Jason. I like him, and I have a close working relationship with his family. They lease most of my land, and Jason’s been taking care of the chickens since he was a kid. He’s a great help to me around here.” She cocked her head to one side. “Is that a deal?” “That’s a deal.” Charlie nodded thoughtfully. “I hope he forgives me.” Janelle lifted her shoulders. “That’s up to you, isn’t it?” It was more of a statement than a question. She reached over and patted Charlie on the knee. “Know something? I think we’re going to get along just fine.” She pushed herself to her feet. “Come on inside. You can help me get some dinner on the table and then I’ll show you to your room. You must be beat.” * * * Charlie woke slowly the next morning and was surprised that she knew exactly where she was. Dappled sunlight danced across the ceiling and the leaves on the trees outside her bedroom window rustled in the morning breeze. The faded quilt on the bed was softened with age but was still beautiful, pale ivory picked out with pink and lavender. Stretching luxuriously, Charlie was about to roll

over and go back to sleep when she heard voices in the yard below. She snatched her housecoat from the foot of the bed and crossed to the window. Jason’s ATV was parked beside the barn and he was speaking to Janelle, who stood in the open doorway. Her aunt’s long dark hair was held back in a single braid as it had been yesterday, and she wore jeans and a T-shirt. Although their voices floated across the yard, she couldn’t quite make out the words. As she watched, they laughed together, and then still laughing, her aunt turned on her crutches and went back into the barn while Jason walked toward a small building on the other side of the pond. Chickens appeared from all over the yard, clustering around his feet. “All right, all right,” she heard him say with a smile in his voice. “I’m coming.” He disappeared from view and then re-appeared a minute later, scattering feed on the ground. The chickens spread out, pecking industriously, and he poured the remaining feed into a metal container before ducking back into the shed. * * * Revived by a refreshing shower, Charlie wiped steam away from the mirror and studied her reflection. She raked her fingers through her springy curls and moved closer to the mirror, pleased with what she saw. The dark circles that had rimmed her eyes yesterday were already fading. “Good” she murmured to herself, then selected an appropriate outfit from her trunk. She wanted to look good when she saw Jason this morning. Humming to herself she ran lightly down the stairs. The kitchen was serenely quiet and she tilted her head to one side, listening for the faint echo of voices she’d heard

last night. She looked around, leery of being caught fantasizing over imaginary ghosts… her willingness to believe in them had already caused enough trouble. A plate of muffins sat in the center of the table and she wondered what had happened to the lavender that had perfumed the air last night. A note from Janelle lay propped up against the muffins, urging her to help herself to orange juice from the fridge. She poured a glass for herself and then balancing the juice and muffin she opened the screen door and stepped outside. Wide steps led down to the back yard, flanked by terracotta pots of bright red geraniums on every other step. With a sigh of pleasure she sat down in a shaft of sunlight and bit into the muffin. The leaves of the weeping willow stirred in the slight breeze, brilliant spears of silver in the pale morning sun. The sound of splashing water drew her attention. Jason was rinsing out a large glass jug of water. He was dressed much like yesterday; faded jeans hugged his thighs and today he wore a simple white shirt with the sleeves rolled up. His arms and the V of skin at his neck were deeply tanned. His hands were sure and confident as he went about his tasks and she couldn’t help comparing him to Carson. She gave a silent, strangled laugh. There was no comparison between her former boyfriend and this man. Muffin forgotten, she watched him work, unable to tear her eyes away from his muscled arms, or the way his shirt tucked into the narrow waist of his jeans. She really had to control the direction of her thoughts. At least until she got the apology out of the way. She set aside the muffin, brushed some crumbs from her tank top and crossed to where he was placing the water bottle upside down in a tray.

“Good morning,” she said, hoping her voice didn’t betray her nervousness. He looked up and she wondered how eyes could be cool and hot at the same time. “Good morning to you.” He took in her outfit and the corner of his mouth hitched up in a smile as his gaze fastened on her sandals. “You may want to rethink your footwear around here.” She glanced down. Her toenails were painted a soft pink. When she’d been at the day spa for her last pedicure the colour had seemed perfect. She looked up again. “Why is that?” she challenged. Why did he have to bring out the worst in her? She was supposed to be apologizing, for heaven’s sake! “Because this is a farmyard.” He hiked his head toward the ducks. “It can get messy around here.” “Messy?” She turned to survey the yard, which was dotted with slimy duck droppings. “Oh, I see what you mean. Well, I’m not unpacked yet.” He nodded slowly. “I see.” He reached for a stiff brush that leaned up against the building and then turned back to her. “Of course a city slicker like you wouldn’t know what to expect on a farm.” Charlie bristled. “And I suppose you know all about city life? Look at you. You live out here in the middle of nowhere!” She struggled for control. This conversation was not going the way she had planned it. She glared at him, daring him to say something else. He pulled back, evidently surprised by her outburst. “I’ve got news for you, City Girl. I like living here.” Flashing eyes signaled his building anger. “We may seem like country hicks to you, but at least we know how to be polite.” He boldly looked her up and down. “I was going to say you look nice this morning, but you would have found a way to twist that around, wouldn’t you?

Now I’d better get on with my chores.” Turning his back, he stooped to enter the chicken coop, leaving her standing in the sunshine, trembling with rage. “I’m polite.” Her voice quavered, but she didn’t care. She followed him to the door of the chicken coop. “I’m so damned polite that I came out here this morning to apologize to you. I forgot to thank you for picking me up yesterday.” She sucked in a deep breath and turned away so he wouldn’t see that she was close to tears. But she needn’t have bothered. His back was to her in the gloom of the chicken coop and he didn’t turn around. She stood for a moment, waiting for him to acknowledge her but when it became obvious that he wasn’t going to respond, she sighed and walked toward the barn. Somehow she made it across the yard, unaware of the cool blue eyes watching her progress. She paused in the open door of the barn. Janelle was sitting in a shaft of light from a skylight, her foot propped up on a stool. Charlie didn’t realize that she’d been holding her breath. She let it out in a long, slow whoosh of air. “Well, that went well,” she announced. There was no mistaking the irony in her voice. Janelle lifted a pair of safety goggles away from her eyes and shoved them up on her head. A fine layer of white dust covered her face and clothes, as well as everything surrounding her worktable. She set down a rasp, removed her gloves and ran a hand lovingly over the sculpture she was working on. Then she looked at Charlie. “What happened?” Charlie looked around the workshop in amazement, her distress momentarily forgotten. “Are you a sculptor? I didn’t know that.” She walked slowly around a completed

polar bear and cub, examining it from all sides. “This is beautiful. Do you do mostly animals?” “Animals, birds, stylized people, abstracts.” Janelle scratched her nose. “That’s why I couldn’t meet you yesterday. An architect from Regina saw some of my work and wanted to meet me. I couldn’t turn him down. They’re designing a new office building and they want me to come up with a couple of designs for the lobby.” “What a great way to make a living.” Charlie’s gaze darted around the studio, taking in various work in progress, and raw blocks of material. “Well now, I wouldn’t go that far.” Janelle grinned. “I couldn’t get by without what Jason and his brother pay me to lease the farmland, plus I have the income from The Light Fantastic, even though it’s only open three nights a week.” “The what?” Janelle shook her head sadly, causing a nimbus of granite dust to form around her head. “Your Mom didn’t tell you anything about me, did she? The Light Fantastic is the official name of a dance hall in Clearwater Springs, and I own it. The locals call it The Trip, as in ‘trip the light fantastic’.” “I’ve heard that expression. It means to dance. Must have come up in an old Fred Astaire movie or something. But a real honest to goodness dance hall? I didn’t know such things existed anymore.” Janelle edged forward on her seat, eagerness lighting up her eyes. “It’s a beautiful old heritage building in the center of town. It was built back in the 1920s and it’s right on the lakefront. I got word that a developer was going to buy it and build a modern hotel complex, so I bought it with the insurance settlement when your Uncle Matt died.” She looked past Charlie to the farmyard beyond

and her expression softened. “I’ve never regretted buying the dance hall, but my heart is here, on this land. This farm has been in the family for several generations. That’s why I don’t sell it.” She drifted with her thoughts for a few moments. “But that’s enough about me. What’s got you upset on such a beautiful morning?” Charlie’s shoulders slumped. “I got into another row with Jason. I’m sorry Janelle, but there’s just something about him that gets my back up.” Janelle frowned. “He must have said something to set you off.” Charlie looked down at her feet. Her sandals were already covered with dust and some had settled between her toes. “He said I should rethink my footwear.” Janelle shrugged. “It looks like he was right.” “He said a city girl wouldn’t know what to expect on a farm, and I’m afraid we exchanged a few heated words about city people versus country people.” Janelle looked past her, scanned the yard. “I’ll just bet he loved that.” There was something about the way her aunt had spoken. “What do you mean?” “Well…” Janelle’s voice trailed off. She appeared to be making up her mind whether or not to say anything more. “Is there something I should know?” Janelle grabbed her water bottle and took a drink. “I don’t feel comfortable talking about Jason’s personal life, but let’s just say that he’s learned to be cautious when it comes to women from the city.” “Is that it? Is that all you’re going to tell me?” “That’s it. If he wants you to know more, he’ll tell you.” Janelle gave a wry smile. “But the way you two are carrying on, you may never speak again. Which is

unfortunate, because he was asking about you this morning. You know, whether or not you’re involved with anyone.” “Really? Then I take it he’s not married.” Charlie took a step closer. “What did you say?” “I said that as far as I know, you’re not involved, but that if he wanted more details he’d have to ask you himself. And no, he’s definitely not married.” Charlie couldn’t hold back a smile. “That’s interesting.” Janelle rolled her eyes. “You two had better make up your minds. I don’t think I can take much more of this.” She grinned. “Now give me a couple more hours to work, and we’ll have some dinner and go down to The Trip. I usually put in an appearance on the weekends.” “What should I wear?” Charlie did a mental inventory of the clothes in her trunk. “Anything you like. The place is usually packed, especially in the summer. Some people dress up and some just come as they are.” She adjusted her goggles. “By the way, if you’re a reader, there are some books up in the attic.” “Thanks, Janelle.” Charlie kissed her on the cheek then sputtered as she wiped away the dust. “Go on, get out of here.” Janelle’s laugh was deep and throaty. “I’ll see you in a few hours.” * * * Charlie went back inside the silent farmhouse. The spacious, high-ceilinged rooms contrasted sharply with her condo back in Calgary. In a corner of the kitchen, Thomas lay curled in a high-backed rocking chair. He lifted his head and blinked, regarding her with eyes that

were somewhere between green and gold. Then adjusting his position ever so slightly, he returned to the serious work of sleeping. Hardwood flooring in the hall gleamed with the rich patina of age. The staircase leading to the second floor rose on broad steps, worn in the center from countless feet over the years. Standing at the foot of the stairs, Charlie was enveloped by the sense of family that permeated the house. She could almost see young children creeping silently downstairs on a Christmas morning, stepping carefully to avoid telltale creaks. As she walked up the stairs she trailed her fingers along the banister, and was assailed by an image of children sliding down the sturdy rail. The picture was so vivid she could hear the laughter and feel the warm embrace of loving parents as they waited at the bottom. With a soft sigh she stopped on the landing. On the walls, black and white portraits stared down at her as though watching her every move. Ornate frames, several skillfully carved and adorned in gold leaf, held images of people she assumed were previous inhabitants of the rambling home. She moved down the hall, studying each face. In one carefully posed portrait, a stony faced man stood behind a seated woman, one hand resting possessively on her shoulder. Lace trim peeked out from the high neck of the woman’s dress, the only visible adornment. The woman’s eyes were cold and unfeeling. Charlie knew instinctively that this couple had not been among the loving voices she’d just imagined. On the opposite wall, simply framed, a young woman posed alone. Her hair was parted in the middle and pulled back in a loose bun. Generous lips seemed about to smile, but there was heartache in woman’s dark eyes. She was hauntingly beautiful and Charlie shivered,

hurrying to the end of the hallway toward the door leading to the attic. She opened the door and looked up, daunted by the confining space. How badly did she want to check out the attic? She’d never been fond of enclosed spaces, her discomfort bordering on claustrophobia. But the attic called to her in a way she couldn’t explain. She took a deep breath and reached for the pull chain to turn on the light. Edgy and nervous at the prospect of the steep, narrow stairway, she didn’t stop to ask herself how she’d known the chain would be there. The low-wattage light bulb cast barely enough light, but something drew her on; some inexplicable knowledge that beyond the stairwell was a cozy haven where dreams were free to take flight. The door at the top of the stairs opened easily and Charlie stepped into a space filled with muted, golden light. She closed the door behind her and leaned back against it, willing her pounding heart to slow as she took in her surroundings.

Chapter Three The attic was surprisingly large and ran the entire length of the house. On either end of the room, windows looked North and South. The glass could use a good scrub, but the accumulated dust and grime diffused the light from the outside, giving the illusion of fairy dust in the air. A shimmer of anticipation tiptoed down her spine. ‘Now you’re being ridiculous,’ she told herself. ‘It’s only an old attic with piles of useless junk.’ But something had drawn her here, and she wasn’t about to turn around and go back downstairs. On second glance, she had to admit that the North end of the attic was a messy, hectic jumble. Old cardboard boxes disgorged dubious contents, creating the impression that this part of the attic had been a general dumping ground for broken and discarded items. At one time someone had tried to organize the chaos. Sports equipment had been tossed in one corner, a jumble of wooden skis and ski poles competing for space with tennis rackets in wooden frames. An ancient fabric golf bag leaned drunkenly against the outside wall, club heads sadly rusting. Several pairs of old-style roller skates sat forlornly in a row and Charlie asked herself where anyone could possibly roller skate out here in the middle of farm country. A faded beach umbrella pointed toward a wicker baby carriage with one wheel missing. A dressmaker’s dummy overlooked a wind-up Victrola, waiting in vain for the music to start.

Where the roof slanted down toward the eave, a collection of fishing rods hung on nails pounded into the rafters. Charlie heard the line zing as it was cast out upon a still lake; saw the silver flash of the fish’s belly as it rose to take the lure. The sensation was startlingly real; she shivered and rubbed her arms, dragging herself back to the here and now. At the South end of the attic, someone had created a peaceful corner. Under a dustsheet, she discovered an old high-backed wicker chair. One leg was broken and the chair was propped up by a few pieces of wood. Beside the chair, a small table held a lamp with a glass shade and a dusty book of poetry. Next to the book of poetry and free of the dust that coated everything else was the small lidless teapot that had been on the kitchen table last night, only then it had been filled with lavender. She picked it up to examine the delicately painted flowers under the glaze and was overcome with crushing sorrow. Her hands began to tremble and she hastily set the teapot back down. Shaken, she slumped into the chair and laid her head back against the cushions. For as long as she could remember, she’d been able to sense people from the past, but she’d never come this close to sharing their emotions. What she’d felt just now had been profound anguish…as though her heart had been broken. A few moments later the raw, jagged feelings faded away like a whisper on the wind. Had she imagined them? She looked around curiously but nothing had changed. Dust motes still danced in the air, suspended in a shaft of sunlight. Below the window and up against the wall, a bookshelf displayed an excellent selection of classic titles. An old footstool sat before the bookshelf as though

someone had been perusing the titles only moments before. Charlie noted several titles she’d always intended to read, but hadn’t. There would be time to correct that in the coming weeks. Smiling at the thought of discovering such a peaceful corner she turned her attention to two large, well-worn trunks. She raised the lid of the closest trunk. A shallow tray divided into compartments held pillow cases and she removed one, holding it up to the light to admire the delicate embroidery. As she examined the other items, she became aware that she was looking at an oldfashioned hope chest that had been lovingly prepared. The skill of the handiwork was exceptional. Underneath the tray were sheets, towels, and two quilts…everything a young woman would need to start housekeeping. She wondered if Janelle could fill her in on the history behind the remarkable find. The second trunk held clothes and accessories. These, too, appeared to be new. Hats, gloves and shoes for changing seasons had been carefully wrapped in tissue. Dried lavender nestled in the corners of the tray, the fragrance delicately evocative. Charlie lifted out the tray and her eyes widened as she discovered elegant clothes carefully folded. Longsleeved blouses with soft bows at the neck, or with rows of delicate lace trim spoke of a time when femininity was judged differently. Beneath the blouses, long sweeping skirts lay folded on top of matching fitted jackets designed to reveal an hourglass figure. Finally, at the bottom of the trunk, two exquisite long dresses were revealed. One, a soft dove grey with lavender trim was deceptively elegant. The other, a rich plum colour, was equally beautiful. A strong presence filled the room and Charlie knew instinctively that the young women whose

picture hung in the hallway had gathered the items in the trunks, and created this quiet refuge. She reached out to caress the fabric, hoping to pick up a sense of the woman’s joy as she prepared for the future. But there was no joy…only lingering sorrow and surprisingly enough, a faint glimmer of hope. Lost in thought, she replaced the tray and closed the trunk. Everything that had happened here today was connected. The teapot, the contents of the trunks, the woman in the portrait; they were all linked, she just didn’t know how. Lethargy crept up on her and with one last look around, she left the attic and went slowly downstairs to her bedroom. There, she curled up on the bed and drifted off to sleep thinking about the haunted eyes in the picture on the landing. * * * “Hi, Wendy.” Jason found his sister-in-law alone in the summer kitchen, rolling pastry dough. “Where is everyone?” “The house seems empty with Stu and Timmy away at camp, doesn’t it?” She flicked a small amount of flour over the pastry. “Brad has gone into town for some supplies and Annie is in her bedroom with her nose stuck in a book as usual.” She smiled at him. Jason and Brad were similar where it counted. They were both good, hard-working men. But where Brad had settled down early, Jason was still looking for that one woman. In the meantime, her kids smothered him with affection when he was around. “Do you need any help?” Jason glanced at the bowl full of pared apples. They were liberally coated with

sugar and cinnamon and his mouth watered in anticipation. He had his own home about a mile away, but after his relationship with Christine had fizzled out, he’d accepted Wendy’s offer to join his brother’s family for dinner. “Could I make you a cup of tea?” “That would be great. I’ll have these pies in the oven in a couple of minutes and we can go upstairs and sit on the back porch.” Wendy Fleming knew Jason well enough to know that he wanted to talk, but she also knew that he would get around to it when he was good and ready. She folded the pastry in half and slipped it into the pie plate. She’d been making pies since she was big enough to help her mother and these two were assembled and into the oven by the time Jason had the teapot and two mugs on the old serving tray that she’d had since the first day of her marriage. She hung her apron on a hook beside the oven and followed Jason upstairs, lifting her long hair from her neck to take advantage of the light afternoon breeze. Jason spooned sugar into her mug, poured tea into both mugs and then set hers down on the table between them. Hunched forward, elbows on his knees, he blew on the hot liquid in the mug he held loosely between his hands. “How’s everything over at Jan’s?” She hadn’t had time to ask him last night, as the lively dinner conversation had centered on which calf to enter in the fall fair. “Did her niece arrive all right?” Jason nodded without looking up. “Oh she arrived all right. Jan had to take a run down to Regina and she asked me to pick her up.” So that was it; something about Jan’s niece was bothering him. She took a sip of tea. “What’s she like?” Jason shook his head. “Don’t ask.”

“For heaven’s sake, Jason, spit it out. What’s bothering you?” He didn’t answer right away, but swirled the tea in his cup, gathering his thoughts. “I don’t think she’s going to be any help at all to Janelle. She knows nothing about life on a farm.” “Well she wouldn’t, would she? But that’s no reason to take against her, surely.” Jason was acting completely out of character. He shot her a quick glance. “She’s prickly. No matter what I say to her, we end up in an argument.” Wendy nodded and lowered her eyes so he couldn’t see the smile lurking there. “You know, Jason, not every woman is as easygoing as the ones you’ve been dating. Even Christine went along with everything you wanted.” His head came up. “Yeah. Everything except living on a farm. She drew the line at that.” Wendy didn’t want to get into that again. Jason had been stunned when Christine announced that she was going back to Regina after living with him for almost a year, but that was in the past. In her opinion it was for the best; it never would have worked out, but she kept those thoughts to herself. Wendy took a deep breath. “Does this mean that you’re going to judge every woman that comes along based on what happened between you and Christine? Because if that’s so, something tells me you’re going to be a lonely old man.” He shrugged and downed the rest of his tea. “I know, but…” “What’s her name?” “Charlie. That’s about all I know. Oh yes, she’s from Calgary.”

“Aha. Named after her great great aunt Charlotte.” Wendy glanced northward, toward Janelle’s land. “Perhaps I shouldn’t be telling you this, but Charlie had some relationship problems of her own recently.” “Oh?” He looked up hopefully. “In what way?” “I don’t know all the details, but she was involved with a chap and they were planning to live together but it all blew up. Janelle said they’d been going out for quite a while. Charlie took it hard. No wonder she’s so…what did you call her…prickly.” “That explains some of it, I guess.” Jason glanced up. “But even at the best of times, this woman could try a guy’s patience.” “And is there anything wrong with that?” Wendy’s rebuke was spoken gently. “Seems to me that a woman with a little backbone would make life interesting. After all, as you’re so fond of saying, we’re in the twenty-first century.” “Yeah, I do say that, don’t I?” Jason smiled at his sister-in-law. “Thanks, Wendy.” He stood up and stretched. “I suppose I’d better get over there and do the evening chores before dinner. I’m thinking of running into town tonight.” Wendy watched him disappear. Where Brad was dark and solid, Jason was the golden prince. Tall and lithe, he’d always seemed unaware of the effect he had on women. Maybe he’d finally met someone who would challenge his way of thinking. In spite of her affection for her brother-in-law, she was all too aware that he viewed the world in black and white. Deep in thought, she drank the remainder of her tea. Perhaps Jason’s way of looking at the world was the result of growing up on a farm. Here, there was little time for anything other than practicalities. Farming four sections of land was tough work.

Wendy pushed herself out of the chair and walked to the porch railing, where her gaze roamed slowly across the familiar landscape. Jason was the younger of the two brothers and when he’d announced that he wanted to stay and work the farm with Brad, she and her husband had been filled with pride. His love for the land equaled his brother’s and they worked well together. But he needed a life partner, and so far he hadn’t met any likely candidates. The sweet smell of baked apples and cinnamon broke into her reverie and she headed downstairs. Jason wasn’t the only one who preferred to deal with practical matters. * * * Janelle hummed softly to herself as she hobbled up the stairs. She was pleased with what she’d accomplished on the sculpture today and was looking forward to getting away from the farm and spending an evening at The Trip. Thankfully, she’d be switching to a walking cast and a cane in a few days. She paused on the landing to catch her breath. Charlie’s bedroom door was open and she lay sprawled on the bed, fully dressed and sound asleep. Janelle turned away and then looked back. Her niece’s dark, curly hair was tousled by sleep and she fingered her own straight locks, wishing she’d been in line for that particular gene. She hadn’t noticed it yesterday, but Charlie’s strong, thin nose and generous lips were vaguely familiar. With a frown, she studied the line of Charlie’s chin and her graceful neck. “She reminds me of someone,” Janelle said to no one in particular. Perplexed, she made her way down the hall toward her own room. She badly needed the shower that would wash away the dust of today’s efforts. The late afternoon sun slanted

through the windows, bouncing off the glass in one of the framed portraits. With a smile of recognition, she paused in front of the portrait of Charlotte Freeman, her grandmother’s sister. “The resemblance is uncanny,” she said thoughtfully, tilting her head to one side to study the portrait. She searched the corners of her memory for what she knew about the young woman in the portrait. None of what she’d been told was happy. * * * You’re sure I look okay?” Charlie climbed into the driver’s seat of the pickup truck and glanced over at her aunt. She wasn’t usually nervous in new situations, but she wanted to make a good impression. She thought about Jason and winced. Janelle’s smile bolstered her confidence. “You look wonderful. I wish I had your clothes sense.” Her lips twitched. “You didn’t get that from your mother.” Charlie nodded. “I know I shouldn’t criticize her, but you’ve got that right. What can I say? Mom’s never been a happy camper.” Janelle gave a wry smile. “Don’t worry, she’s my sister, remember?” They’d come to the end of the long driveway and Janelle indicated that they should turn right on the paved road, heading toward town. “Let’s just say that your Mom and I see things from different perspectives. She always wanted things to be just so. When we were kids she kept her half of the room neat and tidy and mine was a mess.” Her voice turned thoughtful. “I would guess that that’s what went wrong in her marriage too, although it isn’t my place to say. I think she wanted everything to

be perfect and she thought she could mould your Dad into her version of what a husband should be.” “And we all know how well that worked.” Charlie turned silent for a moment. “At least he’s content now with his new wife. Mom won’t even allow me to mention his name, but I’m happy for him.” Charlie darted a quick look at her aunt. “You know, I never talk about them, even with my best friend. You have no idea what a relief it is to have someone to talk to.” “Actually, I do.” Janelle tilted her chin toward the last streaks of colour in the darkening sky. The undersides of the distant clouds were painted brilliant orange, bruised plum and soft peach; a rapidly fading fruit salad of colour. “Stop here for a moment, would you? I love to watch the sky when the sun is going down.” Charlie pulled over and her aunt continued talking. “When we were young, Matt and I used to drive out to the middle of nowhere and watch the sunsets. That’s what we were doing the first time I told him about my dreams of becoming a sculptor. He was the first person to encourage me and the only person who took me seriously.” Her voice trailed off as the colour faded from the sky. “So yes, I know what it’s like to have someone to talk to. Someone who understands.” “He sounds like a great guy.” Charlie was glad her aunt could talk so freely about the man she’d loved. “He was.” Janelle motioned for Charlie to pull back out onto the road. “But tonight we’re going to listen to some music and enjoy ourselves. You never know what will happen at The Light Fantastic. That’s what makes it magical.” “This dance hall…” Charlie searched for the right words. “Is it something to do with life on the prairies? I

mean, I’ve never heard of an actual dance hall before. When you first mentioned it, I thought you were kidding.” “Really?” Janelle chuckled. “Back in the 1920s and 30s people would come from miles around to dance and to visit. It was the center of social life in the area, and one of the few forms of entertainment. That was back before I was born of course, but growing up I thought every town had one. It wasn’t until I started travelling that I realized how unique it is.” They were entering the outskirts of the small town, where grain elevators dominated the skyline, towering over the buildings clustered around the railway. Janelle watched Charlie’s reaction with interest. “I keep forgetting you’ve only been here once in your life, and you were only…what?…eight or nine?” “Something like that. Mom couldn’t quite remember. Charlie craned her neck to look up at the massive structures. The main road led them through the commercial center of town before making a wide, sweeping turn down toward the lake. Along the waterfront, buildings and trees sparkled with white lights, a virtual fairyland. “It’s beautiful,” sighed Charlie. “I had no idea.” Janelle smiled as though she too was seeing it for the first time. “It is, isn’t it? The thermal springs attract a lot of tourists and the town council decided to spend some money to brighten up the waterfront.” She pointed proudly. “And there’s The Light Fantastic.” A large rectangular building dominated the shoreline. The entire building was outlined with lights and the words Dance Hall blazed across a tall false front. Janelle pointed to the entrance. “If you’d drop me off here, I’ll wait for you. You can park in the alley beside the building. We normally use the side entrance, but it’s your first time, so I want you to see it properly.”

Charlie parked and joined her aunt on the sidewalk in front of a set of broad, open doors. “Charlie Mitchell, welcome to The Light Fantastic.” Several groups of people lingered in the foyer, chatting and laughing. Janelle led Charlie to an ornate ticket window, presided over by an older woman. “Margie, I’d like you to meet my niece, Charlie Mitchell.” “Well, hello dearie.” Dark eyes assessed her quickly, and Charlie had the distinct impression that she’d just passed some sort of test. “Welcome to our little family.” “Margie has been running the ticket booth for over thirty years now.” Janelle’s voice held genuine affection. “That’s right.” The woman scanned the lobby before bringing her gaze back to Charlie. “I started here the year my boys finished school. Been at it ever since.” She gestured grandly toward the entrance. “Go on now, show her around.” She leaned forward, resting her ample bosom on the counter. “You come visit me any time, you hear?” She turned to greet a newly arrived foursome.

Chapter Four Charlie’s eyes adjusted slowly to the dim lighting inside the hall. Her aunt stayed back, allowing her to take it all in. Stepping inside was like going back in time… and into the center of a carousel. The building was tall, the height easily accommodating the traditional carousel top. A central pole completed the illusion. Twelve large niches had been cleverly inset into the walls and each one held an exquisitely carved carousel horse. Lit for maximum effect, the painted animals appeared to dance and float through the air, manes and tails flying as they galloped around the room. Booths around the edge of the room had been designed to resemble the seats of a carousel. At each booth, a pool of candlelight cast a soft, intimate glow. The setting was pure magic, and Charlie gasped in delight, trying to take it all in. “This is amazing.” She turned to find her aunt watching her. “Can you feel it?” She continued to turn in a slow circle, her gaze briefly caressing each horse, then lifting to take in the sweeping canopy of the carousel roof. “Feel what?” Janelle looked at her curiously. “The history.” Charlie raked her fingers though her hair, not caring if she messed it up. There were too many competing images stampeding through her mind. Too

many different stories had played out here, in this amazing building. She tilted her head, as though listening to voices from the past. “The hope, the disappointment, the love.” A sudden chill slithered up her spine. “The sorrow.” Janelle gave her an odd look. “You can feel all that?” Charlie laughed self-consciously. “Don’t listen to me. I have an over-active imagination.” “That’s better than no imagination at all.” Janelle gave her a clumsy hug, balanced on her crutches. “Come on, I’ll introduce you to the band. They start their first set in five minutes.” They made their way to a raised dais. A tall man with a dark tan and a white moustache beamed as he picked up his guitar. “Charlie, this rogue’s name is Clint Jackson. Clint, this is my niece.” She nodded to the rest of the band members, most of whom were as old as Clint. “Hi boys. Enjoy yourselves tonight.” She guided Charlie away and leaned closer. “Clint Jackson and His Prairie Gentlemen. The ladies love them.” Charlie glanced over her shoulder. “They’re–” “I know, I know. Every one of them has grey hair.” She raised her eyebrows. “Those who still have hair, that is. But trust me, they’re the main attraction.” “Have I fallen down a rabbit hole?” Charlie eyed her aunt. “I can’t quite put it in words, but in Clearwater Springs everything’s different. It’s solid. It’s…I don’t know…it seems comfortable with itself. Permanent, I guess. Back in the city life moves so quickly.” Janelle laughed. “I don’t know much about living in the city, but you’re right about Clearwater Springs. Here people put down roots and they stay. If you weren’t born here, you’re a newcomer.” “That explains it, I guess.”

“What’s that?” “Jason. He’s not sure about me. I’m from the outside, so I must be different.” “That’s probably why he’s interested.” “Do you think so?” Charlie suspected she sounded like an over-eager teenager, but the idea intrigued her. “Oh, I think so. And I hear he’s a good dancer.” Charlie’s heart fell. “Well, that’s just great. I’m a lousy dancer.” She didn’t even hear the music start up, or notice the couples moving onto the dance floor. Janelle guided her off to the side. “You really don’t know how to dance?” “I’m hopeless. I don’t know why I never learned properly. Maybe it’s because I grew up in one of those periods when kids never actually touched each other when they danced, but I just never learned to do this kind of dancing.” She looked longingly at the couples swirling by. “Well that’s easily enough remedied.” “Oh no.” Charlie shook her head. “I don’t think so.” “Nonsense.” Charlie could almost see the thoughts forming in her aunt’s head. “I know the ideal person to teach you. He’s not too old, and he’s one of the best dancers in town.” She nodded to herself. “This will work, I know it will.” “Janelle.” A thin woman with a round, open face came scurrying up. “Sorry to interrupt you, but somehow the cooler was unplugged overnight, and the drinks are warm. Marty drained the water, and he’s gone to town to pick up some ice, but I wanted to let you know.” She wiped her hands on her apron. “I’m afraid I’m in a bit of a tizzy.” “Can I do something to help?” Charlie stepped forward. “I’m Charlie, Janelle’s niece.”

“I’m Bev. Do you know how to make nachos?” The woman shook her head. “Of course you do.” She looked at Janelle. “Do you mind?” “Not at all, and don’t worry. It’ll work out all right. It always does.” She smiled at Charlie. “I’m going to go visit with some friends. Take your time and I’ll see you later.” “Thanks, Janelle.” Bev hurried back to the concession area, and Charlie had to scurry to keep up with her. “If you make up the orders, I’ll do everything else.” The work progressed smoothly and Charlie was almost reluctant to give up her temporary position when Marty returned. “That was fun. Call on me any time you need help in the future.” “We will. And thanks again.” Bev gave her a quick hug and then turned to serve another customer. * * * Janelle was right; the band was great. Standing in the shadows, Charlie watched the dancers float across the floor. Was it her imagination, or had they all left their cares at home? Just for tonight, were their hearts a little lighter? Did they dare to dream that their wishes could come true? In this magical place, anything seemed possible. She wandered outside where a large deck jutted out over the lake. Tiki torches flickered in the warm evening air. She leaned on the railing, absorbing the stillness of the lake. Somewhere in the distance a loon warbled, its call hauntingly beautiful. “Don’t you love that sound?” Charlie’s heart lurched at the sound of his voice. She grabbed the railing for support and turned to find Jason a few feet away. He was staring into the water and when he lifted his head the

dancing flame of the torch was mirrored in his eyes. “I figure that as long as we can hear a loon on the lake, things are going to be all right.” “Like the canary in the coal mine?” His eyes widened; she could tell that he was pleased that she’d caught his meaning. “Yeah, like that.” It was a relief to know that she’d finally said something right. He took a few steps closer. “Would you like something to drink?” She nodded. He didn’t seem like the same person who had yelled at her this morning. But then she didn’t feel like the same person who had yelled back. “A soft drink would be great.” “Let me guess.” He smiled, and for the first time she noticed a dimple in his right cheek. “Cream soda, right?” She nodded again. How had he guessed? “Let’s sit.” He moved to a table, pulled out a chair, and she sat down gratefully. His fingers lingered on her shoulder for a moment and then he was gone, moving across the deck with confident ease. She couldn’t tear her gaze away from him; everything about this man was exciting and new. Suddenly she wanted to know more. He was back a few minutes later. “I saw Janelle, by the way. She’s visiting with some friends.” He set a bottle in front of her and handed her a straw. “I took a chance and didn’t bring you a paper cup. Don’t ask me why, but cream soda just tastes better out of the bottle.” “It does, doesn’t it?” The liquid was cool and sweet on her tongue. She closed her eyes as it slid down her throat. “We actually agree on something. That’s a good sign.” He reached into his pocket, sorted through his change for

a penny and slapped it on the table. “There you go; a penny for your thoughts.” Charlie stared at the coin for a moment and then picked it up. “I was thinking about you, actually. You know, wondering who you are.” She leaned forward and tapped the coin against his chest. “In here.” He shifted in his chair, suddenly uncomfortable. “Me? Sorry to disappoint you, but I’m dull as dishwater.” He couldn’t seem to meet her eyes. “That’s one of my mother’s expressions. Graphic, wouldn’t you say?” Charlie shook her head. “You’re trying to side-track me, but you’ll have to do better than that.” “I was afraid of that,” he murmured and his gaze wandered out over the lake. “I’m not asking you to tell me any deep, dark secrets.” He was silent for a moment, lost in thought. For the first time since she’d met him, he seemed unsure of himself. “You know something? I just realized I don’t really have any secrets. How can that be?” He turned his attention to the soda bottle, running his fingers up and down through the condensation until it stood in a puddle of water. “Maybe I really am as dull as dishwater.” “No you’re not.” Charlie kept her tone light; this was not the time for another confrontation. “As you pointed out, I know very little about farming, but I do know about people. Not everyone could survive in a business where you’re at the mercy of the elements, or where a disease could wipe out your livelihood. You live in a practical world; a world where you can’t put off today’s chores until tomorrow. It may come across as dull to some people, but it takes a high degree of determination and focus.” She took a sip of soda. “Am I right?” He raised his eyes and looked at her as though seeing her for the first time. “Yes, you are. With farming

there’s not much time for anything else. I’m surprised that you understand that.” “You mean City Girls don’t have a lick of common sense?” she teased. “Hey, I’m sorry about that.” She waved a hand in the air. “Forget it, and you’re still not off the hook. Tell me about you. Your family.” “Oh them. They’re great. Well, most of the time they’re great.” The smile on his face made it clear how he felt. “Mom and Dad are retired now and live on Vancouver Island. They passed the farm on to Brad and I. Brad’s married to Wendy and they have three kids. Stu and Timmy are twin boys, around twelve, and Annie is their girl, around eight.” “Who’s older?” “You mean between Brad and I? He loves to rub it in that he’s two years older. Their home is about half a mile down the road from Janelle’s and mine is about a mile east on a rise overlooking the river.” “Sounds nice.” “It is, but I spend a lot of time with Brad and Wendy. Especially since…” His voice tapered off and a shadow crossed his features, but he recovered quickly. “Especially since Wendy cooks every night. Plus, we keep all the farm equipment in the barns at the big house.” “Sounds like a good sized farm.” “Two and a half sections. We have a combination of cattle and crops.” “How much is a section?” “About a square mile. Six hundred and forty acres. Plus, we lease a section and a half from Janelle. As my father used to say, it keeps us out of the pool hall.”

“Brad and Wendy’s family must keep them busy. I’m an only child so family dynamics always interest me.” “The kids are great.” His eyes softened. “Annie looks like Wendy. Ever since she discovered Harry Potter she’s had her nose stuck in a book. We find her in the most unusual places, completely oblivious to everything around her. The boys are something else. They can be real pests, but I love them.” He thought for a moment. “I can’t imagine what it would be like to be an only child.” Charlie drank the last of her soda. “I used to dream about having a little brother. You’ll notice I say brother, not sister. I figured that a brother would be less competition, but would still be some company.” Her eyes misted over. “A ridiculous notion, though. Even back then my parents weren’t getting along.” “I take it they’re divorced.” “About five years ago.” She gave him a grim smile. “Let’s not talk about that.” “Okay.” He settled back in his chair and a comfortable silence fell between them. Music floated out from the dance hall and Charlie looked toward the sound. “Janelle will wonder what became of me. I suppose I should go and find her.” Jason raised an eyebrow. “She looked quite content sitting with Jack Rogers when I went in for the soda. He’s the one who drove her down to Regina.” “Really?” Charlie drew the word out. “I thought–” she bit back the words. “Never mind what I thought.” It was preposterous, really, but she had formed an impression of Janelle as a heartbroken widow who would never again enjoy the company of a man. After all, it was more than six years since Matt died. “Would you like to dance?” Jason stood.

Charlie was trapped. If she danced with him and he discovered how terrible she was, he’d never ask her again. And if she didn’t, he might think she wasn’t interested. “I’d love to, but not tonight.” She looked up at him, enjoying the way the flickering tiki torches cast part of his face in shadows. It was a miracle that this man was still single. “Could I have a rain check?” “I’ll count on that.” He held out a hand and she rose. This close, his aftershave held subtle undertones of sandalwood and she breathed deeply, hoping that Janelle had found someone to teach her how to dance. They turned together and walked to the side entrance. The wide doors had been thrown open to let in the cooling night air. On the dance floor, couples whirled gracefully to an old-fashioned waltz and without warning Charlie found herself being sucked into a whirlwind of emotion. It was similar to what she’d experienced in the attic, only stronger. The dancers faded into the background and she was suddenly alone, bathed in a beam of moonlight. Through the hazy filter of time she saw herself being swept into the arms of a tall, rugged man. Her entire body shimmered with love and she looked up to see that love mirrored in dark eyes. “Charlie!” Are you having a good time?” Janelle’s voice brought her crashing back to earth. A man who looked surprisingly like Harrison Ford was guiding her aunt through the crowd. Charlie glanced over her shoulder at Jason, who was looking at her oddly. “Yes. Jason and I have been talking out on the deck.” Janelle assessed the situation at a glance. “Let me know when you’re ready to go home.” “I’ll run her back if you like.” Jason placed a hand protectively at Charlie’s waist. “I don’t feel much like

dancing tonight.” “You’re sure you don’t mind?” Janelle looked up at Jason. “Jack and I are sitting with some friends and reliving old times.” Jack spoke up. “I can run Janelle home in her pickup. I’ll have to take it home, but I’ll bring it back tomorrow.” He shrugged good-naturedly. “Then we’re all set.” Jason smiled at Janelle and Jack. “You guys have fun. I’ll make sure Charlie gets home safely.” “See you later then.” Janelle turned on her crutches and she and Jack made their way around the edge of the dance floor toward the tables. “Jack’s a nice guy.” Jason spoke as though reading her thoughts. “He owns a feed store in town. Everybody seems to like him.” He guided her out the front door. “Come on, let’s wander down the street. This section is called ‘Lower Town’.” The evening air washed over them like warm silk. Jason seemed content to wander along without speaking and Charlie found that she didn’t mind at all. With Carson, every moment had been filled with talk of some sort… usually about him. Lower Town consisted of three blocks of touristoriented businesses, all of which were closed for the evening. All except an ice cream vendor, who was in the process of closing. Jason gave her hand a quick squeeze. “Shall we see if we can get a cone? He tapped on the glass window. “Can we get a couple of waffle cones?” he asked as the proprietor slid the window open. “Sure thing, but all I have left is butterscotch ripple.” “Sounds good to me.” The cones were quickly produced and Jason gathered several napkins. “Just in

case,” he said, grinning down at Charlie. “There’s a small park down by the lake. Let’s go and sit at a picnic table.” The sound of water lapping rhythmically against the shore drew them to the table closest to the water. The sky was studded with stars and Charlie frowned as she looked up. “This is probably a silly question but why are there so many more stars here than in Calgary?” Jason looked up, following the direction of her gaze. “Whoa. Did you see that shooting star?” Charlie nodded. “That’s good luck,” he continued. “But to answer your question, there aren’t more stars. There’s less artificial light here than in the city, so the stars are more visible.” The tip of the moon broke over the distant hills and he pointed to it. “On nights when the moon is full it gives off more light and you can’t see the stars nearly as well.” “That makes sense.” Charlie watched as the moon crept higher, spilling silver light across the surface of the lake. Another shooting star streaked across the sky and they watched it silently, each wondering what form their good luck would take. After a few moments’ silence, Jason cleared his throat. “Back there in the dance hall…” His tone was slow and deliberate, and he seemed to be forming his thoughts as he spoke. “This is going to sound crazy, but for a moment there you seemed to be somewhere else.” He turned sideways on the bench. “Or did I imagine that?” Charlie licked her fingers methodically, wiping each one with the paper napkin Jason had so thoughtfully provided. She was avoiding his gaze because she needed time to think. If she confided in him, would he think she was losing it? On the other hand, if he couldn’t understand, then maybe now was the time to find out.

Another shooting star would come in handy right about now. She sucked in a deep breath, then let it out slowly. “I wasn’t sure if you noticed,” she murmured. How could she explain this to him? He was watching her, and she sensed his desire to understand. A cooling breeze skipped over the water and she shivered unconsciously. “Are you getting cold?” he asked. “We can go if you like.” She shook her head. “Thanks, but I’m fine. I’m just trying to find the right words.” He remained silent and she smiled at him, liking that he wasn’t pushing her.

Chapter Five She started slowly, trying not to stumble over her words. The last time she’d talked about her special abilities, she’d been ridiculed; she didn’t think she could bear to have that happen again. “When I was a little girl, I had imaginary friends.” She gave him a quick look. “Like most kids. But it didn’t take long for me to realize that my friends were different. Mine were all from the past.” She paused for a moment. “I don’t know how I knew that, I just did. It didn’t happen all the time, but every once in a while I’d go into an old building and it was as if I could hear the voices of the people who’d lived there before; feel their emotions. Some people say they walk into a house and can sense bad vibes. This was similar to that, only stronger. I tried to tell my mother about it, but she shushed me up. I can still see the look of horror on her face when I tried to articulate it, so I never mentioned it again.” She started to shred the paper napkin. “At least to her.” “When I started writing fiction for children, I gave my heroine the same abilities. I suppose you could say she’s a modern day Nancy Drew, except that the mysteries usually have something to do with the past. It gives me lots of scope.” He pulled back, surprised. “I didn’t know you were a writer.” She nodded. “I don’t talk about it much. The last time was a real disaster.” She leaned back and looked up at

the stars, reliving the moment. “I was going out with a lawyer in Calgary. We were getting serious; at least I thought we were. We were planning to move in together.” She chanced a look at him to see his reaction. He motioned for her to continue. “We were at a function for his company. You know the kind… suits and cocktail dresses.” “Not really.” “Fair enough. Anyway, I had wandered away from Carson and was speaking to some of the other lawyers and their wives. One of the women was saying that her daughter enjoys my books and asked me where I got my inspiration.” She lifted her shoulders. “A common enough question, but I don’t usually go into detail. For some reason this woman’s question caught me at the right time, or maybe it was the wrong time. Anyway, I started telling her about how I can sense things, and the place went silent. You would have thought I’d dropped the Fbomb or something. Carson came over and hustled me away.” She let out a strangled laugh. “He was livid; couldn’t understand why I would jeopardize his future with the firm. He went on about how he was in line to make partner and how he couldn’t afford to have me talking nonsense. You know what he said that hurt me the most?” Jason shook his head. “I can still see his face, hear his voice. He said ‘You write about this stuff as if you believe it.’” She could feel the anger building. “Of course I believe it, that’s the whole point.” “He sounds like an arrogant ass.” “I think maybe you’re right. At the time I didn’t argue, because I didn’t think it was an insurmountable problem. But after that things between us just got worse until we

were barely speaking. A few weeks before I came here we decided to stop seeing each other.” Jason scowled. “Is it a permanent split?” Charlie’s thoughts drifted back to that day. “Definitely. Before I left I heard he was already seeing someone else.” “Humph.” Charlie was determined to tell him everything. “Anyway, that was it for a while, or maybe I avoided old buildings, I don’t know. I didn’t sense anything or hear any voices until I got here.” “Here?” Jason’s body tensed. “What happened here?” “It’s the farmhouse,” she said. “There are so many memories in there, good and bad. It’s full of old stuff; the attic is crammed with memories, and there are old portraits in the halls. That’s what happened to me tonight, at the dance hall. For a moment it was as though I became someone else.” She closed her eyes. “She was dancing, and she was so much in love.” She opened her eyes to see Jason watching her with a faint smile on his lips. “Well what do you think? Am I certifiable?” She looked at him expectantly. It was his turn to look out over the lake and gather his thoughts. After a moment he picked up one of her hands and held it between both of his. “I’m not sure I understand.” Charlie shrugged. “How could you when I don’t understand it myself? You know, I’ve never been able to talk to anyone about this, not even my best friend.” She paused. “Well, I tried with her but she didn’t get it.” He held her hand as though she might disappear. “I don’t think you’re crazy, Charlie. But I’m Mr. Practical, remember? The boring guy who just realized that he has

no secret dreams?” He released her hand and wandered down to the lake. She was right behind him. “You’re not boring.” How could she make him understand? “It’s important that you know that.” She remained silent for several moments, standing motionless beside him at the water’s edge. Her hair had fallen into her eyes and he brushed it away, his touch achingly gentle. “What made you tell me about this?” She hesitated. “I’m not sure. Maybe it’s because you’re close to Janelle. There’s something connected with the house that I’m supposed to discover. At least that’s the way I feel tonight. Maybe tomorrow morning I’ll be sorry I mentioned it.” He picked up a pebble and tossed it into the water. They watched the rings widen and then disappear. “Like I said before, I can’t pretend to understand all this” he said, “but I’ll be happy to listen anytime you want to talk. Right now I should probably take you home.” She nodded her agreement and they wandered toward the street. Behind them, a shooting star blazed across the sky. * * * The headlights sliced through the darkness as Jason’s truck bounced along the driveway. The trip from town had been mostly silent. “Are you okay out here by yourself?” His dimple was a dark slash in his cheek and his eyes glittered in the light from the dashboard. “I’ll walk you inside if you like.” Charlie lifted her chin. “Don’t get me started or I might have to hurt you.”

Jason chuckled. “That’s what I’m afraid of.” He reached across in front of her and opened the door. As he pulled back, his eyes met hers and then dropped to her mouth. For what seemed like forever they sat looking at each other and then with a ragged breath, he pulled back. “I guess we should say goodnight.” Charlie blinked, finally breaking eye contact. “Guess so.” She slid reluctantly from the seat. “Thanks for the ice cream and the walk. I enjoyed it.” She closed the door. He leaned across the seat. “Would you like to try again next weekend? Say on Saturday?” “Try what?” She grinned at him through the window. “You like to make a guy work, don’t you?” He shook his head, but returned her smile. “Would you like to go to The Trip next Saturday? With me?” Janelle’s dance instructor had better be good. “Yes” she said, “I’d like that.” She went up the back steps and turned with her hand on the screen door. He was sitting with one arm draped over the steering wheel and the other along the back of the seat. She couldn’t see his eyes but she could feel them on her. “Goodnight” he called, his voice full of promise. Next weekend seemed like a long time away. The house was eerily silent when she entered. Thomas was curled up in his favourite chair and she picked him up and cuddled him, burying her face in his fur. He tolerated her attention for a moment and then squirmed to be let down. Tail high in the air, he stalked toward the cat door and slipped out into the still night. Charlie opened the fridge and stared at the food with unseeing eyes. She wasn’t hungry after the ice cream; looking into the fridge was more of a habit than anything. With a sigh, she headed for the stairs, grateful for the night lights that guided her along. At the top of the stairs,

she turned toward her bedroom and then paused, drawn toward the compelling portrait of the young woman. She had only looked at it once before, but already it felt familiar. She turned on the overhead light and stood rooted to the spot, feeling an odd tug of kinship. The eyes looked back at her, almost alive. Beyond the heartache that Charlie saw in them, they seemed to be trying to tell her something. Willing the unknown woman to communicate with her, she reached out and touched the glass with her fingertips. It was cool to the touch and for a brief moment Charlie wondered if her imagination was running away with her. Was she trying to create a connection where none existed? With a last look into the woman’s eyes, she walked back to her room, flicking off the light switch as she passed. Her room was a comfortable sanctuary with the bedside light casting a soft pink glow over the old quilt. She prepared for bed and slipped between the sheets, reaching out to turn off the bedside light. The moon was now higher in the sky; its pale, thin light bleaching the colour from familiar items, painting them in tones of grey and silver. She rarely noticed the moon at home. As a matter of fact, she couldn’t remember the last time she’d actually looked at it, let alone thought about it. But then a lot of things were looking different since she’d met Jason. She stared at the ceiling but didn’t see the shifting shadows cast by the moon. She saw long, muscled legs encased in faded blue jeans. She saw strong, confident hands on a steering wheel and generous lips turned up at the corner in a heart-stopping smile. She saw hair the colour of ripe wheat falling over eyes as blue as the prairie skies on a clear summer day. Headlights illuminated the room and moments later a vehicle pulled up behind the house. Charlie turned her

light back on, hoping her aunt would stop in for a quick visit. About a minute later, Janelle poked her head around the door. “Are you still up?” She came into the room and sat on the foot of the bed. “Of course you’re still up or I wouldn’t be sitting here, would I?” She removed the ribbon and a band from her braid and started to loosen her hair, running her fingers through it and groaning with pleasure. “So tell me, did you have a good time? What do you think of The Trip?” Her hair billowed out around her shoulders. “You and Jason seemed to be getting along better. Did he ask you out?” “Yes, for next Saturday.” Charlie sat up. “I hope your friend can teach me not to be such a klutz.” “I’m sure he can. I saw him after you left and he’s agreed to meet you at The Trip on Tuesday morning. He says he’ll work with you right up to the weekend, but he thinks it probably won’t be necessary.” “Why would he do this for me? He doesn’t even know me.” Janelle gave her an odd look. “No, but he’s a friend of Matt’s and mine, and around here people help out their friends.” “I guess I’m not quite used to that.” She changed the subject. “Did you have a good time tonight?” “Yes, I did, but Jack scolded me for not introducing you.” She toyed with the ribbon she’d removed from her braid. “We’ve been going out for a few months, but I still feel guilty, as though I’m not being true to Matt’s memory.” “Jason says Jack is a nice guy.” Janelle smiled. “He is. Matt knew him, of course. He liked him, too.”

“Well then.” Charlie smoothed her hand over the quilt, choosing her words carefully. “It sounds like Uncle Matt would have approved,” “You know something? You’re right. It’s time I stopped beating myself up for being human. I have a lot of years left.” Janelle looked at her steadily. “What about you? I hope you’re not going to let your experience with the former boyfriend influence your future relationships.” “Maybe at first.” She felt a blush creep into her cheeks. “But not now.” “Good.” Janelle picked up her crutches. “Let’s have breakfast together, okay? I bought a waffle iron because you were coming and I’m dying to try it out.” “I saw some strawberries in the fridge.” Charlie slid down in the bed. “I can taste them already.” Janelle leaned over and stroked her hair. “Goodnight, kid.” * * * “I can’t believe I’m having seconds.” Janelle dusted powdered sugar over the waffles and spooned strawberries on top. “But these are good.” “I learned how to make waffles one year at camp. I was assigned to help out in the kitchen.” Charlie slid her plate into the sink and sat back down opposite her aunt. “I hope you’ll let me know what needs doing beyond the regular cooking or housework.” Janelle licked powdered sugar from her lips. “I will, but we have to get our priorities straight. Dance lessons come first. She shoved her plate aside and took a sip of her coffee, cradling the mug in both hands. “By the way, how did you make out in the attic yesterday? I forgot to ask you.”

A tingling sensation crept down the back of Charlie’s neck. For some reason, she wasn’t quite ready to discuss what she’d discovered. She picked up her aunt’s plate and walked to the sink. “It was interesting. There’s a great spot to read up there, did you know?” Janelle gave a vague wave of her hand. “I haven’t been up there in ages. The attic’s not my favourite place.” “You were right about the books. There’s a good selection and a comfy chair and lamp. And oh, yes, that sweet little teapot that was on the table here the night I arrived.” Janelle frowned. “Here?” Charlie tapped the center of the table. “Yes, right here. It had lavender in it.” A shadow crossed Janelle’s face and she shook her head. “No, you must be mistaken. I know the teapot you mean, but I haven’t seen it for years.” She smiled brightly. “I’ll bet you remember it from your visit here when you were small.” “But…” Charlie looked at the spot where the teapot had been. She hadn’t imagined it, she was certain of that. Her thoughts raced. There was nothing to be gained from arguing with her aunt. Besides, she wanted to learn more. She shrugged. “That must be it. It’s really pretty. Is the lid around somewhere?” Janelle sat back, tapping her fingernails on the side of her coffee cup. “There’s never been one. Not in my lifetime, anyway.” She fingered her braid. “There’s a story about that little teapot. Your grandma told me when I was about your age. At the time I thought it was terribly romantic. Now that I’m older, I’m not so sure.” Charlie leaned forward eagerly. “It belonged to your namesake.” Janelle’s gaze wandered around the kitchen, as though viewing it from a

great distance. “Her name was Charlotte Freeman. She would be your great, great aunt. Your greatgrandmother’s sister.” Charlie’s pulse started to race. “Did she live here?” “Yes. According to family history, she fell in love with a cowboy from Montana.” She brightened. “As a matter of fact, they met at the dance hall. Anyway, he arrived the summer of her eighteenth birthday and worked at a couple of the big ranches in the valley. Then he went off to earn money in the rodeos. He was thrown from a horse and killed.” Charlie gasped aloud, but Janelle didn’t seem to hear. “The story goes that when they told her about the accident, she was holding the teapot. She started to tremble all over and dropped the lid. She went up to the attic and they couldn’t get her to come down for days.” Charlie was beginning to understand. “It’s romantic and sad at the same time.” “That’s not all.” Janelle shook her head. “She and the cowboy had met at the dance hall and fell in love. They wanted to get married, but her mother and father refused, so they decided to elope. And get this: they were going to do it on the night of the full moon. They’d planned it that way so they could travel at night and get as far away as possible.” Janelle’s eyes filled with tears. “That night they were going to meet at the dance hall, and she went back there every time there was a full moon. That is, until she finally died of a broken heart.” “And she never married.” “No.” Janelle was silent for a moment, her gaze fixed on Charlie’s face. “You know, you look quite a bit like her.” “I do?” Charlie’s heart started to beat faster.

“Quite a lot, actually. That’s her picture in the upstairs hallway.” “That young woman? She’s beautiful.” Janelle cocked her head to one side and studied Charlie as though she were a chunk of granite she was about to sculpt. “If you pulled back your hair, you’d resemble her even more.” She jumped up and rummaged in a drawer. “I have a hairbrush in here somewhere. Oh, here it is.” She stopped, brush in hand. “Do you mind?” Charlie was uneasy, but her curiosity was stronger. “Okay.” With a few quick strokes Janelle pulled back Charlie’s hair and gathered it into a twist at the nape of her neck. “It’s a bit on the curly side but here, have a look and you’ll get the idea.” Janelle handed her a mirror. Charlie examined the image in the mirror. The hairstyle changed her looks completely. Her face looked different…more elegant somehow, and the upswept hair emphasized her long neck. “I guess I do look a bit like her.” She eventually tore her eyes away from the mirror. “Those are her trunks in the attic, aren’t they?” Janelle nodded slowly. “I’d almost forgotten about those. I’ll admit that when I first heard the story I thought it must have been exaggerated over time, but seeing those trunks all packed and ready go to, I believe it. She really must have loved him.” “How in the world would she have got out of here with those big things?” “The story goes that after they met at the dance hall, they planned to come here, collect her trunks and head for Montana.”

“But what about her parents?” She gave a delicate shudder at the thought of the cold, unfeeling faces in the portrait. “Apparently they were away at an agricultural fair.” “Wouldn’t they have gone after her, forced her to come back?” Janelle frowned. “I don’t think so. Things were pretty strict back then. My guess would be that once she’d run off, the family probably would have disowned her. Or perhaps they would have made up a story about why she’d gone away, but then we’ll never know, will we?” She tapped the hairbrush against her cheek, deep in thought. “I can’t imagine what her life was like after she learned that he’d died.” She raised an eyebrow. “Can you?” Charlie shuddered. “I’d rather not, especially assuming that those are her parents in the portrait across from her.” Janelle nodded. “They look nasty. I’ll bet they made her life miserable.” She picked up the mirror again and studied her reflection. “I wonder if I’d have had the nerve.” She glanced over at her aunt. “You know…if it had been me?” “I think you would have.” Janelle’s eyes grew misty. “Love is such a powerful emotion.” Her voice was so soft Charlie had to lean forward to her the words. “They say it lasts forever.” Charlie believed her. Everything she’d learned about her ancestor confirmed it. Since arriving at Clearwater Springs, she had somehow tapped into Charlotte Freeman’s soul, with all its joy and sorrow. She knew without a doubt that the young woman with the haunted eyes loved as strongly today as she had all those years ago.

Chapter Six Charlie found her aunt drinking coffee on the porch the next morning. “I’d like something to do. I’ve decided I’m going to take some time away from writing.” Janelle looked at her fondly. “If I didn’t have this cast, I’d be working in the garden. Are you up for picking some lavender and lemon balm?” The ringing of the telephone cut off Charlie’s reply and she ran into the kitchen. “Hello?” “Uh…hello.” The woman’s voice was hesitant. “Is Janelle there?” “Yes, just a moment, please.” Charlie passed the handset to her aunt. “Hello?” Janelle listened for several minutes, her face reflecting growing dismay. “Please Laurel, don’t worry about The Trip. I can do it myself. More importantly, is there anything I can do to help you?” She listened for another minute. “Well, if you change your mind, be sure to let me know.” She nodded, as if reassuring the person on the other end of the line. “Really, we’ll be fine. You just take care of your mom and call me later in the week, okay?” She disconnected and turned to Charlie. “That was Laurel. She cleans the dance hall. Her mother fell and broke her hip. She’s only recently been widowed, and Laurel is the only family in the area.” She pushed herself

up and made her way to the window. “Life sucks sometimes, you know?” “Yeah, I know. Will she be all right, do you think?” “I think so. I’ll give her a couple of days to get settled and then I’ll stop by to see if there is anything I can do.” She looked down at her foot. “At least I get my cast off soon. I can hardly wait.” “You said she cleans the dance hall. Why don’t I take that over? I’ll be there anyway, for the dance lessons.” “I suppose so.” Janelle fingered her braid. “We could get you down there a bit early, and you can get started on it.” “What’s involved?” Charlie asked, hoping she hadn’t bitten off more than she could chew. “I leave it up to Laurel. I know she sweeps the floor, wipes down the tables, checks the bathrooms…stuff like that. She usually works five or six hours at it, but you could spread it out over a few days if you like, since you’ll need time for your lessons.” Janelle leaned against the counter. “Are you sure you wouldn’t mind? It would save me the trouble of finding someone else.” “Are you kidding? I’d be happy to help.” Charlie could hardly wait to spend a few hours alone in the place where Charlotte had fallen in love. “Well, that’s settled them. Come on, I want to show you my herb garden.” * * * Charlie hung the last of the lemon balm and breathed in the citrusy scent. “This is so much nicer than anything that comes out of a bottle.” She laughed self-consciously. “I probably wouldn’t have said that a week ago, but it’s true.”

Janelle steadied the ladder while Charlie climbed down. The air in the barn was heady with the scent of lemon balm and lavender. “All perfumes start with something from nature. Even the ones with no natural ingredients started out by copying something from nature.” Charlie stuck her nose in a bunch of lavender and inhaled. “I suppose so. You know, since I came here I keep realizing there’s a lot of stuff I don’t know.” “Really? You mean you don’t know everything? Shame on you.” “You know what I mean.” “I do.” Janelle surveyed the hanging herbs. “But think for a moment. When I go to the city, not only do I have trouble finding my way around, I practically lay a trail of breadcrumbs behind me when I go into one of those big malls. I’m terrified of getting lost.” “In a mall?” Charlie’s voice rose in disbelief. “I kid you not.” She touched her braid. “In the city I’m completely out of my element. Frankly, I don’t care for the city, but that’s not the point. There are things you learn automatically living in the country that you don’t need to know to survive in the city. And vice versa.” “Like the stars. Jason explained to me why the stars are so much brighter here. Or at least they appear to be.” “Exactly!” Janelle glanced at the remaining bunch of lavender. “Are you going to tuck that in your dresser drawers?” “Actually, I thought I’d take it up to the attic. It’s a bit stuffy up there and the window won’t open.” * * *

Charlie paused in front of Charlotte’s portrait, seeing the young woman with fresh eyes. In spite of what Janelle said, she simply didn’t know how she would have acted in Charlotte’s place. But then, she’d never felt the kind of love that lurked behind those dark eyes… an abiding love that was so strong it permeated everything Charlotte Freeman had ever touched. Charlie could almost reach out and pluck it from the air. She ran up the narrow staircase and burst into the attic, clutching the bunch of lavender. The soft golden light wrapped around her like a comforting shawl. She knew why Charlotte had fled to this spot after receiving the dreadful news; there was solace here in this peaceful haven. Charlie headed toward what she was beginning to think of as ‘her’ corner and reached for the reading lamp beside the chair. With a start, she realized that the teapot was gone. The book of poetry lay on the table, undisturbed as far as she could tell. She willed herself to keep an open mind and turned to survey the rest of the cozy corner. Perched on top of one of the trunks, the small teapot gleamed dully. It had been on the table when she last saw it and she sank back in the easy chair, wondering what this new development signified. She looked down into her lap where she had inadvertently crushed one of the stalks of lavender. She reached for the teapot, filled it with lavender and returned it to the side table. A shaft of sunlight low on the horizon filled the room with diffused light, creating an atmosphere of peaceful serenity. She re-settled herself in the chair and picked up the book of poetry. It was well worn, and as she opened it, a faint scent of lavender wafted up from the pages. With a knowing smile on her lips, she began to read.

* * * In spite of Janelle’s supportive words the previous night Charlie was unaccountably nervous about the upcoming dance lesson. Her aunt had spoken in glowing terms of Tyler Stewart. “He’s a sweetheart,” she’d said. “In his midthirties. He and his wife used to go to The Trip every weekend. That was before I owned it, of course. She died around the same time as Matt, and we met at a support group.” Janelle had paused for a moment, caught up in painful memories. “Anyway, it took him until last year to start socializing again and trust me, he’s a great dancer.” Charlie pulled on her jeans and stopped in front of the mirror. “I can do this,” she said aloud. “What’s more, I want to do this.” She put on an extra-long T-shirt, and then brightened the outfit with a long scarf around her waist. The bold splash of colour was just what she needed. She went downstairs, eager to start the day. Janelle was already downstairs. “You look great,” she said, eyeing Charlie’s hair. She had pulled it back from her face again this morning, admittedly copying Charlotte’s look. “Thanks, but I’m still nervous.” “If it’s any consolation, Tyler will probably be nervous too. He’s never taught anyone before. Oh, by the way, I forgot to tell you. He’ll be coming in the side door, so if you leave it open a bit he won’t have to holler for you. Helps to air out the place, too. Listen, are you hungry?” “Actually, I am.” Charlie didn’t know how she could be nervous and hungry at the same time, but she was. “I was going to ask if you have any eggs, but I suppose that’s a silly question.” “I have lots, but they’re all outside.” Janelle busied herself at the stove. “Do you mind going out for some?”

She looked back over her shoulder, a mischievous glint in her eyes. “Jason is out there, but he probably won’t recognize you. Ask him for half a dozen.” Charlie slipped into her oldest pair of sneakers, which she now kept by the back door. It seemed like ages since she’d seen Jason. His ATV was parked underneath the weeping willow in the driveway, but he was nowhere in sight. The water dispenser had been refilled, so he must be around somewhere. “Now you stop that.” His muffled voice sounded annoyed. She followed the sound to the door of the chicken coop. He was bent over, hand beneath a nesting chicken who was pecking at him, clearly angered at being robbed. “I thought they just laid their eggs and then went about their business,” she said to his back. He stilled for a moment and then withdrew the egg. “Most of them do. This old girl has always been broody.” He placed the egg in a basket and turned. “Whoa, Charlie, is that you? You look different.” His gaze slid down to her shoes and his mouth twitched. “I missed you yesterday.” A broad sweep of his hand indicated the yard. “Around here, I mean. I didn’t see you.” “And here I thought you missed my company.” “I did but – oh, never mind. You know what I mean.” He seemed flustered. “Your hair is different.” He studied her openly, smiling his approval. “I like it.” His cheek dimpled and Charlie’s pulse quickened. “Charlie! Have you got the eggs?” Jason came out of the chicken coop, basket in hand. “Morning, Janelle. How many would you like?” “Hi, Jason. Half a dozen please. Would you like to join us for a quick breakfast?”

“Thanks, but I’ve had mine.” He stepped into the sunlight and headed toward an addition at the back of the house. “Come on, Charlie. I’ll show you where the eggs are stored.” The small room held a sorting table and a large refrigerator. The eggs were efficiently organized and Jason slipped six into a small bag. “We save the cartons for selling,” he explained. “Today is Monday. This fridge will be almost empty by the end of the day. It’s surprising how many people come for eggs on Monday.” “How does Janelle get anything done?” Charlie asked, almost to herself. “That’s no problem. The customers take what they want and write it down. They pay once a month. Listen, you’d better get these eggs up there.” He handed her the bag, and his fingers brushed hers. “Will I see you later?” Charlie thought ahead to her busy day. “I don’t know. I’m going down to the dance hall to do some cleaning. I’m filling in for Laurel while she takes care of her mother.” “Oh.” He seemed disappointed. “Well, I’ll be here tonight for my evening chores. If you’re around, I’ll see you then.” * * * “Okay, you’re all set.” Janelle’s voice echoed in the empty dance hall as she adjusted the sound level on the CD player. “Tyler said he’d bring his own CDs, but you might as well have some music while you work.” She looked over the cleaning equipment they had dragged out of a small closet. “I can’t think of anything else, so I’ll leave you. Jack is waiting outside to take me to get my cast removed.”

Charlie sorted through the CDs and chose a selection of Cole Porter tunes. Not exactly what she’d listen to at home, but the old classics seemed right for this atmosphere. She grabbed a broom and started sweeping between the booths that circled the room. Janelle had showed her the lighting panel and they had switched on the illumination for the carousel horses. Astride a brass post, each horse was a work of art. She studied them as she worked around the room, marveling at the skill of the carvers. It was no wonder Janelle appreciated them so much. The lights bathed the room in a soft glow, and Charlie’s thoughts turned to Charlotte. Had she stood here on some magical evening and listened to the music as she was doing now? Still holding the broom, she took a few tentative steps, moving out to the center of the dance floor. “Charlotte?” The deep voice trembled with barely concealed emotion. It was not a voice she had heard before and yet it was familiar. She turned slowly, still clutching the broom. A tall man stood in the narrow shaft of light from the open doorway, a black Stetson in his hands. He reached out with one hand and then let it fall to his side. He took a couple of steps into the room, his gaze never leaving her face. As he came closer, his brow furrowed. Charlie returned the man’s scrutiny. Dressed in a snowy white shirt and slim black slacks, he had the kind of rugged good looks that women dream about. In the light from the door, shards of gold glinted in dark brown eyes. And those eyes remained fixed on her. He fumbled with the rim of the Stetson, turning it in his hands. “I’m sorry” he said gently, “I thought you were someone else.” He broke eye contact and looked hopefully around the dance hall.

“You called me Charlotte. You know about my great great aunt?” “Your great great aunt?” Comprehension relaxed his features. “So that accounts for the likeness.” He waved his hat, encompassing the dance hall with one broad gesture. “She loved it here. She loved to dance.” “I know.” “You do?” His eagerness was touching. Charlie smiled at him. “Yes, I do.” She hesitated for a moment and then plunged ahead. “I only just learned about her, but I feel close to her. It’s as though I’m feeling everything she used to feel.” Her gaze turned inward. “It’s a bit spooky, actually. Like last Saturday night. I was watching the dancers and then all of a sudden–” she stopped and stared at the man in front of her. It was the same man! Pinpricks of awareness danced down her spine. She closed her eyes, trying to recapture the out-of-body experience from Saturday night. Yes! This was the same man. The angular cheekbones, the deep-set eyes, the sensual lips belonged to the man who, in her imagination, had whisked her onto the dance floor. “It’s you!” she whispered, staring up at him. It was Saturday night all over again, and a wondrous longing filled her heart. What was happening to her? “Charlie! You in there?” The side door was flung open, bathing her in brilliant light. “Who are you talking to?” She blinked, a little surprised to find herself standing in the middle of the dance floor, clutching the broom. “Yeah, I’m here.” She held up a hand, shielding her eyes from the light. “You must be Tyler.” “In the flesh.” He grinned good-naturedly and strode into the hall, glancing around. “You’re alone. I thought I heard you talking to someone.”

Charlie shrugged. “Busted. I was talking to myself.” She didn’t even bother to look around. She knew without checking that the tall handsome man would be gone… if indeed he had ever been there. But just in case, she was already planning what she would say to him the next time she saw him. It was the least she could do for Charlotte. Tyler changed the music and held out his hand. “Well, what do you say? Let’s teach you to dance.” * * * “Well was I right or not?” Janelle stood proudly upright, balancing on her new cane as they waved good-bye to Tyler. “Isn’t he a good dancer?” “He’s terrific. He started out by teaching me to feel the rhythm of the music.” She turned to her aunt with a rueful smile. “No wonder I kept tripping over my feet. I’ve been doing it all wrong.” “Do you think you’ll be ready by the weekend?” “Tyler says so, and I believe him. He can’t make it tomorrow, but we agreed to meet the next day.” “Excellent!” Janelle pumped her fist. “And how did the cleaning go?” “I’ll need at least one more day. Maybe two.” Charlie had already planned to drag it out as long as possible. “Is that okay?” “Sure, as long as the place is presentable by Thursday night. Come on, let’s go home.”

Chapter Seven “I hope you don’t mind, but I’m going out for dinner with Jack tonight.” Janelle hopped down out of the truck. “I’ve decided to take your advice and see where this relationship might go.” “Good for you.” Charlie was genuinely happy for her aunt. “He’s a great guy.” She followed her aunt into the house and went up to her bedroom to change. Her thoughts wandered back to the dance hall as she stood in front of the mirror, hairbrush in hand. The man’s voice as he spoke that one word – ‘Charlotte’ – had awakened a response in her that belonged to Charlotte. She removed the clips from her hair and brushed slowly, trying to make sense out of what was happening. She couldn’t explain how, without any warning, she could be swept away by Charlotte’s deepest feelings. But this new twist was even more unlikely. She pulled her hair away from her face and smiled into the mirror. Had she really stood there in the middle of the dance hall and talked to Charlotte’s cowboy? Oddly enough, the thought of encountering him again didn’t frighten her at all. She smiled at her reflection and for a moment she wasn’t sure if the flush of anticipation belonged to her or to Charlotte. “This is getting crazy” she said aloud, and let her hair fall back into soft curls. At least she knew that Jason was flesh and blood. And she knew that she was looking forward to seeing him again. She went outside and paused under the weeping willow, absorbing the scents

and sounds that until a few days ago had been foreign to her. Jason’s ATV rumbled around the corner of the barn. He spotted her, silenced the motor and got off, all long, lean legs and attitude. “Hi there,” he said, shoving his hands into his back pockets. He wore his Stetson today, and the brim shaded his eyes. “Is that smile for me?” “In your dreams.” She tried unsuccessfully to sound tough. He shoved back his hat. “Ah shucks. And here I thought you were waiting for me.” “Maybe I was.” She smiled up at him. “Well in that case, I’d better get on with the chores.” He didn’t make a move but stood there, looking down at her with a crooked smile. “I was hoping you’d like to go out for coffee later.” “Around here?” She looked around to emphasize her point. “Where?” “A nice little place I know.” He gave her a smile that could melt icebergs. “Trust me.” * * * Jack arrived to pick up Janelle just as Jason was finishing up. “Have a good time,” he shouted. Janelle nodded and climbed into Jack’s Land Rover. “Nothing quite as glamorous for us, I’m afraid.” Smiling, Jason led her to the ATV. “I should give you a lesson on this thing.” He motioned to the drive-in shed. “Janelle has one, but she hasn’t been able to use it since she hurt her foot.” Charlie looked warily at the machine. “I suppose I could try.”

It was much easier than she’d imagined. The hardest part was the fact that Jason sat behind her, cradling her between his thighs. He was an excellent teacher, and within a few minutes she’d mastered the throttle. He was obviously pleased with her progress, but insisted on driving when they were ready to go. “Now if you ever need to go anywhere on the property you can use Janelle’s machine. The key is always in it. But right now, let’s go for a ride.” They pulled out of the yard and drove toward Jason’s property. She could see the main farmhouse slightly below them and to the west, closer to the main road than Janelle’s. At the property line Jason turned along a well-travelled service road. Their route took them down into a shallow valley, past a field of alfalfa and then up the other side. A row of poplars rimmed the top of the rise, running north and south along the eastern boundary of Jason’s property. By Alberta standards, where the Rocky Mountains dominated the horizon it wasn’t much of a hill, but it was a wonderful vantage point, offering vistas to the east and west. A small farmhouse sat in the lee of the trees, facing back toward the western slope. “My home,” he said simply. The house was perfect for him. Large enough but not too large, it complemented the landscape instead of dominating it. Painted a warm adobe colour with black trim, it was fronted by a deep verandah which held two comfortable chairs. He led her inside and watched while she inspected the premises without trying to be too obvious. “I set up the coffee pot before I left; I’ll just go and turn it on.” She nodded. A fireplace fronted with river rock dominated the room. On either side, built-in bookshelves

held an eclectic selection of books. She noticed a large number of computer-related books beside books relating to farming. She wandered through to the kitchen, taking note of the comfortable and yet practical furnishings. “Nice kitchen,” she said, walking to the window over the sink. “I’ll bet the morning sun looks beautiful coming through those poplars.” He smiled. “Yes, it does.” “You have a lot of computer books,” she said, a question in her eyes. “You’d be surprised how much of what we do is computerized. I took a course a couple of years ago in Regina.” He leaned back against the counter and crossed his arms. “It was tough because I’d had no business experience with computers, but I was glad I did it. It’s been a big help.” Charlie nodded slowly, absorbing this information. “I’ve never thought about it before, but I imagine there are a lot of ways you could use computers in your business.” “True, and it’s a great help with all the government paperwork.” “Where is it?” She looked around. “The computer? I have a laptop in my study, and it’s linked to the main computer at Brad’s. He has a network and the boys have computers as well.” The coffee pot sputtered, announcing the end of the cycle. “Coffee’s ready” he said. He poured the steaming liquid into two bone china mugs and set them on a tray that held cream and sugar and a plate of cookies. “Come on, let’s sit outside.” The chairs were positioned for conversation. Jason set down the tray and motioned for Charlie to take her pick of the seating. “I think I’ll sit here” she said, taking the seat

that looked down into the shallow valley and back toward Janelle’s property. “It’s a beautiful view, Jason.” “I chose the site myself,” he said with a touch of pride. “I sit out here in the summer when I get the chance.” Charlie poured some cream into one of the cups and stirred it. Flowers adorned both cups and she studied the design. “Not what I thought you’d choose, but very nice.” He coloured. “Christine bought those.” She sensed that there was more to come and remained silent. He studied his own cup and then set it down. “I met Christine in Regina when I was taking that computer course.” He looked out to the west where the setting sun was painting the sky. “I thought she was the one…you know?” She nodded, even though he wasn’t looking at her. “We got involved quickly, and we decided that she should come up here to live.” He picked up his coffee and drank, his gaze still on some faraway object. “I thought everything was going along so well. I even bought her an engagement ring. It never occurred to me that we didn’t want the same things, but when I proposed, she said no. Said she didn’t want to live on a farm for the rest of her life.” “Well what did she think was going to happen?” Charlie was outraged on his behalf. “Did she think you were going to give up all of this and move to the city?” “That’s exactly what I said to her. She said she thought she’d see how she liked it.” He moved over to the low railing and sat down, his back to the view. “I don’t know why I’m telling you all this. I brought you here to buy you a cup of coffee and show you my house, not to talk about my failed love life.”

She gave a short laugh. “I doubt that you’d have any trouble reviving your love life, if that’s what you wanted.” “Why do you say that?” “Fishing for compliments, are we? In case you haven’t noticed, you’re a good-looking guy, not to mention a successful businessman.” “Why Miss Scarlet, I didn’t know you cared.” His dimple was back. Charlie rolled her eyes and shook her head. “Rhett Butler has nothing to fear from you.” She paused. “How long ago did this happen with your lady friend?” “She went back last fall. Almost a year.” “Do you still love her?” Charlie couldn’t believe she’d asked such a personal question, but she had to know. “What? No.” He paused, as though listening to faraway voices. “After she left a lot of my friends told me I’m better off, that it never would have worked. I can see now that was true but it didn’t make me feel any better, if you know what I mean.” “Sure do. My friend Allie called my former boyfriend a tight-assed lawyer after we called it quits.” She smiled to herself. “But then she also told me that while we were dating.” “We’re a pair, aren’t we? In a romance novel, isn’t this the part where we fall into each other’s arms? Two jilted lovers who find eternal happiness together?” Charlie laughed. “I’m not sure what you’ve been reading, Jason. I didn’t see too many romance novels among your books. I saw some Robert Parker, some Elmore Leonard and some Michael Connelly, but nothing by any romance authors. “I can be romantic.” His face was all angles and shadows. He pulled her to her feet and brushed a curl away from her forehead, his touch gentle but sure. “I’d

like a chance to prove it to you,” he said, his voice husky with emotion. She looked up into eyes that glittered in the last rays of the sun. “Don’t forget I’m a city girl too. I might disappoint you.” He shook his head. “I don’t think that would be possible.” His gaze dropped to her lips. It was all she could do not to step into his arms. She placed a hand flat on his chest, struggling to control the conflicting emotions that were warring inside. “I’m intrigued,” she said softly, “but not tonight, okay?” His heart was thundering beneath her fingertips. “Okay,” he said. “But how about a little something on account?” he lowered his head, his intent clear. He brushed his mouth against hers; a soft, feathery kiss that left her aching for more. He pulled back and studied her face as though he’d never seen it before. “Miss Scarlet,” he said, his voice rumbling deep in his chest. “You’re worth waiting for.” He offered her his hand. “But I’d better take you home before I forget my manners.” They went down the steps hand in hand and stood for a moment as dusk descended. “I love this land,” he said quietly. “It’s as simple as that.” He handed her up onto the ATV. “Is that so hard to understand?” “Not at all.” Charlie wished that he would kiss her again. “It’s people like you and your brother who carry on the traditions of the family farm.” “Thank you,” he said simply. “You’d be surprised how many people don’t care.” He got on the ATV and started the motor. I care, thought Charlie, tightening her grip around his abdomen. Maybe too much. The farmhouse was dark when they got back. Thankfully Janelle had left the outside light on.

“So, are we still on for Saturday night?” Jason took her hand and helped her down. She nodded. “I’m looking forward to it.” “Me too.” He released her hand and stepped back. “See you around, Scarlett.” He jumped on the ATV and took off. Silence settled over the yard and Charlie settled into a chair on the verandah, not ready to go inside quite yet. Thomas poked his head through the cat door, walked to her chair and leaped up. When she didn’t pay immediate attention to him he butted her softly with the top of his head. “Hello, boy” she said, scratching him behind the ears. “I’d tell you about my day, but I don’t know where to start.” Thomas blinked and Charlie took that as a request to continue. “I met a ghost this morning.” An image of dark eyes and a handsome face floated before her and she stopped scratching. The cat butted her again. “I know it sounds outrageous, but it’s true.” She stroked the soft fur. “Then my dancing instructor arrived and the ghost disappeared.” Her hand stilled. “Is it possible that I’m imagining all this?” Her thoughts drifted off and Thomas jumped down in disgust. “No” she said into the quiet night. “You’re right. It was real.” She chuckled at her words. “Or at least as real as a ghost can be.”

Chapter Eight “You missed Jason this morning.” Janelle was hunched over her drafting board in what had once been the living room of the farmhouse. Flooded with light, it now made the perfect studio. She reached for her coffee mug and seemed surprised to find it empty. “Here, I’ll get you a refill.” Charlie took the mug and looked over her aunt’s shoulder at the sketches. “Is this the proposal for the architects?” Janelle fingered her braid. By now, Charlie recognized that her aunt played with her hair when nervous or indecisive. “Yes, and I’m not sure if I’m on the right track.” “Maybe you should step back from it.” Charlie refilled her aunt’s mug and brought it back to her. “That’s what they told us in a writing course I took.” “Good advice.” Janelle sipped the coffee and continued to assess her sketch. “So did Jason say anything?” Janelle whirled around. “Oh. Sorry. Yes, I told him that you were going to The Trip this morning and he offered to pick you up.” She glanced over at the grandfather clock. “I told him around two.” * * * Tyler pulled into the parking lot as Charlie was opening the side door. “Ready for another lesson?” he called,

taking the stairs two at a time. “I have a feeling we’re going to make great progress today.” He was right. By the end of the session, she was following him with ease; she felt as though she’d been dancing forever. “What do you think?” He removed the CD and slipped it into the case. “Want to try something faster?” Charlie took a few steps around the floor, giddy with the progress they’d made. “Would it be okay if we did that on another day? I’d like to practice this for a while.” “Sure. Any day you like. I’m on night shift for another week, so I’m free in the daytime.” “Is tomorrow too soon?” “Tomorrow’s perfect.” He gestured toward the broom, propped against the booth where Charlie had left it yesterday. “I’ll leave you to get on with your cleaning. See you tomorrow.” He paused to give her a thumbs-up from the doorway and then was gone. Charlie drifted across the floor and bowed to the broom. “May I have this dance please?” she said with a self-conscious laugh. She didn’t care. She was learning to dance and Saturday night she had a date with Jason. Humming to herself, she danced around the central pole of the carousel and paused by the CD player. Nothing like some music to accompany work. She chose a medley of love songs and with a reluctant sigh continued sweeping where she’d left off yesterday. “Hello again.” She stilled. Could it possibly be him again? Holding the broom in one hand she turned slowly. He was there all right, a tentative smile on his lips. “I was hoping to see you here today.” She studied him openly. It was easy to see why Charlotte had fallen in love with this man. He was

confidently masculine, and yet the vulnerability in his eyes showed how deeply he’d loved her namesake. “I was wondering if I’d imagined you,” she said finally. “It’s not every day a person talks to a ghost, you know.” He nodded. “I’m as surprised as you are.” “Really?” “Yes. Nobody has ever been able to see me before.” He looked at her curiously. “You’re the only one.” The light caught the golden flecks in his eyes. “Do you mind?” Charlie considered the question. “I guess not.” She leaned the broom against one of the booths, thoughts of cleaning gone from her head. “Why me, though? What’s going on? Do you have any idea?” “I think you’re supposed to help me.” She looked up sharply “Help you? How?” He spoke cautiously, as though afraid his words would frighten her off. “I’m not sure how much of the story you’ve heard, but Charlotte and I were to meet here on the evening of the full moon.” “Yes, I heard that.” Charlie grinned. “Romantic and practical at the same time.” He nodded. “And did you hear that she continued to come here every time there was a full moon?” His jaw tightened. “Until she died?” “Yes.” Charlie could feel his pain. “Well, she’s still coming.” The dark eyes assessed her reaction. “Here? To the dance hall?” Charlie looked around as though her ancestor might appear. “Now that’s spooky.” His eyes glinted with amusement. “Spookier than talking to a ghost? ‘Cause that’s what you’re doing right now.” “Yeah, but…” Charlie clamped her mouth shut. He was right. “Wait a minute. You say she’s still coming here.

Does that mean you can see her?” A cloud of pain passed in front of his eyes and he nodded his head. “That’s the hard part. I can see her, but she can’t see me. This happens every time there’s a full moon.” “This is crazy.” “I agree. The two of us are caught up in this impossible situation.” “Listen. I don’t mean to sound like I don’t care, but why don’t you just leave?” She waved a hand in the air. “Go away. Wherever it is you’re supposed to go.” His eyes pleaded with her for understanding. “I couldn’t do that. We promised to meet here no matter what, and I won’t break my promise.” He twisted a gold ring on his left hand. “I loved her with all my heart,” he murmured softly, “and I’m hoping that you can help us somehow. Do you have any idea how hard it is for me to see her here, looking for me, waiting for me? And I can’t reach her. If only we could see each other, I’m sure we could leave.” He looked around sadly. “This was where we fell in love and you’re right, it’s time to move on. But we have to do that together.” Charlie’s gaze fell on the gold ring. Was he married? She had a sudden urge to protect Charlotte. “What is that? It looks like a wedding ring.” He looked down at the ring. “It would have been. We both had them. She wore hers on a chain around her neck so her parents wouldn’t see it. They were our link to each other while I was away working.” Charlie wondered if Charlotte’s ring was tucked away in one of the trunks. But what if it was? How could it make a difference? “I just don’t know how I could help,” she said, almost to herself. “I wish I could think of something.”

A wave of desolation crashed over her, a sure sign that Charlotte was with her. “Okay, I’ll try to come up with something,” she promised, and the sensation eased. “I can do that much, at least.” What had she just agreed to? She had no idea, but she had to try. “I’ll be back tomorrow.” The figure nodded and turned away. “Wait,” she called. “What’s your name? I should know that much, at least.” He turned back. “Harmon Rogers. My friends call me Harm.” “And what did Charlotte call you? Or is that too personal?” “She called me Sweetheart.” His eyes glowed with love and Charlie ached for him. He took a step back toward the door, a stark silhouette against the light. “They call me Charlie.” “Charlie,” he repeated, and a faint smile touched his lips. “Suits you,” he said, and disappeared through the door. Charlie gazed after him for a moment and then picked up the broom. “What have I gotten myself into?” she asked aloud. “Why did I promise to try to help?” The lovely, haunted eyes of Charlotte hovered before her, and the answer was clear. Although remote, her kinship with the determined young woman was more than just hereditary. Charlotte had been trying to contact her; she knew that now. The first sign had been the teapot filled with lavender and then the teapot had been moved to the trunk, prompting her to explore inside. Charlotte was trying to lead her to the answer, but Charlie couldn’t quite make the connection…at least not yet. She had to try. For Harm as well as for Charlotte.

She straightened up and looked around, surprised to find that she’d finished the sweeping. Jason would be here any minute. Lost in thought, she put away the broom and turned to find him standing in the doorway. “Jason, I’m so glad you’re here” she said breathlessly. “It’s been quite a day.” “Is that good?” He took a step forward. “Yes. No. Oh, I don’t know. I’m so mixed up. Would you just take me home?” “Sure.” He stood by silently while she locked up. “Is it something I did?” “What? Oh, no.” She laid a hand on his arm. It was solid, comforting. “It’s nothing like that.” He held the door of the pickup while she climbed in, following her every movement. Charlie tried a smile, but it wasn’t very convincing. She stared out the window, barely noticing the row of grain elevators reaching into the summer sky. In her mind, she was back at the dance hall. She wasn’t bothered by the fact that she’d been talking to a ghost. What bothered her was that she’d foolishly agreed to help in a situation that was clearly going nowhere. She stifled a groan of frustration. Okay, so she could sense Charlotte’s emotions, that much was true. But that didn’t mean she could bring the lovers back together after so many years. What had she been thinking? With a deep sigh she turned her attention to Jason, who was sending worried glances her way. “Sorry” she said. “I was somewhere else.” “No kidding.” She leaned back against the car door and studied his profile. He was one of the most appealing men she’d ever known and there was no doubt in her mind that she

wanted to get to know him better. But if she told him what had happened, how would he react? There was only one way to find out. “Do you remember how I told you I can sense people around me?” He nodded slowly. “And do you remember at the dance it was as if I became someone else?” His grip tightened on the steering wheel. “I remember.” “I know who it is.” It was a relief to share it with him and the words spilled out. “It’s my great great aunt Charlotte. She used to live in the farmhouse and she died of a broken heart.” “Charlie, come on.” “No. Wait.” She reached across the seat and touched his shoulder, silently begging him to hear her out. “There’s more. She fell in love with a cowboy from Montana. His name is Harm Rogers. They were going to elope, but he was killed in a rodeo accident. Her trunks are still in the attic, all packed and ready to go. I’ve felt her presence up there, too.” “But what does this have to do with you?” He was looking straight ahead, but she could tell he was frowning. She had to keep trying. “I’m not sure, except for the fact that I’m related to Charlotte. But I do know one thing; I’m supposed to help them” “Help them?” This time he looked at her. She didn’t need any special powers to see his disbelief…it was written all over his face. Her heart sank. “Yes, help them.” She took a deep breath. “You see, I’ve talked to Harm twice. In the dance hall.”

“Whoa there.” They were nearing the farm. He pulled the truck over to the side of the road, turned to her and tipped his Stetson to the back of his head. “I want to make sure I’m hearing this right. You’re telling me you’ve talked to a ghost?” He searched her face. “You’re serious, aren’t you?” She nodded, unable to trust her voice. “I can’t believe I’m asking this, but what did he say?” She’d lost him; she knew it from the tone of his voice. But she’d come this far, she had to go on. Fighting back the tears that burned behind her eyes, she sat up straighter, composing herself to speak. “I saw him for the first time the day before yesterday. We only exchanged a few words before we were interrupted. But today he came again and we talked for quite a while. Jason, he told me how Charlotte still comes to the dance hall looking for him!” In her eagerness, she edged closer to him. “You see, her parents didn’t want them to be married. They were to meet at the dance hall on the evening of the full moon. After he was killed she continued to go back every time the moon was full.” She tilted her head, trying to coax a smile out of him. “Kind of romantic, don’t you think?” His face remained stony, but Charlie refused to be put off. He might not be able to accept what she was telling him, but she was going to finish. Besides, it was helping her to put it all into words. “She died of a broken heart, but according to Harm she still comes to the dance hall looking for him. He can see her but she can’t see him.” She threw up her hands. “He thinks I can help them get together. Crazy, huh?” He slid across the seat and for a moment Charlie thought he was going to kiss her. But he simply stared into her eyes.

“What are you doing?” She backed away from the intense scrutiny. “I was looking to see if your pupils were dilated.” It took a moment for his words to sink in. When they did, she pulled back as though she’d been slapped. “Jason Fleming, that’s a low blow.” “Come on, Charlie. You’re taking this whole thing too far.” He pounded a fist against the steering wheel. “This is reality, and trust me, there are no ghosts in reality.” She stared at the stranger beside her. “You don’t believe me, do you?” She gave a strangled laugh. “Don’t hold back, I can take it. You think I’m making this up, don’t you?” His beautiful eyes had turned cold. The gentle blue of summer skies had turned to ice. “I don’t know what to think Charlie.” “Well I do!” She yanked on the door handle and stepped out into the blazing afternoon sun. She swung the truck door as hard as she could, hoping for a satisfying slam, but it closed with a pathetic thud. She came around to the driver’s side, anger seething deep inside, and spoke through gritted teeth. “I thought you’d at least listen with an open mind.” She was in no danger of crying now; she was far too angry. “I didn’t imagine it and you know perfectly well I don’t use drugs. I’m going to try to bring them together, Jason. I was hoping you’d want to help me, but I can see that isn’t going to happen.” She tossed her head in an attempt to mask how much he’d hurt her. “I said I’d try and that’s what I’m going to do.” She started the hike to Janelle’s driveway, and then turned back. He was sitting in the driver’s seat, watching her. “I think we’d better not see each other for a few days. I’m going to be busy.” She

met his eyes. “And to think I took dancing lessons for you.” She turned and walked away. “Charlie!” His voice was confused, desperate, but she was too hurt to give in. It wasn’t until she was halfway down Janelle’s driveway that she heard the truck start up. “Well Charlie, you really did it this time,” she said aloud, but her step lightened. She’d made a promise, and she intended to keep it. * * * “Hi.” Charlie stopped in the doorway and the screen door banged lightly against her back. Janelle was working at the sink. “Do you like potato salad?” she asked. “I thought we could have a cold dinner tonight.” Charlie hated potato salad. “I love it, but I’m not very hungry.” “Oh? Did Jason take you for something to eat?” Janelle busied herself tearing lettuce into chunks for a green salad. Charlie watched with relief. At least she could eat that convincingly. “No.” She reached for a glass and poured herself some lemonade. The cool, tart liquid soothed her jagged nerves. “Jason and I aren’t going to see each other for a few days. “We’ve had a misunderstanding.” “But Charlie…” Janelle looked stricken. “If you don’t mind, I’d rather not talk about it right now. Jason and I have to work this out between us.” She was aware of the effort it took for her aunt not to push any further. “All right,” she said at last. “But as I said before, I’m here to listen if you need to talk.”

Tears pooled in Charlie’s eyes. “Thanks, Janelle. Thank you for understanding.” Janelle snatched a couple of tissues from a box on the counter and handed them to her. “I’ll bet you don’t feel like eating dinner at all, do you?” She brushed a wisp of hair away from Charlie’s eyes. “So I tell you what. Eat whenever you like and we’ll leave it at that. I’m not going anywhere tonight, although Jack may come over for a while. I’ll either be here, or in the barn.” Charlie nodded and started for the stairs. “Oh, by the way. Could you contact Tyler and tell him I won’t need my dance lesson tomorrow? I don’t think Jason and I will be going out on Saturday.” Janelle opened her mouth to speak and then closed it. “He’s an amazing teacher. I’ll catch up with him as soon as I can and thank him.” Janelle laughed. “Don’t worry about chasing him down. This is a small town; we’ll be sure to run into him. Anyway, he’s started coming to The Trip again, and you’ll be going with me sometimes, right?” Charlie avoided the question. “That reminds me, I still have a bit more cleaning to do. Can I use the truck tomorrow?” “Absolutely. I have no plans for tomorrow.”

Chapter Nine Charlie plodded up the stairs and went directly to her room. Not surprisingly, she was tired after everything that had happened. She lay down on her bed and Jason’s face shimmered before her like a judgmental mirage. Blue eyes that had regarded her with such tenderness as recently as last night were now cold, unbelieving. Then his face dissolved, replaced by Harm Rogers, silently pleading for her help. “Go away!” she moaned, rolling over. “Would everyone just go away and leave me alone.” * * * Chill evening air woke Charlie and she sat up groggily. Voices floated up from the porch. She hadn’t heard Jack arrive, but his rich baritone mingled pleasingly with Janelle’s silvery laughter. That could have been me, she thought sadly. Sharing a moment with Jason. But no, I had to make a promise to a ghost. And yet…a quiver of awareness made her look around. And yet, she knew she was doing the right thing. Now where to start? She stood at the bottom of the attic steps, staring up the narrow passageway. The enclosed space appeared even more daunting at night. She had to move now, or she’d lose her nerve. She fought back her fear, pulled

the light chain and ran up the stairs. Once inside the attic door she fumbled for the light switch, calming her pounding heart. The weak bulb cast enough light to guide her to ‘her’ corner. Oddly shaped shadows loomed behind items that been stored and forgotten for years. Finding solace in the comfortable corner, she turned on the table lamp and sank gratefully into the chair, one hand clutched over her racing heart. And then she saw it. The lid of the trunk was up! Her breath hitched in her throat as she stared at the trunk. Her thoughts raced as she took in the rest of the room, where everything was as before. Her gaze reluctantly returned to the trunk. It didn’t take a genius to figure it out; the trunk held something important… something that would bring Charlotte and Harm back together. Charlie re-examined the linens in the top tray. There was nothing there. No secret message stitched into the pillowcases, no treasure map where X marked the spot. With a snort of derision at her wild imaginings, she lifted the top tray out and set it aside. The sheets, tablecloths and blankets were undisturbed. What message could they possibly hold? Determined to exhaust every possibility she fell to her knees. Could there be some sort of message… a letter perhaps… stuck between the folds? Slowly and methodically she ran her hand between each layer of fabric. Near the bottom of the trunk, between layers of crisp linen sheets, her hand brushed up against something solid. She reached farther, and her heart started to race. Her fingers closed around a leather-bound book. Fearing disappointment, she hesitated. It was probably a Bible. Well, she wouldn’t get the answer sitting here. She withdrew the item slowly.

Her fingers traced gold-embossed words on the cover. “My Journal” she said aloud. This was what she had been meant to find. With utmost care, she tidied everything in the trunk, replaced the tray and closed the lid. The journal had waited all this time; it could wait a moment or two more. Satisfied that everything had been returned to its original position, she settled into the chair to read. * * * “Wendy, where are you?” Jason’s voice seemed to echo in the house since the boys were away. “Down here.” He should have known. Wendy was like his mother, who had also preferred to work in the cooler summer kitchen. Surprisingly, some of his favourite memories were of the summer he’d contracted a severe case of poison ivy. To while away the time during his recuperation, he had watched his mother bake. If he closed his eyes, he could picture her hands kneading bread. The yeasty smell of rising bread still made him itch uncomfortably. “I’m making some butter tarts to take over to Laurel. Did you hear that her mother fell and broke her hip?” Jason ran his finger inside the bowl and licked the rich filling absent-mindedly. “Yeah, I did. Charlie volunteered to clean The Trip this week.” He reached inside the bowl a second time. “Stop that!” Wendy batted at his hand. “How is Charlie, anyway?” He rolled his shoulders, clearly uncomfortable. “That’s sort of what I wanted to talk to you about.”

Wendy filled the last tart shell and slid the tray into the oven. Then she started to clean the table. “What is it, Jason?” He wandered around the room, touching familiar objects. He stopped by the window, his back to his sisterin-law. “Do you believe in ghosts?” Wendy’s eyes widened. “I don’t know,” she said carefully. “I don’t not believe in them.” He turned to her with a rueful smile. “That’s not much help.” “Why don’t you tell me what this is about?” He took a deep breath. “Charlie says she’s been talking to a ghost.” “Talking to a ghost?” Wendy’s expression was bland. “The one in Janelle’s old farmhouse, I suppose. Her name is Charlotte.” “You know about that?” His voice rose. “How come I’ve never heard about it?” “I don’t know, Jason.” She looked at him levelly. “She’s been there a long time, but I’ve never actually seen her. Charlie talked to her, you say?” “Not exactly.” Jason couldn’t believe she was being so cool. “She says she talked to a ghost at The Trip.” He held up two fingers. “Twice.” “Now that’s a new one.” “No kidding!” “Well, you don’t have to be sarcastic. I don’t imagine she made all this up, do you?” “No.” This conversation wasn’t going the way he’d imagined. “You don’t seem very upset about it. I mean, don’t you think it’s kind of weird, her claiming she talked to a ghost?” “I’m amazed she trusted you enough to tell you. Who is it?”

“Who?” “The ghost. Who else? Really, Jason, get with the program.” “Oh. It’s the cowboy that Charlie’s ancestor was supposed to run off with.” Wendy frowned, deep in thought. “I’m trying to remember the story. I believe they planned to get married. To my way of thinking that’s different than simply running off.” “Does it matter?” He truly didn’t understand. “Of course it does. To a woman, anyway.” She frowned. “This has obviously got you upset. Why?” “Because it’s so…” he waved a hand in the air. “I don’t know, it’s so strange. It makes me uncomfortable.” “I can see that. But have you given any thought to how Charlie must feel about it? Maybe it disturbs her just as much as it does you.” She watched him carefully. “You like her, don’t you?” “Yeah, I guess I do.” He stopped pacing and turned to her. “How did you know?” “Well, apart from the fact that you talk about her a lot, I saw you last night. She’s the first woman you’ve taken to your place since Christine left.” She smacked herself on the forehead. “Oh, I almost forgot. Christine called.” “I had my cell off. Did she leave a message?” “No, but she sounded suspiciously friendly.” He ran his fingers through his hair. “That’s all I need.” He picked up his Stetson. “Thanks, Wendy. You’ve given me a lot to think about.” * * * “Wow.” Charlie lowered the journal to her lap. “Things were sure different back then.” Charlotte’s descriptions of

life in the big farmhouse leaped off the page. The sounds, smells, atmosphere were as real to Charlie as if she had stepped back in time. She was delighted to learn that Charlotte had written the journal right here, in the corner where she now felt so comfortable. The passages describing Charlotte’s first meeting with Harm were heartbreakingly poignant. Not surprisingly, the attraction had been immediate and strong. Charlie could almost hear their whispered words of love. Her hand went to her throat as Charlotte described wearing Harm’s ring on a gold chain and her eyes misted over with sympathetic tears as she read the touching passage Charlotte had written after learning of Harm’s death. It was difficult to read how he’d been thrown from a horse during a rodeo, dying instantly. The money he’d hoped to earn would have been their start toward a new life. Tears spilled from Charlie’s eyes and she didn’t try to stop them. She cried not only for Charlotte, but for herself as well. She’d trusted Jason enough to tell him of the strange occurrences and he’d taken that trust and thrown it back in her face. Even now she wished he would try to understand. If only… She brushed away the tears with her fingertips, determined to get back to the matter at hand. What had she learned from the journal? Nothing, really. She skimmed through the last few pages and decided that they would keep until tomorrow. She pulled a piece of lavender from the teapot at her side and stuck it between the pages. As she did, she noticed that the writing had changed. It was still Charlotte’s, but it wasn’t the graceful script that flowed across the previous pages. There’s something different here, she thought to herself. Perhaps a few more pages. She settled down to

read. “Charlie? Are you up there?” Janelle startled her and she closed the journal, her thoughts swirling. “Yes, I’m here.” She placed the journal on the table beside the bouquet of lavender and turned out the light. “Has Jack gone? I didn’t hear him leave.” “He just left.” She stood at the foot of the stairs and Charlie ran down. “What were you doing up there?” “I was reading.” That much was true. “It’s such a peaceful atmosphere.” “I suppose so. I haven’t been up there in years.” She shivered dramatically. “Your mother used to tease me. She’d tell me there were ghosts up there.” Charlie smiled. “I’ll let you know if I see any.” * * * Charlie lay on her side, barely aware of the moon rising behind the old elm outside her bedroom. The leaves cast shadowy fingers across her bed as the moon angled its way up the inky sky. Her thoughts were with Charlotte, and the last few journal pages she’d managed to read before Janelle called. Raging against the tragic loss of Harm, Charlotte had ripped the ring from the chain around her neck and thrown it away as though by doing so she could rid herself of painful memories. Charlie rolled onto her back. Throwing away the ring had been a desperate act by a heartbroken young woman, and she could sympathize with her one hundred percent. Hadn’t she felt the same way this afternoon, wanting to strike back at Jason? Okay, so it wasn’t exactly the same, but deep down she and Charlotte shared the hope that things could be put right.

Her gaze drifted back to the window. She’d never noticed before just how quickly the moon moved. She watched it for a few moments, wondering if from now on she’d think of Jason every time she saw it. Before meeting him, she’d rarely noticed it. She crawled out of bed, impatiently kicking at the sheets tangled around her legs. Hadn’t the moon been half full when she and Jason sat by the lake that first night? She pressed her forehead against the window, thinking back. Yes, and now it was much larger. If only… she shook her head. She was getting ahead of herself but the notion persisted, worming into her consciousness. Was it possible? She raised her eyes, daring to think ahead to the night when it would shine the most brightly. The full moon. * * * Charlie slept fitfully and woke as daylight started to fill the sky. She looked toward the east and her thoughts inevitably turned to Jason. She owed him an apology for walking off yesterday, for not looking back when he called her. How was she going to solve Charlotte’s problems when she couldn’t even manage her own life? “That’s it,” she said aloud and swung her feet onto the floor. “I’m going over there right now and apologize.” She dressed quickly and examined her reflection in the mirror. Not bad, considering that she’d had very little sleep. But if she stopped to shower and fuss with her appearance, she’d lose her nerve. She went quietly down the stairs, fearful of waking Janelle. She didn’t want anyone – even her aunt – to second-guess her decision. Thomas rose and walked out

onto the verandah with her where he sat blinking in the early morning light. Charlie found the ATV in the drive-in shed where Jason had pointed it out. Thankfully the key was in the ignition and she was soon on the trail skirting Jason and Brad’s property. It had rained during the night; everything was washed clean. Droplets of water hung from the leaves of the alfalfa, sparkling like precious gems in the first rays of the sun. As she pulled up in front of Jason’s home the screen door opened and he came out. He was wearing jeans, but no shirt or shoes. His body was as she knew it would be; hard and toned. The sight of him took her breath away and she swallowed, searching for her voice. He took a few steps forward. “Charlie, what are you doing here?” He glanced back toward the house. “This is a surprise.” His voice was warm and welcoming. Maybe it wasn’t too late after all. “Sorry to show up like this, but I wanted to apologize.” Charlie knew she was grinning like an idiot, but she didn’t care. “I never should have–” “Jason, who is it?” The screen door opened behind him and Jason closed his eyes. A woman came out wearing one of his shirts and not much more. She stood next to him and looked down at Charlie. Jason gave her a horrified look but Charlie scarcely noticed. The woman could have modeled for Victoria’s Secret. Tall, slender and beautiful even in her tousled state, she was everything that Charlie wasn’t. Charlie tore her eyes away from the woman and looked at Jason. “I’m so sorry,” she said, fumbling for the ignition of the ATV. “I never should have come without calling.”

“Charlie!” Jason called after her, but she didn’t hear him; she’d already pulled away and was roaring down the trail, mindless of the tears blurring her vision. She’d never been so mortified in her life. * * * Jason watched Charlie drive away and then turned to Christine. “Why did you do that?” “Do what?” she asked, wide-eyed and innocent. “Don’t give me that!” he said, turning and walking through the living room, into the kitchen. She followed him and he turned to face her. “You did that on purpose Christine, and I don’t appreciate it.” “I’m sorry Jason, but like I said last night, I was hoping we could try again.” She laid a hand on his bare chest and he jumped back. “No, Christine. That’s not going to happen.” He busied himself with making coffee. “I thought I made that clear.” He strode into the living room and started to fold the blankets on the couch. “I want you to go back today. One night sleeping here on this couch is one night too many.” He turned to her, trying to contain his growing anger. “It’s over, Christine. Believe me, there’s no future for us.” * * * Janelle was in the kitchen when Charlie got back. “Did I hear you drive off on the ATV?” she said hopefully. Charlie sighed. “Yes.” I woke up this morning and decided that I owe Jason an apology.” She accepted a mug of coffee. “So I drove up to his place.” “Good idea.” Charlie shook her head. “Not a good idea.”

“Not a good idea?” Janelle frowned. “He had a woman there.” Charlie looked up. “I think it was his old girlfriend. Whoever it was, she’s absolutely gorgeous. He had no shirt on and she came out in next to nothing.” “Ouch.” “No kidding. I don’t think I’ve ever been so humiliated, but it was my own fault.” She thought back to the scene on the verandah. “The odd thing is that when he first came out he seemed pleased to see me. I might have imagined that, but not the rest of it.” Janelle took a sip of coffee and looked out into the yard. “It seems awfully quick, doesn’t it? Wasn’t it just yesterday afternoon that you two had a fight?” Charlie nodded. “It didn’t take him long, did it?” She stood and picked up her mug. “I don’t want to be around here when he comes this morning to take care of the chickens. I think I’ll head into town and finish up with the cleaning.” “Good idea. See you later.” * * * “I’m back.” Charlie stood impatiently beside the carousel pole waiting for Harm to appear. She had so much to tell him, plus she hoped that he would be able to give her some clues. She spread her hands. “It’s just me.” Her voice sounded hollow in the large space. “Come on, Harm. I need to talk to you.” Really, did he want her help or not? She turned slowly, searching the far corners of the room. It was unnecessary… she knew she was alone. She shrugged. “All right then, I’ll finish my cleaning.” Her voice cracked. “Why should I care?” she said aloud,

sorting through the cupboard for cleaning supplies. “I should be glad you’re not here. Maybe now I can get my life back.” None too gently she loaded cleaning supplies onto the table of the first booth. “And while I’m at it, maybe I should stop talking to myself.” “Hello, Charlie.” He sounded anxious, tentative. Her anger dissolved at the sound of his voice. She greeted him eagerly. “Guess what? I found Charlotte’s journal.” His eyes lit up. “She kept a journal? I didn’t know that.” “Well she did. It was all about you.” She took a step toward him. “She loved you a lot, but then I guess you know that.” He nodded, and Charlie looked aside as he struggled to control his emotions. Her tone turned brisk. “Anyway, I learned some things. She wrote about the ring, and how she wore it on a chain around her neck, like you told me. But when she heard about…you know, about you being killed, she threw it away.” “The ring? She threw it away?” He looked around the dance hall as though expecting to find the answer. “Why?” “I don’t believe it was something she planned to do. I got the impression that it happened in a moment of despair.” She paused. “According to the family story, she stayed in the attic for several days when she first got the news. It must have been after that.” She flashed him a sympathetic glance. “I’m sorry Harm, but it was only a ring. And trust me, she never stopped loving you. Every word of the journal confirms that.” “But the ring!” He looked down at his hand, his expression bleak. “The rings were our touchstones.” He

raised his head, his eyes pained. “They were our link. I swear, when I wasn’t with her, I could touch my ring and almost feel her heart beating.” He lowered his eyes. “And she said the same thing.” “Wait a minute.” Charlie held up a hand. “Help me to think this through. You both had rings and you felt the same way about them. Then sometime before the first full moon after your death, she threw hers away.” He stilled, watching her intently. “And at the first full moon, did you see her at the dance hall?” “Yes.” “But she couldn’t see you.” “No.” “That’s it!” Her gaze rested on one of the carousel horses without really seeing it. “That’s the key. You have your ring, and you can see her. But she doesn’t have her ring, and she can’t see you. Do you see what I mean?” Comprehension flooded his face with hope and his voice with determination. “Now all we have to do is find her ring.” “We?” Charlie laughed. “I like the way you say that.” Harm grinned. “And I like the way you laugh. It makes me think anything’s possible.” Charlie’s thoughts turned to Jason. Was it true? Was anything possible? She recalled the way he’d spoken this morning, the way he’d looked at her with eyes so blue they made her heart ache. With a supreme effort she refocused as Harm spoke. “Do you think we have a chance?” He’d turned serious again. “Well…” Charlie hated to offer false hope. “There are a couple of pages left in the journal that I haven’t read yet. Maybe there’s a hint in there about where she threw

it.” She frowned. “Although she probably would have looked for it herself.” “Even so.” His smile had returned. “It’s something.” “Yes, it’s something.” Charlie gestured to her cleaning supplies. “I have to get this done before I can get back and see if there’s anything else.” “I understand.” He placed his Stetson on his head; she couldn’t see his eyes. “And even if you don’t find anything, I want to thank you for trying.” “It’s the least I can do” she said, moved by his words. “And I haven’t given up yet.”

Chapter Ten Charlie kept glancing toward the horizon as she drove home. Thunderclouds boiled up, dark and menacing. By now, she’d learned that here in Saskatchewan clouds didn’t necessarily mean that rain was imminent. But today they looked different and she drove a little faster, relieved when she saw the driveway on the left. “Jason asked about you.” Janelle was at the drafting table when Charlie walked in. “What did he say?” “He just asked if you were around. I told him you’d gone to finish cleaning and I didn’t know how long you’d be. Was that the right thing to say?” Charlie’s mood lightened. “That’s good, and besides, it’s the truth.” She pointed out the window. “Look at that. Look at the way the rain is falling out of those clouds.” “Some farmer will be happy.” Janelle cocked her head. “Do you hear that?” “No, I don’t hear anything.” “Exactly. There are no birds singing. They can sense a change in the weather.” Her aunt was right. Even the weeping willow was still. Not a breath of air moved the leaves. “I’ll go and close up the barn. I left the windows open earlier. Would you check all the windows in the house and look for Thomas while you’re at it? If we get thunder, he’ll be scared stiff.” Janelle headed for the barn.

The first clap of thunder sounded in the distance. Then Charlie heard something else. Faint at first, the sound grew louder as it came on hard and fast. She recognized the sound of Jason’s ATV as he came tearing around the corner of the barn. “Charlie! I’m so glad to see you.” He paused to catch his breath. Her heart skipped a beat at the sight of him. He looked over his shoulder at the approaching clouds. “We’re okay” she said coolly. “Janelle is closing up the barn and I was just about to check the windows in the house.” “No, it’s not that.” He jumped down and took a step toward her. “Charlie, I need your help.” She refrained from reminding him that the last time she’d seen him he definitely didn’t need her help. “You do?” “Annie is missing. Wendy and I have been looking for her for a couple of hours, and we can’t find her anywhere.” He raked his fingers through his windblown hair. “Listen Charlie, I know we have a lot to talk about, but right now I need your help. Brad’s gone to pick up the twins and they won’t be back for a couple of hours.” He looked into her eyes. “I need you to find Annie.” It hit her like a physical blow. He was here only because he needed her help. She glared at him. “Oh, I get it. Yesterday I was a freak, and now you want me to find your niece. Sorry, but it doesn’t work that way.” She turned her back and walked toward the house. “Charlie I said I’m sorry.” The desperation in his voice stopped her in her tracks. “You really knocked me out with all that stuff about ghosts.” She turned to face him. “You hurt my feelings, Jason. You know that.”

He nodded and a small smile played with the corner of his mouth. “I slept on the couch last night, for what it’s worth.” His words went a long way toward soothing her aching heart. A sudden gust of wind shook the leaves. The storm was coming and Annie was out there somewhere. “What I said a minute ago? I meant it. Communicating with a ghost isn’t the same as being able to find someone who’s lost. I’m not like those psychics on television who can tell you where to find things you’ve misplaced.” She paused, and her thoughts turned to the gold ring. “But I’m willing to help.” The tension drained from his face and he took an uncertain step forward. “Thank you.” Lightning snaked across the sky and they both stilled, counting, waiting for the crash of thunder. It rolled over them a second later and they scrambled toward the ATV. “It’s almost on top of us,” he said as Charlie clambered up behind him. They paused outside the barn long enough to inform Janelle what was going on. Her response was immediate. “I’ll close up the house and drive over to sit with Wendy. She’ll want to stay close to home in case Annie comes back on her own.” Jason nodded and as the ATV surged forward, the first drops of rain began to fall. By the time they reached the Fleming farm Charlie’s hair was plastered to her scalp. The anxious expression on Wendy’s face told them what they needed to know; Annie hadn’t returned. “Janelle is coming over and Charlie and I are going back out,” he called, raising his voice over the growing storm. Wendy nodded, her eyes wide with worry.

Jason pulled the ATV into the barn. Rain pounded on the metal roof, making conversation almost impossible. “Come on” he called. Let’s go into the stable.” He reached for her hand and they ran through what was now a downpour into the comparative silence of the wooden structure. Charlie sat on a bale of hay, collecting her thoughts while Jason calmed the nervous horses. The only thing she knew about Annie was that she liked to read. “Jason” she said thoughtfully, “didn’t you tell me that Annie likes to find different places to hide? Places to read quietly?” He nodded. “Yes, but I’ve looked everywhere I can think of.” “Then let’s look again.” “Well, she likes the barn.” “Let’s go back there.” She summoned her calmest voice. “We’ll find her, Jason. We just have to cover all the bases again.” They returned to the barn, oblivious to the rain. Charlie searched every possible hiding place downstairs while Jason climbed the wooden ladder to the hayloft. He caught her eye on the way down and shook his head, unwilling to compete with the sound of the rain on the roof. Charlie drew him back to the stable where they could talk. “Okay” she said, forcing him to sit down. “Let’s think this out logically. What is it about today that would cause her to go somewhere different from her normal haunts?” He drew in a deep breath. “Only that her brothers are coming home today.” “Maybe she’s in their room. I’ll bet they don’t usually let her in there.”

“Wendy and I both looked there.” A weak smile flitted across his face. “It was one of the first places we checked.” “Okay.” She kept her voice even. “What else? There must be something.” “No.” He pulled a piece of straw from a bale and stared at it without really seeing it. “Unless she’s gone out to the twins’ tree house. That’s really off-limits.” “Where is it?” “About half a mile to the south.” He looked relieved and frantic at the same time. “If she was in there and got caught by the rain she wouldn’t leave. She won’t let anything happen to her precious books.” “Sensible girl.” Charlie stood up. “Can we go there on the ATV?” “You’re sure you want to come?” He glanced outside. “It’s coming down pretty hard.” She ran outside, lifted her arms and raised her face to the pounding rain. “I can’t get any wetter that I already am. Come on, let’s get going before the rain turns everything to mud.” He walked out to meet her and within a few steps he was drenched all over again. Perhaps the rain was blurring her vision, but his eyes seemed to be a softer shade of blue. “Charlie Mitchell, you’re crazy.” He pulled her into his arms and gave her a kiss that left little doubt as to his future intentions. “I know,” she said, smiling up at him. They were standing in a downpour, his niece was missing, but things were definitely looking up. “Put this on,” he said brusquely, placing his Stetson on her head and leading her toward the ATV. “We’ve

gotta go,” he murmured hoarsely, “but when this is over, we have some talking to do.” The ATV skidded sideways in the muddy yard and she clutched his wet shirt, grateful when they finally reached the trail that ran alongside a field of hay. Trying to shield herself from the pelting rain, she peeked out every once in a while to see if they were nearing a grove of trees. “It’s down there,” he shouted over his shoulder. “In those willows.” The trees grew beside a small pond of water, the soil around its perimeter churned up by cattle. “This will bring the water level back up. That’s good,” he informed her as they slowed down. “The boys’ hideout is on one of those trees,” he said, sliding off the ATV and offering her his hand. “Annie” he called. “Are you out here?” He paused at a tree with boards nailed onto the trunk, looked up and called again. “Annie, please don’t make me climb up there. These boards won’t hold me.” Charlie brushed him aside. “Let me,” she said. “You’d never get your shoulders through that little door.” She pointed up. “Be careful,” he said as she started climbing. “We don’t want you breaking anything now that you’ve learned to dance.” She shot him a look that was supposed to be withering, but she couldn’t quite pull it off. Particularly when she’d been thinking the same thing. “Just watch where you’re going,” he said with a low chuckle. Charlie paused two steps from the top of the makeshift ladder. “Annie?” she called, “my name is Charlie and I’m a friend of Jason’s. We’ve come to see if you’re okay. Can I come in?” A sudden idea struck her.

“You’ve probably got someone in there with you, like Harry Potter.” The soft giggle was music to her ears. She climbed up the last two steps and peered into the tree house. Huddled in a corner was a small blonde child with wide blue eyes. She had an old horse blanket wrapped around her legs. Beside her, on a wooden crate, an oldfashioned oil lamp flickered, the glass chimney partially blackened with soot. All in all, she looked very cozy. “This looks nice” Charlie said. “Wait a minute. I’d better tell Jason I found you. He and your Mom have been looking all over the place for you.” Jason was waiting patiently at the foot of the tree. “She’s here and she’s fine” said Charlie. He opened his mouth but she quieted him with a hand, and then turned back to Annie. “Why didn’t you answer when we called?” she asked. “The boys don’t want me coming in here. They say it’s for men only.” Annie’s voice wavered. “They said they’ll throw my books down the well.” “I’ll tell you a little secret.” said Charlie in a stage whisper. “Boys can be a real pain… big time. And you know what? They aren’t nearly as smart as girls, but sometimes we let them think they are.” This pronouncement was met with another giggle. She looked around. “But I guess they like to have their own space. Hey, I’ve got an idea. Is there an attic in your house?” Annie regarded her curiously. “Yes.” “Is it easy to get to?” “The stairs.” “Maybe you could ask your Mom if you can have a little corner of the attic all for yourself. It could be your special place.”

The little face brightened. “Yeah. Can we go back now?” Charlie cocked her head. “Do you hear that? The rain has stopped.” Annie clambered down the ladder after Charlie and Jason lifted her into his arms. “Hello Pumpkin,” he said, kissing the top of her head. “We were worried about you.” “You won’t tell, will you?” she asked solemnly. “Of course not.” He settled her on Charlie’s lap, then climbed on the ATV. The dark clouds had moved to the north and by the time they pulled into the yard the sun had broken through. Wisps of steam rose from the ground, where moisture was already being burned off. “Annie!” Wendy hugged her fiercely. “We’ve been looking for you everywhere!” Over her daughter’s head she smiled her thanks at Charlie and nodded to Jason, a private exchange with her brother-in-law. “Charlie had a neat idea.” Unaware of the emotions swirling around her, Annie pulled on her mother’s hand and dragged her toward the house. “Come on, I want to tell you about it.” Janelle waved at her friend. “I’ll be getting back.” Wendy looked over her shoulder. “Thanks” she mouthed, then turned to follow her determined daughter into the house. “Well, you two.” Janelle looked from Jason to Charlie. “It looks like you’re talking again.” Jason smiled. “We haven’t actually talked yet, but we plan to.” “Good. You guys are wearing me out.” With a short laugh, she walked to her truck and pulled out of the yard. Charlie removed Jason’s Stetson and ran her fingers though her hair. “I must look a mess.”

He put the hat on and gripped her by the shoulders. “You look just fine to me.” He looked deeply into her eyes. “Without you I don’t know what we would have done.” “You would have found her, but I’m glad I could help.” He kicked at the ground with the toe of his boot. “I owe you an apology.” “Yeah, you do.” His head jerked up and she gave him a saucy grin. “You’re not very good at this, are you? Even so, I’m willing to listen.” “I never should have doubted you Charlie. I don’t know what I was thinking.” “What made you change your mind?” She really wanted to hear this. He looked around as though suddenly aware of their surroundings. “Let’s go over to your place. Brad and the boys will be home soon and we won’t have any peace around here. Besides, I have the chores to do there.” She sat close to him on the ride back, breathing in the scent of him. They arrived far too soon. “This will only take a few minutes,” he said, parking the ATV under the weeping willow where it was relatively dry. “In that case, I’ll get us something to drink. Maybe even run a comb through my hair.” His smile caused an odd little clutch in her chest. “Like I said, you look great to me.” She ran into the house before she made a fool of herself. Rummaging through the kitchen drawer, she found Janelle’s hairbrush. The mirror in the downstairs bathroom was old, with dark patches where the silvering had worn away. She ran the brush through her hair and it bounced back curlier than ever. Okay, so she’d never have the smoothed-back

hairstyle of Charlotte, but then she was her own person, not her ancestor. She leaned in closer to study the woman in the mirror. The Charlie who looked back had a sparkle in her eyes. She was more relaxed than the up-tight person who had arrived not that long ago. The new Charlie smiled more readily than before, but the real changes were inside. Here in this small town she was starting to see the world through fresh eyes. In addition to becoming more attuned to her surroundings, she saw how people cared for their neighbors. How they cooked for them when they were sick, or supported them through sorrow and loss. At home in Calgary, she didn’t even know her neighbors in the condo. It was ironic to think that it took living in a small town like Clearwater Springs to make her think on a broader scale. She nodded to herself in the mirror, realizing that she had become a different person…and she liked that person. She grabbed two of the cream sodas she’d brought home from The Trip and went outside. Jason had finished gathering the eggs and was filling the feeders. “Let’s sit on the bench on the other side of the duck pond,” he said. “I dried off the seat, so it should be fine now.” He joined her a few minutes later. “I was thinking,” he said, accepting the bottle and downing half of it in one long gulp. “Annie should have a place of her own. After all, the boys have one.” “I hope Wendy doesn’t think I’m interfering, but I suggested to Annie that maybe she could have a corner of the attic for her own little hidey-hole.” He nodded thoughtfully. “It’s a good idea. I’ll help Brad clean out a spot for her.” He looked at her curiously. “What made you think of that?”

She hesitated, unsure of how much to tell him. “I’ve been spending time up in Janelle’s attic. It’s a great place to think.” He moved sideways on the bench and draped his arm over the back, watching her carefully. “I was talking to Wendy and she says there’s a ghost up there. She says it’s Charlotte, the one you told me about.” He waited for her reaction. She studied her soda, watching the bubbles race each other to the surface. “Janelle told me that when she and my Mom were kids, my Mom used to tease her about a ghost. She’s been leery of the attic ever since,” “Have you seen her?” Her gaze drifted up to the small attic window. “No, but I hope to.” She turned back. “What happened to make you change your attitude about all of this?” She almost held her breath waiting for his answer. He thought for a moment before answering. “Like I said, I talked to Wendy. She didn’t seem to think that there was anything strange about you talking to a ghost.” He gave his head a little shake. “I don’t know what I expected, but she definitely surprised me.” Interesting. “What else did she say?” “She said I should have been flattered that you told me about it. Something like that. Oh, and she asked me if I thought you were making it up. I said no.” Charlie suppressed a sigh of relief. She’d needed to hear those words. “And so you changed your mind?” He leaned forward. “It’s difficult, I’ll admit that, but I’m trying to be more open-minded.” “Fair enough.” She took a sip from the soda bottle. “I forgot to bring straws,” she said in an abrupt change of topic.

“Oh, but you look cute with that little bit of red on your upper lip.” He reached across and brushed her lip with his thumb. His touch was electric; the shock raced through her body. He felt it too. She could see it in his eyes. “I can’t think when you do that,” she said with a smile. He leaned back against the ornate armrest. “Okay.” “I’ve got quite a bit to tell you” she said, and started talking.

Chapter Eleven The sun slid below the horizon as Charlie filled him in on what she’d learned in the past couple of days. Jason watched her face light up as she came to the part about the rings, and the amazing love story. A tear slid down her cheek and he brushed it away tenderly. He sat for a few moments, turning the details over in his mind. “And so you think that if you could find Charlotte’s ring, he might be able to see her.” It was a lot to absorb at once. “No, it’s the other way around. He can already see her. If we find the ring, then I really believe she’ll be able to see him as well.” She watched him, willing him to understand. “Does that make sense?” “Oddly enough, it does.” But he didn’t want to get her hopes up about the ring. “But finding it…where are you going to start?” She glanced again toward the attic window. “There are a few pages in her journal that I haven’t read yet. I’m hoping that there will be a clue in there.” “Me too. I want you to succeed in this.” “Thanks for saying that Jason, but it’s not about me. I want to find it for Charlotte and for Harm. They deserve to be together.” “So let’s assume that you’re successful and you find the ring,” he said, his voice thoughtful. “How do they get back together?”

“Oh, how could I have forgotten? That’s the best part!” She bolted upright. “It’s the moon. She goes to the dance hall every time there’s a full moon.” She pointed to the western horizon. “It comes up somewhere over there and it’s getting larger. I noticed it last night. We need to find out when it’s full.” Suddenly Jason wanted desperately to help her. If she was going to fail in this, he wanted to be there beside her, to pick her up when she fell. It was an unfamiliar emotion, but he could get used to it. “Well I can help you with that. Janelle has a calendar from Jack’s business. Like any good farm calendar, it will show the phases of the moon.” “That’s right. It’s in the kitchen.” He took her hand. “Let’s go have a look.” * * * She tapped the calendar. “It’ll be full on Sunday,” she said anxiously. “We only have until then to find the ring.” Her fingers lingered over the full moon symbol as though touching it would bring her luck. She’d take all the help she could get. She turned to find him looking down at her. “Can I change the subject for a moment?” “Of course.” Now what? “Are we back on for Saturday night?” He whisked her into his arms and they took a few steps around the kitchen. Charlie was amazed at how comfortable she felt in his arms. “I might not dazzle you, but at least I don’t think I’ll step on your feet.” “I don’t care.” He pulled her close. A low rumble sounded in his chest and she realized he was laughing.

“What’s so funny?” “You have to admit. Stepping on my feet would be nothing compared to what we’ve been through together. And I suspect that the adventure isn’t over yet.” He relaxed his hold and smiled down at her, the dimple in his cheek a deep shadow. “I hope it’s not over. Just think, if we can find–” “Hi guys.” Janelle wandered into the kitchen. “I saw you outside, deep in conversation.” She eyed them cautiously. “Have you sorted everything out?” “You bet.” “Sure have.” They spoke simultaneously. “We were just talking about the dance,” said Jason. “Aren’t you glad Tyler’s lessons won’t be wasted?” Charlie couldn’t help smiling. “He’ll be pleased.” The grandfather clock began striking the hour and Janelle looked at it pointedly. “Unless you’re staying for dinner, you’d better get back. Brad and the boys are probably home by now and Wendy will be expecting you.” “Okay, I can take a hint.” Charlie followed him onto the verandah. “I’ll see you tomorrow sometime and let you know if I find anything in the journal.” “I’ll keep my fingers crossed.” His gaze held hers for several long, intimate seconds and then he was gone. * * * That evening she paused in front of Charlotte’s picture, as was becoming her habit. “I saw him again today,” she said softly, “but then you know that, don’t you?” Was it her imagination, or did something move behind the widely spaced eyes? Her gaze fell to the cameo at Charlotte’s throat and she touched the pulse in her own

throat at the same point. “Your cameo is lovely, but it’s the ring that really meant something to you, wasn’t it?” She reached out and touched the glass. “I’ll make you the same promise I made to Harm. I’ll do everything I can to find the ring.” Somehow that seemed even more important than ever, especially now that she and Jason were back together. * * * The dim bulb cast soft illumination into the farthest corners of the attic. Everything looked the same as it had when she was here yesterday. With a relieved sigh, she curled up in her chair and turned on the reading light. She picked up the journal and with a cry of alarm dropped it in her lap. Her heart started to beat rapidly. The stalk of lavender she’d used as a bookmark was missing and in its place a fine gold chain lay nestled between the pages. She took careful note of the page as the chain slipped out, filling the palm of her hand like a puddle of liquid gold. The metal was warm to the touch and she knew without a doubt that the chain had belonged to Charlotte. “All right” she said aloud, “I get the message.” Let’s see what’s so important about this page.” * * * Stu and Timmy elbowed each other at the dining room table. “Jason’s got a girlfriend, Jason’s got a girlfriend,” they chanted in unison. He shot them a bemused look. “What makes you think that?”

“Annie says you let a girl wear your Stetson. That makes her your girlfriend.” His brother’s knife hung suspended over his place for a moment and then he continued cutting his meat. “Is that so?” Eyes the same colour as Jason’s were as alert as a hawk’s, waiting for a response. The twins sat uncharacteristically still, their mischievous eyes darting back and forth between their father and their uncle. That’s right, he thought to himself. I have a girlfriend. The notion filled him with a warm glow. “The Stetson kept the rain off, and it looked good.” The look he sent his brother was clear. The twins were right, Jason did have a girlfriend. “Well okay then.” Brad Fleming wanted to cheer out loud, but managed to keep a straight face. He turned to his sons. “All right boys, let’s hear about camp.” * * * Charlie sighed. What she had just read was sadder, more poignant than any story she’d ever imagined. Still clutching the fine gold chain, she fought against an overwhelming melancholy. She slowly flipped through the pages and returned to the one that had been marked by the chain. They say that no one ever dies of a broken heart, but I don’t believe that for a minute. My heart is shattered and yet here I am…still alive. I almost wish it would quit beating, so I could join Harm and be with him forever. I went up to the windbreak again today to look for the ring. How could I have been so foolish? Throwing it away is the most irrational thing I’ve ever done and I regret it every minute of every day. I won’t rest until I find it, even if the earth seems to have swallowed it up. Without the ring,

Harm is lost to me. I look for him everywhere and my spirit aches to feel his presence just one more time. Charlie wound the chain around her fingers and let her thoughts drift back in time. She could only imagine how Charlotte must have felt scrambling on the ground, searching for the ring. Tossing it away had been a senseless gesture by a heartbroken young woman, but then of course Charlotte knew that better than anyone. What was it Harm had said? ‘I could touch my ring and almost feel her heart beating’. The enormity of her mistake became evident in Charlotte’s later journal entries, when she reluctantly accepted the fact that the ring was lost. And yet she had never stopped loving Harm, never stopped looking for him at the dance hall. And she was still looking. Charlie nibbled on her bottom lip, her thoughts churning. Why had she agreed to help in this hopeless quest? How could she possibly find the ring now, after all these years? The ground up on the hill by the windbreak was littered with years of debris from the trees. The row of trees must be two or three hundred feet long. She unwound the chain from her fingers and replaced it in the journal. Would Jason still want to help when she told him about the impossible task that lay ahead? She set the book on the table, patted it absently. If he didn’t want to help she would look by herself. After all, she’d made a promise. * * * The back steps had become Charlie’s favourite place to sit and think. She sipped her orange juice, enjoying the early morning stillness. Everything looked brighter in the aftermath of yesterday’s thunderstorm. Spidery channels

meandered through the yard where the rain had run off, and the willow leaves gleamed brightly. Thomas appeared out of nowhere and sat in a shaft of sunlight, pupils narrowed to slits. Charlie sighed. She was content here, and that fact still surprised her. As though reading her thoughts, Janelle came through the screen door and sat down beside her, coffee cup in hand. “Are you happy here, Charlie?” She smelled like the herb garden. “You must be a mind reader. I was just thinking how peaceful it is, and how content I feel.” She turned to her aunt. “There were a few moments on the bus coming out here where I wondered what I was doing, but I’m glad I came.” Janelle nodded. “I think Jason feels the same way. How would you feel about living here if he asked you to stay?” “Wow. That’s quite a leap.” Charlie stared into her coffee mug. “But I can write from anywhere. That’s one nice thing about being a writer.” She gave her head a quick shake. “But it’s too soon to be thinking about that, even though the idea is very appealing. You see, I’ve been learning about Charlotte. The woman in the picture upstairs?” “Really?” Janelle raised an eyebrow. “I found her journal in the attic. She talks a lot about the man she was going to marry. His name is Harm.” It felt odd talking about them like this when in fact she thought of them as friends, but maybe Janelle could help. “He gave her a ring. They each had one, actually. Anyway, she threw hers away and then regretted it almost instantly. She looked for a long time, but she never found it. And she never stopped loving him.”

Janelle’s features softened. “It would be a beautiful story if it wasn’t so sad.” Charlie’s thoughts raced as she tried to decide how much to divulge. She took a deep breath. “If you were going to look for something that had been thrown on the ground, how would you go about it?” A slow smile lit up Janelle’s face as understanding dawned. “You want to find the ring, don’t you?” Charlie nodded. “Call me crazy but yeah, I do.” “I don’t think you’re crazy at all.” She tilted her head to one side as though trying to recall something, a frown furrowing her normally placid brow. “I take it you know where to look.” Charlie glanced toward the row of trees. “I have a pretty good idea.” Janelle jumped up and beckoned for Charlie to follow. “Then come with me.” She led her upstairs and to the foot of the attic stairs, where she took three quick gulps of air then made her way up the narrow stairwell as quickly as her stiff leg would allow. “It takes a lot to get me up here in the best of times,” she said breathlessly, “but I can see that this is important to you.” She flicked on the light, turned left and headed toward a jumble of items shoved back under the eave. “It’s here somewhere,” she said, bending down and shoving aside a mangled bicycle frame. “I should really clean this place up,” she muttered to herself, reaching out to steady an old floor lamp. “Here it is! I knew I’d find it.” She backed out, dragging a circular disk attached to a long handle. She handed it over with a proud smile. Charlie looked at the label on the handle. “‘Treasure Finder’?” she said, trying to hide her disappointment. “Is this some sort of a joke?”

“No, not at all.” Janelle looked around for somewhere to wipe her hands, then gave up and rubbed them on her jeans. “It’s a metal detector. Matt bought it a few months before he died.” She smiled sadly at the memory. “He’d always wanted one, but he never got to use it. The batteries are probably dead, but we keep lots of extra batteries on hand.” Charlie was intrigued. “This thing finds metal? I’ve never seen one before.” “Yeah, isn’t it great?” Janelle headed for the stairs. “Come on, this place is creepy.” She hurried down to the kitchen sink and scrubbed her hands. “Sorry I can’t help you look. I have a couple of appointments in town today.” She grinned. “But I suppose Jason was going to help you, anyway.” “Speak of the devil.” Charlie looked out the window. “I think I hear him now.” “Well, good luck.” Janelle grabbed her purse. “Oh, wait a minute.” She pulled out a deep kitchen drawer. “I’m sure you’ll find whatever type of battery you need in here. Anyway, see you later. What time are you and Jason going out tonight?” Charlie had almost forgotten about the dance. “I don’t know.” “Probably around eight. Jack and I are going together, but I’ll be back in time for a bite of dinner.” “Sounds good.” Charlie watched as her aunt made her way down the steps, waved to Jason and climbed into her truck. Jason raised a hand in Janelle’s direction and then turned the full wattage of his smile onto Charlie. Her heart did a little two-step as he tilted his Stetson back on his head. “Howdy Scarlett,” he drawled. “You’re up early.”

“I couldn’t sleep. Oh Jason, I’ve got so much to tell you.” She knew she was babbling but she couldn’t seem to stop. “I’ve got good news and bad news.” “Whoa.” He took her arm. “Come on, let’s sit down.” He guided her to the step. “Let’s have the bad news first.” He turned sideways, giving her his full attention. “Is it something from the journal?” “I found out where the ring is.” “And that’s the bad news? I can deal with that.” “Trouble is, all I found out was the general area, and it’s huge. According to the journal, she used to walk up by the windbreak you pointed out the other day. That’s where she tossed it away and even though she searched for it over and over, she was never able to find it.” “Okay.” He drew the word out. “What’s the good news?” “The good news is that Janelle has a metal detector.” His eyes brightened, confirming that it was indeed good news. “It’s in the kitchen; do you want to see it?” “This is a great little rig,” he said, rummaging through the drawer for batteries. He slid two into the machine and turned it on. A display panel lit up and he pointed it out. “See? You can set it for whatever you want to find…within reason, of course.” She watched as he adjusted the dial. “How do you know so much about this stuff?” “I’m a guy, remember?” She almost laughed out loud. As if she could ever forget about that. “Oh,” she said with a wry smile. “That explains a lot.” Jason threw a penny on the floor and waved the flat circular head over it. The panel emitted a high pitched squeal every time it passed over the coin. “If the ring is

up there, we have a much better chance of finding it with this.” “It has to be there!” she said, surprised at the intensity in her voice. “It just has to be there.” He flicked the switch to “off” and placed the detector against the kitchen counter. “Charlie,” he said softly, “you really want this, don’t you.” It wasn’t a question. It meant a lot to her that he understood her feelings. “Harm and Charlotte are so real to me. I feel as if I’m their only hope. I know it sounds foolish to care so much, but I can’t help it. I truly believe that if we can find this ring, they will end up together.” He grasped her by the shoulders and looked deeply into her eyes. “It doesn’t sound foolish, but I’d hate to see you disappointed if we can’t find it. Promise me that you’ll be all right if we come up empty-handed.” The concern in his eyes touched her heart. “I promise,” she said, “but we’re going to find it. I know we will.” “With an attitude like that, we can’t miss.” He glanced at the wall clock. “If I hurry with my chores we can search for a few hours this afternoon. Do you mind waiting for me? I’d like to be there when you search.” She smiled up at him. “I’d like that. See you later.”

Chapter Twelve Charlie spent a lazy morning deciding what to wear for the dance and re-painting her fingernails and toenails. “I’m like a kid going to my first dance,” she said aloud. She smiled to herself. There were times when Jason made her feel like a schoolgirl, but where it counted, he’d brought her alive as a woman. By comparison, her relationship with Carson had been bland and uninteresting. She blew on her fingernails, anticipating the evening ahead. * * * It was mid-afternoon when Jason pulled the ATV into the shade of the poplars that lined the eastern border of Janelle’s property. “I’ve been thinking about the best way to do this,” he said. “I brought these to mark out a rough grid.” He untied a bundle of stakes from the rack on the back of the ATV and handed them to her. “We can stake out each area as we search so we don’t cover the same ground twice.” “Good thinking.” Charlie studied the long line of trees. “Do you think we should start at the end?” Her gaze kept returning to the highest point, slightly left of center. “You decide.” Jason unloaded a shovel. “I trust your instincts on this one.” Without hesitation she pointed. “Then I think we should try over there.” She shoved a stake into the

ground, surprised to see that her hands were trembling. Right about now she could use a four-leafed clover, a shooting star…anything that would bring them luck. Jason outlined a rough square by hammering four stakes into the soil with the flat side of the shovel. Then he reached for the metal detector. “Come on, I’ll show you how to use it.” He swung the flat sensor plate from side to side, covering approximately a square yard. “Like that,” he said, placing it into her eager hands. “I’ll be right beside you to do the digging if we get any hits.” Charlie swept the detector back and forth for several minutes, moving from tree to tree. “Are you sure this thing is working?” she asked, giving it a shake. Jason smiled patiently. “I’m sure. Anyway, only about thirty more trees to go.” Charlie glowered at him and shoved back the strands of hair that had fallen into her eyes. “You didn’t think you were going to find it in the first two minutes, did you?” He leaned casually on the shovel, but his eyes watched every swing of the detector. “I was kinda hoping we would.” She was getting into a rhythm, and started another pass. “Don’t count me out yet though.” “I wouldn’t dream of it.” The detector squealed loudly and Charlie jumped back. “I found something!” she cried unnecessarily. “What do I do now?” “Keep moving the plate in smaller circles ‘till you’re centered over the signal.” His voice betrayed his excitement and he stood by impatiently as she followed his direction. “That’s it,” he said. “Shut it off and leg me dig.” Charlie placed the detector on the ground, trying to hide the fact that her shoulders ached from holding the

awkward piece of equipment. Jason dug into the ground, grunting as the shovel hit something. “These roots make it hard to dig,” he said, tipping the soil onto a piece of canvas he’d brought along. “Look through the soil, Charlie. See if you can find anything.” Charlie brushed the soil aside, scanning for a glint of gold. “Nothing.” “One more shovel.” He stood over her, admiring the way she searched the soil with her bare hands. Then those hands stilled. “I’ve got something” she said, holding up a nail. She tried to smile, but it was difficult. “I hadn’t thought about this. We’re going to find everything that’s metal, aren’t we?” “I’m afraid so.” Jason lifted the detector. “Shall I scan for a while? You keep an eye on me and make sure I don’t miss any spots.” “Okay, and I’ll dig,” said Charlie confidently. After two and a half hours, they had searched the entire length of the row of poplars. Charlie’s confidence slipped away as each hit turned out to be nothing more than a twisted scrap of metal or another nail. Jason looked back. He’d refilled the holes, but it was still clear where they’d disturbed the earth. “It looks like a bunch of gophers have been following us.” Charlie had stopped trying to hide her frustration a long time ago. “How could there be so many bits of metal around here? Especially the nails.” She gestured disdainfully to the bag of rusted metal. Jason had insisted on taking the false treasures home where he could dispose of them. “Maybe there was a fence along here a long time ago. That’s all I can figure. The rest of it’s probably stuff that was dropped while they were building it.” He lowered

himself onto the ground and dragged Charlie down beside him. “Don’t say it,” she said with a small shake of her head. She turned, and saw her disappointment reflected in his eyes. “Or else I might cry.” “Come here,” he said, pulling her into the circle of his arms. “I know how you feel, and I’m just as disappointed as you are. You made a believer of me, and I really thought we’d find it.” He picked up her hand and she pulled back, wincing. “What’s the matter?” he asked, turning over her hand to examine her palm. “Charlie!” he said, shocked at the condition of her hands. “These blisters are about to break. I blame myself for this; we should have stopped an hour ago.” “No!” She jumped up, hands curled into fists at her sides. “I won’t give up.” She switched on the detector. “I’m going back to where we started and look again. I’ve got a strong feeling about this.” She studied the line of trees. “She would have gone to the highest spot.” She looked back at him. “One more hour, okay?” Jason felt a surge of admiration as she walked back to the original square. Within a minute she was scanning again, chewing at her bottom lip as she focused all her concentration on covering every square inch of ground. He watched her as she worked. He’d never met a woman like her before. Her fierce independence had made him uncomfortable at first, but he now found that he respected her for it. Besides, he’d come to know the gentle but passionate woman beneath the prickly surface. With a start he realized that he didn’t care if she talked to ghosts; he wanted to keep her in his life. He stood up, stretched his back and walked over to join her. “There’s nothing here,” she said later in a small voice. “We found every scrap of metal on the first go.” She

switched off the metal detector and leaned on the handle, looking out over the rolling countryside. “I remember the day I arrived. I was so delighted to find that the prairie isn’t completely flat.” Her gaze followed the contours of the land, taking note of the darkening shadows in the valleys. “Hey, look. I can just see the roof of Janelle’s farmhouse tucked in that stand of trees.” “Look over there,” he said, pointing over her left shoulder. “See that ridge? That’s the southern border of the original farm. Our farm and Janelle’s were all one property at one time.” “Really?” Charlie shaded her eyes and looked into the distance. “It was split up long before I was born. Brad and I were talking about it the other day when we were digging through old records.” Charlie frowned. “I can’t imagine anyone giving up part of their land.” “I hear you; they must have hated to do it. Some people around here still remember the great depression and how hard it was. In many cases, the land was the only asset they had. Times were tough and farms got carved up.” Charlie exhaled loudly and he looked down at her. “Are you okay?” “Yeah, I’m okay. It’s just that talking about the depression helps to put things in perspective. Back then people had a lot more to worry about than a missing ring.” She shoved back her hair and met his gaze with clear eyes. “I won’t say I’m not disappointed about today, but at least we tried.” She gave a short, mirthless laugh. “Know what I’m dreading?” “What?”

“Telling Harm, although I guess he’ll figure it out for himself on Sunday night when Charlotte still can’t see him.” She shook her head slowly, sending one last look along the row of trees. “We gave it our best shot, but I still wonder if I missed something. Can you think of anything else we could have done?” “Nothing I can think of. Come on, let’s get back.” Riding back to the farm in silence, Charlie couldn’t shake the feeling that she’d let a piece of the puzzle slip through her fingers. As Jason said, they’d run out of ideas but somewhere in the dark recesses of her mind a thought lurked, waiting to be coaxed out into the light. Stubborn to the last, it remained hidden, taunting her with unknown possibilities. She looked up as Jason pulled under the willow beside the duck pond. “Earth to Charlie.” He waved a hand in front of her face. “Are you in there?” “I’m just tired,” she said, rubbing the small of her back. “Do you still want to go to the dance tonight?” He bent his knees to look into her eyes. “Of course I want to go.” The smile on his face eased the tight knot in her back. “What time should I be ready?” “Eight o’clock?” Before she could respond he swooped in and planted a quick kiss on her lips. She steadied herself with a hand against his chest, blisters forgotten. “What was that for?” “That was for nothing, Wait ‘til you do something!” “I can hardly wait,” she murmured to herself as the ATV disappeared around the corner of the barn. She looked at her hands and groaned aloud. “But first, I have to fix my fingernails.” * * *

“You don’t have to wear it, you know.” Janelle held up a skirt. “But when I saw it in town I thought of you going to the dance tonight. I can take it back if you don’t like it.” “It’s wonderful.” Charlie sat on her bed, drying her fingernails. “I love the colours.” “Me too.” Janelle held up the layered skirt, studying it with the eye of an artist. “I like the way the fabric moves, and the way the colours flow together. Sort of like the northern lights. And look…” She dug further into the bag. “I got some sandals to match.” “I don’t know what to say.” Charlie touched the wispy fabric with her fingertips. “Except thank you.” She slipped the sandals on and danced around the bed. “They’re perfect.” She paused by the dresser and pointed to a pair of antique mother-of-pearl combs. “I found those in Charlotte’s trunk. Would it be okay if I borrowed them? I’d like to wear them in my hair.” “Of course. As a matter of fact, I’d like you to have them.” Janelle swept back a handful of Charlie’s hair and stuck in one of the combs. “Jason’s going to take one look at you and swoon.” * * * When she came downstairs, Jason was in the front room, studying one of Janelle’s sketches. He turned to greet her, blinked a couple of times and then opened his mouth, but no sound came out. A slow smile moved from his lips to his eyes. “You’re beautiful,” he said finally. “You look like a princess.” “You look fine yourself.” She assessed him boldly. His hair was still damp from the shower and he wore a pale blue shirt, open at the neck. Faded jeans fit him like a second skin, hugging his hips and emphasizing long,

muscular legs. A hint of after-shave lingered in the air and Charlie breathed it in, savoring the moment. “You two have a good time tonight.” Janelle came into the room, fumbling with an earring. Her eyes swept over Charlie’s outfit and she smiled her approval. “See you down at The Trip.” Jason watched her go but made no move to follow. He crossed the room to Charlotte and took her in his arms. “I’ve been wanting to do this all day” he said, his voice low and husky. This time when he kissed her there was nothing tentative about it; his mouth slanted over hers, leaving her breathless with desire. He pulled back and looked at her. “My life has changed since you walked into it” he said huskily. “I was simply going through the motions before.” His eyes glittered. Was that love, or was it too soon? Whichever it was, she wasn’t sure if she could handle the answer. “Why Rhett, how you do go on.” He nodded, seeming to understand her reluctance to be serious. “Shall we go Miss Scarlet?” he led her to his truck. “Your carriage awaits.” The dance hall looked different tonight and Charlie paused for a moment, wanting to remember every sight and sound. Jason guided her to an empty booth, acknowledging greetings as they passed. He paused at one of the booths to introduce her to a group of people who checked her out with barely disguised interest. “Haven’t seen much of you recently, Jason. I can see why.” “I’ve been busy,” he said, his hand firmly on Charlie’s waist. She smiled at his friends, feeling every bit like Cinderella. Even the carousel horses seemed to greet her from their niches on the wall.

“Penny for your thoughts” he said as they slid into the booth. He put his arm around her and she sighed. “We did that once, remember?” “Was that us?” he teased. “Seems like two entirely different people from another lifetime.” “It does, doesn’t it?” She studied the carousel horse beside their booth, afraid to let Jason look into her eyes. For some reason she wasn’t ready to give away her feelings. The music started and she turned back to him. “Would you like to dance?” Several couples were already up. It was one thing to practice dancing with Tyler when the hall was empty, but now? Her hand trembled as Jason led her onto the floor. He linked both arms around her waist and gazed into her eyes, swaying slowly to the music. “We don’t have to do this if you’re nervous. We could wait.” Charlie felt safe in the circle of his arms. She closed her eyes and recalled Tyler’s words. ‘Feel the music’ he’d said. ‘Let your body move with it, and before you know it you’ll be dancing.’ She gave Jason a tentative smile. “No, I want to try.” “That’s my girl.” His words lightened her feet. He placed one hand on her back and held her hand tenderly, careful not to touch the blisters. Before her feet could betray her, she and Jason were dancing together, floating around the room as though they’d been doing it for years. The other couples, the music, the flying carousel horses all faded into the background and they danced together in their own world. He pulled her closer and she tucked her head under his chin, her ear against his chest. With a secret smile on her lips she realized that his heart was pounding just as fast as her own. She couldn’t help but

wonder if Charlotte had experienced a magical evening like this. But not even thoughts of Charlotte and the disappointment of not finding the ring could spoil this magical night. * * * Unseen by the other dancers, dark eyes watched Charlie’s progress around the dance floor. The dance ended and she looked into the man’s eyes with the same adoration Charlotte used to bestow on him. Had she found any more clues to the ring? The moon was almost full and now that it was so close he wasn’t sure if he could stand another disappointment. Charlie and her escort walked back to the booth and sat close together, bathed in the soft glow of candlelight. He fought against the desire to appear before her and ask what had happened. Instead, he contented himself with the thought that soon he would have his answer. With one last look at the couple he dissolved into the darkness.

Chapter Thirteen “Are you sure you just learned how to dance?” Jason brushed a lock of hair from her forehead. “You’re great.” Charlie couldn’t stop smiling. “Would you like something to drink? Soft drink, or a glass of wine?” “A glass of wine would be nice. White, please.” She watched him stride confidently across the room. A pair of girls at a nearby table nudged each other as he walked by and the jolt of jealousy that surged through her body took her by surprise. Drinks in hand, he paused at the table. “Would you like to go outside?” She nodded. “I wouldn’t mind a chance to cool down.” The outside tables were all occupied and they found themselves standing at the railing in the same spot they’d occupied previously. The tiki torches flickered lazily, adding to the already romantic atmosphere. “This must be our spot,” Jason said, looking out over the dark water. He set his beer down on the rail and turned to her. “Do you mind if I ask you something personal?” She had no idea what was coming. “I suppose not. I’ll try to answer.” “I’ve been wondering how long you plan to stay here.” Blue eyes watched her reaction. She didn’t know what to say. His question was one she’d been asking herself for several days now and she

still didn’t know the answer. “I don’t really know, Jason. I’ve been so wrapped up in this business with Charlotte that I haven’t thought much about myself.” He nodded. “When you figure it out, will you let me know?” He leaned in and kissed her. “You see, I’ve become rather fond of you, Scarlett.” He didn’t need to say it; he’d been hurt once by a woman who didn’t like farm life. “Why Rhett, you’re making me blush.” He leaned in once again, his lips beside her ear. “I’d like to do more than that,” he said, the desire in his voice unmistakable. She turned her head and their lips met. His mouth closed over hers with an exquisite softness. She slid her arms around his neck as he deepened the kiss, his tongue probing her lips until she opened and let him in. A soft moan clawed its way up from her throat and she pulled back, dazed by the kaleidoscope of sensations that stampeded through her body. “Hey you two, get a room.” One of Jason’s friends raised a glass to them. “Yeah, right.” Jason brushed off the comment with a good-natured smile. He took a drink from his beer and looked out over the lake again. “That’s Randy. He lives a few miles down the road from us. He borrowed our seed drill last year when his broke down right before spring planting.” “Spring planting. Now that sounds romantic.” “There’s nothing romantic about it.” He cupped her chin in his hand. “But like I told you before, I’ve never wanted any other kind of life.” Once more she was struck by the intensity in his eyes. “I can see why,” she said after a moment. “It’s hard,

honest work. At least the part I’ve seen.” “Tell me,” he said curiously. “What sort of impression did you have of farmers before you came here?” He lounged against the rail, but she could see that it was no casual question. “Honestly?” He nodded. “Honestly.” She searched for an answer that wouldn’t offend him, but couldn’t think of one. She looked him in the eye. “I was like most city people who consider farmers to be little more than hayseeds.” His eyes darkened with a flash of anger but she continued. “But then most of those same people watch wrestling and think it’s real.” He stared at her for a moment and then laughed. “I asked for that, didn’t I?” Charlie shrugged. “A lot of urban people never give a moment’s thought to where the beef in their hamburger comes from, or the wheat that makes the bun it’s served on. And if they think about farming at all, it’s through some romanticized filter. They have no idea how much hard work goes into growing wheat or raising cattle.” “And what do you think?” “I’m learning.” She leaned out over the railing and studied the way the moonlight shimmered on the water. “How did we get so serious?” He lifted her hand and pressed his lips into her palm. Any serious thoughts she may have had disappeared like early morning mist in the sunshine. “I’m not sure how we got here, but I like it.” He continued holding her hand. “And I like the way you challenge me, Charlie. Well, most of the time.” The dimple appeared in his cheek again. The floodlights flickered twice and Jason groaned. “I can’t believe it’s last dance already” he said, holding out his hand. “Shall we dance out here?”

She moved against his chest in reply and his arms tightened around her. The moon rose higher in the sky as they swayed together, lost in dreams of the future. * * * Charlie fell asleep on the way home. She woke with a start when he turned off the ignition and for a moment she wasn’t sure where she was. “I’m sorry,” she said, fumbling with one of Charlotte’s combs that had come loose. “There’s nothing to be sorry about.” Jason untangled the comb and handed it to her. “It’s been a long day. You were tired, plus I like the fact that you trust me enough to fall asleep.” He ran his fingers through her hair and his hand came to rest at the back of her neck. He pulled her toward him. “Besides, there’ll be other nights.” She watched his mouth come closer. “There will?” “You can bet on it.” She liked the way he kissed her. It was everything she’d ever dreamed of…and more. She leaned into him, every bone in her body melting as his mouth covered hers. He held her face in both hands and trailed a string of kisses along her jaw and up to her eyelids. She sighed; it was as though she’d been waiting for Jason all her life. When he pulled back, her lips yearned for more. “Car’s coming” he said. “Janelle’s home.” “Then I guess we should say goodnight.” She raised her lips for one more kiss, then pulled away as headlights lit up the interior of the truck. “It’s just as well,” he murmured against her ear. “It’s getting harder to let you go.” “So how was it?” called Janelle. Charlie was delighted to see that her aunt’s lipstick was smudged. “I saw you

guys dancing, but you were in your own little world.” Charlie couldn’t be sure, but she thought Jason blushed. “I was concentrating on dancing,” she said quickly. “Yeah, right.” Janelle stopped for a moment, a knowing smile on her face, then she continued on. “Well, I’m for bed.” The screen door slapped behind her. Jason took her hand and led her toward the steps. Soft light from the porch illuminated his face. The leaves on the willow tree rustled softly in the background and moths battered their wings against the outdoor light bulb, but Charlie had eyes only for him. “I had a wonderful time.” She looked up into his eyes and felt herself drowning in their depths. “I’m glad.” He brushed his thumb against her lower lip and her knees almost buckled. He opened the screen door and she slipped inside, then he turned and went down the steps. Behind the screen, she watched him walk around to the driver’s side. She wanted to run out to him, to feel his lips against hers once more. But she stood still, her palm flat against the screen as he pulled away into the night. * * * “So what are you up to today?” Morning sunlight flooded the front room. Janelle looked up from her drafting board as Charlie padded downstairs in her bare feet. “I don’t know.” Charlie had felt an odd letdown this morning. She’d been lying around in bed trying to get motivated. “I could weed the garden if you like.” “It can always use weeding.” Janelle swiveled around in her chair. “Are you okay? Didn’t you have a good time

last night? You certainly looked like you were enjoying yourself.” “That’s just it; I had a wonderful time. I don’t know why I feel so out of it this morning.” Janelle rose and placed a cool hand on Charlie’s forehead. “No fever, thank goodness. Maybe you’re just having a bit of a meltdown after such a hectic week.” She slapped her forehead. “I forgot to ask you. Did you find anything with the metal detector?” “No. And I was so sure we’d find something. Wishful thinking, I suppose.” “Well, no harm done. Listen, Jack and I are driving to Regina. We’re going to visit his sister and stay overnight.” She indicated the sketches. “I present these to the architect in the morning. You’re welcome to come along if you like.” “I don’t think so.” Charlie wandered closer to the drafting board. “So, this is it?” Janelle’s focus shifted to her sketches. “What do you think? I’m proposing a relief carving of the prairies showing some of our indigenous species.” “I’d like to see it installed.” “Of course you will. You and Jason will be my guests.” “If I’m here.” Heat rose in Charlie’s face. Janelle waved a hand. “Of course you’ll be here. You and Jason are perfect for each other.” “Did he say something?” “He didn’t have to. It’s written all over his face.” The cloud that had been hovering over Charlie since she woke lifted. “I hope you’re right.” Suddenly full of energy, she turned and ran back upstairs. “I think I’ll change and work in the garden for a while. Might as well make myself useful.”

* * * “Is everything all right Jase? You seem far away today.” Brad entered the small farm office. “I’m okay. Just concentrating.” Brad leaned over his brother’s shoulder to look at the computer. Jason was installing the new program they’d just purchased. “That woman lives in Calgary, eh?” “Her name is Charlie, and yes, she lives in Calgary.” Hadn’t they been over this just the other night? “I saw you with her yesterday up on the ridge. What were you doing up there anyway? It looked like you were digging.” “We were, but we didn’t find anything.” Jason read the prompt on the screen and pressed enter before turning to his brother. “Charlie’s been reading about one of her ancestors who threw a ring away up near the windbreak and she wanted to look for it. Janelle dug out a metal detector so we thought we’d have a look. We didn’t find anything.” “One of her ancestors? Which one?” “According to Charlie, her name was Charlotte. She’s been reading her journal.” Brad frowned, looked off into the distance and then brought his attention back to Jason. “Isn’t that the one who was going to run away with the cowboy from Montana?” Did everyone know about this but him? Jason nodded. “That’s the one.” “So why were you looking by the poplars on the ridge?” Jason gave his brother an odd look. “Because that’s where the ring was supposed to be.”

“Brad chuckled. “Well I figured that much. What I meant was why would you look there when those trees weren’t even planted back then?” “Huh?” Jason’s thoughts whirled. “But the journal was quite specific. She mentioned the windbreak, and the poplar trees.” “You’re bright, but sometimes you’re not very smart.” Jason bristled. “Meaning?” “Meaning you were looking in the wrong place. Dad planted those trees the year you were born.” He pulled open the filing cabinet and rifled through some files. “It’s here somewhere,” he muttered. “We were just looking at it the other day.” “I’m not following you.” “Here it is.” Brad cleared a space on the worktable and opened the file. He removed an old map and unfolded it carefully. “Remember what we talked about? How this farm and Janelle’s used to be one big farm?” Jason nodded. Brad jabbed his finger at a survey line on the map. “This is the southern border of our property, right? There used to be a row of poplars along this ridge as well. You could see it for miles.” “Well, I’ll be.” Jason’s thoughts went back to yesterday. “And to think that I pointed that out to Charlie yesterday, but I didn’t stop to think about it.” He turned to his brother. “Wait a minute; there are only a few trees up there, right at the top of the ridge. Are you sure there was a windbreak there?” “Sure as I’m standing here. About twenty years ago we had a terrific windstorm and most of them blew down. The ones that were left got cut back to half their height, but of course they’ve grown up again. Dad always said he was going to replant, but he never got around to it.”

“So…” Jason was thinking aloud. “We were looking in the wrong place. There’s still a chance.” “Well yes, but it’s not like the ring is going anywhere. There’s no rush to find it, is there?” “No. I mean yes.” Jason glanced at his watch. “It’s going to be dark in a couple of hours. I’m going to take off for a while and tell Charlie about this.” He checked the computer screen. “It’s almost finished loading. Just follow the prompts.” Brad waved him off. “Go. I can see your mind is somewhere else anyway.”

Chapter Fourteen “You stop that!” Charlie laughed as an orange paw batted her hand. Thomas had decided to help with the weeding and he’d been pouncing on everything that moved. His ears pricked up and he ran off, hearing the motor of the ATV long before Charlie. She stood up, wiped the sweat from her brow, and looked down at her muddy knees with a wry smile. Just weeks before she’d never have been caught with mud on her knees. Jason rounded the corner of the barn and her heart did the now familiar tap dance inside her chest. “Hi,” she said as he came to a stop. “Thomas and I were working in the garden.” She took a closer look at him. “What is it? You look like you’re going to burst.” Jason pointed to the west. “We’re going to lose the light in a couple of hours.” “It’s called night, Jason. It happens once every twenty-four hours.” What was the matter with him? “Very funny Miss Smarty-Pants. Just for that I won’t tell you what I found out.” “Out with it then, before you self-destruct.” She removed the gardening gloves and slapped them against her leg. “Come on inside, I’ll get you some lemonade.” She could use some herself, plus she was beginning to wonder what he was talking about. * * *

“…and we were looking in the wrong place the whole time.” He finished his lemonade and held out his glass for more. Her hand trembled as she refilled his glass. One glance at the calendar and the enormity of his words sank in. “That only gives us a few hours,” she said, her heart pounding with excitement. “That’s what I’ve been trying to tell you.” “Then what are we doing here? Let’s go.” * * * Perched on the back of the ATV, Charlie moved her mouth closer to Jason’s ear. “You say there used to be a whole row of trees here?” she asked over the noise of the motor. The access trail was gouged from the recent rain resulting in a rough ride but she didn’t feel a thing except the taut muscles of Jason’s stomach. “Yeah, but most of them were uprooted. Brad says these ones were cut back and grew up again.” “Lucky for us they survived.” She jumped off the ATV the moment he killed the motor and started to untie the metal detector and the shovel. “I’m scared, Jason. It’ll be awful if we’re disappointed again.” “I know what you mean.” He gave her a long, meaningful look. “But I’m willing to give it a go if you are.” “More than ever,” she said and forced herself to look away. “This is it.” She strode to the highest spot on the ridge and then looked back across the valley. “Remember what I said yesterday about feeling that I’d missed something?” He nodded thoughtfully. “Yes, I do.” “When you mentioned that this was all one farm a light bulb flickered on in my head, but it was too dim. Or

maybe it was me who was too dim. I should have connected the dots.” “Well we’re here now. Let’s make the most of it.” He took the shovel from her hand. “No shoveling for you today. Not with those sore hands.” “I won’t argue.” She switched on the metal detector and took a deep breath. “Here goes.” “Got something,” she said a moment later over the high pitched squeal of the detector. Jason dug, and came up with a shell casing. Charlie grimaced and continued. She would not get discouraged…not yet. The machine squealed again and she waited while Jason dug and sifted through the soil. “Let me guess,” she said. “A nail.” He kept his head down. “Nope.” “A penny.” “Nope.” He rose to his feet and the smile on his face gave her the answer she had hoped for. He held out his hand. On his dirt-encrusted palm, the plain gold band gleamed dully. “It’s a ring. Right where you said it would be.” Charlie didn’t feel the tears running down her cheeks. “I don’t believe it,” she said, reaching for the ring. “We found it!” She brushed off the remaining dirt and held it up to catch the remaining rays of the sun. For a brief moment the ring seemed to shimmer and glow. Then the sun slipped below the horizon. Jason leaned on the shovel, watching as she rubbed the ring against her jeans. “What do we do next?” he asked. “I didn’t plan much beyond this point.” “Neither did I.” Her mind raced. “Okay, here’s what I think. I should take the ring to the attic. That’s where her presence is the strongest. That’s where she left the clues.”

“I’ll take your word for that.” “And if it’s gone before we go, we’ll know she got it.” “Before we go where?” “The dance hall. I wouldn’t miss this for anything.” Charlie shoved the ring in her pocket and climbed on the ATV. “What are you waiting for?” Jason held up a hand. “Wait a minute. I thought you said Janelle went to Regina. How do you propose to get inside?” “She did, but if she was here she would approve, I’m sure of it. I still have the key from when I did the cleaning. Please say you’ll come with me.” “After we’ve come this far? I wouldn’t miss it.” He paused. “Are we going to tell anyone about all this?” Charlie thought for a moment then shook her head. “This is something I’d rather keep between us. And Harm and Charlotte, of course.” He laughed, and they roared down the hill toward Janelle’s farm. “I’ll clean up and be back to pick you up around nine thirty. If I remember correctly, the moon came up around ten last night.” “Don’t be late.” Charlie was already nervous. “I’ll be here.” Jason waved and sped off. * * * Charlie was beside herself with excitement when Jason’s truck pulled into the driveway shortly before nine thirty. She ran down the steps and climbed into the passenger side before he could get out. “The ring is gone,” she said breathlessly. “I just checked.”

* * * Charlie’s head swiveled from side to side as they drove through the silent town. “It looks different without all the fairy lights.” Jason reached over and squeezed her hand. “You sound anxious.” “I am, a bit. Pull in here and we’ll go in the side door.” She looked up at the darkened building. “My hands are shaking” she whispered a few moments later. “I can’t get the key in the lock.” “Here, let me try.” His voice was barely audible. “Why are we whispering?” she asked, clutching his arm. “I don’t know. You started it.” With a soft chuckle, Jason turned the key and the door swung open. “Boy, it’s dark in here” he said, his voice still subdued. “Where’s the light switch?” Charlie dug in her bag and brought out a box of matches. “I thought we’d light some candles. What do you think?” “Very romantic.” He caught her chin with one hand and tipped up her face for a quick kiss. “Are you trying to seduce me, Miss Scarlett?” She looked into his eyes and in that moment she knew she loved him. “The thought had crossed my mind.” She waited for him to speak but he simply placed a hand over his heart. It was the sweetest, most poignant gesture a man had ever made to her and cemented her decision to stay in Clearwater Springs. “But first,” she said, shaking a second box of matches. “Let’s light all the candles.” By the time they were finished, the dance hall glowed softly and they stood side by side, observing the effect.

She slid a hand into his. “Where do you think we should wait?” Jason glanced toward a row of windows high up on the wall. “When the moon gets higher, it will shine through there.” He stood up and moved to the dance floor, a few feet from the carousel pole. “It will shine right about here. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if…” “If she appears in a shaft of moonlight?” Charlie finished his thought, and then looked at him as though seeing him for the first time. “You really are a romantic, aren’t you?” “I wasn’t always like this.” He held out his arms and she walked into them. “It’s your fault, you know.” Charlie’s heart skipped a beat. “It’s the atmosphere,” she stammered. “And the story about Harm and Charlotte. That’s all.” “You think?” he asked. The corner of his mouth lifted in a devilish smile. “Are you saying you had nothing to do with it?” “Well…” “Well nothing. It’s you, Charlie. You showed me that it’s okay to dream a little, to be romantic.” “I did?” She was tongue-tied again, but that suited her just fine. As long as he kept looking at her like that, she didn’t care if she ever spoke another word. “Yes, you did.” He led her across the hall, his arm firmly around her waist. “Let’s go outside. I want to watch the moon come up.” Charlie stopped beside the CD player. “We could put on some music. You know…set the scene.” “I’m for that.” Jason randomly slid some CDs into the player. He adjusted the sound downward and they moved out into the starry darkness.

They took their place at the railing, shoulders touching. The water below lapped against the shore and as though on cue, a shooting star blazed across the horizon. They watched until it disappeared. “You know what that means.” He pulled her closer. “It means I get to kiss you.” “I thought it meant good luck.” “That’s what I said.” His lips, warm and tender, brushed over hers with tantalizing softness. A soft gurgle of pleasure escaped her throat as his arms enfolded her. “Again,” she murmured, and this time the shooting stars exploded inside her head. “Do all farmers know how to kiss like that?” she asked when she could catch her breath. “Dunno,” he said, twirling her around in time to the music. “I haven’t kissed very many.” She looked up into his laughing eyes. “Are you ever serious?” “All the time.” He caught her against his chest. “I’m the boring one, remember? That’s why you’re so good for me.” “You’re good for me, too. Even though I could have throttled you the first time I saw you.” “No kidding!” His eyes flashed with amusement. “As if I could forget.” He led her into another series of intricate steps and she followed effortlessly. “Am I really good for you?” he said after a while. “Are you fishing for compliments again?” “Whatever it takes.” Her steps slowed and his hands slid down to hold her around the waist. They swayed together like reeds in the water. “Being here has been good for me.” He pulled back in mock consternation. “Thanks a lot.”

It was important that she make him understand how she felt. “You’re part of this place.” She hesitated. “The best part as far as I’m concerned. What I mean is that it’s a whole new way of life for me. You work hard and I like that. And here people are good to each other, to their friends and neighbors.” She shook her head. “I’m not saying this very well.” “You said it perfectly.” He tipped up her chin. “Couldn’t have said it better.” His mouth covered hers and she let herself float on a rising tide of sensations. When he pulled away, she almost lost her balance. He turned her slowly, and no words were needed. The moon was well above the horizon, flooding the sky with light. “That’s the most beautiful moon I’ve ever seen.” She slipped her hand into his. “I’m afraid, Jason. What if it doesn’t work?” “There’s only one way to find out.” He guided her to the door; they opened it tentatively and slid inside to stand with their backs against the wall. As the moon rose, the silvery light inched lower, creeping across the floor until it illuminated the spot Jason had pointed out earlier. “Nothing’s happening,” she whispered. “Oh Jason, I can’t stand the suspense.” He squeezed her hand. “I think we should move farther away.” He blew out most of the candles as they passed and they slid into a booth in the shadows. “Let’s just watch.” He put an arm around her and brushed his lips against her temple. “It’s going to be all right, you’ll see.” Charlie’s body stiffened and she stared at the open doorway. Jason turned slowly and his hand tightened almost painfully on her shoulder. A tall figure filled the opening.

“Who’s that?” he whispered. He blinked as though questioning his own eyes. Charlie’s excitement was palpable; she had to fight to control her voice. “That’s Harm.” She shot a quick glance at Jason. “You can see him?” “Clear as day.” Harm paused in the doorway and his eyes swept the dance hall, resting for a moment on Charlie and Jason before continuing on. There was a moment’s silence as one CD ended and another started…a collection of waltzes. Charlie squirmed on the bench. “Should I talk to him?” You know, tell him about the ring?” “Let’s wait a minute,” Jason said, his voice taut with anticipation. “I think he sees something.” Harm’s eyes remained fixed on the shaft of moonlight as he moved forward. A woman’s figure appeared, materializing slowly as though emerging from a heavy fog. Charlie’s nails dug into Jason’s thigh. The woman turned away from Harm and her gaze rested briefly on each carousel horse as she slowly took in the interior of the dance hall. Her long skirt fell in soft folds, barely sweeping the floor as she turned around. The remaining candles flickered, and in the soft light her lips turned up in a smile. “She looks as though she’s remembering something” Charlie whispered in Jason’s ear, “but I don’t think she sees him.” “Patience.” Jason couldn’t believe how much Charlotte looked like Charlie. “Let’s wait and see what he does.” Harm seemed to glide as he crossed the dance floor to the pool of light. Eyes full of love, he watched

Charlotte’s slow pirouette. His hand reached out and then he withdrew it, hesitant to break the spell. As though sensing his presence behind her, Charlotte stilled. Her hand flew to her neck and the gold ring gleamed on her finger. “Charlotte.” Harm’s voice was hoarse with pent-up emotion. At the sound of his voice, Charlotte’s eyes closed for a moment. Then she turned to the man who had never stopped loving her. “Harm,” she cried softly. And then she was in his arms, crushed against his chest. She lifted her lips, and in that heartbeat of time Charlie believed in eternal love. She buried her head in Jason’s shoulder. “I can’t watch,” she said. “It’s too personal.” “No, look,” he said. “I think they’re going to dance.” Charlie turned back to the couple on the dance floor. Shimmering with magical luminescence, they set out in a waltz, seemingly oblivious to the couple in the shadows. “What happens now?” Jason asked. “If they’re lucky, I think they’ll leave.” As she spoke, Charlie realized that the moon had risen past the open window. Inside the dance hall, the light was fading. The dancers swirled past one last time. As they did so, Harm looked directly at Charlie and nodded. Charlotte smiled in her direction, and for a moment Charlie thought she caught the scent of lavender. And then they were gone. Jason slumped back and raked his fingers through his hair. “I wouldn’t have believed it.” He rose slowly and pulled Charlie to her feet. They were silent as they extinguished the remaining candles. Within a couple of minutes they had locked up and were back in his truck.

* * * “I’m still having a hard time wrapping my head around this.” Jason navigated through the sleeping town and onto the highway. He draped an arm over the back of the seat and she slid closer. There didn’t seem to be anything left to talk about; they remained silent as they drove along the deserted highway. He drove past Janelle’s driveway and she looked up at him, silently questioning. “I’m not ready to let you go yet.” He gave her a gentle squeeze. “Are you okay with that?” She nodded and they were soon bumping along the service road which led around behind Jason’s house. They stepped out of the truck and looked overhead. The moon was partially hidden behind a cloud, but it still cast enough light to dim the stars. They walked hand in hand through the house and out onto the front verandah. Fireflies danced over the lawn, an extension of the magic they’d just witnessed. Jason stood behind her and cradled her in his arms, his chin resting on top of her head. She’d never felt so secure, so loved. “Do you believe that love lasts forever?” she asked, her voice little more than a whisper. “After what we saw tonight, I think I do.” “For them it certainly did.” He turned her around, looked deeply into her eyes. “What about us?” “Why Rhett, whatever are you suggesting?” She looked up at him, batted her eyelashes. “Well, Miss Scarlett. I was hoping you’d follow up on your threat of seducing me.” “It wasn’t a threat, Jason.” She turned suddenly serious. “But I don’t want our story to be like Scarlett and

Rhett’s.” She placed a hand on his heart. “I don’t want the fairy tale; I want something real. Something that’s going to last forever.” He covered her hand with his. “Do you have any idea how much I love you, Charlie Mitchell?” “About as much as I love you,” she said, smiling into his eyes. “But I was hoping you’d show me.” He led her into the house. “It would be my pleasure. Now and every day for the rest of our lives.” * * * Thank you for reading * * *

If you enjoyed A Forever Kind of Love, the author would be grateful if you would leave a review where you purchased it Visit Mona’s website for a list of all her books. You may wish to add your name to her e-mail list to be informed of new releases, special deals and time-limited free offers: http://www.monaingram.com

Please keep reading for a preview of

Fallen Angel

Chapter One Laura didn’t need an intervention to know she had problems, but she was still surprised when she walked into her grandmother’s house and saw all the people who, for whatever reason, still loved her. Time seemed to stand still. With one hand on the screen door and the other clutching the door frame, she contemplated turning around and leaving. At least long enough to down another pill. For one irrational moment she was thankful that she’d showered and washed her hair this morning. As if that meant they’d go easy on her. But that wasn’t going to happen; she could see from the five determined pairs of eyes that no one here was going to cut her any slack. That’s the way it worked, wasn’t it… on those television shows? Her throat went dry and she looked at her grandmother, who was seated next to her father on the couch. “Could I get something to drink, please?” She gave a weak smile. “Diet Coke if you have any, Gran.” She started to make her way toward the kitchen but Jenna, her friend since childhood, jumped up. “I’ll get it.” They’re probably afraid I’ll make a run for it out the back door, she thought to herself. And they may be right. The shock was beginning to wear off, and she took in the two remaining people in the group. Rachel Ellison, the head nurse from St. Mark’s and a woman she didn’t recognize. The woman stood up and motioned for Laura to sit down in the big chair in the corner. Laura almost giggled; it reminded her of a wedding shower where the bride-tobe was the center of attention.

The woman extended her hand and Laura shook it. “My name is Myrna Hyslop. I’m an intervention specialist and I’m here to help your friends and family.” Jenna came back into the room. Ice cubes clinked in a tall glass and she held a can of coke in the other hand. She placed both items on the table beside Laura and gave her friend a quick hug and a kiss on the cheek. “Love you,” she murmured, then went back to the other side of the room and sat down. Laura poured half of the coke with a trembling hand and took a deep swallow. It tasted great, but what she’d really like is another oxycodone to go with it. She tried to remember when she’d taken the last one, but her memory was fuzzy. She set the glass back down, frowning with the effort of concentration. Her memory was deserting her frequently these days, and she didn’t like it. There were times, like right now, when she couldn’t even remember what had sent her down this path to selfdestruction. But then the memories would come flooding back and she’d feel herself falling even deeper, if that was possible, into the black void that was currently her life. She forced herself to look at the people gathered in her grandmother’s living room. Her father, divorced from her mother for ten years now. Always there for her. It was her father who’d supported her when she announced her decision to become a nurse. He was the best, and she’d been genuinely delighted for him when he told her a few weeks ago that he’d found a woman to share the rest of his life with. She couldn’t remember the woman’s name right now, but her father was happy and that’s all that mattered. Next to her father was her Gran. As long as she could remember, a stable force in her life and a source of

unconditional love. As a child, Laura had spent at least two weeks a year here at her grandmother’s house in the Shaughnessy district of Vancouver. Those had been some of the happiest times of her life. Rachel Ellison. Head Nurse at the hospital, and her supervisor. It was only a little over a month since Laura had fallen at work and broken her arm. The cast had come off two days ago and she massaged her arm, trying once more to recall what had precipitated that fall. She hated to admit it, but she couldn’t remember that either. At least she’d done one thing right. She’d stashed away a supply of oxycodone before the accident. The doctor wouldn’t prescribe any pain meds for her after the fall, informing her that a broken arm didn’t warrant anything more than Tylenol, and besides a stronger pain killer could prove addictive. She’d almost laughed out loud at that, but had managed to nod in solemn agreement. Jenna Harkness. Her closest friend since childhood. They’d grown up together in Quesnel, had done volunteer work at the local hospital, and had shared everything. Even after Laura had gone to Vancouver for her nurses’ training, they’d remained close. Laura had been there when Jenna and Drew got married, and had rushed to see each of her children only days after their birth. Her friend’s eyes were all shimmery with tears, and she wondered if Jenna was about to tell her that she was no longer Godmother to Hayley and Mark. The idea was insupportable, and for the first time she felt real fear. “…which is why your family and friends are here for you today.” The intervention specialist was speaking but Laura hadn’t heard a word. What was her name again? She turned toward the other woman, hoping that her expression didn’t reveal what she was thinking. That she didn’t really need her help. Her family were wonderful to

be so caring, but her current state was only temporary. She’d be back up to speed any time now. She took another drink, playing for time. She’d come to love the sound of ice cubes recently. They signalled good times ahead. She frowned again. At least they were supposed to be good times, but in recent weeks she’d often wake up in the morning not remembering what had happened after the third or fourth drink in her favourite bar. She stared into the bottom of the glass. She’d better cut back on the drinking, or she wouldn’t be in any shape to go back to work. She looked at the faces around the room and put on a conciliatory smile. “I know I’ve been drinking too much,” she said, nodding as she spoke to let them know she accepted the seriousness of her problem. “And I promise to cut back right away.” Nobody responded. They didn’t have to; it was clear that they didn’t believe a word of what she said. This was going to be tougher than she thought. “Okay, you’re right. I won’t just ‘cut back’. I’ll stop drinking completely.” She tried another smile and held up the arm that had been broken, flexing her fingers as she spoke. “I’ll be fit for work soon and I need all my senses for that.” She looked directly at her supervisor, who was looking at her oddly. “Rachel knows what I mean, right?” The Head Nurse looked at the intervention specialist who nodded, then turned her attention back to Laura. “You’re not coming back to work. I’m sorry, Laura, but I can’t afford to have you back on the floors.” She gave her head a little shake. “I’d planned to talk to you the day you had your accident. In retrospect, I should have realized what was going on, but it never crossed my mind that you had a substance abuse problem. You were skating

on thin ice then, but now you’ve gone right over the edge.” Laura wanted to tell her she was mixing her metaphors, but something held her back. “How can you possibly say that? I haven’t seen you since I got the cast on.” Her tone was getting desperate, but she couldn’t stop herself. “I’m much better now.” For the first time she saw something like pity in Rachel’s eyes. “Laura, we saw each other a couple of weeks ago, at the staff picnic. You don’t remember?” “Come on, Rachel. Stop kidding.” She glanced around at the others in the room. They were all looking at her gravely and her world seemed to tilt. She looked back at her supervisor and when she spoke her voice was little more than a whisper. “I don’t remember.” “You were pretty high when you got there, so I’m not surprised.” Laura didn’t intend to give up without a fight. “Come on, Rach, everybody has too much to drink once in a while; it’s how we blow off steam. You know that.” “Your drinking is only part of your problems. It wasn’t until I discussed the situation with Dr. Rowland that I started to put the pieces together. He told me that you’d been taking various forms of oxycodone for a couple of months before you broke your arm.” “And you believed Stew?” Laura was incensed. “He’s the one who gave it to me in the first place.” She closed her eyes, dropped her head. She wanted to snatch the words back, but it was too late. Her first instinct was to blame Rachel for tricking her, but that lasted only a second. It wasn’t Rachel’s fault she’d become addicted. It wasn’t even Stew’s fault, much as she’d like to share the blame. She was an RN, for God’s sake; she’d known the consequences of self-medicating

with oxycodone long before he suggested that she take one to help her get through the bleak days after Mattie died. They all spoke after that. Her father, her grandmother, and finally her friend Jenna. Ashamed and resentful at the same time, she heard very little of what they had to say. She knew they loved her and wanted to help her, but what right did they have to interfere in her life? It wasn’t until Jenna spoke of her children that she raised her head and actively listened to her friend. “I’m not giving up on you, Laura. You’re Godmother to my children, and I need you to be in their lives. What if something should happen to Drew and me, God forbid? You promised to take care of them, and I need you to be well. Please say you’ll go.” Go where? Laura wondered. Either they hadn’t discussed that part, or she hadn’t been listening. But did it matter? Not really. She knew what was in store for her; the location was the least of her concerns. She knew better than to ask if she could go home. After brief but tearful goodbyes, the Hyslop woman bundled her into a large SUV and pulled out into traffic. Laura was silent for the first half hour, watching downtown Vancouver slide by outside the window. “Where are we going?” she asked eventually, as they crossed the Lions Gate Bridge. “Please call me Myrna,” the woman said with a thin smile. “We’re going to Vancouver Island. There’s an excellent rehab center not far from Nanaimo, so we’ll be crossing from Horseshoe Bay.” She seemed remarkably upbeat. “I always enjoy the ferry crossing.” Laura remained silent for several moments. “What about my apartment?” she asked finally. She hoped it wasn’t too much of a mess.

“Your father’s going to take care of that for you.” Laura absorbed this information with a silent nod. She twirled a piece of hair around her finger and rubbed it against her lips. It was a gesture she used to make to calm herself when she heard her parents arguing, or when her mother had been particularly vile toward her. She dropped the piece of hair and glanced sideways to see if Myrna had noticed, but the woman was manoeuvring through traffic, approaching Highway 1. “What about clothes, toothbrush, stuff like that? And who’s paying for all this?” Laura hadn’t meant to sound belligerent, but the words came out that way. Myrna narrowed her eyes. She probably thinks I’m a spoiled bitch. Maybe she’s right. She smiled in an attempt to let the other woman know she meant well. “Your father sent along a suitcase for you. You won’t need a huge wardrobe at Water’s Edge, but he and his new lady friend picked out some nice things for you.” “You saw what they bought?” The other woman nodded. “Yes, it’s part of my job. You’ll be checked again when you arrive just to make sure. As for the money, your father and your grandmother have paid for that as well.” “I can afford to pay for it.” Laura didn’t know why she’d said that. Maybe she just needed to assert herself. Everything else seemed to have been decided for her. “Good. But that’s between you and your father now.” They fell silent after that. Laura scarcely noticed the sparkling blue of the Pacific as they neared the ferry terminal. She was startled when Myrna spoke as they waited in line to board the ferry. “I’ve made this trip many times.” She glanced across at Laura. “It never fails to inspire me, knowing that people

like you have the strength to turn their lives around.” Traffic started to move. Ferry staff motioned them forward impatiently and Myrna guided the SUV up the ramp and into the gaping mouth of the ferry. Laura felt as though she were being swallowed whole. She fought the panic that threatened to engulf her as they drove into the gloom of the parking level. Until now, she hadn’t given serious thought to what lay in store for her. She took several deep, calming breaths. Whatever was coming, it couldn’t be worse than what she’d already been through…could it?

Chapter Two Bradley Jamieson watched the shaft of sunlight move slowly across the bed. He willed it to stop, but it moved inexorably toward him. Soon it would be in his eyes, he’d be forced to move, and the woman in bed beside him would know he was awake. She was lovely, no doubt about that. They’d been introduced a couple of weeks ago and he’d been attracted to her, but had been hesitant to ask her out on a date. Finally he’d texted her, and she’d replied almost immediately. Last night had been wonderful; an intimate dinner sitting side by side in a booth at his favourite restaurant, followed by a leisurely walk along the waterfront. He couldn’t recall who had initiated the first kiss, but it had been long and hot; there was no doubt that they both wanted more. The sex had been fantastic…for both of them. A small smile tilted the corner of his mouth as he recalled the number of times she’d told him what a wonderful lover he was. She stirred in bed just as the sun hit him in the face. It was pointless to pretend any longer. “Oh, you’re awake” she said, propping her head on a hand and looking down at him with a smile. “Did you sleep well?” He nodded. He’d had a rare night free of nightmares. That in itself was worth celebrating. He swung his feet over the side of the bed and rubbed at the stubble on his cheeks. The woman…what was her name? Ah yes, Alexa…scooted across the bed and was snuggling up behind him, pressing her breasts into his back.

“What are you going to do today?” She asked, fingers tiptoeing across his abdomen and heading south. He grabbed her hand to halt its progress and brought it to his lips. He must be mad not to want more sex, but the price was too high. He knew what would happen afterward; she’d want to get to know him better. It was only natural he supposed, but it was more than he could take. He’d dated a few women since coming home and they all wanted to pry into his private life, to find out why he couldn’t talk, and each one in her own unique way wanted to “fix” him. He kissed her hand again and tenderly touched her cheek, trying to soften the refusal. He liked her, he really did. She was gorgeous to look at, and intelligent, but he didn’t want to get personal and she did. In that respect, she was no different from the others. He grabbed his BlackBerry. Leaving town today, he typed and showed it to her. Sorry he added, had great time last night. He didn’t have to tell her that he’d only just decided to take his friend up on his offer of a bed for the summer–in exchange for working in the vineyards. She gave him a sad smile. “You’re not going to call me again, are you?” It was more of a statement than a question. He smiled back, and shook his head. It was one thing he’d learned a long time ago; don’t complicate your life with lies. “I thought not.” She kissed him lightly on the lips. “You’re a nice guy, Bradley Jamieson. If you come back to town and change your mind, I’d love to hear from you.” And with that, she slipped into her clothes and was gone. Bradley stared at the closed door for several long minutes after she’d left and wondered if his life would ever get back to normal.

* * * It didn’t take long for Bradley to get organized and on the road. He’d texted Matt at the winery and been assured that he was still welcome. He’d laughed at the next line: ‘Will that old beast make the trip?’ The Norton was Bradley’s favourite means of transportation. There was something freeing about being on the bike and it had been thoroughly serviced over several weeks the previous month; Bradley trusted it to make the trip. It was noon by the time he left Comox. He planned to cross the ferry at Nanaimo and drive into the Fraser Valley tonight. Motels were plentiful in the area; hopefully he’d have a good sleep and make it to the Okanagan around noon the next day. As he crossed the bridge from the Comox side of town to Courtenay, the Snowbirds, Canada’s aerobatic team, streaked across the sky, practicing one of their manoeuvres. The Tutors were nothing like the F-18s that Bradley had flown in Afghanistan, but he still stopped to look every time he heard a jet engine. He pulled over by the side of the road to watch them, marvelling at the precision flying. The aircraft dispersed and he gunned the motor, sliding smoothly into traffic. It was times like this that he felt guilty. Trained at great expense to be a fighter pilot, he was useless now. Okay, so he wasn’t to blame, but that knowledge didn’t help in the dark of the night, when he woke up to the horror of his memories, knowing that in his dream he’d been trying to scream, but unable to make a sound. He rolled onto the five o’clock ferry with the other bikers, sent to their usual spot at the front. ‘First on, first off’ was their mantra. It was all part of the freedom of

traveling by bike. He made his way to the upper deck, claiming a spot on one of the lifejacket storage containers. Here, with his back resting against the hull of the ship, he could watch not only the departure, but the eclectic mix of tourists that flocked to Vancouver Island every year. Virtually every European language was represented today, along with the ever-present, muchtravelled Aussies and Asians. He sat back and closed his eyes, soaking up the sun. He hadn’t bothered to shave before leaving home, and he counted on his appearance to fend off anyone who would otherwise want to talk. “Excuse me, is this seat taken?” He couldn’t quite place the accent. He opened one eye and shook his head. Her shoes identified her as European. There was something about their footwear that gave them away every time. That and the accent, of course. If he had to guess, he’d say she was Dutch. He made a broad gesture, indicating that she should make herself comfortable, and closed his eyes again. She pushed her backpack against the bulkhead, then sat back, resting against it. Her scent invaded his nostrils; it was something fresh, light and decidedly feminine. Don’t even think about it, he told himself. She raised a hand in greeting and a young man came and sat beside her. Bradley smiled to himself; he didn’t know whether to be disappointed or relieved. * * * Bradley Jamieson was one of those rare men who really loved women. At least the ones he’d been involved with told him he was a rarity, and judging by comments from the men he’d served with, they were right. The couple beside him were chattering away in a language he didn’t

recognize, and he relaxed, thinking back to his younger days. He’d grown up in Comox, home to Canadian Forces Base Comox. It was inevitable, he supposed, his desire to become a pilot. He knew every aircraft type that flew in and out of CFB Comox–American as well as Canadian. But even back then, he’d known that you just didn’t walk through the gates and sign up. As a matter of fact, you were lucky if they even considered you, and a degree or two always helped. And so in the summer holidays, while his friends went fishing or chased girls, he worked at every job he could find, saving money for his education. The grocery store paid the best; he made himself available for work any time they called, but it wasn’t enough. In between, he mowed lawns and did yard clean-up. It was a hot summer day when he first noticed her… really noticed her. “Bradley” she called from behind the screen door. “Could you help me with something?” He looked up, trying to recall her name. Oh yes, it was Mrs. Fraser. Her husband worked at the base, and according to her, had little time to spare for yard work. He’d noticed her several times that day; she seemed to be watching him through the kitchen window. He hoped she was happy with his work. He wiped the sweat from his brow as he walked up the back steps. She opened the screen door and stood there, almost as if she were posing. She had on some sort of a top that tied under her breasts, leaving her midriff bare, and incredibly short shorts for an older woman. At least she seemed older to him. He tried not to look at her, but she had an amazing body and she wasn’t shy about showing it.

“What is it?” he said, looking around. She walked across the kitchen and he noticed that she was wearing what the school girls called ‘wedgies’ on her feet. They made her legs go on forever. He swallowed painfully. She bent over as if to lift a cardboard box from the floor. “This box is too heavy.” He could see the crease of skin where her legs joined her buttocks and got an instant erection. She straightened up and turned back to him. “I was hoping to move this out to the storage shed, but it’s just too heavy.” Her gaze dropped to the level of his crotch and her lips parted. “Would you do it for me?” “Sure.” He didn’t know how he got the word out; his tongue felt thick and clumsy in his throat. She stood back a bit and he picked up the box. “The storage shed,” he said, trying not to look at her cleavage. “Yes, and then come back in. I’ve made some lemonade.” He practically ran to the shed and shoved the box into the first spot he could find. It was all he could do not to race up the steps when he got back to the house. “So,” she said, handing him a glass of lemonade. “Do you have a girlfriend?” He swallowed half the glass in one gulp. He wasn’t quite sure where this conversation was going. “Sort of,” he said, wondering if she could tell he was stretching the truth. “Aha.” She took a small sip from her glass, eyeing him over the rim. “And what do you do for fun?” “I, ah, well, we…” How could he explain the fumbling and groping in the back seat of his friend’s car? “Do you have sex?” She came closer. There was a musky smell about her. It was unfamiliar but oddly

arousing. “I mean, I hear about young people these days and it all sounds so different from when I was your age.” She placed her glass on the counter then took his glass out of his hand and placed it beside hers. She was so close to him now that her breasts were almost brushing against his chest. At least when she was this close she couldn’t see that he was hard again. Or maybe she could. She ran a finger over his lips and his mouth dropped open. She slid the finger inside his mouth and then withdrew it, putting it in her own mouth. He was afraid that he was going to come right there, in her kitchen. That would be mortifying and he closed his eyes, trying to regain control. She touched his face again with her fingertips, tracing the line of his jaw, then down his neck, resting her hand against his chest. Her fingers tweaked his nipple, and he groaned aloud. “You’re really a very handsome young man,” she said. Her voice had changed. It was husky, and when he dared to look into her eyes they had darkened. She slid a hand lower and cupped his erection. “Would you like to make love to me?” she asked, running her hand up and down the length of him. He could only nod. “Then come with me,” she said, and walked up the half flight of stairs in the split-level home. He followed her into a cool, dark bedroom. “What about your husband?” he croaked. He wanted her more than he’d ever wanted anything, but he didn’t relish being beat up by an irate husband. “He’s out of town on deployment,” she murmured, stepping out of her shorts. She was naked underneath. Her halter top soon followed, and she stood in front of him unabashedly. Her pubic hair had been trimmed and

he stared at it. He’d never seen anything like that before, not that he had much experience with naked women. “Know what I was doing this morning while you were working outside?” She lay back on the bed, watching him undress. He could care less what she’d been doing. All he could think about was what was being offered and he wanted to get it before she changed her mind. “I was watching you and wondering what it would be like to make love to you.” He tore off his shorts and his erection sprang free. “Oh, come to mama,” she said, reaching for him. “I don’t imagine you want to wait any longer, do you?” He thrust into her. Once, twice, and then as quickly as it started, it was over. He lay there for a few moments, catching his breath, and then raised his head. “I’m sorry” he said, and meant it. “That wasn’t much good for you, was it?” She smiled. “No, but you show great promise. Next time I’ll show you a sure fire way to please a woman.” And she did. That afternoon and many more throughout that magical summer. She was an inventive teacher and he was an eager student. By the time school started again and her husband had returned from his posting, Bradley had acquired more sexual experience than most men gain in a lifetime. * * * The ferry shuddered as it moved away from the dock. Bradley opened his eyes, disoriented for a moment. Then he remembered where he was. He supposed he should go and get in line for some food. He didn’t mind the wait, it was something to do during the crossing. Besides, he

needed some energy and his wits about him for the hectic pace of traffic on the mainland. * * * End of Excerpt If you enjoyed this preview, Fallen Angel is available at the following retailers: Amazon US: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0051QFLGG Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/1120646543? ean=2940148158387 iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/id825943272 Kobo: http://store.kobobooks.com/en-CA/ebook/aforever-kind-of-love-6