The Reluctant Bride

Cory sighed. “So let’s say Margot does come back. So what? You have nothing to fear.”

“Come on, we were both home with Karinne the day Margot disappeared. I lied and said I didn’t know where she was. If Margot ever returns, what am I going to tell Karinne?”

“Tell her the same thing you told Jeff and the police when they came looking for Margot. That Mom was next door at the neighbors, Dad was at work, you saw Margot, and you did what you thought was right at the time. I don’t know why you didn’t tell her this years ago.”

“Jeff asked me not to because he thought it would be too traumatic. But I may have to after all.”

“Why?” Cory asked.

Max paused, then admitted, “I’ve been getting anonymous phone calls. It’s happened three times. Once the caller actually said she was Margot Cavanaugh and asked me for money to come and see Karinne.”

“Hell!”

“I went to the police, but nothing. I haven’t received any more calls since the last one, so the police weren’t able to trace her.”

“No wonder you’re talking in your sleep.”

Max winced. “Not again.”

“Yes. You talk about that day Margot came to the door, Max. One of these days, Karinne’s gonna hear you.”

Icy chills shivered down Max’s back. “What do I say?”

“The same thing you always used to say. Don’t tell Karinne.”

Chapter Three

Interstate 17,

North of Flagstaff, Arizona

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

Anita turned off the weather station on the car’s radio. The day before, they’d left Phoenix before sunrise, and driven one hundred and forty-five miles to Flagstaff. Last night they’d checked into a hotel and were up early again this morning to finish the distance between Flagstaff and Grand Canyon Village. They’d meet the Hunter brothers in less than an hour. Although the skies were cloudy and gray, the deluge had ended last night, and the women were making good time.

“The sun should come out this afternoon,” Anita said. She reached for her take-out cup of coffee.

“Fingers crossed,” Karinne said. “Or we’ll have a wet hike all the way down to the river.”

“It’s only a day hike,” Anita said cheerfully. “A mile straight down.”

“Fifteen trail miles, and it’s monsoon season, remember? We’re gonna get wet.”

“I know,” Anita said. “But it can’t rain the whole time. I want to take pictures. I brought along a waterproof digital camera.”

Karinne smiled. “Maybe you can let me pay for copies, then.”

“You didn’t bring a camera?”

“Lord, no. I need a break. I’m tired of looking at view screens and through lenses.”

“It’s driving you crazy?” Anita asked sympathetically.

Karinne thought of her last batch of photos showing the woman who reminded her of her mother.

“You have no idea,” she said wryly. “Besides, this way I can spend more time with Max.” Karinne had always loved him. Her memories of Max went so far back she couldn’t tell when childhood worship and friendship had changed into adult love and passion.

“It’ll be good to see Max again,” Anita said. “He leaves the canyon area about as often as Cory does.”

“Which isn’t often.”

“My family wishes I’d married someone local, but I can’t imagine being with anyone but Cory,” Anita said.

“Well, the upside of losing your job is that now you’ll have plenty of time to spend with him.”

Anita nodded. “I’m tired of us being apart. Maybe I can find new employment up north. Married people shouldn’t be separated for such long periods.”

Karinne said nothing. She’d often thought the same thing, as had Max. But Max couldn’t quit his job, and she didn’t want to quit hers. Besides, Jeff Cavanaugh had heart problems and had no other family around, so she felt obliged to stay close to him. Both Karinne and his doctor knew Jeff didn’t take his medication regularly. Whether it was due to forgetfulness or a deliberate attempt to keep his daughter’s attention, the result was the same.

“Hey, where’s your ring?” Anita asked curiously.

“My diamond? At home. I felt it would be safer.” At the last minute, Karinne had removed it—and packed the pink sweatshirt.

“It seems strange to see you without it. In fact, with your jobs, I don’t know how you two ever got engaged. Good thing you were childhood sweethearts.”

Karinne frowned at the old-fashioned term. “Not really.” Her love for Max was based on deep trust since childhood, not some clichéd idea like that.

“How would you describe it, then?” Anita teased.

“Call it destiny, and leave it at that,” Karinne said lightly. “Max and I grew into each other. He’s the man for me.” Karinne darted a quick glance at her friend. “But we all can’t be as lucky as you and Cory, the perfect couple. Even miles apart, you’re happy.”

“We’re not perfect,” Anita said. “And I am happy. But I’d be happier if I could be with him all the time.”

“So would I. With Max, I mean.” She and Max were at a stalemate about the subject of one of them relocating. Karinne appreciated that Max loved his job, but so did she. Not only that, Jeff was too ill to be moved, or, at least, claimed he was.

She remembered their argument the last time she’d postponed the wedding.

“You’re using your father as an excuse, Karinne. With his heart, he should be in an assisted-care facility. Your living at home is no substitute for professional care.”

“He’d be miserable at some nursing home!”

“He’d have a fuller, healthier life than he does right now. We can move him up near us if you want. And no—” he held up a hand when she would have protested “—he isn’t too ill to be moved. He just says that because he doesn’t want to leave his home. But it’s time, and his doctor agrees,” Max insisted.

“How would you like giving up your home?” Karinne countered.

“If I had to, I hope I would do it gracefully. But that’s not the issue. You know how hard Cory and I have worked to make our concession a success. Do you want me to give it up when I’ve finally become profitable? And ruin Cory’s finances in the process?”

“No, but—”