Call of the Canyon (12 page)

Charlie joined the Jenkins entourage at the
baggage claim, waiting for the Ohioans to arrive. Lindsey squeezed
Kate’s hand when she saw him and took off in front of the group to
run into his arms.

“Ooh! I knew there was more going on with
them.” In a way Kate envied their modern relationship. She felt
like hers was more old-fashioned, like she was in the courtship
phase. In a few weeks, she would be Mrs. Andrew Martin and
honeymoon in her favorite room at Circle H ranch. Lucinda insisted
on doing something for the couple and Kate asked to stay there for
the weekend. It was a perfect place for her first night with Drew.
Kate knew it would be difficult to get the flowers she wanted so
she asked for Lucinda’s help. Lucinda told her not to worry about a
thing. She’d be in charge of the flowers and decorations. 1927 Anna
also wanted to help. Kate was overwhelmed by their kindness.

“Can’t wait to see Anna again.” She told
Drew. “She’s still spunky, strong-willed and smart. I never think
of her as old.”

“I don’t either.” Drew smiled and pointed at
Carl.

This was Carl’s first time in Arizona and he
seemed to be enjoying the Jenkins family showering him with
attention. Kate was glad to see that because Carl was having some
difficulties lately and wasn’t confiding in her like he used to. At
times he was almost distant. Kate hated that. She felt like she was
losing her brother over something he could never have.

When the caravan arrived at the ranch, Kate
grabbed Carl’s hand and led him inside. “Drew and I are going back
to visit Anna. I want you to come with us.”

The three walked down the familiar main hall
and turned right, walking through the kitchen. A light glowed from
Anna’s apartment and music softly played.

“Anna!” Kate couldn’t help herself. “We’re
here!” She ran ahead of the men and into the room. “Oh, she’s
asleep, guys. We better come back.”

“Like hell you will!” A voice said as Kate
turned to leave.

She spun back around. “Anna! How are you?”
She ran to hug the small woman sitting on the couch. They caught up
with all the latest news and gossip and finally Drew had to
interrupt.

“Kate, you need to introduce Carl.”

“I’d know that face anywhere. Carl come over
and sit down.” Anna motioned to him. The two chatted about Carl’s
father and the boardinghouse. Kate noticed Anna took it slow. She
didn’t even bring up the fact she knew Carl visited 1927.

“I’ve been there, you know.” Carl finally
said.

“Yes, I know. I met you.” Anna nodded.
Again, Kate thought it was the perfect time to let him have it but
she was non-committal.

When they got up to leave, Kate decided to
stay behind. “You two go on and find your rooms. I have a little
more to talk to Anna about.” After they left, she turned to Anna
giving her a look of surprise. “I thought you were going to talk to
Carl about Rachel.”

“I could see it would do no good, Kathryn.
When he talked about going to the canyon, I could see it in his
eyes. There was this faraway look I didn’t think I could penetrate.
He loves that girl and I don’t think it will end well. I hope
meeting Thomas helps.”

“I do, too. We won’t be here long so we have
to make sure it happens. I’m so worried about him. I want him to be
happy and find love. Then I feel guilty trying to stop him. It’s
all so confusing.”

“Party’s tomorrow, so we won’t have to wait
long. You’ll just have to let this play out. What is it Maya always
says? What will be, will be?”

Kate slowly nodded her head. “Okay, see you
tomorrow, Birthday Girl.” She lightly hugged Anna, longing to stay
and visit but knew Anna needed her rest.

Kate was on her way to her room, when she
heard her phone. It sounded like her mom music. “Mom, I’m sorry I
forgot to call when we got here. We were visiting Anna and time
slipped by.” Kate walked into her room and sat on the bed.

“That’s okay, honey. I’m glad you arrived
safely. Just calling to tell you Dad, Maya and I will be heading
back to the canyon while you’re gone. You won’t be able to reach
us.”

“I’m so excited you’re going. Tell grandma I
love her and will see her at my wedding.” Kate was thrilled to hear
the news. “I’ll let Carl know, too.”

“I’m sure Maya’s calling him. Let Drew know
we may visit his parents.”

“Sure thing, Mom, love you.” Kate said,
thinking that was the end of the conversation.

“Not so fast. I have one more thing I want
to discuss.” She sounded serious. “Kate, did I make a mistake
giving you that book to read? I feel like I robbed you of your last
years of high school. I could have waited to let you read the book,
or maybe I should have never let you read it at all.”

“Mom, don’t ever say that! I love that you
had me read the book. I love where my life has gone and where
everything has taken me. I don’t have any regrets. This is the best
experience of my life. I haven’t missed out on high school, trust
me. I get involved in enough drama as it is.”

“Well, maybe things would have worked out
differently between you and Tyson...if I hadn’t interfered.”

“I wouldn’t be with Tyson, no matter what.
How can you say that?”

“I was just thinking about things and feel
badly for him.”

“Did I hear you correctly? You said you feel
bad for Tyson? After all he put me through?” Kate was steaming. Her
mom still hoped Ty and Kate would be a couple, marry and live next
door.

“I’m just checking. I want you to be sure of
your feelings. You’re still very young.”

“Don’t remind me. If I was eighteen, I could
do what I want.” Kate knew she sounded like a defiant child but
didn’t care.

“I love you and want what’s best for you.”
Her mom sounded sorry.

“I don’t want to fight before you leave. I
love you and I love Drew. No regrets on anything.” Kate was firm
but had calmed down. “Tell Dad I love him, too, and have a safe
trip.”

After ending the call, she got up and stood
in front of the mirror. She brushed her hair back from her face and
looked closely at herself. Her natural blonde highlights were
bleached out from the summer sun and the streaks through her light
brown hair made it look almost golden. Her blue eyes flashed back
at her as she studied her reflection. Her mother had to stop
looking at her as a child. She had grown up.

There was a light tap at the door. Drew
stood in the doorway smiling. “What’s my girl up to now?”

“Oh, Drew, I just talked to my mother and
she can be so frustrating at times. She’s second guessing giving me
the book to read.” Drew was quiet which Kate found unusual. “You
don’t have anything to say about that?”

“You don’t want my thoughts, trust me.” His
brow furrowed briefly and he glanced at the floor.

“Yes, I do! Spill!”

“I think your mom likes Tyson and wishes you
were with him instead of me.” Drew leaned against the wall of the
bedroom, crossing his arms.

“Too bad! It’s not my mom’s life, it’s mine.
If she likes Tyson so much, she can date him!” Kate thought how
ridiculous that sounded and started to laugh. Drew broke into a
smile. “Big day tomorrow. We’re on a mission. Carl has to see the
truth and drop this crazy notion he can be a part of Rachel’s
world. Or what if he convinces her to come here?”

“I don’t think he told her he’s from the
future, Kate. I think that would scare her or she wouldn’t believe
him.” He walked over to where she stood. “Enough of this. I just
came over to give you a goodnight kiss and that’s what I plan to
do.” He took her gently in his arms, his mouth finding hers. Kate
threw his arms around his neck and clung tightly to him, wanting
him to know he was the only one for her.

* * * *

“Happy Birthday!” It sounded like one giant
voice, all the partygoers rolled into one. Kate and Drew stood
holding hands while they watched Anna blow out her candles. Kate
knew Anna was the happiest when she had her family surrounding
her.

Anna looked around at everyone. “Thank you
for coming to my party. I love seeing all the generations in this
room and never thought I’d live long enough to see this. I want to
tell you a little about my life. When I was younger, I was a sweet,
good girl.”

“You still are!” Someone shouted out, making
the crowd laugh.

“Let me finish!” She put her hands on her
hips to make the point. “See! I’ve learned to be more assertive and
independent in my old age.”

“And you’re not old, either!” The voice
called out again which made the group hoot and holler in
agreement.

“I’m content in my life and happy about the
way things turned out.” She looked over at her son. “Dan, I know
you wish Amy was here and we all miss her. I know she’s here with
us today.” Grandpa Dan held up his glass as a toast to his mother
and his wife. “Remember the good times, son. She was a beautiful
woman.” She brushed a tear from her eye. “To go further back in my
life, I want to share how the Cook family came into our lives. We
all met at the Grand Canyon. Thomas was the cook at El Tovar, I
worked in the kitchen and Rachel was a hotel maid. All good, decent
jobs at the time. Friendships formed, bonds were made. Thomas and
Rachel married and would visit the ranch with their children. Our
kids played together and grew up together. We’re so happy they are
still part of our family today.”

Thomas III made his way up to the table and
gave Anna a kiss on the cheek. “We love you.”

Anna took his hand. “When your grandfather
volunteered during World War Two, your grandmother still came with
the kids, staying overnight many times. It was a scary time for us,
for the country. Everyone was so relieved when Thomas returned home
safely.”

Kate knew Anna hoped Thomas would tell more
of the story to Carl. Could history be wiped out in an instant if
Carl didn’t take it to heart? She saw Anna shudder and stare off in
the distance as if she was not in the room anymore. “Anna? Are you
alright?”

“Over here, Kathryn, let’s go riding. I need
to clear my head.” Anna whispered.

“Anna, I heard you can’t ride anymore.” She
put her arm around her friend.

A tear fell from Anna’s eye. “Just
reminiscing, I guess.”

Then it dawned on Kate that Anna’s mind was
somewhere in the past. “We can ride together any time you want.”
Kate kissed her lightly on the forehead.

Anna seemed to suddenly snap back to
reality. “Where are my presents?”

Everyone laughed and the party continued
throughout the afternoon. Kate introduced Carl to Thomas and urged
him to fill Carl in on his family history. She was glad he enjoyed
telling those stories because he was asked to repeat them so many
times. She left the two men alone and hoped for the best.

The party ended at dusk and the guests began
to leave. Kate kept herself busy cleaning up and taking Anna’s
presents to her room. Her eyes kept flitting over to Carl and
Thomas. They almost seemed like they were best friends, chatting
and laughing.

Drew flashed Kate a look. She knew he wanted
to spend time with Thomas. He missed his 1927 Thomas, she knew
that. He looked so sad, she nodded her head yes, to go ahead. Carl
was with him long enough. If he hadn’t learned the Cook family
history by now, he never would.

Drew could hardly contain himself. Kate
watched him walk over and casually join the men.
Good job, Drew!
Don’t act too eager. Oh, don’t pat Thomas on the shoulder or the
back! Whew, he stopped himself.
Kate chuckled to herself
thinking she sounded like a sports commentator calling a game.

Anna and Kate walked back to Anna’s
apartment so they could have some time before Kate flew back to
Ohio. They didn’t know when they would see each other again and
both were in tears.

“I’ve been practicing texting, Kathryn.”
Anna said proudly as they sat down. “So you don’t always have to
call, we can text.”

“I love talking to you. Texting is fine for
some of the time. We’ll do whatever you want though. Hey, I just
thought of something...the next time you see me, I’ll be a married
woman.”

“I hope I live long enough to see that.”
Anna said woefully.

“Don’t talk like that. Of course, you will.”
Kate hated when she brought up that subject.

“Kathryn, you have to face facts. I won’t
always be here although I’d love to see how this all plays out. I’m
afraid you’re not facing reality. I just want you to be prepared.”
Anna patted Kate’s knee. “Now enough of this doom and gloom. I
can’t wait to see your wedding in my mind.”

“Do you think you will?”

“I’ll let you know as soon as you get back.
When is it again?”

“Two more weeks. I can’t wait.”

Kate hugged Anna good-bye and headed
upstairs to pack. In the hallway, she ran into Carl. “Great day,
did you enjoy yourself?”

“Yeah, it was good. I think I made a new
friend.”

“Really? Is it Thomas?”

“Yep, it’s Thomas, Thomas the third.”

She hoped Carl acquired enough information
to stop himself from going back in time. He was coming to her
wedding but hopefully, that would be it. Plus, if he thought of
Thomas as a friend, how could he change history? Thomas would cease
to exist.

Kate hugged him and said, “That’s great, I
knew you two would get along.”

“I know he’s Rachel’s grandson, Kate. It
didn’t take long to figure that out after Anna’s speech. He likes
to talk about his family and the ranger background. I found
everything
very
interesting.”

“Good to hear. Now let’s go pack.” She
hugged him again, feeling better.

“Yep, we have a wedding to get to.” Carl
chuckled as he went to his room to get ready for the trip back to
Ohio.

A wedding
. Kate hugged herself.
Drew and I will be man and wife in 1927
. She couldn’t
wait.