Fallen Heart

By Pauline Trent

When Carter Anne Kane left Lambert Falls four years ago, no one ever expected her to look back. Why should she when she finally had a life as big as her dreams? Still, when a family emergency strikes, Carter Anne does the only thing she can – she returns to Lambert Falls. But just because she’s back doesn’t mean she has to be bored and Trevor Davenport – a man as handsome as he is frustrating – would make the perfect distraction. If she can only get him to play along...

Trevor Davenport understood the rules from the first moment he was with Carter Anne Kane – no strings, no commitments, no complications. But Carter Anne has been more than just a pretty face to him for years. Now that he’s finally got her in his life, he’s not so willing to let her go. If he can only convince her rules are made to be broken...

• Language: English
• Publisher: Pauline Trent
• Release date: Nov 6, 2011
• ISBN: 9781465815446

Pauline Trent

Pauline Trent has been writing for her own enjoyment since she was a child. Now, besides writing for newspapers, magazines and ezines throughout the Pacific Northwest, Ms. Trent has authored and coauthored several works of nonfiction. She has lived all over the country, but calls Boston home. Wherever life takes her, though, she lives with a wonderful man and a great kid, both of whom make writing the happily ever after that much easier. Ms. Trent welcomes emails, questions and comments at www.paulinetrent.com or [e-mail]

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Fallen Heart

by Pauline Trent

Copyright © 2011 by Pauline Trent

Smashwords Edition

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Acknowledgements

Writing the acknowledgements for a book is almost as hard for me as writing the book itself. This acknowledgement is even more difficult, because it wraps up the Lambert Falls trilogy. If I forget anyone, it’s not from lack of thanks!

The series was written in, and supported by, hotel and diners all over the country, so I need to thank the BLM staff of the 2010 fire season in Galena, Alaska, including Dee Dee, Shirley, Edie, Billy, and Ed. The wait staff at The Farmhouse Restaurant, in Medford, Oregon. The residents of the Vale Street Apartments, in Worcester, MA, especially Jasmine, Mike, Stephanie, Rob, and Ken. The ladies of the Manley Roadhouse, in Manley Hot Springs, Alaska. Angel, Carol, and Yvie, who kept me in coffee and quiet, while I was in Connecticut. Miss Phyl, in New Jersey, who kept me fed in the early years. Glenda, at Cavanaugh Bay Resort, in Coolin, Idaho. And all the helicopter crews, who didn’t take it personally when I ignored them to meet a deadline.

Then there are the people who have loaned me their names, products, and/or wisdom over the last few years: Scott Nessel; Trevor and Sebastian, from Natty Greene’s Brewery; Brian and Matt; and Kerri and Kirk Deal. A very special thank you to Justin Erixson, Teri and Tim Pittman, Lori Stewart, and the rest of the family.

I would be remiss if I didn’t mention Catherine, Delilah, Jessie, Judith, and Tammy, of the Rose City Romance Writers, and the members of the Alaska Romance Writers, all of whom offered support and encouragement when I was nothing but discouraged.

My friends and family – Christine; Mitchell and Ed; Shanna; Dan McConnell; Dennis R Upkins; and Michelle. And, as always, Betty Witt and Dr. C. Rex Mix. With my love.

This book is dedicated to my dearest friend, cohort, and beloved partner, E. David Willis, the man who showed me I didn’t have to choose between my achieving my dreams and finding love.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgements

Prologue

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Prologue

The cramp doubled her over, making her cry out in pain. It hadn’t been like this last time. Nothing like this. Doc Montgomery had assured her everything was fine but it was still painful. And a little scary.

Bobby? she gasped, reaching for her brother’s hand.

He was, of course, right there, gripping her back. Letting her squeeze as hard as she needed to.

"Laura, are you sure I don’t need to call the doctor?" Bobby’s face was blank but his voice sounded even more nervous than she felt.

She breathed through it, the way the nurses had taught her. Sure enough, the pain released its grip and allowed her to sit back up again. Bobby’s face was pale but he was still right there.

I promise, it’s fine. But she couldn’t keep the tears from filling her eyes. At least that’s what everyone keeps telling me. They’re cramps, not contractions, so there’s no cause for alarm.

Bobby reached out and stroked her hair. His eyes would’ve fooled everyone but her, and maybe Abby. I need you to be the person I can be scared in front of, Bobby. Please? The pain was making her honest.

Bobby cleared his throat, hard, and nodded. Remember when I talked you into jumping off the shed roof into the pile of leaves? he asked, forcing himself to remember and find a smile for his sister.

I broke my arm and chipped a tooth, she scolded. Of course I remember.

Bet it doesn’t hurt worse than my butt did after Dad found out what had happened. His laugh was genuine now.

Laura was relaxing, he could tell. That would help. She swatted him, but smiled back. Thanks for stopping by.

Of course. Abby’s sorry she couldn’t come instead. Mind you, Bobby was becoming sorry his wife hadn’t been able to come instead, too. But he’d never tell Laura. Where’s Evan, anyway?

He’s taken Angie to the park for a little Daddy time, Laura explained with a happy sigh. She was beginning to get a little jealous, I think. You know how little girls get with their daddies. She rubbed her tummy, easing the baby inside her, as well as herself.

Bobby squirmed at the sight. Abby getting a part-time job had seemed like a good idea at the time she’d done it, but hand to God, he couldn’t remember why that was now. There had been no discussion about sitting with pregnant women. There was not supposed to be any sitting with pregnant women. Not when Abby was unavailable anyway.

I think she will adjust, Laura continued, still focused on the baby. But we’re going to have to be careful to make sure she doesn’t feel like he’s abandoned her. She’s such a daddy’s girl.

You turned out okay, Bobby noted.

Yeah. Laura’s eyes twinkled. But I was the favorite, so what do you expect?

Bobby rolled his eyes. But I’m the one with the family name.

Laura wrinkled her nose at him. The baby gave a kick and Laura pushed back with the heel of her hand. Easy now, Carter Anne. You’ll be here soon enough.

You’ve settled on a name? Bobby locked onto the safe topic. He and Abby were definitely going to have a conversation about her quitting this job. Too many people could get pregnant.

We have, Laura agreed. And it was about time. Doc Montgomery says it could be any day now.

Bobby sat up urgently. Then how do you know that, he flapped his hand at Laura’s stomach, was just a cramp and not a contraction?

Laura laughed, enjoying his discomfort. First, because my water hasn’t broken. But second, and more importantly, I just know. Angie is her daddy’s girl, but Carter Anne? She’s mine. She covered her tummy lovingly, again. I adore Angie, you know that. She’s my first and my baby. But Carter Anne. She looked at her brother, tears welling in her eyes again, but smiling through them. I don’t know. There’s this…connection.

Bobby patted her hand. Truth be told, he and Abby had even talked about how Laura had glowed throughout this pregnancy. More than once, he’d caught her whispering to the child growing inside her. Evan had Angie, and Angie had Evan. This seemed to balance the family out well.

Angie’s already developing a personality, Laura kept on. She’s so serious in some ways. She’s already taking her responsibilities as older sister and Mommy’s helper very seriously. I hope I haven’t done something to make her too serious.

Angie’ll be fine, Laura, Bobby assured her.

It makes me wonder who Carter Anne’ll be, you know? I want so much for them, Bobby. Laura stared off. I want them to be happy, sure. But I want more than that. I want them to be strong women, who can find their own way. Have their own dreams and goals. But I want them to find love, too, with good men. Men like you and Evan and Daddy.

Men who fall at their feet and give them everything they bat their eyes at, you mean? Bobby teased.

Well, of course, Laura laughed, but went back to serious quickly. But not really. I want them to find men who challenge them, who make them better women and who will let Angie and Carter Anne make them better men. She sighed and looked at Bobby. Poor thing, having to sit here and listen to me ramble on.

You know I don’t mind, Bobby assured her.

Actually, Laura laughed. I know you do. Bet you’re missing Abby pretty badly right about now, huh?

You’re right, Bobby admitted, only somewhat joking. You’re gonna owe me big for this, you know.

Laura reached for her chess set. In that case, I might as well milk it for all it’s worth.

Bobby groaned. Not chess. Anything, but chess. Even more girl talk, but not chess. She’d kick his ass. Oh, come on, Laura, isn’t it enough that I’m … Laura?

All the color had drained from her face. She doubled over and grabbed her stomach. Fluid dripped from the chair to the floor beneath her. If the rest of the world was ready or not, Carter Anne was on her way.

Chapter One

Carter Anne slammed through the hospital doors and ran as fast as her heels would allow to the nurses’ station. The woman on the other side of the counter looked up and smiled reassuringly, lifting her hands to try to calm the younger woman.

Now, Carter Anne, slow down. She’s fine, honey. Chris and your uncle are with her now. I know she’ll be happy to see you, though.

That’s what Bobby said when he called, but I’ll feel better when I see her.

The nurse spoke again before Carter Anne could get the room number. And he was right. No need to worry. How long do you ‘spect to be home? You’ve been away a mighty long time this time.

Carter Anne dug deep and found the smile the situation required. On one hand, Carter Anne appreciated the woman. She’d been behind a nurses’ station at the hospital for as long as Carter Anne could remember and here was the reason why. Her whole demeanor was peaceful. On the other hand, hand to God, Carter Anne just wanted to see her sister already, not make small talk. That really depends on Angie and the baby. Where can I find them?

She’s down in 412. The woman leaned forward and lowered her voice. Chris is paying extra for her to have the private room.

Carter Anne matched her tone with a tilt of her head. I’m not surprised; he’s loaded.

Before the other woman could do more than gasp, Carter Anne headed down the hall. She gritted her teeth at the pedestrian gossip of Lambert Falls. And they wondered why she preferred to stay in D.C. 408…410…412, at the very end of the hall. She stopped a moment to collect herself.

The door was cracked and voices she loved drifted out to her-Bobby’s low rumble; Chris’s answering baritone. Both were followed by a giggle that could only have come from her sister, Angie. Her family. Almost everyone she loved–and who loved her. Closing her eyes, she realized the nurse had been right; she had been away a long time. Blinking back unexpected tears, Carter Anne found another, more genuine smile and pushed the door open.

Hey, y’all. And here I thought there was an emergency, not a party.

Her brother-in-law, Chris, stood from the side of Angie’s bed just as her uncle, Bobby, rose out of the chair by the window. But it was her sister’s hand, extended to her, that Carter Anne moved to first.

Carter Anne, Angie spoke, you didn’t have to come.

Hush. Carter Anne took her hand and sat on the bed next to her. Where else would I be?

Before sitting back down, both Chris and Bobby dropped kisses on Carter Anne’s cheek. Bobby returned to the chair and Chris, blowing a kiss to his wife, propped himself up on the low dresser at the end of the bed.

How was your drive? Bobby asked, settling back.

Fine, Carter Anne answered, but don’t ask what time I left.

Bobby rolled his eyes, but couldn’t bring himself to scold her. Sometimes being an uncle even trumped being a sheriff.

Where’s Michaela? Carter Anne changed the subject to something safer.

Working at the house, Bobby explained. Figured one of us should stay in case you stopped by there first on your way into town. He reached in his pocket. I’ll give her a call, let her know you’re here.

Is that a cell phone, Bobby? Carter Anne’s eyes went wide, and she looked at Chris.

Bobby just humphed down deep in his throat, so Chris answered.

Michaela bought him a blackberry.

A blackberry? Carter Anne raised her eyebrows in feigned shock.

He even sends texts now, Angie added. Sometimes, anyway.

We’re very proud of him, Chris concluded dryly.

Bobby plugged his ear to be able to hear Michaela over the sound of their laughter. All right, then. Love you. With a flick of his thumb, he turned his attention back to the group. She’ll be here once she finishes this one section.

So we’ll see her in an hour or so, Angie laughed.

She still gets lost in research? Carter Anne asked.

Worse, Bobby sighed. She’s into the writing process now. But she says she’s gonna take six months off when this one’s done.

Both sisters looked incredulous. They knew their friend; no way would Michaela Howard take six whole months off from researching or writing a book.

Bobby chuckled at their expressions and shrugged. "That’s what she says."

A comfortable silence fell in the room. Angie squeezed her sister’s hand. Looking down into her face, Carter Anne could see the strain the last twenty-four hours had been for her. She reached down and tucked a wisp of hair behind Angie’s ear. Looking up, she addressed the men.

So, somebody fill me in.

She started cramping yesterday afternoon. Chris might have been speaking to Carter Anne, but his eyes were locked with Angie’s. We thought lying down would help.

Actually, Angie interrupted gently, Chris wanted to come straight here. I’m the one who thought he was over-reacting.

New dad-itis? Carter Anne teased him just a little.

Chris shrugged. It doesn’t matter now. The point is, when she woke up… He had to swallow before continuing. She woke up and there was blood.

Seeing his struggle, Angie picked up the story. We came straight here. Called Bobby and Michaela on the way over.

On my blackberry, Bobby said, proudly, lightening the mood.

Grateful to his friend, Chris spared Bobby a nod before looking at Carter Anne and continuing the story. Angie’s gonna be fine, thank God. And the little guy, too.

Angie wrapped her free hand protectively around her tummy. I just have to stay in bed for the rest of the pregnancy.

The whole six weeks? Carter Anne gasped.

I know, Angie laughed with a roll of her eyes. But it’s worth it.

’Course it is, honey, Carter Anne insisted. Her decision was made and, if she was going to be completely honest with herself, she was grateful for it. A break was what she needed, even if she didn’t want to need it. Six weeks would give her plenty of time to lick her wounds and heal. Then it looks like I’ll be staying for a little while.

Carter Anne… Angie started, but her sister waved her off.

I’m not gonna argue this, Ang.

Bobby, help me out here. Angie turned to her uncle.

He looked between his two girls, both with the stubborn expressions he knew so well. Still, it didn’t make any sense for Carter Anne to be offering to stay so long. Carter Anne, you sure about this?

I’ll stay as long as I’m needed. How’s that?

Bobby sat back, satisfied with her answer. Angie looked at Chris but he only shrugged. Looking up to her sister, Angie did the only thing she could do. She burst into tears. Stretching out next to her, Carter Anne wrapped Angie up and held her tight. This was where she needed to be. D.C. would just have to wait.

Bobby watched his girls. Angie was the one in the hospital – but Carter Anne was the one who didn’t look good. Carter Anne, always slender, was making the turn to too thin. He’d noticed as soon as she’d walked in the door. It’d be worth keeping an eye on, maybe asking Angie or Michaela to talk to her about it. For now, though, she was home, and if she’d be good for Angie, maybe Angie’d be good for her, too. He waited until Angie’s tears turned to sniffles and Carter Anne was reaching for the tissues. Once it seemed the latest hormonal outburst had been survived by all, he stood, straightening his pants at the seam as he did.

The familiar motion caught Carter Anne’s eye. He’d gotten grayer since she’d seen him last, but he was still a striking figure. Big enough and solid enough to make anyone think twice about crossing him, even if he was almost 60. Partly, she knew, it was lucky genes, but a larger part of it was Michaela. The slight draw around his mouth and the crease between his eyebrows that had been there as long as she could remember had smoothed out. Even here in the hospital, the concern for Angie obvious in his eyes, there was still a peace about him It was good. If anyone deserved this, it was her uncle.

Want me to turn around now, Carter Anne? Bobby asked, eyes twinkling, but knowing his niece was studying him the same way he’d just been studying her. Only years of practice had made him more discrete, thank goodness. Maybe make sure my shirt tail’s tucked in properly?

Blushing, Carter Anne stood and crossed to him. She brushed his shoulders before hugging him tightly. It’s just good to see you, Bobby. You look real good.

Bobby wrapped her up. You’re a sight for sore eyes, too, honey. Glad to have you home, for however long. He put her away from him gently with a last squeeze before moving to the bedside. Angie tried to sit up but Bobby’s firm hand kept her down. I’ll come to you, Bobby scolded, brushing her cheek with a kiss. I’m going to head Michaela off. Give the three of you a chance to catch up. Carter Anne, you still got your key?

Of course, Bobby, Carter Anne answered, almost sassing him. Bobby nodded, pleased regardless.

Chris was on his feet when Bobby turned to shake his hand. I’ll give you a call tonight. Let you know if anything changes, when we can take her home.

With a final wave to the room, Bobby left. Carter Anne took the chair so Chris could return to Angie’s side. Angie leaned into him with a deep sigh.

Getting tired, babe? he asked, stroking her hair.

Maybe a little, Angie conceded.

Ang, honey, let me get out of here, too, Carter Anne said, standing.

No, Carter Anne. Angie straightened up again. Please stay. It’s been too long.

And I, Carter Anne assured her, am going to be here for a while. We don’t have to say everything right now.

Promise? Angie asked, leaning back onto Chris.

Truly and really.

It was all Angie needed to hear. Nothing could have reassured her more. Yawning behind the back of her hand, she nodded. Carter Anne would still be in the Falls when she woke up. Truly and really. It was okay to sleep. She could just drift…

She’s already asleep, isn’t she? Carter Anne whispered.

Yeah.

Do you need a pillow or something? There was no way Chris was comfortable. Not half-on, half-off the bed like that but she knew better than to suggest her brother-in-law move. Not now that Angie was using him as her pillow.

Please! Chris answered, eagerly. There should be an extra one in the closet.

Carter Anne got the pillow and helped Chris maneuver until it was behind his head. With only a few false starts, they managed to get his legs on the bed as well–more or less, anyway. Carter Anne bit back a laugh.

You wouldn’t move into the chair, would you? she managed. Angie whimpered and gave a light snuffle in her sleep, nuzzling deeper into Chris’s side. No, I guess not.

Chris stroked Angie’s hair, soothing her in her sleep. I thought I might lose her, Carter Anne. Chris’s voice was low.

But you didn’t lose her. We didn’t lose either of them. Carter Anne squeezed Chris’s shoulder.

It’s the closest I ever want to come. He looked up and gave her a wry smile. Hand to God.

Carter Anne laughed before catching herself and whispering again. Hand to God, indeed.

They shared a quiet laugh before Carter Anne gave his cheek a quick kiss and walked out of the room. Damn. They hadn’t talked about when she would be back. If the positions were reversed and she was asleep in a hospital bed, she’d want to know when Angie was coming back. Carter Anne stopped and went back, just enough to stick her head around the door. She opened her mouth to speak–and froze.

Chris had his nose in Angie’s hair, both arms wrapped around her. By the gentle rise and fall of his chest, it looked as if he had fallen asleep as quickly as Angie had. They were, well, Carter Anne would never say it to Chris’s face, but they were beautiful. Careful to keep her heels from clicking on the linoleum, she backed away several steps before turning and continuing down the hall.

Feel better now, hon? the same nurse called from her station.

I do, Carter Anne admitted. And after a long, hot shower to wash the road off, I’ll feel even better.

I bet the sheriff’s glad to have you home.

The nurse was attempting conversation. There was a time when Carter Anne would’ve happily joined in, sharing and hearing the latest town gossip. And maybe she’d be up to it again before too much longer. Just not yet, and certainly not right now.

I’m glad to see him, too, Carter Anne replied with a quick wave, hardly slowing. Still, she noted proudly, when she reached the door to the hospital, she was able to move through it far more calmly than when she’d arrived. Maybe it was good to be back.

It was hot down here in North Carolina, hotter even than in D.C.– and the junior staff from the northern states were still complaining about how hot it was there. They’d hate it here. Carter Anne stopped a moment at the door of her little red car and lifted her face to the sun. As good as summer felt up there, down here, here in the Falls, it felt delicious. Taking one last, deep breath, she slipped into the car and headed home.

Even if Bobby had already headed to the station, Michaela should be here, working somewhere in the house, so she didn’t bother with her keys. The door swung open and she closed it with a gentle nudge of her hip. It was such a relief to be able to stop for a while. She’d been frantic since Bobby’s call last night. And the last several months hadn’t exactly been calm, with Congress wrapping up for the summer. And then the last couple of days. Her stomach lurched, but she forced herself to focus on the house and the relief of being home. Because now…now she could just stop. Focus on her family. Get her head on straight. She dropped her bags with a thud there in the foyer. She could get them up to her room later. Better yet, she could get Bobby or Chris to get them up there for her.

There would be something cold to drink in the fridge. Right now, she’d even settle for one of Michaela’s seltzer waters.

Michaela! she called over her should as she headed into the kitchen. It’s Carter Anne! I’m he…Holy shit! Oh my God!

Bobby jumped away from the kitchen table, as Carter Anne covered her eyes–but not in time to keep from seeing Michaela propped on the table where they ate