Eager to move into her cabin on Twin Oaks, Libby woke early the next morning. She stretched the kinks out of her muscles. Without the bindings and able to breathe easier, she jumped out of bed and took an extra-long, hot shower. It felt wonderful, she thought, drying off. With the light on, she added mentally, flipping the switch after brushing her teeth. She glanced at the toilet and moved to flush it one more time, just because she could.
In the kitchen, she lovingly touched the coffeepot before filling it with water. Inhaling the aroma of freshly ground Italian roast, she smiled. The smile stayed glued to her face as she watched the strong liquid brew. Once done, she poured a quick cup and sat at the table to read the newspaper.
Her cell phone rang. Dave’s picture flashed on her caller ID. Unease gripped her. She had no idea how to react.
Libby pushed the on button, deciding to go for normal. “Hey, Dave. What’s up?”
“Hi, Libby. Have you got a minute? I wanted to catch you before you left and was worried you wouldn’t keep your cell on.”
“Yeah, I have a few minutes to spare.” She cleared her throat and studied her fingernail. Was that a speck of mud from her worm hunt? Shivering at the thought, she dropped her hand and focused on Dave. “Have you thought about what I said?”
“How could I think about anything else, considering the bombshell you dropped on me yesterday. I do want us to work. I want to see your side of things, but I still can’t help thinking you’re making a mistake.”
“I know,” she said on another sigh. “You’ve been quite clear. But it’s my life and my mistakes to make. To be honest, that’s only part of it. Did you think about the rest?”
“Yes. We need to talk. I rescheduled my appointments this afternoon. If you still need help moving, I’m offering my services.”
Libby sat silent for a minute, too astonished to speak. Dave had never rearranged his schedule for her before. She smiled, suddenly feeling lighthearted and wishing she’d made a stand earlier. “I’d love the help.”
“I can be at your apartment around two. Is that too late?”
“No, I’ll make sure I’m here.”
“Great. I’ll see you then. ’Bye.”
Libby disconnected and eyed the phone, not sure if things were changing or if he was manipulating her as he’d done in the past. “Time will tell,” she murmured, remembering Berta’s comment, which in turn made her think of the Gundersons.
A smile broke free. From her perspective, Berta and Gus had a strong marriage. Libby had noted the love and commitment between the two. Each had a definite role and both were happy fulfilling those roles. I mean to have that type of relationship with Dave. Or she wanted nothing at all. She understood that now.
The trees had granted her wish by sending her back to witness something that had been lacking in her life since her mom’s death. The more she thought about it, the more convinced she became while hurrying to finish her coffee. Minutes later, she grabbed her jacket and was soon out the door.
Her first item on the list was a trip to her apartment complex’s rental office to give her thirty days’ notice. With the task out of the way and a promise to get her deposit back if she left the apartment clean, she packed, but only loaded a few boxes into her car. She would utilize Dave’s help later in the day with the majority and to clean the place.
Two hours later, she sped up along the treelined drive as she neared the trees. Silly or not, she hadn’t realized how much the two large oaks bothered her until she passed them and nothing happened. She half expected them to hurl her back in time again.
Libby unpacked and organized her belongings. A satisfied grin took hold as she noted her progress. She quickly locked up with just enough time to meet Dave, who emerged from his car when she pulled into the space next to him. Libby quickly climbed out and gave him a welcoming hug. “You don’t know how much your help means to me.”
“Yeah, well you got through to me,” Dave answered after giving her a quick peck on the cheek. “Maybe I have been a little self-absorbed.”
“Just a little?” Libby teased.
“No gloating allowed. Let’s get busy. We have a lot to talk about.”
“Sorry. I couldn’t help it. I really do appreciate your being here. I’m all packed.” She tried not to think about how her life fit into a few boxes. Dave had a huge house in one of the nicest subdivisions in the area. Libby had been ambivalent about moving there after their wedding. Now she realized why. It wasn’t hers and she’d always felt intimidated when spending time there. That would have to change. “After loading the rest of the stuff, we need to clean.”
Dave raised his eyebrows. She laughed and socked his shoulder playfully, loving the reappearance of the man she fell in love with present in his grin. “It shouldn’t take too long. I’m not a slob and there’s not much to do. I need to make sure it looks good to get my deposit back. If you start on the boxes, I’ll start cleaning.”
“Lead the way.” Dave followed her up the walkway. “I’m your most humble servant.”
Libby unlocked the door and they went inside. She had stacked all the boxes to the side of her living room.
Nodding, Dave took note of them. “This shouldn’t take more than an hour. That’ll give us more time to talk. I realize I’ve made a mess of things.”
He made quick work of the boxes. “So, what do you want me to do now,” he asked, coming into the kitchen.
She directed him to the bathroom and handed him a bucket of supplies. “When you’re done in there and I’m done in the kitchen, we’ll be ready to go.”
Earlier she’d set the self-cleaning oven. Her only task left was wiping out the ashes at the bottom of the oven, which didn’t take long. She rinsed off her hands and went in to fetch Dave.
Soon Libby was driving out to the farm with Dave following, because he’d never been there before. When Libby zipped past the two trees and nothing happened, she heaved a sigh of relief and wove her way around to the cabin. Dave unloaded the boxes and Libby unpacked them.
“Whew! That didn’t take as much time as I thought.” Libby put her mom’s picture on the end table and wiped the dust off her jeans. She turned to Dave, who had his attention on the scene outside her window. “Thanks to you.” She grazed her bottom lip between her teeth, then pushed a strand of hair behind her ear, and hesitated. “You wanted to talk?”
“Yes.” He turned away from the window, ran a hand through his hair, and rested it on the back of his neck. “I’ve thought about everything you said. I want to understand you. I had no idea you felt this way.” He caught Libby’s gaze. “What’s going on?”
Libby shrugged. “I’ve changed jobs and I need your support in my decisions.”
Dave released her gaze and shook his head, rubbing his neck. “What about us?”
She threw up her hands in exasperation. “This has nothing to do with us. It’s about me.”
“Did you take our upcoming wedding or my feelings into account when you considered your change?”
Libby noted a hint of hurt in his voice. “I shouldn’t have to for something that’s this important to me.” Damn it all. She shouldn’t have to defend herself either.
“Don’t I count? My career? My needs?” Dave’s earnest gaze sought hers again. “Being a doctor is very demanding. I need someone I can count on to be there for me. I thought you were the one.”
“How does my working here at the farm for forty hours a week instead of a department store change all that?” She began to pace the perimeter of the small room, feeling hemmed in.
“Is this really what you want to do?” He sat on the edge of her sofa, his expression incredulous.
She stopped, then knelt beside him. “Yes! Haven’t you been listening? This is what I love.”
“It doesn’t make sense to me.” His eyes clouded in confusion. “You’re much too bright to be settling for working as a common laborer.”
“A common laborer?” Libby tossed out a half laugh. “That sounds so stuffy. It’s honest work and something to be proud of.” She stood up straight, frustrated that he could be so obtuse. Rather than say something that would make things worse, she decided to think about how best to continue. “Can I make you a cup of coffee?”
“I’d like that.” He offered a self-deprecating smile that only added to her frustration.
Dave definitely had a few hang-ups, but he was a good guy. He also deserved an explanation, especially since part of their problem stemmed from her refusing to take a stand earlier.
He followed her into the kitchen.
She got everything together and poured the water in the pot. As the coffeemaker churned, she leaned against the counter. “I’m a counselor and a horse handler. I’m damned good at both. Like you, I’m helping people heal—in my case, it’s the kids at the camp who need someone like me.” She looked him in the eye, holding on to her solemn expression.“More importantly, I’d hoped you’d be happy I’ve found something that I love. It’s part of who I am and I can’t…no, I won’t change just to be someone else.” She hesitated and added, “Even if it means calling off the wedding.”
“You honestly mean you’d call off the wedding?” When she nodded, he remained silent. Finally he said, “I’m sorry. I didn’t realize how much this meant to you.” He sighed and swiped a hand through his hair. “I guess the next step is to postpone the wedding.” After another long exhale, he said, “For how long?”
“I don’t know. I need time to figure this out.” The coffee was finally ready. Thankful for a diversion, Libby grabbed two mugs and poured. She then handed him one of the mugs and met his gaze. “I don’t want to make a mistake.”
“Libby, we’re not a mistake.” Dave’s voice was as earnest as Libby’s had been pleading. “How can you say that? I love you.” He set his coffee down and gripped her arms. “I want to spend the rest of my life with you. I thought you felt the same way.” His soulful brown eyes added to the intensity of his expression. “Am I wrong?”
Libby sighed. She had to make him understand how she felt. “I need a partner who sees me as an equal, regardless of what I do. Someone I can trust.”
“You don’t trust me?”
Peering into his shocked face, she wondered what he’d do if she let him in on her secret. Actually, that didn’t seem like such a bad idea. Yet, knowing him, he’d have a coronary and think she’d lost her marbles. The more she thought about it, the more convinced she became that she needed to say something. Besides, Bev was right. If they were going to spend the rest of their life together, he would need to understand that aspect of her personality. The knowledge would either make or break them as a couple.
“Sit down. I have something I want you to know.”
Dave retrieved his coffee, followed her to the table.
Libby pulled out the chair next to him. “What would you say if I told you I’ve been back in time?”
“You’re joking, right?” He snorted and rolled his eyes. “We’re getting off the subject.”
Libby closed her eyes, seeking patience. She opened them and offered a sad smile. “No, Dave. I’m not trying to veer off the subject. I’m trying to be honest here. I’ve gone back in time. Not once, but twice.”
“Quit messing around. You have to know how ludicrous that sounds.”
“It’s true. How can I convince you?”
“That’s not possible.”
She didn’t know how to make him believe her. She remembered the old hat and jumped up to find it. “Here, look at this.” She held it out. “I brought this back from my last trip.”
“Yeah, sure, and I’ve been to the moon,” Dave said in a derisive voice, ignoring the hat. He sighed and shook his head. “I don’t know what’s gotten into you lately.”
“I’m trying to confide in you. Please, look at the hat. You can see how old it is. Doesn’t that prove anything?” She shoved the hat into his hands.
“OK, so you have an old hat. You can find them in any Goodwill store. How does that prove you went back in time?”
“It’s true.” She knew he would have a hard time believing her, but she never felt he would totally dismiss her claim or ridicule her. Bev accepted it and believed her wholeheartedly. She thought he’d at least open his mind to the possibility. “What do I have to say to get you to believe me?”
“I’m a scientist, for crying out loud. I know about these things. What you’re suggesting is physically impossible.” His eyes narrowed in confusion. “Why are you so insistent about this? I know I’ve been a jerk, but I can make it up to you. I promise.”
“I want you to listen to me. Please!”
“I can’t, Libby. You’re asking the impossible.”
“All I wanted was a little understanding.” Libby choked back tears. His reaction hurt. More than she thought possible. “I wanted you to know more about me so you could understand me. Now I’m beginning to think that will never happen.” Without his cooperation, they had nothing.
Dave gripped her shoulders and waited until she met his gaze. “I want to understand you. Honest I do, but what you’re trying to convince me of is absurd.”
A tear broke free. Libby wiped it off and looked away, shaking her head. In admitting to the trip, she’d finally faced that fact.
He reached over and took her chin between his forefinger and thumb, forcing her to look at him. “It’s just not feasible. There has to be some reasonable explanation.”
“Why is it so hard to believe?” Tears began streaming down her face. Libby didn’t bother wiping them away. “Do you think I’d make this up?”
“No. I’m sure you think it’s true, judging by your reaction.”
Libby stared through a watery gaze, too stunned to say more, her heart tearing in two as his pleading gaze begged her to back down. She couldn’t.
Finally she found her voice. “I think it’s time you left.” She pointed to the door. “This isn’t getting us anywhere. What’s more, I think we should call off the wedding.”
“You’re overreacting.” Frustration was evident in every one of Dave’s syllables.
With a sad smile, Libby shook her head. “No, Dave, I’ve finally come to my senses. Please leave. I’ll take care of canceling the plans for the wedding.”
“Libby, don’t do this. It’s crazy. Please give it some time. We’ll work it out.”
More tears broke free. She didn’t know what upset her more—his attempt to placate her or his refusal to acknowledge what she had to say. It all hurt so much. Still, she shouldn’t have been surprised, knowing him as she did. Dave Phillips was too stuffy to believe in magic. How could she have thought that he’d ever be able to understand or accept her?
“Please go,” she said on a resigned sigh. “I can’t discuss this any more right now.”
“OK. I’ll leave.” Dave’s pleading eyes said it all. He was clearly at a loss as to what to do next. “I know you’re upset and this conversation is leading nowhere. But this isn’t over. Please don’t throw us away. I’ll give you a little time before you cancel our plans.”
Her shoulders slumped. Too exhausted to argue further, she didn’t add that she just didn’t see how marriage between them would ever work.
Dave moved toward the door. With his hand on the doorknob, he looked back at her with a worried expression. “Will you be OK?”
She nodded.
“Please, Libby. Give this a few days, OK?”
“Sure,” she said with a wobbly attempt at a smile. “But I don’t think a few days will matter when it’s obvious I can’t be the type of wife you need.”
“Don’t say that! You are exactly what I need. I’ll call you in a few days.” And then he was gone.
Libby stared at the empty spot that Dave had just vacated for the longest time, feeling emotionally drained, but at the same time feeling relieved. It seemed as if a big weight had been taken off her shoulders. She had expressed her feelings to Dave and had told him what was in her heart. That in itself was cathartic—gave her a sense of liberation. Maybe things would work out.
~
Libby began avoiding the oak trees. After her argument with Dave, she’d felt their pull too many times while passing by them. That alone was scary enough and kept her wondering. It was as if she hadn’t learned her lesson or completed her wish, which made some kind of weird sense, considering she and Dave were still at odds. Still, she had no intention of going anywhere but her own century. How women stood the constraints back then, she had no idea.
Thankfully, her final days at the store had flown by in a blur, and in that time she hadn’t seen or talked to Dave. Instead, she texted him and poured all of her energies into the farm, as the camping sessions were in full swing. Working with the horses and the children acted as a balm. When immersed in her duties, nothing else mattered. Unfortunately, Dave and her postponed wedding still lurked in the back of her mind, which is why Libby agreed to have dinner with him later that evening. She did love him and wanted to fit into his world. He deserved a second chance to fit into hers.
Then, there was her dad. Tom Edwards was furious to learn of the postponement. Libby lacked the nerve to tell him she was reconsidering it altogether when he’d practically had a stroke after hearing her news about quitting Dillard’s to go back to Twin Oaks.
The only person who made the whole mess endurable was Bev, Libby’s rock. Their conversations always steered away from her love life, and the two mostly rehashed Libby’s time travel and the reasons for it. Today, Bev wanted to meet for lunch under the trees. She wouldn’t say why, only that it was important.
Determined to ignore any and all mental calls, Libby grabbed the picnic basket she’d filled earlier and headed out.
Bev was already sitting on a blanket when Libby plopped down next to her. “What’s up?”
“Did anything out of the ordinary happen when you went back in time?”
The concern in Bev’s tone drew her gaze. Her brow furrowed. “I don’t follow.”
Sighing, Bev leaned against one of the giant oaks. “Sam’s having trouble forming his trust. Someone contested the property’s ownership. He has to appear in court with proper documentation in order for the title to clear.”
“What does that have to do with me going back in time?” she said, reaching for the basket.
“Sam’s deed isn’t just missing, it’s as if it never existed. I believe someone messed with the county’s records between the time you went back and now.”
Sandwiches in hand, Libby froze. “That’s impossible.”
Bev’s eyebrows shot up. “Is it?”
A sense of dread nestled in her stomach. She handed Bev a sandwich. “What’s this someone’s name?”
“T. P. Smithers.”
“Smithers?” Libby’s heart skipped a beat. “Oh my God. That’s the name of the guy who rode that horse into the ground. You know—the jerk Colin got rid of. He said he’d get even.”
“I googled him.” Bev’s earrings danced as she nodded excitedly. “He’s a slick lawyer out of Louisville with a shady background. Not much nicer than your guy, which means they’re probably related. I always wondered how guys like him pass the bar.”
“Did my going back in time change history?” Libby sat back on her heels, not wanting to believe it. She glanced up at the trees and heard their call—one much stronger than before. Was that why she’d started feeling their pull again? The thought had merit and was worth considering, especially if her actions caused trouble for Sam and his plans.
As realization filtered into her expression, she glanced at Bev, who gave her a “what else could it be?” look.
“You have to go back to undo it.” Bev’s expression hardened. “We can’t let Mary’s dream die. It will kill Sam to see this land subdivided and sold off.”
That would kill Libby too. “How do I undo it?”
“By getting the original deed.”
The dread thickened, weighing her down. “There has to be another way!” She had no idea of how to do what Bev was asking, nor did she want to. Her gaze flew to the trees again. Their cry grew louder, almost a wail, as thoughts of what awaited her if she heeded their call overwhelmed her. “I can’t do it,” she whispered, shaking her head. “I’m too scared.” Of what, she wasn’t sure. She just had this ominous gut feeling that her life would never be the same if she did what Bev was asking.
“You have to.”
“How,” she asked, even though she knew the answer.
“Simple. Just wish yourself back there. Otherwise the farm could be sold at auction.”
“What if it doesn’t work?” Libby took one more look at the trees, and stupid as it sounded, they seemed to mock her.
“Then we’ll figure out something else, but you have to at least try.”
“Let me think about it.”
“Don’t think too long. Sam only has ten days before the hearing.”
The two ate in silence. Finally, Libby sighed. “If I do decide to try, let’s make a plan, in case something happens and I can’t get home.”
Bev sat up straighter. “Why would you think you can’t get home again? You returned twice before, didn’t you?”
“Yeah. It’s a feeling. I can’t get rid of it, so I’m going with it. If for some reason I can’t come home, I’ll bury information right here.”
Fear crept into Bev’s eyes. “You’re scaring me. You make it sound ominous. That if you do go, you’re not coming back.”
Smiling, Libby shook her head. “I’m merely taking precautions.” Her mother’s death taught her that events she had no control over happened, no matter what. Her smile stretched and she patted Bev’s shoulder. “Your friendship and loyalty mean the world to me. You’re the best friend anyone could ask for. I love you. I’m sure we’ll be sitting under these trees for the next fifty years.”
Clutching her arm, Bev blinked back tears. “Oh, Libby. I feel the same way. You accept me for who I am. You’ve always looked beneath the surface and seen the real me.” She wiped the moisture at her eyes. “Your belief in me is what made it so easy to believe in you. Here, let’s make a toast. To friendship! May it last through time!”
Humbled, Libby held up her cola. “I can drink to that.”
They clinked soft drink cans together and laughed.
Libby took a sip, wishing all things in her life could be as easy as her friendship with Bev. She looked up at the trees, still feeling their pull, before glancing at Bev. “So, promise me if something happens, you’ll check the trees? OK?”
Nodding, Bev agreed. “I promise.”
Satisfied, Libby placed her arm beneath her head, lay back on the blanket and closed her eyes.
Bev’s voice interrupted the quiet. “So, are you still avoiding Dave?”
Shrugging, Libby said, “We’re having dinner tonight.”
“Are you still having second thoughts about the wedding?”
Libby opened her eyes and sighed. “I’m confused more than anything right now. Dave is trying. It’s funny. It took me threatening to back out of the wedding for him to take my concerns seriously. Why did it have to come to that? Why does it take so much effort for us to be together?” She stopped talking and scanned the horizon, then frowned. “I only wish he believed me about my time travel.”
Bev snorted outright. “Libby, give the guy a break. It’s going to take more than blind faith for someone like Dave to believe you can go back in time.”
“You believed me.”
“Yes, but I’ve always believed in the unbelievable. That’s one of my many faults. Don’t worry. Things will work out the way they’re supposed to.” She tossed the empty baggie that held her sandwich in the basket and brushed a few crumbs off her lap. “Let’s talk about something more pleasant than being stuck in time or Dr. Bull.” She glanced at Libby. “Answer me this, will you? Are we going to Thunder Over Louisville this year?”
“I don’t know. I’ll probably be working during the air show. And the traffic’s always such a pain after the fireworks. Why?”
Bev grinned. “You need a diversion to forget all of your problems.”
“I’ll think about it.”
“While you’re thinking, add this to your thoughts. You can stay with me and we can walk, so we can avoid the traffic. We should go and have fun, even hit Giorgio’s on the way back. Make it a night. Come on. It’ll be fun.”
Leave it to Bev to make big plans on a big day. Thunder Over Louisville, one of the largest air shows and fireworks displays in the country, marked the start of Louisville’s Kentucky Derby Festival. The two-week celebration ended with the Kentucky Derby thoroughbred horse race on the first Saturday in May. “I’m not up for crowds.”
“Oh, come on, Libby. You sound like my mother. The crowds are what make it fun.”
“Maybe,” she said, standing and helping Bev pack everything away. Both needed to get back to work.
Later that afternoon, Libby rode out alone on Thorpe’s Pride before working with a group of kids going out for their first ride. After a good run, the mare was always more docile and willing to go at the slower pace the kids needed.
Giving Pride full rein, Libby loved the feeling of becoming one with the horse. The wind whipped her hair. Greens and browns whizzed by as they galloped through the Kentucky countryside. Libby eventually slowed the mare, having traveled a good distance.
Horse and rider eased to a stop at the top of a rise, a spot where she could see rolling hills for miles. The timeless scenery tugged at Libby. This part of Kentucky hadn’t changed in over a hundred years. The continuity of the land was a constant. People came and went, they were born, gave birth, and died, and still the land remained.
A sense of peace engulfed Libby, leaving nothing of the fear or uncertainty she’d experienced on and off for the past two weeks. Suddenly it dawned on her that this land was somehow her destiny. That thought brought a broad smile to her face.
Yes! This land held the key to what was ahead for her. Sam couldn’t lose it. Not to something that happened because of her. She no longer felt reticent about what would happen. Whatever was in store for her, she would meet it head on. Libby turned the mare toward the stables and started back.
Nearing the pastures, she slowed Pride to a walk. She still had plenty of time to meet the kids. As she rode by the two oaks, she glanced their way and quickly wished she hadn’t because their call was more urgent. So much so, that this time she couldn’t ignore it.
She stopped the horse, dismounted, and led her over to the trees, where she tied Pride to a low branch. Libby then walked around the trees, looking up with full understanding of why they were calling. She needed to return and undo her mistake. The thought no longer frightened her. Instead she stood there, looking up into the new green leaves that were just making an appearance, and accepted the trees’ call, at the same time wishing to be taken back to the moment she left the past.
In seconds the world turned upside down and she felt herself floating through time again.