CHAPTER 19

For the next few weeks Cara and Joe slipped into somewhat of a routine. Tuesdays she went with him to work the community garden. She even helped with the market to sell the produce. Thursdays he ate dinner with Oliver and Shane while Cara spent time with Bets. Fridays they wandered around Denver together – shops, museums, hikes, ice cream. Sunday evenings they went to E Phlat for music and more dancing. Through it all there was an unspoken knowing of what was to come. As the sun brought color to the pale, life to a bud, Joe watched the blooming – the coming to life - of Cara Larrigen Bancroft. But the summer was drawing to a close.

In their weeks together, Joe had never been inside her apartment or inside the house at Bancroft Estate. But this Friday, he was invited to dinner. And he knew it would be a very special evening for them both.

Joe arrived at Denver Towers and the valet was there to take his car, just as she said. Travis was waiting on him in the lobby and with a push of a button informed Mrs. Bancroft her guest had arrived. He took him up the elevator to the top floor. Everything was going just as she said. He tugged on the hem of his navy blazer. He was feeling a little like that teenage boy again on a first date. He checked his black dress shoes – still shined. As he played with the collar of the blue button-down, he hoped the decision to go without a tie was good one.

"Have a nice evening," said Travis. As the elevator doors opened, he stepped to the side to allow Joe to exit the lift.

"Thank you," said Joe. The dark marble foyer had only one door. It had to be hers.

With each step to the door Cara's heart beat a little faster, Joseph O'Toole would be standing on the other side and she could not wait to see him, to share this particular evening together.

Herbert Bancroft had purchased the penthouse as a peace-offering for Cara. Although he had promised their move to Denver would give them time for each other, his involvement in the family business had taken priority. The apartment was supposed to give them a way to spend more time together on weeks he was consumed with work in the downtown office. It was stunning. It echoed the natural earth-toned beauty of the Rockies. Two of the four walls of the corner apartment were glass providing an unparalleled view of the area. However, instead of being a place they spent time together, it was another place she spent time alone. But not tonight. Tonight, she was the breathtaking view. She wore a plunging white voile blouson dress with gold tulips that looked as if a watercolor artist had painted them around the skirt with a deft brush. And tonight, she would make a memory here in which she was not alone.

"Hello," said Joe, immediately leaning in to kiss the hostess. Cara cocked her head, cut her eyes to her left and smiled. A man wearing a chef's jacket was setting a table for two on the balcony. "Very nice." Joe grinned, not letting go of her hand.

Cara led Joe out to the patio. "Come, let me introduce you to the man who saved you from eating my cooking tonight. Joe I would like for you to meet Jacque Dupree. Jacque, this is Joseph O'Toole."

"My pleasure. I hope you enjoy your dinner. Mrs. Bancroft, are you certain you do not need me any further this evening?"

"No, thank you. Joe, excuse me a moment."

While Cara took care of the chef, Joe walked to the edge of the balcony and took in the view of the city. Denver was incredible – the rugged mountains, rocky craigs, the South Platte and the gentler Cherry Creek, trees, and red dirt merged with the concrete and steel of city structures. And in the middle of its rugged boldness was this candlelit dinner served high above on a balcony and the most beautiful woman he had ever seen.

"I hope you like trout."

"Yes, I do."

"Jacque insisted on remaining to serve before he leaves. I think he is afraid I will ruin things and destroy his meal," whispered Cara.

"Well, we can't have that," chuckled Joe as he helped her with her chair.

The setting sun cast a rose glow on the city as the two ate. They talked of the community garden and even Joe's bowling buddies. But the conversation was a little stiff and formal for the two who had come to be at such ease with each other. By the time the chocolate souffles were served, it was only two tapers and a lamp from within the apartment illuminating the table.

"Do you think if we take these dishes to the kitchen he will leave," Joe asked with that irresistible grin.

"We can try."

"Jacque that was true perfection," said Cara. "Thank you so much."

"Any time for you," Jacque answered, giving Joe a side glance filled with suspension.

"Good night," said Joe.

With a not too subtle huff, the truly excellent but distrusting chef finally left.

"Where were we?" asked Clara.

"Right here," said Joe, drawing her into his arms for the kiss he had wanted to give her since she opened the door. "You look - stunning."

"I wanted you to remember tonight."

"I will – always. Dance with me?"

With a cool evening breeze blowing into the opened room and the Denver skyline and the Rockies themselves for their backdrop, the two danced and danced. They danced as young lovers who do not want the evening to end – because they didn't.

Eventually the music slowed and so did they until their feet no longer moved, only a gentle sway between two people, locked in an embrace, yet knowing the night for them was coming to a close. His tender kisses made her question her decision.

"I will miss you," Joe whispered in her ear.

"I don't want you to leave. Stay and we will watch the sunrise. It's beautiful from the balcony," she said, pulling away just enough to look him in those incredible blue eyes.

He closed his eyes and leaned his forehead against hers. Perhaps if he didn't look into those big brown eyes it would be easier to resist his longing for her. As much as he wanted to stay, as much as he wanted to say "don't go," he knew she would be like sand ultimately slipping through his fingers. Their lives intersected for the summer. The summer had ended.

"I don't think that would be wise – for either of us."

Cara nodded. She understood.

"My father would say, to everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven. This has been a beautiful season."

She could only smile as the tears flowed freely. Who was this wonderfully kind and good man standing before her? She reached up - just to touch the side of his face. She did not hesitate.

"Do you have everything you need?" he asked.

"Yes, this came today?" She slowly pulled away and handed Joe the papers lying on the counter.

Dear Mrs. Bancroft,

The property which originally was owned by your grandfather has been duly purchased and the deed filed in the name of Cara Larrigen Bancroft. A copy is enclosed here within should you have need.

Furthermore, the contractors you requested will be available to begin work on the cottage as soon as you arrive.

I trust you will find everything to your liking. Should you need anything further my firm and I are at your service.

I am very truly yours,

Henry Garrison, Esquire

"Very official. Sounds as if everything is taken care of. I know your sister must be very happy."

"She is," said Cara, tears flowing again.

"Hey, you're going to be fine," Joe said, reaching to give her his handkerchief. "Can I take you to the airport?"

"No, Bets is driving me."

"So this is goodbye."

"Yes," she said, wiping tears. "I won't ask you to wait at the foot of that slide any longer. You are too wonderful."

Joe took her in his arms one last time. It had been a most unexpected relationship. It had been wonderful. And now it was over. Joe and Cara parted. The valet had Joe's car waiting for him. As soon as he got into his sedan, he noticed the package and the note on the passenger's side.

Dearest Joe,

When I walked into the post office weeks ago, I went in to say thank you, my heart filled with gratitude. Little did I know how grateful I would become for the stranger standing in the lobby with his son that day.

I was lost in the darkness of grief and in a limbo of not knowing who I was. You found me. Gently, lovingly, wisely, with patience and sometimes with humor you pointed me to the sunrise. If time and purpose bring our lives together again one day, it will be my great joy. For now, I know that I must walk this journey of discovery alone. But every morning I see the sunrise, I will be warmed by memory of you.

With love,

Cara

Joe carefully unwrapped the package. In a wooden frame, perfectly matted was a watercolor of day breaking over Washington Park. In the foreground was a child's sliding board. In the corner was the artist signature, Cara.