“I am, but two different flights in one day is pushing it.”
“You’ll be fine. I’m flying us.”
The smile then fell from his lips and his face closed up again. Thirty minutes later they were getting out of the car, and Annabelle wondered why they hadn’t just taken a cab, but she kept that thought to herself.
“Good to see you, Ethan.”
He’d walked ahead of her into a large hanger. A short man dressed in a three-piece suit approached holding out his hand, which Ethan shook.
“Been years, Steve.”
“At least five. You been home at all since you left?”
Annabelle watched Ethan’s shoulders stiffen as the man questioned him.
“A few times.”
“Well, it should be a mighty fine catch-up for you all. See you at Hope’s wedding.” The man called Steve then slapped Ethan on the shoulder, gave her a nod, and walked out of the hanger.
Ethan led her to the helicopter silently, then helped her in and did up her harness, all without talking. Annabelle let him because he was obviously tense and she didn’t want to increase that tension by questioning him further, considering he was about to fly.
They were soon in the air and Annabelle had her first glimpse of the countryside. It was so different from Howling, but lovely, with its hills and sprawling pastures.
“Wow, would you look at that?” Annabelle pointed to a large white building up ahead. She saw herds of cattle grazing and plenty of outbuildings as they flew closer. The white house itself forked off in various directions from a center section that looked to be a few stories high. There were long white fences around paddocks, and as she approached, Annabelle saw the impressive entrance.
“It looks just like the house onDallas.”
“That’s where I grew up.” Ethan’s words held no emotion, no joy at returning home, and his face was blank.
“Oh, my. You weren’t kidding about the money, then.”
“I made my own money, Annabelle, and inherited from my grandparents. I take nothing from him.”
“And I bet that really sticks in your father’s craw,” she said, watching him now.
“You could say that. Now we’re going to land, so shut up.”
“I’m a friend, remember, Ethan? But I’ll push back if you keep talking to me like that.” She said the words knowing that he wasn’t striking out at her, but they still needed to be said. He didn’t reply, instead bringing the helicopter in to land.
The landing pad was situated a fair distance from the house. She watched a golf cart appear out of one of the buildings and head toward them as Ethan began to unclip her harness. When he’d finished he looked at her.
“This was a mistake, Annabelle. I should never have brought you with me, but now you’re here I’m going to say that this is going to be hell, and I’m sorry you’re going to be dragged into it. I’ll apologize again for anything I do that upsets you.”
His blue eyes were clouded with a mix of emotions that she couldn’t read, but she saw the uncertainty in them so she reached out to cup his cheek.
“Ethan, I’m not fragile. I’ve had hardship, been sworn at and yes, even backhanded a time or two, so I won’t break if someone throws a few harsh words my way. But just remember I’m in your corner, and that this is about Hope and her special day. Together we can manage to get through the next two days, I’m sure.”
He closed his eyes briefly and when he opened them, she saw sadness.
“Give me the name of the man who back-handed you.”
Annabelle ignored his words. “Smile for me, Tomcat. Let me see the man I know.” She touched his mouth.
“God’s truth, Annabelle, I can’t find one right now, but if you kiss me…”
She did, brushing her lips over his just before the door opened.
“Mr. Gelderman.” The man outside was in uniform and gave Ethan a smile. “Glad to have you back, sir.”
