Margo stood to greet them, giving each a hug. She held Christie a moment longer, seemingly not wanting to break the tie.
“This is the first morning in a year that I haven’t started the day with a prayer for my father’s return. I can’t thank you enough, Christie.” Her voice was unsteady and her mouth quivered.
Elliot bowed his head slightly, momentarily avoiding eye contact. He obviously recognized the turmoil he had brought down on this family. There was no doubt that he regretted his actions. Then he looked up, smiled, and reached out to clasp Christie’s hand.
“I thought I said it all yesterday—thanks and gratitude, and all that. But I’m still overwhelmed that you would go the extra mile to find me. To bring me back to my daughter.” His eyes were damp. He released Christie’s hand and brushed at his face with his knuckles. “I’d like to give you something to show my appreciation.”
“Oh, Elliot, that isn’t necessary, I’m happy I could help.”
He waved away her protest. “Margo told me that you enjoyed painting at Big Sur, and when I spoke to Cash on the phone I asked him about it. He said you had an instant affinity for the place. I feel the same way. That’s why I spend so much time camping and painting in those forests and along the coastline. The changing moods of the mist-shrouded beaches and cliffs fascinate me. I’d like you to have one of my paintings. A token, a remembrance of the happiness you brought our family.”
“Elliot, I don’t know what to say. Thank you.”
“You’ll have to pick it up at the gallery. I called and told Allingham to give you the pick of the litter, so to speak. That means another trip. Maybe you can talk this guy into going with you.” He jabbed a fist toward Cash. “Make a day of it. Or a weekend.” Elliot winked.
“You old codger, are you trying to play Cupid?”
“I’m hoping you can figure that out for yourself, son.”
Margo seemed to glow in the presence of her family and friends and the happy banter that passed between them. Hal appeared relaxed for the first time since Christie met him. There had been so much concern for Margo’s and the baby’s well-being, and now they seemed like an ordinary expectant couple, counting the days or weeks until their child was born. Elliot’s return had turned anxiety into joyful anticipation.
Hal filled their glasses with orange juice. He raised his glass and spoke softly. “To the baby. And to the five of us.” They clinked their glasses.
“Hal and I want the two of you to be our baby’s godparents.” A tear trickled down Margo’s cheek. “It would make us very happy.”
“I’d be delighted; I’ve never been a godmother,” Christie said. “But it’s such a big responsibility, and you hardly know me. Are you sure? I don’t want you to make a decision borne of the moment and then regret it.”
“We know you well enough to realize that our son or daughter could not have a better role model.”
Hal turned to Cash. “What do you say, buddy?”
Cash gave Hal a gentle punch in the arm. “It’s a done deal. I’m honored.”
When they returned to Cash’s hacienda, he told Christie he had a surprise outing for her, and suggested she change into a bathing suit. When she asked where they were going, he told her to be patient, and she would soon find out.
The mystery trip was a drive through Oak Creek Canyon. Cash told her that it was nicknamed the Little Grand Canyon. After they drove along saguaro cactus–dotted terrain, the new vista was magnificent. The road was framed by lush greenery and yellow bowers, backlit by red-rock enclaves.
They came around a bend, and Cash said, “Here we are: Slide Rock.”
He pulled the car onto a parking area next to three other vehicles. “You should see this place in the summer. There wouldn’t be an inch to maneuver the SUV into. Most popular spot around.”
Crystal-clear water tumbled over a tall, sloping rock formation. Years of water movement had smoothed the stone into a sleek, natural waterslide.
“Well?” he said. “Are you game?”
“You bet!” Christie jumped out of the car, leaned against the door, and began yanking at her shorts and pullover. She kept her shoes on, sensing that the climb could be slippery.
Cash pulled his shirt off and walked to her side of the car. He took her hand and they began the hike to the top of the slide.
“Scared?” he asked.
“Not at all,” she said as apprehension assailed her. She could get hurt, she thought. It was a steep, rocky climb to the top. A few times, loose rock scattered beneath her steps, making her arms flail out to regain balance. She didn’t fall, but she stumbled, and lost confidence in the trek. When she reached the pinnacle, her feet did not want to move onto the wet rock plateau. Cash squeezed her hand, but that did not reassure her. Screams pierced the air. Christie whirled and almost lost her footing. Two girls were speeding down the incline, arms in the air, screaming for all they were worth. She watched them reach the bottom. The girls stumbled to their feet. They looked up at Christie and Cash.
“Come on,” one of them shouted. “It’s a blast!”
A blast? It looked dangerous, and they called that fun? Christie thought as she picked her way closer to the slide.
“We’ll go down together,” Cash said. He sat on the rock and beckoned to her. She gingerly hunkered down in front of him. His legs braced hers, and his arms went around her waist. Her feet seemed to be rooted in a crevice, holding firm.
“Ready?”
“I guess…” she answered.
He pushed off and they plummeted down the steep incline. It was a roller coaster ride without the car, she thought, trying unsuccessfully to repress the scream that burst from her throat.
At the bottom they splashed into a natural pool. Christie had to admit, the ride had been exhilarating. And as far as she could tell, she had no broken bones or bruises. Cash stood and leaned to put his hands under her arms to help her up.
“Think I’m a baby, do you?” She shrugged free of his grip, independence flaring. “Let’s do it again.”
He threw his head back and laughed.
Later they spread a blanket under a leafy bower of sycamore and unwrapped their picnic lunch. The air had warmed considerably and she was glad for the damp bathing suit—the coolness was welcome against her skin.
Cash reached over and tucked a stray lock of hair behind her ear and removed her sunglasses. His touch lingered. Her breath caught in her throat. A raven soaring overhead cast a shadow over them, then passed. She inhaled the fragrance of unidentified blossoms. She was caught in a time warp, too wary to move forward, unable to retreat.
He hooked his hand around her neck and drew her face to his. She watched, like a deer caught in headlights, as his mouth dipped to touch hers. Her eyelids fluttered, then closed, as she drank in the sensation. The kiss began soft and undemanding, like two people comfortable with each other might share.
“Christie.” He spoke her name against her mouth. The kiss deepened, and his arm encircled her waist, drawing her body against his. Prickles of desire brushed her skin raw.
“Hey, man, go for it!”
Startled, Christie pulled back. A trio of teens was watching them from the top of the slide. One of the boys waved. Cash waved back; Christie turned away. She ran her fingers through her hair, self-conscious and embarrassed. And disappointed.
“Hey, don’t take it seriously.” Cash touched her arm. “We were only kissing. I don’t think we shocked anybody.”
She shook herself away from him. “We were acting like teenagers ourselves! What got into us, making a public display?”
“Come on, don’t take yourself so seriously. We actually have a rather private spot here. Just our luck to have nosy kids barge in on us.” He shrugged. “You have to admit, it was good while it lasted.”