by Leah Atwood
“You’re a wise man, Joel Kingston.” And one I could easily lose my heart to.
He snorted. “I wouldn’t say that, but I believe in letting experience teach me.”
Her gaze traveled to the entrance. Two stone pillars marked the driveway, and an iron arch overhead had the words Camp Margo scrolled into it. A two-foot-high stone wall extended out from the entrance fifty feet on each side. Flags from all fifty states danced above the wall as a breeze blew over the landscape.
Joel looked at her. “Are you ready?”
She took a deep breath. “Yes.”
The half-mile drive to the main part of the camp hadn’t changed much since she’d last been there the summer after seventh grade. Acacia trees lined the paved road that led to the camp’s administrative buildings.
“You’ll have to stop by the office and sign in first.” She pointed to a tan structure. “That should be it right there.”
Once in the office, she identified herself as a camp alumni and handed over her driver’s license. Because the camp hosted many politician’s children, security was stringent. After she’d been confirmed and approved, a junior worker gave her and Joel a lanyard with a laminated card attached that identified them as visitors.
Free to roam the camp now, Cassidy led Joel down a dirt path, pointing out buildings of note. “That’s the cafeteria. Most kids will tell horror stories of camp food that tore their stomach up for days until they adjusted, but we had gourmet chefs. No one ever complained about the food here.”
“But isn’t that part of the camp experience?” He wagged his brows and chuckled.
She smiled in return. “I wouldn’t know, and I’m content with that.”
They walked further down the path, and Joel pointed to a white metal building that stood out of place among the tan wooden ones. “What’s the one?”
“That’s the social hall. A few times every summer, the boys from Camp Daniel were invited to events, and that’s where they were held.” She nudged him in his side. “Many stolen kisses happened in the trees behind there.”
“Do I want to know?” He grinned, daring her to confess to childhood antics.
“I never had any. My last summer here I went out back with Eddie Flores, but I chickened out and ran back inside. In hindsight, I’m glad.” She didn’t mention that he’d had bad breath which had been the catalyst for her escape, but it had caused her to save her first kiss for a long-term boyfriend in high school.
Joel’s eyes spread wide. “Eddie Flores, the notorious congressman playboy?”
“One and the same.”
His demeanor changed, shoulders slumped. “I feel completely out of my league here.”
“Don’t. Politicians and their kids are just like us, but with more sets of issues.” She wrapped an arm around his. “And you’re a good man. You're honest, compassionate, generous, and real. In the measures that count, you exceed them all.”
“So do you,” he whispered in a low and husky voice that sent pleasant shivers through her.
Her breath caught, and it took several seconds for her to speak again. “Would you like to see the stables?”
“Sure.”
She made a right turn onto a different path. Several hundred feet later she heard footsteps approaching, fast and determined.
Joel reached out, putting a protective hand on her arm.
Had he noticed his instinctive move?
“Don’t go any further,” a stern voice commanded.
In slow motion, she and Joel turned around to see camp security and a secret service agent approaching them.
“Ms. Frey?” The security guard asked.
“Yes.” Her insides trembled. “Is there a problem?”
The secret service agent stepped forward. “I’m afraid we’ll have to ask you and your friend to leave the camp property immediately.”
“Why? I went through all the proper protocol.” She should have followed their instructions without questions. She knew where it would lead, but had to hear it. Needed Joel to hear, so he knew the ramifications of any involvement with her.
“Ma’am, the worker up front didn’t realize who your father is.” The agent had the decency to at least look apologetic. “By association, your presence puts our campers at an unnecessary risk and safety is our top priority.”
She swallowed and forced her head to remain held high. “I understand. I’ll leave now.”
“Thank you for your cooperation.” The agent tilted his chin toward the security guard. “He’ll escort you back to your vehicle.”
Shamed to her core, all she could do was put one foot in front of the other until they turned in their visitor badges and stood by Joel’s truck.
“I’m sorry.” Joel brushed a hand against her cheek after she sat in the car.
Too embarrassed, she didn’t speak or say a word. Couldn’t even find a tear to shed.
Joel took a seat in the driver’s seat without another word. He drove down the single path coming in and out of the camp.
After they’d left the property, the tears came in an unexpected torrent. Her body wracked with the sobs she’d held in for weeks, and anger built anew at her dad. It wasn’t fair.
Without preamble, Joel pulled off the road and unbuckled his seatbelt. Slid over to her as close as the center console allowed and took her in his arms. “They don’t define you, nor does your dad’s actions. You are Cassidy, a beautiful daughter of God.”
“It hurts,” she mumbled through her cries.
“I know, sweetheart, and I’m so sorry.” He stroked circles on her back until she regained composure.
When the tears subsided, she took a tissue from her purse and wiped her eyes. “I’m sorry for falling apart on you.”
“Don’t be. You had every reason to.” He sat upright but kept a hand on her. “Are you going to be all right?”
“Eventually.” She drew a long, calming breath. “Thank you for being with me.”
“My honor.”
“This is my life. Because of my dad, I also wear a scarlet T for treason, even though I’m innocent.” She tried to warn him in not so many words that involvement with her would only lead to trouble. “I’m an instant liability.”
He squeezed her hand a final time before driving back on the road. “Not to those who matter.”
Chapter Eight
A cloud of heaviness hung over Joel when he woke up Monday morning.
Randy’s men had worked through the weekend to get the transmission repaired on Cassidy and her friends’ SUV, which meant they would be leaving today. What he wouldn’t give for a few more days with her.
His heart still ached at witnessing her despair yesterday. He couldn’t minimalize the effect her father’s action had caused, and he hated that she suffered for something out of her control.
The temptation to ask her to stay tugged hard, but he knew she’d say no out of a sense of duty, not because of the notion they couldn’t have a future after only a few days together. But she’d hinted that any involvement with her would spell trouble.
He didn’t care. He knew something special when he saw it, and he and Cassidy had a special connection that couldn’t be denied. But what to do about it?
A loud sigh echoed in his bedroom. Nothing except get dressed and go have breakfast with her and cherish their last minutes together.
An emptiness already filled his heart. How had she reached so deeply into him in such a short time? Was it because they were meant to fight for this?
He got dressed in shorts and a polo shirt, then walked up front—no vehicle needed today. They’d have breakfast at the small café across the street. When he reached her room, he saw Bridget loading a suitcase into their temporary rental vehicle, and sharp pangs struck all around his chest. He turned away and focused on getting to Cassidy.
She opened the door before he could knock. Her smile he’d become accustomed to wasn’t there—a fake, plastic one took its place. “Good morning.”
&n
bsp; “Morning.” He looked at the suitcase in her hand. “Leaving earlier than expected?”
“No. Bridget wants everything loaded now so she can go drop the temporary rental off at the shop and transfer everything to the SUV so we can leave right after breakfast.”
“I see.” He swallowed his emotions. Picked up her suitcase and carried it to the vehicle for her.
They walked across the street in silence. His fingers entwined with hers, and when they entered the café, they sat next to each other without releasing their hold.
Cassidy ordered an omelet, and he got a bacon, egg, and cheese biscuit. When their food came, they finally released their grip on each other, but neither ate. He tried to take a bite, but the thought of her leaving erased any appetite he’d had.
She cut her omelet into pieces, then smaller pieces. Again and again, until the eggs may as well have been scrambled.
Forty-five minutes later he paid their bills, and they crossed the street again. The girls were out front, so he led Cassidy into the office to give them privacy.
“I guess this is it?” Don’t say no.
She blinked twice. “I guess so.”
“Keep in touch. If you need a shoulder to cry on, I’m only a call away.”
“I’ll remember that.” A strained smile formed on her lips. “Same to you.”
“And call when you hit Santa Monica or at least text.” He took a deep breath. “I’d like to know you made it safely.”
“I will.” She glanced out the window at her friends gathered around the SUV. “I should go now.”
He reached out, crooked a finger under her chin. “I’ll miss you.”
“Me too.”
Moving his head lower, he hovered his mouth near hers. Be brave. Don’t let her go. “Does this have to be goodbye?”
“Wh…what do you mean?” Her eyes lit with hope, and it bolstered his courage.
“Maybe it could be ‘so long for now,’ and we’ll see each other again when you finish your trip.”
“I need to get my life back together.”
He cradled her face in both hands. “Maybe this is meant to be your life. We could be partners, bring this motel to life together.”
“Business partners?” Her eyes fluttered.
“I was hoping for more.” He closed the gap between their lips, showing her what he meant.
Lost in the kiss, time stood still and hope flourished. She felt the same as he did. It was in her kiss.
Breaking away, he stared at her while he caught his breath. “Will you come back? Take a risk on me?”
She nodded her head slowly. “I don’t see you as a risk.”
“You can have the house. I can stay in one of the rooms.” He’d promise her anything if it meant she stayed.
“We’ll figure all that out in time.” She ran a hand through her hair, appearing suddenly nervous. “I have one condition.”
“What’s that?”
“I have the money you need to finish the motel. I’d like you to take it.”
His breath froze in his lungs. An answer to prayer, but could pride allow him? “Only if you become an official partner.”
“As my friends have told me, my heart has always been in hospitality.” A genuine smile pulled at her mouth. “I accept.”
He glanced outside and saw all her friends staring expectantly. So much for privacy. “I think they’ll approve.”
She laughed heartily. “You have no idea how true that is. We didn’t stand a chance against their prayers for us to find love.”
The word love stood out above all she’d said, and he knew without a shadow of a doubt how he felt about her. “I didn’t think it was possible to fall in love so quickly, but I love you, Cassidy. Hurry back.”
“I love you, too.” She kissed his cheek. “It won’t be long until we can start our new adventure.”
Epilogue
Eight Months Later
“This trip has been spectacular.” Cassidy leaned against Joel on the balcony of their honeymoon suite. It only seemed fitting to make the Route 66 drive for their honeymoon, but they had started in Santa Monica and ended in Chicago. “The month away has made me lazy. I won’t want to go back to work.”
“You could never be lazy.” Joel kissed the top of her head. “And enjoy this time. With the grand opening next week, we’ll be busy for months to come.”
“I can’t believe it’s really happening, and we’re booked solid for three months straight.”
“That’s your marketing genius in play.”
“Well, it helped that Jessica, Bridget, Rain, and Lark all are coming for a stay during that time.” Her friends had been nothing less than supportive during her transition to a new life. Each of them insisted on coming for the grand opening, even though they’d just flown out for her wedding a month ago.
“And don’t forget my mom and dad, and Gran will have a permanent room.” His voice softened further, when he spoke of his grandmother. “Thanks for agreeing to hire a nurse so she can live there and be near.”
“I love Gran. From the moment I met her, I knew I’d found a kindred spirit.”
“She said the same about you.” He hugged her closer. “And you both love me, so I’d say you have great taste.”
Cassidy laughed, knowing she’d never tire of life with Joel. He was everything she hadn’t been looking for, but everything she’d needed. His steadfast love and patience had restored her heart and faith in people. She angled her head slightly and kissed his jaw. “Impeccable.”
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If you enjoyed this novella, you’ll also enjoy Leah’s novels. Continue reading for a sample from That Was Then, Book One of the Always Faithful Series
That Was Then
Chapter One
Taps played outside Wyatt Deluca’s barracks as the late afternoon sun crept through the blinds of the room’s window. A familiar sound, heard every evening as Old Glory was lowered and removed until the following morning.
Only, this time was different for Wyatt. Peering out the window, he watched in resolute attention then gave the flag a final salute. Tonight, he’d be gone, on a road to nowhere in particular—figuratively speaking.
He returned to packing. How did one decide what to keep of the last five years? He pulled out a photo from the nightstand drawer. Tattered edges wavered under his touch. He retrieved his Bible from his laptop bag and slid the picture between its worn pages. The haunting image inflicted more grief than he could bear right now.
Upheaval already marked his life. Despite the twenty-some positions he’d applied for, he’d yet to receive an interview request, much less a job offer. He never liked being in limbo, but that’s exactly where he found himself. He couldn’t even rent a place to live off base since he didn’t know where he’d be a month from now. Fortunately, his friend, Jared Scott, offered him a place to crash for a few weeks until he hopefully had a job.
Someone knocked on the door, followed by a “Hey, Deluca. You in there?”
“Come in.”
Jared walked through the door, still in uniform. His eyes jumped from pile to pile of belongings scattered through the room. “What happened in here?”
“I’ve accumulated more than I realized.” Wyatt shrugged and dropped the Bible on top of the laptop case.
“We’re supposed to meet everyone for dinner in less than an hour, bro, and I still have to go home to shower and change.”
“Chill. I’ve got it under control.”
“Yeah. Okay.” Skeptical brows rose high on Jared’s forehead.
“I’ll finish up and meet you guys over there.” He swept a hand over the room. “All I have to do is throw all this in my bags and trunks.”
“Didn’t you need me to take some in my truck?”
Wyatt muttered under his breath. “I forgot about that.”
Jared
pulled out his phone. “I’ll shoot Evan a text and let him know we’ll be late. He can tell everyone else.”
“Might as well make yourself useful.” He shot Jared a playful grin and threw a duffel bag his way. “Can you shove that pile of dirty laundry in there for me?”
“Yeah—no, not touching those.” Despite the words, Jared caught the bag and started loading it.
After what they’d been through, there wasn’t much they wouldn’t do for each other. Blood brothers, in the worst sense of the term. What was touching someone’s dirty laundry when they’d fought together for survival, bled against each other’s wounds?
Wyatt swallowed. ¬Don’t go down that road. He lifted the plaque his squadron made him as a going away gift. “S. Sgt. Deluca” was engraved in the center, with his stripes below. Above, were replicas of all his awards and ribbons. In the top right corner, the Eagle, Globe, and Anchor. On the left, his squadron’s insignia.
“I didn’t think it’d be finished in time.” Jared carried the full bag to the bed and nodded at the plaque. “Gunny Brown said he’d have it finished last week and walked in today at zero nine hundred with it.”
“That explains all the whispering before sending me out to find a non-existent lost bolt.”
“We had to kill some time.” Jared smirked. “You know you wanted a few more minutes with the Hueys.”
“If I never work on those aircraft again, it will be too soon.” A sharp edge he hadn’t meant tinged his voice.
“I know what you mean.” Frowning, Jared tossed the duffel against the bed, hitting the edge of the laptop case.
The Bible flew to the floor, and the picture fell out, skipping several inches across the tile floor.
Jared’s eyes cast downward. “I forgot about that one.”
“It was a long time ago.”
