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“I did.”

  “Really?” he said impressed. “At the end of a season and the beginning of another I take a spiritual cleansing near where my ancestors dwelled. The Blackfoot Confederacy is a union of three tribes that live all through this region; the lake is where we visit for prayer. I paid respect. It’s very personal and awakening. If you were there then you were part of that moment, and it is probably why you, wrote what you wrote.”

  “Want to read it?”

  He chuckled.

  Josie sprang from the bed. She retrieved the journal and returned under the covers. She read her words to Elu. He listened attentively. Never had he heard the desires of Josie Eastman. The words in the journal gave him hope. This could possibly be their destiny.

  “I’m not sure what I will decide but this here proves that I found something I needed here in Mission Creek. It was you. I feel that too.”

  Elu pulled her into his embrace. They lay tangled in each other’s arms and legs until they drifted asleep.

  Content.

  Chapter Eight

  “Morning,” Madeline said.

  Carlton’s gaze locked with hers. Madeline’s shoulder rested on the wall. She watched him with a carefully held mug of coffee. Steam swirled up. Carlton rubbed the sleep from his eyes. Showered and dressed, he wanted to see Josie right away.

  “I made coffee, would you like some?”

  “No. Is Tiffani up?”

  “She’s getting dressed. We need to talk.”

  Carlton nodded.

  “Sit.” She ordered.

  He walked over to the table and he watched Josie’s mother fix him coffee and bring him cream and sugar. The silence between them was charged with tension. Normally she was his biggest supporter. In fact she’d always been a bit too supportive. After all she was Josie’s mother and he could sometimes be a shitty boyfriend. Now he’d had a lot of time to think on those mistakes. Madeline truly loved the idea of them but he had to question her reasons.

  “You blame yourself don’t you?” Madeline asked.

  “Yes.”

  “Don’t. This is my fault.”

  “Why would you say that?”

  Madeline sucked in a deep breath and exhaled slowly. She was a very beautiful woman. Her true age was something her daughters knew never to reveal. He figured she was in her late fifties but she easily could pass for early forties. Josie looked the most like her, from skin tone to the same lovely eyes. She smiled at Carlton and he relaxed. “Because this is my fault. I sat here last night thinking it through and I can admit to my mistakes with Josie.” She lowered her gaze to her coffee. “I’ve been really hard on her. I even supported you when I knew she needed me to be a mother.”

  “Madeline, I’m not comfortable discussing my relationship with Josie with you.”

  “Hear me out. Josie is different. Do you know when she was three years old I had her tested. One day she walked into my bedroom with a book I’d hid. It was supposed to be for Christmas. Josie loved to be read to. I was busy ironing her father’s shirt. That day she sat at my feet, opened it and began to read. At first I thought it was a joke. But when I looked down she was reading from a book she’d never seen before. The doctors said she had an IQ of 182. Brilliant.”

  “Josie never told me that.” Carlton smiled. He knew his baby was smart. But when they were together she was free of her nerdy life and was just a downhome girl. That’s why he dug her so much.

  “I’m so proud of her.” Madeline took a sip of her coffee. “I took away her childhood and gave her books and tests, and things to cultivate and nurture her genius. My baby Tiffani tried to be as special as her sister. I’m sorry I made her feel she had to. She thinks she has to compete with Josie.”

  Carlton checked his watch. “Where is Tiffani? We should be leaving.”

  “Listen to me. I’m not done. When I was in law school, when I met her father, I wanted to practice civil law. I gave it all up to have babies and be a wife. I never wanted Josie to make that mistake. The press thought it was a miracle that a girl of her age could take on the government and win. That she could write a book that was so hauntingly beautiful that they’d nominate her for the Nobel Prize. That’s just the beginning of what my Josie can do.” Madeline fixed her gaze on him. “Did you ever wonder why I would encourage a daughter who could have any man she wanted choose a bad boy singer like you?”

  Carlton frowned. It was a good question. Madeline Eastman was a regal beautiful woman. Cultured, refined. In her divorce proceedings she was awarded a settlement that meant she’d never have to work another day in her life. She’d paid for Josie’s Ivy League degree cash. He thought she liked him because he was a celebrity. But the truth was he was a foul mouthed rock star who breezed in and out of her daughter’s bed when he pleased. Why would a woman like her want him paired with her daughter.

  Madeline narrowed her eyes on him. “I’ll tell you why. Because I knew she could never take you seriously. You love your lifestyle, the fast cars and I’m sure other women…”

  “I’ve never cheated on Josie!”

  She put up a hand. “Let me finish. You don’t want marriage and babies. Josie can have fun with you but that’s all. She thinks that her brilliance is a burden. You help balance it for her. So she won’t be foolish enough to toss it aside for some romantic notion of motherhood. I prayed that eventually she’d get whatever wild streak she inherited from her father out of her system and move on. That’s the truth.”

  Carlton doubled back with hurt. “Josie can have whatever life she wants. I was a fool to not know how special she is.”

  Madeline sighed and kept on as if he hadn’t spoken. “I tried hard to talk her out of this idea of marrying you. You and I both did. Didn’t we? And look what it gained us. She’s here, out of her mind. She could lose it all because I pushed her too hard. I need to get her to the best doctors. I’ll do that.”

  “Me too.”

  “You don’t have to. Carlton. The door is open.”

  “Wait a fucking minute!”

  “I beg your pardon.” Madeline’s eyes stretched.

  “Who the fuck do you think you are, breaking up with me? I don’t care what you think. I love Josie, and I plan to marry her.”

  “No you won’t,” she said with a nonchalant shrug.

  “I will! You can’t stop us!”

  “Carlton? Ma? What’s going on?”

  Carlton rose. He glared at them both and walked out slamming the door.

  Elu’s Cabin

  She was out of bed before him. He showered and tidied the room. His gaze fell upon the journal. Last night she read to him the most beautiful prophetic words of the passion that would unfold between them. When spring finally did arrive he’d take her to the lake and make love to her just as she described. Elu smiled. He walked out of the room and the warm yummy smell of breakfast meat hit him full force.

  “Morning.” Josie turned from the stove. Elu buttoned his shirt, watching her finish breakfast.

  “You didn’t have to cook,” he said.

  “Sure I did. You’ve made breakfast, lunch, and dinner for me every day. Only fair right?”

  He walked into the kitchen, inspecting the large sausage links and eggs. Everything smelled divine, and he could really get used to having her in his kitchen preparing his meals. His arms slipped around her waist and he kissed the top of her head. “How you feeling this morning?”

  She reached over her shoulder and gave him a piece of sausage. He chewed, grinning, but she didn’t answer the question. Elu backed away. He watched her fix his plate. “So I’m sure this will be hard for you. Telling this man that you won’t be leaving with him. I was thinking that maybe when spring came we’d visit the lake. I’d give you a bit of fantasy?” he chuckled.

  Her hand froze then continued heaping food on his plate. She never turned and looked back. Never responded.

  “Last night you felt, we felt good.” Elu cleared his throat. “I know there’s a lot to work out, but I’
m going to stop fighting us. I’m going to fight for what we have here. We can figure it out, right?”

  Josie turned and smiled. “You want toast?”

  “No. This is fine.”

  She walked over with the plate and kissed him. “Eat. Go on.”

  He accepted her offering, but took her hand and brought her back to the table too. He wanted to eat breakfast with her near. Josie didn’t complain. She talked to Po as if he would answer. Elu couldn’t be happier, until the knock at the door.

  Josie looked back. “I guess he’s here.”

  “I’ll get it.” Elu huffed, pushing his chair back. She grabbed his hand. “No, finish your breakfast. I can handle it.”

  “Josie?”

  “I know. I know.” She leaned in and kissed him softly. Rising she crossed the open area to the front of the cabin then opened the door.

  Carlton stood between Madeline and Tiffani. When the door opened a jolt of relief punched the air from his lungs. All night his stomach had been in knots. But there she was. Beautiful. It took everything in him not to reach for her and take her from this place. To have her alone with him so he could protect all that he’s taken for granted. Madeline was the only one visibly distressed. She sucked in a deep audible breath at the sight of her daughter who appeared before her with a bruised face.

  “Josie?” Tiffani spoke first.

  Josie then looked to Tiffani. She opened the door wider for them to enter.

  “Come in,” she replied.

  “Oh my baby. My baby,” Madeline nearly knocked Tiffani aside throwing her arms around Josie’s neck and clutching her to her chest. She grabbed Josie’s face, careful of her bruising. Josie didn’t fight off the affection but everyone could see it made her uncomfortable.

  “Ma, stop.” Tiffani pulled her by the shoulders. Elu left the kitchen table. He and Po watched the scene.

  “Don’t you know me sweetheart?” Madeline asked, her voice breaking.

  Josie said nothing.

  “Hi,” Tiffani smiled.

  “This is your mother and sister, Josie.” Carlton interjected. He was pissed that Madeline rushed the introductions. But the terrified Josie who had fought him before didn’t greet them today. Instead Josie nodded and responded calmly. She closed the door and looked to Elu. Tiffani and her mother followed her eyes. Madeline stepped out of the circle to stare, from Elu to the dog. She blinked and cut her eyes at Josie.

  “Everyone please have a seat. Elu?”

  He nodded and led Po out by the collar. The dog whimpered, not wanting to be locked behind a door. Carlton followed Tiffani and Madeline, but he kept his eyes on Josie. She was wearing her own clothes again. He could smell breakfast and wondered if she cooked. She loved to cook. How did amnesia work? Could she remember some things?

  “Have you seen a doctor?” Madeline spoke up.

  Josie sat across from the trio in Elu’s chair. She smiled and waited for Elu to return. “I’d like you all to meet the man who saved my life. He pulled me from the wreckage when my car went off the side of the road, and helped me get better. Elu…this is my mother, sister, and you know Carlton.”

  “Hello,” he said standing behind her chair.

  “You didn’t take her to a doctor?” Madeline frowned.

  “Ma, don’t be rude.” Tiffani warned.

  “It’s okay, your mother has a right to be concerned. The nearest hospital is sixty miles away. For Mission Creek I’m the healer.”

  “Healer?” Madeline scoffed. “What does that mean? Are you a trained doctor or not?”

  Carlton immediately noticed how Josie remained close to Elu and protective of him, though the man stood behind her chair. It was unnerving. Apparently Madeline noticed as well because she adjusted her tone when she spoke again. “You need medical attention honey. A doctor can help you get your memory back. We can see you’re not right.”

  “I’m better than you think,” Josie said.

  “Wait. Everyone wait,” Carlton shook his head. He addressed Josie. “We aren’t here to debate what happened. You’re healthy and alive.” He looked up at Elu. “Thank you for saving her life. I saw that cliff, we could have lost her.” Carlton managed civility though it was hard. “Josie. I called your mother and sister because they are just as worried about you as I am. We only want you to get some help. Come home so we can make that happen. Please.”

  Josie glanced up to Elu, who squeezed her shoulder and smiled down at her. She then leveled her eyes on Carlton once more. “I understand why you called them. You did what you thought was right.” Her gaze volleyed between Tiffani and Madeline. “I know I’ve worried you and I’m really sorry.”

  “It’s not your fault sweetheart. I’m sorry, but I have to say this. It’s ridiculous that you haven’t been to a doctor. You have one of the most brilliant minds on the planet! To be kept here, for weeks, it’s criminal!” Madeline snapped. She stood shocking the room. Carlton however wasn’t surprised. The argument they’d had earlier, had kept Madeline seething. She was bound to direct that anger somewhere. He didn’t give two shits if she directed it at the Indian. “Which leads me to my next question. Why did you keep her from her family? Turn on a TV, her face is all over the news. Everyone knows who she is. Did you?”

  “Ma, no.” Tiffani said, but Madeline snatched her hand away.

  “I will not be quiet. I will not! You find a woman dying and you don’t get her medical attention? You don’t call the police? And then when she can’t defend herself you play house with her. Screw with her head, keep her from her family. You should be arrested!”

  “That’ll be enough!” Josie sat forward.

  “Quiet baby you don’t know what’s going on.” Madeline dismissed Josie.

  Josie stood. “I know exactly what’s going on. I know that you can be mean and indifferent at times, but you’re my mother so I overlook it. I also know why you’re really angry, and who you are angry with and it’s not Elu. You’re acting like a bully.”

  Madeline lowered to her seat.

  Josie crossed her arms. “Don’t you dare stand in judgment of Elu when you haven’t had a single conversation with him to know who he is. In fact you aren’t fit to stand in judgment of either man in my life. Elu or Carlton, are you Madeline?”

  “You don’t remember. You aren’t well.” Madeline said.

  “I have my memory back.” Josie snapped. “I remember every single reason why I packed a bag, rented a car and drove into these mountains away from all of you.”

  That nugget of truth pierced Carlton’s heart. He sat next to Tiffani and Madeline stunned.

  Josie’s head turned. There was shock and disappointment on Elu’s face. “Elu, when I woke up this morning I remembered it all. I’m sorry, I didn’t know how to tell you.”

  Carlton rose. “Babe? You remember? You know who I am?”

  The sound of pain in his voice tore at her heart. He pulled her toward him and held her. Josie welcomed the embrace. She loved him, and she knew she’d hurt him badly. Elu had to turn away from the scene. He walked away, stopped at the kitchen table and dropped down in the chair.

  Carlton cradled Josie’s face in his hands, he kissed her eyelids. Kissed her nose. Kissed her mouth.

  “I was so scared. So scared I’d lost you,” Carlton said.

  “I’m sorry I hurt you. I am.”

  Tiffani stepped up, her arms outstretched. Carlton let her go. Josie hugged her sister. “You scared the hell out of me. Carlton said you didn’t know him and that you wouldn’t come home. Girl, don’t ever scare me like that again.”

  Josie smiled. “I’m okay. Sorry I worried you.”

  She looked over her sister’s shoulder to her mother. “Madeline.”

  Her mother looked up to her with tears in her eyes. “I don’t know what to say to you.”

  “You and I have a lot to talk about.” She walked over to her. “I love you. I know you love me too. In two weeks I had a special glimpse into who I truly am.” She smiled at
her mother. “I plan to do everything going forward on my terms, Madeline, Mama. My terms. Okay?”

  Madeline put a hand to her eyes. “I’ve done the best I could with you both. If you want to throw it all away then so be it.”

  Josie sighed, realizing her relationship with her mother couldn’t be fixed in one conversation. She looked to Carlton. “Can we speak? Outside.”

  He nodded and she led the way. She glanced once more at Elu. He was walking out of the back of the cabin to the deck. It killed her to see him go. Going with Carlton out the door she stopped and waited.

  “I put you through a lot,” she said. “Yesterday I mean. I hurt you.”

  “I was worried. I still am.”

  Josie nodded. “Carlton, I need you to know that when he found me, I had no memory. Nothing. Especially not us, not at first.”

  “I believe you, Josie. We don’t have to talk about it. It’s over.”

  Josie put a hand to her eyes. She pressed her lips together to keep them from quivering.

  “It is over right?”

  “You have to understand, I didn’t mean for this thing with Elu to happen.”

  “Thing? You don’t have feelings for a man in the span of two weeks to replace the love we’ve shared in three years. You couldn’t!”

  “It’s complicated.”

  “No. It’s not complicated, it’s impossible. You have a head injury. That is gratitude you feel, Josie, not love.”

  “Don’t do that!” Josie snapped. “I spent all my life with Madeline telling me what my feelings are, my priorities. I won’t let you do it too.”

  “Then answer me this. Are you going to throw away your future, our life together, for him? For this? ”

  “That’s just it Carlton. I can’t answer those questions now. I thought all I wanted was to be your wife. I was wrong. It was never about being yours, it was about being free.”

  “Free? From who? What?”

  “My brain!” she laughed but there was no humor in her smile. “I hated being smart. Ever since I was a kid it felt like a burden and when I won that nomination for the damn Nobel Prize it became a curse. That’s why I loved our love. I could be just Josie with you. And I wanted normal things, like PTA meetings and school plays. Waking up on Christmas morning with kids and presents.”