What If

  Chapter 24

  The Surprise

  As she drove up the hill at the campground, Heather tried to plan her words carefully. She didn’t want to upset Duncan or scare him off. She wasn’t even sure she could convince him that Ian was in her past and that she cared for him for him, not his looks. She had dressed so carefully, wearing the lavender plaid skirt and scarf that she had chosen. She wanted to look Scottish and perfect. How could she start the conversation? Perhaps she could wait until he told her what was on his mind. That might help her decide what to say. But what if he didn’t want her in any more of a relationship than they already had? Could it be that he would be content to remain only friends? Maybe a companion wouldn’t fit into his life style. The fifth wheel was designed mainly for a single man.

  She turned the corner of the street in the campground where he had parked before. There were not too many recreational vehicles parked on the row, but she could see his was not yet there. Neither of them had counted on difficult traffic. He might have even run into some mechanical problem. But then, he would have called her on her cell phone. She was sure of that. Heather parked the car where it wouldn’t interfere with his pulling in the fifth wheel. The sun had not yet set and it was a lovely night. A good evening for a short walk on the dunes. She wrote a short note telling Duncan where she was headed. Then she took a small flashlight out of the glove compartment, put it in her jacket pocket (just in case). No sense in carrying her purse, so she placed it in the trunk and the keys joined the flashlight. Then she headed toward the dunes. She hadn’t been there since Duncan had walked her there a few weeks back. But it had left such an impression on her. She wouldn’t walk too far into the dunes, afraid she could get lost. Although, surely she would run into some dog walkers.

  As she approached the fence and the opening, she didn’t see anyone. But she promised herself that she would not stray past the heavily walked sand area. It was so beautiful. The sand seemed so soft, but she hesitated to take off her shoes. Never knew what might be skittering in the sand.

  The sun setting on the multi-shaded sand was breathtaking. It was again as if she were on a real desert with no civilization near. There was a light roaring sound in the far distance, but she knew that to be just the traffic rather than the sound of the nearby ocean. It was such a deceptive area.

  She turned around to get her bearings and make sure she could see the campground. There was someone not too far behind her, but the sun was going down faster than she had anticipated and all she could see was a large shadow. Good; someone walking their dog. For a moment, she hesitated to talk to the person. From the height, it had to be a man, although she didn’t see a dog. Might be a small one. Well, as long as there was someone within calling distance, she felt safe to go on. It was getting darker. It would be best if she just turned and went back. The shadow was still heading her way. If she didn’t see the campground, she would ask his help. She pulled out her flashlight to make sure of her footing. It wouldn’t do to trip and possibly injure herself. Other than the man nearby, there didn’t seem to be anyone else. Possibly the other campers were too smart to walk out here after dark. And if this man didn’t see her, surely he would see the glare of the small flashlight. Maybe if she called out to him, he would direct her back to the camp.

  “Hello”, she called out toward the shadowy figure.

  She knew she had called out loud enough, but he didn’t answer. Perhaps he hadn’t heard.

  “Hello, hello there.” She raised her voice. He had to have heard her then. The figure came closer. He didn’t answer, but was coming closer. She shined the flashlight in his direction. There didn’t seem to be a dog with him. Why didn’t he answer?

  “Can you help me, please? I just need to be pointed in the right direction to get back to the campground.” She didn’t raise the flashlight to his face, not wanting to disturb him with the glare.

  “Mhmm.” He murmured in assent as he took her hand.

  “Thank you. I feel so foolish. It got dark so soon,” she said as he led her back toward the fence.

  “Mmm,” again no words. Who was this man who refused to talk? He seemed to be leading her right. Was there something wrong with him? Could it be that he didn’t speak?

  “I really canna thank you enough.” As they neared the fence and the lights of the campground, she could see some of his features. She shouldn’t have worried. It was Duncan, but why didn’t he speak? Had he lost his voice somehow? He let go of her hand and stepped back into the shadows and back into the dunes. “Duncan, what is wrong with you? Don’t go.” She called after the retreating figure. She hesitated. If she followed him, she could get lost again. Why did he leave?

  Just as she was about to go against her own feelings, a man came running down the road toward her. He called her name. It was Duncan. But how could it be? He had just let go of her hand and disappeared back into the dunes. Heather fainted.