Remnants of the Heart (Winds of Change Book 3)

by Kristen M. Fraser

  “He’s gorgeous,” his mother gushed.“How old is he?”

  “Ten weeks,” Brad said.

  “You look fantastic for just giving birth.” She glanced at Hannah and smiled.

  “Mum!”

  Hannah chuckled, giving Brad’s hand another squeeze. His heart thundered in his chest, and he took a sip of water to dislodge the lump in his throat.

  “He’s mine. Not Hannah’s.”

  Mum’s smile froze. “He’s …” She tilted her head, her gaze flitting between Hannah and Brad. “I – I don’t understand.”

  “Jarrod’s my son.” There. He’d confessed. The words he’d held inside for so long were now out in the open.

  “How?” A deep line furrowed his mother’s eyebrows.

  Leaning back on the couch, Brad turned his gaze to the ceiling, watching the brushed steel blades of the fan swirl hypnotically. This was the most awkward conversation, and confessional, he’d ever had. Tears pricked his eyes as he braced for an admonishment. The I’m so disappointed lecture.

  “It doesn’t matter how. What matters is that I’m raising him after his mother abandoned him.” Another reassuring hand squeeze encouraged him to inform his mother about Laura. About how his business was sinking. About how everything had changed since Jarrod arrived on his doorstep.

  Damien arrived in the middle of the conversation that was laced with tears. Hannah excused herself to unpack her belongings, leaving Brad to share with his mother and Damien. He was grateful she’d allowed him to open up, but he missed her calming presence, especially as he confessed his insecurities about letting his mother down.

  Mum sat beside him on the couch and clasped his hand between hers.

  “Brad, we all make mistakes. I know I made plenty as a mother, and I’m sorry for the part I may have played in causing you to feel like you never measured up. Being my only son, you’ve held a special place in my heart, and I’ve only wanted the best for you. I’m sorry if that came across as overbearing.” She smiled softly, patting his hand. “I have always prayed for you and asked that God would protect you. And despite all the grey hairs you’ve given me, I believe His hand has been on your life. I’ve never stopped loving you. I want you to know that.” She tipped his chin down and met his gaze. Her eyes, filled with love, implored his heart to accept the truth.

  “Congratulations,” Damien said, clapping his shoulder. “I’m sure it hasn’t been easy for you, but we can think of no better man to raise this child than you.”

  “Thanks, Damien,” Brad rasped. His stepfather’s words wrapped around his heart, chipping away at the barriers of self-doubt and pity. “That means a lot.” He wondered what his father would say. Would he clap him on the back and say the same thing? He believed so, which made Damien’s compliment all the more meaningful.

  “Can I hold my grandson?”

  Brad’s gaze shot to his mother’s. A wistful smile played on her lips, and her eyes shimmered with tears. He slowly nodded, unbuckled Jarrod and lifted him out of the carrier before placing him in his mother’s arms.

  “Oh, you are just the sweetest thing.” She placed a kiss on his cheek before slowly rocking him, all the while whispering how precious he was and what a blessing he was. “He looks just like you.”

  Brad ran a hand over his jaw. “You think so?” His mother nodded, and he swallowed the burn in his throat.

  “So, tell me about Hannah.” His mother smiled warmly as she continued to rock Jarrod in her arms. “I can tell there’s something special between you.”

  He chuckled. Where did he begin?

  “She’s the most exquisite woman I’ve ever met,” he said.

  Epilogue

  “Did you sleep well?”

  Brad ran a hand over his face to wake up. “As well as can be with attending to a baby.” He chuckled and nodded his thanks as Damien passed him a steaming cup of coffee. He’d been up twice overnight with Jarrod, which was an improvement on three or four times a night since he’d arrived in his world. Perhaps he would start sleeping through the night soon. One could only hope.

  Damien leaned his forearms on the railing. “Finding out you’re a dad must have been quite a shock for you.”

  Birds chirped a morning chorus from their hiding places in the trees surrounding the property. The fragrance of freshly cut grass blended with the salty smell of the ocean. And through the trees at the end of the driveway, Brad could glimpse the shimmer of water as the sun’s first rays rose above the horizon.

  “That’s an understatement.” He blew across the top of the brown liquid before taking a sip of the smooth elixir. “Funny how I’ve become used to everything, though. I can’t remember what a full night’s sleep felt like!”

  Both men laughed and turned their gazes toward the expanse of lawn in front of the B&B. It was certainly peaceful here. Mum and Damien had done an incredible job of transforming the derelict home into the fully-functioning B&B, Allawah. He certainly felt more relaxed and peaceful since arriving. Or perhaps that’s because he’d finally shared his secret. Or perhaps it was more that God had been moving in his life.

  “Sophie tells me Summit Landscaping isn’t doing so well.”

  Damien’s words snapped him out of his peaceful haze, and the perilous state of his business toppled the serenity of the early morning. He silently chided Sophie for interfering. His sister meant well, but sometimes she needed to keep her mouth shut. He’d told her time and again that he would sort things out.

  But, have you sorted it out? Or is your way of dealing with things to run away? To deny the problem exists?

  Clasping his cup in both hands, Brad lowered his head and sighed. “It’s been struggling for some time. I can’t seem to get ahead. Too many bills and not enough work, and I’ve had to tell my main guys that I can’t keep them on at the moment.”

  “That’s tough,” Damien remarked.

  Brad nodded. More than tough, now that he had a child who depended on him.

  “I’ve extended payment dates and have managed to scrape together some smaller jobs, but it’s not enough.” Nausea swirled in his gut at the thought of the bank chasing his tail. The phone calls he’d been ignoring. The letters he’d tossed into the trash.

  “Running your own business can be hard,” Damien said. “People make it seem so easy, but they don’t see all the hard work that goes into it to try and make ends meet. Trust me, I’ve been there.”

  “You’ve done alright for yourself, though.” Brad eyed his stepfather. The salt and pepper hair at his temples. His tanned skin. No longer did he see him as his father’s replacement, but as a friend. Someone who he was beginning to trust. Someone who possibly understood him.

  Damien chuckled as he swirled the liquid in his cup. “It hasn’t been without many sleepless nights and bankruptcy.”

  Brad exhaled, eyeing a lorikeet as it flew into the branches of a nearby Callistemon tree. Bankruptcy. He’d been denying it for too long, but it seemed to be the next logical step. And then what? How did one come back from that? What kind of future would he have?

  A gentle breeze rippled through the trees, and the men stood in silence, drinking their coffee and watching the garden come to life. Butterflies fluttered around some low lying hedges, and various birds flew in and out of the native trees.

  “Your mother and I have been talking,” Damien said, breaking the silence.

  Raising an eyebrow, Brad eyed the older man, his heart hammering against his ribs as he wondered what they’d been talking about. He recalled the same words from his father, which usually resulted in an admonishment of some sort for his misbehaviour.

  “God has been good to me, and I would like to help you.”

  Brad shook his head. “No, I …”

  “It’s not optional, Brad.” Damien’s gaze held compassion. Kindness. Empathy. Not pity, as he’d been expecting.

  He swallowed hard and nodded, indicating for him to continue. He listened as Damien proposed a plan to offer an interest
-free loan to pay his debtors and provide some money as a safety net while he built his business back up.

  “I know what it’s like to struggle and to have nothing. Through God sending people into my life, I’ve been able to get on the right path. God has blessed me beyond measure. Allow me to help.”

  Brad leaned both arms on the railing and tried to grasp what Damien was saying. Was this God’s way of pulling him out of his financial pit of despair? Disbelief and excitement filled him as he contemplated Damien’s offer. His initial instinct was to say no out of pride. He didn’t need help. He’d manage on his own. But, the reality was, he wasn’t getting anywhere. And now, he had Jarrod’s future to think about as well. Damien’s offer provided a glimpse of hope.

  “Okay.” Turning to face his stepfather, he slowly nodded. “Talk about humbling. But, I appreciate your offer, and I would like to accept your help.” He held out his hand, but instead of taking it, Damien pulled him into his arms, clapping him on the back. Brad fought back the sting of tears at the comfort of the older man’s embrace.

  “I’d be honoured, Brad. And thank you.”

  Swiping a hand over his eyes, Brad pulled back. “For what?”

  “For letting me in. I know it hasn’t been easy for you to accept my role in the family. Trust me when I say that I’ve never tried to take your father’s place. I may not have any experience as a parent, but I love you all as though you were my own children.”

  His words flooded Brad’s heart with warmth, and he silently offered a prayer of thanks for his stepfather’s honesty and generosity.

  “Now, we’d better go and start helping your mother with the party plans. I don’t need a big shindig, but she insists.”

  As they made their way inside, with Damien promising to work out details of their arrangement later, Brad wondered if he’d found a new confidant in his stepfather. God knew exactly what he needed, and bringing Damien into his life at such a desperate time had been perfect timing.

  Mid-morning, Abigail arrived at Allawah with Noah and Chloe. Typical of his older sister, she swept into organisation mode and walked around with a clipboard checking things off her list. She was thriving in her new role as events manager for the B&B. Chloe ran through the yard with a bubble wand, her giggles floating on the air as long strings of rainbow bubbles trailed behind her.

  “Nothing’s changed.” Brad chuckled as he and Noah strung some twinkle lights through the trees.

  “Nope,” his future brother-in-law laughed. “She certainly keeps us all in line.”

  His mother flustered around, carrying trays of food out to the tables on the lawn, calling orders to Damien over her shoulder.

  “Ever have to organise your own party?” Damien laughed as he set up some coolers on the grass.

  “That’s mum,” Brad said. “Everyone has to pitch in to help.”

  Movement on the deck caught his eye, and his gaze landed on Hannah, seated on the wicker lounge with Jarrod asleep in her arms. Her hair curtained her face as she traced a finger over his cheek, and her lips moved with words he couldn’t hear. She was a natural, and a vision of beauty as she cradled his son. Lifting her gaze, she met his and smiled softly. Warmth flooded his veins, his breath caught in his throat, and at that moment, something seized in his chest as his future opened up before him.

  Party-goers arrived and Brad mingled with the guests, most of whom were friends of his mother’s and Damien’s from town.

  Sophie arrived partway through the celebrations and spent most of the time pacing in the garden on her phone.

  “What’s wrong with Sophie?” Hannah asked as they passed a table spread with charcuterie boards and fruit platters.

  “I’m not sure,” Brad replied, eyeing the frown on his sister’s face as she almost wore a path in the grass. “Maybe something at work?” He highly doubted it, but it wasn’t like his sister to isolate herself from everyone else. She was usually the life of the party. The one making everyone laugh.

  “Well, it’s a good turnout.” Hannah slipped her hand around his arm as they moved into the shade. “Just enough people so it’s not overwhelming.”

  Brad placed a kiss on the top of her head. “You’re not feeling out of your depth? I mean, I don’t know many people here, either, but I’ve got my family.”

  Hannah shook her head. “No. It’s nice. And your family is amazing.”

  His family. One day, he hoped it would be her family as well. He tucked that little thought away to ponder when he wasn’t distracted by the festivities, loud music or Jarrod’s cries of hunger.

  A loud whistle filled the air, and a hush fell over the guests.

  “Damien’s going to give a speech,” Noah called, clapping for everyone’s attention.

  Brad shuffled Hannah toward the cake table where Damien stood with his arm wrapped around his mother’s shoulders.

  “Thanks for coming, everyone.” Damien cleared his throat. “I’m not one for a fuss, but this has been lovely, celebrating another year God has given me. I’ve been very blessed, and even more so with this beautiful woman, Sandra, by my side. And her children, who have also accepted me into the family and made me feel welcome. I’m proud to be their stepfather.” His gaze lifted and met Brad’s across the lawn.

  With a small smile, Brad nodded. It was strange how twenty-four hours could make a difference. How he was learning to open up to allow others into his life. His apprehension toward Damien had shifted, and he was beyond grateful for the wise, compassionate man God had placed in his life.

  Cradling Jarrod, Sandra made her way through the guests, showing off her grandson and gushing over her new status as a grandmother. Brad and Hannah retreated to the outdoor couch that had been relocated to the lawn for the party. With his arm wrapped around her shoulders, he lightly brushed her arm with his fingertips and couldn’t stop the smile tugging on his lips.

  Music floated on the gentle breeze, fairy lights twinkled in the dusk, and the aroma of barbecue filled the air. As the sun dipped beyond the palm trees, and hues of purple and pink brushed across the sky, Brad’s spirit soared with contentment. He couldn’t be more thankful for his life at this moment.

  So much had changed since the night he’d met Hannah. He’d rescued her from the side of the road, while she’d rescued him from the depths of his grief and despair and shown him how to live and love again. Despite her own incredible heartbreak, Hannah had shown him how life could go on and had pointed him to the only One who could truly comfort him. Who forgave his mistakes and loved him without condition. He didn’t know what the future held, but he knew without a doubt that he wanted Hannah to be a part of it. She had taken the remnants of his heart and pieced them back together.

  It’s tough being the youngest child. Read Sophie’s story in Glimmer of Grace (book 4 in the Winds of Change series).

  Afterword

  Thank you for reading Remnants of the Heart! I hope you enjoyed Brad and Hannah’s story as they wrestled with grief, starting over and the consequences of some life choices. I love writing redemptive stories and sharing my characters’ journeys toward the hope that can only be found in Jesus.

  Continue reading more about the Tolbrook family with Sophie’s story in Glimmer of Grace (book 4 in the Winds of Change series).

  Finally, please consider leaving a review letting other readers know what you thought! I always read the reviews of my books, and I would love to hear what you have to say about this one.

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  Also by Kristen M. Fraser

  The Whitecliffe Bay Series

  Shining Grace

  Holding Hope

  Enduring Love

  The Whitecliffe Bay
Series Box Set

  The Tallowood Valley Series

  Heart on the Land

  Bridge to Return

  Home in the Valley

  The Tallowood Valley Series Box Set

  The Potter’s House Books Series

  A Vow Redeemed

  Heart Transformed

  Dawn of Mercy

  The Potter’s House Books Box Set

  Hope Rising Series

  River’s Edge

  Valley’s Reach

  Ocean’s Drift

  The Hope Rising Series Box Set

  The Potter’s House Books Series Two

  Beyond the Deep

  More than This

  This Steadfast Heart

  Winds of Change Series

  From the Ruins

  Embers of Hope

  Remnants of the Heart

  Glimmer of Grace

  Standalones

  A Winter’s Hope

  Mistletoe & Music

  When the Heart Calls

  Non-Fiction

  Thrive, Don’t Just Survive (A 30-Day Devotional

  Kristen also writes sweet/contemporary romance under the pen name, Callie Timmins.

  Reclaiming Her Heart

  Capturing Her Heart

  Igniting Her Heart

  Rescuing Her Heart

  Holding Her Heart

  A Heart For Christmas

  The Write Time For Love

  About the Author

  Kristen M. Fraser is a Christian fiction author, residing in beautiful Queensland, Australia with her husband and four children. She drinks way too much coffee, has a far too messy house, and probably doesn’t get enough sleep. When she’s not being the family Uber driver, or making a gazillion school lunches, Kristen loves running, climbing mountains, spending time at the beach, and given a moment of solitude (ha!), curling up with a good book.