Bouquet: Sequel to 'In Full Bloom': The Trilogy of the Rose (Volume 3) by B. A. Beers Page A

auditory function — talk to her, utilize her music.  I also favor the sense of smell — her paints, flowers, your baking skills, Grandma Jo.  Basically, give her a reason to mend, a reason to return,” Mark offered.
     
    “Tall task,” Gus stated.
     
    “True, but in my opinion, the only option,” Mark affirmed.
     
    Woof’s deep bark caught them off guard.  “What is it, Woof?” Gus asked as both dogs raced to the door, barking.  “Must have heard something.”
     
    Mark hurried to the door.  “It could be David,” he suggested, reaching and opening the door around the two barking dogs.  The dogs darted out before him. “Stay on the porch,” Mark ordered as he spotted his red truck slowly traverse the deep snow into the clearing. Both dogs stopped barking and looked at him.  “You heard me,” he said forcefully, moving to the top of the steps. Keeping his eyes locked on the windshield, he viewed not only David and Ollie, but a woman in the passenger seat.
     
    “Reinforcements?” Gus asked behind Mark.
     
    Without turning, Mark replied, wondering about the unknown passenger.  “You could say that.  It is our ticket out of here; my 4X4 truck can handle the deep snow.”
     
    “It is more than that.  That is Linda,” Gus said, walking down the steps followed by the dogs, then Mark.
     
    “Linda?” Mark asked.
     
    “Yes, sir,” Gus replied.
     
    ***
     

 
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
    TWELVE
     
     
     
    M ark watched the strawberry-blonde, petite woman as she climbed out of the passenger side and waved to Gus.  “Thought that was your truck blocking the road,” she stated, stepping into the snow. 
     
    Nodding, Gus responded, “Didn’t expect company.”
     
    “Where is she?” Linda asked, looking at the porch and seeing Grandma Jo and then, Mark.  “Dr.  Stevens?”
     
    “Yes,” Mark answered, looking at David sternly.
     
    “Don’t get all bent out of shape.  I am Linda, Sami’s friend,” she directed.  “I didn’t give him an option.”
     
    “I. . .,“ David started as he shrugged his shoulders, opening the wing door to release Ollie from the cab of the truck.  “She was at Sami’s house this morning.”
     
    “Explain,” Mark directed as he bent down to greet his anxious dog who was being checked out by Woof. “Tell Woof to back off, Gus.”
     
    “Woof,” Gus called.
     
    “I suggest you all come inside,” Grandma Jo called.  “You’ll freeze out here.  I’ll make more coffee.”
     
    Mark looked up to see David move to the bed of the truck.  “Leave it.  We are not staying,” he ordered, turning to the cabin.
     
    “Why?” Linda asked, stepping over to him.
     
    “You’ll see,” Mark replied.
     
    “What is that supposed to mean?” Linda asked in an annoyed voice.  “Where is Sami?”
     
    “Inside,” Mark stated, not looking at her.
     
    “What happened?” Linda asked as she rushed ahead of him into the cabin.
     
    “She is on the couch,” Mark called out to her, seeing her disappear into the cabin.
     
    “What’s up?” David asked.  “Do you know about her son?”
     
    “Yes,” Mark replied, pointing to Gus.  “David, meet Gus.”  As the two men exchanged nods, Mark added, “Gus is a friend of Sami’s and caretaker of this cabin.  David is a member of my support team.”  He entered the cabin and saw Linda on the floor in front of Sami. 
     
    “Sami?” Linda called softly, reaching out to touch Sami’s face.
     
    Mark watched for a response from Sami to her friend’s voice and touch.  Witnessing no visible response from Sami, he shook his head.  A feeling of disappointment cascaded over him.  He hadn’t realized that he had hoped Linda’s presence would awaken Sami.  Linda wasn’t the trigger.  “Let’s all sit,” he directed, taking off the coat and hanging it on the peg near the door.
     
    “What is wrong with her now?” Linda asked, gaining her feet and walking over to the