by JoAnn Durgin
“And…did you?”
“I’ll never kiss and tell. No,” she added quickly. “Besides, he only wanted me for my English tutoring skills.”
“Good thing for me.” Caleb waggled his brows and kissed her hand.
“Why, Caty Lewis, I heard you were here. Give me a big hug, precious girl.” Bea Richardson, owner of the ice cream shop, hurried over to her with open arms.
Caty rose to her feet. “Bea, it’s been too long. How are you?” She gathered the kindly woman in a warm bear hug.
The older woman kissed her cheek and then released her. “As well as can be expected. I finally hoodwinked one of my grandkids into taking over the shop, so I’m indulging in some leisure time and doing some traveling now.”
“You deserve it,” Caty said. “Enjoy every moment.”
“That doesn’t mean I won’t be coming in here often to see my favorite customers. I live pretty close.” With a wide smile, Bea turned to Caleb. “Time to introduce me to your devastatingly handsome escort. Honey, where have you been all of Caty’s life?”
“Bea Richardson, this is Caleb Reid.” Unsure what more Caleb would want her to say, she’d leave it at that.
“Nice to meet you, Caleb.”
“The honor’s all mine, Bea.”
“Sam and Lexa live not far from here, and sooner or later, all the members of Caty’s wonderful family started coming to my shop. Not to mention Sam’s crew, especially Kevin and Rebekah and those adorable twins. So, tell me. What do you do for a living, Mr. Reid?”
“I’m in the oil business.”
“Are you now?” Bea lifted Caty’s left hand. “Judging by this ring, I’d say you do mighty well for yourself. Congratulations, Caleb. You couldn’t have picked a nicer family to marry into.” Bea patted Caty’s cheek and happy tears glistened in her eyes. “I couldn’t be happier for the two of you. How’s Marta these days? I don’t see her much since she started doing the weather every night.” Bea winked. “You might tell her to stop in sometime and see me.”
“Marta’s great. Caleb went to Princeton, as a matter of fact,” Caty said. “Same as Eliot.”
“Well, is that a fact?” She waved her hand. “Mighty fancy.”
“On scholarship,” Caleb said. Caty loved how humble he was. Even at the Astros game when he’d been introduced as the newest sponsor of the baseball team, he’d kept everything low-key. And then hollered as loud as anyone when the Astros had gone on to stomp the Brewers by a score of ten to one. Caty had lost her voice with all her whooping and hollering. She’d laughed when Caleb made a point of chowing down on three hot dogs and making sure he was photographed for the corporate newsletter. From now on, the Belac CEO would be in full view for anyone to see. He was encouraging meetings with his employees, and that was only the beginning.
A new era indeed for Belac and Reidco, in particular. The sales for Reidco had taken a hit initially after the tobacco sales were pulled. Caleb had expected that, but they were steady otherwise, a good thing. The Lord would bless that decision.
After chatting with them another few moments, Bea excused herself. But not before giving Caleb a warm hug and telling him she hoped to see him again soon. “Now that Caty’s back in town, I expect you to be regulars.”
“We will,” Caleb answered for them both, making Caty smile.
~~♥~~
“Why is it that cereal tastes so much better after midnight?” Caleb sat across from her in Caty’s kitchen.
“Beats me. I can’t believe you’re eating again.”
Caleb had removed his jacket and tie, and his tuxedo shirt was unbuttoned a few buttons. She’d been babbling the past twenty minutes since he’d brought her home in an effort to keep the conversation flowing so she wouldn’t drool over him. Her attraction was at a peak, and the man was driving her to utter distraction.
“Lauren had a really good time tonight,” she said. “This is one of those special moments in her life she’ll never forget.”
“I hope you’re right. I know I won’t forget it.” Caleb released a sigh. “It seems like only yesterday I held her as a baby and now look at her. In a few short years, I’ll be dancing at her wedding.”
She smiled. “You’ll have lots of opportunities for making memories with Lauren. There’s a whole lot of living to be done in the meantime.”
“Caty, every single moment I spend with you is showing me how much of life I’ve missed in the past, and how I need to claim the joy.” The only sound in the kitchen was the ticking of the large wall clock, reminding her of the clock in his office.
His smoldering gaze met hers. She hadn’t bothered to turn on the light in the kitchen, and the room was quiet and dim. Incredibly romantic.
“Would you please finish that bite?” Slowly, Caty rose to her feet, needing his kiss more than her next breath
“Done.” He lowered the spoon into the bowl, his cereal forgotten. Moving quickly around the table, Caleb pulled her into his arms.
She lowered her lids as he pressed his lips to hers, gently at first and then with a hunger and need that stole her breath. Her heart pounded, and she was close to losing control. Caleb’s hands were in her hair, and the way he held her, the way he kissed her, empowered her and made her feel undeniably feminine. More than ever before in her life. She couldn’t wait to become this man’s wife. His hand moved to her neck, supporting her when she felt so weak she almost couldn’t stand.
Finally, Caleb broke the kiss. Still holding her, he drew her tight against his chest, so close she felt his strong, steady heartbeat. “I should probably go now.”
Caty nodded and tried to catch her breath. “It’s probably best.”
“I’m sorry, Caty. I hope I didn’t offend you.”
“Oh, you didn’t offend me,” she said, laughing a little. “I was right there with you.” She smoothed one hand over her hair, knowing it was a lost cause. Not that it mattered since it was the end of the evening. “Thank you for that.”
He chuckled, low and deep in his throat. “I hope I didn’t scare you.”
“Do I look scared?”
“No,” he said quietly. “The look on your face makes me feel like the most blessed man on the planet. By the time of the Picnic in the Park next Saturday, I’m hoping we can announce our wedding date.” He caressed her ring finger and planted a soft kiss on her open palm. She loved when he did that. Loved all his romantic overtures. Loved him.
“How about setting one now?”
His smile soared into her heart. “Name it.”
“You know I’d like to be married before Will’s mission in October. September?”
“Much too far away.”
“August?”
He shook his head again. If the man had his way, they’d marry in the next few weeks.
“How about June?” Close enough.
“Sounds perfect. Pick a Saturday.” Reaching into the inside pocket of his tuxedo jacket, Caleb pulled out his phone and showed her the June calendar.”
“How about the 16th? In the middle of the month?”
He noted it on the calendar. “Done. Can’t wait. We’ll discuss details this week.”
“Perfect. I’ll get Lauren involved. We’ll have fun together.”
“And I’ll schedule the plane and fly you to dinner in Dallas sometime next week so you can meet my mom.”
Her eyes filled. “I will love that.”
Caleb draped his jacket over one shoulder and silently led her into the living room. They stood facing one another beside her front door. “Have I told you tonight how beautiful you are?”
He didn’t give her the opportunity to respond as he tipped her chin and kissed her so thoroughly Caty felt all resistance melting away like a snowflake hitting the warm ground, dissipating on contact.
She shuddered and pushed him away with what little strength remained. “Caleb, go please. Now.”
“Good night. See you in the morning. I love you, Caty.”
“I love you,
too.” Church. Yes, they definitely needed to be in church. She stood in the doorway and waved as he started the car and headed out into the night.
As she closed her front door, she paused. What was jogging her mind? Something about Richardson’s. Sweet treats. Bea’s comment about Marta and encouraging Caty to have her friend come into Richardson’s…
Caty snapped her fingers. Yes, that had to be the answer to the third clue! What was that clue again? She’d written it down upstairs.
Lifting the skirt of her evening gown, Caty went up the stairs to her bedroom and checked her notebook. “Her welcoming smile melts hearts but not her sweets.” She darted a glance at the clock on the nightstand. Being the weekend, Marta was off from the station. It was too late to call tonight, but she’d see her at church in the morning.
~~♥~~
Driving down his street as he approached the house, Caleb eased up on the accelerator and leaned close to the windshield when he spied a dark sedan with tinted windows sitting across from his front entrance. He muttered under his breath, debating whether to call the police.
“Enough,” he muttered. He roared down the street and slammed the Porsche to a halt behind the car. There was a slim possibility this wasn’t the same car as before, but he knew in his gut whomever sat behind the wheel was no friend. He felt like ramming into the car, but the driver would probably haul out of there, and he doubted anyone would ever show their face.
Call the police. Don’t act rashly, an inner voice warned. What good would it do Lauren if he were the one kidnapped?
“They won’t do that because I’m the one with the money they want.” Jumping out of the car, Caleb ran to the driver’s side of the parked car, waving his arms like a crazy man. Maybe he was. He didn’t care anymore. He wanted this over and done with now. He needed to claim his life back. Lauren’s life. Move forward with Caty without this cloud hanging over their heads.
“I’m here!” He opened his arms and planted his feet apart. “Come out, you cowards, and talk to me. Tell me what you want. You want my blood? Take it. Want my money? Tell me what you want, but you sure as anything won’t get my daughter!”
The car’s engine started, and it pulled away from the curb. Running behind the car for at least a block as it gained speed, Caleb continued to yell. His neighbors would probably report him. Again, he didn’t care.
Finally, he stopped. Enough. Spent, he doubled over, breathing heavily. He thought he was in shape, but his emotions were involved, and that made it tougher.
Dragging himself back to the car, Caleb climbed inside and waited for the entrance gates to open.
“Lord, I trust you with everything in me,” he said as he waited. “But when does it end? I’m asking you to please give us resolution for my peace of mind.”
Standing in the shower a short time later, Caleb scrubbed his hair with such force his scalp would be raw if he didn’t stop. He was full of anger, questions, resentment. His heart attitude wasn’t right, but what could he do? Perhaps he should schedule a meeting with Pastor Baldwin. Or Sam.
Wait. That thought stopped him cold. Unless Caty had told him, Sam probably didn’t know about the threats. He groaned. If Caty’s wonderful family knew about them, how would they react? How could he expect her not to tell them? They’d given him no indication they were aware.
They’d love you, Caleb. They’d pray for you, and pray with you for a resolution. He knew that. Telling them would serve no purpose other than to worry them. Could he marry Caty without her family knowing about them?
No.
That truth hit him as sure as a hard kick to the stomach. Doubling over, Caleb leaned one hand on the wall of the shower for support, feeling sick. Her father thought he was honorable. What kind of man married a woman and kept something so vital from her family? They’d forgive him, but under those circumstances, he doubted they’d trust him for a very long time. He couldn’t blame them. In their shoes, he’d feel the same.
He couldn’t do that to them. More importantly, he couldn’t do that to Caty. He loved her with everything in him. Loved her enough to postpone the wedding if needed. His hormones had taken over earlier in the evening, and he never should have pushed her for a wedding date. He only had himself to blame.
“See what you’ve done?” he said, accusing the unseen forces behind the threats. “You’ve reduced me to being the kind of man I never wanted to be. Show yourselves.” He’d given them every opportunity to take him, do what they wanted with him. Perhaps he’d been foolish. But what had they done? Driven away and left him standing in the middle of a deserted street.
Stopping the water, Caleb dried off in short order. He dressed quickly, pulling on his sleep pants, not bothering with his shirt. Heading back into the bedroom, he grabbed his Bible and dropped onto the king-sized bed. He checked the concordance in the back, searching anything he could think of for dealing with one’s enemies. He found several.
Exodus 14:14: The Lord will fight for you while you keep silent.
Lord, I have a hard time keeping silent.
Proverbs 29:11: A fool always loses his temper, but a wise man holds it back.
Caleb blew out a sigh. Lord, I’m a fool, and I’ve lost my temper over this situation over and over again.
Isaiah 48:22: “There is no peace for the wicked,” says the Lord.
Lord, I surrender my enemies to you, but I need your help to do that.
Romans 12:19: Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay,” says the Lord.
That one was tough. Vengeance is yours, Lord.
Putting the Bible on the pillow beside him, Caleb stretched out on the bed and closed his eyes. “Lord, take this bitterness away from me. I know it’s wrong, but I have a hard time. You know my heart, you know my deepest desires. I’m a weak man, but with you, I am strong. If it’s not wrong to pray this way, please make my enemies known and keep everyone safe. Then you can have at them and dole out your vengeance freely.”
He heard his cell phone. Who would be calling him now other than Caty?
He pulled himself up and grabbed his cell phone on the nightstand next to the bed.
“It’s Eliot. Sorry to call so late, Caleb, but I knew you’d want to know this.”
“Lay it on me.”
“I’ve checked the surveillance tapes of the lobby on the day the last envelope was delivered.” Between the time you, Caty, and Lauren went to lunch that day and returned to the office, no one from outside of Belac entered the office lobby. There were a few comings and goings by employees, but they used the key entry system.”
Caleb beat the heel of his hand against his head. “You’re saying it’s an inside job?”
“Looks like it.”
His jaw tightened. “Do me a favor. Check further into two of my employees—Martin Hillyard and Steve Robison. Get back to me if you find anything suspicious. If you look on Belac’s website, you’ll find their photos if you need them. Let me know if either of them show up anywhere on that surveillance tape.”
“You’ve got it buddy. Talk with you later.”
Groaning, Caleb plopped back on the bed. “Well, Lord, I guess in its own way, this is an answer to prayer.” He lifted his arms. “Bring. It. On.”
Chapter 49
Saturday, May 19, 2007
Caty kept one eye on Lauren as she helped set out the supplies beside where Caleb manned one of the grills at the Project in the Park. Now and again, she overheard snippets of what Lauren was telling Suma. She knew she’d told her about the game Eliot had devised for Marta although Caty had warned Lauren not to reveal their names to anyone because that would be an invasion of their privacy.
For whatever reason, Lauren seemed drawn to Suma, but the other woman had acted aloof and standoffish with Caty in recent weeks. One day soon, she’d invite her to lunch so they could talk. She’d left a couple of notes and a card on Suma’s desk which had gone unacknowledge
d. As always, Caty would continue to pray for her.
“So, the next clue is this,” she heard Lauren tell Suma. “It may seem minor, but it’s incredibly major. What do you think that could mean?” If Lauren didn’t get back to helping Ollie soon, she’d have to remind her.
Caty’s attention was drawn back to the task-at-hand. Caleb was the grill master extraordinaire while she loaded the hamburgers and hot dogs into buns. Several other Belac employees worked nearby. Cordelia and Lettie worked together to help with the children’s games. Even Ollie had come, and he was like the Pied Piper as he fashioned balloon animals. Miles waved to her and smiled from another grill.
The turnout of Belac employees wasn’t as great as they’d hoped, but they’d keep adding events in the hope that the number of volunteers would grow. With Belac as a corporate sponsor of the Astros, Caleb planned a number of group outings.
Marta and Eliot, as well as Rebekah and Kevin, worked nearby, assisting wherever they were needed. Winnie and Josh Grant worked alongside their two younger children to hand out bags of chips, and Sam and Lexa and their kids manned the dessert table.
“You look awfully cute in an apron, Mr. Reid.” Caty tossed him a grin.
“Why, thank you.” He winked. “You’re gorgeous as always.”
His flirtatious manner was encouraging. Caleb had been subdued since Saturday night. She knew the phone call from Eliot weighed heavily on his mind with the information about the threats being an inside job. He’d shared with her his frustrations in seeing the car on his street. How he’d challenged them and even chased the car down the street. While thankful he shared everything with her, she felt almost as helpless as he did when no answers were forthcoming.
What’s the answer, Lord?
Squinting in the sun, Caty spied Martin Hillyard in conversation with Steve Robison under a nearby tree. Martin was in his mid-40s, and never married. She didn’t know much about him even though she’d attempted to be friendly when they worked together in Lubbock.
