Page 46 of Hide My Heart
I lunge and grab her arm at the same time she catches herself with the walking stick.
“I can do it,” she insists, even though it’s better for me to cross first and lift her over.
“Just accept my hand. I’m here to help you.” I flash her a smile and lift her and Beck over the trunk. “Now, wasn’t that easier?”
“You have those special shoes,” she says, but I notice she’s using the walking stick more, thumping it down like a third leg.
“The overlook isn’t too much farther,” I assure her. “It’s a beautiful day, the calm after the storm.”
“It is,” she agrees. “Magical.”
Sunlight sparkles over the ice crystals making them look like millions of glittering diamonds, and the sky above is clear blue, the kind that lets you see for miles. The air is crisp with just a tinge of bite to it, but the tiny breeze is gentle, tickling our cheeks with cold fingers.
We ascend to the overlook and there, down below spreads the giant Lake Coeur d’Alene. It’s encased in ice close to shore, but the water is darker farther out where it’s deeper.
“It’s like a picture postcard,” Amber says. “Or one of those Christmas cards with glitter all over.”
“Better.” I marvel at the wondrous and breathtaking view below. Every tree sparkles in the sun like a unique ornament, and the vastness of the lake is humbling.
“Let’s take some pictures,” she says. “No one will believe I was up here in the middle of the ice storm. It’s turned everything into giant ice sculptures. Even the waves down there are frozen.”
We take selfies, including Beck who is so bundled up we can barely see his pink, little face.
“How about one more?” I stretch out my arm, ready for the kill shot. Right as I tap the shutter button, I bend over and kiss Amber, and then her arms are around me and I almost drop the phone.
That’s all we’ve been doing in between eating, talking, and playing with Beck. Kissing and touching, although fully clothed. I respect her too much to indulge, and I know she’s not there yet. I wouldn’t want to add to her guilt. What she needs is to get back in good graces with her family, and I’m not the man to stand in her way.
I do want to ask her a question. Standing up on the overlook surrounded by a winter fantasyland makes this an opportunity I don’t want to pass up.
The words, however, stick in my throat, and it takes me a few tries to get them out.
“Amber, are you happy?”
“Why?” Her face takes on a puzzled expression.
“I mean, with me.” Now I’m stammering, and I’m usually glib with words—especially for being a bartender.
“Of course, I am. You’re wonderful.” Her eyes light up, and I know she’s telling the truth.
“Good. Good.” My heart races, and I swallow, wondering why it’s so hard for me to speak. “I, uh, wish you, well, weren’t go-going…”
“What’s wrong?” She touches my arm. “You look worried.”
Ugh, she’s making it so difficult.
“I wish you’d stay here in Idaho.” My throat is tight, but I let the words eek out.
“But I have a job in California,” she says. “And friends.”
“You have family here.”
She huffs, and her brows pinch together. “I know, but things have changed, and I’m not sure I could ever come back. Even if they forgive me, I can never stay under their thumb.”
“You don’t have to be under their thumb if you stay,” I offer. “You can be with me.”
“With you?” Her eyes widen, and she shudders as if the thought is repulsive.
“I just thought that maybe—” I take both her hands, including the one gripping the walking stick.
