From This Moment

“I was asleep. I had a headache earlier so Jake brought me home and after him fussing over me, I climbed into bed to sleep it off. It’s gone now so don’t worry.”

I hear him sigh and I can picture him running his fingers through his hair, a gesture of worry I’ve seen him make. “Are you sure you’re okay, sweetheart? I wish I was there with you.”

“I’m fine, please don’t worry. I get stress headaches now and again.” I snuggle into the duvet.

“Why are you stressed?”

With a nervous sigh, I realize I need to tell Cade about this morning. “Nick paid me a visit this morning at the house. He had a friend follow us from the hotel yesterday.”

Cade is really quiet now on the cell, so wanting to get it all out, I continue “He forced his way in and he really frightened me. Luckily, I had my cell in my pocket. I managed to speed dial Jake so he came to the rescue, and punched Nick in the face just as the sheriff arrived.”

I wasn’t going to tell him over the phone what was said.

Cade is still quiet.

“Please say something!”

“I’m not sure what to say. I’m so angry and upset right now.” Cade sounds all choked up.

I feel tears come to my eyes. “At me?” I cry softly.

“God, sweetheart, I could never be angry with you. Please don’t cry. I’m angry that happened to you and I wasn’t there to hold you. But never at you. I love you and I wish I was there with you in my arms.”

I manage to control my tears. “I love you too, and I can’t wait to see you tomorrow, but please don’t worry about me. I’m just going to sleep until morning and then you’ll be home later.”

“Where’s Jake?”

“I insisted that he go back to Anna’s for dinner, because I was going to sleep. He may be back by now.”

“Rona, you shouldn’t be alone.”

“It’s okay. Nick was arrested, he’s not around and Jake deserves a good meal at his sister’s.”

“All right. Hell. I want to be there with you, just to hold you all night and keep you safe.”

At this, tears well up again. Knowing I’m about to have a very big cry, I say, “Oh Cade, I want that as well, but you’re in Denver. Please don’t worry. I’ll be fine until tomorrow. I really need to go back to sleep now.”

“All right sweetheart. I’ll see you tomorrow night.”

“Love you. Goodnight.”

Hanging up the phone, I can’t hold my tears back any longer knowing Cade is upset as well. I could hear it in his voice and hadn’t wanted to hang up.

Chapter 12

Cade

Arriving home at two in the morning, exhausted and worried about Rona, I only just remember to switch off the security system, before I wake the house up.

After Rona’s call, I knew I couldn’t stay in Denver, so I pulled out all the stops to get on the next flight home. I left a voicemail for John, my boss at the law firm, grabbed my bag and left.

Going upstairs, desperate to see Rona, I make a quick detour to my room and change into tee shirt and sweats before heading to her room.

She’s left the small lamp switched on by the desk, which casts a warm glow around the room. Looking toward the bed, I can just make her out, lying on her side and curled up against the pillow.

The last thing I want to do is give her a fright so I walk over to the bed and crouch down, stroking the side of her face gently. “Rona, wake up for a minute.”

“Cade,” she s