Carol's Rose: Sequel to Ostrich in the Sand

By Ramona Farley

Once again Carol finds herself running away from confrontation. When she realized her best friend had kept the identity of her daughter a secret for the past twenty years, she left a goodbye note and caught a plane back home. Back home to what? The man waiting for her at the airport loves her dearly, but will she be able to respond and return that love?

The flight home gave her time to think about the next phase of her life. Her coping method for the past twenty years was to keep her head in the sand to avoid the tragedies of her personal life.

The decision she makes when her plane lands will change her life forever. Will she open her heart to Ed and find love? Will her daughter ever want to develop a relationship with her? Life was so less complicated when she isolated herself from the outside world. Her time spent with Ed, and her discovery of her daughter she abandoned at birth, have given her a new lease on life. Will she find the self confidence to hold her head high and adventure into the world of change?

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Sep 10, 2012
• ISBN: 9781477265079

Ramona Farley

She has enjoyed reading and writing all her life. Now that she has retired, she is "living her dream" or maybe "writing her dreams". She and her husband live on an acreage in Oklahoma where they spend a lot of time on the front porch watching the birds and squirrels. She is also caring for her 88 year old mother who is suffering from Dementia. In her spare time she writes. She has boxes of untold stories just waiting to be written and plans to publish all of them before she gets too old to write.

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Carol’s Rose

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Sequel to Ostrich in the Sand

Ramona Farley

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AuthorHouse™

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Bloomington, IN 47403

www.authorhouse.com

Phone: [phone]

© 2012 by Ramona Farley. All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means without the written permission of the author.

Published by AuthorHouse 09/04/2012

ISBN: 978-1-4772-6508-6 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4772-6507-9 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2012916136

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Thinkstock are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Thinkstock.

Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

Contents

Dedication

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

Dedication

It gives me great honor to dedicate this book to my Aunt Martha. In May 2012, she celebrated her 95 th birthday. She has always been the rock of the family; the one everyone could depend on in their time of need. She has been my biggest fan and critic. When she read my first publication: Ostrich in the Sand, she called me and said, Honey, I loved your book and stayed up late three nights to read it; but, you didn’t finish it. Therefore, I had to write this sequel. I love you, Aunt Mart, and hope you are satisfied with the ending.

Chapter 1

The pilot’s voice came over the intercom. We will be arriving shortly in the beautiful New York City. I ask at this time that all passengers fasten their seatbelts. We are flying over New York City. If you look out your window, you will see the Statue of Liberty and the skyline of the Big Apple.

Several passengers followed the pilot’s instructions and strained to see out the windows. Carol had a window seat and she too turned to see the Lady Liberty so proudly holding her torch for the world to see. Oh to have that kind of confidence.

The plane finally settled down on the runway and passengers unbuckled their seatbelts long before they were given the go ahead. Carol was in no hurry to leave the plane and face the consequences that awaited her so she remained in her seat.

The passengers were eager to get off the plane and go through customs so they could continue their journey. As she studied the faces of the passengers walking down the aisle towards the exit door, she wondered where they were going and what was ahead for them.

The little grey haired lady all humped over from age and picking her way down the aisle with the use of a well-worn walking stick was probably going to see family. The young couple holding hands and exchanging looks of adoration were most likely returning from their honeymoon. Every one of them had a unique story of their own; some happy and some sad.

What would a person think if they looked into her eyes? Could they tell that she was a frightened and lonely old woman embarking on a new phase of her life?

Before she boarded the plane in Paris she called Ed to tell him that she was coming home. Why did she feel that she needed to let him know that? She had been alone for the past twenty years, why did she feel the need for a companion now? She could have just as easily made home her final destination when she bought her ticket.

Ma’am, do you need assistance getting off the plane? The flight attendant asked.

No, I’ll be all right. Carol had been so lost in her thoughts that she hadn’t noticed she was the only remaining passenger. She stood and opened the overhead bin to retrieve her bag. The time had come and she would have to deal with it. She knew Ed would be waiting for her when she cleared through customs.

It was a lengthy process going through the line and getting through the custom clearance. She had nothing to claim but because of the extra security in the airports, nothing went quickly. She could visualize poor Ed patiently waiting outside the checkpoint. He was probably reading a newspaper and checking his watch periodically. He might get up occasionally and stretch his legs or walk towards the baggage area.

So much has happened since she went to Paris a few weeks ago. It was hard to believe it had only been a few weeks? She had gone to Paris in an effort to find her child she had abandoned at birth. By seeking the help of her friend Ian, she had almost caused her death.

Looking back on the situation she should have realized something was amiss by the way Ian reacted to her request for help in finding her child. For the life of her she couldn’t understand the reaction she received from Ian when she told her the purpose of her trip. Ian was so infuriated and critical of her idea to find her long abandoned child.

The pieces of the puzzle finally fell into place when she realized Ian had adopted her child and was fearful of losing that child’s love. Ian was so afraid that Rose would hate her once she discovered that she had not been truthful to her about her real parents. Thank goodness Rose is not that kind of a person. She loves Ian and that will never change.

When Carol realized Rose was her daughter she was so relieved to know that her daughter’s life had been a good one. She would forever be grateful to Ian for adopting her and giving her a good home. All she could think of was how this would affect Rose’s relationship with Ian and she would never do anything to jeopardize that.

So where do you run to this time? Do you run back home or run to Ed? Is that really fair to him? Had she hidden from life too long to be able to cope with it now? Her home had been her sanctuary for so long and it was drawing her back in like a magnet. What made her think she could pick up where she left off and make a life for herself? She would simply ask Ed to fly her back home and that would be the end of it.

How would Rose take her disappearing without notice? Leaving a note behind was definitely not the smartest way to handle the situation. What kind of a mother abandons her child at birth then travels half way around the world to find her only to abandon her again? You blew it once again, Carol. So much for bonding.

Carol finally cleared customs and picked up her hand bag and instructed the attendant to load her luggage and follow her. She knew Ed would be waiting and he would take over from there. It was actually a relief to see him standing there.

He broke out in a big warm smile when he saw her coming. He had actually been doing a little pacing while his mind was going over every scenario as to why she didn’t get on that plane. Why she went to Paris a few weeks ago and why she felt the urgent need to return when Ian became ill, was a mystery to him. Maybe the answer to his questions would come in time but for now he was content just to see that gorgeous blonde walking towards him.

He wanted to grab her and give her a big hug and kiss but he didn’t want to scare her off. He would let her make the first move.

Carol didn’t know what motivated her to reach out to him but she willingly fell into his big open arms and wallowed in the warmth of his embrace. It was like a big weight was lifted from her shoulders when he held her. She turned her face up to him and he lightly kissed her on the lips. He was such a gentleman.

Any thoughts of flying home were quickly dismissed. She needed to be right where she was at the present moment. For too long she had been alone and imprisoned in her little world. It was time to put all that behind her. She decided at that brief moment in time that Ed was going to be a part of her life and she was going to live again.

I was beginning to think you had missed your plane. I think you must have been the last passenger off that plane to clear customs.

You are right about that. They sure don’t get in a hurry to get you cleared and on your way. She wasn’t about to tell him that she purposely sat on the plane and contemplated running in the other direction.

Are you hungry?

I’m getting a little hungry.

Do you want to grab something here at the airport or would you rather wait? I have reservations at one of the finest dining places in Manhattan. What do you think?

I can wait until dinner. I had a light snack on the plane. I have to admit their food is nothing to write home about. They both laughed and she tucked her arm into Ed’s as they walked to their waiting taxi.

They made small talk on their way to the hotel. On the long flight home she had thought about their room accommodations and wondered if Ed would expect her to stay in his room. She didn’t quite know how she would handle it if he didn’t get separate rooms.

The taxi pulled up in front of the hotel and the driver unloaded the luggage. Ed handed the bell hop a tip and told him to take the luggage to room 612. He turned to Carol and offered her his arm.

She felt like a person of royalty when she walked into the elegant hotel on the arm of this handsome urbane gentleman. He paraded her through the lobby and into the lounge. How about a little appetizer to get by until dinner?

That’s sounds great.

They sat at a small round table in the corner away from the noise and other customers. This should be a nice quiet spot where we can hear each other talk.

When the waiter came to take their order, Ed ordered a plate of appetizers and a bottle of Carol’s favorite wine. I hope you didn’t mind my ordering without consulting you. It’s not too early in the day for wine is it?

Not if I don’t drink the whole bottle. I think I can handle a glass of wine.

Ed was the perfect host and managed to keep conversation flowing comfortably. Before she realized it, Carol had drunk two glasses of wine and was feeling a little tipsy. She was actually getting a little giggly.

Ed was delighted to see her loosening up and letting go. Even though it was her choice to come out of seclusion he knew she had never really relaxed and come to grips with her decision. He also knew she was fragile and he would have to handle her like a delicate flower.

His flight to New York had given him plenty of time to think about Carol. How could a sixty year old man think of starting a life with someone? Had he spent his life building his business because he was not interested in love or had the reason been because he couldn’t have Carol?

Maybe it was a little of both. Some people are meant to be alone and some are more family oriented. He couldn’t believe twenty years had passed so quickly. When are you supposed to feel your age? He didn’t feel sixty and to him Carol was just as beautiful today as she was twenty years ago.

Was she ready for love or was he just dreaming? She was hard to read and he really had not spent that much time with her. He would try to sit back and go with the flow. The lady would be calling the shots. If he had his way he would bundle her up and take her home with him and protect her for the rest of her life.

Sir, will there be anything else for you and the lady? The waiter interrupted his thoughts.

Ed turned to Carol. Do you want anything else before we go up to our rooms?

No thank you. I believe I have had enough. She picked up on his saying our rooms. What a nice guy.

Ed signed the check and stood to allow Carol the opportunity to get up from her chair. He offered his arm to her and she graciously accepted it.

The temporary high from the wine was beginning to wear off and the elevator ride up to the sixth floor was a quiet one. Ed escorted her to room 612 and opened the door. The room was exquisite and there was a bouquet of red roses on the table as well as a bottle of champagne on ice.

What a beautiful room? She walked over to the roses and sniffed their aromatic fragrance. She noticed the card but felt she should read it in privacy so she chose to ignore it at the moment.

She felt Ed’s gracious thoughtfulness should be rewarded so she walked over to him and gave him a big hug. She held on longer than she should have but it felt so good.

Somewhere between the wine and the longing their lips found each other. Ed was so overcome with her luscious lips that he couldn’t get enough. After a lengthy kiss they both found it hard to stop. Neither of them really knew which one pushed away first or was it a simultaneous decision to back off.

Whew, you have left my head spinning. Carol made a fanning motion with her hand and laughed.

Ed made an attempt to straighten his jacket and adjust his tie. Yeah, I know what you mean. You are one hot item. He teased.

He cleared his throat and said, Now where was I? Oh yeah, I was going to show you the closet. I had some outfits delivered to the room so you would have a choice for our outings. He opened the door to display the fruits of his labor.

How did you pull this off? How did you know what size to get?

You forget that I am a reporter. We have our way of finding out these things.

Oh really? Carol looked at the tag on one of the dresses and verified that it was the correct size. It looks as though your investigating or source of information was precise.

Would you expect anything less? You caught me on that one. I actually persuaded Penny to help me with this little task. She was very helpful.

She should be. We spent a lot of time shopping while we were in Paris.

You are going to tell me about that someday, aren’t you? What was so interesting in Paris that it would bring you out of seclusion? Bad mistake. Ed saw the change come over her face. Why did he mention that now?

She recovered quickly and came back with, Mr. Reporter, I’m surprised you haven’t already investigated my every move.

I wouldn’t do that. I’m sorry that I brought it up. Please forgive me.

Hey don’t worry about it. I had a mission and I completed it so, that is all behind me now. Someday I’ll tell you all about it. For now, I think I need to take a little nap if I have time before we go out tonight.

Take all the time you want. We are in the Big Apple and the restaurants stay open a lot later here than they do in Madison. You’ve had a long night and day.

You don’t know the half of it.

When she didn’t go on Ed took that as his cue to exit. He walked over to the door adjoining the two rooms. He opened it and turned to tell Carol that he was just on the other side of the wall, in case she needed anything. He put emphasis on the anything.

She was relieved to know he wasn’t expecting her to share a room with him. It was also a relief to know that he was so close if she chose to call upon him.

Give me about an hour and I’ll be ready to go. What should I wear?

You take all the time you want. Any of the outfits in the closet will be appropriate for tonight. I have reservations for eight but if that is too early, I can change them.

Eight should be just fine. She walked over to him and gave him another hug. This time she was careful not to cling to him too long. When he left the room, she turned to the task of unpacking her luggage and preparing for a little nap.

She had not checked her cell phone since she had arrived. When she turned it off on the flight, she never thought to turn it back on after she departed the plane. She pushed the button and read the messages on the screen. She had missed three calls. Who could that be?

She sat down on the edge of the bed and read the numbers. All three calls were from Rose. Had something happened to Ian? It was still early over there. Should she call her back? She was tired and feeling the jet lag but felt she should try to call Rose.

She dialed the number and the call went to her voice mail. She would leave a message and give Rose the option to call her back. If it was urgent she would most likely call her back.

After she disconnected the call she laid back on the bed. She dropped right off to sleep. After a short nap she opened her eyes and looked around the room. For a second she forgot she was in New York. Guess the wine left her a little rum-dumb. She looked at the clock on the nightstand and realized she had plenty of time to get ready. She would run a nice bubble bath and relax before she dressed for the night out.

Should she give Ed a call? That reminded her of the calls from Rose. She checked her phone and saw that no calls had come in while she was napping. Rose was probably busy at the hospital with Ian. She would try her again later. The time difference made it difficult for them to talk at a decent hour.

She stretched and yawned and fell back on the bed. She started going back over the events of her life and once again found herself battling over her next move. She thought of Ed just a wall away and remembered the card on the roses.

The note read: Dearest Carol. I never see a rose and not think of you. It was signed simply, Ed.

What had his life been for the past twenty years? He had grown into such an attractive guy that she was sure women found him irresistible. Give it a little time and he would open up to her. She would give him a call and let him know what time she would be ready to go.

When he answered the phone he sounded like he too had been napping. He said he was going over some paperwork he had brought with him while watching a game on the television. Once again he assured her that he was in no hurry and she could take as long as necessary to get ready.

Carol soaked in a bubble bath, touched up her hairdo and applied fresh make-up. Now the biggest decision was what outfit to wear. She should have asked the name of the restaurant or maybe the agenda for the next few days. She finally decided on the black skirt with the pinstriped jacket. You can never go wrong with black.

By the time she tapped on the door she felt very refreshed and ready for an evening out.

My, my, don’t you look ravishing? Ed bowed and waved his arm in a gesture to enter his room.

I could say the same thing about you, you handsome man. I dare say there will be some heads turning towards you tonight. I’d better hold on tight.

You don’t have to worry about that. All eyes will be on you. I don’t think I ever told you this but I’ll never forget the first time I saw you at the library. I thought you were the most beautiful lady I had ever laid eyes upon and that thought still holds true today.

You flatter me way too much, but I thank you for the compliment.

Would you like a glass of wine or champagne before we get started? Ed motioned to the wet bar located in the corner of his suite.

No thank you. I have a feeling that would not be a good idea. After only two glasses of wine I was beginning to feel a little light headed. The night is still young and I don’t want to embarrass you.

I can assure you that you could never embarrass me. Let’s get started and I will tell you the agenda for the evening. He held out his arm and Carol slipped hers into his and they walked to the elevator.

The bellboy saw Ed and Carol step off the elevator and held up his hand and nodded at Ed. Carol noticed the exchanges between them and figured he was going to hail a taxi for them. When they stepped out the main