Kissed by Winter, page 11
The room went quiet. Andrew sensed the two women embracing.
“I can’t wait to go to Toronto with Jade. She’ll help me with the move. We’re going to have so much fun.”
Andrew’s heart sank at his sister’s statement. The puzzling conversation now made sense. As he suspected, Chloe had taken a job with Martini’s Modelling Agency. Why else would she be going to Toronto with Jade? Was Danielle joining them? Encouraging Chloe? But why? Danielle knew of his promise to his mother. To look after Chloe. How could she help his sister with a job he outright disapproved?
His hands clenched into fists and his temples throbbed. Andrew stepped away from the door and pressed the elevator button. Confronting his sister and Danielle at this moment wouldn’t be wise. Better to cool off. If that was possible.
Chapter Fifteen
Danielle shoved the documents for Eve’s salon expansion in her bag. She spotted the clock on the wall showing just after one in the afternoon. She then strode to the window. Main Street continued to bustle with activity. The restaurant must be busy, which had to be the reason for Andrew’s late arrival. He’d called earlier to ask her to stay at her suite. He wanted to discuss something important. But feeling like a caged animal ready to climb the walls, Danielle texted him to say she’d be at her office.
She released a heavy sigh. She couldn’t wait to see him and to tell him she’d decided to move to Redford Falls. And that she had fallen in love with him. Waiting to set her emotions free curbed her patience. She’d almost revealed her secret to Chloe. Her friend had stopped by to share an update on a step toward her future, and Danielle longed to expose her own good news. Believing Andrew should be the first to know, she remained tight-lipped.
Hobbling to close the door to the adjoining office, Danielle glanced at the crutches leaning against her desk. Resting her foot for most of yesterday had been quite therapeutic. She’d been able to stand for short periods of time without the assistance of the wooden stilts. Getting downstairs and into a shuttle may prove exhausting though, so she slung her bag over her shoulder, tucked the crutches under her arms, and shuffled out of the office and into the hallway.
The elevator door opened, and Jackson stepped out.
“What are you doing here? You should be home with Candy and your babies.” Danielle rested the crutches on the wall and hugged Jackson. “Congratulations, Dad. How are mother, daughter, and son?”
“Labour went great for Candy’s first birth, so the doctor allowed them to go home early with the condition that Doc Bishop checks in. She and, Allison and Aaron, are well and napping in our new home. Our mothers have been in the kitchen all day making sure we have meals for the next month.” He waved a hand back and forth. “I get they want to help and I appreciate every bit they’ve done, but I’m kicking them out this evening to spend a quiet night with my wife and babies.”
“You should be resting and not here at the office. Haven’t you been awake for almost two days straight?”
“I’m just here to pick up some paperwork then I’m headed home.” He raised a brow. “What are you doing here?”
“I’m tired of sitting on my butt, so I came here to complete the documents for Eve’s expansion. I was waiting for Andrew, but he’s running late.” She leaned her weight on her good foot.
“Then our timing is perfect.” He pointed to the end of the hallway. “I have something to show you.”
Danielle grabbed the crutches and followed Jackson to his office.
He opened the window blinds. “What do you see?”
She stared at the white view. To the far left stood the mountains. The remaining space was a canvas of winter. Snow covered the rough landscape as far as the eyes could see. “Isn’t this the area where the forest fire ended?” She recalled Jackson telling her of a nasty fire several years earlier. Firefighters put out the blaze before it reached the deteriorating ski lifts.
He nodded. “Beyond the horizon, the trees are slowly growing. This particular area was farmland. Soon after the fire, the owners sold and moved.”
A light flickered in Danielle’s head. “You acquired the land. You’re planning another project.” Gazing out over the distance, she squinted, imagining more than barren terrain. “A golf course.”
Jackson clapped his hands together. “Great minds think alike.” He made a grand gesture of waving his fingers in front of the window. “We’ll have the breathtaking view of The Falls and the majestic mountain slopes and resort, but imagine Redford Falls as a four-season global destination. I want to offer the ultimate golfing experience of spectacular plateaus, beautiful fairways, and intimidating sand bunkers.”
She concluded his train of thought. “The biggest challenge will be keeping your eyes on the ball and off the heart-stopping views.” Her pulse raced as it always did when she and Jackson brainstormed. “I know you’re building another wing on the resort, but you need an area more private for longer stays. Cabins separate from the resort. Visitors can enjoy a day on the greens and an evening taking in the views of the town and river below. The soft summer breezes will rejuvenate the mind and soul, providing an unforgettable getaway.”
Grinning, he raised a palm in the air. Danielle returned the high-five.
“This is a huge project. I’ll need help.” Jackson turned to face her. “I have a family now. They are my priority. So, I won’t be in the office on a regular basis. I’ll require more than an assistant. I need someone to make decisions when I’m not here.”
Excitement fluttered through her body, and she held a breath. “What exactly are you saying?”
“I’m offering you a promotion. A partnership in the company.”
Danielle’s stance wobbled. One of the crutches slipped loose from her arm and fell to the floor.
Jackson retrieved the wooden stilt.
Her thoughts ran wild, and her hands shook as she stuffed the crutch back under her armpit. “Is this another bribe to convince me to stay in Redford Falls?” Because it’s definitely working.
“No. I wanted you to step into this position a year ago.”
She sank heavily onto the wooden reinforcements holding her up. “You called and had something important to ask me, but we argued. Then, news of my brother…”
Shrugging, he smiled through tight lips. “I’ve tried my best to persuade you to come here.”
“Betty Sue doesn’t exist.”
He shook his head.
“And the reason I have two offices is because one is for my assistant.”
“Yup.” Jackson checked his buzzing phone. “Candy is awake, and my mom has lasagne for lunch. With all this food, I’ll soon need to adjust my belt.” He grabbed some papers from his desk drawer and shoved them into his briefcase. “I kind of threw this offer at you and I know you want to say yes. Eve’s salon is just the first. I see the wheels turning in your head. But I’ll give you a bit to ponder the idea.” He winked as he walked to the elevator. “Stop by soon to see the babies. We’ll go over the partnership details then.” With a hand, Jackson stopped the elevator door from closing. “And please, don’t bring any food.”
Danielle stared down the length of the hallway. If only she had two working feet to do a happy dance. Squealing and wiggling her hips would have to suffice. Her dreams were coming true. She’d got the job of her dreams, and now she’d get her man.
Frowning, she checked the clock on Lauren’s desk. Where was Andrew? She set her bag on the receptionist’s chair and reached for her phone. As she dialled Andrew’s number, she heard the elevator.
Andrew stepped out.
“I was calling you.” Smiling, Danielle lifted her cell then slowly lowered it. Her smile faded. Andrew’s eyes held a darkness she hadn’t seen before. Something had put him out of sorts. “What’s wrong?” She placed a hand on his arm and felt his muscle stiffen at her touch.
“How could you?” He shook off her hand then pushed his fists into his coat pockets.
Did he know about Jackson’s promotion offer? The news of her possibly staying should make him happy. “I don’t understand.”
“I was here earlier and I heard you talking to Chloe.” He cleared his throat. “How could you encourage her to take a modelling job? Especially after knowing how much I’m against the idea. I made a promise to my mother. I can’t keep my word if my sister leaves town and struts off to a faraway location.”
Danielle opened her mouth then closed it. She struggled to process his words.
“You filled Chloe’s impressionable head with stories of fashion and the big city.” Andrew shifted from foot to foot.
She held up a hand. “No, none of that is true.”
“You don’t know my sister.” He inhaled a breath. “She won’t survive in your fast-paced world.”
Seeing disappointment in Andrew’s eyes hurt almost as much as his words. The sting of tears had her squeezing her eyes shut to block the assault. She gripped the edge of the desktop, willing breath to fill her lungs. He actually believed she deceived him. Frustration fell heavy on her shoulders. When she opened her eyes, she found herself alone. Andrew had stepped into the elevator.
“Wait. You misunderstood my conversation with Chloe.” She hobbled to stop him.
With a narrowed gaze, he shook his head. “I was wrong to think I could fit in to your life. Small town mountain man and the pretty lady from the big city don’t match. Goodbye, Danielle.”
The elevator doors closed.
Grinding her teeth, Danielle threw the crutches to the floor. She swiped her dampened eyes. Annoyance rattled her nerves. How dare he not have faith in her.
Leaving the crutches where they lay in a heap on the floor, she returned to the desk and grabbed her bag. She’d find Andrew and make him listen to the truth.
Gripping her phone tight in her hand, she spotted the message light flashing. She clicked the button to check the missed text. Scanning the short note from Waverly, she placed a hand over her mouth. Her stomach revolted and her heart sank. She re-read her friend’s last statement: Danielle, please call me as soon as possible. Dropping her phone into her purse, she shuffled with a hurried limp to the elevator.
****
“You dumb schmuck!” Chloe placed both hands on his chest and shoved Andrew backward against the kitchen counter. “You’re a complete idiot. Do you realize what you’ve done?” She paced the room.
Andrew took a step backward, hoping to avoid another verbal assault from his sister. “You’re mad because I discovered your secret.”
“You were eavesdropping on a private conversation, of which you only caught bits and pieces. If you’d have knocked on the door and announced your presence, which would have been the polite thing to do, you would have been privy to the correct facts.” Chloe stalked toward him and poked a finger at his chest. “You hid in the hallway then ran like a thief who didn’t want to get caught. You should have confronted me. Instead, you went all hot-headed on Danielle.”
“I heard you two talking. You were thanking Danielle for helping.” Andrew walked clear of his sister, putting the table between them. “She knew how I felt about you working as a model. She encouraged you, even if that wasn’t her intention.”
“You are so wrong.” Chloe rolled her eyes and shook her head. “I am not joining Martini’s Modelling Agency. I never was. I told you that lie to get under your skin.”
Andrew ran a hand through his hair. “You talked about going to Toronto with Jade, and Danielle was going with you.”
“You assumed everything.” She slammed a hand on the counter. “Jade extended an invitation for Danielle and me to attend a spring fashion show with her. And they are helping me find an apartment in Halifax for when I return to college.”
“What?” His voice faltered.
“Mrs. Bishop wants to retire, but she won’t leave her husband without a nurse. I’ve been meeting with the school about completing my nursing program. I start classes in the fall. Doctor Bishop reviewed my records and agreed to a residency training period. I’ll work with him and Mrs. Bishop until I receive my degree. Then Mrs. Bishop will retire, and I’ll step into her position. That’s why I joined them during Candy’s delivery.” She sighed. “None of this would have happened without Danielle’s support, and she was the one who told me about Mrs. Bishop wanting to retire.”
An invisible sucker-punch hit Andrew’s gut. He gasped for a breath. “Why didn’t you tell me you wanted to go back to school?”
“When I spoke to the professor, I had no idea of the possibility of working here in town. I may have had to accept a nursing job in the city or somewhere farther away. You have this idea that I’m a fragile china doll—and maybe I was for a while, but I’m okay now. I’m a big girl who can finally stand on her own two feet.”
“I promised Mom I’d take care of you,” he whispered, gripping the back of a chair.
“Danielle told me.” Chloe rounded the table and reached for his hands, squeezing tight. “I wouldn’t have gotten through Mom and Dad’s passing without you. You were my rock. But you’ve taught me how to be strong, and I’m ready to start my own journey.”
She sounded like she had her head on straight and no longer required his guidance. He didn’t know whether to be happy or upset. Andrew hugged his sister. “I’m sorry.”
“I’m not the one you should be apologizing to.”
“Danielle.” His temples throbbed. “Man, I am a schmuck.” Panic fuelled his movements as he dug his phone from his pocket. “I have to call her.” Her cell rang twice then went to voicemail. He pressed End and called her suite. “No answer.” Andrew walked to the living room and snatched his keys off the coffee table. He dashed back into the kitchen, heading to the garage. He had to find Danielle.
Chloe thrust her arm out to stop him. “She’s gone.” Frowning, she met his stare.
“Gone where?” He shoved past her.
“I spoke to Jackson before coming home. He said he saw Danielle at the office and offered her a partnership in the business. She was really excited. He seemed to think she had already made the decision to stay before they talked, but then he got a call from her an hour later. She told him she had to go home immediately…”
The pressure in Andrew’s head muffled his sister’s words. Chloe continued to speak, but he couldn’t focus. His throat tightened, and a heavy weight sat on his chest. “I didn’t get to tell her that I love her.”
Chapter Sixteen
“You should have bought some flowers.” Travis leaned his elbow on the counter.
“And jewelry,” Max added.
Andrew grabbed his duffle bag from behind the counter. “I’ll pick up some when I land.” He had intended to go after Danielle the day she left, but Uncle Paul caught a bad case of the flu, leaving the restaurant a man down in the kitchen. Andrew had no choice but to stay. They were the longest three days of his life. He missed Danielle. He’d never been so miserable, yet he had no one to blame but himself. He called her several times and left countless messages of apologies, but so far, he hadn’t received a response.
Jackson was of no help. He obviously held a grudge considering Andrew ruined his attempt at making Danielle his business partner. Even Chloe seemed unusually quiet, though she did give him reassurance that everything would eventually work out.
He glanced around the restaurant. It seemed like everyone in town had decided to come for lunch today. Max and Travis, and a few guys from the fire station sat at the front counter. Tyler waved from a booth with Luke—Max’s younger brother and Tyler’s work partner. Eve and Jade flashed smiles in his direction, and Mr. and Mrs. Bishop grinned at him from another table. Even Charles Kringle took a break from the lounge. He was sitting with Candy and the twins.
Good thing Uncle Paul was feeling better and back in the kitchen. Andrew didn’t think he could wait another day to see Danielle. She’d have no choice to speak to him in person. He had booked a flight to Victoria to make things right, and he’d either return to Redford Falls with the woman he loved or come home alone, knowing he’d done everything in his power to win her back.
As he rounded the corner of the bar and slung his duffle bag over his shoulder, the bells on the front door jingled noisily as Chloe came bursting through the door.
“Where are you going?” She heaved a breath.
“Heading to the airport.”
“Wait. You can’t go now.”
“What?” He frowned. “For the past three days, you’ve been pestering me nonstop to go after Danielle.”
“But you couldn’t because of Uncle Paul.” She pointed to kitchen.
Andrew turned to find his uncle and aunt standing at the counter. “Uncle Paul said he’s good to go.”
“But you can’t.”
His sister was acting even stranger than normal. “I need to leave now or I’ll miss my flight.” He brushed past Chloe.
“I cancelled it.”
He spun around. “You did what?”
“I…um…I…have to…I’ve been…” Chloe waved her hands in the air with every sputtered word.
The bells jingled again and a cool breeze chilled his back from the open door.
“Andrew.”
He turned slowly. His mouth gaped open and a breath hung in his throat. The woman standing before him wore a familiar baby blue coat. Snowflakes melted on the hat on her head that matched her scarf and gloves. His gaze travelled the length of her blue jeans to a pair of black winter boots with a grey faux-fur cuff reaching the top of her calf. At some point the air he had been holding released and reached his brain. “Dani.”
****
Danielle moved toward Andrew, allowing Jackson to shuffle in behind her. She smiled at the man who had dominated her thoughts every moment she had been away. He looked tired with dark shadows under his eyes and slumped shoulders.
“I was on my way to the airport.” Andrew held out a duffle bag as if trying to prove his sincerity. “How did you get here?”
“I didn’t take any chances driving alone this time. Jackson picked me up at the airport.”
“Jackson?” Andrew let the bag slip from his fingers and onto the floor. “I asked him if he’d been talking to you.”
“I can’t wait to go to Toronto with Jade. She’ll help me with the move. We’re going to have so much fun.”
Andrew’s heart sank at his sister’s statement. The puzzling conversation now made sense. As he suspected, Chloe had taken a job with Martini’s Modelling Agency. Why else would she be going to Toronto with Jade? Was Danielle joining them? Encouraging Chloe? But why? Danielle knew of his promise to his mother. To look after Chloe. How could she help his sister with a job he outright disapproved?
His hands clenched into fists and his temples throbbed. Andrew stepped away from the door and pressed the elevator button. Confronting his sister and Danielle at this moment wouldn’t be wise. Better to cool off. If that was possible.
Chapter Fifteen
Danielle shoved the documents for Eve’s salon expansion in her bag. She spotted the clock on the wall showing just after one in the afternoon. She then strode to the window. Main Street continued to bustle with activity. The restaurant must be busy, which had to be the reason for Andrew’s late arrival. He’d called earlier to ask her to stay at her suite. He wanted to discuss something important. But feeling like a caged animal ready to climb the walls, Danielle texted him to say she’d be at her office.
She released a heavy sigh. She couldn’t wait to see him and to tell him she’d decided to move to Redford Falls. And that she had fallen in love with him. Waiting to set her emotions free curbed her patience. She’d almost revealed her secret to Chloe. Her friend had stopped by to share an update on a step toward her future, and Danielle longed to expose her own good news. Believing Andrew should be the first to know, she remained tight-lipped.
Hobbling to close the door to the adjoining office, Danielle glanced at the crutches leaning against her desk. Resting her foot for most of yesterday had been quite therapeutic. She’d been able to stand for short periods of time without the assistance of the wooden stilts. Getting downstairs and into a shuttle may prove exhausting though, so she slung her bag over her shoulder, tucked the crutches under her arms, and shuffled out of the office and into the hallway.
The elevator door opened, and Jackson stepped out.
“What are you doing here? You should be home with Candy and your babies.” Danielle rested the crutches on the wall and hugged Jackson. “Congratulations, Dad. How are mother, daughter, and son?”
“Labour went great for Candy’s first birth, so the doctor allowed them to go home early with the condition that Doc Bishop checks in. She and, Allison and Aaron, are well and napping in our new home. Our mothers have been in the kitchen all day making sure we have meals for the next month.” He waved a hand back and forth. “I get they want to help and I appreciate every bit they’ve done, but I’m kicking them out this evening to spend a quiet night with my wife and babies.”
“You should be resting and not here at the office. Haven’t you been awake for almost two days straight?”
“I’m just here to pick up some paperwork then I’m headed home.” He raised a brow. “What are you doing here?”
“I’m tired of sitting on my butt, so I came here to complete the documents for Eve’s expansion. I was waiting for Andrew, but he’s running late.” She leaned her weight on her good foot.
“Then our timing is perfect.” He pointed to the end of the hallway. “I have something to show you.”
Danielle grabbed the crutches and followed Jackson to his office.
He opened the window blinds. “What do you see?”
She stared at the white view. To the far left stood the mountains. The remaining space was a canvas of winter. Snow covered the rough landscape as far as the eyes could see. “Isn’t this the area where the forest fire ended?” She recalled Jackson telling her of a nasty fire several years earlier. Firefighters put out the blaze before it reached the deteriorating ski lifts.
He nodded. “Beyond the horizon, the trees are slowly growing. This particular area was farmland. Soon after the fire, the owners sold and moved.”
A light flickered in Danielle’s head. “You acquired the land. You’re planning another project.” Gazing out over the distance, she squinted, imagining more than barren terrain. “A golf course.”
Jackson clapped his hands together. “Great minds think alike.” He made a grand gesture of waving his fingers in front of the window. “We’ll have the breathtaking view of The Falls and the majestic mountain slopes and resort, but imagine Redford Falls as a four-season global destination. I want to offer the ultimate golfing experience of spectacular plateaus, beautiful fairways, and intimidating sand bunkers.”
She concluded his train of thought. “The biggest challenge will be keeping your eyes on the ball and off the heart-stopping views.” Her pulse raced as it always did when she and Jackson brainstormed. “I know you’re building another wing on the resort, but you need an area more private for longer stays. Cabins separate from the resort. Visitors can enjoy a day on the greens and an evening taking in the views of the town and river below. The soft summer breezes will rejuvenate the mind and soul, providing an unforgettable getaway.”
Grinning, he raised a palm in the air. Danielle returned the high-five.
“This is a huge project. I’ll need help.” Jackson turned to face her. “I have a family now. They are my priority. So, I won’t be in the office on a regular basis. I’ll require more than an assistant. I need someone to make decisions when I’m not here.”
Excitement fluttered through her body, and she held a breath. “What exactly are you saying?”
“I’m offering you a promotion. A partnership in the company.”
Danielle’s stance wobbled. One of the crutches slipped loose from her arm and fell to the floor.
Jackson retrieved the wooden stilt.
Her thoughts ran wild, and her hands shook as she stuffed the crutch back under her armpit. “Is this another bribe to convince me to stay in Redford Falls?” Because it’s definitely working.
“No. I wanted you to step into this position a year ago.”
She sank heavily onto the wooden reinforcements holding her up. “You called and had something important to ask me, but we argued. Then, news of my brother…”
Shrugging, he smiled through tight lips. “I’ve tried my best to persuade you to come here.”
“Betty Sue doesn’t exist.”
He shook his head.
“And the reason I have two offices is because one is for my assistant.”
“Yup.” Jackson checked his buzzing phone. “Candy is awake, and my mom has lasagne for lunch. With all this food, I’ll soon need to adjust my belt.” He grabbed some papers from his desk drawer and shoved them into his briefcase. “I kind of threw this offer at you and I know you want to say yes. Eve’s salon is just the first. I see the wheels turning in your head. But I’ll give you a bit to ponder the idea.” He winked as he walked to the elevator. “Stop by soon to see the babies. We’ll go over the partnership details then.” With a hand, Jackson stopped the elevator door from closing. “And please, don’t bring any food.”
Danielle stared down the length of the hallway. If only she had two working feet to do a happy dance. Squealing and wiggling her hips would have to suffice. Her dreams were coming true. She’d got the job of her dreams, and now she’d get her man.
Frowning, she checked the clock on Lauren’s desk. Where was Andrew? She set her bag on the receptionist’s chair and reached for her phone. As she dialled Andrew’s number, she heard the elevator.
Andrew stepped out.
“I was calling you.” Smiling, Danielle lifted her cell then slowly lowered it. Her smile faded. Andrew’s eyes held a darkness she hadn’t seen before. Something had put him out of sorts. “What’s wrong?” She placed a hand on his arm and felt his muscle stiffen at her touch.
“How could you?” He shook off her hand then pushed his fists into his coat pockets.
Did he know about Jackson’s promotion offer? The news of her possibly staying should make him happy. “I don’t understand.”
“I was here earlier and I heard you talking to Chloe.” He cleared his throat. “How could you encourage her to take a modelling job? Especially after knowing how much I’m against the idea. I made a promise to my mother. I can’t keep my word if my sister leaves town and struts off to a faraway location.”
Danielle opened her mouth then closed it. She struggled to process his words.
“You filled Chloe’s impressionable head with stories of fashion and the big city.” Andrew shifted from foot to foot.
She held up a hand. “No, none of that is true.”
“You don’t know my sister.” He inhaled a breath. “She won’t survive in your fast-paced world.”
Seeing disappointment in Andrew’s eyes hurt almost as much as his words. The sting of tears had her squeezing her eyes shut to block the assault. She gripped the edge of the desktop, willing breath to fill her lungs. He actually believed she deceived him. Frustration fell heavy on her shoulders. When she opened her eyes, she found herself alone. Andrew had stepped into the elevator.
“Wait. You misunderstood my conversation with Chloe.” She hobbled to stop him.
With a narrowed gaze, he shook his head. “I was wrong to think I could fit in to your life. Small town mountain man and the pretty lady from the big city don’t match. Goodbye, Danielle.”
The elevator doors closed.
Grinding her teeth, Danielle threw the crutches to the floor. She swiped her dampened eyes. Annoyance rattled her nerves. How dare he not have faith in her.
Leaving the crutches where they lay in a heap on the floor, she returned to the desk and grabbed her bag. She’d find Andrew and make him listen to the truth.
Gripping her phone tight in her hand, she spotted the message light flashing. She clicked the button to check the missed text. Scanning the short note from Waverly, she placed a hand over her mouth. Her stomach revolted and her heart sank. She re-read her friend’s last statement: Danielle, please call me as soon as possible. Dropping her phone into her purse, she shuffled with a hurried limp to the elevator.
****
“You dumb schmuck!” Chloe placed both hands on his chest and shoved Andrew backward against the kitchen counter. “You’re a complete idiot. Do you realize what you’ve done?” She paced the room.
Andrew took a step backward, hoping to avoid another verbal assault from his sister. “You’re mad because I discovered your secret.”
“You were eavesdropping on a private conversation, of which you only caught bits and pieces. If you’d have knocked on the door and announced your presence, which would have been the polite thing to do, you would have been privy to the correct facts.” Chloe stalked toward him and poked a finger at his chest. “You hid in the hallway then ran like a thief who didn’t want to get caught. You should have confronted me. Instead, you went all hot-headed on Danielle.”
“I heard you two talking. You were thanking Danielle for helping.” Andrew walked clear of his sister, putting the table between them. “She knew how I felt about you working as a model. She encouraged you, even if that wasn’t her intention.”
“You are so wrong.” Chloe rolled her eyes and shook her head. “I am not joining Martini’s Modelling Agency. I never was. I told you that lie to get under your skin.”
Andrew ran a hand through his hair. “You talked about going to Toronto with Jade, and Danielle was going with you.”
“You assumed everything.” She slammed a hand on the counter. “Jade extended an invitation for Danielle and me to attend a spring fashion show with her. And they are helping me find an apartment in Halifax for when I return to college.”
“What?” His voice faltered.
“Mrs. Bishop wants to retire, but she won’t leave her husband without a nurse. I’ve been meeting with the school about completing my nursing program. I start classes in the fall. Doctor Bishop reviewed my records and agreed to a residency training period. I’ll work with him and Mrs. Bishop until I receive my degree. Then Mrs. Bishop will retire, and I’ll step into her position. That’s why I joined them during Candy’s delivery.” She sighed. “None of this would have happened without Danielle’s support, and she was the one who told me about Mrs. Bishop wanting to retire.”
An invisible sucker-punch hit Andrew’s gut. He gasped for a breath. “Why didn’t you tell me you wanted to go back to school?”
“When I spoke to the professor, I had no idea of the possibility of working here in town. I may have had to accept a nursing job in the city or somewhere farther away. You have this idea that I’m a fragile china doll—and maybe I was for a while, but I’m okay now. I’m a big girl who can finally stand on her own two feet.”
“I promised Mom I’d take care of you,” he whispered, gripping the back of a chair.
“Danielle told me.” Chloe rounded the table and reached for his hands, squeezing tight. “I wouldn’t have gotten through Mom and Dad’s passing without you. You were my rock. But you’ve taught me how to be strong, and I’m ready to start my own journey.”
She sounded like she had her head on straight and no longer required his guidance. He didn’t know whether to be happy or upset. Andrew hugged his sister. “I’m sorry.”
“I’m not the one you should be apologizing to.”
“Danielle.” His temples throbbed. “Man, I am a schmuck.” Panic fuelled his movements as he dug his phone from his pocket. “I have to call her.” Her cell rang twice then went to voicemail. He pressed End and called her suite. “No answer.” Andrew walked to the living room and snatched his keys off the coffee table. He dashed back into the kitchen, heading to the garage. He had to find Danielle.
Chloe thrust her arm out to stop him. “She’s gone.” Frowning, she met his stare.
“Gone where?” He shoved past her.
“I spoke to Jackson before coming home. He said he saw Danielle at the office and offered her a partnership in the business. She was really excited. He seemed to think she had already made the decision to stay before they talked, but then he got a call from her an hour later. She told him she had to go home immediately…”
The pressure in Andrew’s head muffled his sister’s words. Chloe continued to speak, but he couldn’t focus. His throat tightened, and a heavy weight sat on his chest. “I didn’t get to tell her that I love her.”
Chapter Sixteen
“You should have bought some flowers.” Travis leaned his elbow on the counter.
“And jewelry,” Max added.
Andrew grabbed his duffle bag from behind the counter. “I’ll pick up some when I land.” He had intended to go after Danielle the day she left, but Uncle Paul caught a bad case of the flu, leaving the restaurant a man down in the kitchen. Andrew had no choice but to stay. They were the longest three days of his life. He missed Danielle. He’d never been so miserable, yet he had no one to blame but himself. He called her several times and left countless messages of apologies, but so far, he hadn’t received a response.
Jackson was of no help. He obviously held a grudge considering Andrew ruined his attempt at making Danielle his business partner. Even Chloe seemed unusually quiet, though she did give him reassurance that everything would eventually work out.
He glanced around the restaurant. It seemed like everyone in town had decided to come for lunch today. Max and Travis, and a few guys from the fire station sat at the front counter. Tyler waved from a booth with Luke—Max’s younger brother and Tyler’s work partner. Eve and Jade flashed smiles in his direction, and Mr. and Mrs. Bishop grinned at him from another table. Even Charles Kringle took a break from the lounge. He was sitting with Candy and the twins.
Good thing Uncle Paul was feeling better and back in the kitchen. Andrew didn’t think he could wait another day to see Danielle. She’d have no choice to speak to him in person. He had booked a flight to Victoria to make things right, and he’d either return to Redford Falls with the woman he loved or come home alone, knowing he’d done everything in his power to win her back.
As he rounded the corner of the bar and slung his duffle bag over his shoulder, the bells on the front door jingled noisily as Chloe came bursting through the door.
“Where are you going?” She heaved a breath.
“Heading to the airport.”
“Wait. You can’t go now.”
“What?” He frowned. “For the past three days, you’ve been pestering me nonstop to go after Danielle.”
“But you couldn’t because of Uncle Paul.” She pointed to kitchen.
Andrew turned to find his uncle and aunt standing at the counter. “Uncle Paul said he’s good to go.”
“But you can’t.”
His sister was acting even stranger than normal. “I need to leave now or I’ll miss my flight.” He brushed past Chloe.
“I cancelled it.”
He spun around. “You did what?”
“I…um…I…have to…I’ve been…” Chloe waved her hands in the air with every sputtered word.
The bells jingled again and a cool breeze chilled his back from the open door.
“Andrew.”
He turned slowly. His mouth gaped open and a breath hung in his throat. The woman standing before him wore a familiar baby blue coat. Snowflakes melted on the hat on her head that matched her scarf and gloves. His gaze travelled the length of her blue jeans to a pair of black winter boots with a grey faux-fur cuff reaching the top of her calf. At some point the air he had been holding released and reached his brain. “Dani.”
****
Danielle moved toward Andrew, allowing Jackson to shuffle in behind her. She smiled at the man who had dominated her thoughts every moment she had been away. He looked tired with dark shadows under his eyes and slumped shoulders.
“I was on my way to the airport.” Andrew held out a duffle bag as if trying to prove his sincerity. “How did you get here?”
“I didn’t take any chances driving alone this time. Jackson picked me up at the airport.”
“Jackson?” Andrew let the bag slip from his fingers and onto the floor. “I asked him if he’d been talking to you.”
