by Mimi Barbour
“Of course, he likes you. We all like you even if you are a bwat.”
Layla’s delighted giggles made him laugh also. When they spotted Phil in his chair waiting by the curb, Jesse pulled over and rolled down the window to reach for his cell. “Thanks for bringing it out here. How’s everything?” His warning nod toward the back seat made Phil aware there were little ears and big eyes paying rapt attention.
“No problem, I was on my way out anyway. Things are swell. Couldn’t be better! Have a new recruit for our program and he’s taking to it great. Duck to water. Figure the medication the doctor prescribed has helped him tremendously. He’ll be good for day trips soon. Might want to consider it with the holidays close and all.”
“I’ll keep that in mind.”
Chapter Twenty-eight
As soon as the other two left, Belle gathered her dirty laundry and high-tailed it over to her place where she could put in a load before doing anything else.
As soon as she stepped into her small front room, much smaller than Kim’s spacious place, she missed the decorations, the lights and the presence of Sam.
From the time she’d moved in, the little monster had decided she needed a guard and so he followed her everywhere. When the furry baby saw her leaving, he’d whined piteously, jumping up and begging to come with her, but she knew she wouldn’t get anything done. The temptation to play with the little beggar wasn’t easily ignored.
Whipping around getting her chores crossed off the mental list, weariness struck and convinced her to make a cup of tea and take a break.
Her computer lured her and soon she was guiltily checking her banking, writing e-mails and catching up on Facebook. A chat message opened up and Kim typed in that she would Skype in a few minutes if Belle was up for a visit.
Happily, she acquiesced and soon the two girls were yakking. “Where’s Yaya?” Kim’s eyes had searched behind Belle for the child that was always allowed to say hello before Belle sent her to play so they could have privacy.
“She’s with Jesse. He had a chore to do and thought she might like to go for a ride. I suspect he’s taking her shopping to buy her Christmas presents.”
Kim’s surprise faded to gladness. “How do you know she’s going shopping?”
“Once they were ready to leave, she asked me for her ‘lowance. Could I give her two whole dollars? When I asked her why she wanted money, she said she couldn’t tell me ‘cause then I’d know she was buying me a pwesent.”
Delighted with the typical Yaya story, Kim laughed and said. “She’s so precious, Belle. You’re so lucky.”
“Oh, I know.” In few words, Belle explained to Kim about the nightmare she’d lived through two days before.
“I’m glad you moved in with Jesse. I would have made you come if I’d have been there myself.”
“I knew you wouldn’t mind. Just the thought of staying alone in the apartment where I knew Jack could return scared me silly. And then, as if his visits weren’t bad enough, to have him take Yaya away without asking permission drove me insane.”
While Belle told the story of the abduction, she watched Kim’s eyes grow larger. Her expressive face underwent continuous changes from horror to anger and then relief. At the end, she said, “You’ll never have to worry about Jesse. He loves kids. I couldn’t have asked for a better brother.”
Delight filled Belle as she listened to Kim talk about the man she herself adored. Tingles spread throughout her body, from her chest to her tummy until her hands unconsciously reached to massage.
Kim, catching the move, changed the subject. “Is your stomach bothering you again?”
“Not near as bad as before. Ever since Jesse figured out that I most likely had intolerance to gluten, I’ve stayed away from all foods with flour and it’s been like a miracle. He went ahead and organized a doctor’s appointment at the same place his friend’s mother goes who has the same problem. Once there, I’ll get a proper diagnosis.”
Kim’s grin spread, highlighting her dimples and bringing a sparkle to her beautiful green eyes. “You have a crush on my brother, dontcha?”
Belle swept her hands up to cover her face. As soon as she realized how telling her actions, she pretended to sweep them through her hair but she was too late.
“Sweet! You’re involved! My friend, I can see it written all over your pretty face. Every time you say his name, it’s like a worshipper uttering the name of some godlike creature.”
Belle laughed. “Jesus, I’m not that bad.” Then she thought for a moment and added, “Am I?”
Amused, Kim replied. “Oh yeah, my friend, you’ve got it bad. And I couldn’t be happier. It’s been hell watching my crazy bother carrying his broken heart around all these years. His childhood romance should have ended when Mari left but once Jesse makes up his mind that he cares, the man’s a lifer.”
“Then I’m a very lucky woman.”
The phone near Belle’s elbow rang and startled both girls.
“Gotta go. It might be Jesse.”
“And I can see how much that thought disturbs you. Your eye just lit up and the smile you’re wearing is disgracefully happy. Okay, I’ll let you go. Bye now.” Kim rang off; her laughter hanging in the air even after her face disappeared.
Belle casually leaned back in her chair, picked up the receiver and said a sweet hello.
Chapter Twenty-nine
“Belle, this is your step-sister, Marilyn Dangerfield. I know we’ve never met but you father asked me to call.”
“Is everything all right?” Belle jerked forward and leaned her head on her hand. Anxiety grabbed at her guts and if her premonition proved to be correct, she knew the news would be bad.
“Not really. My mother passed away recently, leaving your father a widower. He’s very lonely so he’s made up his mind that he wants to reach out and make amends with your side of the family before it’s too late.”
“What do you mean, too late?”
“Mother was ill for a long time and your father was her primary caregiver. I believe that her death has prompted this decision not to let any more time pass before he reaches out.”
Still not sure where the conversation was leading, Belle spoke with utter truth. “I’m very sorry for your loss. But I still don’t understand. Is dad ill?”
“Thank you. No he’s not really ill, just sick at heart.”
Belle listened to the words and felt her soft heart lurch.
“Why I called is to ask a favor of you. I wonder if we can possibly intrude on you for a few days. We’re arriving in the Seattle area tomorrow, and if at all possible, father’s wish is to visit with you and your family.”
“You’d like to stay here… with me?”
“If you don’t have room, either we can both take a hotel or I can. It’s just that he knows you have a child and is hopeful that you’ll let him stay so he can get to know her.”
“How did he find out about Yaya?”
“Yaya? I thought her name was Layla?”
“Yes it is. Yaya’s only her nickname.”
“And one I’m sure you’re hoping she’ll grow out of soon.” A polite chuckle followed but it didn’t make Belle feel like joining in.
“How did you find us? We’ve moved recently.”
“I’m a lawyer, dear, with a lot of friends in law enforcement. It wasn’t hard.”
A niggling dismay caught hold and she shook it off. She was just being picky and not like herself. Time to grow up and accept the hand of friendship her father and step-sister were extending.
Since most of her life Belle had lived alone, she truly believed that a strong family support was precious and to be welcomed and appreciated. When her friends had invited her to various family-type functions a small part of her yearned to be like them, to have someone who cared because you belonged. “I’d love to see you both. You’re travelling with him?”
“Yes. I recently filed for a divorce and needed a break from my law practice in L.A. Father s
urprised me with a visit and we’re planning on travelling over the holidays. It’s a lonely time for folks without any family. When he arrived, I knew something was eating away at him. Once he explained, I decided to start the ball rolling and call you.”
“I’m glad you did, Marilyn. Really! It’s fine for you both to come and stay in my apartment. For the last few days, I’ve been living with a friend down the hall. He’d be more than happy for Layla and me to stay longer. Therefore, you and father could have my apartment to yourselves and only be two doors away from us. Do you need the address?”
“Got it. And Belle, that would be just perfect! We’ll only stay the one day and be out of your way by Christmas Eve.”
“Nonsense. Why not plan to stay for the holiday? I know Layla would be thrilled to have more people around to spoil her.”
“Wonderful. I’ll let father know and I’ll send you a text when to expect our arrival tomorrow.”
“Can’t wait to meet you and catch up with Dad. Bye for now.”
As soon as Belle knew the connection had been broken, she ran to get the old photo album from the hall closet. Before she’d taken off, her mother had passed it to her saying, “I have no use for these old pictures. I’ve taken the few I want. You can either keep the rest or throw them away for all I care.”
Of course Belle had kept them. Moved them with her from place to place and not once had she opened the book until now.
The happiness whizzing around inside her all day clouded over for a few seconds until she had a little talk with herself. Oh grow up! These pictures and the memories they hold can’t hurt you unless you let them.
The first few were of an immature couple obviously in love. Her mother looked as if she adored the young, good-looker who appeared charming, if his huge smile was any indication.
The next few showed the early baby pictures where Belle seemed to be the apple of her dad’s eye. In fact, every photo showed her with him, being rocked in his arms or carried on his shoulders as if he were proud of the cute baby he’d produced.
There were none of her mother holding her, and very few where they were together in the same frame. A chill worked its way into Belle’s heart. She closed her eyes to go back to a place in time she hated to remember.
Scenes played in her head and she saw again the mean-tempered woman who never let up on either her industrious husband or a daughter who tried as hard as she knew how to please a mother who hated the role.
Belle remembered that, at the beginning, the battles had mostly been about her mother’s behavior toward Belle. The woman’s quick temper and how it incited a lot of nasty lickings. Then the fights spiralled to include money, the dump they had to live in, and even his inability to satisfy her in bed.
Her mother’s laziness had been another issue. Belle knew it had been her father and herself who’d kept the house as best they could for a woman who kept losing jobs until she gave up trying.
Vaguely, she recalled the final breakup. Already, at seventeen, she’d moved from the house to stay with a friend who lived closer to one of the jobs Belle had found at a fast-food joint.
The night in question, Bell had returned to get the rest of her things only to hear them going at it yet again. This time, she’d stood outside the door and listened. Her mother’s ranting swelled over her father’s attempt to calm her. “You never loved me. Admit it! All you ever cared about was Belle. The stinking kid got more attention from you that I ever did.”
“So what kind of a woman does that make you? Jealous of your own baby. From the day she was born, you’ve let my love for her eat away at you until I had to pretend she meant nothing just to keep the peace. You turned me into a disgusting father and for what? You never forgave me for getting you pregnant anyway. Now she can’t stand the sight of either of us. I’m through! Even though I’ll never forgive myself, I just hope one day my baby will forgive me for being such a weakling.”
Arms wrapped around her stomach, vision blurred, Belle left. Her mother called her a few months later to tell her to get her ass over there and get her stuff. That’s when she heard about her father moving away with another woman and her mother’s plans to move up north.
The hammering beat of her heart returned her to the present where she sat stiffened from the remembered agony. Surprised to see tears dripping, Belle shook herself out of the past. Her clenched hands had crumpled the last page of the album, so she tried to smooth it out. A vicious headache, circling her head like a band of dread, seized her and reminded her once again of why she didn’t like to think about her childhood.
Her father had been right in his assessment of how she’d felt about him. As much as she’d disliked her mother, she’d blamed him in the end. She’d relied on him and he’d never put a stop to the situation. As a young girl, she’d prayed for him to take her with him and just leave. Instead, he’d chosen to do so with a new family.
Now that same man was returning to her world. A place where she’d worked so hard to provide sun instead of clouds and storms.
Laughter instead of screams and threats.
Love instead of fear and weakness.
Could she really let her father inside this protective bubble she’d built around her and Yaya?
Him… or Jesse?
Chapter Thirty
Yaya burst through the door, her cheeks pink and her eyes full of glee. “Mama, I bought you a pwesent for Christmas. It’s a…”
Jesse laughingly cupped her mouth with a gentle hand, shook his head and said, “Uh huh.”
Giggling merrily, Yaya put her hands over his and nodded. Once free she continued as if he’d never stopped her. “…surprise.”
Their simple cheer dissipated all Belles’ earlier trepidation, just like when the warmth from a fire clears away the room’s cold.
Happy once again, Belle joined in their fun. “A surprise? Now I can’t wait for Christmas morning so I can see what it is.”
“Jesse got you a surprise too. A little one, right Jesse? It’s in a small box so it’s vewy little.”
Belle’s eyes flew to Jesse’s face where he tried his damnedest to look innocent. “We had an understanding, presents for k-i-d-s only.” She shook her finger teasingly.
“You said it. I never agreed. Look, I don’t expect anything in return. Let me play Santa this year, please. It matters to me, Belle.” He moved in her direction, a definite goal in mind. Her heart swelled to see hunger mixed with what one could only call adoration spread over his face.
Her hands flew out to stop his forward momentum and ended up circling his cheeks when he bent his head to put his lips on hers.
Yaya’s giggling tore them apart and ended their goal of finding relief from the increasing need to touch and hold.
Sam had decided that Yaya’s pant legs needed straightening and the enthusiastic little beast had her hem between his teeth, pulling back and forth. Giving way, Yaya finally fell in a heap of chortles and pushed at him to make him stop. The pup, knowing a playmate when he found one, pounced on her tummy and tried washing her face.
Both Belle and Jesse ran to her rescue. Jesse picked up the over-excited mutt while Belle scooped up Yaya and stood her so she could help her take off her outer clothes.
“I have some very good news to share.” As Belle spoke the words, an odd shiver worked its way up her back to the nape of her neck, working hard to get all those neck hairs to stand at attention. She shook off the feeling and continued. “My father and step-sister will be arriving tomorrow and would like to join us for Christmas.”
Yaya stopped moving and looked up at her mom. Her green eyes held a surprisingly keen look as she stared at Belle to gauge her acceptance.
Belle smiled, making sure her eyes showed only delight at the news. “It’ll be lovely to see him again and finally meet her.”
“Are they my family too, mommy?”
“Yes. My father is your grandfather and my step-sister will be an aunt.”
“Like Auntie Kim?”
“Kind of.” Belle heard Jesse chuckle and knew he was getting a kick out of her predicament.
Happy again, Yaya ran to Jesse who’d finished putting his gift, wrapped in golden paper with a bow to match, on a higher branch of the tree where the sharp-toothed canine who loved to chew couldn’t get at it.
She reached up her arms, taking for granted that he’d want to pick her up. Jesse didn’t disappoint. “I have another auntie and a gwampa, Jesse. I’m a very lucky girl, right?” She laid her head on his shoulder as if seeking his protection from these unknown strangers.
“You sure are, Sunshine.” He glanced toward Belle, his eyes shining with what one could only call elation. “I suggest that if you’re having all this company, you and your mom will have to stay here with me so they will have enough room at your apartment.”
Belle grinned at the way he looked at her yet using Yaya as his prompter. She never let him down either.
“Yay! Mommy, Jesse wants us to stay with him and Sam and Puff and Snowball and—”
Belle stopped her before she named all the fish in the tank. “Yes, honey. I know. I’m glad he wants us because I did tell Marilyn that they could stay at my apartment knowing we’d be fine here.”
He stepped close to Belle, put his arm around her shoulder and squeezed. “That’s settled then. I guess we’d better grab a bite of lunch and then we’ll all go shopping at the supermarket for some groceries. Looks like we’ll have to buy us a large turkey-bird for the big day!”
Chapter Thirty-one
By the time they returned from shopping and Jesse put the groceries away, Belle had changed the sheets on both the beds back in her apartment.
Earlier, she’d worked darn hard to get the place spic and span. Most of her furniture had come from garage sales and online ads but she had chosen wisely, making every penny count by selecting quality over fashion.
