Two Days Later

”BETH WANTS TO SEE YOU.” Eve smiled at Sam, but her tone was stern. “Now stop waffling and go in and talk to her.”

“I wasn’t waffling,” Sam protested. “I just don’t like hospitals, and she’s been busy with all of you trying to—”

“Make her feel as if we’re glad that she’s alive and getting better?”

“She knows that I’m glad she’s alive.”

“Yes, she does. Because I told her exactly how you were responsible for keeping her that way.”

“Oh, shit.”

“I do believe you’re embarrassed. Sorry, you can’t avoid facing Beth. Now go in and take it on the chin.”

Sam hesitated, then squared his shoulders and opened the door and swaggered into Beth’s hospital room.

Beth was lying with eyes closed, expression peaceful, her dark hair free and shining on the pillow.

For an instant, Sam felt his heart race with fear. She looked the same as she had underwater when he’d realized that she was dead.

Only she wasn’t dead. Though he didn’t know how the hell she’d escaped. Miracle. No matter what explanations they gave, it was a miracle.

“Why are you just standing there?” Her eyes had opened. “Come over here.”

“I thought you were sleeping.” He made a face as he walked over to the bed. “Or dead. You scared me.”

“I was pretty scared myself. Though I couldn’t let Colby know that. He would have enjoyed it too much.” She reached out and took his hand. “He’s really dead?”

“Kendra must have told you.”

“Yes, but it begs reinforcement, and I couldn’t talk about him very much to Kendra. She’s feeling guilty as hell, and I only want her to forget I was ever down in that cellar.”

“We all want to forget it,” Sam said. “But it ain’t gonna happen.”

She was silent. “No, you’re right. It will be with me forever but I’ve got to find something in that memory to heal, not hurt.” She looked down at his hand. “They tell me you played the big hero and saved me.”

“Damn straight. I was bloody wonderful.”

“You always were over-the-top. This is the second time you stepped up to rescue me. I suppose you expect me to thank you and swear eternal gratitude.”

“It would be the gracious thing to do. But it would probably embarrass me. I’m such a modest soul.”

She made a rude noise.

“That’s typical. And so unfair.”

“Eternal gratitude … What a concept.” Her eyes were suddenly shining with mischief. “Personally, I’m a fan of the old proverb. If you save a person’s life, they are your responsibility forever.”

“There’s something very wrong about that.”

“I’ve always thought so, but I’m beginning to like the idea.” She grinned. “I’ve never really had anyone responsible for me before. It could be a good fit. Unless you manage to turn the tables at some point.”

“That philosophy is too confusing. I’m opting out.”

“No.” Her hand closed on his. “No matter how we work it, there’s no opting out. I’m Old Dog Tray, remember.”

“Yeah.” He smiled down at her. “I don’t mind your hanging out and snoozing in front of a fireplace, but no more cellars. Okay?”

“Okay.” She lifted his hand and pressed her lips to it. “Whatever you say … my dear friend.” She released it and closed her eyes. “Get out of here. I have to get well fast. There’s a life to live out there. I have things to do…”

EPILOGUE

Seahaven Behavioral Health Center

Santa Barbara, California

Two Months Later

KENDRA’S GAZE WAS SEARCHING the crowd. “Where’s Beth, Sam? I don’t see her.”

Sam grinned and gestured with his champagne glass across the crowd at the slight hill overlooking the shore. “She’s up there in the rocks, where she can get the best view. Just follow the bird of paradise.”

As she headed for the rocks, Kendra’s gaze traveled around the small crowd of guests, who looked as if they were dressed for a garden party. That’s what Beth had wanted, when she’d called Kendra and told her that she wanted her here for this very special occasion.

“Make it a celebration,” she’d said. “Wear something floaty and happy. Something that reminds you of a butterfly.”

“My dear Beth. I don’t have any butterfly clothes. It’s not my style.”

“Then it should be. Who is more of a butterfly than you, Kendra? Think about it.”

“I’ll think about you,” she said. “You’re the true butterfly.” She sighed. “And I’ll attempt to find something in that theme that doesn’t make me look ridiculous.”

“Thank you. I just had the same argument with Eve.” She hung up the phone.

After much searching, Kendra had found a copper-colored maxi dress that was appropriately floaty and met the compromise. She’d decided she might even wear it again. Or not. It didn’t matter. It would make Beth happy.

Kendra caught sight of Eve talking to Lynch and Joe Quinn across the wide green lawn. Eve had found a dress in dark blue and peacock that was simple but sophisticated and still managed to float a little. They had all obeyed Beth’s orders and tried to give her what she wanted.

“Here, Kendra,” Beth called. She had seen Kendra and was smiling at her as Kendra made her way toward her. Beth was dressed in scarlet-and-orange chiffon that made her dark hair shimmer in contrast and was unashamedly bold and dazzling.

“Hey, quite a spread, isn’t it? And the champagne is great.” She patted the rock next to her. “Come on and have a prime seat at the event.” She looked at the hospital across the lawn. “They have the explosives ready to go. I told them to wait until it was fully dark.”

Kendra dropped down beside her. From here she could see the surf striking the rocks below and feel the moist wind in her hair. The setting was breathtaking, only the purpose of the place had been somber and frightening. “You’re really going to blow it up. You’re sure you want to do this, Beth?”

“Positive. I’ve been thinking about doing it since you and Eve sprung me from the place. Buy the damn hospital, get rid of all the monstrous memories, and donate the land for a park, where all the memories will be happy ones. But I had to brace myself and make sure that was the way I wanted it to go. For some reason, I was reluctant, maybe I was even afraid. It had been my home and prison for so many years.” She smiled. “But one thing Colby did for me during that last hideous day was to erase all doubts. I was trying to celebrate life before he came along, but he gave me the crowning lesson.” She lifted her champagne glass. “Here’s to living every day and every minute with joy.” She glanced at the hospital, then at the guests scattered at the tables. “And being grateful to people who love you and live them with you.”

“I’ll drink to that.” Eve was suddenly there beside them. She gave Beth a kiss on the cheek. “This is a very good thing.” She took a sip of her champagne. “Now afterward, wouldn’t you like to come home with me for a while?”

Beth chuckled. “You always try, don’t you?”

“Well, I was a little shaken when I was called out here this time. I’m all for letting you live your own life. But I prefer you live it.”

“My fault,” Kendra said quietly. “It won’t happen again, Eve.”

Eve chuckled. “Good Lord, I’m not blaming you. If there’s one thing I’ve learned about Beth, it is that she’ll do as she wishes.” She sighed. “I just wish she’d wish to come home with me.”

“Soon,” Beth said. “I still have some growing up to do.”

“That goes on forever, Beth,” Eve said gently.

“Maybe. But everyone else had a head start.” She looked to the west. “The sun’s down, it should be dark in a few minutes.”

“Is it time?” Kendra asked.

Beth looked for a long time at the hospital. Then she lifted her hand and gave the signal. “Yes, it’s time.”

She got to her feet and lifted her glass with Kendra and Eve on either side of her. “Let’s watch the fireworks. They promised me it would be splendid. Better than the Fourth of July.”