Coming Home: The Damaged Series - Book Three

by Shayne McClendon

  Her home.

  The house Bennett built for her.

  She blotted at the tears in her eyes. “It-it’s perfect.”

  “He knew you’d love it,” James said quietly. “Bennett told me of all the houses he’d bought and built over his life, this one was his favorite because it was beautiful and uncomplicated just like his Rowan.”

  “I’m glad you’re finally seeing it,” Mary-Margaret added. “His ex-wives wanted houses that were twenty-thousand square feet of excess and luxury. You’re tearing up over a three-thousand square foot Craftsman in real country. He loved that about you, darling.”

  “I wish he could have been here with me so I could thank him for seeing me, knowing me, the way he did.”

  “He wanted you to have surprises and reasons to smile after he was gone.”

  Rowan frowned. “He planned other things?”

  Mary-Margaret arched her brow. “I’m sure I wouldn’t know.”

  The driver turned the limo into Miss Jeffries’ drive and the two SUVs that flanked them turned as well. James stepped out on the gravel and extended his hand to help them out.

  Rowan was floored at the changes to the home she’d grown up in as she took a deep breath of the country air.

  “Bennett, you outdid yourself.”

  Gage’s mother came out on the front porch with her arms out. “Rowan! It’s been so long!”

  Accepting a hug from a woman she’d always liked and admired, Rowan murmured, “You look exactly the same.”

  Leaning back, Mrs. Chambers quirked her brow, “Honey, did you finally learn how to lie?”

  “No, ma’am. I’m still terrible at it.”

  “Good. You look so pretty, Rowan. I can’t believe how sophisticated you are now.” She squeezed Rowan’s shoulders. “I was real sorry to hear about your husband.”

  “Thank you, ma’am. I appreciated your beautiful letter.”

  “You’re old enough now to call me Tabitha.” She introduced herself to James and Mary-Margaret before explaining, “Gage asked me to come over to meet y’all. He has a cow about to drop a calf so he’ll be a little while. Let’s get inside. Miss Jeffries is gonna be tickled pink that you came.”

  Inside, the house was almost unrecognizable. Rowan walked through the first floor to Miss Jeffries’ bedroom and bath behind the kitchen. She was in her bed, looking impatient.

  “Rowan! Child, ain’t nobody needs to be worryin’ about me. Just a stupid pulled muscle is all.” She sighed. “It is powerful frustratin’ to get old.”

  Lowering to the side of the bed, Rowan took her hand. “From ten years old, I watched you cook, clean, and wrangle countless girls moving in and out of your house. You handled their personal care, everything from case legalities to visitation with their birth parents, extracurricular activities, and school. When Child Services sprung surprise visits on you to inspect the place, every one of us was clean, well-fed, and stable. You didn’t get old, Miss Jeffries. You wore your poor body out making sure strangers had what they needed in your care. It’s time for you to have some help. Real help that lets you do what you do without worry.”

  “Rowan…”

  “Let me help, Miss Jeffries. I’m sure Bennett offered and I’m equally sure you turned him down like you’re going to try to do to me right now.” She squeezed her hand and lifted it to kiss the back. “I owe you for so much more than meals and a roof. Please let me help.”

  Tears filled her soft gray eyes. “No matter how many I take in, there’s always more, Rowan. So many hurtin’ girls. It’s like tryin’ to empty a river with a bucket.”

  “No one has done it better than you.”

  “Gage has been takin’ care of the outside for ages now. Uses a tractor to keep the grass low and does repairs on the place. Tabitha hired a woman to clean every week. There’s so much left to do and I feel useless, Rowan.” She held up her hand and the evidence of arthritis was clear. “Can barely do my needlepoint anymore. How am I gonna help these girls?”

  “With a team, Miss Jeffries. That’s how. You’re going to tell them what to do, how to do it, and you’ll supervise.” She smiled. “You like the women Bennett sent a few times?” Miss Jeffries nodded. “I’ll make them a full-time offer.”

  “I’m not ready to stop, Rowan. I’m not ready. My mind is still good...it’s the body breakin’ down that’s shovin’ my train off the rails.”

  “Easy enough to fix.” She bent and kissed Miss Jeffries’ temple. “Let me sit with Mary-Margaret and make a plan. You’ll have control over everything. Alright?” After a sigh, the elderly woman nodded. “Can I get you anything?”

  “I’m okay. Layin’ here watchin’ daytime television. Worst invention ever made, I think. Lord.”

  Rowan laughed. “I’ll check on you in a little while then.” Leaning close, she whispered, “I’m pregnant, Miss Jeffries. I wanted to wait to tell you to make sure nothing happened.”

  Tears slipped over Miss Jeffries’ soft cheeks. “What a beautiful gift your Bennett gave you before he died, honey. I’m so happy for you. I sure am.” Patting Rowan’s hand, she said, “You go on now. I’m gonna have a little chat with the Lord. Thank him for lookin’ out.”

  “Yes, ma’am.” She stood and straightened the light blanket as Miss Jeffries folded her hands on her chest. At the door, she paused and said, “You have one of the purest souls I’ve ever known, Miss Jeffries. Don’t you worry about anything.”

  “It’s good to have you here, honey. You lifted the worry from my heart.”

  Returning to the front porch, Rowan stared at the new house tucked among the trees of what was once Chambers land.

  Lost in thought for several minutes, she was pulled from it by a truck turning into the yard. Gage dropped to the ground and opened the driver’s door to the backseat.

  Rowan’s mouth fell open in shock as he came around the front of the truck with two little blonde girls holding his hands. They looked about three and chattered a mile a minute with suckers in their free hands: twin sisters who were absolutely adorable.

  Pausing at the base of the stairs, he looked up at Rowan.

  As if he could read her mind, he said, “They’re not mine.” The sense of relief she felt was infuriating. “These are two of Miss Jeffries’ girls - the only ones right now. My cow was havin’ her calf and I wanted them to see it.”

  “I-I didn’t think they were yours. Not that it would be unusual for you to have children, Gage.” Sitting on the steps, she smiled at the sisters. “Hello. My name is Rowan.”

  Pulling from Gage’s grip, the twins stepped up and put their hands on Rowan’s knees. They talked back and forth.

  “I’m Ava…”

  “I’m Emma…”

  “You’re pretty.”

  “I like your hair.”

  “Your eyes, too.”

  “Do you like lollipops?”

  “Thank you very much. I think you’re both very pretty and have lovely golden hair. Your eyes remind me of my best friend and I happen to love lollipops.”

  “Gage, can Rowan have a lollipop?”

  “She likes them so she should have one.”

  Reaching into the pocket of his button-down shirt, Gage removed a sucker and held it out to Rowan. “Purple. Your favorite, I think.”

  “Yes, it is. Thank you.” Returning her attention to the girls, she said, “Did you like the calf?”

  “It was so little.”

  “And yucky at first.”

  “Could barely walk.”

  “Sweet little thing.”

  Putting the sucker in her mouth, Rowan crossed her arms on her thighs. “In a few days, it will be fluffy as it follows its mama all over the place.”

  “Do you like cows?”

  “We like cows.”

  Rowan admitted with a funny face, “I don’t like cows or horses because I’m a scaredy cat.”

  “You’re scared of horses?”

  “But...they’re so pretty.”

&nbs
p; “I know and I want to like them but they’re just so big and high off the ground.”

  “Gage puts us on cows.”

  “And horses.”

  “He brings his big horse over.”

  “And lets us hold the…”

  They looked at Gage and he supplied, “Reins.”

  “Uh huh...the reins.”

  “Is Gage your friend?”

  “Yes,” Rowan answered. “He’s my friend.”

  “Our mom had a friend.”

  “He didn’t like us.”

  “Not like Gage does.”

  “They dropped us off.”

  Staring into the soft brown eyes of two children who were simply abandoned by people who didn’t want to be bothered made Rowan tear up.

  “I’m sorry that happened. Now you have Miss Jeffries and all her friends. She’ll make your life wonderful. Like she made mine when I was a little girl.”

  “You were one of her girls?”

  “You lived here?”

  “I was and I lived here for many years.” Smiling, Rowan asked, “How old are you?”

  “Four and three-quarters.”

  “Small for our age.”

  “That’s what everyone says.”

  “We hear it a lot.”

  “You’re very bright. Have you started reading yet?” They shook their heads. “Would you like to learn? When I lived here, I taught lots of little girls to read.”

  “You’ll teach us?”

  “You won’t get mad?”

  “I’d love to teach you and I’d never get mad at you. After dinner, we’ll start.”

  Nodding at each other, the twins raced around her into the house, shouting the place down.

  “Miss Jeffries!”

  “Rowan is gonna teach us to read!”

  Gage lowered to the step beside her. “You’ve always been good with children.”

  “So have you, Gage.”

  He stared out at the land across the road and the house Bennett built there. “After we talked, I realized it’s not your normal day to call Miss Jeffries. You called to share news.” Turning to stare into her eyes, he asked with a smile, “Are you pregnant, Rowan?”

  “Yes.” Saying the word was hard and she wasn’t sure why.

  “I’m happy for you. I know how much you wanted to be.” He returned to staring into the distance. “I wish Bennett was here to celebrate with you, Rowan. I know he’d be excited.”

  “I do, too.”

  “You need anything, you let me know. I mean that. I don’t care what it is. I know you have lots of people lookin’ out for you but just in case.”

  “Thank you, Gage.”

  “You know, lots of people have said my name in my life. I like the way you say it best.” He stood and headed to his truck. “Gonna get back but give a holler if you need me.”

  “Gage?” He paused and half-turned to her. “Thanks for the lollipop.”

  “Sure thing, Miss Rowan. Your tongue’s purple.” Then he winked, got in his truck, and drove back to his spread up the road.

  “Inside joke, I think,” James said quietly to Mary-Margaret behind her. “Something tells me young Gage once kissed our darling when her tongue was purple from a lollipop…”

  “Snow cone,” Rowan said softly. Standing, she shrugged. “A purple snow cone.” Raking her fingers through her hair, she groaned. “Let’s get Miss Jeffries settled with all the help she needs and get home…”

  Mary-Margaret gasped. “You have two little girls to teach to read, Rowan. I refuse to leave a minute before they can get all the way through Green Eggs and Ham.”

  “It won’t work, you two. My heart hurts.”

  “I get that. I swear I do.” They nodded sagely and her assistant murmured, “Your lady bits probably won’t care. Trust me on that.” It was strange to have a woman in her sixties talking about your lady bits. “Carpe diem, Rowan!”

  “I can’t think about anything like that.” Glancing over her shoulder, she said, “I really want to see that house though.”

  James stepped up beside her and held out his arm. “A tour it is. You’re going to love it.”

  The three of them spent an hour wandering the property as well as the house. Rowan could tell the builders had done their best to save every possible tree.

  On the second floor, her bedroom window faced the Chambers property. She could make out the roof line in the distance. When the trees were barren in the winter, she’d be able to see the entire front of the house where Gage lived.

  Based on how the room was laid out, where the bed would have to go, it would be her first view every morning.

  Frowning, she murmured, “Bennett...what were you doing with all of this?” Naturally, he didn’t answer.

  Meeting James and Mary-Margaret in the kitchen, she said, “As beautiful as I imagined.”

  “Big enough for your people but not too big.”

  “Did Bennett expect me to live here, James?”

  “He thought it might be good for you to get back to your roots but refused to leave you unprotected.”

  “Rowan,” Mary-Margaret offered, “when you’re fully honest with another person, you give them a clear view of who you are and what you want. Bennett was the sort of man to monopolize on every opportunity and that certainly applied to you. Seeing you happy was his top priority from the day you entered his world.”

  “He never failed to do that.” She placed her palm over her stomach. “Even leaving me his child to love when I lost him.”

  Rowan felt comfortable in Daingerfield. It was her hometown. She was nervous about being too close to Gage, but there was Miss Jeffries to consider.

  Bennett had gotten to know her better than anyone in her life. Every detail of what made her was shared with him over their time together.

  He’d taken all their conversations and experiences...and built her a house in the place where she grew up: near the woman who raised her and close to Rowan’s first love.

  Bennett was still guiding her gently - as he had in life. She’d trusted him implicitly to help her make big personal decisions she often hesitated to make for herself. If not for him, she wouldn’t have mended things with Gage and Nina in the first place.

  She was afraid.

  She still trusted Bennett.

  “Alright,” she said softly. “Let’s set up to stay a while.”

  She could have sworn James and Mary-Margaret shared a high five but as she jerked her head around to look at them, they wore stoic expressions.

  Of the many things - tangible and intangible - she’d inherited from Bennett, the bodyguard and assistant her husband had loved like family were Rowan’s favorite.

  * * *

  The following day, Rowan waited on Miss Jeffries’ porch when Nina arrived.

  As the blonde got out of her sports car, she laughed. “It’s like we’re twelve again.” Rowan ran down to hug her and Nina said, “Tell me there are pancakes.”

  Leaning back, Rowan winked. “Brioche with dark chocolate and almonds.”

  “Lead the fucking way. I’m starving.”

  They’d taken three steps toward the house with their arms around each other’s waists when the twins burst through the storm door squealing happily.

  James followed them on all fours with a stuffed unicorn horn on his head. He quickly scrambled to his feet and ripped the horn off his head.

  Clearing his throat, James said, “Nina.”

  “Whose children are those?” She asked softly as she stared across the yard where the sisters swung together. Rowan could have sworn her friend swayed on her feet.

  “That’s Ava and Emma,” Rowan explained. “Miss Jeffries is taking care of them.”

  Nina took a step toward them, her arm dropping from around Rowan’s waist. “They’re...orphans?”

  “Uh, abandoned.” Tilting her head, she wondered at the intensity on Nina’s face. “Hey. Are you okay?”

  “What…? Oh, yes. I’m fine.” A smiled
slipped over her face and all trace of her previous shock disappeared. “Jet lagged, probably. You were going to feed me.”

  Walking up on the porch, Nina smiled brightly at James. “Hello, Mr. Statton. Lookin’ good as usual.” Then she passed him to enter the house and yelled, “Miss Jeffries! I’ve come to eat all your food.”

  James focused intently on Rowan. “What just happened?”

  She looked at the sisters laughing as the new woman hired to help Miss Jeffries appeared from the rear of the house to watch them and offer orange slices.

  “I think...Nina just fell in love with those little girls, James.” Hands on her hips, she considered. “They remind me of her as a girl.” She met his eyes. “Then she hid all trace of how they shook her up and flirted with you to throw us off the scent.” Arching her brow, she asked, “You gonna let her get away with that?” He frowned. “Go give her some of her own medicine. Turn on that hunter charm I’ve seen you use on silly women and get what you really want.”

  He tossed her the unicorn horn and turned crisply to go find Nina inside. Rowan lowered to the porch steps with a grin and watched the girls giggle as they pretended the orange rinds were their teeth.

  Raising her face to the sun, she inhaled deeply. It was clear and bright, a perfect day for running.

  Already in the right clothes, she checked her shoes, sent James a text, and placed her phone on the porch rail. His backup team would track her.

  Wind in her face, sun on her skin, she set a relaxed pace down the road where she used to train for track. She passed Gage’s place and didn’t let herself look at it. After another mile, she picked up movement from her peripheral vision.

  Gage on the back of his horse.

  She picked up her speed and he did, too. Focused on not looking at him, she steadied her breathing and took the curve in the road. He jumped the low fence around his pastures - only the ditch separated them.

  After three miles, she did a sharp turnaround and Gage’s horse cut smoothly to pace her return.

  Rowan’s entire body burned. Her mind raced. Her heart was torn in two very different directions. As she approached the gate into his main yard, Gage slowed.