Whispering Rock (Virgin River #3)(52)

“I believe I did,” he said, sticking his chest out.

Paige brought a big platter of wings out to the bar and said, “John, shut up.”

“Well, I believe I did. Don’t you?”

She looked up at him, shook her head in disgust and said, “You certainly did your best,” and turned to walk back into the kitchen.

Mike pulled Brie aside and said, “You’re the only woman on the premises who’s not just a little pissed off at her guy. Wanna run away with me right now? Before I do something stupid?”

She grinned at him. “You think you’re my guy, huh?”

“Well, that’s what I’m hoping….”

A total of three deer were bagged, but no bear. The Marines left Virgin River, Ricky went back into active duty and the next weekend brought the Grace Valley fall festival. A sign was posted on the bar door—Closed. And below it a map, giving directions to Grace Valley.

Trucks, cars and SUVs were loaded with items for the mammogram booth. Mel, Brie and Jack left early with the baby and a truck packed with donations. They met Paige, Preacher and Christopher there to set up. Through the day, women from Virgin River arrived with even more wares to put out and everyone took their turn at working the booth—and items were disappearing like crazy. Mel didn’t have to sit there the entire day, but she stayed close to keep an eye on their growing funds.

The day was filled with visiting old friends and meeting new.

By the time darkness was falling and the booths were mostly shut down, Mel was growing so tired she thought her very bones ached. They had absolutely nothing left to sell on Sunday. “I’ll keep the banner and a donation jar out here tomorrow,” June said. “Even if we get just a few dollars more, I’m sure we’re close to what we need to bring the mammo RV out here.”

“Are you sure you don’t mind?” Mel asked. “I’m so shot.”

“I have to be here anyway—we keep the clinic staffed during the fair. It won’t be any trouble.”

When the sun went down, the band set up behind the café and there was dancing and fireworks. The raffles were called out, and someone had rented a dunking booth that seemed to keep everyone in Grace Valley entertained as their local hotshots took their turns on the seat.

While Mel held David and watched the dancing, Jack came to her, slipped his arms around her and gave her a fairly decent twirl around the asphalt, baby and all. “Who would take you for a dancer,” she said.

“That was barely dancing, but you’re a good sport. You’re exhausted,” he whispered. “As soon as you’re ready, we’re heading home.”

“It was a long day. Maybe we should find Brie.”

“I found her,” he said. “I’m trying to celebrate her….”

Mel followed his gaze and saw that on the other side of the asphalt dance floor, she was twirling around with Mike. “When did he show up?” she asked her husband.

“Just a little while ago. He stayed in Virgin River most of the day, looking after the town while so many people were here. I think he might have come for one reason only.”

“That could work to our advantage,” Mel said. “He might give her a ride home.”

“I’ll give her a few minutes, and ask,” Jack said.

On the other side of the asphalt, Mike held Brie closer than necessary for a little country dancing, moving her around with more skill than she showed, making her laugh. And then to his pleasure, the pace of the music slowed and so did they. He tried not to, but he was helpless and lowered his face to her neck, taking in the intoxicating fragrance of her soft hair. “Ah, mija,” he said against her neck. He kissed her cheek, her lips. She put her palms against his cheeks and pulled him closer, opening her mouth under his, sending him reeling with desire.

“Mike,” she said softly. “I’m going home tomorrow.”

He pulled back, stunned. He stared at her, a million questions in his eyes. “Were you going to say goodbye?” he asked.

“I am saying goodbye,” she answered. “I have to spend some time with my family, and Mel and Jack need some family time—without a visitor.”

“Will you be back?” he asked.

“Oh, I’m sure I will, eventually.” She shrugged. “I don’t know yet where I want to be. Or what I want to do.”

“I had tricked myself into thinking it might be here,” he said. “It was nothing you did or said, my love, just crazy hope. Is it all right that I call you while you’re there? Maybe visit once or twice?”

“I’d be disappointed if you didn’t. Hardly a day has gone by that we haven’t talked.”

He touched her hair. “You’ve gained such beautiful strength while you’ve been here. Your laugh is a little wilder, a little more alive. Your cheeks are flushed and charged with good health.”

“A lot of that has been you. Your kisses. Your tenderness. I’ll miss that.”

“You know it will be right here, whenever you like. Before very long, I hope. In the meantime, if you want me to come to you, all you have to do is tell me.”

Jack, holding his son in his arms, interrupted them. “I’m going to take Mel home. Do you want to come later?” he asked his sister.

“No,” she said, pulling out of Mike’s arms. “I’ll come with you. I’ll be right there.” As Jack walked away from her, she leaned forward and, up on her toes, kissed Mike’s cheek. He held her waist for a long moment, his eyes closing. But then she pulled out of his embrace and said, “I’ll miss you,” and turned away from him to follow her brother.