“I’m sorry to have worried you, but I had a lot on my mind.”
“Of course, you did.” She rubbed his cheek and leaned up to give him a kiss, but he turned his face away.
“Tara, no.” He met her worried gaze. “The reason I wanted to take you to dinner tonight was to have a talk that’s been long overdue.”
“I don’t understand.”
“Tara, I’m sorry, but I’ve not been a good boyfriend. In fact, for a few months now, I haven’t had any feelings for you, but I’ve been too busy to break up with you. So,” he sighed, “I’ll do that now.”
Her eyes grew round. “No! You can’t break up with me. I flew all the way to see you and spend time with you.”
“Which is why I wished you would have called me first.” He blew out a frustrated breath. “But I’ll pay you back for your flight and the hotel room. But really, Tara, it’s over between us. It’s been over for at least three months now.”
She flung her arms around his neck and pressed herself against him. “No, Mick. I won’t let you go. I love you. I know you love me.” Her eyes watered, and she blinked. “We’ll see a couples’ therapist. I’ll do anything to make it work between us.”
He peeled her arms off his neck and shook his head. “Tara, please. Show a little dignity. I’m trying to dump you in a nice and easy manner, but you’re making it hard.”
“No. I won’t accept this. You need some rest and a clear mind. We can talk about this tomorrow. Let’s get you back to the hotel so you can—”
“Tara, no!” He glared. “I’m staying right here until Nicole wakes up. She has become very important to me, and I’m going to be here for her.” He stepped away from Tara. “Go back home, Tara. I’m sorry, but I just don’t want to be with you anymore.”
He headed back toward the hospital and breathed a relieved sigh. One obstacle down. The next obstacle, of course, was Nicole’s company. He prayed he’d be able to hurdle that one just as easily. But he worried his father would be stronger.
FIFTEEN
Nicole’s body ached. Even her hair hurt. But at least she was alive. When she’d seen that black truck coming straight at her, and her swerve causing her to run off the road and roll down the ravine, she thought she was a goner. She couldn’t remember anything after the car stopped.
But then she had a very strange dream. She remembered seeing Poppie. They were in a white room... or in the clouds. But he wore a white suit. No longer was he sick. In fact, he looked like she remembered from when she was a child. Her grandfather had been a very handsome, robust man.
In her dream, he’d walked up to her, smiling.
“I love you, Nikki,” he’d said. “But you no longer have to worry about me. I’ll be very happy in Heaven. So please, don’t be sad, but live your life to the fullest. Never forget, you are a wonderful person with a loving heart.”
When he gave her a hug, she’d felt his love so intense, it brought tears to her eyes... tears of joy. There was love all around them, and it was as if the room was filled with the strong emotion. When he turned and walked away into the clouds, she knew he’d died and that he’d come to say good-bye.
Then her dream changed. She wasn’t in a white room. Everything around her was dark like she’d closed her eyes and couldn’t open them. A pungent scent filled her head. It smelled like when she was putting fuel in her car and spilled some on her foot. Through the confusing darkness came Mick’s voice. At times his words were mumbled, and other times she heard him telling her not to worry, that he’d be there with her. Always.
