Part 3
Trixie closed her eyes. She couldn’t believe it. She never thought he would call off their marriage. She looked down at her engagement ring.
I guess we were never meant to be together, she thought sadly as she slid the ring off her finger. The Wheelers being missing is a sign that it wasn’t meant to be between the two of us.
She got to her feet without a word and set the ring on the coffee table.
As she turned to leave the living room, Brian came down the stairs. “Trixie.”
She looked at him for a moment and continued through the kitchen before leaving the house. She had to get away to think. Trixie made her way into the woods, pulling her coat around herself. She took her time, not wanting to aggravate her injuries. She found a fallen log and sat down.
I can’t believe this, she thought, putting her head in her hands. I shouldn’t have been so naive when he proposed. I should have realized he was doing it out of guilt. It was the only reason, since I was injured while helping him search for his students. The two of us should never be together. That was proven tonight. We should have left our relationship alone. It wasn’t meant to be.
Lifting her head, Trixie wrapped her arms around herself. She was cold and knew she needed to be someplace warm. Returning to Crabapple Farm was out of the question at that moment. She made her way through the woods toward the gatehouse they had turned into a clubhouse 10 years earlier. She unlocked the door, then hurried inside. She quickly put some wood in the old stove and got a fire going.
Grabbing a sleeping bag from the storage room, she settled herself on the couch.
How could I have been so blind? she thought as she felt her heart breaking. I should’ve realized it wouldn’t work between us when I came back for Brian and Honey’s wedding. This is probably the best for both of us.
With that thought, Trixie went to sleep.
* * * * *
“Trixie, wake up. Come on, Trixie.”
She slowly rolled onto her back and opened her eyes. She blinked against the brightness as she covered her face with her arms. She hoped that whatever or whoever it was would leave her alone.
“Wake up, Trix.” It was Jim.
Trixie rolled away from the voice, hoping he could get the hint.
He shook her shoulder. “Come on, Trixie. Everyone’s worried about you.”
She knew there was no avoiding him now. She opened her eyes and rolled to her back. Jim was sitting on the bench at the table looked at her. He looked concerned, but she wasn’t in the mood to deal with him.
“Thanks for waking me.”
Trixie got to her feet and rolled up the sleeping bag. She went to the storage room without another look at Jim. She didn’t want to get into any discussions. She felt his actions the previous night had said it all.
As she left the storage room, Jim took hold of her arm and turned her to face him.
“Don’t touch me!” Trixie pulled her arm away from him.
There was a shocked look on his face, but he recovered quickly. “We need to talk.”
“There’s nothing to talk about.” Trixie tightened her coat and left the gatehouse.
“Come on, Trixie. We need to talk.”
Trixie turned and looked at him, daggers almost shooting from her eyes. He was the last person she wanted to talk to. “Leave me alone.”
“What has gotten into you?”
Trixie turned and headed for the farm.
“Trixie!”
“What?” she whirled around to look at him. Her curls swung further around before falling into their normal place. “What else do you have to say to me?” She saw the stunned look in his eyes. “How else do you want to hurt me? Didn’t you think you’ve hurt me enough?”
Jim stared at her. “I didn’t think so.”
Trixie continued to the farm. She was angry with Jim and didn’t think she was going to talk to him for a while.
As she stepped off the path into the driveway, her feet slipped out from underneath her, and she fell to the ground hard, knocking the breath out of her.
“Trixie!”
She couldn’t say anything. She couldn’t breathe. She suddenly saw Jim kneeling in front of her. He touched her face and noticed she had the breath knocked out of her. In one quick motion, Jim had her in his arms and was making his way quickly toward the house.
Trixie closed her eyes as Jim carried her. She focused on getting her breath back. She heard a door open and close. Brian asked, “What happened?”
“She slipped on the ice,” Jim said.
As she was set on the couch, she realized she could breathe again. She opened her eyes as Brian kneeled in front of her. He had his stethoscope in his hand. She knew he had brought it with him to keep a close eye on the baby’s heart rate and Honey’s blood pressure.
“Just let me take a listen,” he said. Trixie breathed as Brian told her to. After a minute, he leaned back and looked at her. “You sound all right. Just take it easy.”
“I will.”
“Okay.” Brian got to his feet and left the room.
Jim slid into the spot Brian had occupied. He looked at her as he took both her hands in his. “Trixie,” he began softly, “why were you sleeping in the clubhouse? Why didn’t you come back here?”
“I was thinking.”
“Trix, I want to apologize about last night.”
“You don’t have to say anything,” Trixie said, pulling her hands back from Jim. “I understand.”
“Trix, please listen to me.”
Trixie remained quiet figuring nothing would change what had happened.
“Last night, I said some things that you misunderstood. Actually, I didn’t say something.” Jim took her hands again. “Trixie, I love you, and nothing will every change that.” He squeezed her hands. “Last night when I said we should hold off on making plans, that’s what I meant. I didn’t mean to make you think that we shouldn’t get married.”
“Why didn’t you say something when I asked?”
“I didn’t hear you. Trixie, I’m so sorry. With all that’s going on with my parents, I can’t focus on the plans.”
“But you never really answered my question. I have to know. If something has happened to your parents, would you still marry me?”
“Trixie, you are my heart and soul. I love you so much. You are the only person I will ever marry.”
“I’m sorry I took off last night.” Trixie looked down at their hands. “When you didn’t answer my question, I assumed you wouldn’t want to marry me. I needed to get away and think.”
Jim lifted her chin to look at him. “Trixie, it’s my fault that I didn’t answer. Please forgive me.”
“Do you forgive me?”
“I’ll always forgive you. I love you.”
“I love you too.”
Jim leaned in and gave her a kiss. When they broke apart, Jim brushed a loose curl out of her face.
“Trix, I need you to promise me something.”
“What’s that?”
“That you won’t take off again like you did last night. I was terrified something had happened to you.”
“I’ll try my best.”
“And I am sorry.”
“I know.” Trixie squeezed Jim’s hand. “Would it be a problem if I got my engagement ring back?”
Jim reached into his shirt pocket with a smile and pulled out her ring. He slid it onto her ring finger and kissed her hand. “Please don’t ever take it off again.”
“I won’t.”
“Good.”
“Trixie, Jim, breakfast is ready!” Helen called from the kitchen.
“Come on. Let’s eat.”
Trixie nodded with a smile as she got to her feet. She had a feeling everything was going to be all right between them. She just hoped everything would work out for the Wheelers.
* * * * *
The holiday program was held at the Academy two days later. Trixie had found a seat at the other end away from where the students would be. She had Jim’s cell phone in her possession so he wouldn’t be distracted during the show. She made a quick glance at it to assure herself that the ringer was on and that there were no messages.
She took a deep breath as she watched Jim. He was standing off to the side, watching the children. She could see he was proud of the students for the amount of work they had done to pull it off. But his pleasure in what the students were doing couldn’t hide the fact he was worried. The bags were easily noticeable under his eyes from his lack of sleep. She knew as each day passed, the more concerned he got.
Jim wasn’t the only person worried. Honey was in the same shape as Jim, if not worse. She was also having trouble sleeping and that bothered Brian because he knew Honey’s worry was causing a lot of stress and that was affecting her health as well as the baby‘s.
As the show continued, with the students performing skits and singing songs, Trixie looked around at the audience. She easily recognized several members of the community she had grown up with. Even though she had been back in Sleepyside for six months, she knew she had to catch up with a lot of them since she hadn’t seen them since graduation.
The audience got to their feet and started applauding as the students finished their performance. Trixie smiled as the students took a bow. She could see from their faces that they were proud with what they had accomplished. As the audience headed toward the dining hall for refreshments, Brian and Honey came over to her. Brian had his arm around Honey’s waist.
“Trix, could you let Jim know that we thought the production was great,” Brian said.
“Sure, but why?”
“We’re going to head home,” Brian explained. “It’s been a long day and we’re both tired.”
Trixie smiled. “That’s fine. I’ll pass the message along. Go get some sleep and we’ll see you in the morning.”
“Thanks,” Honey said and gave her a hug.
Brian smiled at her and they left.
Trixie turned and saw Jim was engrossed in conversation with several people from the community. He was smiling and she figured he was receiving praise. At that moment, Jim’s phone rang. She knew she couldn’t interrupt his conversation. She pressed the receive button and answered the phone.
“Hello?” she asked with the phone to her ear.
“Trixie? Is that you?” a male voice asked.
She put her hand over her right ear to block out the background noise. The voice sounded familiar. “Who is this?”
‘Trixie, it’s Matthew Wheeler.”
“Is it really you?”
“It is.”
“Is Mrs. Wheeler with you?”
“She is.”
“Are you both all right? Everyone’s been so worried about you both!”
“We’re both fine, except for some bumps and bruises.”
“Jim and Honey are going to be so happy.”
“Is Jim there?”
“Hang on while I get him.”
Trixie looked at Jim and saw he was still involved in his conversation. She spotted Mart across the room, talking to Di. He looked at her and she motioned for him to come to her.
Within seconds, he was at her side. “What’s wrong, Trix?”
“I need Jim. Now.”
“All right.”
As Mart moved away, Trixie said, “Hang on, Mr. Wheeler. Mart is getting Jim.”
“All right,” Matthew sighed. “Trixie, be honest with me. How have Jim and Honey been?”
“Honestly, they’ve been very worried. But I know this is the best gift they can receive.”
“We can’t wait to get home either.”
Trixie saw Mart hurrying back to her with Jim in tow. “Hang on. Here he comes.”
“Okay,” Matthew said.
“What is it?” Jim asked, stopping in front of her. “What’s wrong?”
She handed him the phone. “You need to take this call.”
“Trixie, couldn’t this wait?”
“Take the call,” Trixie said forcefully.
Jim took the phone from her and put it to his ear. “Hello?” Trixie watched Jim’s face go white. She grabbed his hand and held it tight. He asked, “Is it really you?”
“Who is it?” Mart asked.
Trixie looked at her brother. “Mr. and Mrs. Wheeler.”
Mart’s mouth fell open. Trixie focused on Jim as he moved to one of the chairs and sat down. She slid beside him as he talked on the phone, squeezing his hand.
“You don’t know how good it is to hear your voices. You don’t know how worried we’ve been.” He closed his eyes. “We’ve been hanging in there, waiting for some word. We can’t wait for you to return home.” He opened his eyes and looked at Trixie. “Honey? I don’t know where she is.”
“She went to the farm with Brian,” Trixie said.
“She’s at Crabapple Farm.” He paused. “Let me get to the farm first. She shouldn’t be shocked with this without some warning.” He paused again. “Okay. Give me an hour and then call me back on this number. All right. Talk to you soon.”
Jim closed the phone and looked at her. She could see the tears in his eyes as he smiled. “They’re all right. They survived the plane crash.”
“That’s great.” Trixie gave Jim a hug. She could feel the tension drain away from him.
Jim pulled back and looked at her. “We need to get to the farm.”
“I’ll talk to one of the staff to take care of things here,” Mart said, smiling.
“Thanks,” Jim said.
“Go to your sister and tell her the good news,” Mart said. “I’ll let Moms and Dad know where you went.”
Jim smiled as he took Trixie’s hand and they left the Academy.
* * * * *
When they arrived at the house, they quickly went inside. They saw Brian sitting at the kitchen table with a mug in his hands.
“What are you two doing here?” Brian asked.
Jim ignored his question as he slipped off his coat. “Where’s Honey?”
“Upstairs. Why?”
Jim hurried up the stairs. Trixie grabbed Jim’s cell phone and Brian’s hand, then followed Jim. She watched Jim knock on the bedroom door.
“Honey? Can I come in?”
“Sure.”
Jim pushed the door open and they went inside. Honey was leaning against the headboard with a pillow pulled tight to her chest. Her face was red as if she’d been crying for a while. Jim moved to the bed and sat beside her. Honey looked at each of them in turn before finally resting her gaze on Jim. She pulled the pillow closer.
“We’re sorry we left early,” Honey said. “We’re both tired.”
“It’s all right.” Jim reached over and took her right hand in his. “But I’m glad you’re still awake. There’s something I need to tell you.”
Honey looked at her and Brian before looking back at Jim. “Oh, no,” she cried. “You’ve got bad news.” Honey put her hands over her face.
“Honey.” Jim reached for her hands and pulled them away from her face. Brian moved to the bed and sat down beside his wife. “Please, Honey, let me get this out.”
“They’re dead, aren’t they?”
“No, they’re not. They are alive.”
Brian and Honey stared at Jim. Brian spoke first. “This isn’t the time to joke.”
“I’m not,” Jim said. “They called. I talked to Dad. They’re okay.”
“Really?”
Jim looked at Trixie. She moved beside him as she said, “Honey, your parents are alive. I talked to your dad. They are all right.”
Honey leaned forward and cried. Brian reached over and pulled her close. He said softly, “Everything is going to be all right. Your parents are safe.”
She leaned back with tears staining her cheeks. “Where are they?”
“Dad said they were at a hotel.” At that moment, Jim’s phone rang. He took it from Trixie and answered the call. “Hello?” He looked at Honey. “Hi, Dad. She’s right here.”
Jim handed the phone to Honey. “Daddy? Is it really you?” Tears continued to cascade down her cheeks. “I was so worried.”
Trixie turned and exited the room, figuring Honey needed some time to talk to her father. She made her way downstairs. She was happy things had turned out all right.
She looked out the kitchen window as the snow started to fall. This was the only gift Jim and Honey needed, she thought. I hated seeing them terrified that their parents wouldn’t be returning. But there’s no need to think about that anymore. The Wheelers will hopefully be back soon.
I’m so glad their parents are all right. If something terrible had happened, I couldn’t picture what Jim or Honey would do. I have a feeling they both would have beeb devastated. If it had happened to Moms and Dad, I don’t think I would have handled it so well.
“Trix,” Jim said, putting his hands on her shoulder.
She turned and looked at Jim. “I guess Honey is still on the phone.”
Jim nodded his head as he brushed a curl out of her eyes. “I have a feeling it’ll take Brian to have her end the conversation or the battery going dead. She is so excited that they are all right.”
“She’s not the only one.” Trixie wrapped her arms around Jim. “I saw a complete change in you when you talked to your dad.”
Jim wrapped his arms around her. “You know, I really have to thank you.”
Trixie was puzzled. “Why do you have to thank me? I didn’t do anything to find your parents.”
“You did something more important. You stood beside me as this dragged on and didn’t let me give up hope. Thank you.”
“I didn’t do a lot.”
“You did more than you realize.” Jim cupped her face in his hand. “I love you, Trixie.”
Trixie smiled. “I love you too.”
“I need you to promise me something,” he said as he caressed her face in his hand.
“What’s that?”
“That you’ll never leave me.” She looked at his eyes and realized he was serious. “I don’t know how I could go on without you.”
“If I promise you, you have to make the same commitment.”
“I promise,” he said.
“So do I.”
“I love you.”
“I love you,” she said softly.
Jim leaned in and gave her a kiss. Trixie knew everything was going to be all right for all of them.