Call of the Canyon (29 page)

“Kate, sit down. Your mom needs to tell you
something. You won’t be going with us.”

“Oh, no, I’m not staying behind. I’m
definitely going on this trip.”

“Katie.” Her mom took her hand. “I’m more
worried about
you
than your father.”

“Mom, I’ll be fine. Anna said Thomas and
Rachel go back east to visit Thomas’ family and return two weeks
later. No one will be at the cabin to see me or Drew. Don’t
worry.”

“That’s not what I’m worried about. Your
father and I discussed certain scenarios over and over. This exact
one is the one we didn’t want to come true. If your father doesn’t
return on time, you may cease to exist.”

“What? That’s crazy! Look at me, here I am.
I’m not going anywhere.” Kate’s head began to hurt. The look in
Drew’s eyes made her almost believe what her mother said.

“We never planned on it coming down to this.
We didn’t want to tell you. If your father doesn’t come back by the
end of the year and has to live his life out in the past, there
will be no you. I will be here in the present and your father will
live his life in the past.”

“Mom, you’re scaring me.” Kate moved closer
to Drew.

“That’s the last thing I want, sweetie.
That’s why we want you to stay here in the present. It’s the best
possible chance I can think of to keep you alive.”

Alive? That was so drastic
. Kate
still did not understand. “Mom, you need to explain this better.
It’s too confusing.”

Drew took over. “Kate, your mom and dad met
and married the first year Jack time traveled. You weren’t born
until three years later. So if Jack doesn’t make it back, his life
will continue on in the past and this one may be totally erased.
Once he steps into 1928, we have no idea what will happen. We just
don’t know. Your mother may have no memories of meeting Jack and
you won’t be conceived. It would be like you never existed.” He
paused. Kate felt he wanted to let the news sink in and also gain
his composure. “Joanna and I hope if you stay here, somehow you’ll
survive.”

“But you’re not one hundred per cent sure,
are you? If I’m not going to be alive in a few days, why should I
stay behind? I want to spend every last minute with you!” Kate
threw herself in Drew’s arms.

“Please, do this for me.” Drew whispered in
her ear. “I’ll come back to you. I’ll find a way, I promise.”

“No! That’s my final answer. I’m going with
you. We have to believe we’ll find Dad or the reason why he’s not
back yet. We’ll rescue him, whatever it takes. We still have a few
days. Let’s get going.”

Her mom sat up. “Look at my brave daughter.
Call Anna and Lindsey. You can tell them whatever you wish plus you
may want to say your final...” She didn’t finish. “Never mind. I
can be strong for you...and your dad. Jackson put all his faith in
me to do what’s right. I can’t lose you both in a matter of days.
So let’s get going. We’ll solve this together. I don’t want
regrets. I don’t want to forget anything...especially you.”

Chapter Twenty-Four

Kate woke
up with an awful headache. She’d had such a terrible dream! Sitting
up in bed, she was startled to see the boardinghouse’s pine walls.
Nausea swept over her. It wasn’t a dream after all. She was back at
the canyon and they had three days to find her father or Kate would
be gone. She could disappear into nothingness, but decided she
wouldn’t give up without a fight. Telling herself she wouldn’t cry,
she knew she had to be strong for Drew and her mother.

Back home, the conversation with Lindsey had
gone well but Kate didn’t tell her the whole truth. She said they
were coming to the canyon to look for her father and to wish them
luck. Kate did tell Anna the truth and they cried and talked for a
very long time. Anna assured her she would always remember her.
Kate was not quite as sure.

It was very early in the morning. The sun
was just beginning to rise. Drew poked his head in her room and
motioned for her to come to him. Kate slid out of bed and ran to
the door. “Meet us out front in five minutes.” He whispered and
then disappeared.

She was ready in less than five and out the
front door to find her mother sitting in the Buick. “We’re stealing
the Buick?” Kate found it almost funny.

“Get in.” Her mother coaxed her. “We have no
time to waste. I’ll find someone and pay them to drive the car
back. Hopefully, no one will know it’s gone.”

Drew came around the side of the house,
started the car and headed for the cabin. They drove silently
along. Kate had much to say, deciding to wait until they reached
the cabin. It was still very early and there was plenty of time to
have a discussion.

Drew parked the car behind El Tovar. Her mom
went inside while Kate and Drew started for the cabin. Kate was
glad to have some alone time with Drew. “I’m not letting you out of
my sight the whole time we’re here so don’t get any ideas.” She
told him.

“Yes, ma’am!” Drew saluted. It did sound
like a command and they both had to laugh.

“Drew, do you think you’ll remember me? Anna
and I had a long discussion about it. She’s so sure, but I’m not.
Anna said she will leave herself notes because she’s determined not
to forget.”

Drew didn’t answer as they approached the
cabin. He felt for the key on the top of the doorframe and unlocked
the door. “It’s chilly and I want to get the fires started and turn
on the heat.”

“You’re avoiding my question.”

“How can I tell my beautiful wife I don’t
know if I’ll remember her or not? With all my heart and soul, I
will try to remember you. Let’s not go there yet. I will try to
make these the best days of your life. We’ll do anything you want.
Just name it.” Drew lit the fire and turned to see Kate snuggled
under a blanket.

“Find my father,” was all she could say.

Her mom came through the cabin door after
what seemed like hours. “I think I have news!” This was the
happiest she’d looked in days. “A train is scheduled to arrive
today. The flooding and accident caused a lot of problems for
trains traveling from the east but one’s finally coming. I’ll be
there to greet it.”

“Great news! Right, Kate?”

“Yes, then what I have to say to both of
you, won’t sound so depressing. I want to talk about something...in
theory only.”

Her mom sat down. “Okay, go ahead.”

“I’ve been thinking. If Dad doesn’t make it
back, you two should just stay here. Drew, you can go on with your
life. You can go home and surprise your family. They will be
thrilled you’re alive. Mom, you can go with him and find Dad in New
York City. If he remembers you, that will be wonderful. If not, I’m
sure he’ll fall in love with you all over again. Isn’t that a great
plan?”

“Well thought out as usual.” Drew smiled at
her. “But what about you?”

“I’ll be born eventually. I think it would
be around 1930, wouldn’t you say, Mom?” Kate was so matter-of-fact
she noticed her mom just nodded in agreement. “Then, Drew, you
would have to wait sixteen years or so for me to grow up so we
could be together.”

“I would be about thirty-seven years old by
then, Kate. I don’t think your parents would approve.”

“That’s why you both have to promise me you
will try and remember all of this. Anna is going to write herself a
note. I want you two to do the same thing.”

Her mom shook her head. “I don’t know,
Katie...”

“What, Mom? If this would work out?” She
noticed her mom had reverted back to calling her Katie.

“No, I don’t know if I would stay here. My
family’s back in the present. What if Jackson doesn’t remember me
or want to marry me? I’d be all alone here.”

“Mom, are you planning on going back New
Year’s Eve day, no matter what?” Kate was shocked.

“I haven’t thought it through. I don’t know
what I’m going to do.” Her mother began to cry. “I’m so confused.
I’m losing everything!” She jumped up and went into the back
hallway.

“Drew!” Kate panicked. “Don’t you think it’s
a good idea?”

“In theory, yes, in reality, I don’t know.
We don’t know what the future holds, Kate. That’s why it’s called
the future.” Drew got up and went down the hallway to talk to her
mom.

Moments later, Kate’s mom walked back out to
the great room. “I’m going to meet the train now. Please forgive
me. Give me time to process everything.” She went out the door and
Kate ran to the window to watch her mother walk down the trail
until she disappeared.

The morning went by slowly. Drew made
breakfast and they took a walk in the woods. They even went to the
barn to visit Canyon. The horse was happy to see them.

“Canyon misses you Drew. I swear his eyes
lit up when he saw you.” Kate loved that horse. He was so much a
part of their history. “Sweet Canyon.” She kissed the horse on the
side of its head.

“Let’s get back. Your mom may have some news
by now.” Drew took her hand and they headed back to the cabin.

Kate’s mom was inside when they got there.
She was staring straight ahead, almost in a trance. That didn’t
look like good news to Kate. Her mom just shook her head no and
continued staring. The couple left her alone because they knew she
needed time to herself. They went outside and sat on the front
porch.

“Will we be sitting here when we’re old and
gray?” Kate looked out at the blue sky she loved and the white
puffy clouds. She wanted to drink it into her soul so she’d never
forget.

“Yes.” Drew slowly breathed the word out
although Kate wondered if he believed it.

The door opened and her mom stood leaning
against the frame. “Tomorrow there’s two trains scheduled to
arrive, one in the morning and one in the afternoon. I’ll be there
to meet them both. Then we have one more day. I’ve decided to take
Katie back to the present with me. We’ll take our chances back in
Ohio. Drew, you can decide what you want to do. I recommend you
stay here, where you belong. That’s what we all should have done
right from the beginning, stayed where we belonged.” She closed the
door and went back in the house.

Drew and Kate looked closely at each other.
“She’s wrong, Drew. She’ll come to her senses.”

Drew nodded in agreement although Kate
realized he wasn’t committing to anything.

* * * *

It was hard to think about a schedule, but
making dinner seemed normal. When the cooking was done, they ate in
silence. Kate didn’t like the silence. There’d been too much of
it.

“Mom, Drew has bottles of wine and sparkling
cider stocked here. We’re going to open one of each and sit and
talk by the fire until we’re tired. We need to talk and it doesn’t
have to be about the present situation. It can be about anything
because I can’t stand the silence anymore.”

“Whatever Kate wants, right, Joanna?” Drew
got up and went to his wine cellar. He brought up a good Italian
wine, a sparkling cider for Kate and grabbed three glasses.

Her mom curled up next to Kate. “This was a
good idea.” She took a sip of wine. After she finished, she filled
the glass again. “I’m going to bed and get rested for tomorrow.
Taking this with me.” She held up the glass. “I promise to be more
positive tomorrow. Good night.”

“Good night, Mom, I’ll see you in the
morning.” Kate blew her a kiss. Then she turned and kissed Drew. He
picked her up and carried her to their bedroom, gently placing her
on the bed. Sliding in next to her, Kate felt his warm body next to
her. He pulled her closer, clinging to her. She hoped it wouldn’t
be one of their last nights together.

Chapter Twenty-Five

It was a
new day and Kate felt hopeful. She could smell coffee brewing in
the kitchen. Realizing she was alone, Kate quickly got up, dressed
and went out to the great room. Her mother sat at the dining room
table talking quietly with Drew.

“Good morning.” Kate said and they both
looked up, startled, appearing to be in a very serious
conversation.

“Kate, did you sleep well?” Drew got up to
pour her some coffee.

“Yes, thanks.” She took the mug of steaming
coffee in both hands. “Mom, I was thinking about this. Have you
checked the telegraph office to see if there are any messages?” She
sat down at the pine table.

“It didn’t cross my mind with all that’s
been going on. I’ll do it today.” Her mom got up and went back to
the guest room.

“I’m so glad you added onto the cabin, Drew.
The changes you made are wonderful. We’ll enjoy them so much as the
years go by.” Kate smiled at him.

“Of course we will.” Drew came around the
table. He kissed Kate on top of her head and sat next to her. “What
would you like to do today?”

“Visit the canyon.” She hoped Drew would
agree to it.

“Could be risky, but that’s what we shall
do. I’ll go get ready.”

Her mom briskly walked through the room,
heading for the door. “Katie, Drew’s an upstanding, wonderful man.
I love him. He’s the son I never had. I trust him to do the right
thing and you should, too.” She opened the door and waved. “Wish me
luck.”

That was a little strange. Not the part
about Drew being wonderful, but the trusting part.
Of course
Kate trusted Drew. What were her mother and Drew talking about?

“Drew!” She called out. “No secrets, right?
What was that all about? My mom’s telling me to trust you and I
found you two huddled together when I got up.”

He appeared in the hallway. “Nothing gets by
you, although, this time you are making too much out of nothing.
Ready?”

“Yes, but you will tell me before the day’s
over.” Kate decided not to ruin the day by pushing him to reveal
what the conversation was about.

Drew tossed her a hat and scarf. “Do you
like our disguises?” His laugh was muffled by the scarf he
wore.