Sweet Surrender Read online

  Worried for a completely different reason, she opened the door. “Hi.”

  “I hope I’ve come at a good time.”

  “Of course, you have. Is everything all right?”

  Zac hesitated before thrusting the flowers at her. “These are for you. I want to apologize. For kissing you. We only met a few days ago and I don’t usually—”

  “It’s okay. You don’t need to apologize.” Willow felt her face flame hotter than the glue gun in her studio. “I kissed you, too. We were both tired and Megan had just had her baby. We were probably—”

  “Overemotional?”

  “Something like that,” she murmured. Willow could think of a lot of other words that better described how she’d felt but, for now, she’d go along with Zac’s explanation. “Would you like a cup of coffee? I was just about to have a break.”

  “You’ve been working?”

  Willow led him down the hallway. “I wanted to finish Brooke and Levi’s wedding album. If I don’t do it today, I won’t be able to look at it until next week.”

  “What else are you working on?”

  “I’m finishing some canvases for an exhibition in Bozeman. After that, a client wants me to take photos of a property she’s turning into a retirement village.”

  “I didn’t know you shot commercial photographs.”

  Willow took a slice of cake out of the freezer and popped it into the microwave. “The chairperson of a retirement trust in San Francisco saw the photos I took of the tiny home village. She asked me to do the same for her new development. It’s not what I normally do, but I’m happy to help.”

  Zac walked toward a five-foot-wide canvas hanging on the wall above the kitchen table.

  She’d spent a lot of time creating the scene of an urban city. With its clear blue sky, multi-colored low-rise apartments, and large, open spaces, it made her smile each time she saw it.

  “If the photos are anything like this one, they’ll be more than happy with the end result.”

  “They’ll be similar. But I’ll have to layer the architect’s impression of the buildings on the land the trust has chosen.”

  “This photo is amazing. Where is it?”

  “It doesn’t exist.”

  Zac looked at her.

  She could tell by his frown that he was confused. “I created the image for a workshop I ran at Pastor John’s church. The theme was Imagination for the Soul. This was my representation of the perfect city.”

  Willow checked the coffeepot before standing beside Zac. “I wanted to create a city where people could easily move between different locations without feeling stressed or unsafe. Cycle and walking tracks outnumber the other roads. None of the buildings are more than four stories high and everyone, regardless of their circumstances, has somewhere safe and warm to live.”

  “You’re an idealist.”

  “I am, but it has a downside.”

  “It does?”

  Willow nodded. “It’s easy for people to take advantage of you.”

  “Like your manager did when you were singing?”

  “I was too trusting.” The air in the kitchen crackled with emotion. Her manager had told her she needed a thick skin to survive in the music industry. When she discovered what he’d done, the only thing she was thankful for was that she hadn’t listened to him.

  Zac lifted his hand and pushed a strand of hair away from her face. “You should have been able to trust him. He was supposed to help you, not steal the rights to your songs.”

  She could have stood here all day, gazing into Zac’s eyes. But that wouldn’t get her work done or protect her heart from breaking when he left.

  So instead of enjoying being close to him, she stepped away and forced a smile. “I’d better make the coffee. Would you like cream and sugar?”

  “That would be great. And Willow?”

  “Yes?”

  “You can trust me.”

  Zac’s softly spoken words made her heart pound. She might be able to trust him, but could she trust herself?

  Chapter Eight

  Staining a deck wouldn’t rank high on most people’s list of things to do on their vacation, but Zac wasn’t most people.

  His visits home had been few and far between. Standing outside, working on the home he’d spent months planning, was more like therapy than hard work.

  Wiping the sweat off his forehead, he took a moment to survey what he’d done. Dark wood, gleaming from a fresh coat of stain, ran the length of the upper floor deck. At the rate he was going, he’d be finished by tomorrow afternoon.

  Next on his list was sorting through the boxes in the garage. He had no idea what was inside half of them but, by the end of the week, he’d know exactly what he was keeping and what would go to the local thrift store. There might even be a few things he could donate to the tiny home village.

  He turned around as a vehicle rumbled up the driveway. Leaning against the wooden rail, he watched Levi’s truck come to a stop below him.

  Zac grinned. After spending too many years away from his friends, it was good to be back. “Aren’t you supposed to be with your new wife?”

  “Brooke’s working so I thought I’d annoy you.”

  “If you help me stain the rest of the deck, you can annoy me as much as you like.”

  Levi stuck his hands on his hips. “You drive a hard bargain.”

  “I learned from the best. I’ll meet you in the kitchen. The least I can do is give you a cup of coffee before you start work.”

  While Levi was making himself at home, Zac covered his roller in plastic wrap. Two pairs of hands were always better than one. And if they finished the deck and garage today, he might be able to twist Levi’s arm into going fishing tomorrow.

  By the time Zac walked into the kitchen, Levi had already made the coffee. “You smell like a chocolate factory. Have you been helping Brooke?”

  Levi sat at the kitchen table. “I’ve been making Easter eggs for the last eight hours. It’s just as well Mondays are one of the slower days at Sweet Treats. Otherwise, we’d never be able to restock the shelves.”

  “How is Brooke’s website coping with the online orders?”

  “We haven’t had any issues yet. The only problem is making enough candy to send to the customers. The catering students at Pastor John’s church are fantastic, but they’re not available to help all the time.”

  Zac wrapped his hands around his cup. When Levi told him he’d met Brooke in Sapphire Bay, he hadn’t thought too much about it. They’d known each other a few years ago, but after Brooke left Phoenix, Levi never thought they’d get back together. He couldn’t have been more wrong.

  In a lot of ways, Zac envied the relationship between Levi and Brooke. They’d both changed since they met each other. But somehow, those changes had only made their relationship stronger.

  “Do you ever regret moving to Sapphire Bay?” Zac asked.

  Levi sat back in his chair. “Even if I hadn’t met Brooke, I would have stayed. There’s something about the town that makes you feel as though you belong. Are you thinking of living here permanently?”

  “What would you say if I was?”

  “I’d say you’ve made a good decision.” Levi looked around the state-of-the-art kitchen. “I don’t know how you’ve stayed away for so long. You have a great home and everything you could ever need right on your doorstep.”

  Levi didn’t have to add that Sapphire Bay was also as far removed from Afghanistan as you could get. Even thinking about what had happened in Kabul sent a shiver down Zac’s spine.

  “Don’t even go there,” Levi said. “There was nothing anyone could have done.”

  Zac should have realized his friend would know what he was thinking. “After you left, nothing changed. It doesn’t matter how much aid arrives, there’s never enough for everyone.”

  “I didn’t know a single person in the camp who was happy to be there,” Levi said. “Even if the militants left, the refugees’ live
s wouldn’t be any easier. All they want is to go home and live in peace. That’s never going to happen.”

  In his heart, Zac knew Levi was right. But that didn’t keep him from wanting to stop the fighting and violence that consumed too many people’s lives.

  “Are you coming to tonight’s meeting at the church?” Levi asked.

  “The one for people with PTSD?”

  Levi nodded. “Pastor John said you might be there.”

  “You’re going?”

  “I don’t miss many of the meetings. They keep me grounded.”

  “Even though Brooke is there for you?”

  “Sometimes it’s easier to talk to people who are going through the same thing. This might sound strange but, in some ways, talking about what’s happened is only half the solution. Knowing you’re not the only person struggling makes the bad days easier to handle.”

  Zac took a sip of coffee. “I’m not sure if the meeting will help. I tried counseling, but I gave up after six months.”

  Levi leaned forward. “Our meetings aren’t like your average counseling sessions. Apart from great food, we don’t try and solve everyone’s issues. We build friendships and make sure we’re there for each other when things get tough.”

  Zac still wasn’t convinced the meetings would do any good. But he needed help and nothing he did was working. “I’ll make sure I’m there.”

  “Good, because I’m not leaving here without you. After we finish whatever you’re doing, you can follow me into town.”

  Zac’s eyebrows rose. “I knew there must have been an ulterior motive for you to come here.”

  “The meeting was just an excuse. We haven’t spent a lot of time together. I thought I’d make the most of you being in Sapphire Bay before I go back to work.”

  “By staining my deck?”

  Levi smiled. “You’d better give me a paintbrush or a roller before you talk me out of it. Just don’t tell Brooke what we’re doing. She keeps reminding me that our deck needs staining, too.”

  “You’ve got a deal.” Zac took their coffee cups to the sink. Without Levi watching his back, he wouldn’t have made it out of Kabul alive. He trusted his friend more than anyone else in the world, maybe even himself.

  If Levi could find happiness after what had happened in Afghanistan, there was hope for Zac. Even if it meant going to another support group full of people dealing with their own demons.

  Willow added another peeled potato to the pot at The Welcome Center. So far, twenty-eight people had reserved a place at dinner, but there could be more. The center never turned anyone away, even if it meant providing slightly smaller meals for the people who were here.

  Sam checked the ovens. “The lasagna is looking good. I’ll make the garlic bread.”

  “The potatoes will be done in about twenty minutes.” Willow cut the last potato into quarters and added it to the pot. Making sure everyone had a hot, home-cooked meal was like running a military operation. Thankfully, a lot of people, including the guests who were staying at the center, were only too happy to help.

  Mabel walked into the kitchen and pulled a box of cutlery off a shelf. “Willow, can you peel another dozen potatoes? We’re setting the tables for forty guests. It’s cold outside and we might get a few more people wanting a nice hot dinner.”

  “That’s a good idea,” Sam said as she opened the refrigerator. “Has anyone seen Caleb? He said he would be here by five-thirty.”

  Willow and Mabel both shook their heads.

  “Maybe he got sidetracked,” Mabel said. “Pastor John was busy taking food across to the church when I arrived. Caleb could be helping him.”

  No one had to ask Mabel what was happening at the church. The PTSD meeting was a regular feature in Sapphire Bay. A lot of people who came to the meetings became regular guests of The Welcome Center. Having somewhere warm and safe to sleep helped as much as having someone to talk to. And there was no shortage of company at the center.

  Willow hoped Zac had decided to go to the meeting.

  “Caleb’s arrived,” Mabel said as she went into the dining room.

  Sam’s husband walked into the kitchen with a smile on his face. “Was someone talking about me?”

  “I was wondering where you’d gone,” Sam said as she handed him an apron.

  “I was helping John. What can I do?”

  Sam kissed Caleb’s cheek. “Finish the apple crumble. The fruit is already in the pans.”

  Mabel rushed into the kitchen. “Can someone give me a hand? Jesse McLaughlin has vomited all over his bed.”

  Willow dropped a potato into the pot. “I’ll help. Is someone able to peel the rest of the potatoes?”

  “I’ll do them before I start the crumble,” Caleb said. “Is there anything else you want me to do?”

  “I think we’re okay, but ask Brooke. She knows what needs to happen.”

  Willow followed Mabel through the dining area and into the accommodation wing. Jesse and his mom were two of the centers’ long-term guests. Jesse was a smiling, happy, four-year-old who liked to be part of everything that was happening around him.

  On their way past the laundry, Willow grabbed a bucket, some old towels, and a bottle of disinfectant. If Jesse had a tummy bug, the last thing they needed was everyone becoming sick.

  Mabel opened the linen closet and took out a set of clean sheets and some towels. “Barbara and her son are in the room at the end of the hallway.”

  The acid smell of vomit met them at the bedroom door.

  Jesse’s mom had taken off his T-shirt and was cuddling him on her lap. “I took the sheets and blankets off the bed. I’m really sorry this happened.”

  Willow didn’t know whether Jesse’s skin was flushed pink from crying or if he had a temperature.

  “Don’t worry about it, Barbara,” Mabel said reassuringly. “We’ll have this cleaned up in next to no time.”

  While Mabel took the bedding and dirty clothes out of the room, Willow knelt beside Jesse. “How long has he been unwell?”

  “He wasn’t himself this morning. He hardly touched his breakfast and he didn’t want to play with the other children.”

  Willow placed her hand on Jesse’s forehead. His skin was scorching hot. There were no spots on his stomach, but that didn’t mean he didn’t have measles or something equally dangerous.

  “Is this the first time he’s vomited?”

  Barbara shook her head. “He was sick twice this morning and once after lunch. I thought he had a tummy bug, but his temperature is getting worse.”

  “Can I have a look at his back?”

  Barbara moved Jesse forward. “I looked to see if there were any spots this morning. He hasn’t had measles or chickenpox.”

  When Barbara saw his back, she was distraught. “I never thought to look again. Jesse has been so hot that I—”

  “It’s okay,” Willow reassured her. A red pin-prick rash covered most of Jesse’s pale skin. “We’ve seen it now and that’s all that matters.” But that wasn’t the worst of his symptoms. Jesse was so limp he was like a rag doll.

  Mabel came back into the room with a glass of water. “Give him this to drink. The poor baby will be dehydrated after vomiting so much.”

  Barbara lifted the glass to Jesse’s mouth, but he barely took a sip.

  Willow looked into Barbara’s worried face. “He needs to see a doctor.”

  Tears filled Barbara’s eyes. “We don’t have medical insurance and I don’t have any way of getting to Polson.”

  Leaving Jesse like this wasn’t an option. “I’ve got another idea.” Quickly, Willow pulled out her cell phone and found Zac’s number. The call went straight to his messaging service. “Hi, Zac. If you hear this before I find you, can you call me right away? A little boy is sick at The Welcome Center and I think you should look at him.”

  Mabel sent her a worried glance. “Zac could be anywhere.”

  Willow picked up a hand towel. “I think I know where he is. Soak t
his in cold water and lay it on Jesse’s forehead. We need to cool him down. I’ll be back soon.”

  She rushed out of the room and ran across the parking lot to the church. If Zac hadn’t come to the PTSD meeting, she didn’t know where he would be. If she couldn’t find him, they’d have no option but to drive Jesse into Polson.

  She just prayed the road had been cleared.

  Chapter Nine

  By the time Zac arrived at the church, Pastor John was standing in front of the barbecue, cooking enough food for an army.

  “You made it,” John said with a smile. “Come and meet everyone.” He handed a pair of tongs to a woman standing beside him. “Zac, this is Deirdre. She came to her first meeting last month.”

  Zac reached out and shook her hand. “It’s nice to meet you.”

  “Same here. It’s good to know I’m not the only newbie.”

  John smiled at another person who walked onto the deck. “That’s James and the person giving him a drink is Wyatt. They discovered Sapphire Bay a few years ago and decided to stay.”

  Deirdre sighed. “There must be something about the lake that draws people here. Before I left Las Vegas, I had no idea Sapphire Bay existed. What about you, Zac? What brought you to this part of Montana?”

  “I own a house on Grouse Mountain, but I don’t come home often.”

  Deirdre smiled. “I wish I could find a property to buy instead of renting. As soon as a house I can afford goes on the market, someone else snaps it up.”

  “It will happen,” John said as he took off his apron. “Sometimes it takes a little longer for the right property to come along. Would you look after the barbecue, Deirdre, while I show Zac around?”

  “Sure. Do you want the steaks medium-rare?”

  “That would be perfect.” John turned to Zac. “I’ll introduce you to Toby and Munro. They both served in the military in Afghanistan.”

  Zac had only taken a few steps when Willow rushed through the French doors. As soon her gaze landed on him, he knew something was wrong. “Excuse me, John. I need to see Willow.”