Finally Found (Doms of Destiny, Colorado 10)

Carrie smiled since she and Melissa were the only people inside Phong’s Wok, likely because it was just a little after ten in the morning. “Sounds great. I’d like to try one.”

“You’ll be in for a treat. I’ll be right back.” Melissa walked into the kitchen.

Carrie looked out the big glass window onto the park. People were scurrying about, getting ready for the big paintball event. It was obvious to her that everyone got involved with the affair. She thought about Ethel O’Leary and her two husbands, Patrick and Sam, whom she’d met right here at the Wok. Ethel was a grand champion of the game and had invited her to join in the festivities.

I wonder if I could take out that eighty-year-old woman. She grinned. I doubt it, but it would be fun to try.

Fun? Until coming to Destiny she’d never had much fun. Now, only being in the wonderful town a couple of days, she couldn’t seem to stop smiling. She’d been horseback riding with Josh and Jacob not once, but twice. Enjoyed a picnic. A barbeque. And she knew that having lunch with Melissa was going to be a blast, too. She has such a cute personality. These were wonderful memories she was making. She could imagine living in Destiny for the rest of her life. She thought back on the few memories she had from her childhood filled with darkness and fear.

Then her mind drifted back to Josh and Jacob. She couldn’t stop thinking about them. In time, things might get more serious with them. She was already falling fast. But was that fair to Josh and Jacob to continue dating them without telling them the whole truth about her memory loss?

Melissa returned carrying a white pot and two matching cups. “Jasmine tea, right?”

“Yes. Thank you.”

Melissa sat down across from her in the booth and filled their cups.

She took a sip, enjoying the warmth and aroma of the tea. “Delicious.”

“I’m glad you like it.” Melissa smiled. “You looked deep in thought when I came out of the kitchen. Is everything okay, Carrie?”

“Everything is wonderful. I just need to stop being so negative.”

“My motto is to try to take things one day at a time and enjoy every moment we’re given. You might want to try it, too.”

“You’re a wise woman, Melissa Phong. I will try, but my old habits are going to take time to change. I’ve just never known real happiness like I’ve found in Destiny. So I’m scared it will all be taken away from me like everything else has been before in my life.”

“Sweetie, worry like that will make you an old woman.” Melissa smiled, making her feel even more at ease. “You’re in Destiny now where we all take care of each other, so you have nothing to fear. My son, Jacob, had so many problems when he arrived in Destiny. But just look at him now. Both my boys are so happy.”

“I thought Jacob was your nephew?”

“Biologically speaking, that’s correct. But from the heart, he’s Hiro’s and my son. You know he changed his last name to Phong, but that’s all part of his story that he should tell you. Not me.”

That explains why he seems to understand me so well. He has a past, too.

Hiro came out from the kitchen carrying their plates. “Two Chinese-American burgers for two beautiful women.” He placed them on the table.

The burgers looked and smelled delicious and were surrounded by fries.

“Thank you, Mr. Phong.”

“Hiro, please.”

She nodded. “Chinese-American burgers with French fries. Quite the international lunch you’ve made for us.”

“Take a bite of the burger, Carrie. I want to see your reaction.”

“Hiro, let the girl enjoy her lunch,” Melissa said with a wink. “I have no doubt she’ll love it.”

“It’s okay. I can’t wait to try it.” Carrie took a bite and marveled at the blend of Asian and American flavors. “How did you d

o that? I love it. It’s like nothing I’ve ever tasted before. You’re a master chef, Hiro. I want the recipe.”

The man smiled and shook his head. “It’s a family secret, Carrie. I’m sorry, but any time you want a burger I would be happy to make one for you. No problem at all.”

“Thank you so much.” She took another bite. “So good.”

“Speaking of my boys…” Hiro said.