From Darkness into Love

Chapter 1June “Jessie?” Cameron’s breath blew across her cheek, the husky timber of his voice sending a zing up her spine. “Refill?” Her eyes slowly rose to meet his, “Sure,” she squeaked out, the word sounding strained and unnatural. He grinned, his dimples creating craters in his lean cheeks, “Be right back.” While she didn’t need more pink champagne to make her head spin, with him gone, she could breathe. Except, every time she took a breath, his cologne surrounded her, making her dizzy. The edge of the table acted like an anchor as she grabbed hold to keep her hands from shaking. All she wanted to do was sink into the floor, but that wasn’t behavior befitting a bridesmaid. Especially not when sitting on a raised platform with the rest of the wedding party. It wouldn’t endear her to the bride, her best friend, Cassie Tate, or to any of the other residents of Swan Harbor in attendance. Ryan, the groom, sitting to her left, laid his hand on hers, “Are you okay?” “I need some air.” “Go,” he nodded toward the glass doors that lined the side wall. “I’ll cover for you.” After stepping off the elevated stage, she wound around a few tables and slipped out an open door. The bouquets of pink, white, yellow, and purple flowers still decorated the ceremony area, but her focus was on the cliff several yards beyond. She dropped her shoes on a chair and, bypassing the arch where Cassie and Ryan were pronounced husband and wife, Jessie could finally breathe. The wind whipped her long hair around her head and molded the periwinkle dress to her body. Standing on the edge of the cliff, she fancied herself the heroine of a movie. Her name was Jessica Prince and she was the Princess looking down upon her charges before going to battle. But the fanciful thought had her wondering if the analogy fit. Returning home hadn’t been the easiest, but she’d done the right thing by Cassie. Once committed, there’d been no running, especially when their friend, Sadie got involved. And Jessie had missed them. Plus, since her return, their support had been invaluable. Laughter spilled from the ballroom and without even turning, she could feel his eyes. Cameron Hunter was six feet, two inches with shaggy blond hair, deep dimples, and eyes that undid her. Whether they sparkled with happiness or were dark green with desire, they’d always made her feel as if he could see inside her soul. He had been a part of her life forever, seeing her at her worst and at her best. And when her life was torn apart, and darkness threatened, he gave her strength, helping to chase the darkness away. She loved him, and at one time, he'd loved her. But when she arrived in town and saw him locked in an embrace with another woman, it left her reeling. The feelings exposed leaving her unsure and vulnerable. Her brother, Dylan, had shared the identity of the woman. Eden Fowler was the youngest daughter of the Chief of Police, and several years her junior. But the scene of another woman in Cameron’s arms forced her to be honest with herself. Something she’d been loath to do for several years. Cameron had always been the one constant in her life and she hadn’t expected that to change. Somehow, the fantasy image of him meeting her at the town line had stuck inside her head. That the relationship she had with him two years ago would have remained stagnant...waiting for her to return. But for years she’d done what was needed to protect those she loved. Revealing everything would mean it all had been for naught. However, with another woman in the picture, it was put up or shut up. She tried the latter, when they’d been thrown together as members of the wedding party. A get-together at the arcade, a bonfire on the beach, other moments meant to celebrate Cassie and Ryan’s upcoming nuptials. But after every occasion, she took refuge from her feelings of loss, escaping to Sonny’s. Only on the ice had she been able to outrun the demons that never seemed to be far away. Had it worked? Maybe…a little, but while Cassie and Ryan recited their vows, her eyes had been drawn to Cameron’s. When she caught him looking back, her heart stuttered and some of those empty places began to fill. But when he looked away, the moment was broken, and she realized, it was Eden who had caught his attention. Eden was pretty and kind and devoted to Cameron. Everything he deserved, but… But that it should have been me was on repeat inside her head. Watching Cassie and Ryan pledge their love to each other, she had to wonder if her decisions had been a mistake. Was it possible for the Princess to win the battle for her own happily ever after? “Jessie?” Cam placed his tuxedo jacket around her shoulders, “Readying for war?” His scent from the coat wrapped around her, causing her thoughts to scatter, “What?” He chuckled, his husky laugh still having the power to cause her pulse to spike, “Do you plan to target Sally’s Diner or Sonny’s Skate & Bowl first?” “Neither,” she laughed self-consciously trying to decide how to respond. “A life without Sally’s milkshakes or ice skating at Sonny’s is no life at all.” Her quip felt flat, with the realization she’d described her life since leaving. “The Sheriff’s Department, Swan Harbor General, Randy’s Arcade?” he tossed out a few more prominent places in Swan Harbor. Her smile felt forced as she looked out toward said places. The former where her brother was a deputy, and her father and grandfather had been Sheriff. And the latter where she’d had to endure seeing just how close Cameron and Eden had become. “Did you need something?” She could feel him studying her for several seconds and a part of her wanted him to say he missed her. The possibility had her heart picking up speed. “It’s almost time for the dances.” His quiet reply and the rapid beating in her chest, had her wondering if she was ready for what came next. Her shoes were retrieved and after handing Cameron his jacket, they stepped back into the hall. She could feel several pairs of eyes on them, but she couldn’t make herself look around. Instead, all her focus was on the bride and groom. The way Ryan was staring down at Cassie made her eyes fill with tears. “You ready?” Not hardly, she wanted to cry as he pulled her close and their movements immediately meshed. And what she had both feared and desired happened as the pieces she’d been searching for clicked into place. She had come home. See, shutting up hasn’t worked. Now, what are you going to do? “There,” he murmured, tucking her against his chest. “That’s not so bad, is it?” Her nerves were pinging all over. This was Cameron, she kept thinking. Why was she tongue-tied? “You’re still light on your feet,” she tried to tease. “I won’t have to worry about my toes.” His voice was low and dangerous, “No, Jess,” he whispered against her temple. “You don’t need to worry about your toes.” The unspoken message had her insides waking, wondering what was next. There was so much she wanted to say, but the subtle tightening of his palm on her lower back had her dropping her head against his shoulder. They would talk, she just wasn’t sure when the opportunity would arrive. “Oh, Princess,” she heard him sigh, almost as if it was an afterthought. When he didn’t seem to know how to continue the conversation, she couldn’t help but think maybe, for the first time in a long time, they were on the same page. ~~~SH~~~ The second his words were out, Cameron wanted to call them back. Since Jessie had arrived in Swan Harbor, he made a point of weighing every word and watching his actions. He’d not wanted to give her any indication that he wasn’t happy with his life. And he felt he’d succeeded…mostly. Until, he listened to the words spoken during the ceremony. Since then all the barriers he’d built around his emotions began to crumble. Plans and dreams he thought were behind him kept wanting to resurrect. He’d been constantly bombarded by the too intimate setting. And the longer he stayed, the harder it was for his heart to remain safe, away from the pain and loss he strived to forget. He needed to step back and regain his equilibrium. But when the music and dance partners changed, and he was looking down into the knowing eyes of the bride, he had to wonder if his carefully constructed facade could be saved. “You look beautiful today, Cassie,” he complimented, attempting to thwart the questions he could see in her dark eyes. “Thank you,” she lightly laughed. “But that won’t work, you know?” “No?” he grinned. “I thought women always enjoyed a compliment…or two.” She glanced around his shoulder at where he knew Jessie was dancing with her new husband, “When are you going to tell her how you feel?” “Eden?” He let it hang in the air several seconds. “She knows how I feel.” “Does she?” Cassie surprised him by asking. ”Do you love her?” “I lo…” he began, but couldn’t make himself complete the word. “I care about her…a lot,” he finally acknowledged. “Be careful, Cameron,” she warned. “The heart wants what the heart wants.” “And you don’t think I know anything about heartbreak?” he snapped, knowing he was being unfair, but he couldn’t seem to make himself care. A contrite look passed over her face, ”I know Jessie hurt you,” she conceded. “But isn’t love worth fighting for?” she asked, the question barely out of her mouth, before her new husband whisked her away. Was it? Cameron wondered, heading toward the bar in the opposite direction of where Eden was waiting. “Whiskey, neat,” he requested once he had the bartender’s attention. While waiting for his drink, he glanced back onto the dance floor and spotted Jessie. She was laughing up at Ben, and the words the heart wants what the heart wants echoed inside his head. “Damn,” he muttered tossing back the entire glass, relishing the burn the liquid caused when it hit the back of his throat. “You’re drinking?” Eden’s accusatory tone set his teeth on edge. “You know I don’t like the taste of that stuff.” “I didn’t ask you,” he barked, his eyes moving from the dance floor to the petite blonde at his side. Her smile fell, which made him feel like a heel, “I’m sorry,” he quickly apologized. “Dance?” Eden’s face lit up, but instead of pleased he made her smile, he felt unsettled. And the feeling didn’t disappear when he led her onto the dance floor. It persisted, pushing him to give single word responses to questions, until she gave up, leaning her head against his chest as they danced. But, with the memory of dancing with Jessie still fresh in his mind, he couldn’t help but compare the two women. Both were beautiful, with delicate features, strawberry blonde hair, and blue eyes. And while Eden’s were like the sky, it was Jessie’s turquoise ones that lived in his mind. They would twinkle one minute and darken the next, her moods and emotions on full display. He’d been told he had a ‘type’ by more than one of his friends. And except for height, he could see the similarities between the two women. All he needed to do was put his fear aside, dig deep inside, and admit the truth; the heart wanted what the heart wanted. But was he ready to risk everything? ~~~SH~~~ Several hours later, Jessie was tired of hearing, “I thought you and Cameron would be married by now,” and was happy to follow her friends into the bride’s dressing room. She knew she was in trouble when they were standing in front of a dressing mirror and Cassie pinned her with a pointed stare, “How are you holding up?” Jessie frowned, “Shouldn’t I be asking you that?” She pushed Cassie’s hands aside to help with the wedding dress laces, “Did I tell you how beautiful you looked today?” she asked, hoping a change of subject would save her from questions she wasn’t ready to answer. “Oh, Jessie,” Sadie sighed coming to stand next to her and by the look on her face, Jessie realized her detour hadn’t worked. “Are you ready to talk?” “Talk about what?” Jessie looked from one to the other, but from the looks on their faces, she realized her running days were over. “Well, duh,” Sadie arched one dark brow, “Let’s see…Cameron?” “Cameron,” Jessie sighed. “There’s not much to say. He has a new girlfriend, and they appear to be happy.” “Appearances can be deceiving,” Cassie intoned, disappearing behind a screen. “Eden’s very…ugh, sweet,” Jessie hastened to defend the younger girl. “It’s just that…” “You want him for yourself,” Sadie finished quietly. “Well, yeah,” Jessie agreed. “But, if he’s happy, then aren’t I supposed to be happy for him?” “He’s being,” Cassie came around the screen in a sleeveless cotton dress and sandals, “safe. He doesn’t love her.” Jessie studied her friend for several seconds, “How did that come up?” Cassie tossed her an impish grin, “I asked him.” “Wait, what?” Jessie glanced at Sadie, who shrugged. “I asked,” Cassie finished packing her wedding dress in its garment bag. “He started to lie but then admitted to caring for the girl. So…” “You still have a chance,” Sadie completed Cassie’s sentence. “Isn’t he worth fighting for?” Was he? Jessie wrapped her arms around her stomach, her attention drawn to movement outside the window. “But Eden’s…” “Not you,” Sadie finished. “Well, of course she’s not me,” Jessie began. Only to have Cassie interrupt, “But since he couldn’t have you,” “He picked someone who resembled you,” Sadie added. “Can’t you see it?” “Her hair’s blonder,” Jessie argued. “And she’s short.” “And she’s young,” Sadie added. “She’s safe,” Cassie circled back around to where she had started. “He’s waiting for you.” “Ha,” Jessie scoffed. “I’m not convinced he’s pining for me as much as you seem to think.” “Well,” Cassie’s dark eyes twinkled with mischief. “When you catch my bouquet, let’s see how long he’ll be able to stay away.” “Me?” Jessie laughed. “What about Sadie? She’s still single.” “Oh, I know that,” Cassie exchanged conspiratorial looks with Sadie. “But she’s waiting for Gray to come to his senses and figures...” “If I’m with Cameron,” Jessie chuckled at their devious minds. “I can put in a good word for you.” “Exactly,” Sadie giggled. “Those Hunter men just need a little push.” Jessie blinked several times to clear her vision, “I missed you guys,” she whispered. “Thanks for being my friends.” “Hey,” Cassie sniffed. “Don’t make me cry and ruin my make-up.” “Sorry,” Jessie gave her a sheepish grin. “It’s been nice to be home.” “And we’re glad you’re home too,” Sadie and Cassie mumbled, wrapping her in a group hug. “Now, remember,” Cassie reminded her. “I’m aiming for you.” “And if someone gets in the way,” Sadie clarified, “knock them over.” “Got it.” Jessie followed her two closest friends in the world back out to the ballroom. ~~~SH~~~ When Cassie, Jessie and Sadie returned to the room, Cameron had a hard time looking away. Each woman was striking on her own, but there was something about the three together that reminded him of Charlie’s Angels. One was dark, one brunette and one light. They were strong, independent women whose bond had been forged years ago in kindergarten. Hurt one, you hurt them all, he had learned a time or two in his past. “Have you spoken to Jessie?” Ben, his friend and the other groomsman asked as soon as Eden left for the bouquet toss. “We danced,” Cameron responded defensively, “and spoke briefly.” “Chicken,” Ben declared. Cameron sighed, “I will, but I’m not sure what to say.” “You tell her she broke your heart,” Ben pinned him with his icy courtroom stare. “But that you forgive her and want her back.” Could he put himself out there like that? ”I’m dating Eden,” he used his handy excuse. “Dating,” Ben repeated quietly. “But if Eden catches the bouquet, she will want more. What are you going to say to her then?” A squeal had him looking toward the women in time to see Eden push Jessie aside and grab the bouquet, “Oh, shi…” he exclaimed, just as Eden launched her body into his arms, locking their lips together. It took him several seconds to regain his wits and to create a little distance between them, “Whoa there, Sugar,” he drawled, his standard nickname tripping off his tongue. “Where’s the fire?” She mumbled something, but his attention had drifted across the room to where Jessie stood, watching him. He gave her what he hoped was a ‘we need to talk’ look, but before he could move, she ran from the room. His surprised eyes sought Sadie’s but when she sent him an accusatory look, all he could think about was it was time to fix things. “Eden, I,” he began, giving Ben a ‘help-me-out’ expression. “What Cameron’s trying to say,” Ben turned his blue-eyed charm on Eden, “is I’m taking you home tonight while he takes care of a few things.” Eden’s innocent expression should have left him feeling guilty. “What’s going on?” she asked, her question the same one he was asking himself. “I,” he searched for the right words to explain something he didn’t know how to answer. Ben sent him a ‘you so owe me’ look, and uttered, “He needs to take care of something for Ryan,” as if he’d been rehearsing the words for hours instead of seconds. “Oh, okay.” The brightness of her smile dimmed and for a split second Cameron felt guilty. But just as it had all night, the words the heart wants what the heart wants floated through his mind. And with little more than a buzz on her cheek, he left Eden with Ben and ran out the door. As he’d expected, he found Jessie on the ice at Sonny’s. Illuminated by a single light, she skated to music only she could hear. Her movements weren’t as polished as when she had practiced daily. But as she transitioned from a split jump to an axel and then moved from a salchow to a sit spin, he realized she was lost in her memories. Cameron watched her for several more seconds before sitting on an old bench to slip into his skates. He hadn’t worn them since the last time he’d skated with Jessie. It hurt too much, making him think about what could have been. Instead, he’d tried to bury those feelings, living only in the what was and choosing safe company. And, he’d been successful until four days ago when Jessie had walked into Randy’s. With Sadie on one side and Cassie on the other, she’d laughed and talked with her friends as if she’d never left. And with every laugh, he’d felt a stab in the vicinity of his heart. His solution had been to pay more attention to Eden, but while it had temporarily numbed his pain, the look on Jessie’s face left him reeling. There was a large part of him that hoped she’d finally come home…to him. That she was ready to give him the chance he’d been waiting for since she was fourteen. And every time she disappeared, he ran after her, finding her on the ice at Sonny’s. And like all other times, he stayed on the outside, looking in. Even when he placed his beat-up old skates in his trunk, he had planned nothing specific. Except, tonight was different. After watching two of his best friends pledge their lives to each other, he realized safe wasn’t working. With that in mind, Cameron took the next step and skated onto the ice. Wherever Jessie was, he would find her.