The Reluctant Bride

“That’s the story of our life, isn’t it? Never together.”

Karinne shivered. “Don’t say never.”

Max pointed at her coffee. “Are you ready to go?”

“Not yet.” She set down her mug. “I wanted to talk to you about a photo I took a few months ago. There was this woman…” She told Max everything that had happened back at the stadium and her visit to the police station.

“I even told Dad about it, but he didn’t buy it.”

A long pause seemed to fill the air. The other diners faded into the background. Max’s expression seemed so serious Karinne shivered.

“I may have heard from that woman, too,” he finally said.

“Cory told me,” Karinne whispered. “And she claimed to be my mother?”

“Yes.”

A million questions jumped into her mind. She asked the easiest one. “When was this?”

“Almost two months ago. After we put our engagement announcement in the paper. A woman called. Said she was Margot and wanted to wish us well.”

Karinne shivered again, despite the hot coffee. “Why didn’t you tell me before?”

“Because the Flagstaff police and park rangers thought it was a crank call. So did I.”

“That’s what the Phoenix police told me. But obviously this goes beyond that. You should’ve said something,” she insisted.

“And you, too.”

She bowed her head in acknowledgment. “You don’t think…my mother could be alive, do you?”

“No.”

“I wish the woman had called me instead of you,” Karinne said. “I would’ve recognized the voice if it really was Mom.”

“I’m glad she didn’t. I’d hate to think she had your phone number. Or worse, your address,” Max said. “This person does have my address,” Karinne admitted miserably. “She sent me a Grand Canyon sweatshirt—and a note.”

“Someone actually sent you a package? When?”

“Last week. This woman wants to see me.”

Max’s eyes darkened with concern. “Go on.”

“I threw the whole package out. But then I fished it out of the trash and brought the top with me. I thought maybe…I should wear it.”

“Why?”

“As…a signal, in case Mom is alive. To let her know I’m approachable.”

“Don’t encourage this craziness! That’s the last thing you want!”

“That’s what Cory said.”

“You’ve talked to Cory about this, and not me?” he asked angrily.

Karinne flushed. “Just a few minutes ago. And don’t lecture me, Max. You told Cory about your incident with this strange woman. Cory, not me.”

“Point taken.” He sighed. “In future, we have to be more forthright with each other.”

“Then I’ll say it right out. I want to follow this and see where it leads.”

“What’s next? A stalker crashing the wedding?”

Karinne shook her head. “I don’t think this woman wants to hurt me. She’s respected my privacy so far.”

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