Love's Truth

by C. A. Popovich

  Love’s Truth

  Synopsis

  Lynette McCarthy was twelve years old when her parents pledged sole loyalty to a charismatic cult leader. At twenty-four, she escaped, armed with the hope that there was a better and kinder world outside. Healing from the trauma of the past and making a life for herself in a new world is a long and challenging process. When she meets a sexy conservation officer, her vow to never be vulnerable again is put to the ultimate test.

  Growing up in a military family, Barb Donnelly has pride and a sense of duty. She loves her job as a conservation officer in the upper peninsula of Michigan but needs some time away. In the Wisconsin Dells, she meets the mysteriously reserved Lynette, who captures her attention like no other.

  Just when Lynette believes she’s beginning to trust her heart again, her past catches up with her and her secret threatens to destroy her chance at happiness.

  Love’s Truth

  Brought to you by

  eBooks from Bold Strokes Books, Inc.

  http://www.boldstrokesbooks.com

  eBooks are not transferable. They cannot be sold, shared or given away as it is an infringement on the copyright of this work.

  Please respect the rights of the author and do not file share.

  Love’s Truth

  © 2021 By C.A. Popovich. All Rights Reserved.

  ISBN 13: 978-1-63555-756-5

  This Electronic Original Is Published By

  Bold Strokes Books, Inc.

  P.O. Box 249

  Valley Falls, NY 12185

  First Edition: March 2021

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

  This book, or parts thereof, may not be reproduced in any form without permission.

  Credits

  Editors: Victoria Villaseñor and Stacia Seaman

  Production Design: Stacia Seaman

  Cover Design by Tammy Seidick

  eBook Design by Toni Whitaker

  By the Author

  Edge of Awareness

  The Courage to Try

  Imperfect Truth

  Love Came Calling

  Through Love’s Eyes

  Love’s Truth

  Acknowledgments

  The idea for this book, as do many of mine, came from my local news. A couple went to Hawaii and left their kids behind. It turned out that they were involved in a cult in Idaho and no one knew where their kids were. I’m not sure how it all ended because the story faded away as they often do to be replaced by more recent news.

  I decided to make one of my characters a survivor of a cult, and my research began on the internet where I found Escaping Utopia, by Janja Lalich and Karla McLaren, published by Routledge Taylor & Francis group. It is a wonderful resource for anyone interested in reading real-life stories of people who’ve escaped from cults.

  My book is fiction, a love story based on my imagination and characters I made up. I hope readers enjoy the adventure, feel the joy of falling in love, and find a moment of escape.

  I want to express my continued appreciation for all the hardworking, awesome folks at Bold Strokes Books for giving my stories a home and the fantastic editors, Victoria and Stacia, who help me make the story so much better.

  I also want to thank my friend Sandi for her feedback on my first draft.

  To love.

  Prologue

  Matthew’s Faith Hideout, remote area of Idaho

  Sarah crouched in a corner next to the only door in the room as she forced her breathing to normal and struggled to still her shaking hands. Her legs ached from the strain of remaining in one position. Brother Matthew addressed the group as he poured clear liquid into the grape juice in their communion jug. “Holy water,” her mother had told her, but at twenty-four she knew better than to believe it. He raised the jug with one hand and his other, palm up, toward the ceiling.

  “Today will be our final communion, my flock.” He lifted the bottle higher and closed his eyes. “This blessed jug contains nourishment for our salvation. It’s time for the spiritual union that will bind us together forever. It will be our righteous path to show our sacred trust. The moment of faith. Our rebirth!”

  It was now or never. She glanced at the guard who’d raised his hands and eyes to the ceiling, and she slipped out the door and ran.

  Chapter 1

  Wisconsin Dells, twelve years later

  Barb Donnelly relaxed in the lounge chair and gazed at the flowing waters of the Wisconsin River below her. Grateful she’d spent the extra money for this room with the waterfront view, she closed her eyes to absorb the peace and quiet of the first vacation she’d taken in five years. She loved her job as a conservation officer in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, but she needed this break. She took a deep breath and released it before heading to the hotel dining area for breakfast. She waited for the young man in front of her to receive his order and accepted the plate with the cheese and spinach omelet from the server with the most gorgeous sparkling blue eyes she’d ever seen. Her pulse rate quickened, and she stood captivated long enough for the elderly couple behind her to whisper their impatience. “Sorry,” she mumbled.

  She smiled at the server and forced herself not to stare before settling at one of the small tables by a window. Barb watched the woman create custom omelets while she smiled but didn’t engage much with anyone. She concentrated on her breakfast while sneaking glances at the dark-haired, blue-eyed beauty. It seemed perhaps this vacation held more promise than only relaxation. She finished eating and refilled her coffee cup, reluctant to leave without finding out more about the woman who’d captured her attention so completely. Barb wasn’t shy and had no reservations about approaching an attractive woman, but this woman was working, and Barb respected that boundary. She settled back into her chair, sipped coffee, and waited until the woman began to clean up her area before going to stand near the omelet station.

  “Thank you for the great omelet this morning.” Barb smiled. “My name’s Barb.” She hoped the woman would offer her name, but she stood silent and looked around before leveling her attention on Barb. Barb relaxed, unmoving, and allowed her to assess. Her need to be found worthy surprised her for a moment.

  “My name’s Lynette, and I’m glad you enjoyed your breakfast.” She didn’t look away but remained quiet.

  Lynette knew as much about her as she did the twenty other strangers seated throughout the room, and Barb intended to change that. “If you’re finished working, would you have a cup of coffee with me?” Barb hoped to put Lynette at ease, so she smiled again.

  “I have to put all these dishes away.” She hesitated and looked toward the kitchen.

  “I’ll wait for you.”

  Lynette gave her a quick smile and then turned away with her armful of dishes. Barb settled back into her seat and hoped Lynette would join her, but after an hour, she decided Lynette wasn’t interested, so she left.

  “Is the coffee offer still good?” Lynette stood in the hallway outside the dining area, like she’d been waiting for her.

  “Absolutely. Do you want to stay in the dining room? Or my balcony has a fantastic view, if you’d like to get away from the kitchen.” Barb knew she was on the edge of being forward, but something in Lynette’s demeanor intrigued her and tugged at her sense of protectiveness.

  Lynette seemed to deliberate. “I love all the different views from this hotel. I’ll get us a couple of coffees and be right back.” She disappeared into the kitchen.

  Barb leaned against the wall next to the exit to wait for Lynette and watched people outside talking and gesturi
ng. Probably making plans for their day’s excursions. Wisconsin Dells had boat trips, zip lines, and waterparks to explore, but all she wanted at this moment was to spend time getting to know Lynette. She sensed her shyness, and Barb didn’t want to push her, but the spark she’d felt when their eyes first met left her wanting to know more about her. Drummond Island, where Barb lived, wasn’t exactly a lesbian mecca, and it had been a long time since she’d felt anything close to the attraction she felt now. She hoped she’d have time to explore their possible connection, and really hoped Lynette agreed.

  ✥ ✥ ✥

  Lynette let Claudia know she was taking her break and packed two coffees, packets of sugar and creamer, and several varieties of muffins into a paper bag. She took a few minutes to double-check her reflection in the restroom mirror. She’d been asked out by several men in the years she’d worked at the hotel, but Barb was the first female to show any interest in her. It was a nice change. She pushed away her eagerness. Slow was the safe way to go. The dining area had been full for this early in the season, but Barb had grabbed her attention the moment she’d taken a seat next to the window. She’d had to force herself to concentrate on her cooking and ignore Barb’s soft smile and confident demeanor. She took a deep, settling breath before proceeding to the lobby. Sharing coffee with a new friend was all this was. Barb stood staring out the glass entry door, so she stopped to observe her for a moment. She stood a couple inches taller than Lynette and the morning sun reflected off her thick auburn hair. Her snug jeans and T-shirt showed off her toned physique. Gorgeous and sexy came to mind, but when Barb turned her hazel eyes on her, all coherent thoughts fled. She faltered when Barb smiled, and her fingers grazed the top of her hand as she reached to help her carry the bag.

  “This feels like more than a couple cups of coffee.”

  “I thought we could share a few of the leftover muffins. That’s okay, isn’t it?” Lynette squeezed her fingers into her palm, her attempt to remind herself she didn’t need to apologize or ask permission for everything. She’d gotten better at reading people, and she hoped her first perception of Barb would hold true. She hadn’t had a new friend in her life in a long time.

  “It’s great. Thanks for thinking of it. I’m on the fourth floor.”

  Lynette tried to relax as she followed Barb to her suite. Barb seemed nice, and they were only going to share coffee and muffins and the view from her balcony. It would be safe enough as long as she stayed relaxed and kept the focus on Barb.

  “Here we are.” Barb opened the door and stepped aside for her.

  Lynette went straight to the balcony and set the bag on the small table between two lounge chairs. “You’re right. This is a great view.” Barb must have paid top dollar for this room. She hadn’t been to this side of the hotel in years, but most of the wealthiest guests usually booked rooms here. Barb didn’t seem to fit the persona of the moneyed folks she’d met.

  “Let’s sit. I’d like to get to know you.” Barb took the coffees out and set one on each side of the bag before taking a sip from one.

  “Did you see the creamer and sugar in the bag?”

  “Yeah. Thanks. I take mine black.” Barb removed the muffins from the bag and set them on napkins on the small table. “Thanks for bringing all this.” She picked out a blueberry muffin and took a bite. “Have you worked at the hotel long?” she asked.

  “About six years.” Lynette chose a cinnamon muffin and settled onto a chair before breaking off a piece and popping it into her mouth. Deflection was second nature now, but then, most people were happy to talk about themselves, and that made it easier.

  “This is the first time I’ve been here. I decided it was time for a vacation, so here I am. I’m glad I chose this hotel with this view, and meeting you is especially nice.”

  Lynette felt the blush creep up her neck to her cheeks. She’d been in the background for so long she’d forgotten what it felt like to be noticed, especially by an attractive woman. She took a sip of coffee and watched the sun sparkle off the water while she struggled to come up with a reply. The peaceful scene was nothing like the churning in her gut. It had been years since she’d felt an attraction like this. It was dangerous, and yet she didn’t want to leave. She could give herself this, just for a moment.

  Chapter 2

  “I’ll finish prepping for tomorrow’s brunch and head home.” Lynette spoke to her coworker and friend, Claudia, as she arranged items in the refrigerator. The routine work did little to keep her mind off her coffee chat with Barb. The ease with which Barb talked about herself and her life stirred her to tell stories of her weird encounters with guests at the hotel. She’d vowed never to get close to anyone again after her second and last attempt at a relationship, so she’d carefully avoided any personal information. And there was her past. Not even someone seemingly as easygoing as Barb would accept that. She finished her work and tried to leave her lingering apprehensions behind as she concentrated on the drive home. She pulled into her carport and smiled in anticipation of the greeting she knew awaited her as she walked to her apartment door.

  “Whoa, Starr.” Lynette’s dog’s whole body quivered with excitement, and her tail wagged like a windshield wiper on high as she bounced and whined in front of her. “Let me get past the door.” She dropped to the floor and Starr settled into her lap. Lynette held her until her heart rate slowed and a sense of calm replaced any tension brought on by thoughts of her past. She rose and opened her door to watch Starr race to her potty area and return to face her. “Let’s go check out the park.” She fastened on Starr’s Therapy Dog halter and clipped on her leash, then grabbed her fleece top and headed to her favorite path. The winding route took them along a shallow river and a mile through two stands of hardwoods. She loved this time of year. The spring leaves and abundant undergrowth evidenced continuation of life. She breathed in the fresh air and pushed aside memories of sweltering days and freezing nights. She reached down, and Starr raised her head to meet her touch and kept her focused on the present. Her warmth and soft fur grounded her, and she ran her fingers over her ears as she concentrated on gratitude. “Let’s get home.” Lynette stepped up her pace for a dose of exercise, and her breath caught on long-suppressed memories of forced marches barefoot through hot sand in the noonday sun.

  “Sacrifice and dedication to the avoidance of slothfulness,” Brother Matthew had said.

  Starr whined and glued herself to her side. “I thought I was over this,” she murmured in Starr’s ear and wiped tears from her face. Her therapist had told her flashbacks could linger for a lifetime but would probably lessen with time. “How much time?” she muttered. Lynette reminded herself how far she’d come, inhaled the cool evening air, and continued home.

  “I haven’t forgotten.” Lynette grinned at Starr sitting next to her food bowl. She filled her bowl and made herself a cup of hot chocolate before she settled on her couch with her phone. Her aunt answered on the second ring.

  “Hello, honey.”

  Lynette could always count on her aunt to be there for her. “Hi, Aunt Jen. How’re you doing?”

  “I’m good. I’ve cut down on my hours at work to spend more time on my art.”

  “I miss you.” Lynette had missed her biweekly visit due to changes in her work schedule.

  “I miss you, too. Do you think you’ll have time next week?”

  “I plan to make time. I want to see your new exhibit at the gallery. Is everything quiet?” Quiet was their code for no word from Lynette’s mother, her aunt’s sister.

  “All quiet. The way we like it. And my gallery isn’t going anywhere, but I’d love to see you.”

  Lynette told her aunt about work and how Starr was doing before promising to visit soon. She hadn’t told her aunt about meeting Barb, and she wondered why the thought even crossed her mind to do so. It was a chat over coffee, nothing more. She was a woman on vacation, and she’d be gone soon. There was nothing to tell.

  Lynette made herself another
cup of hot chocolate and relaxed on her couch with Starr. She’d lived with her aunt until she felt prepared to live on her own after fleeing the cult. Her aunt had saved her life, and Lynette would be forever grateful. She planned to celebrate her aunt’s upcoming sixtieth birthday but hadn’t decided how yet. “Let’s make a list, Starr.” She picked up a scratch pad and pencil and began a list of her aunt’s favorite food items to buy for dinner. She had seating for six at her dining room table, but she realized she didn’t really have anyone to invite. Maybe her aunt had a friend or two Lynette hadn’t met. She sighed, finished her hot chocolate, and got ready for bed. She tossed and turned for half an hour before using her therapist’s advice and meditating until she fell asleep.

  Lynette awoke to Starr’s whine and the feel of her pressed against her side. Bits and pieces of her nightmare floated to her consciousness. She hadn’t dreamt of her parents in years. The bad dream involved her mother slapping her and declaring her faith lacking because her arranged marriage hadn’t produced any offspring to increase the number of followers for the anointed one. Her father shunned her by turning his back to her and declaring her dead to them. She pulled Starr close and allowed the heat of her body and the rise and fall of her chest as she breathed to comfort her. She gave up on any more sleep that night.

  Starr followed close when she rose to set up her coffeepot and settle on her couch to do the deep breathing and meditation her therapist had taught her. She took a few minutes to reflect on her fears. She knew they were probably unwarranted, but they remained very real to her. Until she was able to put her past where it belonged, they’d haunt her and she would never be able to let an interesting woman like Barb into her life. She rested her hand on Starr’s back to settle her angst, knowing she would never subject anyone to the danger of her life. “It’s just you and me, sweetie.” She buried her face in Starr’s fur and let the tears fall.