By Michelle Roethig (Got You Covered)
From the window of the Second Street Beauty Salon the somber grey clouds were impressive as they swirled high above the tree line outside. All the leaves had disappeared, people were retreating from the sidewalks into their homes, and the outside streetlights began lighting the darkening sky one by one. The chilly air promised a dusting of snow, if not more, by the end of the day and this was usually one of her most favorite times of year, at least it used to be . . . before him, before Carter.
Inside the cozy salon Sophia tried hard to keep a light air about her, but was failing miserably. Carrie, Sophia’s best friend since the eighth grade, tried to pull her out of her darkening mood.
“I’m so glad you came in today, Soph!” Carrie said with enthusiasm as she swept the hair from her last customer into the vacuum. “I’ve been dying to do something different with your hair since, like, forever!” She shot a quick smile at Sophia and noticed the look of uncertainty in her eyes. “It’s going to be great . . . don’t worry!”
Sophia watched Carrie finish sweeping the hair into the small vacuum contraption that sucked up each stray strand into the small container. Carrie’s cropped blonde hair sported pink streaks in her bangs that framed her face. Her blue eyes danced in the halogen light of the beauty shop. She was short, spunky, and full of life. Nothing seemed to get her down, no wonder she could pull off the cute pixie cut like no other. If anyone could work magic on Sophia’s hair, it was Carrie. Smiling, Sophia nodded slightly trying to hid the face that there was more than hair on her mind.
“Do you know what you want to do?” Carried asked as she motioned Sophia to sit in the chair and covered her with the slick black cap to catch the newly cut pieces. “Your hair is so long since you stopped cutting it. What’s it been? A year at least.”
“Almost a year.” Sophia donned a smile that didn’t belie the pain she felt. It had been almost a year since she cared about anything, including her hair. Carter always loved how she kept her hair in a perfect A-Line that framed her face and brought out the blue of her eyes. Her deep burgundy color gave the illusion of a creamy porcelain doll complexion and he always loved the way her facial features were enhanced by her simple, yet elegant style. He always told her that. But when Carter left the week before Christmas last year without a word, Sophia gave up on almost everything.
“So, what are we going to do?” Carrie began combing through the long locks that hung limp down Sophia’s back. “I love your color and I think we should do something to show off your face again. Get you out there for the world to see.”
“I’ll trust you, just make me look good.” Sophia said, closing her eyes to the pain of her memories. She was determined to let the past go from now on and this trip to the salon was her first step.
“Awww, sweetie! You are already gaawwgeous!!!” Carried gave her a quick embrace from behind and watched as Sophia held back the giggle at her attempt of a long southern drawl. “Just lay back and let me do my work.”
Carrie swung the chair around and laid her back to put in a quick shampoo and conditioning treatment. Sophia’s mind drifted back to the last day she spent with Carter, one of the happiest days of her life. All the pain aside, she knew she wouldn’t trade any of the moments she spent with him for anything.
~~~~
Beautiful snowcapped trees lined the homemade ice-skating rink in the center of the tiny area. Carter handed Sophia her newly sharpened skates before he grabbed his own and shut the trunk of the car. Holding hands they made their way down to the rink and dusted off the bench by the edge of the ice.
“Looks like we have this rink all to ourselves.” Carter said as he sat beside Sophia and started to exchange his shoes for skates. “I’ll have to shovel off the rink first.”
“It’s so beautiful, isn’t it?” Sophia said as she looked out over the artificially lit skating rink.
“Yes, beautiful is the word I was going to choose.” Carter replied, watching Sophia as she closed her eyes to feel the air around her. Although Sophia missed the direct reference to his feelings for her, if anyone had been around to notice, it would have been obvious to all. She was the most beautiful creature in the world to him.
Clearing his throat he went back to donning his skates before he stood and grabbed the shovel. Carter stepped onto the snow covered ice and began shoveling the top layer as he circled the rink. Sophia watched as he made his way around the rink, marveling at the fact that he found this small rink in the middle of nowhere. She had mentioned her love for skating and how her family used to go to a rink similar to this one and skate together often. The practice of outside rinks died out when many patrons sued over falling on rinks not kept by the city. So when Carter found this small private one, it was like going back to a childhood she loved and cherished.
Waiting by the side of the rink Sophia admired Carter from afar. His golden hair poked out of the front of his cap and his green eyes shown in the moonlight of the night. Broad shoulders worked vigorously with each push of the shovel against the ice. His sweater clung to his torso and showed off his great physic. Meeting him was the best thing that ever happened to her.
Smiling she watched as he came closer and put the shovel back where he got it before he lifted the small portable CD player and placed it on the wall, starting the music. He grabbed her hand, placing her arm around his neck and lifting her gracefully over the wall onto the ice.
“Are you ready?” He asked as he kissed her nose and put his arms around her waist, pushing her backwards onto the middle of the ice.
“Yes.” Was her breathless reply, her hands laced behind his strong neck as she fingered the loosed strands that hung out of his cap in the back.
Together they skated around the rink, staring into each other’s eyes and listening to the music float through the still night air. Neither one willing to break the spell of this magical moment, they skated in silence and listened to the music of Thompson Square ring through the night.
“I love this song. It reminds me of you.” Carter spoke so silently she almost didn’t hear him. Listening to the words of the song, Sophia smiled. This life would kill me if I didn’t have you. Couldn’t live without you, baby. I wouldn’t want to.
The declaration was so unexpected Sophia was at a loss for words but the smile she gave shone bright through the night. Carter maneuvered her to the side of the rink and rested on the wall before pulling her close and holding her tight against his chest. His chin rested on the top of her head and he inhaled her scent deep into his soul. She sighed against his chest and wound her arms around his waist, hooking her fingers in his belt loops.
Moments passed before he pulled his body back, forcing her to look up into his darkened green eyes, full of need. His mouth came down on hers as he claimed her for his own, taking full possession with a deep kiss that warmed her entire body.
That kiss was the last thing she had to remind her of Carter before he left. Moments later he received an urgent phone call that had him packing up and running off to heaven knows where. Before he dropped her off at her house that night, he promised to tell her everything when he could and begged her not to be careful. He was gone the next day and she never heard from him again.
~~~~
“Did you hear he’s back?” Carrie asked, pulling Sophia back from the most wonderful yet painful memory. She was putting the towel around her hair and sitting her up to start the cut.
“I heard.”
“Mary told me she saw him at the supermarket this afternoon. She said he’s really changed but he still is as handsome as ever.” Carried started pulling the comb through her hair and Sophia just smiled in reply. “Have you heard from him yet?”
“No, I don’t think I expected to.” Sophia focused on the mirror and stared deep into her own eyes.
“Don’t give up hope.” Carried tried to reassure her, but it was in vain.
“It’s okay. I’ve moved on. So, what about this nest? What are you going to do?”
“Just sit back and let me do my thang!”
Carter stood outside the salon in the darkened street watching as Carrie combed out and began cutting Sophia’s hair. It was so much longer now but still the same deep cinnamon color he remembered in his dreams. His dreams didn’t do her justice. Her skin was still the pale porcelain color and her blue eyes were like deep sapphires jewels. But there was a sadness clouding them that had never been there before. An ache formed in the pit of his stomach knowing he was the cause of that pain and he wondered how much he would have to beg for her forgiveness. He didn’t want to think what he would do if she refused to talk to him or hear him out.
Having to leave was the hardest thing he had ever done, and he still questioned the wisdom of keeping the reasons a secret. Every day he wrote to her, declaring his love and devotion, explaining how much he missed her. But he never mailed the letters, he couldn’t. Instead he saved each one in a shoebox with his personals just in case he never made it home. But he did make it home, and now he stood outside the small salon and waited. For what, he wasn’t sure, but staring through the dark at the one face that got him through the last year was enough to bring tears to his eyes.
The door opened with a bell chime and he watched as Carrie gave Sophia a hug before she closed the door and switched the sign to read ‘Closed’. Sophia shook her still long locks and swept them up into her knit hat before she stepped into the new snow starting to fall all around.
Sophia looked up into the sky and stretched her hands out to catch the flakes falling from above before she started her journey home. She didn’t notice when Carter emerged from the darkened shadows and fell in step behind her, following her to her apartment building.
Carefully walking up the steps Sohpia used her key to open the door while she stomped off the snow from her boots. Taking off her hat she turned to shake the excess snow and caught her breath as the one face she had dreamt of for so long stood staring back at her through the cascading flakes falling all around.
“Hello, Sophia.” Carter had silently followed Sophia up the stairs and stood so close she could feel his breath on her cheeks. She closed her eyes as a single tear escaped and her breath released in a half sob. Her knees went weak and Carter reached to catch her as she swayed.
Carter pulled her close, holding her in an embrace that seemed to transcend time. He inhaled her scent as a tear of his own escaped. Sophia wrapped her arms around his waist for support but refused to look into his face.
“Are you really here?” Sophia said against his chest, afraid she was dreaming and it would all disappear.
“Yes, sweetheart. I made it back to you.” Scooping her up in his arms he swept the door wide with his foot and carried her into her house as she cuddled up next to him, burying her face in the side of his neck.
Carter walked int the living room and tried to put her down on the chair by the fireplace but Sophia wouldn’t let go, her eyes red and overflowing with tears.
“I’m here now, sweetheart.” Carter soothed. “You don’t know how much I’ve missed you.” He said as he rubbed circles on her back.
Still, Sophia couldn’t make a coherent word as she silently wept, clutching him close. Carter held her tight and settled them both on the chair, cradling her in his lap. Reaching up, Carter smoothed her hair and marveled at the feel of it against his skin. This was better than any dream he had ever had.
“Where have you been?” Sophia finally found her voice and asked the question that had burned in her mind for those long twelve months.
“There are things about me you were never told.” Carter said with hesitation. “I never had the chance.”
Blinking through the tears, Sophia looked into his face fully for the first time. She noticed the long scar that split the side of this face, starting from the top of his hair line and extending down past his neck, disappearing into the top of his shirt.
“What . . . what happened?” Sophia reached up and tenderly touched the puckered skin, angry against his perfect complexion. Carter flinched at her touch and turned his head away. Setting her gently on the floor he stood and walked over to the fireplace, grabbing a piece of wood, paper, and a match. He went to work on the fire while Sophia looked on in silence until a flame roared to life against the bricks.
Carter stood and slowly turned toward Sophia who was still cautiously watching his every move. Shame filled his features as he dropped his head and went to sit back in the chair. With tenderness Sophia walked to the chair and dropped to her knees, looking up into his eyes. Her hair hung to the side and he instinctively ran his fingers through the wavy locks.
“Carter, please talk to me.” Her eyes were still rimmed red but the love he saw deep inside was his undoing.
“Last time we saw each other was almost a year ago. You don’t know how I’ve longed to be here again. How I’ve longed to send you word of where I was but couldn’t.” Confusion crossed her face and he closed his eyes against the pain. Gently Sophia reached up and cradled his scared face in her hands, this time he didn’t move away.
With a heavy sigh Carter finally let the story that plagued his dreams free.
“I never told you much of my family. You know I am an only child but what I didn’t tell you was who my family was, exactly. See, most people wanted to be with me for my money and I wanted to make sure this time it was for real.” Carter stole a glance at Sophia, still kneeling in front of him and caressing his cheek. He grabbed her hands in his and coaxed her from the floor before settling her back on his lap, tucking her head against his chest and wrapping his arms around her like a protective cocoon. Rubbing small circles against her back, he found the strength to go on.
“My father was one of the wealthiest men in the world. He was always a target for, unsavory, people who wanted to gain from his wealth. To protect me, he changed my last name to my mother’s maiden name to help keep me safe. He did all he could, but it just wasn’t enough.”
Carter felt her inhale a sharp breath as she tightened her arms around his shoulders, but she kept silent as he continued.
“The last day we were together I received a call from my mother. My father had been kidnapped and they feared the worst. I left here thinking that we would find him and all would be well. I was planning on telling you that night just who I really was.”
Sophia looked up into his deep green eyes as another tear slipped down her cheek. With his thumb he gently swept it away and kissed the wet trail it left.
“You said, was. What happened?” Sophia said through the emotion choking her voice.
“When I got home I found my mother unconscious on the floor and my father missing. I called the ambulance but she never made it to the hospital. She was pronounced dead on arrival.” Carter’s voice cracked with raw emotion as he fought the panic rising in his chest. Tamping it down, he held Sophia tighter and concentrated on his breathing.
“The Carmichael’s?” Sophia said with understanding. “Your family was the Carmichael family? Oh Carter!”
Sophia remembered the tragedy on the news a year ago. Kelly Carmichael had been found in her home unconscious from an apparent heart attack after she came home to discover her husband had been kidnapped. Her son, whom remained unidentified, had also disappeared and it was feared he had been kidnapped along with his father, Royce. Royce’s body turned up at the docks later that evening and the only sign of their son was the abandoned car and spattering of blood. For fear that he was in hiding, they kept his picture out of the media, only releasing his name; Royce C. Carmichael, II.
“I had no idea.” Sophia cradled Carters face in her hands and fought back a fresh wave of tears. Carter continued as if she hadn’t said anything, trying hard to get his story out.
“After I found my mother and called for an ambulance the kidnappers called my phone and told me to meet them if I wanted to get my father back. I was stupid thinking I could handle them by myself and I drove to meet them. They had already killed my father and attacked me when I showed up on the docks. That’s where I got this.” Carter grabbed Sophia’s hand and guided it along the length of the scar on his face.
“They took me out to sea on the boat and beat me off and on for some time, which I found out later was close to a month. I lost track of time. The only thing that got me through was seeing your face every time I blacked out.” Still holding Sophia’s hand in his, he raised it to his lips and kissed each finger.
“They finally took me back ashore, deciding it has been long enough for the news to die down and they were anxious to get to my trust fund. Since they had killed my father and mother had a heart attack, I was the only one who could access our family accounts. Their plan was to drain everything and disappear, after they killed me.”
Sophia shuttered at the thought of Carter being beaten and alone with no thought of help. Her own torment had been nothing compared to his.
“At the bank everything fell apart for them. The FBI working the case had people stationed at every bank, on the off chance that they would be stupid enough to take me there. My picture, which had been kept from the media, was shown only to those working the case and when I entered the bank, the FBI were on them in no time.”
“That was months ago. Why didn’t you come back sooner?” The hurt was evident in Sophia’s eyes.
“It wasn’t over for me. The men they caught in the bank were the front runners, not the mastermind behind it all. I was put in protective custody until they found the man responsible for orchestration the whole operation. The arrest was made just three days ago and I finally begged them enough to let me come home.” Carter gently grabbed Sophia’s face in his hands and looked deep into her eyes.
“I wrote to you every day I was gone, every day I dreamt of you, every day you were the one thing I had to keep me going. I lost everything that mattered to me that night. I didn’t know if I would ever see you again and it almost killed me.”
Sophia rested her hands on top of his as he gently held her face in his hands, his thumbs catching each tear as it dropped from her eyes.
“I’ve thought of you every day too. I didn’t know what happened to you but I held on for so long. I was a mess, Carter. I felt like I couldn’t breathe without you.” Sophia ran her hands down his arms and she felt him shiver underneath her touch. She snaked her hands around his neck and gently pulled him to her, dropping soft kisses along his scar.
The intensity he felt was too much, he moved one of his hands to the back of her head while the other tightened around her waist and he closed the small distance that remained between them. Taking her with a kiss so deep and full of need they both moaned with sheer pleasure.
Finally breaking the kiss Cater placed his forehead against hers and closed his eyes.
“I wasn’t sure you would let me explain.” Carter’s voice was shaking with the tense emotions he felt.
“Shhh. . .” Sophia placed a finger on his lips to keep him from saying anymore. Carter kissed her finger tip.
“I want to show you something. Will you come with me?” Carter asked, a little hesitant.
“I will go with you anywhere.” Sophia smiled and dropped another kiss on his lips.
Standing, Carter held tight to Sophia’s hand and led her to the door. Handing her the coat, hat, and gloves she shed when they first arrived, he grabbed his own and they left the apartment.
Twenty minutes later Carter and Sophia stood in front of the ice rink in the middle of the beautiful snowcapped trees, just like they had done a year ago.
“It’s still so beautiful. I’m surprised it is still here.” Sophia said as she made her way to the wall encasing the rink. The shovel was still in place but it wasn’t as maintained as it has been before.
“I’m glad it is still here. I went through a lot of trouble to have it built.” Carter said with a sly grin.
“You built this?” Sophia looked at Carter with wonder. “But why?”
“Because; I wanted to do this.” Carter knelt before Sophia and pulled out a small box. Sophia caught her breath and slapped her hand over her mouth.
“Last year I wanted our Christmas to be perfect and this rink was my way of asking you to make memories with me, like you did with your family. I never had the chance, but I never stopped dreaming about you, and the thought of this moment is the only thing that has gotten me back here; back to you.” Carter lifted the lid to show a beautiful princess cut diamond set in white gold, surrounded by smaller cut stones along the band. Sophia’s eyes brimmed again with tears, but this time ones of joy rather than shock.
“My proposal failed last year and I’ve waited so long. Please, Sophia, marry me. I can’t function without you, without your love I would die a thousand deaths. Please, be my wife.”
Sophia dropped to her knees in front of him and looked intently into his eyes. With the smallest nod reached for him, pulling him close as she whispered the one word in his ear that Carter waited, what felt like a lifetime, to hear.
“Yes.”
From the window of the Second Street Beauty Salon the somber grey clouds were impressive as they swirled high above the tree line outside. All the leaves had disappeared, people were retreating from the sidewalks into their homes, and the outside streetlights began lighting the darkening sky one by one. The chilly air promised a dusting of snow, if not more, by the end of the day and this was usually one of her most favorite times of year, at least it used to be . . . before him, before Carter.
Inside the cozy salon Sophia tried hard to keep a light air about her, but was failing miserably. Carrie, Sophia’s best friend since the eighth grade, tried to pull her out of her darkening mood.
“I’m so glad you came in today, Soph!” Carrie said with enthusiasm as she swept the hair from her last customer into the vacuum. “I’ve been dying to do something different with your hair since, like, forever!” She shot a quick smile at Sophia and noticed the look of uncertainty in her eyes. “It’s going to be great . . . don’t worry!”
Sophia watched Carrie finish sweeping the hair into the small vacuum contraption that sucked up each stray strand into the small container. Carrie’s cropped blonde hair sported pink streaks in her bangs that framed her face. Her blue eyes danced in the halogen light of the beauty shop. She was short, spunky, and full of life. Nothing seemed to get her down, no wonder she could pull off the cute pixie cut like no other. If anyone could work magic on Sophia’s hair, it was Carrie. Smiling, Sophia nodded slightly trying to hid the face that there was more than hair on her mind.
“Do you know what you want to do?” Carried asked as she motioned Sophia to sit in the chair and covered her with the slick black cap to catch the newly cut pieces. “Your hair is so long since you stopped cutting it. What’s it been? A year at least.”
“Almost a year.” Sophia donned a smile that didn’t belie the pain she felt. It had been almost a year since she cared about anything, including her hair. Carter always loved how she kept her hair in a perfect A-Line that framed her face and brought out the blue of her eyes. Her deep burgundy color gave the illusion of a creamy porcelain doll complexion and he always loved the way her facial features were enhanced by her simple, yet elegant style. He always told her that. But when Carter left the week before Christmas last year without a word, Sophia gave up on almost everything.
“So, what are we going to do?” Carrie began combing through the long locks that hung limp down Sophia’s back. “I love your color and I think we should do something to show off your face again. Get you out there for the world to see.”
“I’ll trust you, just make me look good.” Sophia said, closing her eyes to the pain of her memories. She was determined to let the past go from now on and this trip to the salon was her first step.
“Awww, sweetie! You are already gaawwgeous!!!” Carried gave her a quick embrace from behind and watched as Sophia held back the giggle at her attempt of a long southern drawl. “Just lay back and let me do my work.”
Carrie swung the chair around and laid her back to put in a quick shampoo and conditioning treatment. Sophia’s mind drifted back to the last day she spent with Carter, one of the happiest days of her life. All the pain aside, she knew she wouldn’t trade any of the moments she spent with him for anything.
~~~~
Beautiful snowcapped trees lined the homemade ice-skating rink in the center of the tiny area. Carter handed Sophia her newly sharpened skates before he grabbed his own and shut the trunk of the car. Holding hands they made their way down to the rink and dusted off the bench by the edge of the ice.
“Looks like we have this rink all to ourselves.” Carter said as he sat beside Sophia and started to exchange his shoes for skates. “I’ll have to shovel off the rink first.”
“It’s so beautiful, isn’t it?” Sophia said as she looked out over the artificially lit skating rink.
“Yes, beautiful is the word I was going to choose.” Carter replied, watching Sophia as she closed her eyes to feel the air around her. Although Sophia missed the direct reference to his feelings for her, if anyone had been around to notice, it would have been obvious to all. She was the most beautiful creature in the world to him.
Clearing his throat he went back to donning his skates before he stood and grabbed the shovel. Carter stepped onto the snow covered ice and began shoveling the top layer as he circled the rink. Sophia watched as he made his way around the rink, marveling at the fact that he found this small rink in the middle of nowhere. She had mentioned her love for skating and how her family used to go to a rink similar to this one and skate together often. The practice of outside rinks died out when many patrons sued over falling on rinks not kept by the city. So when Carter found this small private one, it was like going back to a childhood she loved and cherished.
Waiting by the side of the rink Sophia admired Carter from afar. His golden hair poked out of the front of his cap and his green eyes shown in the moonlight of the night. Broad shoulders worked vigorously with each push of the shovel against the ice. His sweater clung to his torso and showed off his great physic. Meeting him was the best thing that ever happened to her.
Smiling she watched as he came closer and put the shovel back where he got it before he lifted the small portable CD player and placed it on the wall, starting the music. He grabbed her hand, placing her arm around his neck and lifting her gracefully over the wall onto the ice.
“Are you ready?” He asked as he kissed her nose and put his arms around her waist, pushing her backwards onto the middle of the ice.
“Yes.” Was her breathless reply, her hands laced behind his strong neck as she fingered the loosed strands that hung out of his cap in the back.
Together they skated around the rink, staring into each other’s eyes and listening to the music float through the still night air. Neither one willing to break the spell of this magical moment, they skated in silence and listened to the music of Thompson Square ring through the night.
“I love this song. It reminds me of you.” Carter spoke so silently she almost didn’t hear him. Listening to the words of the song, Sophia smiled. This life would kill me if I didn’t have you. Couldn’t live without you, baby. I wouldn’t want to.
The declaration was so unexpected Sophia was at a loss for words but the smile she gave shone bright through the night. Carter maneuvered her to the side of the rink and rested on the wall before pulling her close and holding her tight against his chest. His chin rested on the top of her head and he inhaled her scent deep into his soul. She sighed against his chest and wound her arms around his waist, hooking her fingers in his belt loops.
Moments passed before he pulled his body back, forcing her to look up into his darkened green eyes, full of need. His mouth came down on hers as he claimed her for his own, taking full possession with a deep kiss that warmed her entire body.
That kiss was the last thing she had to remind her of Carter before he left. Moments later he received an urgent phone call that had him packing up and running off to heaven knows where. Before he dropped her off at her house that night, he promised to tell her everything when he could and begged her not to be careful. He was gone the next day and she never heard from him again.
~~~~
“Did you hear he’s back?” Carrie asked, pulling Sophia back from the most wonderful yet painful memory. She was putting the towel around her hair and sitting her up to start the cut.
“I heard.”
“Mary told me she saw him at the supermarket this afternoon. She said he’s really changed but he still is as handsome as ever.” Carried started pulling the comb through her hair and Sophia just smiled in reply. “Have you heard from him yet?”
“No, I don’t think I expected to.” Sophia focused on the mirror and stared deep into her own eyes.
“Don’t give up hope.” Carried tried to reassure her, but it was in vain.
“It’s okay. I’ve moved on. So, what about this nest? What are you going to do?”
“Just sit back and let me do my thang!”
Carter stood outside the salon in the darkened street watching as Carrie combed out and began cutting Sophia’s hair. It was so much longer now but still the same deep cinnamon color he remembered in his dreams. His dreams didn’t do her justice. Her skin was still the pale porcelain color and her blue eyes were like deep sapphires jewels. But there was a sadness clouding them that had never been there before. An ache formed in the pit of his stomach knowing he was the cause of that pain and he wondered how much he would have to beg for her forgiveness. He didn’t want to think what he would do if she refused to talk to him or hear him out.
Having to leave was the hardest thing he had ever done, and he still questioned the wisdom of keeping the reasons a secret. Every day he wrote to her, declaring his love and devotion, explaining how much he missed her. But he never mailed the letters, he couldn’t. Instead he saved each one in a shoebox with his personals just in case he never made it home. But he did make it home, and now he stood outside the small salon and waited. For what, he wasn’t sure, but staring through the dark at the one face that got him through the last year was enough to bring tears to his eyes.
The door opened with a bell chime and he watched as Carrie gave Sophia a hug before she closed the door and switched the sign to read ‘Closed’. Sophia shook her still long locks and swept them up into her knit hat before she stepped into the new snow starting to fall all around.
Sophia looked up into the sky and stretched her hands out to catch the flakes falling from above before she started her journey home. She didn’t notice when Carter emerged from the darkened shadows and fell in step behind her, following her to her apartment building.
Carefully walking up the steps Sohpia used her key to open the door while she stomped off the snow from her boots. Taking off her hat she turned to shake the excess snow and caught her breath as the one face she had dreamt of for so long stood staring back at her through the cascading flakes falling all around.
“Hello, Sophia.” Carter had silently followed Sophia up the stairs and stood so close she could feel his breath on her cheeks. She closed her eyes as a single tear escaped and her breath released in a half sob. Her knees went weak and Carter reached to catch her as she swayed.
Carter pulled her close, holding her in an embrace that seemed to transcend time. He inhaled her scent as a tear of his own escaped. Sophia wrapped her arms around his waist for support but refused to look into his face.
“Are you really here?” Sophia said against his chest, afraid she was dreaming and it would all disappear.
“Yes, sweetheart. I made it back to you.” Scooping her up in his arms he swept the door wide with his foot and carried her into her house as she cuddled up next to him, burying her face in the side of his neck.
Carter walked int the living room and tried to put her down on the chair by the fireplace but Sophia wouldn’t let go, her eyes red and overflowing with tears.
“I’m here now, sweetheart.” Carter soothed. “You don’t know how much I’ve missed you.” He said as he rubbed circles on her back.
Still, Sophia couldn’t make a coherent word as she silently wept, clutching him close. Carter held her tight and settled them both on the chair, cradling her in his lap. Reaching up, Carter smoothed her hair and marveled at the feel of it against his skin. This was better than any dream he had ever had.
“Where have you been?” Sophia finally found her voice and asked the question that had burned in her mind for those long twelve months.
“There are things about me you were never told.” Carter said with hesitation. “I never had the chance.”
Blinking through the tears, Sophia looked into his face fully for the first time. She noticed the long scar that split the side of this face, starting from the top of his hair line and extending down past his neck, disappearing into the top of his shirt.
“What . . . what happened?” Sophia reached up and tenderly touched the puckered skin, angry against his perfect complexion. Carter flinched at her touch and turned his head away. Setting her gently on the floor he stood and walked over to the fireplace, grabbing a piece of wood, paper, and a match. He went to work on the fire while Sophia looked on in silence until a flame roared to life against the bricks.
Carter stood and slowly turned toward Sophia who was still cautiously watching his every move. Shame filled his features as he dropped his head and went to sit back in the chair. With tenderness Sophia walked to the chair and dropped to her knees, looking up into his eyes. Her hair hung to the side and he instinctively ran his fingers through the wavy locks.
“Carter, please talk to me.” Her eyes were still rimmed red but the love he saw deep inside was his undoing.
“Last time we saw each other was almost a year ago. You don’t know how I’ve longed to be here again. How I’ve longed to send you word of where I was but couldn’t.” Confusion crossed her face and he closed his eyes against the pain. Gently Sophia reached up and cradled his scared face in her hands, this time he didn’t move away.
With a heavy sigh Carter finally let the story that plagued his dreams free.
“I never told you much of my family. You know I am an only child but what I didn’t tell you was who my family was, exactly. See, most people wanted to be with me for my money and I wanted to make sure this time it was for real.” Carter stole a glance at Sophia, still kneeling in front of him and caressing his cheek. He grabbed her hands in his and coaxed her from the floor before settling her back on his lap, tucking her head against his chest and wrapping his arms around her like a protective cocoon. Rubbing small circles against her back, he found the strength to go on.
“My father was one of the wealthiest men in the world. He was always a target for, unsavory, people who wanted to gain from his wealth. To protect me, he changed my last name to my mother’s maiden name to help keep me safe. He did all he could, but it just wasn’t enough.”
Carter felt her inhale a sharp breath as she tightened her arms around his shoulders, but she kept silent as he continued.
“The last day we were together I received a call from my mother. My father had been kidnapped and they feared the worst. I left here thinking that we would find him and all would be well. I was planning on telling you that night just who I really was.”
Sophia looked up into his deep green eyes as another tear slipped down her cheek. With his thumb he gently swept it away and kissed the wet trail it left.
“You said, was. What happened?” Sophia said through the emotion choking her voice.
“When I got home I found my mother unconscious on the floor and my father missing. I called the ambulance but she never made it to the hospital. She was pronounced dead on arrival.” Carter’s voice cracked with raw emotion as he fought the panic rising in his chest. Tamping it down, he held Sophia tighter and concentrated on his breathing.
“The Carmichael’s?” Sophia said with understanding. “Your family was the Carmichael family? Oh Carter!”
Sophia remembered the tragedy on the news a year ago. Kelly Carmichael had been found in her home unconscious from an apparent heart attack after she came home to discover her husband had been kidnapped. Her son, whom remained unidentified, had also disappeared and it was feared he had been kidnapped along with his father, Royce. Royce’s body turned up at the docks later that evening and the only sign of their son was the abandoned car and spattering of blood. For fear that he was in hiding, they kept his picture out of the media, only releasing his name; Royce C. Carmichael, II.
“I had no idea.” Sophia cradled Carters face in her hands and fought back a fresh wave of tears. Carter continued as if she hadn’t said anything, trying hard to get his story out.
“After I found my mother and called for an ambulance the kidnappers called my phone and told me to meet them if I wanted to get my father back. I was stupid thinking I could handle them by myself and I drove to meet them. They had already killed my father and attacked me when I showed up on the docks. That’s where I got this.” Carter grabbed Sophia’s hand and guided it along the length of the scar on his face.
“They took me out to sea on the boat and beat me off and on for some time, which I found out later was close to a month. I lost track of time. The only thing that got me through was seeing your face every time I blacked out.” Still holding Sophia’s hand in his, he raised it to his lips and kissed each finger.
“They finally took me back ashore, deciding it has been long enough for the news to die down and they were anxious to get to my trust fund. Since they had killed my father and mother had a heart attack, I was the only one who could access our family accounts. Their plan was to drain everything and disappear, after they killed me.”
Sophia shuttered at the thought of Carter being beaten and alone with no thought of help. Her own torment had been nothing compared to his.
“At the bank everything fell apart for them. The FBI working the case had people stationed at every bank, on the off chance that they would be stupid enough to take me there. My picture, which had been kept from the media, was shown only to those working the case and when I entered the bank, the FBI were on them in no time.”
“That was months ago. Why didn’t you come back sooner?” The hurt was evident in Sophia’s eyes.
“It wasn’t over for me. The men they caught in the bank were the front runners, not the mastermind behind it all. I was put in protective custody until they found the man responsible for orchestration the whole operation. The arrest was made just three days ago and I finally begged them enough to let me come home.” Carter gently grabbed Sophia’s face in his hands and looked deep into her eyes.
“I wrote to you every day I was gone, every day I dreamt of you, every day you were the one thing I had to keep me going. I lost everything that mattered to me that night. I didn’t know if I would ever see you again and it almost killed me.”
Sophia rested her hands on top of his as he gently held her face in his hands, his thumbs catching each tear as it dropped from her eyes.
“I’ve thought of you every day too. I didn’t know what happened to you but I held on for so long. I was a mess, Carter. I felt like I couldn’t breathe without you.” Sophia ran her hands down his arms and she felt him shiver underneath her touch. She snaked her hands around his neck and gently pulled him to her, dropping soft kisses along his scar.
The intensity he felt was too much, he moved one of his hands to the back of her head while the other tightened around her waist and he closed the small distance that remained between them. Taking her with a kiss so deep and full of need they both moaned with sheer pleasure.
Finally breaking the kiss Cater placed his forehead against hers and closed his eyes.
“I wasn’t sure you would let me explain.” Carter’s voice was shaking with the tense emotions he felt.
“Shhh. . .” Sophia placed a finger on his lips to keep him from saying anymore. Carter kissed her finger tip.
“I want to show you something. Will you come with me?” Carter asked, a little hesitant.
“I will go with you anywhere.” Sophia smiled and dropped another kiss on his lips.
Standing, Carter held tight to Sophia’s hand and led her to the door. Handing her the coat, hat, and gloves she shed when they first arrived, he grabbed his own and they left the apartment.
Twenty minutes later Carter and Sophia stood in front of the ice rink in the middle of the beautiful snowcapped trees, just like they had done a year ago.
“It’s still so beautiful. I’m surprised it is still here.” Sophia said as she made her way to the wall encasing the rink. The shovel was still in place but it wasn’t as maintained as it has been before.
“I’m glad it is still here. I went through a lot of trouble to have it built.” Carter said with a sly grin.
“You built this?” Sophia looked at Carter with wonder. “But why?”
“Because; I wanted to do this.” Carter knelt before Sophia and pulled out a small box. Sophia caught her breath and slapped her hand over her mouth.
“Last year I wanted our Christmas to be perfect and this rink was my way of asking you to make memories with me, like you did with your family. I never had the chance, but I never stopped dreaming about you, and the thought of this moment is the only thing that has gotten me back here; back to you.” Carter lifted the lid to show a beautiful princess cut diamond set in white gold, surrounded by smaller cut stones along the band. Sophia’s eyes brimmed again with tears, but this time ones of joy rather than shock.
“My proposal failed last year and I’ve waited so long. Please, Sophia, marry me. I can’t function without you, without your love I would die a thousand deaths. Please, be my wife.”
Sophia dropped to her knees in front of him and looked intently into his eyes. With the smallest nod reached for him, pulling him close as she whispered the one word in his ear that Carter waited, what felt like a lifetime, to hear.
“Yes.”