Hannah (The Hawthorne Sisters) (5 page)

Bryce and Hannah went on a couple more dates through the month of July. Come August, they’d grown more comfortable with the fact that they were becoming a couple. The age difference no longer bothered them, and Hannah got over the fact that he’d once been good friends with her father.

Maggie and Sarah were
washing dishes after dinner one night, while Hannah joined her mother in the living room. “How are you feeling about Allie moving out?”

“I just didn’t think she’d do it that quickly. I hope she’s happy.”

“Yeah, it was fast. I hope he treats her right.”

“Why do you say it like that?”

“I don’t know. I asked her something one time, and her answer left me uneasy.”

“He’d better treat her right, or he’ll have me to deal with.
An angry mother is not something you want on your hands.”

“I’m sure she’s fine. She wouldn’t have moved in if she didn’t feel good about it.”

“You don’t think she’s pregnant, do you?”

“I don’t think so.”

“How are things going with you and Bryce? You’ve been seeing more of him lately.”

“Yeah
,” she blushed. “I’m really growing feelings for him.” Saying the words out loud felt weird.

“Just take things slowly. He may be at a different stage in his life.”

“What do you mean?”

“Well, being in his thirties…” She trailed off. “He’s probably thinking of babies and settling down, and you’re still young.”

“I’m old enough,” she started, and then stopped.

“Have you
…”

“Mom! I’m not talking about that with you, and no.”

Maggie and Sarah joined them in the living room shortly after.

“What aren’t you talking about?” Sarah asked.

“Nothing,” they said in unison.

“So
, Mags, I saw the way Tom Masterson’s son was looking at you the other day in the market.”

Maggie blushed. “Don’t tease. He’s not interested in a girl like me.”

“Why would you say that? You’re gorgeous. Any guy would be lucky to get a girl like you.”

“Besides, he has a girlfriend anyway.” Maggie always felt anxious around guys. She hated that she was so shy, and hoped she’d outgrow it, but it seemed to follow her
, even through college. She’d rather blend into a crowd than stand out.

The girls talked and laughed, sharing stories and gossip. Saying goodnight, Hannah finally went  to
bed. Her dreams were filled with a particular handsome man that lived down the lane.

She found her mother in the kitchen the following morning. S
itting at the table with a cup of tea, she broached the topic tenderly. “Can I talk to you about something?”

“Of course.”

“It’s about Bryce. I’ve really taken to him, but there’s a piece of me that’s confused.”

“About what?”

“This wasn’t what I planned in life. I mean, I knew I’d get involved with somebody eventually, settle down, have kids, but what if it’s sooner than I planned? There’s a part of me that thinks I should get my wild oats out of my system, experience life, travel, and that if I settle down too soon I might regret it. And yet there’s a part of me that thinks Bryce Callahan could very well be the one that I spend the rest of my life with.”

“You don’t have to decide today. Take your time, Hannah. If he cares for you, he isn’t going anywhere.”

“The thing is… I think I want a future with him, but we’re at different places in life, like you said last night.”

“Life has a way of
shaking out the bits and pieces. You need to know what you want. It will become clear to you at some point. You’re a bright girl, Hannah. You just have to trust that you know what makes you happy.”

“What about you? What makes you happy?”

“Watching my girls experience life, and thinking back on how fortunate I was to have met your father. I got to share my life with him.”

Hannah smiled softly. “I know you miss him.”

“Every waking hour, but he gave me the gift of four amazing daughters. Now I get to focus on them.”

“I love you, Mom.”

“I love you.”

“I have some chores to do out back. Sarah’s going to help me with a few
of them, and then I’m hoping to see Bryce later this afternoon.”

“I’m going to check the garden and pull what I can. I want to star
t jarring and canning a few things while they’re at their peak.”

“Thanks for the talk.”

Her mother nodded. “Just take one day at a time. You’ll figure out what’s right for you.”

Hannah stood
, and took a muffin off the counter. With that, she was out the door and ready to start her day.

The smile she wore wouldn’t come off
. She was happy, and looking forward to seeing Bryce. He was cooking dinner for her, and they’d watch a movie. It was that relaxing kind of night she liked better than any other. Bryce fit her like a glove, and when it was the two of them, she knew in her heart he was the one.

She’d dated enough guys to know that
Bryce was different. He paid attention to details and listened to what she said. He wasn’t in a hurry, trying to get her out of her clothes, and was willing to take things at her pace. It’s not that they didn’t both have urges, but they decided they’d appreciate taking their time and getting to know each other better before they went down that path.

If they went there, it was for keeps. It wasn’t spoken, but they both knew. Something special was between them, and with each passing day, each week, their lives braided together.

Hannah cleaned up and headed over to Bryce’s house. Sarah and Mom were playing Scrabble when she left. Maggie was reading a book, like usual. Allie had already moved out. It felt weird not seeing her on a daily basis, but if it’s what made her happy, she wished her the best.

Pulling into Bryce’s driveway, she hopped out of her truck.
He greeted her with a hug and a smile. Tender kisses followed.

He had to pull himself away. He wanted to trail those sweet, soft kisses down across her neck, along her breasts, and…
control yourself
. Bryce forced himself to focus on the meal he’d been cooking, and led her back to the kitchen.

“It’s just about ready
,” he said.

The way her blonde hair framed her face, he was certain she could pass for an angel. She was the most beautiful girl he’d laid eyes on. He was amazed that a
gorgeous girl like Hannah fell for a guy like him. He was a humble rancher with nothing more than a big heart and a love of nature to offer.

His heart raced around her, and he could barely look away. His palms grew sweaty, and she made him feel like a schoolboy with a crush. Time stood still when Hannah was near, and it was like they were the only people that existed.
Bryce knew his future was standing before him, and he hoped she felt the same way.

Plating up
supper, the couple sat at the table, barely able to focus on the food in front of them. The smiles, the looks, the wordless flirting between their bodies kept their attention. Bryce’s foot rubbed against Hannah’s, and slowly crept up her leg. Leaning forward, Hannah teased him with sensual words.

It took everything inside of Bryce not to
tear away from the dinner table and take her to his bed. Choking down the desire that was bubbling up inside of him, he shifted, and then tried to focus on his food.

“I hope the chicken’s not too dry.”

“I’m sure it will be fine.”

“I tried something new, but I don’t know too many recipes.”

“I’m not picky.”

“I’m
happy to hear it,” he laughed. “I can make a few things well, but only a few.”

It wasn’t working. Neither could concentrate on supper. Hannah’s
heart was lumped in her throat, thumping so loudly. She wanted to touch him, to run her hands over his strong arms and chest. She wanted to lie naked with him and make love to him. She forced the thoughts away, trying to chase them from her mind. She needed to take things slowly, because she was falling way too fast.

Eventually they managed to eat some food
. After cleaning up, they retired to the sofa to watch a movie. Hannah leaned up against him, snuggling into the nook of his arm as he wrapped it around her. She could picture sitting against him like this forever. Was this what she wanted, though? To settle down so soon, still young? All she knew was that the world felt right when Bryce Callahan was by her side.

With fall upon them, the colder weather had already snapped in. Snow found its way in early September, and frost was settling every other night. Hannah wished the summer months would last longer, and longed for warmer days. September was a month of confusion, some nice weather and some unbearably cold.

The one thing Hannah
enjoyed about the crisp, cool days was snuggling up with Bryce in front of the fireplace, watching the wood crackle with shades of yellow, orange, and blue. There was nothing cozier.

When the sheriff called, it was like old times again. Bev was back to her old behavior, and the sheriff was asking Bryce to come get her.

Slamming the phone down, Bryce crumpled onto the sofa beside Hannah. Dropping his head in his hands, he sighed. “She was doing so well. I thought things were changing. How can I have a life with you when I have to babysit my sister, keeping her out of trouble? I love you. You don’t deserve a life of us chasing after her bad habits.” He was distraught, hurting, and angry with his sister.

Hannah
ran her hand over his back. When the words came out, she swallowed hard. “You love me?”

Bryce looked at her, his cheeks flushed, realizing what he’d said. “Yeah, I guess I do.”

A small smile spread across her face. “I love you, too. And I’m sorry about your sister; I can go with you to get her.”

“You shouldn’t have to. She’s a grown woman and needs to take care of her own problems. I need to live my life, not worry about hers.”

He was venting, frustrated, and tired of Beverly’s troubles. She wasn’t going to change, but he was tired of picking up the pieces. It was time for him to let go. She needed to face the consequences of her choices.

Bryce dialed
Sheriff Chapman back. “I won’t be picking her up anymore. It’s time for her to take care of herself. I’ll send bail money around in the morning, but I think it’s time for her to figure things out.”

Hanging up, Bryce felt guilty. He’d let her stay
in jail for the night. He just couldn’t be co-dependent anymore. He tried to fix her, save her, make things better, but it was draining him.

“Do you think I’m a bad person?”
His face softened.

“I think sometimes tough love is the only answer.” She squeezed his hand
, and sat quietly watching the fire with him.

“I should go get her.” He stood, paced, and sat back down. “No. She won’t learn.”

“What do you want to do?”

“I want her to get her crap together.” He collapsed beside Hannah. “Her life could be so much more. She’s throwing it away. She blames herself for our parent’s death. She couldn’t have known how it would happen. It was an accident.” He shook his head. “I’m going to go get her.”

“Do you want some company?”

“I don’t think so. I need to have a heart to heart with her. This will truly be the last time I bail her out. She can’t expect somebody
to save her hide every time.”

Hannah nodded. She couldn’t imagine he wouldn’t
help again. As much as he wanted to tell her he wouldn’t save her, he was the type of man to rescue those in trouble. It’s just who he was.

“Hannah. I’m sorry those words didn’t come out in a more romantic way. I’d meant to…” he stopped. Finding his ground, he spoke. “They’re true. I do love you.”

Hannah smiled and wrapped herself around him, her arms circling Bryce’s waist. “And I love you. Go get your sister.”

Bryce walked
Hannah out to her truck. Watching her pull out of his driveway, he knew with everything inside of him that she was his future. He had no doubts. But right now, he had to deal with the past. Getting into his truck, he headed into town to see the sheriff and bail out his sister once again.

Hannah pulled into her driveway
, and thought about the words he said. They weren’t forced; they came out so naturally. She knew Bryce was her future. There was no question in her mind.

Stopping in the kitchen, she grabbed a bottle of soda and headed to her room. Lost in thought, she lingered on the evening. It took all of her self-control to keep from doing things she shouldn’t. Her body ached to be touched
. She craved him near her, and knew it was only a matter of time before she gave in to her desires. She saw it in him, too. His urges were strong, and yet he held back out of respect for her. She was getting closer to giving in, giving them both want they so desperately wanted.

She wanted to feel his hands caressing her, his mouth on her skin, and their bodies pressed together in a sweet lover’s dance. She wanted to make love to him, to surrender her body to his needs, and to experience the bond it would bring to their relationship. She knew it would be soon
. She couldn’t wait much longer.

When Bryce showed up
at the sheriff’s office, he had the same conversation he’d had dozens of times before. The sheriff expected him, even when he said he wasn’t coming. He knew their patterns well. Bryce grew tired of his sister’s adventures, he’d threaten not to get her, and then he’d show up anyway.

“Sorry it didn’t last.” The sheriff tipped his hat.

“Yeah, me too.” Bryce sighed, and waited for his sister to be released to him.

“I know what you’re going to say…”
She was already ranting, not wanting to hear his disappointment. “You don’t understand.”

“No, Bev, I don’t understand. Take responsibility for your life. Stop being a burden on society, on me, and grow the hell up.” He’d had enough.

“Nice way to talk to your sister,” she snapped.

Climbing up into his truck, she crossed her arms and stared out the window. The last thing she needed was a lecture. She had a pounding headache coming on, and her stomach was knotted up from mixing too many drinks.

Bryce sat beside his sister. “It’s the last time, Bev. I mean it. I won’t bail you out anymore. I need to live my own life, not spend it rescuing you.”

Starting the truck, he pulled away from the sheriff’s office and headed down the road.

“Why don’t you just take us both out,” she yelled. “Save us from the misery.” She reached over, grabbing the steering wheel.

Bryce held fast as his sister tried to yank the wheel, to veer them off the road
. Bryce knew in that moment what he had to do. He slammed on his breaks and pulled over.

“Get out
! You may want to end your life, but I’ll be damned if you take me out with you. I’ve tried to save you, but you’re the only one who can do it. I love you, Beverly, but not enough to let you destroy my life too.”

She stared at him, not believing her ears.

“I mean it, Bev. Get out of my truck. You’re an adult. It’s time to take responsibility for your actions. I’m done. Don’t contact me until you’re sober. I can’t do this anymore.”

Opening the door, she slowly got out, making sure he was serious. He’d never been more serious.

“I’m sorry, Bev, but tonight was the last straw.”

Closing the truck door, she stood on the side of the road watching her brother’s truck drive away
, his tail lights fading in the distance.

Bryce looked in the rearview mirror at his sister standing there. His heart shattered, but he kept driving.
It was for her own good
. When she tried to cause an accident, he knew it was time to let go. He couldn’t risk his life that way. He needed to cut her from his life until she was healthy, or he’d be dragged down with her.

Hot tears ran down his face. Wiping them away with the sleeve of his jacket, he headed back home. The drive felt long and lonely. This was the only way. She had a disease. Until she got help, until she wanted to get better, she’d be chasing her tail in a vicious circle of agony. She needed to learn to forgive herself, because only then would she accept life didn’t have to be what she was making of it.

Bryce’s heart was heavy. Climbing into bed that night, sleep wouldn’t come. He barely slept, and wanted to at least check in on her, making sure she got home safely. It was a mistake. He needed to cut her off, and yet he kept going back. When he went to her apartment, she was gone. He let himself in with his spare key. Her clothes and some of her belongings were gone. Bryce slammed the door shut behind him. There was no note, no message, only an empty closet.

Driving home, the frustration and anger mounted. He’d gone through the trouble of saving her ass one too many times, and this is how she thank
ed him? Leaving without a note - nothing? It was his fault. He threw her out of his truck in the middle of the night, tossing her on the side of the road like a rag doll.

Pulling into his driveway, he hopped out of the truck and walked to the barn. Pushing things over, yelling, it didn’t make it better, but it helped him vent out his frustration. Hannah walked in just as he slammed his fist into the beam,
roaring with pain.

She ran to him
. “What’s going on?”

The look in his eyes frightened her. She’d never seen him this way. “Just leave me be,” he shot out.

“Bryce?”

“Not now, Hannah.” His voice was booming and strong. His hand throbbed, and his anger was still raging out of control.

Hannah backed away and then ran to her truck, crying.

“Shit.” Bryce mumbled under his breath, realizing what he’d just done. Chasing after her,
he shouted, “Hannah, wait.” She shook her head, and pulled out of the driveway. This wasn’t the man she loved. This was somebody who couldn’t control his rage and emotions. That wasn’t a man she saw in there, it was a monster.

Bryce wanted to
chase after her, talk to her, help her understand, but his hand needed attention. Cursing under his breath, he went to tend to his body. Filling the sink with water and ice, he buried his hand in the cold water, helping to bring the swelling down. It hurt to move his fingers, and he realized the damage he might have done. His stupidity would cost him dearly.

He’d pushed his sister away, scared
the girl he loved, and damaged his body. What else could go wrong?