Page 15 of Kansas Keeper
Chances are high that my romantic interest in Mara is just a fleeting crush that will go away as soon as I get to know her better. Desperate loneliness can make being with anyone seem like an attractive proposition––especially if that someone already loves your daughter.
With it settled in my mind that I’ll tamp down my feelings toward Mara, but offer to let her spend some time with Embry, sleep beckons me for the first time in longer than I can remember.
I turn toward the couch, but the lumpy cushions aren’t what I need right now. Deciding that it’s truly silly to lie awake on an uncomfortable sofa while there is a big, comfy bed in my room, I head down the hallway.
It’s strange to be in this space that I shared for so long with Sandra. I turn to smell her pillow, but her delectable floral scent has evaporated.
Trying not to think about that, I roll over so my back is to her side of the bed.
Knowing I won’t get any sleep, I force myself to shut my eyes anyway.
--
I’m stunned when I open my eyes and see sunlight streaking across the cream-colored carpet.
Bolting upright, I turn to gape at the empty space beside me on the bed. I run my palm along the cool sheets, fully expecting them to still be warm.
There is only one person I want to talk to about the miracle that happened last night. I need to get in touch with Mara.
16
MARA
My voice sounds groggy when I answer the blaring telephone next to the bed in my hotel room. If the front desk is blasting me with an early wake-up call, I’m going to give them a piece of my mind.
I’m immediately alert and awake when I hear Beckett’s frantic tone, “Mara, I need to see you right away.”
“Is Embry okay?” Panic edges my tone.
“Yes, she’s fine,” he quickly reassures me. “We’re both fine, but we need you.”
I hate it that my heart gives a little jolt at his last words. It’s evidently going to take a while for my muddled brain to fully accept that Beckett is taken, and he always will be. I can’t compete with a dead woman, nor do I want to.
I bolt out of bed and stretch the landline phone’s cord to grab clothes from my suitcase as I say, “I’ll be right there.”
After what has to be the quickest shower and teeth brushing session in the history of womankind, I race out of the hotel room to my car.
Even though Beckett assured me that Embry is okay, I know he wouldn’t track me down if it wasn’t important. If my little girl needs me, then I am going to be there––from now on.
I can’t do anything about my absence in her life in the past, but I will make damn sure it never happens again.
I’m in such a hurry to get to Embry that I try to emerge from the car with my seatbelt still attached. After that jolts me back to reality, I quickly unsnap it and race toward Beckett’s front door.
The best laugh in the world wafts around the house, so I change my intended direction and hurry to the backyard.
Beckett is pushing Embry high on her swing, and the child’s face is lit up with glee.
When she sees me, her already huge eyes widen even more before she squeals, “Mara!”
I beam, thrilled that she’s obviously so delighted by my appearance until she lets go of the swing’s chains and launches herself through the air.
Fear ices my veins as I realize that it’s way too far for her to fall. I lunge in her direction, but I can’t get close enough to catch her.
Miraculously, she lands on her feet and runs forward.
I crumple to my knees, almost unable to believe my eyes that she landed that jump and is uninjured.
Not seeming to sense anything amiss, Embry runs up and wraps her arms tight around my neck in the best hug of my entire life.
