Aimee (A Time for Love Book 3) (15 page)

“You think I should?”

“It doesn’t matter what I think. You just said what you want. Now you have to decide if you’re willing to risk going after it. Now, quickly, do you want Frank?”

“Yes,” Aimee said, then hesitated. “I think so.”

“Then you have to decide if you’re willing to risk going after him.”

Tish eased away from Aimee and went to the kitchen. She returned with a fresh cup of tea, which she set on the table beside the sofa. She hugged Aimee and promised to call her the next day, but Aimee hardly heard.

Throughout her childhood, money had been scarce. She and her mother had counted their pennies and scrimped to cover the necessities, and her mother had often complained about how hard life was without a husband. Aimee had always yearned for security, both financial and domestic. She had thought she’d found it with Tom, which was probably one of the reasons she’d been so reluctant to break things off with him.

That security had been an illusion. She didn’t even have the illusion of guaranteed security with Frank. She didn’t know where, or even when, if Tish and Lucas were to be believed, a relationship with him might lead. Which brought her back to Tish’s question: was she willing to risk it?

“Thanks, Charlene, Lucy. I can’t believe how fast it’s all coming together.”

Aimee was sitting at a table in The Back Alley with Charlene and Lucy Cohen of Lucy’s Yummies. Once Aimee had told Charlene she was serious about opening her own business, her friend had jumped into action. She and Aimee were developing a business plan, and she’d connected Aimee with resources for a small business loan, market research, and commercial real estate. She’d also suggested Aimee seek out a mentor, and Lucy had agreed enthusiastically to Aimee’s hesitant approach.

“I’ll get you the documents on setting up a limited liability corporation, which I recommend over a sole proprietorship, especially since you said you could see expanding to multiple locations someday, and Lucy is going to hand out the market surveys to her customers,” Charlene summarized. “Aimee, you need to focus on your product line, so we can refine your business plan. We’ll meet back here next Tuesday.”

Aimee hugged both women before they left. She was amazed at how much they’d accomplished in barely a week. Her head was swimming with all the things she needed to do, but to her surprise, the enormity of the task and risk was more exhilarating than frightening. She could hardly believe what she was doing. She gathered the papers they had been discussing and stuffed them into her newly purchased briefcase.

“Did I hear you’re starting your own business?” Kyle, the proprietor of The Back Alley, asked as he cleared the table where the three women had been sitting.

“Yes, I’m working on it.”

“What kind?”

“A bakery of some sort. Maybe focused on cakes. I’m still fine-tuning the concept.”

“Let me know when you do. Maybe I could use some of your baked goods here.”

“Really? That would be great.”

“And if you need a sounding board, just let me know. I’m no expert, but I’ve just been through the whole process myself. I’m still going through the whole process,” he corrected with a grimace. “Those monthly balance sheets can be torture!”

“I’ll take you up on the offer. I appreciate it.”

“Hang on a sec.” He hurried to the counter and returned with a pasteboard card, which he flipped over to scribble on the back. “The shop phone and my email are on the front. My cell phone number is on the back. Just in case you get a sudden panic attack and wonder what in the world you’re thinking.”

He smiled, and Aimee immediately understood why Tish had had a mild crush on him before she met Lucas. The smile lightened his rugged features, and his eyes crinkled at the corners. He was way too intense and tough for her, but she could definitely see why women would find him attractive.

“I promise not to call at midnight,” she said. “Thanks, Kyle.”

It was amazing how nice people could be when you asked for help, and sometimes even when you didn’t, Aimee thought as she got in her car. Charlene was going above and beyond the call of friendship, and she’d enlisted several of her contacts. Lucy’s advice was already proving invaluable, and now Kyle had offered help. She had dreaded the thought of opening a business on her own, and now she felt less alone than ever.

All that was missing was Frank, and she was heading to A Time for Love for an appointment now. She still had questions, but maybe an honest conversation with Frank could clear them up. Then she might be ready to move on to Marriage Preparation.

Whitney greeted Aimee with a smile. “You can go on back. Mrs. Darby’s expecting you.”

Edwina was waiting in her office with a cup of tea, which she handed to Aimee. “Have a seat, dear. How are you?”

Aimee wanted to jump right into her questions, but the other woman’s dignified politeness always intimidated her. “Fine, thank you.”

She offered Aimee a selection of sweeteners, and Aimee added a couple of packets to her tea. “How is your job going?”

“Not well. I got laid off.”

Aimee sipped her tea and looked at the painting behind Edwina’s desk, which showed a picturesque stone farmhouse surrounded by green fields. Edwina sipped her own tea and watched Aimee over the rim of the china cup. Finally, Aimee had had enough. “Can we talk about Frank?”

“Certainly.”

“Can I see him?”

“He isn’t here, dear.”

“Where is he?”

Edwina took another dainty sip. “He decided to go home for a bit, after the contretemps of your last date.”

“Can I talk to him?” When Edwina didn’t answer, Aimee added, “Or can you at least get him a message?”

“I’m afraid that’s not possible.”

Edwina studied Aimee’s face. Aimee didn’t know what her expression revealed, but after a moment, Edwina sighed.

“You needn’t feel guilty, dear. Sometimes matches that appear ideal on paper don’t work out, for whatever reason. You’re still eligible for two more matches, if you’d like.”

“Did Frank say our match isn’t working out?”

“Yes. He said you’re still in love with your ex-boyfriend.”

“With Tom? No way! I should’ve ended that relationship years ago,” Aimee admitted. “I only stuck with him, because I was terrified of change. Of the risk of ending up alone.”

“I’m glad you sorted that out, dear.”

“Me too. So, can you tell me where he is?” Aimee took a deep breath. “Or
when
he is?”

Edwina’s pleasant expression didn’t change. “I see you’ve been talking to your friends.”

“Yes. Tish told me about going back to get Lucas. Can’t I do the same for Frank?”

Edwina set down her teacup. “Technically, it’s possible. But Frank’s situation is altogether different from Lucas’s. Much more dangerous.”

“He’s in danger? How?”

Edwina began explaining, but Aimee could hardly understand what she said, even as she absorbed the words so she could process them later. Frank had joined the Army, just as he told her. His unit was sent overseas and was training for battle. On the front lines, where he was about to be sent into a battle at Croix Rouge farm, about sixty miles outside Paris.

“That’s impossible!” Aimee said. “Even if I go along with this whole time-travel thing, it doesn’t make sense. He’s only been gone a week and a half!”

Edwina’s voice was patient and even, like Aimee’s favorite third-grade teacher’s. “Tish has probably explained to you that Lucas comes from the past. What she may not have told you is why I brought him to the present. I have the unique opportunity to bring individuals in certain circumstances to our time, where I attempt to find a soul match for them and anchor them here.”

She paused and, when Aimee didn’t speak, continued, “The individuals I’m able to bring to the present are those who don’t have a soul match in their own time. If I can make a soul match in the present, they can break away from their time and remain here permanently.”

“What’s a soul match?”

“A romantic relationship between two people whose souls are compatible. It’s deeper than attraction. But finding a match is still not an exact science.” She hesitated. “After Lucas came back, he asked me to match Frank. I didn’t find a match with my existing clients, but when you came in, you were close enough to be a possibility.”

“So Frank and I aren’t necessarily meant to be?” The thought wounded her still fragile feelings but frightened her even more. What if she never saw him again?

“Not necessarily.”

“Frank’s not anchored here,” Aimee said slowly. “He went back.”

“Yes. He chose to go back, after he determined that his match with you had failed.”

“It didn’t fail! It hit… a hiccup, that’s all! He can’t give up because of one tiny little disagreement.”

“He believes your feelings for your ex are stronger than your feelings for him, which eliminates the possibility of a match.”

“That’s nonsense! I did vent a little bit. Maybe a lot,” she admitted. “But I don’t love Tom anymore. I love—“ She stopped. Edwina wasn’t the person she should be telling. “What happens now?”

Edwina spoke gently. “I’m afraid the upcoming battle will be fierce. A vast number of other soldiers will be wounded. The few medical personnel aren’t able to provide adequate treatment for so many casualties.”

Wounded. No medical treatment. Aimee felt her breath catch in her throat. “Are you saying that Frank will get hurt? That he’s going to —“ She couldn’t say the word.

“Die? I’m afraid so. On July 26, 1918. Tomorrow, his time.”

Aimee stood up and began to pace the office. “There
has
to be something we can do! Can’t you bring him back? Warn him what’s going to happen?”

Edwina didn’t speak. Aimee thought about what Tish had said about going back to get Lucas, to bring him back herself. Was Edwina waiting for Aimee to make the same decision?

“Send me back to the barn dance. Let me talk him out of joining.”

He’d already had doubts. Aimee was confident she could convince him the best choice would be to come with her.

“I can’t do that,” Edwina said. “Not to the barn dance.”

“Then when?” Aimee swallowed. “You said he’s about to be sent into battle. Could you send me to that time? Just before the battle? So I can bring him back before he’s hurt?”

“No, I’m afraid there are limits on what I can do. I won’t send you into the midst of a battle, so it would have to be just afterwards.”

She seemed to be waiting for more, so Aimee asked, “When he’s already injured? Can I bring him back then?”

“Not without help, I’m afraid.”

“How could I get help? Who could—Lucas! He’s a doctor, and he’s from the same place!” Aimee exclaimed in a flash of inspiration. “Could you send Lucas and me back?”

“I could. If he agrees.”

“He’ll agree,” Aimee said determinedly. “When can we go?”

Edwina studied Aimee. “It’s very dangerous. You’re as vulnerable to physical harm as you would be here.”

She cautioned Aimee about the risks involved and the pitfalls she might face. Aimee nodded at everything Edwina said, but she had already moved on to making a mental packing list for her trip back in time.

“Think about it,” Edwina advised finally. “If you decide to make the trip, be here tomorrow at noon.”

“I will,” Aimee promised.

As soon as she was back at her car, she called Tish to explain the situation.

“I’ll talk to Lucas,” Tish said, “But I’m sure he’ll do it. He’ll want to do anything he can to save Frank.”

Aimee stopped by a pharmacy to gather all the first aid supplies she could fit in a small backpack. At home, she added a rain poncho, snack bars, matches, water, flashlight, and a small pocket knife. There were probably dozens of other items she could take, but space was limited. She headed for her closet to search for suitable clothes.

Once everything was laid out in preparation for the next day, she called her mother. She’d been neglecting her lately, and if the trip truly was dangerous, she didn’t want to go without talking to her.

“How are you?” her mother asked.

“Not great, but I’m working on it.”

She’d told her mother of her job layoff but not about her plans for her own business. She filled her in now, describing the business plan she and Charlene were working on. She expected her mother to discourage her, to warn her how difficult such a venture would be. Instead, she responded warmly, “That sounds like an excellent idea. It’s something you’ve always wanted to do, ever since you took over our little cake business. I was so disappointed for you when your catering business didn’t work out.”

“Me too, but I think I’ve learned a lot. And I have some wonderful people supporting and helping me this time.”

“Count me in. If you ever need free labor, just call.”

“Thanks. Mama.” Aimee’s throat felt tight.

“How’s that handsome young man of yours? Why don’t you bring him to church this Sunday?”

“He’s out of town right now, Mama.” Aimee realized her voice sounded strangled. “We had a bit of a fight.”

“I’m so sorry! Is it something you can patch up?”

“I think so. I
hope
so. I’m planning to see him soon.”

“You will.” Aimee’s mother sounded completely confident. “I saw the way he looks at you. You’ll work things out.”

“Thanks.” Aimee hesitated. She didn’t know if she had the right to ask, since she’d been skipping church in recent years, but she continued, “Pray for me, will you?”

“Always,” Mrs. Woods assured her.

Aimee hung up, feeling comforted by her mother’s support. A quick call from Tish confirmed that Lucas had agreed to join her. Then all Aimee had left to do was to wait through a sleepless night during which she questioned every decision she’d made recently.

She’d never considered herself particularly brave. If Tish’s story of time travel was true, could she go back and save Frank? In the midst of a battle? What if she fainted at the sight of a wound or got sick when she saw a dying soldier or just ran away from the whole scene in fright and let everyone down? She’d never done anything remotely adventurous before, had never wanted to.

And Edwina hadn’t mentioned what would happen if she and Lucas failed to bring Frank back. He would die, but what would happen to her? Would she find herself stuck in 1918 France, or worse?