“Are you sure there’s nothing else I can get you?” Maggie asked as she set the water on Valerie’s bedside table.

Valerie had been in the hospital close to two days now. The tests they’d run had all come back negative, including for a heart attack, but the doctor wanted to keep her for observations. Maggie was grateful. She was terrified they’d go home and Valerie would have another attack.

Ben’s brother, Aaron, a cardiologist from Chicago, had flown in late the night before and conferred with the doctors. They’d agreed that his mother had probably suffered a panic attack but Aaron said he would withhold judgment until they’d done more tests. Poor Valerie had been poked and prodded all morning, it seemed.

“Sit with me,” Valerie said, patting the bed.

Maggie obliged, lowering the railing, waiting for Valerie to scoot over. “What’s wrong?”

“I need to talk to you about something important.”

Oh, God. Maggie hoped it wasn’t her outburst with Ben. She’d apologized profusely to Valerie and Emmett, even Shawn, for her behavior. She’d reached out to Ben but he’d yet to accept her invitation to meet. She really didn’t blame him, although technically, he should be offering his apologies as well. He’d said some mean things, too. True things, but mean.

She and Ben needed to put this behind them, say their goodbyes and move on. For the sake of Valerie, and the lodge.

“What’s going on, Valerie? You’re scaring me,” Maggie said, fussing with her friend’s blanket.

Valerie tucked Maggie’s wayward hair behind one shoulder. “You know, I always wanted a daughter.”

Maggie smiled. She’d always wanted a mom.

“I would tell John, ‘Just one more.’” Valerie smiled and face lit up the room. “But you can see what that got me.”

“Six boys who adore you,” Maggie said.

“And one who adores you.”

Maggie sucked in a breath. “I can promise you, Ben does not adore me. Unless you’re talking about your youngest son, Grant, because that I could get behind.”

Grant Sumner was a renowned actor. His gorgeous face had graced the cover of magazines around the world. But even as she said the words, Maggie knew she only wanted one Sumner boy. No one set her body on fire like Ben. And none of them held her heart the way he did.

Valerie laughed. “No, definitely not Grant. That boy has some growing up to do. Besides, he’s already in love.”

“I thought he was separated from his wife.”

Valerie smiled, a knowing gleam in her eye. “It’s his wife he’s still in love with.”

“Is that what you want?”

“What?” Valerie asked.

“For your boys to fall in love?”

“Of course. Then I want them all to move back here and give me tons of grandbabies.”

“I’m not sure that’s going to happen, Valerie. They all seem pretty comfortable living the single life.”

“Not all of them,” she said softly.

“If you’re talking about Ben, I’m afraid you’re wrong. He seems to enjoy his life in Seattle.”

“The woman he loves isn’t in Seattle.” She spoke so quietly, it took Maggie a moment to process her statement, and even longer to let Valerie’s words sink in.

Valerie smiled as if she knew a secret no one else did. “You’re in love with my son.”

“What?” Maggie shook her head and stood up, stepping back from the bed.

Valerie grabbed her hand, holding her as if she was afraid Maggie would run. And she might. “Don’t be afraid, Maggie. It’s wonderful to be in love.”

“But, I don’t even know how to love. I don’t even love myself. How can I possibly love someone else?” Maggie’s heart beat wild and she feared her own panic attack.

“Exactly,” Valerie said.

“Exactly what?” Maggie stared at her friend in confusion.

“You have to learn to love yourself, Maggie. It’s the only way you can let Ben into your heart.”

This was exactly what Maggie was afraid of. She never should have started this with Ben. It was too complicated with his mother being her friend and boss. There was too much at stake.

Stupid, stupid Maggie. You messed up again.

“I don’t want Ben in my heart,” she said. “I don’t want anyone there.”

Valerie cocked her head, raising one skeptical eyebrow. “Are you sure? I think he may already be there.”

She shook her head, her hair tumbling over her shoulders. Hell no. She wasn’t sure about anything.

“Whether or not you let Ben in, you’re going to have to settle things with your father.”

Maggie stiffened.

“I know from experience.” Valerie patted the bed and Maggie reluctantly sat down again. “You have a huge capacity to love, Margaret Anne.”

Oh, crap, she was pulling out the full name.

“You’ve shown it to me, to John, to half this town,” Valerie said. “Even to your own father.”

Maggie thought of Valerie’s words. Could she love Ben? Did she already love Ben?

Yes. She did. She just didn’t know how to show it, how to process her feelings.

“You said your father wrote you letters while he was in rehab,” Valerie said.

Maggie nodded.

“Why don’t you start there.”

Maggie studied Valerie’s face. She’d been so in love with John that Maggie had often feared Valerie’s heart would break after her husband’s death. Valerie had grown up with an alcoholic father. She’d overcome her trauma and learned to love, and more importantly, to be loved. Maybe Maggie could, too.

“I hurt Ben pretty bad, Valerie. I accused him of some horrible things.”

“He said some pretty nasty things to you, too, if I remember correctly.”

“I started it though.”

Valerie laughed. “You sound like my boys when they were ten.”

Maggie smiled but her heart ached.

“Don’t run,” she said.

“I’m not leaving you.”

“Not me,” she said. “Don’t run from your past.”

Was she running? Of course, she was. If Valerie wasn’t sitting in a hospital bed, Maggie might have bolted already. That’s why she’d placed her father two cities away. To escape her past. The realization chilled her.

“Don’t give up, Maggie. You’re stronger than you know.”

Valerie believed in her. John had believed in her. Why couldn’t she believe in herself?

Because Ben was right, she had to sort out her shit. She had to confront her past head on. It was the only way to move forward. And the only way to find out if she and Ben could truly have a future together.

Valerie patted Maggie’s cheek, as though she’d seen the answer in Maggie’s eyes. “Good girl.”

The door flew open and Sally waltzed in, carrying a framed poster. “Good God, woman,” Sally shouted, “the things you’ll do for attention, I swear.” Sally shook her head.

“What’s that?” Maggie asked.

Sally turned the poster around.

“Oh, for crying out loud,” Maggie moaned. It was a poster of Jon Bon Jovi wearing nothing but a smile and a very small scrap of material covering his private parts.

“I got it off of Ebay.” Sally smiled with pride. “Yah like it? It cost me a pretty penny to overnight this baby. Fed-Ex ain’t cheap.”

Valerie laughed. The sound was like music to Maggie’s ears.

“Aunt Sally!” Emmett called from the hallway.

“What!” she yelled over her shoulder.

“I told you not to bother her. She needs her rest.” Emmett stepped into the hospital room, glaring at his aunt.

Sally winked at Valerie. Valerie nodded her head.

What in the world were these two up to?

Aaron stepped in past Sally. “Ma, what are you doing up? And Sally, what the hell are you doing in here? Emmett’s right, she needs her rest.”

Sally turned the poster toward Aaron.

“Oh, my God, cover that thing.” Aaron scowled, shielding his eyes with his hand.

Sally giggled.

Aaron walked toward his mother, grabbing her hand and pressing his fingers to her wrist as he stared down at his watch. After several beats, he released her hand and grabbed the water, holding it out in front of her. His smile was radiant and warm. Valerie was obviously all right.

“It’s good to have you home, Aaron.” Valerie reached up a hand to stroke Aaron’s face. He was just as handsome as all the Sumner boys. Well, except for one.

“Valerie?” A voice said behind a huge bouquet of flowers.

They turned to the door.

“In here, Elle,” Valerie said, sitting up straighter.

Maggie noticed Emmett go still and stiffen as the woman entered.

Emmett and Elle had a history. They’d been best friends growing up, inseparable despite their family’s feuding. But just after their high school graduation, something had happened between them. The two had parted ways. Maggie didn’t know much about the incident, but Emmett’s carefully blank expression confirmed there was still something between them.

Elle lowered the flowers, revealing a flawless face. She was striking. Maggie had heard she’d been approached by agents as a teen. They’d wanted to sign her for a modeling career but Elle and her father had said no. She loved dance, it was her passion. She’d left shortly after graduation to attend a prestigious performing arts school in New York City.

“These are for you,” Elle said, handing the flowers to Valerie, completely ignoring Emmett.

“Oh, thank you, Elle. That was so sweet of you to come.”

“Well, after Sally called me, I had to come.”

Maggie turned and watched Sally’s eyes grow wide. What the hell?

“I know how it is to be stuck in a place like this,” Elle said, glancing around the small room.

Valerie cut her eyes to Emmett then nodded toward Elle.

“What?” he shrugged.

What was Valerie up to?

Elle glanced over her shoulder but quickly turned her attention back to Valerie. “Those are from all of my family, Mrs. Sumner.” Elle smiled. She was beautiful. No wonder Emmett had been crushed when she left Canyon Creek. “My father said to tell you hello and he hopes you recover quickly and to call if you need anything.”

Everyone stared at Elle like she’d grown a second head.

“Your father said that?” Sally asked.

It wasn’t that Elle’s father, Warner was a mean man but it was no secret the families weren’t close. Especially after the falling out between Emmett and Elle after graduation.

Elle’s brows furrowed. “Yes, my father. Why?” She glanced around the room, her eyes meeting Emmett’s for a moment before her head fell. “Well, I should get going,” She moved toward the door.

“Thank you so much for the flowers,” Valerie said. “And please, thank your father, too.”

Sally gave a humph. “Yes, please,” she said sarcastically under her breath.

Elle glanced over her shoulder. “You’re welcome.” She bowed gracefully and walked toward the door, pulling it open.

“Emmett, be a dear and walk Elle out,” Valerie said as she admired the flowers.

Emmett made no move.

“It’s all right, Valerie,” Elle said. “I can see myself out. It’s not a big hospital.” She held up one hand and waved. “Bye everyone,” she said before quickly slipping from the room.

“Emmett Daniel,” Valerie growled under her breath.

“She doesn’t want me to walk her out, Ma. You heard her.”

Valerie’s eyes flared and she gave him the your-mother-has-spoken look.

Emmett rolled his eyes. “Fine.” He stalked toward the door but turned and pointed a finger at his mother. “But don’t think I don’t know what you’re doing, old woman.”

Valerie shrugged but smiled.

“You, too.” Emmett pointed at Sally.

Sally held the poster higher as protection.

“Gahhh, get rid of that thing,” Emmett growled, stomping toward the door. “It is not going in the office.”

Sally and Valerie were definitely up to something. Maggie couldn’t help but feel sorry for the Sumner boys.

Aaron bent his tall frame over the bed and kissed his mother on the forehead. “I’m going to be back in an hour to check on some of the tests, Ma. After that we’ll talk to your doctors about getting you home.”

“I’ll head out too,” Maggie said, “if you’re sure you’re okay.”

“I am dear. Go.” Valerie patted Maggie’s hand. “Go talk to Ben.” She winked.

“Ben’s not here,” Aaron said.

Maggie stared at Aaron then Valerie. “Where is he?”

“He left for Seattle earlier this morning,” Aaron said quietly. “I thought you knew. I thought you two had talked.”

Maggie’s stomach dropped and a tight band coiled around her chest, making it hard to breathe. Ben was gone. He’d left and hadn’t even given her a chance to apologize. Or say goodbye.

“When will he be back?” Maggie asked, trying to keep the desperation out of her voice.

“Not sure,” Aaron answered. “They’re negotiating the terms for the IPO with the investment bank.”

“So, he’s not coming back?” Maggie asked.

“I honestly don’t know,” Aaron answered.

Maggie fought the urge to vomit. She’d waited too long to tell him she was falling for him.

“Maggie,” Valerie reached for her.

Maggie took a long step back. “Okay, well. Get some rest, Valerie.” She turned on her heels. She needed to escape. She couldn’t afford to break down here, not in front of Ben’s family.

Maggie was half way out of the door when she heard Valerie call out for her.

“Maggie, wait,” Valerie called.

But she couldn’t. She needed to get out of here.

She wasn’t running, she tried to convince herself. She was surviving. On her own. Like always.