Page 43 of Hide My Heart
The radio is on, and even though reception is poor, we can make out the news. Power is out in a large part of the state, and the roads are impassable. The cell towers are also down, and we have no news of Hunter.
But like the police said, he can’t get to us—not in this weather.
I breathe out a huge sigh and stir the pot. In a few days, the ice will melt, and I have to face the music. Nate will go home, and I have to decide whether I want to see my family or not. Maybe Grandma will meet me at her old farmhouse, although Nate tells me she is staying in town with my parents. Nate’s mom will continue to lie for us, and right now, the only person who can blow my cover is Darlene, who’s missing.
I sure hope Hunter has nothing to do with it. What if he’s kidnapped Darlene?
Stop thinking such bad thoughts. I shake off the heebie-jeebies. Hunter is probably okay, just bruised and shaken up. He’s upset I stole his truck, but he doesn’t have another vehicle. He can’t hurt me right now, and hopefully the cops will get him once the ice melts.
I take another deep breath and blow on the stew, then I take a taste. It’s heavenly, and I can’t wait for Nate to sample it. It feels good to do something for him. I hate to be a taker and not a giver.
“Nate,” I call into the living room. “Dinner’s ready.”
Beck hears me and starts his exploratory cry. I know he’s always hungry.
“Let me change his diaper and I’ll be right over,” Nate says, getting up from the rocking chair.
I watch him, all broad-shouldered with Beck perched in his big arms. They’re looking at each other like father and son, and I have to pinch myself that this isn’t a dream.
The cabin is cozy and warm and the windows are steamed from the cooking. The wind seems to have died down, and the rain is turning to snow.
Everything’s perfect.
The kitchen table is solid wood. It’s old with a lot of character. I set the table, then rummage around the pantry for either a plastic centerpiece or candles.
I find a box of emergency candles and candle lanterns.
By the time Nate returns to the kitchen, I’ve set the table and turned off the lights, leaving the kitchen lit by three well-placed emergency candle lanterns. One is set at the center of the table.
Beck waves his arms and legs when he sees me and huffs with hunger, about ready to launch into a cry.
“Sorry, but it looks like he wants to eat first.” Nate hands my son to me.
“You go ahead and serve yourself. I’m sure you’re starving.”
Nate lifts the lid and stirs the pot. “It smells yummy, but I’ll wait for you.”
“No, really, go ahead.”
He replaces the lid and shoots me a wink. “I’m not going to eat by myself on our first date.”
“First date?” I sputter while all sorts of heat pulsate to my cheeks.
“Yes, it feels that way,” he says. “Will you have dinner with me, Amber?”
I hold onto my squirming baby who’s starting to fuss because he wants the breast. It’s the last thing I would ever have imagined—Nate asking me out when I’m ready to nurse, but I smile and nod. “Of course, I’d love to, but I better feed this little guy before he screams.”
I wiggle Beck underneath my sweater and turn my back so Nate doesn’t have to watch. Usually, when I’m alone, I take my top off so Beck and I can look into each other’s eyes. It feels so much more personal, than having him hidden under a towel or a heavy sweater.
“I’ll let you have some privacy,” Nate says, taking a beer from the fridge.
He’s so considerate and a real gentleman. I still can’t believe he doesn’t have a girlfriend. He used to date several girls back in high school, but he had a hard time the year after his brother died.
It’s been almost two years, and I would have thought he’d recovered. He certainly looks better—more muscular and fit, his hair trimmed on the sides, and his beard neat and clean.
Any sane woman would snap him up if she had the chance. If only it could be me. I let out a deep breath as I settle on the chair and lift my sweater for Beck.
His clear blue eyes peer at me, so bright and innocent, and my chest fills with billows of love for this little guy. I rub his head as he suckles. Even though I made a big mistake going off with Hunter, something good came out of it. I wish my family could see how wonderful this little guy is. Having him gives me hope for the future, and I pray for him every morning and night that he’ll know love and grow up to be one of the good guys.
