Forever, I Promise (A Northern Woods Novel) Read online

  Chapter Four

  Nearly two years after their marriage Wade and Hailey purchased one hundred acres of property located in Pinewood Hills. They were able to pay cash for the land with part of the profit Wade made on the sale of his ranch in Colorado. They hired Tilberman Construction, a home builder recommended by Nick, who’d not only be Wade’s employer but also their closest neighbor. Wade and Hailey would live two miles to the south of Colburn Stables. Using a portion of the remaining balance from the sale of the ranch plus a small home loan covered the cost of building their four-bedroom two-story dream home with a three-car garage.

  The construction began in the early spring, and thankfully their house was completed before winter arrived. The home was 5,000 square feet. There were three bedrooms and two baths on the second floor and one bedroom on the first level which they used for their office. The first floor also included a guest bath. There was hardwood flooring in the kitchen and dining room and knotty alder cabinets in the kitchen. The basement was partially finished with a full laundry room; the remaining area had been divided into a large family room and a bedroom which Wade planned to complete during the upcoming winter months.

  The outside of the house was painted white with black trim around the doors and windows.

  The roof was steep and built to hold up to the heavy snows and harsh winters of Minnesota. There was a wrap-a-round porch, with lounge chairs and a porch swing along the front of the house. It was marvelous – the perfect home to raise the large family that both Wade and Hailey excitedly looked forward to.

  The front and side yards consisted of five acres filled with a lush green lawn, a few oak trees and two lilac trees, one with delicate purple flowers and the other flowed with gorgeous white and pink. A row of towering pines bordered the west side of their property. The rear of the remaining ninety-five acres was filled with a rolling meadow and fluttering wild flowers; they appeared as though they were attached to the edge of the horizon. It was the perfect home Hailey had always dreamed of owning. She was no longer employed at Flowers Galore. She had given her notice one year after their marriage. Working for them had been a pleasure and also gave her experience in gardening which she would now have plenty of time to do on their own property – and she did just that.

  * * *

  Wade had now been employed at Colburn Stables for six years. As the years passed they hoped and prayed for the birth of a child. They so longed for children; dreamt of raising a large family. Hailey had even insisted on turning one of the bedrooms into a nursery. It was beautifully decorated with Walt Disney characters posted on one wall where the baby would be able to observe them from his or her crib. The room had been furnished with a crib, changing table, a four-drawer dresser and a rocking chair.

  Inevitably, talking about it as they drove home brought tears; Hailey pulled a tissue from her purse and dabbed at her eyes and cheeks. She took a deep breath.

  She should be used to this by now, Wade thought. Doesn’t she realize that I’m hurting too? He reached over and rested his hand on her thigh as he turned the car onto the dirt road that led to their home. He approached the garage and pressed the remote to open the door. While he waited for it to rise he turned and faced his wife. She was beautiful, and he loved her more than ever.

  “I know you’re disappointed, honey. I am too. We’re both feeling the pain, but we need to face the facts – it wasn’t meant to be. We could adopt a baby. We’ve discussed adoption several times. I don’t know why you object to it so.”

  “Damn it, Wade! Stop bringing it up! I don’t want a child from someone else – I want a son or daughter of our own flesh and blood!”

  Wade stared at her with frustration. He drew a deep breath then released it before speaking. “Don’t you think it bothers me also? You’re not the only one hurting here! Stop thinking so much of yourself!”

  “I know, Wade, but it hurts so much.” She attempted to stifle her sobs. “I can’t take the pain of not having children to hold in my arms, to watch them grow. It’s like a knife in my chest when I see mothers with their babies…”

  He drove into the garage and parked, then leaned over to kiss her cheek. “Let’s go in and I’ll make us something to eat.” He climbed out and remained there until she joined him and together they entered the door leading into the kitchen.

  “Why don’t you lie down and rest?” He took her face into his hands and gently kissed her. “I love you, but you need to understand that it’s not only you. I’m hurting also.”

  A few more tears appeared and she swiped at them with the back of her hand. Wade watched as she made an attempt to look happy though she only managed a slight nod. She turned and went up the short stairway and along the hall to their bedroom and Wade followed. She slipped off her shoes and he set them in front of the closet door while she sprawled out on the bed. She wrapped her arms around her knees and curled up in a ball. “They tell me things will get better, Wade, but how? We’ll never have a child of our own.”

  Four years had come and gone, although her physician told them not to give up hope; there was still a chance for her to become pregnant. There were many reasons for some women to have problems with ovulation, Dr. Benson told them. Even small changes may disrupt the cycle and prevent conception.

  “You rest while I make some tomato soup and grilled cheese sandwiches. I’ll come for you when lunch is ready.” He left and returned to the kitchen.

  He pulled his cell phone from his pocket and quietly opened the door that led into the garage. He jabbed the keypad.

  “Colburn Stables,” Nick answered.

  “Hey Nick.”

  “How’d everything go, Wade? Good news, I hope.” Wade had needed a friend to talk to about their problem and it was Nick whom he could trust to keep the information to himself.

  “Not good at all, I’m sorry to say. Do you expect a heavy workload this week?”

  “It’s only Tuesday but it’s been fairly slow, so far. Do you need some time off?”

  “I’d appreciate it. The doctor told us Hailey has a slim chance of becoming pregnant; only about five percent, so it’s very unlikely. She’s depressed and the doctor prescribed an antidepressant. I’d like to stay with her for a few days. Perhaps I’ll take her to a lake near Duluth, rent a cabin over the weekend and try to relax.”

  “That’s fine, Wade. Stop by to pick up your check before you take off.”

  “I don’t have any vacation time left. I needed it for all of those visits to the clinic.”

  “No problem. I’ve got you covered. Take your wife somewhere to rest and have fun. I know you’ve both been under a lot of stress over the past couple of years. Tell her Mariah and I care about her and send our love. If she needs a woman to talk to she can call Mariah anytime. I’ll see you on Monday.”

  “Thanks, I appreciate it.” Wade closed his cell phone, quietly entered the kitchen and set about to make their lunch. He opened the can and poured the tomato soup into a pan, added some milk then set the burner on low. He removed a package of cheese from the refrigerator and grasped the loaf of bread from the counter, removed four slices and spread butter on them. He then sliced cheese into strips to cover the bread. He took the grill pan from the drawer below the oven, and placed the sandwiches on it. Hailey kept the kitchen so neat and clean; the whole house, for that matter. If only she had a baby to care for, she’d be happy. He’d made the suggestion of adopting, though she wouldn’t contemplate it. She wanted them to keep trying for one of their own. He grilled the sandwiches before he stirred the soup, and thought about the day they met at the Caribou Coffee shop. It had been the luckiest day of his life.

  Wade smiled at the memory as he arranged their soup and sandwiches on the table; he was looking forward to sharing his limited culinary efforts with her. He went to their bedroom to retrieve Hailey. He opened the door slowly. “Lunch is ready, honey,” he said softly. He walked over to the bedside. She had fallen into a deep sleep, her long blonde hair sprawled acro
ss her pillow. The antidepressant must have knocked her out. He quietly left the room and closed the door behind him. The lunch didn’t seem so appetizing now.

  When Hailey awakened, she turned to face the slightly opened window. A light summer breeze blew softly, and fluttered the edge of the white laced curtain, enough for her to see the sun lowered and sent beams through the tree branches. She glanced at the clock on the night stand and sat up quickly.

  “Oh no, it’s five p.m!” She climbed off the bed, scurried from the bedroom and down the short stairway.

  Wade was sitting at the dining table reading the Pinewood Hills Tribune.

  He glanced up with a smile as she entered the kitchen. “Hi, honey.” He folded the newspaper and reached over to place it on the counter. “Did you have a nice nap? Here, sit down beside me.” He pulled a chair away from the table.

  “Why did you let me sleep so long?” she asked, and tried to stifle a yawn. She sat on the chair and added, “It’s almost dinner time and I have nothing prepared.”

  “You were tired. I’m sure it was from the anxiety we’ve been through, combined with the antidepressant from your doctor. Do you feel better?”

  “I guess,” she mumbled, and stared down at her hands while she slid the napkin holder back and forth at the center of the table.

  “I noticed an ad in the paper for cabin rentals at the Hidden Pines Resort in Ely. Would you like to spend a few days there? If they have a vacancy…”

  “I don’t know, Wade. I really don’t feel like going anywhere, and you have to get back to work.” She continued to fidget with the napkin holder until he laid his hand on top of hers.

  “I spoke to Nick and he told me to go ahead and take the rest of the week off. It would do us both some good.”

  “Let’s not plan anything. We can relax around the house. If we have the urge to be around a lake we have plenty of them close by – even Lake Superior.”

  “All right, perhaps if you change your mind we could go camping. We only used our four-man tent twice last year before the cold weather set in.”

  Hailey nodded.

  “Would you like to eat the soup and sandwiches I made earlier?

  Again she only nodded.

  “I’ll set up the TV trays and warm up the food. Why don’t you check and see what’s on television, perhaps there’s a movie you’d like to watch.”

  Hailey went to the living room and picked up the remote. She started flicking through the stations too quickly to even notice what was on.

  Wade followed then frowned as he watched her pained expression. He slowly shook his head and went back to the kitchen. There must be something she’d like to do. He then recalled a statement she’d made several times in the past year.

  They finished their meal and he gathered their dishes, carried them to the sink and began to wash them. He heard the shuffle of Hailey’s slippers and glanced up when she reappeared in the kitchen. She stood beside the cupboard and offered him a seemingly forced smile.

  “I’m going to lie down, Wade. I’m really tired.”

  “Okay, honey.” He set the last plate on the dish rack. “I have to run out for a short while but I’ll be back soon.” He looked up from the sink but she was gone.

  Fifteen minutes later he walked quietly into the bedroom and checked on her. He picked up her prescription bottle and sure enough, she had taken another antidepressant. He kissed her lightly on her forehead and left the room.

  Hopefully this idea will cheer her up, he thought. He went into the office, turned on the computer and typed in the information he wanted. The website appeared on his monitor. He opened his phone and dialed the listed number and spoke to the woman who had posted the advertisement. After he’d been given the address he slid it into his billfold, shoved it in his back pocket and clutched the keys to his truck. This would be a gift that will make her smile, I’m sure of it.

  He opened up the GPS on his iPad and punched in the address before he drove out of the driveway. With a grin, he turned onto the road and headed toward Huntington.

  Chapter 5

  Wade watched as Hailey suddenly awakened to the gentle touch against her face and opened her eyes to a small tongue that licked her cheek and she gasped in delight. Wade hadn’t seen her smile that way in months.

  “Oh, Wade! Oh my goodness,” she said with a grin and giggled as the cute Corgi puppy repeatedly licked her face over and over again. “Where did she come from?” She lifted the pup and checked to see if the dog actually was a female. “Why didn’t you tell me you were going to buy a Corgi? She’s beautiful. An old friend of mine in New York had a Pembroke Welsh Corgi.” She ran her fingers over the puppy’s golden fur at the top of her head and along her light brown back. Her short legs appeared as though she wore white boots. She had a little nub for a tail and when she wagged it her entire rear end looked as though it was vibrating. The pup moved slowly up Hailey’s chest and snuggled her neck. “What a cute puppy. She certainly is a happy little thing.”

  “I wanted to surprise you, sweetheart. I longed to see a smile back on your face.”

  “Look at those short little legs – and her cute wiggle butt. Thank you so much.” She scooted over to kiss him on the mouth. The puppy appeared jealous and climbed between them; they laughed, which caused the pup to win their attention and she pounced with excitement.

  “What should we name her?” Hailey asked.

  “That’s up to you.”

  “How about Holly,” she suggested and held the puppy in front of her face to peer into her happy brown eyes. “Would you like that name? Hi Holly,” she said and the little dog licked her nose.

  “There you go. Apparently she likes it.” Wade glanced at the puppy then at Hailey. With a grin he added, “My two favorite girls, Hailey and Holly.” He kissed Hailey’s cheek and patted the top of Holly’s head. “Now we better get her out to the backyard before she soaks our bed in her excitement.”

  Hailey moved off of the bed and carried the pup out of the bedroom and down the stairway with the bright smile Wade had hoped for. He followed them out the sliding door in the kitchen which led to the rear yard.

  While she kept her eyes on Holly, she asked, “How old is she?”

  “Ten weeks tomorrow. She was the last pup left from a litter of seven, three males and four females.” Wade smiled and watched Hailey. It felt good to see her so happy.

  “Good girl,” Hailey told the pup, even though she hadn’t quite made it to the grass but peed on the patio. Hailey picked her up and Wade walked over to the hose and turned on the water to rinse off the terrace.

  “Go ahead and take her indoors, honey. I’ll be right in.”

  Hailey brought Holly into the kitchen and set her on the floor. She watched her sniff around the room. Her nose covered every inch, wherever it was able to reach. When she tried to run across the tiles she slid as far as Hailey’s feet. Laughing at her antics, Hailey bent down to pick her up.

  Wade opened the sliding door and stepped inside. “I think we should drive over to the pet store to purchase some dog food and other supplies for this little one.”

  “We’ll have to bring her along, Wade. We can’t leave her home alone. Besides, we have nowhere to put her while we’re gone.”

  “I know. The pet store allows dogs on their premises if they’re on a leash. I’m sure we’d be able to put her in the shopping cart while we purchase everything she needs.”

  “Oh, good – let’s go!” The little one snuggled into Hailey’s neck and they headed for the garage and into the car. Holly sat still on her lap and slept until they arrived at their destination.

  They purchased a medium size crate and the brand of dry puppy food the breeder had recommended. They picked out a pink collar and a leash, shampoo, and a small bed for Holly to have in her own space on the kitchen floor. The crate would be her own special place to sleep at night and also when she needed to be left home alone. Of course they also found plenty of puppy toys as well as a box
to store them in.

  “I think we have everything we need at the moment and Holly seems to be quite happy,” Hailey said. Holly was in the shopping cart, sitting in her comfortable new bed, surrounded by all of her toys while her little butt wiggled happily.

  “Look, Wade – she has a smile on her face! She’s so cute, I love her so much.” Hailey glanced up at him. “Thanks again.”

  “You’re welcome.” He hugged her and they stood in line at the checkout. Hailey lifted Holly from the cart.

  “Oh what a darling puppy,” the clerk said. “Cute little Corgi, isn’t she?”

  “A Pembroke Welsh Corgi,” Hailey answered.

  “She seems to be a real sweetie pie,” the clerk said, and petted the top of Holly’s head. “My goodness, she’s so soft. I’m sure you’re going to be very happy with this cute addition to your family.”

  “Yes we are,” Wade and Hailey both replied at once.

  * * *

  Wade stopped in front of the mailbox before he turned into their driveway. He got out and grabbed the mail while Hailey held onto the pup, then returned to the car and continued along the drive and entered the garage. When they walked into the house he glanced through the mail before he tossed it on the kitchen counter. “Looks like you received something from New York.”

  She put Holly down on her doggy bed then stood and reached for the envelope. She looked at it carefully then opened it. “Oh wow! It’s an invitation to my ten year high school reunion.”

  “Oh yeah? Would you like to go?”

  “Not really, perhaps the next one.” She looked down at Holly. “I wouldn’t want to fly all the way to New York and leave Holly with a stranger. Especially now that she arrived at her new home, it just wouldn’t feel right. Hmm… I wonder if Kellie will be there.”

  “Who’s Kellie?”

  “An old friend; actually we were best friends throughout our school years. We even began kindergarten together. I haven’t been able to locate her. No one knows where she disappeared to. Oh well.” She tossed the invitation in the garbage. “Maybe next time.”