Sandpiper Way (Cedar Cove #8)(37)

Rachel slipped her arm around Bruce’s waist and leaned against him.

“Have you had anything to eat since lunch?” he asked.

At his question Rachel realized how hungry she was and her stomach growled in response. “No, I didn’t.”

“The Taco House is in business now,” he said. The restaurant, formerly The Taco Shack, had reopened earlier that week, and long lines had been reported. Rachel was eager to try it, but not late on a Friday night when she’d been on her feet most of the day.

“No, thanks. I’m too tired. Maybe next week?” She’d read in the Chronicle that the new restaurant was owned by the same couple who’d run The Taco Shack, which had been one of their favorite places to eat. When it closed, Rachel had been extremely disappointed. It had seemed to echo the end of her relationship with Bruce, too.

“What do you want to do about dinner?”

“I’ve got a couple of chicken pot pies in my freezer. I’ll pop them in the microwave,” she replied. “That way I can relax.”

“I can’t stay long,” Bruce said.

“Where’s Jolene?”

“Roller skating with her friends. She has a ten-thirty curfew tonight, and Carrie’s mom is driving her home.”

“Okay, that gives us about an hour.”

They grinned at each other.

Rachel got into her car and Bruce waited until she’d locked the door. Then he sprinted over to his own. He followed her home, arriving at almost the same time she did.

Opening her front door, Rachel collected the mail and the paper and set everything on the kitchen counter. She hung up her coat and Bruce’s.

He turned on the television. As was his custom he made himself at home, slumping on her sofa with his legs stretched out. He flicked through channels with the remote control, stopping occasionally at a talk show or newscast.

Bruce wasn’t romantic; he didn’t shower her with words of love. But Rachel knew how deeply he loved her. She didn’t doubt the sincerity of his feelings. Not for a minute. Not for even a second.

While the pies heated in the microwave, she sorted through the mail, which included a number of Christmas cards and, as always, bills. She hesitated when she saw the San Diego return address on a square red envelope. Even though there wasn’t a name, the APO address instantly told her who the card was from.

Nate Olsen.

They’d dated for about three years. He was the navy man she’d met through the Dog and Bachelor Auction sponsored by the local humane society. For a while she thought she was in love with him, and he with her, until she discovered that Nate was more interested in how a relationship with her could advance his political career. He was from a wealthy, well-connected family, and marriage to an “ordinary” woman like her would heighten his appeal to the voters.

“What’s wrong?” Bruce asked as he came into the kitchen.

She considered hiding the fact that Nate had contacted her, but decided against it. Their relationship had to be open and honest from the very beginning.

“It looks like Nate sent me a Christmas card.”

Bruce’s gaze held hers, although he didn’t reveal his thoughts. “Are you going to open it?”

“Probably.”

Bruce didn’t comment.

“Would you rather I didn’t?”

He shrugged as if it were of little concern. “Might as well read it,” he said.

She narrowed her eyes. “A small display of jealousy wouldn’t be amiss, you know.”

Bruce sent her a lopsided grin. “You’re wearing my engagement ring, aren’t you?”

“Yes, but—”

“You love me,” he said with unwavering confidence.

She couldn’t disagree.

“You had your chance to marry Nate. As I recall, I actually encouraged you to accept his proposal. He certainly had more to offer you than I ever will.”

“And as you recall, that infuriated me.” It still did. What Bruce had to offer her was a love as unconditional as another person’s love could be.

His grin widened. “You love me,” he said again, “and that’s not going to change.”

Playfully Rachel wagged her index finger at him. “Don’t be so sure of yourself, Bruce Peyton. It’s a woman’s prerogative to change her mind.”

Bruce got a soda cracker from the box on the counter behind her and bit into it. “You won’t. Or you would’ve already done it.”

“Really?” She carefully slit the red envelope. Sliding out the glittery Christmas card, she opened it so Bruce couldn’t see what Nate had written. She lingered over each word.

“So?” he asked after a long moment.

Purposely she closed the card and set it aside.

“What did he say?” Bruce asked, following her to the microwave.

“Are you sure you want to know?” she asked.

“If you feel like telling me.”

She took a deep breath. “Nate said he’ll always love me and that losing me has been the turning point in his life. He begged me to reconsider.”

Bruce put down the soda cracker and his eyes darkened.

The timer buzzed; Rachel removed the pies. “You can read it for yourself if you want,” she said as she retrieved two plates from the kitchen cupboard.