But tonight, it seemed luck had taken pity on him because he damned sure hadn’t been capable of generating his own.
10:30 p.m.
2402 Altadena Road, Vestavia
Tanner Residence
Carson had almost put the incident behind him by the time he reached home. That a car sat in his driveway surprised him. He almost never had company. Unless it was Luttrell—and it wouldn’t be. He didn’t recognize the silver Camry. Someone sat silhouetted on the front porch steps just out of the overhead light’s reach.
Female?
His heart prematurely contracted.
Couldn’t be Baxter. She drove a Lexus. At least that was the vehicle registered in her name.
He let go a big breath as he turned into the drive, braked next to the Camry, and put his BMW into park. His visitor rose from the step. The light fell across her, giving him a glimpse of her face.
Elizabeth?
A dozen questions ran through his mind as he emerged, briefcase in hand. The last of his raging emotions and the accompanying tension drained away.
“Hey.” She glanced across the yard to the quiet street before meeting his eyes. “I hope you don’t mind my stopping by unannounced.”
Carson closed the car door. “You’re always welcome here, Elizabeth.” A genuine smile tugged at his lips. How long had it been since he’dcome home and found her waiting for him like this? Fifteen years? But back then home had beenhome.Not the place where his family had died. Not a hollow house that stood empty except for when he showered and slept.
That old but too-familiar pain squeezed his chest.
So much had changed after that day.
Elizabeth moved down a step. “Reminds me of old times.”
No kidding. He followed the sidewalk to where she waited. “Very old times.”
“It was good to see you today.” She descended the final step. “I can’t believe I’ve been home for two years and we’ve hardly bumped into each other.”
“Work keeps me busy.” That part was accurate if not the reason he had avoided running into her. Seeing her reminded him too acutely of all that he had lost. Of all that might have been if fate hadn’t royally screwed him.
She surveyed his house. The automatic exterior lights included in the landscaping highlighted the daring, modern architecture. “I approve.” Her gaze met his once more. “You did every single thing you said you would, including achieving the high-profile career.”
High-end house in the exclusive neighborhood. Flashy car. Fast-tracked career. He’d dreamed of having it all. Including Elizabeth. But thanks to Stokes she was the one thing, in addition to his family, he would never have.
Going there was pointless. “You’re one to talk.” He sat his briefcase on the lowest step, took off his jacket one arm at a time before draping it over the banister, then loosened his tie. “A graduate of Wellesley. Deputy mayor of this thriving metropolis.” He gave her the nod, the one that said how much he admired her accomplishments. “Two years back home and you’re Birmingham’s princess. The whole city loves you.”
Elizabeth set a new standard for involvement in the community. Her fundraising work was unparalleled. Carson fully expected thatwhen her father retired from the Senate in a few years, she would step up to the plate and win his seat. No one was more deserving.
She waved off his praise. “You can’t put any stock in all that media hoopla, Carson. Here today, gone tomorrow.”
“Now you’re being modest.” The idea that they were still standing outside hit him square on the forehead. Jesus, what was wrong with him? “Hey, why don’t you come inside and we’ll have coffee ... or something.”
“I should go.” Elizabeth hugged her arms around her waist. “It’s late. I was just thinking of you and thought I’d look you up. It was a little spur-of-the-moment. I didn’t really plan on stopping ... or staying.” She gestured to his briefcase. “I’m sure you have a lot to catch up on.”
He looked from the briefcase to her. “It can wait a few minutes.”
For ten or so seconds she contemplated his invitation before allowing him to see regret in her eyes. “I have an early meeting tomorrow.” She reached up and hugged him. “Next time,” she whispered near his ear.
He watched her walk away, part of him wishing he could say something to make her stay. They needed to talk, to catch up on all the years yawning between them. But she was right, it was late. Far too late for them. And starting down that path would only resurrect too much hurt ... too many memories.
“Hey!”
