The Twin Bargain

Chapter Two

With the departure of GeorgeAnne, Amber and her daughters, Ethan turned again toward his grandmother. “You were watching the girls when you fell, Grandma?”

“It wasn’t their fault.” At the hint of censure in his voice, his grandmother pressed her lips together. “And nothing makes me happier than seeing their bright little faces.”

Of late, when he’d called she’d seemed distracted—not all there. Half the time, she forgot to return his calls. And after a friend’s mother was diagnosed with dementia, he’d begun to fear his beloved grandmother was slipping.

Ethan hugged her now. Reassured by the usual lavender scent that always clung to her. Somehow he’d feared she’d be frailer. Or her mind not as sharp.

But Grandma wasn’t any frailer than he remembered. Her mind... Well... ErmaJean Hicks would never be accused of thinking like everybody else.

“How did you fall? Were you dizzy? Did you lose your balance?”

She fluttered her hand. “I was in a hurry. Tripped over my own clumsy feet on the back steps.”

“It makes me sick to think about something happening and me not being here, Grandma.”

She scanned his face. “A situation easily remedied.”

“I’ve been doing a lot of thinking about the future lately.”

She clasped her hands to her heart. “Oh, Ethan, I’ve been hoping, praying, you would.”

He pulled a chair close to the bed. “Remember how much fun we had the last time you visited me in Wilmington?”

Confusion darkened her eyes. “Ice cream. Sand between my toes. Life is a beach.”

“You know I like working with my hands.”

“Granddad always hoped one day you’d take over—”

“A buddy of mine is starting his own boat repair business and has offered me a job.”

Her hands fell to her lap. “I’m guessing boat repair means the job is on the coast.”

“You said it yourself, Grandma—life is a beach.”

“I misspoke. Vacation is a beach.” Her expression clouded. “Life is home. I was hoping when you finally decided to settle down—”

“Truelove was never an option for me, and you know it.”

She gnashed her teeth. “What I know is you’re stubborn, obstinate and aggravating.”

“Home is family. And you’re the only family I’ve ever had.”

She lifted her chin. “GeorgeAnne, IdaLee and I have some ideas on how you could remedy that situation.”

The sheer thought of the matchmakers plotting to pair him to some Truelove girl was almost enough to send Ethan running for his Harley motorcycle. Or break out in hives.

Instead—as a Marine he’d been taught not to flee in the face of peril—he found his grandmother’s hand through the bedrail. “Now that I’m stateside for good, I want us to spend more time together.”

Her lips pursed. “That will be difficult with you six hours away.”

Ethan set his jaw. “Which is why I’d like for you to relocate to the beach.”

She pulled her hand from his. “Out of the question.”

“Hear me out, Grandma. I’ve done my research. There is a great senior adult village near my apartment. You’d love the cottages. A sweet deal, right on the water. You’d have your own little garden for your flowers. I’ve got photos on my—”

“Absolutely not.” She steepled her hands in her lap. “My life is here, Ethan. My friends. My church. The family business. They’re all here.”

What family business? Although his grandmother had continued to work on upholstery projects here and there, his grandfather’s furniture restoration workshop had gathered dust since his death.

Ethan shook his head. “You’ve worked hard your entire life. With this new job, I can take care of you. You can retire and enjoy life for a change.”

She crossed her arms. “I’m enjoying life right where I’m planted.”

“You’re the friendliest person I’ve ever known. You’ll make lots of friends. There are amazing churches at the beach.”

She narrowed her eyes. “And you would know that how, Ethan?”

Okay, she had him there. He hadn’t sat in a church pew since he left Truelove.

Grandma’s chin wobbled. “Besides, I could never leave your grandfather.”

Ethan took a long, measured breath. “Granddad has been dead a long time. I don’t like to think of you living here alone with me so far away.” He gestured at the bed. “Changes need to be made.”

Grandma stiffened. “I have good friends to watch out for me.”

“The house has to be getting too much for you. And you must get lonely.”

“Are you sure it’s not you who’s lonely?”

This wasn’t going like he’d envisioned. Since leaving the Corps, he had been lonely. Actually, the empty feeling inside his chest had begun before he left the service.

“I do miss you, Grandma. Which is why you moving closer is a wonderful idea.”

Her mouth down-turned. “Maybe for you. I’m not the decrepit old woman you think I am, Ethan Todd Green.”

She only used his full name when he’d gotten on her last nerve.

Her eyes glinted. “If I need or want your help, I’ll ask for it.”

“Grandma, I’m concerned about you.”

Her lips thinned. “If this accident was your only reason for finally visiting me, then you’ve wasted a trip home.”

Ethan opened his hands. “I wanted to see you. I thought you’d be excited by my news. And I was worried about you.”

Her face creased. “Why were you worried?”

“You’ve sounded so...” He swallowed. “So distant on the phone. Not like yourself.”

Like he was losing her. His grandmother, the only anchor he’d ever known. Hence, his determination to put his plan into action.

“Other than this bum leg, I’m great.” His grandmother tilted her head. “I told you I’ve been busy, Ethan. I’ve been watching Amber’s kids so she can finish her nursing degree.”

“Why did no one tell me that Amber is married?”

His grandmother gave him a cockeyed glance. “Didn’t realize you were interested in Amber’s marital status.” She moistened her lips. “And it’s married as in the past tense. When she got pregnant with the girls—”

“What happened, Grandma? To Amber and...” He made a face. “The guy.”

“You mean her husband?” For a second, something appeared to amuse his grandmother. Then her smile faded. “Tony told Amber he didn’t sign up for parenthood.”

Just like his own deadbeat excuse for a father. Anger roiled in Ethan’s belly.

“I still don’t get how this involves you.” He frowned. “And I’m surprised Amber asked you to take care of her children.”

“Which part comes as a surprise to you?” Grandma arched her brow. “That I adore children or that I’m still capable of taking care of them?”

Somewhere he and Grandma had gotten off on the wrong foot. She appeared determined to take offense at every turn.

“Amber didn’t ask. But juggling work, school and the kids...” His grandmother’s shoulders rose and fell. “It was too much. Something had to give.” She smiled at him. “So I decided to give. I’ve had so much fun with them.”

Ethan fisted his hands. “Where’s their father?”

“Tony declared himself tired of being married. Abandoned her before the girls were even born, so Amber came home where she belonged.” Grandma Hicks raised her eyebrow. “To the people who love her.”

An unmistakable challenge gleamed in his grandmother’s bright blue eyes. In her opinion, Amber wasn’t the only one who needed to come home. But besides Grandma, there was no one else who loved him.

“You won’t reconsider moving to Wilmington?”

She gave him the Look.

“We’re not done with this conversation, Grandma.”

She sniffed. “You might not be, but I am.”

“Grand—”

“Don’t you Grandma me.” She laced her hands on top of the coverlet. “I’m Truelove born. I’m Truelove bred. And here I’ll remain until I’m Truelove dead.”

Exactly what he feared most.

“With the cast, you’re not going to be able to take care of yourself for a while. You have to come to Wilmington with me.”

“Don’t assume you know what’s best for me. I don’t have to do anything but die and pay taxes.”

He gritted his teeth. “Grandma, please. Be reasonable.”

“You’re the one being unreasonable.” She stuck her nose in the air. “You’ve seen me. I’ll mend. Put your conscience at ease. I have plenty of friends who will look out for me during my recovery. You’re under no obligation to stay. Feel free to get on that death-mobile of yours and head for the surf.”

He tightened his jaw. “You’re kicking me out? Out of town and your life?”

The lines in her face deepened. “No, honey. I told you when your dad left and then your mom remarried—we’re lifers, you and me. Together forever.”

“Just not in the same place at the same time, though?”

“Try to understand, Ethan.” His grandmother’s voice softened. “I have responsibilities here and a full life I’m not ready to abandon.”

He ran his hand over his head, spiking his hair with his fingers. How could he persuade her to come with him? What could he do to change her mind?

“I’m going to pray on the situation and I suggest you do the same. Go to the house. Maybe in the morning, you’ll be able to think more clearly.”

He scrubbed the back of his neck. It wasn’t him who needed to think more clearly. But she was right. It had been a long day for both of them. Better to let both their tempers cool before either of them said or did something from which there might be no retreat.

Ethan gave his grandmother a quick peck on the cheek. “Tomorrow,” he growled. “Decisions have to be made.”

Hand to her forehead, she gave him a snappy salute. “Aye aye, Captain.”

“I was a marine, not navy.”

She winked at him. “Good night, honey. I love you.”

He sighed. “I love you, too, Grandma.”

It was dark when he left the hospital. And despite being April, once the sun set behind the Blue Ridge Mountains, the night turned cool. It was only a short drive to Grandma’s rambling bungalow.

Bone tired, he let himself into the house and stumbled toward his old bedroom. Not bothering to switch on a light or undress, he threw his duffel onto the floor, laid his cell on the nightstand and crawled beneath the quilt.

Hours later, he awoke to an insistent buzz from his phone on the nightstand. Groggy, he checked the incoming text message. Emergency. Call me. Now. Grandma.

Since when did ErmaJean Hicks text? Although if anybody in her generation would learn to text, it would be his talk-to-a-signpost grandmother. Throwing off the covers, he slung his legs over the side of the bed.

He dialed her number. Surely if she’d taken a turn for the worse, a doctor or nurse would be calling him, not his grandmother. His temples throbbed.

“Grandma?” he barked into the phone. “Are you okay?”

“I’m fine.”

Raking his hand over his face, he willed his pulse to settle. “You scared me to death.”

“GeorgeAnne just texted me. Amber never made it home. After her night class ended, she ought to have been home by ten-thirty at the latest. GeorgeAnne fell asleep on the couch waiting for her. Or she would’ve contacted me sooner.”

He leaned forward, the cell tucked between his shoulder and his ear. “Shouldn’t we call Amber’s dad, Dwight?”

“Amber wouldn’t thank us for involving him. There’s other stuff going on I haven’t had time to share with you.”

“What about calling the sheriff’s office?”

“She’d be mortified if I brought the police into this. She’s probably in the school parking lot trying to get that old clunker of hers started.”

“All night?” His voice rose. “What if she’s stranded on some deserted mountain road?”

Suppose her brakes had failed? His gut seized. The stretch of highway between the campus and town was notorious for its switchbacks and sheer drop-offs.

But it would do no good to mention that. His grandmother was worried enough already.

“I—I shouldn’t have bothered you.” Her voice quavered. “But GeorgeAnne and I thought it might be better if it was you who went looking.”

“You did the right thing, Grandma.” His bare feet hit the floor with a thud. “I’m heading out now.”

His grandmother emitted an audible sigh. “Thank you, Ethan. This may change your plans for tomorrow.”

“It’s already tomorrow.”

“The girls have already lost one parent, Ethan. You—you know what that’s like.”

He did know. Phone pressed against his ear, he hurriedly dressed. “Don’t worry. I’m on it. I won’t stop looking until I find Amber and bring her home.”

But what if something unthinkable had happened to Amber?

Within minutes, he clambered aboard his motorbike. Darkness still hovered like an oppressive blanket over the ridge. Heading away from town, there were no streetlights on the isolated mountain pass. He felt as cut off as the stars shimmering dully in the fading night sky.

As much as he dared, he accelerated around the winding curves. It would do no one any good if he wrecked. It’d be daylight soon. If he didn’t find Amber at the college, he’d retrace the country road. But what should he look for?

Broken branches? A damaged railing? Signs that a vehicle had plunged into a chasm.

Don’t go there.

Gripping the handlebars of the bike, his knuckles turned white. As he pressed on, wisps of light streaked the horizon.

And like a film reel, those carefree, happy days in high school replayed in his mind. The Fabulous Four—Matt, Amber, Amber’s best friend, Callie, and himself. The summer rafting expeditions. Football games.

Yet one image dominated his memories. A seemingly insignificant moment. A beautiful spring day. Amber and Callie had been sixteen. The four of them had hiked to a nearby meadow for a picnic.

Birdsong had called Matt and Callie away toward the gurgling melody of the fast-flowing river. Lounging at the foot of a tree, at the sound of Amber’s laugh he’d glanced up. In the grass on the edge of the quilt, she’d found a blue jay feather, its hue not dissimilar to the shade of her eyes.

Sunlight streamed around her, lightening her hair. Causing it to glow. Tucking the feather behind his ear, she’d smiled at him.

And that was what he remembered when he thought of Amber—sunshine, warmth and a sense of well-being. Happiness...

“Where are you, Amber?” he whispered. “What’s happened to you?” The wind tore his words away.

But he knew. Same as what happened to him. Life had changed his sunshine girl into a woman he barely recognized.

Heart pounding, he veered into the college campus. Please let her be okay. Please let her—

Under the security light in the parking lot, he spotted what qualified as an old clunker.

Veering into the empty space alongside the lone vehicle, he hopped off his bike. He dashed over. The glare of the streetlight silhouetted a single figure inside the car.

He tried the handle. Locked. “Amber?” He pressed his face to the window.

Was she okay? Leaning against the headrest, she appeared asleep, but frightened by her stillness, he rapped on the glass.

Bolting upright, her arms flailed. She grabbed for the steering wheel.

“Can you hear me, Amber?”

She whipped around at the sound of his voice. Forehead furrowed, she shrank into the seat. He was disconcerted by the stark fear in her eyes.

Ah. The helmet. Ripping it off, he held it under his arm and backed off a step. “It’s me.”

Recognition dawned in those beautiful eyes of hers. “Ethan?” Her breath fogged the window. “What are you—”

He motioned.

Springing the lock, she thrust open the door. “Where am I?” Gulping, she glanced around.

Disliking looming over her, he crouched in the opening, afraid to touch her. Afraid to further startle her.

Her gaze darted from the darkened building to his motorcycle. Checking her wristwatch, she sucked in a breath. Panic flitted across her face. “I’m supposed to be at the Jar. The girls—”

“GeorgeAnne’s with them. She and Grandma sent me to find you.”

Her lower lip quivered. “I spent the entire night in my car?” Tears like dewdrops trembled on the edges of her lashes. “My girls must be so worried. So—”

“Slow down, Amber. They were asleep when Grandma called. They probably don’t even know you aren’t there.”

“I was supposed to take the girls to Before School Care. I’m already late. I can’t afford to lose this job...”

The desperation in her voice hit him like a blow to the chest. “Do you feel unwell? Did you have car trouble?”

She shook her head. Like corn silk, her hair glistened in the glow of the streetlamp. “I remember thinking I’d just close my eyes for a second—” She reached for the key chain dangling from the ignition.

Amber cranked the key, but the motor didn’t turn over.

Rising, his knees creaked. “Turn on the cab light.”

“Why?” But she flicked the switch on the domed light above her head.

Nothing happened. Just as he’d suspected.

“Maybe the bulb’s burned out.”

He rested his forearms against the door frame. “The battery’s dead, Amber.”

She tried starting the engine again. “It can’t be dead. Give me a minute.”

He shook his head. “The car’s dead. Come on, I’ll take you back to Truelove.”

“I don’t need your help. I can drive myself.”

So stubborn. So obstinate. So aggravating.

Wait, hadn’t Grandma said the same about him yesterday?

“Your car will have to be towed.”

Her mouth went mulish. “I can’t afford a tow truck.” Then her shoulders sagged. “I’ve failed my children so much.”

Bands of pink and gold brightened the sky.

“Give yourself a break, Amber. Working full-time, going to school at night. Single parenting. Something’s got to give. You aren’t Superwoman.”

She stared through the windshield. “I’m not a super anything.”

It absolutely killed him to hear her talk like that about herself. And reverting to form, when he couldn’t fix something, he got angry.

“Get out of the car. I’m taking you home.”

Her expression turned furious. “You don’t get to tell me what to do, Ethan Green.”

Widening his stance, he crossed his arms over his jacket. “Unless you want to miss your entire shift, I suggest you chuck that boulder-sized pride of yours and get on my Harley.”

If looks could kill, he figured he would be struck stone dead on the spot.

“Suit yourself—sit here all day...” Feigning nonchalance, he raised his palms. “Or after I drop you off, I could install a new battery for you.”

Amber jutted her chin. “Seeing as you are so eager to leave Truelove in the dust again, I couldn’t ask you to do that for me.”

“You’re not asking. I’m offering. It’s what friends do for each other.” He cocked his head. “We’ve always been friends. Or had you forgotten?”

She gave him an inscrutable look. “I haven’t forgotten.”

Guilt pricked his conscience. He should have kept in touch. But he’d been determined to put his own bad memories behind him when he joined the Corps. Amber had been unintentionally jettisoned, too. Collateral damage.

Yet if there was anything from his broken childhood he would’ve wanted to carry with him, it would have been those wonderful times with the Flemings. They’d been good to him. Embracing him like one of their own.

When he’d been seven, his dad had abandoned him and his mom, and they’d lived with his grandparents. Later when his mom moved away into a new life, Grandma had offered to let him stay with her so he could finish high school with his friends. It was a pattern with his grandmother. Maybe that was why she was trying so hard to help Amber finish her schooling.