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Twelve
Farris was under no illusions about India’s physical state. The stubborn woman was barely able to hold herself upright.
When he had their attention, he went on, carefully parceling out the speech he had rehearsed. “I don’t know if either of you have seen a weather prediction, but we have a monster winter storm on the way. I know the season has been mild so far, but with this system, they’re predicting the snow will be measured in feet, not inches.”
Dottie grimaced. “That sounds foreboding.”
“Exactly,” Farris said. “I don’t feel comfortable being cut off from civilization, not with your health issues, Mother. I propose we all three fly back to New York tomorrow. To get ahead of the storm. And so India can get checked out by her regular doctor.”
It was impossible to gauge India’s reaction. Her gaze was on her plate.
Dottie fretted. “Are you sure this is necessary?”
“I am, Mother. But there’s more. India?” He waited until he had her attention. “You’ll remember, I’m sure, that my mother has volunteered at Saint Mary’s Hospital for more than two decades. The hospital guild is having a dinner in less than a week.”
India looked at him curiously. “Oh?”
“My mother is being honored with a special award for her years of service. They’ve been trying to get in touch with her, but you know how she hates email.”
Dottie put her hands to her cheeks. “You can’t be serious.”
He smiled. “Entirely serious. And Herman has asked me if he might escort you.”
Dottie blushed. “But he’s my—”
Farris held up his hand. “Herman has terminated your professional relationship. He’s passed your case files to a colleague. He is very eager to see you, Mom.”
India smiled broadly, despite her obvious discomfort. “That’s wonderful, Dottie. I’m so happy you’re going to be recognized for all your hard work, not to mention having your Herman there. But why didn’t they just call you?”
Farris fielded that one. “Mom lost her phone on the trip out here. We never found it. For security reasons, I decided to get her a new number. She’s been communicating with friends, but I suppose she forgot to give the hospital her new digits.”
Dottie bounced to her feet, her expression agitated. “I should go pack right this instant. Will you need a hand with your things, India?”
Farris gave India a pointed stare. “I can help with that. I’ve already reserved our flights. We leave at three tomorrow afternoon.”
When his mother departed, the room fell silent.
India finished her coffee. “Under the circumstances, I think I’ll have an early night. I can throw things in my bags tomorrow morning.”
She stood, all the while studiously avoiding his gaze. “Thanks for all your help, Farris. Good night.”
The pointed dismissal made him angry, but he kept his temper under wraps. “I’ll help you to your room.”
She shook her head. “No need. I think I was overly hungry and probably dehydrated. I feel much better now.”
“And will we be sleeping together?”
He threw the question at her, watching closely to see how she would respond.
India flinched. He saw her reaction, and it stung.
“I don’t think I’m up for sex tonight,” she said.
He scowled at her. “Do you really think I’m such an ass? Of course you’re not. But I could hold you while you sleep. And I think I should be there in case you need anything. During the night.”
India was leaning, using the door frame for support, and she was pale again. His chest ached with love for her. Bringing her to Wyoming had been a good idea on Dottie’s behalf, but a terrible situation for Farris.
She was so close and yet so very far away. Nothing he could do could undo the past. His body betrayed him time and again, making him yearn for her, burn for her. She was so brave and strong and beautiful. But she wasn’t his. Not anymore.
