CHAPTER 18

"He isn't here," Oliver said quietly to Shane as the Prelude began.

"He may be running late," Shane replied.

The adult choir wasn't singing this Sunday at church. Oliver was seated with Shane, half-way from the back on the left near the center aisle.

"My father doesn't come late to church."

"He is a grown man. Maybe he isn't coming to church," Shane said through gritted teeth.

"Ms. Reifman is here. We could have a nice lunch together. I'm just saying."

"We will discuss this later. Or do you want to replace the sermon?"

"Of course not."

Cara woke late Sunday morning. She had already missed three calls from Bets, each with a voice mail requesting her to call. She didn't bother getting out of bed she just hit the little blue circle to return the call.

"Bets?"

"Where are you and you are alright?"

"I'm in Denver and I am fine."

"Why did you leave Houston?"

"How did you know I left Houston?"

"Charles called Ben early this morning, frantic. Ben's had me sleuthing like the FBI. Are you ok?

"I am fine. I was no longer needed. So I left."

"You missed that mystery man and you came home," replied Bets teasing Cara.

"That is between me and the mystery man," said Cara with a slight lilt in her voice.

"Seriously, you know how much we care about you?"

"Yes, Bets, I do. You and Ben have been wonderful – before I lost Bert and after."

"You wanna come over – swim – eat – drink – play tennis?"

"No, I was late getting in. I think I'll hang around here today."

"You aren't at the estate. Are – you – with him?"

"No, Bets. I'm in the apartment downtown."

"I know I'm sticking my nose in your business. But if you are moving on – no judgement here. We just don't want you to get hurt. Ben has connections. He can check this guy out every way from Sunday."

"That won't be necessary. This is – about me – not him."

"Call me if you need me."

"Thanks."

Cara fell back on the mound of pillows. It was about her. But it was also about Joe. Yesterday she had fled Houston like a child running away from home and she had run right into the arms of Joe O'Toole. The only problem was the place from which she was running no longer felt like home and she was not certain that she was ready to call another man's arms home either.

Remembering her sister's letter, Cara rolled over, grabbed her bag and retrieved the envelope. Erin had been that dear much younger surprise in the family. Their entire adult relationship had been built on letters and the hope of having time together – someday. There had been a few weekends spent together when Bert was still assigned to Europe, a couple of times when Erin's family had come to D.C. However, it had never been what she thought it would be when they were growing up – tying Erin's shoes, helping her with homework, teaching her to ride a bike.

When Cara finished the letter, she got out of bed and went to the room across the hall. Barefooted and still in her pajamas, once again she began to draw. It was only hunger and the realization that her feet were getting cold that caused her to stop. She hadn't done any serious work in years. This felt like going home. And the person she wanted to tell was Joseph O'Toole.

"Hello, is this O'Toole's airport shuttle service?"

"Yes, but I have a very exclusive clientele."

"Hi Joe," chuckled Cara.

"How are you?"

"Better. I – I want to thank you for picking me up at the airport last night. I fear I made somewhat of a fool of myself leaving Houston so abruptly. You must think me a whimpering ninny."

"No. I have never thought of you as a whimpering anything."

"Could we talk tomorrow?"

"Of course, what are you doing at 5:00?"

"Going to listen to jazz?"

"5:00 in the morning," Joe said hesitantly.

"Probably not listening to jazz," she chuckled. "Milking cows?"

"No, no cows," laughed Joe. "How does a hike sound?"

"I will be ready," she said.

"It's not a big hike. It's a little hike. It's just a spot I think you would like."

Joe did not have to call Cara to say he had arrived. She was standing at the Tower doors the minute his truck pulled into the drive.

She exited smiling. "Good morning." "Good morning," he replied rushing to meet her and open the door of the truck for her. He didn't mind the kiss on the cheek from this woman in blue jeans and tennis shoes.

The truck traveled along the winding highway under the deep purple sky. They arrived at the national park just as the stars began to fade and a sliver of light peaked along the horizons. Although they followed a paved path, it was a little intimidating to the nature novice. She could hear the water lapping the bank on her left. Tall pines bordered the right. Around the bend large boulders replaced the sea of evergreens.

"Here we are," said Joe, as he left the trail and began to climb the rocks. "Don't worry, it is just right up here." He extended his hand to help his date climb with him. They continued to make their way until they reached a boulder that looked as if the hand of God had carved it into a bench Himself. Joe removed a blanket from his backpack and placed it on the boulder.

"Joe this is breathtaking," said Cara. A large lake framed by mountains lay before them. Tall trees and mountain peak pointed to heaven. They had entered a bit of Eden and were the only two humans present.

Joe noticed his partner shiver.

"A little cool?"

"A little."

Joe slid closer to her and wrapped his arm around her shoulders. She found him a warm and serene resting place. Across the lake two mountains met forming a valley, a break between two lofty pyamids. The sun rose between them. It was like watching the Creator breathe light, first that spot of white light, pushing away the purple night, to yellow, to orange, to red. When its full glory shown it called mortal eyes to appreciate the placid waters in which it reflected its power and breadth of the shadow it created with the pines. And as it rose, nature woke and birds sang.

For almost a half hour the two sat without speaking. The longer they sat, the more relaxed Cara became – but also the more keenly aware of her dilemma.

"Joe, I don't know what to do?"

"When Oliver's mom left, I never dreamed we wouldn't see her again. Then we got word she had died. I came to this spot to watch the sunset. I sat here in the dark for hours until I could believe that the sunrise was worth waiting for. Cara, it is worth waiting for. And you will know what to do."

"I need for you to read this," she said. Cara reached into the pocket of her olive canvas jacket and removed an envelope. You didn't have to be a retired postal employee to recognize the international stamp.

My dearest Carrie,

Summer continues passing and I am still hoping for you to come. Derrick, the girls and I are going on holiday to the coast. We have the perfect place rented for two weeks. Unfortunately, Derrick has to go back to work after the first week. It would be wonderful if you could join us the second week. It would be just the girls, and you and I.

I went to Poppy's yesterday just to stroll the grounds. Cousin Fran called to say that she had decided to sale the property. I never had the chance to form the memories there that you did; however, I thought that before it went out of the family, I could at least spend a few moments there.

I cannot wait to hear you say that you are coming home.

Love always,

Erin

"You know, when you lose something, you start looking for it the last place you remember having it."

Cara nodded. She folded the letter and placed it back in her pocket.

"You understand?"

"I understand."

"Hey, I brought a thermos with some hot coffee and a couple of muffins. I thought this was might be a good spot for breakfast. Banana?" he said, unpacking the surprise meal.

"You never cease to amaze me," she said, allowing their smiles and their lips to meet.