Reunited At Christmas
Belle Calhoune
A Season to RememberTwo years after the avalanche everyone thought had claimed her life, Ruby Prescott returns to the remote Alaskan town of Love. And no one is more ecstatic than her husband Liam and their young son. Even if amnesia has robbed Ruby of her memories, she’s soon woven back into the fabric of their lives. As they celebrate the holiday season, Ruby is falling head over heels with the man she’s told was the love of her life. But she can’t escape the feeling that there's something Liam is keeping a secret. Will the return of her memories tear them apart for good—or will this be a Christmas she’ll never forget?
A Season to Remember
Two years after the avalanche everyone thought had claimed her life, Ruby Prescott returns to the remote Alaskan town of Love. And no one is more ecstatic than her husband, Liam, and their young son. Even if amnesia has robbed Ruby of her memories, she’s soon woven back into the fabric of their lives. As they celebrate the holiday season, Ruby is falling head over heels for the man she’s told was the love of her life. But she can’t escape the feeling that there’s something Liam is keeping a secret. Will the return of her memories tear them apart for good—or will this be a Christmas she’ll never forget?
“She doesn’t remember you, Liam.”
Liam let out a strangled sound that caused her to flinch.
Liam. It was a nice name. Strong. Solid. He was good-looking. Rugged. He had dark brown hair. His warm blue eyes radiated an intensity that unnerved her.
And he couldn’t seem to take his eyes off her.
Liam ran a shaky hand over his face. “Wh-what are you talking about, Boone?”
The sheriff still had a hold on Liam. They were face-to-face, staring each other down. Electricity crackled in the room. What had Sheriff Prescott told Liam over the phone?
Liam shook his head in disbelief. His face held a dazed expression. He swung his gaze back toward her. “Ruby,” he said, brushing off the sheriff’s grip. He took two steps toward her. She held her ground without retreating. “I can’t believe it’s you. I feel like I’m dreaming. You’re back!”
“I don’t remember you. Or this town,” Ruby blurted out. She tilted her chin up, locking gazes with him. “I’m sorry.”
Dear Reader (#u3ad61cca-c86d-58c2-a360-bae645c41470),
Thank you for joining me on this journey to Love, Alaska. I truly hope you enjoyed Liam and Ruby’s love story. I really enjoyed writing this reunion romance with a twist.
I love Christmas. It truly is the most wonderful time of the year. Peppermint hot chocolate. Decking the halls. Placing the star on top of the Christmas tree. Spreading cheer and goodwill. And above all, celebrating the birth of Christ.
Liam and Ruby’s love story was one I really wanted to tell. Marriages go through tough times, and with love and faith, coupled with God’s guiding light, we can work through these obstacles. Love really can move mountains.
Ruby Prescott is a woman who is searching for truth and family connections. The ties that bind us to the ones we love is a powerful theme. Although Ruby questions whether she truly belongs in Love, what she finds in the small fishing village is true, enduring love and happiness.
Although Liam has a clear view of the past, he’s not certain of his future. He’s bogged down by the mistakes of the past and his fear of Ruby remembering that their marriage wasn’t perfect. What he learns is that God doesn’t expect perfection from us. All of us are flawed, imperfect beings, but saved by God’s grace.
Both Liam and Ruby needed faith to get them through the difficult questions surrounding the future of their marriage. Ultimately, they discover that love is truly the best gift of all.
I am honored to write for the Love Inspired line. It’s been a dream come true. Being able to work in my pajamas is the best perk of the job.
I love hearing from readers, however you choose to contact me. You can reach me by email at scalhoune@gmail.com, at my Author Belle Calhoune Facebook page or at my website, bellecalhoune.com (http://www.bellecalhoune.com). If you’re on Twitter, reach out to me @BelleCalhoune (https://mobile.twitter.com/bellecalhoune).
Blessings,
Belle
BELLE CALHOUNE grew up in a small town in Massachusetts. Married to her college sweetheart, she is raising two lovely daughters in Connecticut. A dog lover, she has one mini poodle and a chocolate Lab. Writing for the Love Inspired line is a dream come true. Working at home in her pajamas is one of the best perks of the job. Belle enjoys summers in Cape Cod, traveling and reading.
Reunited at Christmas
Belle Calhoune
www.millsandboon.co.uk (http://www.millsandboon.co.uk)
Beareth all things, believeth all things,
hopeth all things, endureth all things.
—1 Corinthians 13:7
For my father, Fred C. Bell, who always worked hard to make Christmas a wonderful time for his children. And for paying all of my outrageous library fines I accrued over the years.
Acknowledgments (#u3ad61cca-c86d-58c2-a360-bae645c41470)
For my family... Thanks for always listening to all my story ideas and giving me a thumbs-up.
For all the readers who have been asking for more stories set in Love, Alaska. Thank you for embracing the Alaskan Grooms series.
For my editor, Emily Rodmell,
for all of your support and enthusiasm for
Liam and Ruby’s love story.
Contents
Cover (#u201be401-98ab-5fa4-950c-f6e6268dbd89)
Back Cover Text (#uc769ab2c-e02b-59f6-b8c3-b1cf0e20a16c)
Introduction (#u67786c50-7707-59ad-9937-9973152d0c81)
About the Author (#u8d5d985b-5ec8-5026-b6f6-72fb26b2077a)
Title Page (#ub960364a-b586-52b7-ab7a-d5be964d5804)
Bible Verse (#uafaaf065-c864-514b-976a-760201571b33)
Dedication (#u08a43034-b976-5050-9ccc-e1d567d103fd)
Acknowledgments (#ud74225d6-d8f1-5bdc-96f6-16e107f47137)
Chapter One (#u001dcd63-c883-5bf6-b0f1-f359ebab1902)
Chapter Two (#u719bbdbd-d1e9-57d7-b2ed-474a153bf898)
Chapter Three (#u2af21a3f-7e82-5573-94d8-eb56efafddbd)
Chapter Four (#u5708779f-f095-5858-9f7c-77b00b43acf2)
Chapter Five (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter Six (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter Seven (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter Eight (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter Nine (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter Ten (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter Eleven (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter Twelve (#litres_trial_promo)
Epilogue (#litres_trial_promo)
Dear Reader (#u37ad8509-5c45-535f-bb5c-f6170d9d1a98)
Extract (#litres_trial_promo)
Copyright (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter One (#u3ad61cca-c86d-58c2-a360-bae645c41470)
Dr. Liam Prescott had always loved Christmas. When it came right down to it, there was no place he would rather be celebrating the holiday than in his hometown of Love, Alaska. Candy canes. Twinkling lights. Peppermint hot chocolate at the Moose Café. Pine trees at the ready for decorating. Caroling from door to door. Normally there wasn’t a single thing about it he didn’t enjoy.
He’d been putting up a brave front these past few weeks, but he still felt as if he had a huge hole in the middle of his heart. It was especially hard over the holidays to deal with the loss of a loved one.
This year he would focus on Aidan. It would serve as a distraction from everything they had lost two years ago. The sound of his four-year-old son’s tinkling laughter as he enjoyed the spirit of the season would be the highlight. To see it unfold through Aidan’s eyes would be wonderful. Despite the fact they were still grieving, he wanted to give his son the most memorable Christmas ever. Although he would try his best to enjoy the festive season, it was still incredibly difficult. The loss of his wife in an avalanche search-and-rescue mission two years ago continued to sit heavily on his chest like an anchor.
Liam walked down Jarvis Street, pausing to peer through the window of the five-and-dime so he could check out the toys on display. So far he had a few items stashed away for Aidan, but nothing that would knock his socks off. He needed something fantastic that Aidan could rip open on Christmas morning and feel ecstatic about. Maybe if he focused on his son’s joy he wouldn’t have to deal with his own pain.
He regarded the red toboggan with a critical eye. Red was Aidan’s favorite color. His son was getting to the age where he wanted to fly down the smaller hills in town without his father cramping his style. I’m a big boy, Daddy. Aidan’s words buzzed in his ears. His pluck and grit made him smile.
Every day Aidan was growing, both physically and emotionally. He was starting to ask questions about his mother and the tragedy that had befallen her and irrevocably changed both their lives. Liam always tried to be as honest as possible, while still protecting his son’s innocence. He wished that he could tell Aidan that he himself understood why Ruby had been taken from them. But he didn’t understand. Not one little bit.
People often said losing a loved one was like navigating a treacherous, winding river. As far as he was concerned, it was much worse. He knew he should have pushed past the initial overwhelming grief stage, but every time he thought about his sweet, beautiful Ruby, he found himself floundering in a tidal wave of loss.
How did a person ever make peace with losing the love of a lifetime? He still hadn’t found an answer to that question. Liam had come to terms with the idea that he had to move forward with his life, but he still ached for Ruby. He still agonized about the things he could have done differently. He continued to ask God why He hadn’t spared her.
The insistent buzz of his cell phone had him digging in his coat pocket. A quick glance at the screen displayed his brother Boone’s number at the sheriff’s office.
He tapped the phone with his finger. “Hey, Boone,” he answered as he took the call “What’s going on?”
“Where have you been? I’ve been calling you for the last hour.” Boone’s voice had a frantic quality.
“I’m right here on Jarvis Street, heading back to the clinic,” Liam explained. “I just finished eating a few minutes ago.”
Liam had stopped in to eat lunch at his other brother’s coffee bar, the Moose Café. No doubt the din inside had prevented him from hearing his phone ring.
“Can you come by the sheriff’s office right away? It’s important.” He hadn’t imagined it. Boone’s voice sounded tight with strain.
“What happened? Is it Jasper?” Liam asked, inquiring about their grandfather, Mayor Jasper Prescott. His pulse began to race wildly. As patriarch of the Prescott family, Jasper was well loved. At times irascible and feisty, he could also be tender and wise. And due to his heart problems, they had almost lost him not too long ago. His health was a constant source of worry.
“No, it’s not Jasper. You have to prepare yourself—” The line crackled. Boone’s voice was swallowed up by static.
“Boone! Boone!” he called out. “I can’t hear you. The call is breaking up.”
“Urgent. Need to tell you—” A crackling sound came across the line. Suddenly the call dropped.
Something was wrong. Liam had heard it in his older brother’s voice. The sheriff’s office was only a few minutes away. Rather than call Boone back, Liam decided to head straight over to his office. Please, Lord. Let my family be safe and sound. We already dealt with the worst when we lost Ruby! Don’t let anything take us down that road again.
Liam raced down the street, barely pausing to say hello to passersby as they greeted him. As a doctor here in town, he had a lot of clients who loved to stop him for a chat whenever he passed by. There was no time for that today. There had been something strained in his brother’s tone that Liam had found alarming. He pushed open the door to the sheriff’s office and rushed inside. Shelly, Boone’s receptionist, stared at him with wide eyes. Fear skittered through him. Normally she greeted him effusively.
What in the world is going on?
Shelly pointed toward Boone’s office without saying a single word. With his heart in his throat, Liam thrust the door open without even knocking. Boone was standing in front of his desk, his head bowed. There was a woman seated in the chair facing his desk. All Liam could see was the back of her head and shoulders.
“Sorry to interrupt your meeting. The call cut out, so I headed straight over here.” The words tumbled from Liam’s lips. His chest was rising and falling rapidly. He felt almost breathless.
Boone held up his hands. “Liam. Let’s go in the next room. I need to talk to you.” His face had a gray tinge. His jaw was tightly clenched.
Just as Boone stepped toward him, the woman turned her head around, allowing him to see her face head-on. It was a face that had been seared to his heart, mind and soul for eight years. Long, dark brown hair. Brown eyes flecked with caramel. Café-au-lait-colored skin. A heart-shaped face.
Liam let out a guttural cry. He felt a falling sensation, as if someone had pushed him off the highest branches of a mighty oak tree. For a moment he couldn’t get a breath. There was no way he could utter a single word.
“Steady!” Boone said, grabbing hold of his arms as his knees buckled underneath him.
The room began to spin. He pressed his eyes closed. What was happening to him? Nothing was making sense at the moment. Everything in his world had turned upside down.
When he opened his eyes again, she was still sitting there, regarding him with a shuttered expression on her face. Ruby. His wife. The only woman he had ever loved.
Although she had been declared dead approximately two years ago in a failed search-and-rescue mission in Colorado, she was now sitting in Boone’s mahogany chair, looking very much alive and well.
* * *
Ruby stood from her chair, wanting to be on the same level as the sheriff and the man he’d referred to as Liam. It already seemed as if she was at a distinct disadvantage in this situation. Having amnesia meant she had no tangible memories of this fishing village in Alaska, nor did she recognize the man named Liam who looked as if his legs might buckle underneath him. She was still getting used to the name Ruby. For the first year after her accident she’d called herself Kit until she had remembered her real name.
Sheriff Prescott hadn’t told her who he had been on the phone with earlier, although she had heard him speak in an urgent tone. Next thing she knew, Liam had crashed into the room like a man on a mission.
All she felt at the moment was an overwhelming sense of fear. It was the same emotion she’d been battling for the last two years. Her legs were shaking like crazy. Coming to Love, Alaska, had been an act of pure bravery on her part. She had wanted to face her nebulous past so she could move forward with her life. And now, caught in this uncomfortable moment, she found herself wishing she had stayed back home in Colorado.
Home? That was a misnomer. She hadn’t yet found a place to call home. Perhaps she never would. After seeing a story on the news about a matchmaking program called Operation Love, she had experienced a strong feeling of connection with the town featured in the report—Love, Alaska. As a result, she had ventured all the way there in the hope of getting answers. And standing here before her was a man who might be able to provide them for her.
Her entire body froze. There was so much emotion etched on the man named Liam’s face. The way he was looking at her caused something to tighten in her chest. There had been a look of absolute shock, followed by an expression of such joy that it made her want to sob. The sheriff hadn’t told her anything about who this man was, but she knew instinctively that he had been a huge part of her life. His reaction to her presence spoke volumes.
“Ruby!” Liam’s voice sounded raspy and filled with surprise. He moved toward her with his arms open. She took a step backward, overwhelmed by the thought of being touched by a stranger. The sheriff held him back, and Ruby heard him say, “She doesn’t remember you, Liam.”
Liam let out a strangled sound that caused her to flinch. It was infused with pain.
Liam. It was a nice name. Strong. Solid. He was good-looking. Rugged. He had dark brown, chin-length hair. His warm, blue eyes radiated an intensity that unnerved her. He was tall, with a rangy build. And he couldn’t seem to take his eyes off her.
She shifted from one foot to the other, feeling the heat from his intense gaze, folded her arms across her chest and watched the interaction between the two men. She was good at picking up on cues. It was a skill she had honed ever since her amnesia diagnosis. These men were close. Brothers or best friends, she imagined.
Liam ran a shaky hand over his face. “W-what are you talking about, Boone?”
The sheriff still had a hold on Liam. They were face-to-face, staring each other down. Electricity crackled in the room. What had Sheriff Prescott told Liam over the phone?
“She showed up here looking for any information we could provide about her past or family connections. From what I’ve been able to piece together, she sustained a head injury that led to amnesia. She was living in a remote area of Colorado until a recent move to Denver.” Boone let out a sigh. “I couldn’t believe it when she walked into my office.”
Liam shook his head as if in disbelief. His face held a dazed expression. He swung his eyes back to her. “Ruby,” he said, brushing off the sheriff’s grip. He took two steps toward her. She held her ground without retreating. “I can’t believe it’s you. I feel like I’m dreaming. You’re back!”
“I don’t remember you. Or this town,” Ruby blurted. She tilted her chin up, locking gazes with him. “I’m sorry,” she said in a brusque voice. “But you need to know that before you get your hopes up.”
His face fell. It made her want to cry to see him so torn up inside. And to know that it was due to her. But she wasn’t going to mince words. Raising his hopes would be cruel.
“What do you remember?” he asked, his voice sounding ragged.
“Flashes. Moments. Bits and pieces. Something about this town feels familiar. My name,” Ruby said. “Although for a long time I couldn’t remember it, so I came up with another name for myself.”
The sheriff moved forward. “Her doctors said it’s retrograde amnesia.”
“Retrograde amnesia,” Liam mumbled. He appeared to be a bit dazed. “I—I don’t understand.”
“In my case they theorized that due to a head trauma I lost all my memories from before the accident,” Ruby explained. “I get flashes from time to time, but they’re disconnected and not grounded to anything solid. Sometimes it feels like a really fast slide show.”
Liam met her gaze. “Will the memories eventually come back?”
Ruby shrugged. “Some people do recover their memories, but the doctors have told me there’s no way of knowing whether mine will return.”
“So you don’t remember marrying me? Or being my wife?” Liam asked. His jaw trembled.
“A-are you really my husband?” she asked. She jutted her chin in Boone’s direction. “He wouldn’t tell me anything when he called you. He wouldn’t even tell me who he was on the phone with. Needless to say, I don’t like being kept in the dark. It’s pretty much been the story of my life for the last few years.”
“My name is Liam Prescott. I’m Sheriff Prescott’s brother. And, yes, you’re my wife,” Liam said. Tears misted in his eyes. He ran his hand over his face. “I’m so sorry, Ruby, that you don’t remember any of this.”
Although on some level she knew there was a possibility this man was her husband, just hearing the words come out of his mouth served as a jolt.
Ruby couldn’t help but let out a gasp. The news made her feel wobbly. She should have been prepared for this since the slight indentation on her ring finger had caused her to question whether she was a married woman. But where was her ring? Had she lost it during whatever traumatic incident had caused her amnesia?
And why else would the sheriff have called Liam down here? Liam’s emotional reaction made perfect sense now. He was a man whose wife had been presumed dead for several years. And now she was back with no warning and nothing to prepare him for the startling sight of her.
“If you’re my husband, then who is Aidan?” she whispered. It was staggering to find out that this gorgeous, emotional and rugged man belonged to her. Although she had always had a niggling sensation of having been married, there had been no flashes of this man or events from their life together.
Liam’s blue eyes lit up. Relief swept across his features. “So you do remember something? You remember Aidan?”
She shook her head, her long hair swirling about her shoulders. “No, I don’t. I’ve been wearing this. At first I thought it might be my name even though it sounded masculine.” She held up the necklace that had been hidden from sight under her winter coat. The name Aidan had been etched on the gold pendant in flowery script.
Emotion flickered in his eyes. “I gave that to you as a birthday gift. You wore it every day without fail.”
“What does it mean? Who is Aidan?” she asked, voicing the question she’d been asking herself for two years. The necklace had become important to her—it had been the only tangible thing tying her to the life she couldn’t remember.
Liam seemed to be searching her eyes for clues. “He’s our child, Ruby. Yours and mine.”
Child. Hearing that single word served as a kick in the gut. She had often wondered if she was a mother. If she was being completely honest with herself, she had known deep down in her soul that she was somebody’s mama. She remembered bits and pieces. Nothing more than fragments.
The smell of talcum powder. Cradling a newborn in her arms. Singing a soothing lullaby. A tuft of dark hair.
She sank back down into the chair, overwhelmed by the knowledge that Aidan was her son. “How old is he?” she asked, her voice a notch above a whisper. It felt strange asking questions about her own child. But she wanted to know. She needed answers.
“He’ll be five in a few weeks,” Liam said. A hint of a smile played around his lips.
“Five,” she said with a nod. “That’s a great age.” Why had she just blurted that out? What did she know about five-year-olds?
“He’s a wonderful boy. You’d be proud of him,” Liam said. “You two used to be inseparable.”
Ruby had no idea what to say to that. It hurt terribly to know that she couldn’t remember precious moments with her own flesh and blood. A child she had carried in her womb and given birth to and nurtured. A boy who had been emotionally tied to her. Pain unlike any she’d ever felt before ricocheted through her. She had felt lost ever since she’d woken up in Colorado with no memories of who she was or where she belonged. Although she hadn’t thought it possible to feel more agony, finding out about her son and husband filled her with a sense of yearning to fill all the holes in her memory.
They must have loved her, and in return, she must have loved them back.
Lord, please help me. I’ve been stumbling around in the dark for so long. But now a big bright light is being shined on my past and yet I feel nothing but confusion. I’m still uncertain about who I am and where I’m going. I’m a mother and a wife, but I’m not sure I know how to be either of those things.
Liam shoved his hand through his hair. He let out a huff of air and exchanged a look filled with hidden meaning with the sheriff. “Aidan. I have to bring you to see him, Ruby. He prays for you every night.”
Ruby raised her hand to her trembling lips. Just thinking about a little boy uttering prayers for her was enough to make her come undone. He’s not just any little boy, her voice buzzed in her head. He’s your son. Your flesh and blood. That raised the stakes even higher.
She shook her head as a tidal wave of emotions rolled over her. Trudy and Ezra had been concerned about this very thing happening. They had wanted to make the trip with her, but after two years of being under their wing, she had needed to do something without their sheltering arms.
But everything was rushing at her now, like a freight train at maximum speed. Suddenly she started taking rapid breaths of air. It felt like she couldn’t breathe. She folded her arms around her stomach and began deeply breathing in and out.
“Ruby! Are you all right?” Liam took the final few steps toward her, quickly swallowing up the distance between them. She felt his hands touching her. There was something comforting about his hands resting on her shoulders. It was the oddest thing, since he was technically a stranger to her, and she always felt wary of people she didn’t know.
“It might be a good idea to give her some space,” Boone said to Liam. “This could be very overwhelming for her,” he explained, casting Ruby a concerned glance.
With a begrudging look on his face, Liam took a few steps back. Boone followed suit.
“If you’re not feeling well, I can get you something to drink or take you to my clinic,” Liam said. “I’m a doctor here in town.”
Liam was a doctor? She shouldn’t be surprised by the news. He exuded a kind and authoritative air. It wasn’t hard to imagine him treating patients or calming a distraught child who needed shots. Ruby didn’t know whether there was a part of her that was remembering something from the past or whether it was strictly her imagination, but a picture of Liam outfitted in a white lab coat, a stethoscope hanging around his neck, flashed before her eyes.
“I’m fine,” Ruby said. “I think everything is just catching up to me.” She rubbed the back of her neck. “The plane ride. Being back here. I know you’re saying this is where I’m from, but I feel like a newborn filly finding its legs.”
“Ruby, I know this can’t be easy for you, but this is a blessing for our family. God answered our prayers.” He locked eyes with her. “And now I need to bring you back home where you belong so you can reunite with Aidan.”
Oh, no! She didn’t think she was quite ready for that. Ruby wanted to see her child, but she was terrified. What would she say to him? Would he expect her to be a certain way or hold him in a special manner? She didn’t know a single thing about being a mother.
“I hadn’t planned on anything like this,” she said lamely. “I—I don’t know what I would say to him. How do I explain that I don’t remember him?”
“If you don’t face this, you might never really be able to move forward.” Liam’s voice held an intensity that reverberated throughout the room. “Part of that is meeting your son.”
Ruby bit her lip. A feeling of anxiety swept over her. Had coming to Love been a huge mistake? Everything was happening so quickly. In a matter of minutes her life had dramatically changed, so much so that she wasn’t sure she could keep up with all the shifts.
“Can Ruby and I have a moment alone?” Liam asked, looking over at the sheriff, who nodded before stepping out of the room.
Once they were alone, Ruby felt a sudden shyness take over. This tall, good-looking man with the soulful, intense eyes was her husband. He belonged to her. And she to him. The weight of it settled over her like a warm blanket. Even though she couldn’t remember him or any specific details about their life together, she felt a tremendous pull in his direction that shook her to her very core. She fought against a sudden impulse to run all the way back to Colorado where she’d been safe from this gorgeous, rugged man who seemed to want the world from her.
Chapter Two (#u3ad61cca-c86d-58c2-a360-bae645c41470)
Once they were alone, Liam took a moment to simply gaze at his wife. She was even more beautiful than before, he realized. If that was even remotely possible. Since the very first time he had laid eyes on her, he’d believed that Ruby was the loveliest woman in the world. She had the type of beauty that turned heads. Her warm brown eyes had always showed him her truths. Now, he couldn’t see anything radiating from their russet depths but fear.
And it killed him that instead of making her feel safe, his presence brought her anxiety. Hadn’t Ruby always sought him out for love and protection? At least she had until the last few weeks before the accident in Colorado. He’d never admitted it to a single person, but his marriage had been coming apart at the seams. They had fought over the dangers of her occupation and Liam’s desire to have her close to home rather than flying out on rescue missions. Now, with Ruby’s memory loss, he was still the only person who knew she had asked for a separation before heading to Colorado.
“You can trust me, Ruby. I’m not going to do anything to hurt you,” he said, moving toward her slowly so as not to startle her. At the moment she resembled a deer caught in the headlights. His insides twisted painfully at the sight of her discomfort. He could only imagine how difficult it would be to come face-to-face with a past you couldn’t remember.
“That’s not what I’m worried about. I don’t want to hurt Aidan.” She twisted her fingers together and bowed her head.
His heart leaped at the sight of it. It had been a tic of Ruby’s whenever she was nervous. It was reassuring to know that she had still retained something about herself that he recognized. Even though she couldn’t remember him or their life together, this was still Ruby, despite the obvious changes in her demeanor. His wife. The woman he had vowed to love for a lifetime.
Something told him he might be repeating this mantra over and over again in the weeks and months to come.
“Hurt him?” Liam asked. “That’s not possible. He’s going to be over the moon to have his mother back.”
She lifted her head up and looked at him, her expression mournful. “But I won’t be the same mother who raised him. I’m a different person now, and I know that must be confusing and heartbreaking to you, but the accident changed all that.”
Her words popped his euphoria like the bursting of a balloon. This wasn’t nearly as straightforward as he would like to believe. The woman standing before him wasn’t his Ruby.
“What happened to you?” he blurted. He had so many questions about where Ruby had been for the last few years and how she had lived. Ever since he had walked into Boone’s office they had been churning inside him like acid.
A sigh slipped past her lips. “I was in an accident, I think. I’ve had CT scans on my head, and it’s pretty apparent that I suffered a traumatic brain injury. I don’t know exactly what happened, but when I woke up I was in a remote, wooded area.” She shook her head. “I must have wandered there in a daze from the mountain. God must have been watching out for me.”
“You were in Colorado doing a search-and-rescue operation.” He smiled at her. “That was your job. You were really great at it, too. You were caught up in an avalanche when you were doing a mountain rescue.”
Ruby’s jaw dropped. “Search and rescue? I had no idea. The reason I came to Love was because of a news story I watched on television about the Operation Love program. It basically detailed how the town mayor was matching single bachelors from here in town with women from all over the country.” She furrowed her brow. “There was something so familiar about the town. And I couldn’t get it out of my mind for days and days after I watched the segment. It gnawed at me. Call it a gut feeling, but I knew there was some connection between this quaint village and my old life. So I made the decision to fly out here and do some digging. I hit pay dirt the moment I entered your brother’s office. He practically hit the floor the moment he laid eyes on me.”
“Can’t say I blame him,” Liam murmured. “I had the same reaction.”
“It’s understandable. It’s been two years since the accident.”
“My dad was there that day in Colorado, helping out with the operation. He’s search and rescue like yourself. He saw you get swallowed up by the snow-slip, along with three others who were standing on that mountain ledge.” Just recalling it sent shivers through his body. It had been the darkest day of his life.
Ruby’s brown eyes widened. “Did they make it?”
“No,” he said somberly. “Only one body was recovered. All three of you were presumed dead.”
Tears pooled in Ruby’s eyes. “I have no idea how I survived that. All I know is that I was discovered by a couple who live in a remote area, miles away from the mountain. I don’t have a clue as to how I got there, but my friend Trudy spotted me wandering aimlessly near their cabin. When she brought me inside she said I was disoriented and couldn’t even remember my name. For the first few months she and her husband called me Kit. Then I remembered my name. It just came to me out of the blue.”
Liam felt a burst of anger toward the couple who had taken Ruby in. He clenched his teeth and reminded himself to count to ten so he didn’t vent. “How in the world didn’t they connect you to the rescue operation on the mountain? It was in all the papers and on the internet.”
Ruby quirked her mouth. “The couple who rescued me lives off the grid. Their lifestyle is very humble. They don’t have television or internet. And they were very protective of me. They brought in a doctor who examined me at their home since I was too afraid to leave. There was a bump on the back of my head, along with bruised ribs and some contusions. He wanted me to come in for additional testing, but I refused any further medical intervention.”
“You’re incredibly fortunate there wasn’t bleeding on the brain or anything else that might have been fatal.” Liam hated sounding like a medical know-it-all, but he couldn’t help but see this from a doctor’s vantage point. Not seeking medical attention at a hospital had been foolish. And risky.
Ruby sent him a sheepish look. “Not too smart of me, I know. I was a wreck for months and months. I jumped at the slightest sound, and I refused to do anything outside of my narrow comfort zone. It wasn’t until I went to Denver that I began to get connected with modern-day living. That’s when I finally had medical tests to get a firm diagnosis.”
“I’m amazed that you went so long without medical attention,” Liam said with a shake of his head. “But I understand that your circumstances were extreme. Having no memories must have been terrifying.”
“It was,” Ruby said with a sigh. “I don’t want to say I’m used to it now, but nothing is as bad as those first few days and weeks when nothing made sense. Lately I’ve experienced more flashes of memory. I’m grateful that I remembered my name and this town...even though I have to admit it’s not easy being here.”
Liam observed the worry lines and strain etched on her face. He wanted to reach out and take away all her fears and worries. Back when things were good between them he would have reached out and swept a kiss across her brow and soothed Ruby the way he knew best. If only he could. Those days felt like a million years ago.
He smiled at her. “I feel very grateful that those flashes led you back home.”
“Home.” She wrinkled her nose as she said the word. “I don’t want to hurt your feelings, because you seem like a very nice man, but home isn’t something I’ve ever known. Not really. The home we shared... I wish that I could remember it, but I can’t.”
Liam’s heart lurched at the look of utter defeat etched on Ruby’s face. The woman he knew was a fighter. She had never given up on anything. Not a single time. Not ever.
“I know everything is coming at you fast and furiously. But I need you to know that when I married you I took our wedding vows very seriously...we both did. We’re still married, Ruby. My home is your home.”
“Liam,” she protested, “what you’re saying is very sweet, but I don’t—”
“I know you don’t remember us and our life together, but I remember you,” Liam interrupted. “The food you like. What makes you laugh. Your favorite color. The way your cheeks flush when you get angry.”
A vein began thrumming above her eye. “Those things may have changed. I’ve done a lot of research on my condition. Tastes can become altered after a brain injury. For instance, I love apples. I may not have before.”
Liam grinned. It made him happy to know that she hadn’t changed completely, despite the differences he noticed in her demeanor and personality. “You’ve always loved apples,” he said. “Ever since I’ve known you.”
“That’s good to know,” she said. A hint of a smile played around her lips. For a moment she looked less somber. Almost lighthearted. Within seconds, a shadow crossed her face. “I’m not sure about meeting Aidan. I don’t know how to act, what to say to him.”
Liam had to stop himself from reaching out and caressing her cheek. She looked so vulnerable right now. “You’re his mother, Ruby. For him, that’s going to trump everything else. Remember, he’s only four years old. He’s at the age where he accepts things at face value for the most part. Unless, of course, you’re trying to get him to eat his vegetables.” Liam let out a chuckle. “Aidan and broccoli have been having a tough time of it lately.”
Ruby scrunched up her face. “Broccoli? Yuck. The kid has good taste. I like him already.” She let out a sweet laugh.
“And I’m not an expert on amnesia, but as a physician, I know that certain things can trigger memories. Maybe seeing Aidan will cause you to remember something solid about your life before the head trauma,” he said. “Something that can ground you in the here and now.”
She chewed her lip for a moment. It seemed as if she was soaking in everything he had explained to her. “You’re right,” she said with a nod. “I owe him a shot at remembering. He’s mine, whether I remember him or not. I’m not sure if I know how to be his mother, Liam, but I know it’s not right to walk away from this. At least not without seeing him first.”
“I’m not asking for the moon, Ruby. I just want you to meet him, to see him face-to-face. We’ll cross the bridges as they come.”
“I’ll do it,” Ruby said with an emphatic nod of her head. “I want to see our son.”
Liam felt a tightening sensation in his chest. Aidan was going to be reunited with his mother! It was almost as wonderful as the moment the knowledge had seeped in that Ruby was alive. For the last two years he had been walking around like a man with half a heart. Now, for the first time in forever, he felt as if he had hope. Although he knew the odds might be stacked against Ruby getting her memory back, he couldn’t help but feel optimistic about their lives returning to normal. And, above all else, Aidan getting his mother back.
With Ruby back in their world, God had just presented him and his son with the best Christmas gift ever.
* * *
Ruby sat in the passenger seat of the big, midnight-blue truck and gazed in wonder at her surroundings. She almost felt like a little kid as she swung her eyes in every direction. Everything in this village was so beautiful. It resembled an old-fashioned postcard. Jarvis Street—the main area in town—had quaint shops lit up with sparkly Christmas lights and charming lampposts decorated in red and white.
A huge pine tree sat on the town green, adorned with colored lights and an abundance of ornaments. Couples were walking hand in hand down the street while a group of children had their noses pressed against one of the shop windows. A big sign with the words Operation Love hung on a shop door. Her attention was drawn to an establishment called the Moose Café. It looked festive and fun, judging by the moose logo above the door and the customers who sailed out the door with contented smiles on their faces.
“That’s my brother Cameron’s place.” Liam glanced over at her, as if waiting for her to react to the name he’d tossed out. It hadn’t registered at all. She felt a little dip in her stomach. It felt as if she might be disappointing him by not remembering names and places and this glorious town. But she could never pretend about her memories just to make someone happy—they were sacred.
“It started as a coffee bar, but it’s morphed into a pretty good restaurant,” Liam explained. “He serves up a mighty good mochaccino and a whole assortment of other fancy coffee drinks.”
“It seems like a great place,” she said, admiring the soft glow emanating from inside. It looked like the sort of establishment where friends gathered to share food, good conversation and fellowship. Who had her friends been in this small fishing village? Had they mourned her passing? Had they missed her?
“He built that place out of sheer grit and determination. You used to always say that Cameron could do anything he set his mind to.” A ring of satisfaction laced his tone.
“I guess I was right,” she murmured. “That’s quite commendable of him. How many siblings do you have?”
“Three. There’s Boone, who you just met. He’s the oldest. Cameron, who owns the Moose Café. And last but not least, is my sister, Honor. She’s the baby of the family.” He quirked his mouth. “I don’t want to make you feel any pressure, but my little sister always thought you hung the moon. She’s at the house now, watching Aidan, so she’s going to be very emotional about your return. I sent Boone ahead of us so he could tell her. Be prepared for a few waterworks. That one wears her heart on her sleeve.”
Ruby was thankful for the heads-up. There was nothing worse than being blindsided. She wondered if that’s how Liam felt about her showing up in Love without even the slightest warning.
He must be a strong person, she realized. Liam seemed to be handling the news incredibly well, much better than she was. Her own emotions were all over the place. She could feel something bubbling up inside her and threatening to overflow. She had been so used to stuffing her feelings down in an effort to minimize the pain of not knowing her identity. It was as if someone had pulled back her layers and exposed her core. All her nerve endings were tingling.
She bit her lip. Ruby turned toward him, admiring how good-looking he was in profile. “What about me? Do I have any brothers or sisters? And what about my parents? Shouldn’t you call them?”
Liam’s hands tightened on the steering wheel. “Your parents are both gone, Ruby. But you do have a brother, Kyle. You raised him after your parents died in a car accident. He lives in Alaska, but not here in Love. He’s a volunteer fireman. I’ll call him once we get home and see Aidan.”
“Were we close?” she asked. Her pulse began to race at the idea that she had a blood relative she had loved dearly enough to raise on her own.
Liam turned to her, a sheen of moisture in his eyes. “Very close. He was inspired to become a fireman after watching the work you did with search-and-rescue operations.”
Ruby felt a big smile take over her face. “That’s nice. It makes me feel good to know that I worked in a meaningful profession and that I impacted people’s lives.”
“You saved a lot of lives, Ruby. Even on that terrible day on the mountain, you rescued people. Pretty amazing, isn’t it?” Liam’s voice radiated a deep respect. “You were a hero.”
It was fairly wonderful, Ruby thought. A feeling of pride rose inside her. There wasn’t much in her day-to-day life to feel accomplished about. Back in Denver she worked at a restaurant as a waitress. It was a low-paying, boring position that left her feeling as if there had to be more to life than her current situation reflected. But with no past, no degrees to put on a résumé and no known skills, making a living had been difficult. Her boss paid her under the table and hadn’t pressed her for a social security number after she’d explained her circumstances. She was thankful she was able to live a modest life on her salary, but the work didn’t fulfill her in any way.
As Moose Crossing signs appeared on the road ahead and a magnificent mountain loomed in the distance, majestic and proud, the enormity of the situation crashed over her in unrelenting waves. She had stepped out on a leap of faith by making the trip to this lovely Alaskan hamlet. Leaving Colorado had pulled her out of the comfort zone she had established for herself in Denver. Despite her fears, Ruby couldn’t remember ever having felt this wonderfully alive and present.
With every passing moment she was realizing that her being here in Love came with a host of complications. She had only brought a few days’ worth of clothes with her. Somehow in her mind she had imagined coming to Alaska and doing a little bit of digging around, then heading back to Colorado to continue with her life. Closure had been her objective. Finding out about her son and Liam had added a huge wrinkle to her plan. She had meaningful ties in this town. And there was nothing about Liam Prescott that made her believe he would sign divorce papers and send her on her merry way.
Truthfully, she wasn’t certain that she was fully prepared to greet her old life head-on. A husband and a child? A brother? Family and friends? She wasn’t sure she could handle all of these new connections without coming apart at the seams.
Liam shot a quick glance her direction. He reached out and touched her hand. She jerked it away, feeling uncomfortable at the tender gesture. Despite the circumstances, it was too intimate. She didn’t know him like that.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to startle you,” Liam said. “You looked so nervous I just wanted to reassure you. Everything will be fine.”
Ruby turned her head away and glanced out the passenger-side window. Everything will be fine. She wasn’t sure she truly believed that. Liam couldn’t possibly understand her journey as an amnesia victim. He didn’t know the twisted road she walked each and every day. The fear. The anxiety and stress. The frustration over not being able to access her own memories from her mind. And now she was going to have to face her four-year-old son and deal with questions she wasn’t sure she was prepared to answer.
Look up, she reminded herself. It served to remind her that when things in life became jumbled or stressful, to look for God. He was always there for her. Ever present. Always faithful. Ruby didn’t know where her faith had come from, but she was grateful for it at moments like this when her fear felt like a living, breathing thing that might consume her.
“We’re here,” Liam announced as he turned off the road and down a private, tree-lined driveway. Ruby peered out the window. Her surroundings resembled a winter wonderland. Spruce trees were everywhere. She recognized them from Colorado. They were beautiful, with full branches covered in a blanket of white.
The tires crunched noisily on the ice and snow in the driveway.
Fear skittered through her. What have I gotten myself into by agreeing to come here? She took a deep, fortifying breath to calm her nerves.
Liam had been right about her meeting with Aidan. What he was asking of her wasn’t a lot, considering he’d been doing it alone for two years and raising their son by himself. Something was pushing and prodding at her. A feeling deep down inside her that she’d been stuffing away for months. She ached to hold her child in her arms, to give him back the mother he’d lost. It felt instinctual, but it was terrifying to imagine how she might feel if he rejected her. What if after all this time she wasn’t enough?
All of a sudden everything buzzing in her head hushed and stilled as Liam’s house came into view. It resembled something out of a fairy tale. Nestled in the woods and surrounded by snowcapped trees sat a small log cabin that brought to mind a rustic lifestyle. A fat, plastic snowman gave the front porch a festive air. A green pine wreath with red ribbons adorned the front door. A smattering of icicles hung from the eaves.
A sigh slipped past her lips. It was a delightful house. Perfect for raising a family and happily-ever-afters.
Had she been happy in this cozy, eye-catching home? Had all her dreams come true when she had married Liam and given birth to their baby boy? From all appearances, Ruby Prescott had been living the dream.
“We built this house from the ground up. It was your dream, Ruby, ever since you were a little girl, to live in a log-cabin home in the woods,” Liam said, his eyes moistening.
“Thank you,” she blurted.
Liam frowned. “For what?”
“For giving me that...the home I always wanted. It must have meant the world to me,” she said, feeling a pang in the region of her heart. To have been so loved by her husband that he had made it a priority for her to have her log cabin in the woods was a wonderful thing. It spoke of devotion.
Had our life together really been so idyllic?
She felt a wave of sadness pass over her. To have lost so much—a loving husband, a dear son and a wonderful home built straight from her imagination was painful. And although Liam’s home was unbelievable, she still didn’t feel any sort of connection to it. Nothing had been stoked inside her except sheer admiration.
“You don’t need to thank me, Ruby. Anything I ever did was based on love. And you returned those blessings wholeheartedly and without reservation.” They locked gazes for a moment. Something simmered in the air between them that caused her to turn her eyes away. It was hard to wrap her head around discussing love with someone she had just met.
Liam turned off the engine and made his way to her side of the truck before she knew what was happening. He opened the door and reached for her hand, reminding her to watch her footing on the slippery ground. Knowing her boots had already caused her to slide several times that morning, she clutched Liam’s elbow as she felt her foot slipping. Liam didn’t flinch as her full weight leaned on him. “Sorry,” she said in a low voice. “You would think I’m used to this because of all the snow we get in Colorado.”
“No worries. I’ve got you,” he drawled, causing tiny butterflies to do somersaults in her tummy. He led her the rest of the way to the porch steps, easing his stride so as not to rush her. The gesture spoke volumes to Ruby about Liam. Considerate. Caring. A true gentleman. She felt as if she was slowly but surely piecing together the clues as to what kind of man Liam Prescott was. So far he seemed like an incredible human being. She could very well imagine women tripping all over themselves to be with a guy like Dr. Liam Prescott.
Before they had even reached the top step, the front door sprung open. A young woman with long, chestnut-colored hair and gentle features stood there, her gray-blue eyes awash with tears. She looked Ruby up and down, her expression incredulous.
“Honor,” Liam said in a warning voice. “Take it easy. We don’t want to overwhelm her. She’s just getting her bearings.”
Before Ruby knew it, she found herself enveloped in an enthusiastic bear hug, the likes of which she had never before experienced. At least not that she could recall. Honor’s arms were squeezing her so tightly that for a moment it felt overwhelming. She watched as Liam untangled his sister’s arms from around her and gently pushed her away.
“I’m sorry. Boone said to go easy, but I couldn’t help myself.” She sniffed back tears, her stare never wavering from Ruby. “I’m so happy!”
Ruby sent Honor the warmest smile she could muster. This young woman seemed so sincere and good-hearted. It made her feel all warm and fuzzy inside to know that she had fostered a tight relationship with her sister-in-law. She could feel the love radiating from Honor.
Once Liam ushered her inside the house, Ruby stood in the foyer and looked around at her surroundings. The décor was warm and cozy. Cream-colored walls provided a soothing vibe while family photos on the front table provided a personal touch. She spotted a picture of herself and Liam. It was an odd sensation to see a photo she didn’t remember posing for. She was gazing up at Liam adoringly. He was holding a baby boy in his arms. Most likely it was their son.
“I just can’t believe it! Ruby’s back. You have your family back, Liam. All of our prayers have been answered.” Honor gushed as she threw herself against Liam’s chest. As Ruby stood and regarded the heartwarming scene unfolding before her, she couldn’t help but fret over the very real possibility of letting everyone down. Especially Aidan. She had traveled to Love to get answers her own mind couldn’t provide. She hadn’t even been certain that she’d been on the right path. The thought of staying there in town hadn’t ever crossed her mind.
Dear Lord. Please provide some clarity. I need You now more than I ever have before. How do I embrace these people who care about me without raising false hopes about my return? My name may be Ruby Prescott, but I don’t remember who that is or how to be her.
Chapter Three (#u3ad61cca-c86d-58c2-a360-bae645c41470)
Liam felt Ruby’s eyes on him as he cradled Honor against his chest. He felt a spurt of sympathy for her. She looked a tad overwhelmed. There was a tight look to her expression, as if one little thing might cause her to shatter into pieces. Although he loved his baby sister to no end, she veered toward the dramatic. Ever since she was a little girl, she’d shouted her feelings from rooftops. As her big brother, Liam had always wished he could protect her from the slings and arrows of life, but he had learned through trial and error that it just wasn’t possible.
He felt relieved about his decision to have Boone break the news to Honor about Ruby. There was no way he had wanted to have that conversation over the phone with his baby sister, nor had he thought it wise to simply show up with Ruby in tow. It would have been too much of a shock for Honor. As it was, she had practically strangled Ruby with her enthusiastic embrace.
Ruby hadn’t seemed to remember his sister at all. There hadn’t even been a glimmer of recognition on her face.
Retrograde amnesia? Liam had heard the term, but had never dealt with a patient who suffered from the condition. As far as he knew, it was incredibly rare, which made the situation even more baffling. And he felt a little guilty about the fact that her memory loss prevented her from remembering the pitiful state of their marriage prior to the accident.
Was it right to allow her to believe things had been wonderful between them? He himself wasn’t under any illusions about that, but he owed it to Aidan to try to patch their family up. There was nothing Aidan wanted more than a family of his own.
Earlier, Boone had promised that he would keep Aidan occupied until Liam could speak to him in private about his mother’s return. A quick glance around confirmed that his son was nowhere in sight.
Honor moved out of his arms and wearily ran a hand across her eyes. She appeared emotionally drained.
“Where’s Aidan?” he asked, knowing he had to get down to the business of talking to his son.
“Boone is keeping him occupied in his room,” Honor said. “He was super excited that Uncle Boone showed up out of the blue. I bet they’re playing cops and robbers.”
“I better go talk to him,” Liam said, addressing Ruby. “Boone can only keep him in there for so long.”
“Do you know what you’re going to say?” Ruby asked in a tentative voice.
Liam shrugged. “Honestly, I’m going to wing it a little bit. There’s really no script to follow here. I’ll be sensitive and caring, and try to help him understand it as much as any kid his age possibly could.”
Ruby bit her lip. “Could you make sure to tell him that I didn’t stay away by choice...that I was sick and couldn’t find my way back home.”
“Of course I will,” he said, emotion clogging his voice, turning it raspy. Just the thought that Ruby had been out there this whole time and living in Colorado unbeknownst to him, frustrated him to no end. But he was going to focus on what today had brought him and his family. Psalm 30:5 rolled through his mind like thunder. “Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.”
Ruby’s return had brought him immense joy. Mixed with that joy was trepidation. The road ahead wasn’t going to be easy. He knew it with deep certainty.
Liam turned and walked down the hall to Aidan’s bedroom. He paused for a moment to collect his thoughts, then turned the knob and stood in the doorway. Aidan and Boone were both stretched out on the floor playing checkers. It was Aidan’s favorite game. He watched the two of them, a feeling of deep love welling up inside him at the sight of his big brother bonding with his son. After the sorrow that had invaded their lives over the past few years, he felt so very blessed at this moment.
He stepped into the room, causing Aidan to look up from his game. His brown eyes lit with happiness at the sight of him.
“Daddy! I’ve been waiting for you to come home.”
“What have you been up to, A-man?” Liam bent and tousled his son’s dark curls.
“I been playing with Uncle Boone.” Aidan grinned.
“Running circles around me is more like it,” Boone muttered.
Aidan giggled and covered his mouth.
“Hey, little man. I need to have a big-boy talk with you about something,” Liam said, trying to keep his voice casual.
Aidan’s eyes bulged. “Uh-oh. Did Auntie Honor tell you about the snowball?”
Snowball? “No,” Liam said with a raised eyebrow. “Is there something you need to tell me?”
Aidan gulped. “You go first.”
Boone and Liam exchanged a glance. Neither of them could resist grinning at Aidan’s comment. For a four-year-old, he was pretty fast on his feet.
Boone sprung up from the floor and said, “I’ll give you guys some time alone.”
As he walked toward the door, Boone reached out and squeezed Liam’s shoulder. “Let me know if you need anything,” he said with a nod.
As always, his brother was proving he was a strong support system to lean on during tough times. Once Boone had closed the door behind him, Liam went and sat on Aidan’s bed. He patted the spot beside him and said, “Come on over and sit down, A-man. We need to talk something out.”
Aidan joined him on the bed and peered up at him, a curious expression etched on his face. “What is it, Daddy? Did I do something wrong?”
“Absolutely not,” Liam said, reaching out and tweaking his nose. “You’re the bee’s knees as far as I’m concerned. You’re the best son on the planet.”
“The planet? Whoa!” Aidan said in a raised voice. “That’s cool.”
“You’re my best buddy. We’ve been through a lot since we lost your mother.”
Aidan made a sad face. He let out a little sigh and bowed his head.
“I know it’s been hard not having a mom.” Liam placed his arm around Aidan’s shoulder and squeezed.
“I wish I could remember her more,” Aidan said in a soft voice. “I like looking at her face in the album. It helps me make a picture of her in my mind.”
Aidan’s words went straight to his heart, as they always did whenever he talked about his mother. How would he ever find the right words to tell him she was alive? How could a little boy even begin to process the information?
“Aidan. Something has happened. It changes everything for us.” Aidan looked up at him with wide eyes. “It’s something good. Spectacular, really.”
Aidan rubbed his hands together. “Oh, I love great surprises.”
“Do you remember what I told you happened to Mommy? On the mountain?”
“Yes,” Aidan said in a solemn voice. “She was being a hero and snow came and swallowed her up.”
“Pretty much,” Liam said, biting back a smirk. “Sometimes things aren’t what they seem. We thought Mommy died on that mountain, A-man. But I found out today that she didn’t.”
“She didn’t?” Aidan asked, his mouth hanging open in shock.
“No, she didn’t,” he answered, blinking away the tears blurring his vision. “She hit her head and she was really sick for a long time. And she’s here, right out there in the living room.”
“No way!” Aidan said, jumping up from the bed. “Can I see her? Can I? Can I?”
Liam couldn’t help but grin at Aidan’s unbridled enthusiasm. Even though things were far from perfect with regard to Ruby’s return, his son’s innocent take on the situation made him feel on top of the world. He had received the news just as Liam had prayed he would...joyfully.
“There’s something else I have to tell you before you see her... When she hit her head, she lost her memory. So, she’s still the same mommy, but she’s going to have to get to know us all over again,” Liam explained.
Aidan’s face fell. He stuck his lip out. Tears welled in his eyes.
“Hey, buddy. What’s wrong? Just smiles today. No tears, okay?”
“I just feel sad that she lost her memories,” Aidan said. “That means she doesn’t remember the day I was born or getting married to you. And she won’t know my favorite color or the foods I like to eat.” He bowed his head and focused on the carpet.
Liam reached out and lifted Aidan’s chin. “But here’s the thing. Since you’re getting to be such a big boy, I have a huge job for you. I’m counting on you to tell your mother all about the things that matter most to you. The name of your turtle. Your favorite toy. How you like reindeer pizza better than anything else in this world.” He held out his hand. “If you’re up to the mission, let’s shake on it.”
Aidan shook his father’s hand. “I can do it. I’m going to be five soon. That means I’m getting so big.”
His chest was almost about to explode with love for this boy. There were certain moments he wished he could just capture in a bottle for all time. This was one of them.
It was time to make new memories. With Ruby. “How about we go out there and get you reacquainted with your mom?”
Aidan nodded his head enthusiastically. Before Liam could stop him, he raced toward the door and pulled it open. His son tended to lead with his heart in all things. A part of him wanted to wrap Aidan up in his arms to protect him from the inevitable hurts life would bring him.
Liam took a deep breath. He knew instinctively that the road ahead was going to be difficult. God had blessed his family today with the return of Ruby. But there were still so many unanswered questions, so many potential roadblocks in the future. This wasn’t going to be a cakewalk by any means. He bent his head and prayed.
Dear Lord. Sustain me with Your wisdom and guidance. Help me put my family back together. Please allow Aidan to get the Christmas gift he wants most—a mother.
* * *
Ruby sat in the brightly lit, all-white kitchen with Boone, his wife, Grace and Honor while Liam was having his private talk with Aidan. Grace had just showed up at the house a few minutes ago. With her jet-black hair and blue eyes, she was stunning. Her petite frame couldn’t hide the fact that she was heavily pregnant. Ruby imagined she was set to deliver any day now.
The moment she introduced herself to Ruby, Grace had put her at ease by saying, “This is the first time we’ve met, so no worries about not remembering me.”
Ruby had heaved a giant sigh of relief. It was one less person she had to worry about feeling awkward around.
Everything in the room was pleasing to the eye, from the granite countertops to the copper pans hanging from the rack. She couldn’t help herself from gazing around with a deep appreciation for the setup. Ruby nearly fell off her chair when Honor told her she had been the one to lay out the plans for the kitchen design. Everything had been done to her specifications. Dream house. Dream kitchen. From everything she had seen, her life had been fairly wonderful. She hoped the old Ruby had been thankful for her blessings.
At the moment she was about as nervous as she’d ever been, even counting earlier this afternoon when she had walked into the sheriff’s office. This was all starting to feel surreal. A husband. A kid. A town full of people who knew her.
What did she know about being somebody’s wife or mother? What could she possibly achieve in this situation? Having no memories of the past was a severe limitation. It didn’t allow her to have any sort of frame of reference with them. The harsh reality was that they were all strangers to her. And she was sitting here among them not knowing what to say to fill the silence.
“Would you like some more tea?” Honor asked. They were sitting at the kitchen table, sipping tea, eating chocolate-chip cookies and making polite conversation. Both Boone and Honor seemed to be avoiding any topics that might get sticky. Neither one mentioned her amnesia.
“No, thanks. This green tea is delicious, though,” she said, raising the cup to her lips for another sip.
“It was always your favorite,” Honor said. She placed her hand over her mouth. “Oops. I hope it was okay to say that.”
Ruby reached out and squeezed Honor’s hand. Her wanting to touch her sister-in-law surprised her. She wasn’t really comfortable having physical contact with strangers. There was something so sweet and genuine about Liam’s sister. She radiated goodness, which put her at ease.
“You don’t have to walk on eggshells with me, Honor. This is a very unusual set of circumstances we find ourselves in. If you have any questions, feel free to ask me. I’ll try to be as forthright as I can.”
Boone let out a groan. He shook his head. “You have no idea what you just got yourself into.”
Honor playfully swatted him with her hand. She turned back toward Ruby. “Do you remember anything? Smells? Sights? Liam’s voice?”
She thought for a moment before answering. “Yes. I do. Fragments, I call them. I remember cradling a baby. And that feeling of loving him with all my heart. But I suppose I never connected that baby to myself because I had no memory of giving birth. And I’m very eager to go to the Moose Café, because the smell of coffee always reminds me of snow.” She let out a giggle. “I have no idea why, but the brain is a funny thing.”
“Hello.”
Ruby heard the voice before she laid eyes on Aidan himself. He was standing in the doorway of the kitchen, all sweet brown eyes and chubby cheeks. His dark curls framed a handsome little face that closely resembled his father. Something twisted inside her chest.
Ruby stood from her chair and walked toward her son. Her palms were slick with moisture. Her tongue was all twisted up and useless. For the life of her she couldn’t think of what to say at this monumental moment.
By this time Liam was standing in the doorway, quietly observing the reunion.
“Hi, Aidan. How are you doing?” She pushed the words out of her mouth.
Aidan seemed to be studying her. His face was scrunched up. He was deep in thought. “You’re pretty. Daddy always said you were the prettiest girl he’d ever seen,” he said. “And you look just like the pictures we have.”
“Why, thank you. You’re just about the cutest boy I’ve ever seen.” Ruby wasn’t exaggerating due to the fact that he was her child. With his jet-black lashes and striking features, Aidan was sure to stand out in any crowd.
“That’s what Auntie Honor says,” Aidan cried, seeming thrilled at the compliment.
“Do you have anything you’d like to ask me?” Ruby asked, wanting to make sure he was comfortable.
Aidan nodded slowly. “Yes. I do.”
“Go for it,” Ruby said.
“When the snow swallowed you up on the mountain, did it hurt?” Aidan looked at her with an awed expression.
Ruby could feel the corners of her mouth twitching with merriment. Aidan’s expression was so earnest. She didn’t want to hurt his feelings by laughing at his question.
“Just a teensy bit,” she said, holding up her thumb and forefinger to demonstrate. “But I tried to be very brave.”
Aidan cast a quick glance at Liam. “Daddy always tells me that you’re a hero.”
She felt her chest tightly constrict as if someone was inside squeezing her heart. This little boy was sweet and endearing and wonderful. “I...I don’t know,” she said in a halting voice. “I wish I could remember that, but I don’t.”
Suddenly a crashing sound rang out in the house. Footsteps echoed on the hardwood floors.
“Liam! Where are you?” a deep voice boomed. “I need to speak with you.”
Liam let out a groan and moved further into the kitchen. “Oh, no! Who told him?” he asked with a frown, his gaze shifting between Boone and Honor.
Boone held up his hands. “Don’t ask me. I haven’t even had time to tell Gracie yet, never mind blabbing to Jasper.”
“I haven’t spoken to Jasper in days,” Honor said with a fierce nod. “It wasn’t me.”
“Who’s Jasper?” Ruby asked, wondering why everyone was acting so strangely.
A man with silver-white hair and whiskers strode into the kitchen, his face appearing more animated than a cartoon character’s. “Liam! I’m glad that I caught up with you. I heard the strangest rumor a little while ago that I’m determined to clear up.” He shook his fist in the air. “And whoever spread this vicious rumor better run for cover. By the time I get through with them, they’re going to wish they’d never let the name Prescott come out of their mouth.”
“Settle down, Jasper,” Liam instructed. “You know you’re not supposed to let your blood pressure skyrocket.”
Jasper! Mayor Jasper Prescott. She recognized the name from some searches she had done on the internet about Love, Alaska. He was the town mayor and the creator of the Operation Love campaign, the program that brought single ladies to town to match them up with single bachelors. It seemed this town had a female shortage. And women from all over the United States were flocking to this fishing village to find themselves an Alaskan groom.
If she wasn’t mistaken, Jasper was Liam’s grandfather.
“Liam’s right,” Boone said with a frown. “Calm down before you blow a gasket.”
“I will do no such thing,” Jasper roared. “If you knew the heinousness of this particular rumor, you’d want to run this person out of town on a rail.” Jasper wiggled his eyebrows at Liam.
“Jasper, I need to tell you something,” Liam said.
Before Liam could get a word out, Jasper swiveled his eyes in her direction.
He let out a guttural cry then raised his hand over his heart. “I’m seeing things. I must be having a stroke. Call a doctor.”
“I am a doctor,” Liam drawled. “And you’re not having a stroke.”
“Grandpa, it’s okay,” Honor said, tugging on Jasper’s arm. “She’s real. It’s not a vicious rumor.”
Jasper pressed his eyes closed and began taking deep breaths. When he opened them, he glared at his family members. “What are you trying to do to me? Send me to my grave well before my time?”
Boone snapped his fingers. “Bravo. You’ve stumbled upon our diabolical plan.”
Jasper rolled his eyes at Boone then took a halting step in Ruby’s direction. He stuck out a finger and poked her. Ruby let out a little squeak. “You are real. Ruby! Oh, Ruby. You’re back. I could almost sob with happiness.”
Liam tugged at his arm. “There’s something you need to know about Ruby.”
“She’s got a problem with her brain,” Aidan explained in a chirpy voice. “It won’t let her memorize stuff.”
“Huh? What in the world are you going on about? That’s the craziest thing I’ve ever heard,” Jasper grumbled. He stared at Ruby with wide eyes.
“It’s completely true, though,” Ruby said. She stuck out her hand. “Jasper, I presume. I’m Ruby. I wish that I could say I remember you, but I don’t. And you seem very memorable, by the way.”
Jasper stared at her hand for a moment, his expression shuttered. Laser-sharp blue eyes roamed all over her face before settling on her eyes. “Since you don’t remember me, let’s get one thing straight. I don’t do handshakes with pretty girls.” He winked at her. “The first hug is free of charge.”
For the second time in the span of an hour, Ruby found herself being enveloped in the world’s tightest hug. Jasper smelled like nutmeg and coffee beans. His embrace made her feel as if she was greeting an old friend. His sincerity was palpable. Strangely enough, she didn’t want the embrace to end. It felt like a safe harbor.
When they broke apart, she noticed tears sliding down his face. He wiped them away with his palm. “Whether you remember me or not, I’m feeling mighty blessed to welcome you back into the fold,” Jasper said, reaching out and grasping her hand. “We’ve missed you.”
Ruby wasn’t sure how to describe what she was feeling. She felt all tingly inside, and her chest tightened with a groundswell of emotion. Although there was a wealth of information that eluded her about her life in Love, Alaska, she knew for certain that Ruby Prescott had been well loved.
* * *
“Why don’t we put the kettle back on and have some hot cocoa?” Honor suggested.
Aidan clapped his hands enthusiastically. Auntie Honor knew the exact thing to say to get her nephew’s attention.
As everyone settled around the kitchen table, Liam gently pulled Ruby aside. He shook his head as a feeling of mortification slid through him. “Sorry about Jasper’s over-the-top behavior. He takes some getting used to. Sort of like sushi. He’s an acquired taste.”
“Not from where I’m standing.” Ruby smiled. “I think he’s pretty amazing from what I’ve seen so far. He exudes such a positive vibe. And he seems to be a true original. I like that. And I get the feeling one always knows where things stand with Jasper. He doesn’t seem the type to mince words.”
Liam ducked his head and laughed.
“What’s so funny?” she asked.
“You always were partial to Jasper. He was like the grandfather you never had. Or so you said,” Liam answered. “You always took his side against me.”
“Sorry about that,” Ruby said in a light voice.
“It’s okay,” Liam conceded. “Watching the two of you getting along like a house on fire was always enjoyable.”
Ruby shrugged. “I don’t want to sound like a broken record, but I don’t remember that...or Jasper. Although—” Ruby frowned.
“What is it?” Liam asked. Had more flashes of memory occurred?
“Ever since I’ve been back I’ve felt this overwhelming sense of familiarity. I can’t put my finger on anything in particular—but it’s there, right under the surface.”
Liam felt his heart pound like crazy inside his chest. His feelings about Ruby’s memories were so conflicted. He desperately wanted her to get her remembrances back, but at the same time he dreaded what she might remember about the state of their marriage. It was a selfish thought, he realized, considering all Aidan stood to gain if Ruby was whole again.
“Where are you staying tonight? If you like, I can put you in our guest room,” Liam offered.
“I have a reservation at the B and B on Jarvis Street.” She twiddled her fingers and looked down. “I’ll only be staying there for two nights, Liam. Then I’ve got to catch my flight back home.”
Home? What was Ruby talking about? Love, Alaska, was her home, whether she realized it or not yet. He believed that with a deep certainty, despite his doubts about his relationship with his wife.
“Why don’t you let me cancel your reservation?” he suggested. “Stay here with us. You’ll be able to spend more quality time with Aidan in his element.”
Ruby regarded him solemnly and then nodded her agreement. “I know that I only just met him, but he’s everything you said he was.” She glanced over at their son. “I don’t need my memory back to tell me that he’s the best thing I’ve ever done in this world.”
“I feel the same way,” he said as a feeling of pride swept over him.
Aidan patted the seat next to him then beckoned Ruby with his other hand. “Come sit with me,” he called out, clearly wanting to be near and dear with his mother.
As he watched her settle next to Aidan at the table, Liam’s thoughts were focused on his son’s quality of life. Aidan needed his mother. His son’s world would be so much richer with her in it. How many times had Aidan cried himself to sleep because he didn’t have a mother? Or asked him dozens of questions about Ruby? There were so many things that only a woman could provide for a young boy. A tender touch. A lullaby to put him to sleep. A soft place to fall when he needed it.
This was all about Aidan. For the moment Liam wasn’t even putting himself in the equation. His own heart had been a little bit broken when Ruby had taken off her rings and headed to Colorado on the rescue mission. And even though he was ecstatic about her return, he still felt as if he was walking on a tightrope. What if Ruby remembered that she had asked for a separation? What if he did what he had always done with Ruby and followed his heart, only to have it smashed to pieces again?
No, he wasn’t going down that road. His one and only goal would be to give his son his most fervent Christmas wish. The best gift God could ever bestow on him. A mother of his own.
Chapter Four (#u3ad61cca-c86d-58c2-a360-bae645c41470)
Ruby woke the next morning with the smell of bacon wafting under her nose. She sat up in bed and cast a quick glance around her. She had been so exhausted last night after all the Prescotts had left the house that she’d barely had time to take in her surroundings.
The guest bedroom had a quaint, cozy vibe. An oil painting of the Alaskan tundra hung from the wall. A big, fluffy, eiderdown comforter had kept her warm and cozy all night. The bed frame was made of cedar wood. She had no idea how she recognized the wood, but she did. She reached out and touched its smooth surface as a feeling of familiarity ran through her. Someone had made this for them! A man. One she dearly loved. A face flashed before her eyes—warm brown eyes and a cocoa complexion. An endearing smile and a hearty laugh. Her brother?
Before she had turned in, Aidan had peeked into her room and wished her good-night. He had been a little shy but filled with curiosity about her. She was so worried about disappointing him. Ruby fretted that in his mind she was a super hero. That would be a tough act to follow.
She quickly got dressed and checked her appearance in the mirror above the dresser. In her baby blue sweater and jeans, she appeared casual and not half as serious as she felt. A slight case of nerves overtook her. For all intents and purposes, she was a stranger in her own home. Aidan and Liam were blank slates for her. Yet every time she looked at her son she felt a tugging sensation in the region of her heart. Try as she might to convince herself that he was a stranger to her, he made her feel things she hadn’t ever felt before. Or at least not since she’d woken up as an amnesiac.
Once she left the bedroom, the delectable aromas of breakfast food emanating from the kitchen were even more enticing. Before she had even managed to take a step, Aidan stood from his spot on the floor outside her door. Right next to him was a fire engine set he’d been playing with as he’d waited. He sent her a smile that made her heart do flip-flops.
“Daddy said I should let you sleep.”
“That was mighty nice of him,” Ruby said, stuffing her hands into the pockets of her jeans.
Big brown eyes that looked a lot like her own gazed up at her. “Are you hungry? We’re having bacon and flapjacks.”
She rubbed her tummy and let out a contented sigh. “Bacon. I love bacon.”
“Me, too,” he said, his voice ripe with enthusiasm.
She winked at her son. “And flapjacks ain’t so bad, either.”
“Daddy made them specially for you. And I helped stir the batter.”
“That’s wonderful. I always say it’s all in the stirring.” She smiled at him, noticing the way he was staring at her with a hopeful expression on his face. She felt a burst of sympathy for him. He was so little. Way too young to wrap his head around his mother unceremoniously showing up in his life after having been presumed dead for two years. She wished there was a manual for how to deal with this situation with grace and wisdom. As it was, she felt scared to death about saying or doing the wrong thing.
She bent at the waist and peered into his perfect little face. “Is there anything you want to ask me?”
Конец ознакомительного фрагмента.
Текст предоставлен ООО «ЛитРес».
Прочитайте эту книгу целиком, купив полную легальную версию (https://www.litres.ru/belle-calhoune/reunited-at-christmas/) на ЛитРес.
Безопасно оплатить книгу можно банковской картой Visa, MasterCard, Maestro, со счета мобильного телефона, с платежного терминала, в салоне МТС или Связной, через PayPal, WebMoney, Яндекс.Деньги, QIWI Кошелек, бонусными картами или другим удобным Вам способом.