Was he making a mistake to insist on the trip? It had seemed like such a good idea when Reed suggested it. After talking with Casey, whose friendly demeanor and down-to-earth attitude had been a refreshing change from the city women hed become accustomed to, hed been convinced he was making the right decision. Especially after Caseys sister had shown up wanting to be a part of the tour.
Here were two very different women, yet each seemed so confident and successful. Surely the influence of these two contrasting females would be a good thing for Veronica.
And Jake had to admit, from the moment hed seen Casey Donner in the reflection of the window in the reception room, looking so adorable in cargo pants, a form-fitting zip-up jacket and with her dark hair pulled back from her unadorned face, hed been intrigued.
Most females looked at him with dollar signs in their eyes, just as Amelia Donner had the second shed walked into the tour company office. But not Casey.
There had been such lively intelligence in Caseys dark eyes. And when shed looked him up and down, assessing his stamina for the backpacking trip and finding him wanting, hed been swamped with the need to prove her wrong. A sensation he hadnt experienced in a long time.
Did you put Reed up to suggesting me to Jake for this tour? Casey asked, watching her friend, Amy, closely over the expanse of the oak desk in her bosss office. This was the first opportunity Casey had had to talk alone with Amy since yesterday.
Amy blinked, her blues eyes guileless. No. Why would you think I had?
Feeling guilty for suspecting her friend of pitying her, Casey said, It just was so out of the blue.
Mouth quirking, Amy said, Like your sisters return was out of the blue?
Yeah. Whats up with that? She said shes here for the reunion. But three weeks early? Somethings up.
Have you asked her about it?
Not really, Casey said, a bit sheepishly. We dont have the kind of relationship that most twins do. Or at least, we havent since we moved to Alaska. Everything changed. She shut me out.
That must have hurt, Amy said, in a gentle tone. It had.
I got over it.
Amy steepled her fingers on the desk. Her joining the Rodgers tour might be a really good thing, then. You two might grow closer.
Of course Amy would think of the situation as an opportunity for the sisters to bond. Amy was an idealist in many ways. Casey, not so much.
Its just so infuriating that my sister would weasel her way in like this, Casey said, sure that Amelias motivation had nothing to do with a desire to be out in nature and everything to do with Jake. Not that that was any of Caseys concern. Who is Amelia kidding? Shell hate it and make everyone miserable.
Amy slipped off her serviceable clogs and propped her sock-clad feet on the arm of her chair. Little penguins, dressed in frilly outfits, marched up the sides of her long, white socks and disappeared beneath the legs of Amys khaki pants. Give her a chance. She may have changed.
Casey scoffed. If the way Amelias taken over the house is any indication, no, she hasnt. Her stuff is everywhere. Jamming her hands into the pockets of her hooded sweatshirt, Casey slunk further in her chair. My bathroom now reeks of some flowery perfume that makes me sneeze every time I go in.
She does kind of apply a lot, Amy said, with a grin. But a stinky sister isnt whats really bothering you, is it?
It was so like Amy to see to the heart of a matter. Casey groaned. No, it isnt.
Come on, tell me, Amy cajoled.
Its just that article andoh, I dont know. She hated to come across as whiney and ungrateful. How did she explain this growing discontentment gnawing away at her nicely ordered life?
It wasnt even the fact that she was the brunt of so many jokes since that article came outthough the snickering was getting old. What bothered her most was that, deep inside she felt hollow, empty. Like something was missing.
Her gaze snagged on a framed photo of Amy and her late husband, Ben, and their two boys. What a beautiful family. They looked so happy.
Thats what Casey wanted. A family of her own. A love like Amy and Ben had shared. She held tight to the knowledge that their love proved love existed.
An uninvited memory escaped from the recesses of her mind and tore across her brain, reminding her that love came with a price. A price shed paid once. A price that left her wounded and discouraged.
She slapped the memory down and stuffed it back into its box inside her head, and refocused on the grief of her friends loss.
Amy searched her face, as if she sensed her pain. Im sorry that article has caused you hurt.
Casey waved away Amys self-imposed guilt. I dont blame you. And its really the truth. Im one of guys. She made air quotes to emphasize her words.
A role that youve perpetuated. You keep everyone at arms length. I think its time for you to stop keeping yourself so isolated. Be open to a relationship.
But the risk is too great, Casey murmured. She didnt want to lose someone she loved again. Shed lost her parents, Uncle Patrick and, essentially, Amelia. Another name floated into her consciousness. She ignored it.
Amy gave her a sad, direct look and said softly, I know. But the risk is worth it, Casey. I wouldnt trade one single ounce of heartache if it meant not having ever loved Ben.
Ouch. Direct hit. Just rip my heart out and feed it to me, why dont you, Amy?
Amys lips twitched. Hey, if you didnt want the truth, you wouldnt be sitting here.
Casey sighed. I know. Youve never pulled any punches with me, and I appreciate it.
Jake Rodgers doesnt think of you as one of the guys, Amy stated, with a curving of her lips, as she mimicked Caseys air quotes.
Not yet, maybe, but give him time. Casey rolled her eyes. Im not his type, anyway.
And you know this how?
Hes a city guy now, regardless that he was born here. And in case you havent noticed, Im not exactly a beauty queen. Amelias more his type. Glamor and glitz. Besides, Casey pointed out, hes a single dad trying to raise his daughter. What do I know about kids?
Amy gave her a chiding look. Casey, youre great with kids. The boys love you. And youve dealt with children on several tours and did great, so dont use his daughter as an excuse to keep him at arms length.
But Im no good at the dating thing. She cringed, remembering the last date shed been on.
Bucky Holland, the towns mechanic and one of the towns many bachelors, had invited her to dinner at Martellis, a fancy grill in town. Casey had looked forward to the date with hopeful anticipation. Maybe this time a date would end differently.
But the evening had consisted of forced conversation and awkward silences. When he dropped her off and roared away in his big rigfaster than if a bear had been chasing himshed decided dating wasnt her thing.
Just be yourself, Casey. If a relationship with Jake or any other man is part of Gods plan for your life, then everything will work out, regardless of your sister or that article.
Tugging on her bottom lip, Casey wished she shared Amys convictions. But trusting God was something Casey couldnt do. Not ever again. A blast of anger blew through her. Shed trusted that God would answer her prayers and make Uncle Patrick well. God hadnt. Shed trusted God to protect her heart when Seth came into her life. Another prayer ignored.
There was a knock at the door. Come in, Amy called.
Rachel stepped inside. The police chief is here to see you, Amy.
Tell Reed Ill be a moment longer, Amy said, her voice taking on a slight edge.
Anticipation? Or irritation?
When Rachel shut the door, Casey raised an eyebrow. A social call?
Amy brushed a lock of red hair back behind her ear. Beneath her smattering of freckles, a blush brightened her cheeks. No. We dont have that kind of relationship. Im sure theres some official reason hes stopping by.
Glancing at the photo on the desk, Casey knew Ben would want Amy to find love again. Rising from her seat, Casey said, Hes a good man, Amy. Ben wouldnt mind.
Amy frowned, as a shadow of sorrow passed over her expression. Now whos ripping whose heart out?
Casey held up her hands in a show of entreaty. Sorry. Not another word.
Thank you. Amy rose and rounded the desk, to put her arm around Caseys shoulders. Its all going to work out. Be open to what God has in store for you.
Casey hugged Amy for a moment, thankful to have such a wise and gracious friend. After Patrick died, Amy and her late husband had taken Casey under their wing. Casey would be forever grateful to Ben James for taking a chance and hiring her as a wilderness guide. She missed him, as did everyone in Treasure Creek. Hed been the mayor as well as the owner of Alaskas Treasures.
His death had been a tragic accident. Ben had been trying to save the life of a client during a dangerous rapids trip and lost his life for the effort. Reed Truscott had witnessed the devastating event. Perhaps that was the tension Casey always sensed between Amy and Reed.
As Casey left Amys office, she glanced at her watch and decided she could still get a ten-mile run in before she went home. She met Reed in the hall. Hey, Chief. Thank you for recommending me to Jake Rodgers.
Reed nodded in acknowledgement but didnt slow down. No thanks necessary. Youll be good for Jake. He disappeared inside Amys office.
Okay. Not the most cordial person, but he got the job done. Just why did Chief Truscott think Casey would be good for Jake?
Casey opened the front door to the small A-frame house that shed lived in since shed first come to Alaska twenty-two years ago. To a little girl whod just lost her parents, the house had seemed big and strange, so very different than her parents turn-of-the-century town house in the heart of San Francisco. Now the A-frame was comfortable, her safe haven.
At least it had been, until Amelia returned.
Casey stepped across the threshold to the darkened living room and tension crept up her neck. Had Amelia left as mysteriously as shed returned?
A movement to her right jolted her system. She pivoted, prepared to defend herself against an attack. But none came.
She reached out to flip on the light switch. The table lamp by the couch glowed, throwing shadows around the room. Casey blinked as her eyes adjusted. Her sister sat in the rocker by the window.
A sense of déjà vu swept over Casey. Many times, when Casey and Uncle Patrick had returned from some adventure out in the wilderness, they would find Amelia quietly sitting in the rocker, waiting for them as she now waited for Casey. Casey had never understood why Amelia had chosen to stay home alone while she and Patrick went exploring.
Were those tears wetting her sisters lashes? Amelia? Are you okay?
Of course. Why wouldnt I be? Amelia snapped, and rose from the chair to glide past Casey toward the kitchen. She wore a turquoise top with a matching skirt that flowed with each step. Dinner is ready.
Casey closed the front door and went to the sink to wash her hands. Thanks for cooking. You know, you dont have to take care of me.
I know I dont have to, Amelia said as she set on the table a plate with little canapés. But what else is there to do in this town but cook? Besides, I didnt make anything fancy, because your cupboards are pathetic.
I havent gone shopping this week. Taking the seat opposite Amelia, Casey eyed the plate of crostini topped with pepperoni and stuffed olives. This was dinner? Caseys stomach growled. And theres plenty to do.
Like?
The ring of Amelias cell phone drew Caseys attention. Amelia didnt move. Arent you going to pick up?
Amelia made a face. No.
Do you want to talk about it? Casey asked, wondering at her sisters odd behavior.
No. Amelia made a rolling gesture with her hand. You were saying what there was to do in town.
Pursue Jake?
Not wanting to put that idea into Amelias head, Casey said, You could browse the shops. Take a walk. Volunteer to help with the reunion committee.
Amelia plucked a crostini from the plate and held it between her two fingers as if she were holding fine china. Now, that sounds perfect for my skill set. Who do I talk to about helping with the committee?
Renee Haversham. I can introduce you when we get back from our backpacking trip. Casey searched her sisters face closely. In some ways it was like looking in a mirror, but not. To Casey, Amelias pale complexion was flawless, her eyes bluer and her features better proportioned. Was it any wonder people, men especially, gravitated to Amelia? Unless youve changed your mind about going?
No, I havent. Amelia peered at her just as closely. You dont want me to go, do you?
Stalling as she tried to think how best to answer her twin, Casey popped a crostini into her mouth and chewed slowly. After shed swallowed and taken a sip of water, she said, Its not that I dont want you to goI just cant see you enjoying backpacking.
With a shrug, Amelia said, Well see. Having Jake Rodgers along should be interesting. I understand hes available. She rubbed her hands together. One of those bachelors that magazine talked about.
Caseys stomach clenched, and it wasnt from the spicy pepperoni. Hes single.
Divorced, she corrected. And rich. Just the kind of guy I like.
The speculative gleam in her twins gaze made Caseys mouth go dry. She took a quick sip of water before saying, Amelia, dont play with Jakes affections. Hes struggling right now to raise his daughter. He doesnt need you coming on strong with no intention of following through.
Amelias expression darkened. How do you know I wouldnt follow through?
You left a string of broken hearts behind when you charged out of Treasure Creek. And who knew how many men shed caught and thrown away in San Francisco? Every time Amelia called home, shed spoken of someone new. You never follow through. At least not when it comes to love.
Oh, and youre some expert? When have you ever been in love?
The barb hit home. Seth Davenport, Casey replied just a tad too defensively for her liking.
Amelia scoffed. Right. You had one date with the nerd. That doesnt qualify.
It had been more than just one date. But Casey wasnt about to share with her twin the intimate details of her disastrous romance, though she cringed to associate the nicety of romance with what had transpired between her and Seth.
Switching gears to keep the focus off herself, Casey said, Why are you really home?