A Bride Worth Waiting For by Jeanie Smith Cash Page A

got back into the car.
    “Long stem roses, huh?” Bet that set you back a pretty penny.’ Scott grinned.
    Hunter whistled. “I sure hope she’s worth it.”
    “She is, I assure you.” Cole smiled.
    The guys took Cole back to the Lodge and picked up their luggage, they had to return the rental car and catch their plane back to Springfield. “Have a good flight and plan to come up again before I leave in the spring.” Cole gave them a three way hug.
    “Take care, Buddy. I wish you the best with Bethany.” Chancelor laid his hand on Cole’s shoulder.
    “Yeah, Keep in touch and let us know what’s happening.” Scott playfully slapped him on the back.
    “We’ll expect an email frequently with updates.” Hunter grinned.
    “Don’t worry you’ll hear from me. But all kidding aside, it means a lot that you guys came. You’re the best. Take care and have a safe trip back.”
    Cole picked up the flowers from the table where he’d set them to say goodbye to his friends and headed up to Bethany’s room. He hoped she’d done okay today. He’d thought about calling he’d been anxious about how she was doing, but he needed to take it slow, so he decided maybe he should just wait and talk to her this evening.
    Melanie answered the door when he knocked. “Hi, Cole. Come on in.”
    “Hi, Melanie. How’s Bethany?”
    “She’s doing pretty good as you can see for yourself.”
 She indicated Bethany on the sofa when he walked into the room.
    “Hi, you look great. These are for you. ” Cole handed her the vase and flowers. He loved the way her eyes lit up as she opened the box.
    “Oh, Cole.” She gasped and smiled brightly at him. They’re beautiful. Pink roses are my favorite. Thank you!”
    Melanie helped Bethany arrange the flowers in the vase and place them on the coffee table where she could enjoy them.
    “Oh, they’re so pretty. I love them, Cole. This was so nice of you.”
    Obviously the flowers were a hit, Cole was glad he’d decided to get them. It won’t be dark for another hour or so. I thought maybe you’d like to get out for a bit. Would you feel like going into Incline Village for an ice cream? Mack said we could take the SUV.”
    “I’d like that.” Bethany smiled. “But it won’t be very easy getting down to the car.”
    “I’ll get you there. Your grandfather pulled their wheelchair out of the storage room and I brought it up with me.” Cole helped Bethany into the chair. He whisked her downstairs and into the car. Within ten minutes they were on their way to the Village.
    “At least it isn’t snowing tonight.” Bethany glanced out the window.
    “No, it was earlier, but it was light. Not too much accumulation today.”
    They drove in silence for the next few minutes. “Cole, I feel I owe you an explanation for turning you down so many times when you asked me to go out with you.”
    Cole glanced over at her. ”Not unless you just want to, Darlin, you’re here with me now, so that’s all that matters.”
    “You’ve been so patient. Not once did you get upset, you’ve been so gracious.”
    “Spending time with you was worth waiting for.” He smiled.
    “Thank you. It isn’t personal, I assure you. I had a bad relationship two years ago, and I’m just leery of getting hurt like that again.”
    Cole looked over at her. “I’ll never hurt you, Bethany.”
    She looked up at him for a moment and then nodded. “I believe you mean that, Cole.”
    “I do mean it. I give you my word and I don’t give it lightly.”
    “Somehow that doesn’t surprise me. I’d like to give us a chance, Cole, but I can’t help but be a little afraid to get involved again.”
    “Don’t be afraid of me, Bethany. I promise if you’ll give us that chance you won’t be sorry.”
    He waited quietly to give her all the time she needed to think about this.
    “Okay, Cole. I really like you so I’m going to trust you.”
    Cole reached over and squeezed her hand gently. He smiled as he pulled