Into the Wilderness Read online

  It troubled her, though, that Rebecca had never mentioned him in their weekly conversations. Why had she held this news back?

  “Is that café in the Empire State Building?” Paul asked Marcus.

  “No, it’s a little hole in the wall on Fifth Avenue,” Marcus said. “Nothing impressive, but working there pays the bills, you know?”

  “So you’re a cook?” Kate asked.

  Marcus nodded. “A skill I picked up along the way.”

  “You’ll find that Marcus has many hidden talents,” Rebecca said.

  Chapter Two

  Marcus went outside to retrieve their bags from the car, and Paul returned to the bedroom to put away his camping gear. Kate and Rebecca wandered out to the backyard, just off the living room, and stood under a beautiful old maple tree. Its crimson leaves glimmered in the sunlight and complemented the golds and ambers in the woods behind the house.

  The backyard reflected the beauty of their country surroundings, with its many potted plants and Kate’s little touches here and there. Some of the flowers had lost their blooms, except the mums that were abundant at this time of year. Kate had a variety of colors: orange, white and purple.

  She and Rebecca sat down at a black wrought-iron table on a small patio area just outside the sliding-glass door.

  She glanced at her daughter, who lifted her face to the warming day.

  Leaves fluttered down from the branches of the maple tree at intervals, carried by a gentle breeze, and a squirrel chattered at them from a high tree branch. They’d brought along leftover bread crusts that Kate kept for feeding the animals. Rebecca tossed a piece toward the tree, and the squirrel edged its way down to retrieve it.

  “This is nice,” Rebecca said, smiling at her mother.

  Kate tugged her sweater around her shoulders, more from habit than from feeling chilled.

  They enjoyed the quiet for a moment before Rebecca said, “It’s so good to see you, Mom. I’ve missed you.”

  Kate reached over to squeeze her daughter’s hand, and the comfortable silence descended again. It was a lovely day. The breeze whispered through the leaves overhead, and occasionally one would waft down in a lazy arc to the ground.

  “Hey,” Rebecca finally said, “do you have the ring Gran left me? Or is it in a safe-deposit box?”

  Kate’s grandmother had bequeathed a very valuable sapphire-and-diamond ring to Rebecca when she died. As the youngest of Kate’s children, Rebecca had been a favorite of the eccentric woman, who liked to shower her with gifts, though none as expensive and exquisite as the ring. The appraiser had valued it at almost ten thousand dollars. When Rebecca had decided to go to New York, Kate and Paul had agreed to keep it in safekeeping until she felt settled and safe enough to store it herself.

  “It’s here,” Kate said, “in my bedroom. Why?”

  Rebecca shrugged. “Oh, I told Marcus about it, and he said he’d love to see it.”

  Kate glanced up at her daughter. Something didn’t seem quite right about that. She raised an eyebrow but didn’t voice her thoughts. Instead, she cleared her throat and said, “So, honey, I can tell you really like Marcus. Why didn’t you tell me about him before now?”

  Rebecca tossed another piece of crust onto the ground and watched as the squirrel enjoyed the free meal.

  “I guess we’ve just been getting to know each other...It’s all happened so fast, really.” She lifted her face to the warm sun. “He’s...”—she took a deep breath—“I don’t know. He’s smart and funny and talented and...” She shrugged. “You know? I really, really like him.”

  “You haven’t known him that long.”

  “I know it’s only been two months, but I feel like I’ve known him a lot longer.”

  “Has he always been a New Yorker?”

  Rebecca shook her head. “He was raised in New Jersey. He has three older siblings—two brothers and a sister. His folks split up when he was young.”

  “I’m sorry,” Kate said.

  “He doesn’t talk about it much. I mean, I haven’t even met them yet. And they live in New Jersey.”

  “Really? Even though they live that close?”

  “We’ve just been so busy with work and auditions that we haven’t had time to go. But I’m going to make sure we pay them a visit right after we get home. It’s just ridiculous that we haven’t done it yet.” She sighed and glanced at the squirrel that was chattering at them from the base of the tree.

  “Marcus really believes in me, you know? He believes in my talent,” Rebecca went on. She lifted her gaze to her mother, and Kate recognized the unasked questions that lingered in the air. Why don’t you believe in me, Mom? Why don’t you want me to succeed?

  Kate knew that her daughter craved her approval of her acting career. But there were so many hazards that came with fame and wealth—potential for drugs and alcoholism, pride and greed, not to mention the challenges the career placed on one’s faith. In light of all that, Kate was nervous about Rebecca’s pursuing it.

  Yet she also knew that her daughter was phenomenally talented. Rebecca poured her heart into every performance, and the girl could sing better than anyone Kate had ever heard, big-time performers included. She had no doubt that her daughter could do well in acting if given the right opportunity. Still, she prayed that God would guard Rebecca’s heart.

  “So, how is Marcus’ spiritual life?” Kate asked point-blank.

  “Come on, Mom. We’re just dating!” Rebecca said.

  “His faith is important,” Kate insisted. “You know how much faith matters in marriage. Marriage isn’t always easy, and different faith perspectives make it that much more challenging. I just don’t want to see you get hurt.”

  Rebecca had given her heart to Christ during summer camp at the tender age of eleven. Kate thought about that homecoming. Rebecca had been so thrilled about her newfound faith that she told anyone and everyone who would listen that they needed to know Jesus too.

  “He’s a Christian, Mom,” Rebecca said.

  “How do you know?” Kate leaned in and studied her daughter’s face. Rebecca’s eyes darted back and forth as she searched for the right words. It raised alarm bells in Kate’s head. Was Rebecca being completely honest with herself about this young man and his relationship with God? Or was she allowing his good looks and suave manner to sway her?

  “We’ve talked about it,” she finally said. “He even comes to church with me sometimes.”

  “Sometimes?” Kate probed.

  “He’s a cook at a café, Mom. Sometimes he has to work Sundays. You know, you have to trust me and let me grow up.”

  “I’m not saying I don’t trust you,” Kate said, keeping her tone calm to prevent the conflict from escalating. Her daughter had many wonderful qualities, but even-temperedness was not one of them. But she knew this was an important time to express her feelings to Rebecca. In some ways, she thought, raising her children never ended.

  “Yes, Mom, you are saying you don’t trust me. Otherwise you wouldn’t have asked.”

  “I asked Melissa and Andrew the same question when they were dating their future spouses, so it’s only fair I ask you too. Besides, we knew their significant others pretty well by that time.” She paused, then had a flash of intuition. “Has Marcus proposed?”

  Rebecca shrugged, though the blush that spread across her cheeks said enough. “We’ve talked about it,” she finally admitted.

  Kate couldn’t believe her ears. Her baby girl had talked about marriage with a man Kate didn’t even know. She tried to comprehend it and felt hurt that Rebecca hadn’t confided in her.

  “Did you tell anyone, honey, or were you just going to elope?” Kate paused, then asked, “Are you living together?”

  “No, Mom! I’ve told Melissa that we’ve talked about getting married, but—”

  “Oh, Rebecca.” Kate sighed. “We don’t even know this young man.”

  “But I do, Mom! And I love him!”

  Her blue eyes met Ka
te’s, and Kate could see the wounded expression in them. Yet she knew Rebecca could be an emotional roller coaster of highs and lows. She had the capacity to love deeply...and to be hurt deeply. Kate placed a calming hand on Rebecca’s arm.

  “I’m not trying to make you feel bad. I just want to protect you, to help you make a good choice. This is one of the most important decisions you’ll ever make in life. I’m not saying that I don’t like Marcus. I just don’t know him.”

  “So get to know him!” Rebecca shot back. “That’s why we came this weekend, Mom.”

  She reached out to clasp her daughter’s hand. “And your dad and I are so happy you came, Rebecca.” She smiled, her thoughts suddenly turning to Paul, who was in the bedroom, putting away his camping gear so he could spend time with his little girl, like the devoted father he was.

  “What is it?” Rebecca prompted.

  “Oh, it’s nothing,” Kate said.

  “No,” Rebecca said, “I know that look. Something’s on your mind.”

  “Well,” Kate glanced toward the house to see if anyone was coming. “You should’ve seen your dad getting ready for his trip. He was really excited. He’d even pulled out his old Eagle Scout knife.”

  “Oh, I feel awful! We should’ve called, Mom. It’s just that Marcus seemed so eager to meet you. I’d never seen him like that before. He wanted to get in the car and go right away. I mean, we’d talked about driving down someday so he could meet you, but...” She shrugged. “And now we’ve ruined Dad’s plans. He should still go. Marcus and I can visit with you. You can get to know Marcus while Dad’s camping.”

  “You know your father would never agree to that.”

  They paused in thought. The squirrel had finally finished devouring the two crusts of bread and had scampered back up the tree.

  Finally Rebecca broke the silence. “I have an idea. Maybe Marcus could go with Dad on his trip. Then they can get to know each other one-on-one. Dad will see what a great guy Marcus is, and you and I can have some mother-daughter time.”

  Kate had to admit she liked the idea, especially since it would give Paul a chance to get acquainted with Marcus without Rebecca running interference. He could really get to know the young man, find out if his intentions were honorable.

  “I’ll see what your dad thinks,” Kate said. “Are you sure Marcus would be up for it?”

  “He’ll do anything I ask him to,” she said, a pleased smile crossing her face.

  WHILE REBECCA WENT TO TALK to Marcus about the idea, Kate went to find Paul. Like a defeated warrior, he stood over the camping paraphernalia that still covered the bed. Kate touched his hand, and he glanced up at her.

  “Disappointed?” she asked.

  He nodded. “But I’m glad to see my girl.”

  “Did you know that Marcus and Rebecca have talked about marriage?”

  Paul lifted an eyebrow. “What? We don’t even know this guy! Did you notice how he kept looking out the window and didn’t make eye contact?”

  “He’s in unfamiliar surroundings and on approval,” Kate pointed out. “I think we’re just sensitive that our daughter has fallen in love with a man who is a total stranger to us. She says he’s a great guy, that he’s kind to her and goes to church with her...”

  “How many times has Rebecca said that about a guy she’s dating?” Paul said with a laugh. “She loves every one right up until she breaks up with him.”

  “But she’s never mentioned marriage before,” Kate reminded him.

  Paul nodded, then crossed his arms over his chest as his gaze returned to his camping supplies. A frown furrowed his brow. “I hate disappointing the guys at the church.”

  Kate slipped an arm around his waist. “Rebecca had an idea, and I think it’s a good one.”

  Paul waited for her to go on.

  “How about if you take Marcus on the camping trip? It’ll give you a chance to get to know him one-on-one while Rebecca and I spend some mother-daughter time together.”

  Paul rubbed his chin and raised his eyebrows as he considered the proposal.

  “Rebecca said he’d do anything she asks, and it does seem like he really wanted to meet us. It makes me wonder if his excitement has anything to do with a marriage proposal. She even asked about Gran’s ring,” Kate added.

  Finally he spoke. “I guess it wouldn’t hurt, would it?” His smile returned. “But I wanted to spend time with Rebecca too.”

  “I know, but with a boyfriend here, how much quality time would you get with her anyway? Besides, this will be good for Rebecca and me.”

  Paul grinned. “You’re just kicking me out of the house, aren’t you?”

  “Of course I am.” Kate gave him a devious wink. “Hey, I’m not getting to work on my stained glass either, so the least you can do is entertain your future son-in-law.” Kate felt the weight of her deadline tugging on her conscience, but she was determined to put it out of her mind for the next few days and enjoy the time with Rebecca.

  “We’ll see about that. He’s still on approval!” Paul laughed. “You need the break, anyway, Katie.” He kissed her forehead. “You’ve been working too hard.”

  “I agree. Time with Rebecca is just the reprieve I needed.”

  “And we’ll just see if this guy is really good enough for my daughter!”

  AFTER A LUNCH of egg-salad sandwiches, Kate and Rebecca spent the day helping the men gather all the supplies Marcus would need for the trip. Paul had many of the items in duplicate, so there wasn’t much they needed to purchase in Pine Ridge. And since Marcus had packed for the long weekend anyway, he had a fair assortment of clothing, though they had to stop by a shoe store to buy hiking boots. By late afternoon, he was packed and ready for the next morning’s adventure.

  Rebecca and the two men retired to the living room and reclined on the sofa while Kate went to the kitchen to fix them something to drink. A few minutes later, she reappeared with four glasses of iced tea on a serving tray. As she set down the tray, she noticed Marcus whispering something to Rebecca. Paul was skimming the latest Scouting magazine, but Kate could tell by the way he kept glancing at them that he was actually observing their interactions.

  Rebecca smiled up at her mother when Kate handed her a glass of tea. “Do you mind getting that ring now, Mom?” Rebecca asked, then glanced at Marcus.

  “Oh,” Kate said. “Sure, honey.”

  She padded to the master bedroom and returned carrying a red-velvet box.

  When Rebecca opened the lid, Marcus leaned in to look.

  “Wow! It’s beautiful,” he said. “Just like you told me.”

  Kate noticed Marcus’ intense stare, and she wondered if perhaps he had considered buying Rebecca a ring or if he would ask to give her this one.

  Rebecca lifted the ring out of its box and slipped it onto her finger. “I don’t know what Gran was thinking when she left it to me.”

  “She was thinking that she loved you,” Kate said as she settled into an overstuffed chair that flanked the couch and reached for her glass of tea. The sweet tea tasted perfect after a day of shopping, packing, and chatting.

  Marcus seemed like a nice enough fellow. He was cordial and polite. He made conversation easily and was quick to ask questions. Kate watched as he and Rebecca admired the ring’s sapphire and diamond.

  “We should really take that to the bank,” Paul said, “and put it in our safe-deposit box with our passports and birth certificates.”

  “I know,” Kate admitted. “I had sort of forgotten about its value. I tend to think we’re pretty secure here in Copper Mill, though I’m not sure what would make me think that.” She laughed, and Paul joined her.

  The amount of trouble Kate had gotten into because of her frequent sleuthing had become an inside joke. Thankfully, they could laugh instead of cry, because they had always managed to escape any real injury.

  “Do you know how much it’s worth?” Marcus asked, after waiting for Kate and Paul’s laughter to wane. The question struc
k Kate as inappropriate.

  “We’ve had it appraised, yes,” she said, avoiding a direct answer to the question. “Say,” she said, changing the subject, “we were wondering if we could treat the two of you to a nice supper before the men head into the wilderness tomorrow. There’s a great restaurant called the Bristol.”

  “We always enjoy a nice meal,” Rebecca said as she turned to look first at Marcus, then at her father. “Especially if it’s free!”

  Kate noticed that Marcus looked strangely nervous.

  “Let’s take the convertible!” Rebecca suggested. “I love that car, but it’s a good thing I have Marcus, because I have no idea how to drive a stick.”

  “If it’s okay with you, Marcus, I’ll drive,” Paul volunteered. “It’s been a long time since I’ve cruised in one of those babies.”

  Chapter Three

  The Bristol was actually part of the newly restored Hamilton Springs Hotel, a resort and spa just down the road from Faith Briar Church. In its former life, it had been the historic Copper Creek Hotel, a rundown building that had lost its charm long ago, but now it was a grand two-story hotel.

  The group climbed out of the convertible and made their way across the parking lot.

  “I definitely want to get wheels like this if I ever buy myself a car,” Rebecca said. “It was so much fun driving that thing here from New York, wasn’t it Marcus?”

  Marcus nodded and shot a smile her way. Kate pulled a comb from her oversized handbag to straighten her wind-blown hair. No wonder Rebecca had worn a ponytail.

  Paul reached the entrance first and held the door open for everyone. The wide double doors opened onto a massive foyer with double staircases that wound up to the floor above. The foyer was painted in a warm honey tone, with a blazing fireplace at the center and mounted deer and elk trophies hanging from the polished wood walls. Thick, heavy beams lined the ceiling, and throughout the open space, intimate groupings of overstuffed furniture was arranged on woven Indian rugs, giving the room definition.

  To the left of the foyer was the Bristol. Kate led the way into the restaurant, a light and airy room with banks of divided windows on three sides. The waitstaff bustled between tables, and the host, who was wearing a tailored suit, showed them to a table overlooking a pond.