A Brief Moment in TIme Read online

  “My pleasure,” Gavin replied, remembering how wonderful it had been to hold Kate in his arms. He felt such an outflowing of love for her in that moment that he decided to share something else. “I kind of saw it happen.”

  “I SHOULDN’T be surprised, Gavin,” she laughed, “but I am. Tell me what you saw, and when.”

  “It’s kind of hard to explain; I mean...it happened so quickly. In my dream last night, I was holding your hand. And today, just before you tripped, I knew it was going to happen, so I grabbed your hand without thinking.”

  “You dreamed you were holding my hand? I don’t understand.” Something strange was going on, and Kathryn was very much a part of it. Gavin had an odd look on his face; there was something he wasn’t saying. “You didn’t see me slip last night, did you?”

  “No,” he admitted. “I saw us walking in the garden.”

  Her discomfort began to increase. “What else have you seen in your visions?”

  “Kate,” he said, sounding like the teacher, while she definitely felt like the student. “It would take days to tell you everything. I’m not sure now’s the right time.”

  “I can respect that,” she conceded. “But Gavin, something is happening that I don’t understand. I’ll be the first to admit I don’t know everything, but the things I’ve seen in you…they’re beyond what I’ve observed in anyone else I’ve worked with; it leaves me feeling...a little daunted.”

  “I don’t want you to feel that way, Kate. You’re helping me so much. I don’t want that to change.”

  “It doesn’t have to change, Gavin,” she assured him. “We can deal with whatever you’re experiencing. I’m sorry for implying it’s your fault in any way.

  “You know,” she added quickly, wanting to repair the rift she may have caused. “I have no doubt that we’re meant to learn from each other. I’ve already learned so much from you. I wanted to tell you before that I’m proud of you, too. You are an amazing human being, just like Sandra said.”

  “SUPPER’S READY,” Carol announced. “We’re going to eat casual, though. I’ve set everything on the table. We can all fill our plates and join Kate here in the living room. Gavin, can you go and call your father? Kate, I’ll dish a plate for you. What would you like? I’ve got cold sliced turkey and ham, brown or white buns, cheese…”

  Gavin knew that Kate was in good hands. His mom thrived on helping people, fussing over them. He laughed to himself as he went to the shop to get his dad. He found him oiling a wooden object with a rag.

  “What are you making, Dad?”

  “It’s a picture frame. Your mother wanted to give Kate a little something for…you know…her part in this,” he explained uneasily. “She has a picture of the four of us taken at your last birthday. So I made a frame to go with it.”

  Gavin took it from his father and examined it. “It’s great, Dad. Is this burled walnut?”

  “Yup,” he replied. “Tough as nails to work with, but it sure polishes up nice.”

  “It’s beautiful,” Gavin replied, rubbing his hand over the smooth oiled surface of the distinctively patterned wood. “I’m sure Kate will love it.”

  “She’s a nice girl,” his father submitted. It sounded more like a suggestion than a statement, and Gavin had to smile.

  “Yeah, she’s great.”

  They walked back to the house, and no more words passed between them. Gavin respected how hard it was for his father to communicate his feelings, and he decided not to make things more uncomfortable by telling him how much he loved him, but he wanted to. More than that, he needed to. It could wait, however. He’d find the right moment.

  The rest of the afternoon faded away quickly, and too soon it was time for goodbyes. He and Kate had to leave, but Gavin didn’t feel regret; he’d had a thoroughly enjoyable day, and he knew there would be more to come.

  Everyone hugged both him and Kate, and tears flowed again. This time he noticed Kate wipe away a tear as she thanked his parents for the lovely gift. Gavin longed to hug her, too. He wanted to thank her for the incredible day, thank her for being a part of it, but it didn’t seem appropriate when she was leaving with him. Besides, they still had two hours together on the drive back.

  He helped her to the car. She insisted she was able to drive. It was her left foot, and she could rest it as she drove. Gavin admired her spunk. She’d been through a lot in her life and seemed all the stronger for it. He sensed she was lonely though and wished he could help ease that for her. He was quiet with his thoughts as she drove the first stretch of the trip back. He wanted to tell her so much but knew that the time wasn’t right. He closed his eyes, finding the relief it brought. He’d hardly slept in the past twenty-four hours and was suddenly feeling the effects of it.

  WITH THE DAY’S EVENTS still fresh, Kathryn let her mind sift through the overabundance of thoughts and feelings that had arisen. It felt like more than ten hours ago that she and Gavin had driven through Swenton’s gates; so much had happened. She wanted to talk more about the subject that had come up but after his comment, didn’t want to push it. She had to respect his silence if that’s what he needed.

  Kathryn glanced over at him, wondering what he was thinking, and was surprised to find him sleeping. She smiled. He mentioned he hadn’t slept much last night; he must be exhausted. Maybe it’s just as well. She couldn’t help but speculate about what he’d seen in his visions, why he’d been holding her hand in the garden and why he was hesitant to share any more of it.

  Although she truly hoped that he hadn’t developed romantic feelings for her, she suspected it was the case. Kathryn was quite sure now that’s what she’d seen in his eyes, and she felt responsible. She hadn’t been as careful as she’d been taught in relating to a patient.

  Of course, he hadn’t actually said it, and she had no way of knowing for certain what he’d seen in his visions, but for a moment she allowed herself to think about it. What if he’s fallen in love with me? It’s ridiculous of course. He’s six years younger than I am. I just happen to be the first woman he’s had any direct association with in seventeen years. Plus I’ve been part of some major emotional breakthroughs in his life. He’s demonstrating obvious symptoms of transference.

  Addressing it would require tactfulness and sensitivity. It was something that had never come up in all Kathryn’s years of practice, but she had a colleague who had dealt with it and could give her advice.

  She looked at Gavin for a moment. He seemed peaceful and relaxed after what had appeared to be a satisfying day. He’d been happy, and the exchange with his parents had been not only heartwarming to watch, but therapeutic for all involved. They were truly a remarkable family. Kathryn was honored to know them and be welcomed into their midst, even feel like one of them. She’d let herself be drawn into their warmth, and it was incredibly fulfilling. She hadn’t felt that in a long, long time.

  She thought of Gavin’s touch and the feelings he had evoked in her that afternoon. Those were feelings she hadn’t felt in a long time as well. It’s not Gavin, she reasoned. It could have happened with any man. He was just the first man to touch me like that since Kevin died. Not to mention he’s an amazing physical specimen. A body like that is bound to affect any living, breathing woman. She glanced his way again.

  All it means is that I’m ready to think about dating again, she concluded, realizing for the first time that she may have been wrong hiding herself away from men for so long. The subject was still a little painful, but she knew she had to open herself up to it. If I don’t, she analyzed, I could fall prey to this kind of temptation.

  As terrific as Gavin is, I’m not the right woman for him, she continued, justifying her decision. He might not be able to see that, but I can. Everyone else would see it, too. He needs someone his age, someone to settle down and have children with.

  Gavin sighed audibly and twisted in his seat, trying to get more comfortable. Kathryn didn’t want to wake him but knew he’d rest better if his seat back
was lowered. She leaned across, but the button on his door was just beyond her reach, so she adjusted herself and glanced over a second time. Leaning further, she pushed it quickly so she could concentrate on driving again.

  A car horn quickly brought her attention back to the road, and she swerved in time to miss the car that she had veered toward. As she did, her car hit a patch of icy snow and careened out of control. She tried to bring it back, but the vehicle continued in the direction of the steep ditch that flanked the highway.

  Suddenly she felt herself being thrown, her seatbelt the only thing keeping her from being tossed about the vehicle. The car was moving through the air; they were rolling. It hit down once, bounced, and rolled again. The roof crumpled in, and she crouched as close to the steering wheel as she could.

  It seemed to be happening in slow motion. At one point, she looked over at Gavin. Eyes still groggy with sleep, he reached out to her. She heard him say her name, but it sounded like an echo, as if he was a distance away.

  They finally landed against something solid, and she felt her body lurch forward, colliding with the airbag as it exploded. The impact sent her head rebounding back, tearing at the muscles in her neck. The car instantly filled with an acrid stench, and she turned away from it. As she did, she noticed that Gavin’s eyes were closed and his body limp. Blood gushed from a cut on his forehead. She called his name and reached out to touch his face. She gently shook him, calling his name again. When he opened his eyes, a smile slowly formed on his face. Kathryn immediately let out a sigh as relief filled her being. “Are you okay?”

  “Yeah,” he smiled again. He wasn’t moving, and blood was pouring out quicker than ever. She noticed blood on his shirt, too, and put her hand on his chest to see what the source was. He lifted his hand and put it over hers.

  “We have to get you to a hospital!”

  “It’s going to be all right, Kate.”

  She pulled her hand away and grabbed her purse to find her cell phone, but its contents had spilled on the floor. As she reached down to find the phone, Gavin touched her shoulder.

  “It’s going to be all right, Kate,” he repeated.

  She looked at him again and saw a light in his eyes. The light drew her, mesmerizing and terrifying her at the same time.

  “You’re hurt,” she argued desperately. “We have to get you to the hospital.”

  “I had a great time today, Kate.” He was obviously delusional, talking as if nothing was wrong when everything that could possibly be wrong, was. “There’s something I wanted to tell you.”

  “Shhh. Don’t try to talk now, Gavin.”

  “I love you, Kate.”

  “Gavin… I…”

  “I love you,” he repeated.

  His face held the evidence to support his words. Tears filled her eyes; she had no idea how to respond. He was hurt, maybe even seriously. He was delusional, saying things he might regret. Nevertheless, she had to answer him, and only one response seemed acceptable. “I love you too, Gavin.”

  He stroked her face and smiled. “It’s going to be all right, Kate.”

  Stop saying that! she implored silently. It only served to confirm her belief that things were really, really not all right. The side of his face was covered with blood. She attempted to wipe it, but he wouldn’t let her. He took her hand and kissed it, then looked into her eyes and smiled again.

  Kathryn wanted to kiss him—if only to give him reason to live. She was afraid he was dying, and she knew that it was all her fault. “Gavin….” She began to cry. He pulled her to him, their lips uniting. She gave herself fully to the kiss, not caring about the consequences, not caring about anything except that Gavin live. His lips felt incredibly tender and warm. As long as he was kissing her back, she knew he was all right. She wanted him to be all right. She desperately needed him to be all right, because she couldn’t deny it any longer; she was in love with him, too.

  Part 3

  ~Kate~

  Every person, all the events of your life are there because you have drawn them there. What you choose to do with them is up to you.

  —RICHARD BACH

  Chapter 14

  KATHRYN OPENED HER EYES and quickly shut them again. The light was too much to take; it was almost painful. Curiosity made her try again. She didn’t recognize what she’d seen in the quick glance, and she wondered where she was.

  She opened them tentatively, squinting, and this time recognized her surroundings—not because she’d seen them before, but because the setting looked like a hospital room. As her eyes adjusted to the light, she took in more around her. It was definitely a hospital room; a nurse was rushing to her side.

  Searching her mind, she tried to remember what had happened and why she was lying in a hospital bed. The nurse was speaking to her, and Kathryn had to concentrate to make out her words. She was saying Kathryn’s name, asking her what she could see and if she knew where she was. Kathryn shook her head. Other than knowing a hospital room when she saw one, she had no idea where she was or why she was there.

  Another nurse joined them, and a doctor came in asking more questions. When asked if she knew her full name, she answered, remembering clearly that she was Kathryn Harding.

  “Kathryn, do you know what happened to you?”

  She frowned. It was still a blank.

  “You were in a car accident, Kathryn.”

  Suddenly a scene flashed into her mind. She saw the car she was heading toward, felt her own car swerve and roll…and then she remembered. “Gavin?” she asked, terrified of what the answer might be.

  The doctor’s brow creased. “I’m sorry, Kathryn, I’m not sure who Gavin is. But your friends and family—people who love you—have been here to visit. They’re being notified that you’re awake. I’m sure they’ll be eager to see you.”

  She was utterly confused. Why would my friends and family be glad I’m awake? How long have I been asleep? And why doesn’t he know about Gavin?

  “Gavin was in the car with me. He was hurt,” she started to explain and then began to cry. “I was afraid he was dying. Is he…?” She couldn’t finish the sentence.

  The doctor still had a slight frown on his face, but he tried to reassure her. “Kathryn, it’s natural to experience confusion when you come out of a coma. It may take a day or two for you to piece everything together. You may have some temporary memory loss, but that’s common in your situation. It’s nothing to worry about.”

  “A coma,” Kathryn repeated slowly. “How long?”

  “It’s been six weeks.”

  The news ought to have shocked her, but she still desperately wanted answers. “But Gavin was in the car…”

  “Kathryn,” he shook his head. “No one was with you. You were alone in the car.”

  GAVIN WENT THROUGH the motions. He ate and slept and worked, but he was feeling more discouraged by the day. He had truly wanted to believe what he’d seen and learned, but now he was having a hard time justifying any of it—the hardest part being that he had no one to confide in. He hadn’t told a soul what he’d experienced when he was in the infirmary, and that was weeks ago.

  At first the dreams and the teaching had comforted him. He’d hoped it might be an indication of things to come, but now he was beginning to think that it was nothing more than a hallucination, a result of the virus he’d contracted.

  His family noticed the change in him. His mom was concerned and had tried to talk about it. He wanted to confide in her, but he didn’t know where to start.

  The hardest part was that the incident had awoken all kinds of desires in him. Before that, he’d been content to wait out the remainder of his sentence. It was nearing the end, and other than serious concerns about what it would be like on the outside, he hadn’t been doing too badly.

  But now he’d gotten a glimpse of what could be. He’d dreamed of an enchanting woman, even fallen in love, and he couldn’t imagine being with anyone else. He’d learned things that made so much sense, thi
ngs he couldn’t dismiss. It was as if this experience had taken him to a new place, altered him in such a profound way, that he couldn’t go back, yet he wasn’t sure how to move forward.

  He’d tried to learn more about Kate Harding and her teachings. He wanted to learn more, too, about the supernatural experience he’d had. The prison was connected with the local public library, and he could request books. Unfortunately, it often took weeks to received them, and what he’d read so far only confused him more.

  He’d been informed that the parole board would be interviewing him the following week, and he assumed that if approved he would be eligible for day passes. He knew he ought to feel excited about the prospect of getting out, even if only for twelve hours at a time, but it was causing him a great deal of anxiety. In truth, he’d been feeling it for months now. It was probably normal, considering he’d spent half his life behind bars, but he didn’t know how to deal with it, and it was starting to wear him down.

  Finally, after much deliberation, he decided to submit a request to the prison administration. He needed to talk to someone about the way he was feeling. He knew it was a long shot. He knew he was probably delusional. Still, he let himself imagine that that person might just turn out to be Kate.

  KATHRYN EXAMINED what she believed had taken place the day of the accident. Her memories felt so fresh, so real, yet hospital staff was telling her that what she thought she’d experienced was incorrect.

  The person she wanted to talk to the most was her best friend. Having been informed that Kathryn had awoken from her coma, Adele was now on her way to the hospital. Adele would know about Gavin. They had discussed his progress throughout the program, and undoubtedly she’d know why Kathryn was so sure he’d been with her on that ill-fated day.

  She could remember it clearly: the first day pass, Gavin’s excitement and nervousness, meeting his delightful family, the walk in the garden, the sprained ankle, the trip home, and then—the most deeply imprinted memory of all—the kiss.