Chapter 13: Chapter 13

BLAKE

“How are you feeling?” Killian asked as we meandered through the lush forest that afternoon, taking in the beauty around us.

A deer stood on our far left, watching us cautiously as squirrels chattered from the trees. Birds chirped in the distance, the woodland animals also taking the opportunity to enjoy the sun as it peeked through the clouds.

“I’m good. The wound is a bit itchy and uncomfortable, but it’s nothing I can’t handle,” I replied, purposely avoiding his intended question and trying to enjoy the symphony of bird songs in the crisp winter air.

“I wasn’t actually asking about that, Blake,” Killian replied sternly. “That was a big surprise to go through earlier.”

“I know,” I sighed as we reached the waterfall.

We settled down onto one of the large rocks around the water’s edge.

“It’s a lot to process. Finding out about Annabelle like that was…rough,” I added, staring at my hands. “It makes me wonder if any of this has been real or just a way to get the story.”

“I understand. I was a little shocked as well,” Killian stated. “But I don’t think she could have planned any of this, nor would she. She doesn’t seem like that kind of person.”

We sat in silence for a moment.

“So, what do you want to do? It’s evident that you’ve grown attached to her,” Killian said softly.

“Is it that obvious?” I asked, rubbing the back of my neck.

Killian laughed. “You have a terrible poker face, Blakey boy.”

“What do I do, Killian?”

“I want to say follow your heart, but knowing you that’s not going to be enough. Do you really think that everything Annabelle has done has been for ulterior motives? Has she even asked about Stone Financial once, or have you been the one to open up to her?” Killian asked, his tone already indicating where he stood.

“But what if I’m wrong? What then?” I asked, feeling unsure for the first time since the collapse of the company.

“If you can’t trust yourself, then maybe you can trust me. I’m a pretty good judge of character, and I highly doubt that missy has been all nice and helpful just to get some information out of you. But in the unfathomable case that I’m wrong, it might be time for you to face your past. Do you think that you’re ready for that?” Killian asked.

“Considering the guest we had yesterday, I might be forced to be, regardless of if I’m ready or not.”

“In that case, what do you think about coming along with Annabelle and me?” Killian asked, rubbing his chin with his thumb.

“I don’t know if I’m ready,” I countered, running a hand through my hair.

“Come on. Why not? I know for a fact she wouldn’t mind if you stayed with her while you tried to rebuild your life,” Killian suggested.

“I’m not ready for that. And even if I was, I couldn’t possibly impose on her like that,” I replied, my gaze wandering to the towering trees around us.

“You said the same thing when I offered you the cabin in my backyard,” Killian retorted, raising an eyebrow at me.

“I don’t want to be a burden to you either. Out here, I’m not in anyone’s way, and I’m not causing any problems,” I explained, taking a deep breath to calm my troubled thoughts.

“Blake, you can’t keep living like this. Human interaction is important. I worry about you being isolated out here, hidden away from everybody. Honestly, you’re more trouble out here than you could ever be down there. No one is nearby to help if you need it. I know Annabelle is going to worry about you too,” Killian said, placing a comforting hand on my shoulder.

“I’m not ready to go back to that life, Killian. I’m not ready to face the world,” I replied, my voice shaking slightly.

“Right,” Killian said with a disgruntled sigh. “Well, I hope you’re ready before it’s too late. Eventually, someone will sweep her off her feet faster than you can say ‘hello.’ People are always looking for kind and caring people like her. The kind that will stick with you through the dark days.”

I stood, feeling Killian’s careful gaze fixed on me.

“I don’t want to lose her, Killian, but she deserves better than me. I’m broken, and I couldn’t ask her to weather the storm with me,” I said, hoping Killian would respect my decision. “She doesn’t know how I feel about her, and I think it’s best to keep it that way.”

“Stubborn man,” Killian said, shaking his head. “I shouldn’t tell you this, but I think you should know so you don’t make a terrible mistake.”

“What?” I asked.

“I spoke to Annabelle. I know she would love to have you come with her. She wants to be sure you’re okay. And I’m pretty sure she has feelings for you too,” Killian said, making me want to roll my eyes.

He’d never give up playing matchmaker.

“I wonder where you got that idea from,” I said, moving to the small lake at the base of the waterfall and bending to run my fingers through the frigid water.

“Is it that hard for you to believe that someone other than me cares for you, Blake?” Killian asked, frowning.

“I suppose,” I said, scooping the crystal-clear liquid into my palm and splashing it on my face. It helped to clear my head. “We haven’t known each other very long. What could she possibly like about an injured, lonely man who failed to save his company and was disowned by his own family?”

“A lot, actually. You’re a good man, Blake. She could have stayed with me. Why would she choose to remain here, with no electricity or even a bed of her own, if she didn’t care for you?” Killian asked.

“Pity makes people do strange things,” I replied, watching the water ripple as droplets fell from my hand.

“Wasn’t that what you thought about me? But look at us now. It’s been over six months, and I’m still here,” Killian said.

“That’s different. I don’t have any romantic feelings for you, Killian,” I said.

He laughed. “That’s a relief. Okay, let me change directions. What do you like about Annabelle?”

“What’s not to like?” I replied.

Killian raised an eyebrow, indicating he wanted me to continue.

“All right. She’s kind, sweet, and beautiful. Being around her is like a breath of fresh air. Plus, she was willing to take care of a stranger she found in the woods,” I said, only now realizing how suspicious I sounded.

It had taken a lot of courage to trust me when I led her to my cabin that first day. Even more to stay.

“You look like such a lost puppy every time she mentions having to go home. It makes my lonely heart even lonelier,” Killian said, placing his hand over his chest. “Is it that hard to believe that she might have grown attached to you too? She’s human,” Killian said, making me sigh.

“You are persistent. More than I’ve seen you be about anything, honestly. It’s a little frightening,” I pointed out.

“I don’t want you to miss out on someone like Annabelle and regret it for the rest of your life like I do with Juliet. I don’t want you to experience that same heartache,” Killian confessed.

He’d told me about the nurse, Juliet, he’d fallen for in his thirties. He’d held back, fearing it would complicate things because they worked together. By the time he’d mustered the courage to ask her out, it was too late. She was engaged to someone else.

“This is the right path for me, Killian. She deserves better, and I…don’t. Annabelle will move on, find someone else, and be happy,” I assured him, even though he didn’t seem convinced by my words. “She’ll forget about me.”

“I think this is a mistake, but fine. I’ve made my own choices in life, so it’s only fair that I let you do the same, even if I don’t agree,” Killian conceded, letting out a weary sigh.

“You worry too much, Killian. It’s going to give you gray hair. Well, grayer hair,” I joked, causing his jaw to drop in mock horror.

“How dare you,” he retorted, quickly scooping up some water and flicking it in my direction.

I laughed, dodging the droplets. “We should get back.”

Killian rose, walking slowly beside me as we started toward the cabin.

“Hey, Blake.”

I hummed.

“Do me a favor,” he said, his expression serious.

“What’s that?” I asked.

“Think about everything I’ve said today. Really consider what you’re giving up before you make your decision tomorrow,” he pleaded, clapping a hand to my shoulder.

“I will. I promise,” I assured him, covering his hand with my own and giving it a squeeze.

Killian nodded. He let silence fall between us for a few moments before adding, “I expect to be the first one invited to your wedding.”

I stopped in my tracks, staring at Killian’s retreating back in disbelief.

“Counting your chickens before they hatch, aren’t you?” I called, hustling to catch up to him.

“Got a good feeling about the future,” he responded.

“Living in the future can be risky. It’s unpredictable,” I pointed out, thinking about how drastically my own life had changed.

“But it’s better than living in the unchangeable past,” he countered. “Besides, optimism makes you younger.”

“Or so you say, old man,” I teased.

“I’m spry enough for a man half my age. You on the other hand…” He trailed off, watching me hobble my way through the woods.

“You do realize I’m injured, right?” I grunted.

“And grumpy too,” he shot back, making me laugh.

I shook my head. Killian would have the last word no matter what I said.

We continued walking in comfortable silence, enjoying the tranquility of nature. I couldn’t help but smile at Killian’s carefree demeanor as he whistled a low tune.

He’d quickly become like family to me, always looking out for me since the day we’d met. I had nothing but respect and gratitude for him.

But Killian was my friend. I wanted Annabelle to be something more. Would she want that too if she knew the truth?