Under the Mistletoe, page 24
part #1 of Home to Heritage || Book Five Series
God at work in him? Maybe. Logan walked over to his computer at the dining room table and pulled out the thumb drive. “Can you send these to Christina for me? Her email address is in there too. And let me figure this out in my own time.”
When they all gave a noncommittal nod, he crossed his arms in front of his chest. “No more meddling. Promise?”
He waited until each had nodded their agreement, then he took turns hugging them. They headed out to the car, leaving just Liam. His brother dropped a hand on his shoulder and squeezed. “Don’t wait too long. Sometimes you don’t get a second chance.”
The distant look in Liam’s eyes spoke of pain. His brother still hadn’t shared what had brought him home so suddenly, but Logan would bet that was where his mind was at now.
He didn’t make any promises because he was pretty sure there was no good way out of this.
If today’s chapter was worse, Devin didn’t know if she had the strength to read it, and yet she didn’t think she had the strength not to read it either. The morning sun was just peeking in the window, and she glanced at the clock, but what was the point? She didn’t have a job to get to. She rolled over in her bed, tucking her comforter under her chin as she glanced at her phone. Chapter twenty-three still hadn’t arrived.
He wasn’t just throwing away their relationship, he’d be throwing away his career if he wasn’t careful. Devin pulled up the previous chapters and began skimming them, taking in the fact he was facing rejection of book four through all of it.
And suddenly it all read differently.
She could see the similarities to their romance tangled in. But more than that, she saw that Astryn was his future. He loved writing, but it was just out of his reach. He no longer believed he could do it or that he deserved it.
This went beyond their romance.
Logan, a.k.a. Victor Holt, was afraid he was going to lose everything, and he just might.
Her phone dinged with an incoming email. The next chapter. Devin pulled it up.
Stone of Anwar: Chapter 23
Enough was enough. They had been in Kenthor for over a week, and not only were they no closer to discovering Orin’s killer, but Rand was avoiding being alone with her at every turn. Astryn yelled for a stableman and ordered her horse to be readied. She wasn’t even in acceptable riding attire, but she wasn’t about to let another moment go by until Rand had heard her out.
Astryn mounted her horse and nudged it toward the gate. She spoke to the first guard. “Which way did King Rand ride?”
“West, milady. But you shouldn’t ride out alone.” The pale green of his uniform was dulled by the gray sky. “A storm could arrive any minute.”
“I am a proficient rider.” She edged her way through the gate but looked back. “I won’t be gone long.”
Astryn dug her heels in and turned west and didn’t slow until she approached the river. She scanned the area. Nothing. She was certain this was where he’d go. Her horse sidestepped and jerked his head.
Astryn reached out a soothing hand. “What’s the matter, girl?”
A stick snapped behind her, but before she could turn and look, the horse twisted and reared as it belted out a shrill whinny. Her foot slipped from the saddle as the reins ripped free from her hands. Her backside landed with a bone-chilling smack in the thick mud. Astryn rolled away as the horse’s front hooves plunged into the mud, just missing her. There was another movement in the underbrush, and her horse hurried back the direction she came from.
Just great. She twisted in the mud, trying to right herself, as she focused on where the noise had come from.
Please let it not be a wild animal…or worse.
When Rand stepped into view, she wasn’t sure if she wanted to scream at him or cry with relief.
He took a step closer, offering her a hand. He scanned her over from head to toe as he helped her stand. No doubt she was quite the sight. He pulled a kerchief from his pocket and handed it to her. “What are you doing here?”
She wiped away the mud from her hands. “Me? What am I doing here? What are you doing here?” She stepped closer and poked him in the chest. “We’re finally here, safe in Kenthor, and yet you still won’t talk to me. I have a vivid memory of you saying you love me as we rode, and yet you don’t act like it. Was that a dream or is that real? Is it always going to be this way between us? Do you hate me that much?”
He grabbed her hand still jabbing his chest. He held it firmly, but she could have easily pulled away if she wanted to. “You have no idea how hard this is for me.”
“Being married to me?”
“No. Being married to you when you wish you were married to Orin.”
What in the world was he talking about? “I do not wish I was married to Orin.”
Rand’s golden eyes didn’t even soften.
“It is true. I’d give anything for Orin’s life to have been spared.” She clutched her pendant at her neck. “I wish I could have saved him like I was supposed to. But I never loved him. How could I? I was in love with someone else.”
“You love someone else?” Some of the wall he’d been keeping between them slipped.
“I am in love with a man who is strong.” Her free hand slid over his bicep. His eyes closed a moment, but she was talking now, and he was going to hear it all. “He is kind.” Her hand moved over his shoulder until it rested over his heart. He drew in a steadying breath. “He is brave, and wise, and—”
“Handsome?” His lip ticced up on one side.
“So handsome.” Her hand traveled up to his jaw. And he released a ragged breath as her thumb passed just below his bottom lip. “And I have loved him from the moment he offered to build me a cottage by another river. And I need to know if there is any chance that man might love me.”
“I’ve been so afraid to love you.” Rand’s hands snaked around her waist, pulling her closer. “Everything I love, I lose. I can’t lose you too. But you have made it impossible.”
“So it wasn’t a dream?” She rose on her toes as he bent over her, pressing his forehead to hers.
“Not a dream, just a moment of weakness.” His warm breath dusted her lips as his hands moved up to cradle the back of her head. “But I’m done fighting it. My heart has always been and forever will be yours.”
“And mine yours.” She closed her eyes as she pressed her lips into his. His mouth was soft and welcoming. He smelled of hearth and leather. That was so Rand. He was now the king, but a part of him would always be a bit wild, and she loved that. As he deepened the kiss, Astryn’s hands gripped his sides, wanting—no needing—him closer. And as Rand claimed her mouth, it was as if right here in this moment, everything made sense. As if everything in her life had been leading to this point. All the pain, heartache, and strife she’d gone through had been worth it. And anything she had yet to face was possible. He was her husband, and together they could face anything.
His muscles suddenly tensed under her fingers, and she opened her eyes to find his intense eyes locked on hers. He moved his mouth to right above her ear. “We are not alone.”
He unwound his hands from her hair in a caress as if they were still in the dance of the kiss. His right hand skimmed along her body until moving to the hilt of his sword at his side. With his left hand, he traveled his fingers along her right arm, then captured her wrist.
A tremor flowed through Astryn as he spoke again. His voice was barely audible. “There are at least three of them.”
He slid her hand to his hip under his coat. When her fingers found the hilt of a dagger, she gripped it and gave a small nod.
“On three, get behind me. One. Two.” He brushed one last kiss over her forehead. “Three.” Rand released her and pulled his weapon at the same time. He shifted in the movement to stand between her and the three assailants. They had no doubt been on the road for some time, and their lack of hygiene testified to that. Another glance told her they were just meant to look like petty thieves. Their swords were too fine. Their stances too balanced. They were trained soldiers—or more likely assassins. Astryn scanned the area, looking for signs of more, but came up empty.
“You are outnumbered.” The tall one in the center spoke. He wasn’t the strongest of the three, but with his height and calculating gaze, he no doubt was the one in charge. His eyes locked on Astryn’s pendant. “All we want is the woman. Let her go and we won’t harm you.”
“That isn’t going to happen.” Rand’s voice was almost a growl. “You see, that woman is my wife, and she just told me she loves me. So why don’t you three walk away, and we can get back to things that are none of your business.”
The tall man nodded to the burliest of them, who took a step toward Rand and Astryn. “Don’t say I didn’t give you a chance.”
“Back at you.” Rand raised his sword.
Devin read faster. Skipping some of the sword flashing. She could come back and read the details of it later. Right now she needed to know. Was Rand going to save Astryn? Was Logan going to fight for his career? For them?
Astryn gaped at the bodies of the three assailants on the ground, then at Rand, who stood wiping his sword. Rand had done it. He’d killed all three and even managed to ascertain that they were Valderian. At least their enemy had a name and a king who would give account for their actions. She took a step toward Rand just as he swayed.
Astryn ran toward him, but he was already lowering himself to the ground. What was happening? They had won.
“Rand.” She reached for him, but his shirt was damp and warm. She drew her hand back, covered in blood. “No. Rand. Don’t you dare die on me.”
The red stain spread on his shirt. She pulled back his coat, revealing a deep gash the length of her hand. No. No!
No, no, it couldn’t be. She’d only just found him. She couldn’t let him go. She pressed her hand against the wound, but there was no stopping the flow of blood. “You can’t leave me. You promised to build me a cottage. You promised.”
Rand lifted a weak hand as the color faded from his face. “You are safe now.”
She gripped her necklace, but his hand weakly covered hers. “No.”
She tried to push his hand away, but he shook his head.
“You can’t.” The words were labored and rough. “It will kill you. You…must live.”
“I can save you.” Her words were barely recognizable through her sobs.
“It will kill you. Just like my mother. You know it is true.”
She should have never told him about the whole encounter. But she had told him when she’d believed she’d failed to save Orin.
The power is a gift, and it belongs to Origin. Don’t forget that when you are forced to make the same choice between life and love.
The day had come, and it hadn’t been about Orin but her true love. She could choose to save Rand, but it would cost her everything. Then where would the country be? Anathia would have no leader, Cambria would have no future. And no one left alive would know the Valderian king had been behind it all. One of them had to live.
A deep sob that pulled from her core ripped from her as Astryn pressed her lips to Rand’s clammy cheek. Her whole body shook, but she didn’t even try to stop the tears as she closed her eyes, laying her head on Rand’s chest, waiting for it to beat its last.
She set down her phone and pulled her comforter over her head. He was letting any hope of them die. And if she was right, he was letting Victor Holt die.
Lord, I feel so helpless. I need You to show up.
She lowered the blanket and read the verse Hannah had mentioned yesterday. As soon as she’d gotten back to her room, she’d looked it up and written it on her mirror with dry-erase marker. The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.
She had to believe that God was also going before Logan. Loving him. Showing up for him. And while the end was still unfinished, there was still hope.
And if God needed her to show up for Logan, that He’d make it clear and He’d make a way. Because just driving north until she hit Thompsonville and hoping she ran into him probably wouldn’t work.
Her phone chimed and she picked it up.
Hannah
The Wallis kids were hoping to see you. Any chance you could come join us for breakfast at my in-laws’? We’re all here.
All?
As if her friend had read her mind, another text popped up.
Hannah
Sorry. Should have said that better. All but Logan.
Devin
Is it ready now? I would need at least twenty minutes to get ready. #stillinbed
Hannah
#jealous. That is fine. It is more of a buffet approach to breakfast and people eat as they are ready. See you soon.
A strange mix of relief and sorrow swirled through Devin. Her gaze flicked back to her scrawled writing on the mirror, and she drew in a deep breath—and the truth. She wasn’t in this alone.
Devin tossed some clothes on, pulled her hair back in a long braid, and sent a message that she was on her way. She couldn’t dwell on Astryn’s scene any longer.
Twenty minutes later as she poured a helping of syrup on her pancakes, she still had no idea of how to fix it. Alani and Tyce had just finished up when she arrived, but Easton was still pushing his breakfast around his plate.
Finally, he looked up. “I’m sorry I let the sheep out and ruined your event.”
“I forgive you. I’m sorry you’re hurting. Do you miss the Barlows?”
His brow wrinkled. “No. I think they wanted to like us, they just never did. It was like they were pretending. I’m glad we’re here, I just…”
“What?”
“Why did Logan leave without saying goodbye? I thought he wasn’t pretending.”
“He wasn’t.” Her frustration for Logan rose again. “He cares about you a lot. I’m sure he’ll come back and visit sometime.”
Easton shrugged and carried his plate to the sink. He had just left the room when Liam broke the silence. “We agree that my brother is being an idiot.”
“Liam.” His mom bopped him on the head.
“What?” He rubbed the top of his brown mop. “We talked about it.”
She took in each face. Of course they had already read today’s scene.
“I just hate that he’s throwing everything away.” Devin’s voice quivered. “I’m not talking about us. He’s throwing away his career. You can’t let him do that.”
“We tried to tell him that yesterday.” Luke snagged another pancake.
“You saw him?” She sat up a little taller.
His mom released a deep sigh and passed the blueberries. “We all drove up yesterday to his cabin, but he can be very—”
“Stubborn.” Liam took a bite of his bacon. “Pigheaded. A dumb—”
“Determined.” His mom sent him another look. “But he wrote the final chapter and won’t be talked out of it.”
“You’ve read it?” Her fork dropped to her plate as the reality hummed through her skin. He wasn’t still deciding his next step, he’d already decided. Her gaze traveled around the table, but all eyes shifted down. They had all read it. She wiped her mouth on a napkin. “Let me read it.”
“We can’t.” Liam winced. “He made us all promise when we saw him yesterday not to interfere.”
Hannah walked over to the counter and pulled a rolled-up stack of papers from her purse. “Liam emailed it to each of us. And I printed it out, because I think you need to read it. If you didn’t come to breakfast, I was going to drop it by later.”
When everyone stared at Hannah, she shrugged. “He didn’t make me promise, and I’m not going to let him throw away the best thing in his life because he is being stubborn and he’s afraid.”
Devin took the papers and unrolled them. “I agree, Victor Holt means too much to too many people to throw that away.”
Hannah covered the pages in front of Devin with her hand. “I am talking about you. Careers come and go. But you love him, and he loves you.”
Did he, though? If he did, could he really walk away so easily?
Hannah removed her hand, and Devin skimmed over the pages. It was worse than she feared. Rand was dead. Astryn’s father had taken over the care of Anathia with the hope Astryn would one day find love again. A sick sensation churned in Devin’s stomach.
This wasn’t the end the story deserved. This was garbage.
What was she going to do? She couldn’t call him. She didn’t even know where his cabin was. She set the pages aside.
Hannah thrust her phone into Devin’s hands. “Have you ever used the Life360 app?”
She blinked at Hannah’s phone. “No.”
“Funny thing about the app.” Hannah reached over and navigated to a purple icon. “It helps you know where your friends and family are. It even saves where people in your circle went. Want to see where Luke went yesterday?”
She pointed to a black line that traveled from Heritage up to just north of Thompsonville. And it listed an address where he’d stopped.
“You think I should go?”
Hannah squeezed her shoulder. “Like I said yesterday, only you can decide that. But if I had known where Luke was when he’d run, I would have gone even if he didn’t think he wanted to see me.”
Luke nodded. “And I would have been glad to see her even if I thought I didn’t want to.”
Devin picked up her phone and found the same location on her phone map and tapped for directions. He was two hours away. “I’m supposed to help set up the Christmas Adam dance tonight at five.”
“That’s in seven hours.” Liam stretched his arms across the chairs on both sides. “Two hours there. Two hours back. Two hours to…uh…make up. You would still have an hour to spare.”
