Page 189 of Love in Riverbend
On our drive, I look up the history of the West Baden Hotel. And read aloud.
It was built in 1845 and patterned after fancy European spas. In 1888, it was bought by Lee W. Sinclair who transformed it into a sophisticated resort with many amenities including a ball field and double-decker track—for ponies and bicycles. In 1901, the building was ravaged by fire. Sinclair used the opportunity to make it even better with the world’s largest free-span dome.
After the stock-market crash of 1929, the hotel was sold for one dollar. It became a seminary for thirty years, removing all the elegant features. A college then used the hotel from 1967 to 1983. And then afterward, the magnificent structure sat empty for thirteen years. In 1991, a 180-foot, six-story section collapsed. The hotel received the attention of a nonprofit preservation group. The refurbished hotel and casino opened in November of 2006.
“I had no idea it had all that history,” Justin said.
“Do you think that’s why some people think it’s haunted?”
Justin laughed. “I reserved a room for two. If the room is haunted, the ghosts will need to find somewhere else to stay.”
I continued reading. “It looks like people think the first owner, a guy named Taggart, is still hanging around, despite dying in 1916.”
“If you’re scared, I promise to keep you safe.”
“My hero.”
The historic hotel is bigger than I imagined, looking like a castle as we approach. Together we walk into the gigantic lobby. The room is round with tall pillars and a beautiful high ceiling, the combination of which making me feel small. Even Justin’s height is dwarfed by the size of the room. I stand to his side as he checks us in. His words don’t register as I look around with the weight of what accepting this weekend getaway invitation truly means.
I peer up at his profile.
Justin Sheers.
At times like these, it almost seems as if I’m in a dream. It’s hard to fathom that this man, one I’ve known most of my life, is the man I want to share my life with. Yes, I’m thinking about more than my body. I want that too. I want to enjoy the way he makes me feel. I also don’t want to stop with giving him my virginity.
In the short time since our one kiss, I realize I want to share my life with him. I never dreamed we would have such similar interests—mine of earth science and his of geology and farming, or that it would be so easy to talk to him, or that his smile would make the dark clouds part and fill my life with sunshine.
As Ricky’s little sister, I never took the time to witness the sweet, sincere, and sexual side of Justin Sheers. Maybe he never showed it. Knowing he’s sharing it with me now adds to the way he makes me feel special.
Now that I’ve not only seen the hidden sides but witnessed them firsthand in his kiss, touch, and kindness, I believe I could spend the next fifty years learning every side, level, and layer to this handsome man.
“Devan?”
I shake my head with a giggle. “Sorry, I think I was spacing out.”
“Did you see a ghost?”
“No.” I’m not thinking about an apparition from the past but about what possibilities the future holds.
We both pull our suitcases across the shiny marble floor as Justin takes my hand. Once in the elevator, Justin hits the button for the fourth floor. The furnishings throughout the hotel are lavish, reminding me of something out of a movie. When he opens the door to our suite, I laugh. Yeah, maybe it’s nerves.
“Is this funny?” he asks.
Letting go of my suitcase, I spin around, my arms outstretched. “It’s not funny. And it’s so not that hotel in Bloomington.” The room may be the nicest one I’ve ever stayed in.
Justin’s smile shines. “Come look.” He tugs my hand. “We have an atrium view.”
Beyond our windows, there is a large dome covering a spectacular room below with clusters of seats and guests milling from here to there.
Turning back to Justin, I grin. “This is beautiful.”
“You, Devan, are beautiful. This is a nice hotel.”
“It’s still beautiful,” I insist.
“Before your stomach starts growling,” Justin says with a smirk, “where would you like to eat? I have reservations for tomorrow night at Sinclair’s Restaurant.”
“He was the guy in the history.”
