Donna Hill - Dare to Dream

“I’m sure I will.”

“Leave your bags. I’ll have someone come and get them. If you’ll follow me, I’ll get you all checked in and set you up with your cabin.”

They followed her inside. Rachel filled out all the appropriate forms.

“Will you be needing special meals or anything, Ms. Armstrong?”

“No, not at all. I’m easy.”

“We have breakfast here in the main house in the dining room from seven to ten. Lunch is on your own. But the fridge is always stocked, so feel free to fix whatever you like. We offer dinner as well, but many of our guests choose to go into town for the evening. So just let me know if you decide to eat in.”

“Sounds wonderful.” Desiree smiled.

“Okay, well, let me take you to your cabin.” She looked toward the door. “Oh, Josh, would you please take Ms. Armstrong’s bags to cabin six?”

“Sure.”

* * *

Terri unlocked the cabin and opened the door. “As you can see, you have all the comforts of home.” She opened a door and flipped on the light. “Full-size bath with Jacuzzi.” She walked across the room and opened the blinds. “This is one of my favorite cabins. It has the greatest view of the water. You have phone service, a wet bar—on the house—cable television, a business area with a fax machine and a computer should you need to use it.” She opened a side door. “This is your sitting room.”

The intimate room had a fireplace, sliding glass doors that led to a flowered walkway, a small fabric-covered couch and love seat in a warm brandy color, a smoked-glass coffee table and a twenty-seven-inch television and stereo system.

“Up at the main house we have a masseuse, full gym and heated swimming pool.” She took a breath and turned to them with a smile. “Anything you need, just call. I hope it meets with all of your expectations.”

“This is incredible,” Desiree said, taking in the amenities. “Nothing like any ‘cabin’ I’ve ever seen.”

Terri laughed. “That’s what all of our guests say. Well, I’ll let you get settled.” She walked to the door. “Should we expect you for dinner?”

“That might be nice. Thank you.”

“Great. Dinner is at eight.” She closed the door behind her.

“Hey, girl, you hit the jackpot,” Rachel said, falling out across the queen-size bed.

“I can’t thank you enough. This is fabulous. How did you find it anyway?”

“Trust me, it wasn’t easy. It was the last one on the shore that wasn’t filled. Apparently it’s rather new and wasn’t listed.”

“I’m glad you did. I’m sure I’m going to love it here.”

Rachel looked at her watch. “I hate to run, but I think I should head back.” She pulled herself up from the bed and stood.

“Thanks for bringing me up here and for everything.” Desiree wrapped her in a hug.

“Anything for you, sis.” She kissed Desiree’s cheek.

“I’ll walk you back to the car.”

There was a knock on the door. It was Josh with Desiree’s bags.

“Where would you like these?” he asked.

“You can put them by the bed.” She dug in her purse for a tip and handed him five dollars.

“Thank you.” He shoved the money in his pocket. “Will you be needing anything else?”

“No, I’m fine for now.”

“Listen, you get settled. I’ll walk back with Josh,” Rachel said. “If you don’t mind, Josh.”

“Actually we can ride back. I have a little golf cart out front.”

“Perfect. These aren’t the best shoes in the world for walking,” she said, referring to her designer pumps.

“Well, make sure you call me when you get back to the city. And take it easy on the road,” Desiree warned.

“I will. Promise.”

Desiree stood at the door and watched them drive away, then returned to her room. She glanced around and pulled in a deep breath. “Well, let the healing begin,” she said softly.

* * *

“Hey there, Mr. D.,” Terri greeted. “Our guest arrived about an hour ago. I put her in six. She seems really nice.”

Lincoln’s heart knocked hard in his chest. He cleared his throat. “Good. Uh, is she alone or…”

“She checked in by herself. A friend drove her up. I hope she’ll be comfortable here. She seemed a little sad, but maybe it’s all in my head.”

“Why would you think that? Did she…say anything?”

“No. She didn’t say anything in particular. It was in her eyes. You know how I am about reading people. Are you going up to introduce yourself?”

“Maybe a little later. I’m sure she wants to rest.” He started to walk away. “I’ll be in the back if you need me.”

“Sure thing, Mr. D.”

Lincoln went out of the main house to the back of the building. He slung his hands into the pockets of his sweatpants and looked across the landscape to where cabin number six stood. He could see movement behind the partially opened vertical blinds. Desiree. She was mere feet away from him. All it would take was a short walk, a knock on her door, and they would stand face-to-face.

But it was obvious that she didn’t want to see him. She hadn’t asked for his whereabouts. She didn’t leave a message at the desk. It was clear to him that even after all this time she still didn’t want to see him.

He lowered his head, turned and walked away.

Chapter 7

Desiree finished unpacking her belongings, tried out the remote on the television, tested that the phone was working, fixed herself a glass of rum and Coke, then decided to take a walk outside before the sun set.

She changed from her very stylish but impractical open-toed sandals and put on her black Reeboks, then took her well-worn denim jacket from the hook behind the door and walked outside.

Deciding to be adventurous, she took the path that led away from the main house and opted for the one that wound its way in and out of the property and down to the water.

She took her time, stopping along the way to pick wildflowers and wave to several couples that she passed. It was so peaceful, she mused, and the first time she hadn’t felt the constriction in her chest or the constant swirling in the pit of her stomach. She tugged in lungfuls of ocean-washed air as if to force all remnants of that night from her body.

For a moment she closed her eyes and tried to will away the last of her fears. Everything happens for a reason, her grandmother always said, even though the reasons may not be clear, and God never gives you more than you can bear.

Those words, that philosophy, had been a source of consolation and strength to her at some of the lowest points in her life. No, she didn’t understand why all that she cared about was taken from her for a second time. She believed that after what happened between her and Lincoln, she could pour all of her love and passion into her work as a way to heal. Now even that was taken from her.

She opened her eyes and looked toward the heavens as tears of anguish and confusion spilled down her cheeks. “Why, God, why?” she cried out.

“I ask myself the same question,” came a voice as gentle as the breeze that wafted around her and just as familiar.

For an instant her head spun and her heart raced wildly in an unnatural rhythm. Slowly she turned and the world seemed to stand still.

He was still just as incredibly beautiful as she remembered him in her dreams. His eyes as dark and penetrating, the mouth that had said and done exquisite things to her mind and body were the same. And that unrelenting ache that she had for him in the center of her spirit was still as intense. It wasn’t supposed to be like this, she thought. Not after all this time. She wasn’t supposed to want to run into his arms and melt in the comfort of his embrace, but damn if she didn’t.