Rock and A Hard Place (Cascade Brides Series)

by Blythe, Bonnie

  When she pulled into his driveway, he watched her slide out of the cab and come around to his side.

  “I can walk okay,” he said. There, I'm not abusing the situation. Still, she put her arm around his waist and led him onto the porch. After keying open the front door, he watched her closely as they entered the foyer. In the days before their last outing, he'd spent a lot of time updating the interior of the house. What would she think of the changes he'd made?

  Faith dropped his bag onto a foyer chair then led him into the living room. She stopped and looked around. He'd taken her advice and applied the wallpaper and used the paint color she'd suggested. Faith looked up at him, hints of tear stains lining her flushed cheeks. “You've been busy.”

  Shane took the last steps to the couch under his own steam and sank onto the cushions. His leg throbbed but he ignored it. “What do you think?”

  “It looks fantastic!”

  She twisted around to take it all in, then gasped. Shane followed her line of sight to the large, professionally framed photograph of three pairs of sisters' knees, positioned above the fireplace mantle.

  “Merle sold me a print,” he said when she turned questioning eyes his way. “He said the money will be included in your paycheck.”

  Faith pressed her fingers to her lips, glancing between him and the photograph. Finally she took a breath. “Can I get you anything? I can make you some lunch, or get you a glass of water for your medication.”

  Shane patted the cushions next to him. “Come here and sit with me for a minute.” Or more.

  Faith crossed the room and sat down next to him, her features strained.

  He stretched his arm along the back of the couch. To his surprise, she laid her head against his chest.

  “I need to hear your heart beat for a minute or two.”

  He touched a lock of her hair, watching the way it slid over his fingers. “I really am okay, you know. The doctor said so.”

  Faith lifted her head, apparently satisfied. “Just needing some confirmation.”

  He regarded her for a long moment. “I haven't officially thanked you.”

  “Um, no thanks needed, silly.”

  He enjoyed the color mantling her cheeks. “It was impressive how you kept your cool. I was the one who went all to pieces.”

  “Trust me, I was going to pieces.”

  He wondered what that really meant. “At any rate, you rescued me from a bad situation.”

  “Don't worry,” she said, attempting a teasing tone. It came out wobbly instead. “I've never left anyone to die in the wilderness before and didn't figure I'd start with you.”

  Shane grinned. “Still,” he said, lowering his voice, “thank you.”

  She shrugged, her eyes shiny. “You're welcome.”

  He took her hand, marveling at the contrast between softness and the small patches of callouses on her palm. “I admit it was going a bit far, but I think I might have finally made a dent in your...affections.”

  Dismay shimmered in her gaze. “You're crazy if you think I'd believe you'd go to such lengths to get my attention.”

  He smiled, knowing he was getting under her skin. “Actually, my plan was more along the lines of attempting to impress you with interior home renovation, but one hates to waste a good snake bite or two.”

  Once more she noted the new paint and wallpaper before turning her gaze on him. She lifted her chin. “For your information, I was getting there on my own.”

  “Getting where...exactly?”

  She elbowed him lightly in the ribs. His mock wince obviously didn't fool her.

  “Let the record show,” she said primly, “it was your usual impatience that got you into trouble.”

  “That's the trouble with faith,” he said, leaning close, “it's so hard to wait.”

  She bit her lip against a small smile and rolled her eyes.

  “Then again, I'd rather not lose a leg because chasing you with crutches would be a whole lot harder than it is already.”

  Faith's mouth opened in reaction to his words. She scrutinized his expression then said, “You should be punished for such saying something so outlandish.”

  Shane closed his fingers around hers, tugging her closer. “If you want to punish me, you could say no to a kiss.”

  Her eyes widening slightly, she eased closer to him. “But then I would be the one being punished, so that doesn't sound very fair.”

  He took her answer as acquiescence and pressed his lips against hers. When she angled toward him for better access and touched his face, he had to admit that a little poison went a long, long way.

  ***

  Faith sat at home, alone, in a fog of confused happiness. She'd spent a lovely afternoon snuggled in Shane's arms, trading banter and kisses, until she could tell he was getting tired. After making sure he'd taken all his medication and was able to get to bed without any trouble, she left him and came home, trying to examine her feelings while at the same time not wanting to look too deep.

  Knowing that she loved him was the easy part. Knowing what would happen next was what terrified her. Maybe she was just the first girlfriend that he'd have since moving to the area. Maybe he was feeling really loopy from opiates and hardly knew what he was saying.

  Or maybe he felt the same way about her as she felt for him. That was the most terrifying option of all.

  The phone rang. Pulling it absently from her pocket, she pressed the receive button and put it to her ear.

  “Faith? It's Merle.”

  “Hi.” She twisted around and booted up her computer, stabbed by a sharp pang of guilt. “Hey, I just want you to know I've been working at home in the evenings, so I'm not really all that behind at work.”

  “No, no, that's not why I'm calling. And I'm not worried in the slightest about that. You've been a good friend to Shane and that's more important anyway.”

  Faith relaxed slightly as her fingers stilled over the keyboard. “Okay.”

  “And he's doing well, I trust?”

  “Yes, as long as he stays off his leg.”

  “You'll have to persuade him to behave.”

  Her face heated. Was Merle in the know on their relationship?

  “I'm actually calling to tell you I've received the results of your photo contest entry.”

  Faith sat forward on the couch. “Yes?”

  “Well, I'm sorry to tell you that it didn't make the finals.”

  She blinked, then clapped a hand over her mouth against a bark of laughter. When she could trust herself, she removed her hand and said, “Oh, that's too bad.”

  “Yes, I know you'll be very disappointed, but I don't want you to be discouraged. I was told there were over ten thousand entries. Nearly impossible odds.”

  “I appreciate you letting me know. And I'll pass the info on to Shane.”

  “Don't let this get you down, Faith. You're a very talented photographer and I know you'll go far in the field. In fact, the artistry of the photo has won me over and I'd like to talk to you two at some point about having Bascombe's use the image for our logo.”

  “Thank you, Merle, that means a lot. And I think that's an intriguing idea.”

  “Discuss it with your—with Shane.”

  Yep, he knew. “I will. And thanks for the encouragement.

  Well, you mean a lot to me, young lady. Never forget that.”

  “Aw, right backatcha, Boss.”

  He laughed. “Have a good evening. See you soon.”

  Faith stared at the phone as she disconnected the call. She tried to feel upset or angry about losing the contest, but could only muster a vague sense of disappointment. Because at the moment, she had Shane and he wasn't dead. It kind of put things in perspective.

  An
d every photographer knew the importance of that.

  Chapter Nineteen

  For the following week, Faith spent as much time as possible with Shane, mostly acting as nurse, keeping him fed and medicated and reminding him to go easy on his leg, but there were dividends to the arrangement.

  They'd watched several movies together in the afternoons, played some chess (she always won) or just cuddled and talked about everyday things.

  The lifestyle was growing on her. In the evenings, she stayed busy working on the latest brochures and website updates. At times she was tempted to ask Shane where their relationship was going. Not that she expected some proposal on bended knee, but it was difficult for someone usually so focused on the goal to just enjoy the journey. Even though the journey had proved very enjoyable of late.

  Maybe it was the undercurrent of insecurity that made her nervous. Just because Shane took her advice when it came to home décor and kissed like a dream didn't mean there was anything permanent in their relationship. He seemed content to take things one day at a time. She wished she could too.

  On Friday, at lunch, she packed up her things at the office to head to Shane's for the afternoon. It was his last weekend of convalescence before going back to work on Monday. She poked her head into Merle's office to say goodbye, but he was on the phone. He waved her in and finished up his phone call.

  After hanging up, he stood and smiled. “Just the person I was looking for.”

  Faith's brows inched up in amusement. “I'm the only one here, Merle.”

  He chuckled and came around the desk. Putting his arm around her shoulders and giving her a squeeze, he said, “There's something I'd like to talk with you about.”

  She looked at him attentively, wondering if it had to do with the logo. Shane was amenable to the idea, but he also wanted to look into selling the images as framed prints.

  Merle released her and cleared his throat. “Faith, you've been with us at Bascombe Productions for some time now. I've watched you mature in both character and skill.”

  Faith's thoughts shifted into a different gear and raced around in a circle as she tried to come up with a list of reasons for this talk. Did he have to let her go? Was this a promotion? Was he retiring and shutting down the business? Don't panic. Hear him out first. If only the drumbeat of her pulse would listen.

  “And because of your bringing the business into the twenty-first century, coupled with your camera skills, business has doubled.” Merle hooked his thumbs into his belt loops. “The thing is, I'm making some changes in my life, and well, I've decided to retire.”

  Faith's expression froze. How should she react? Congratulatory? Disappointed? Her stomach clenched as she forced a smile. “That's wonderful, Merle! I'm so thrilled for you.”

  “I'm sure you're wondering about the future of the business. Well, I've given it a lot of thought. As you know, Bascombe's is not the main source of my income, and I've been investing the profits from the business for the last ten years. Now I'm ready to do a bit of traveling.”

  She stared at him blankly. Traveling. In light of potential joblessness, she was finding it difficult to muster enthusiasm for her boss's plans.

  “That said,” he continued, seemingly unaware of her growing anxiety, “I'd like to sign Bascombe's over to you.”

  Faith kept her stiff expression in place, afraid she'd think or say the wrong thing. Had she heard him right? She went back over the words he'd just spoken, striving for calm. “You'd like to sign over the company...so that means I'd be managing—?”

  “I'm giving it to you, Faith. Free and clear. You've already proven you know how to run a business and are forward thinking. Goodness knows in today's business climate, one needs to be fluid. Plus this way, while I'm gallivanting around the globe I won't have to worry about you.”

  “Worry about me?” she said faintly.

  His blue eyes crinkled at the corners. “I know, I shouldn't worry about you so much. You're proven yourself to be a capable young woman. But it will give me that extra measure of peace.”

  Faith pulled in a deep breath, a sliver of hope piercing her confusion. “Merle, I'm sorry if I'm slow, but just to be sure, you want to give me Bascombe's, in its entirety?”

  He nodded. “You've generated half its worth, after all.”

  “But why not let me buy you out?”

  “As I said, I don't need the money and I want to bless you.”

  Tears burned the back of Faith's eyes. “You've always been a blessing to me, Merle. You believed in me when no one else did.”

  “Least of all yourself,” he said, one white eyebrow rising.

  She gripped her hands together. “Are you sure about this? I mean, I'm assuming you offered it to Shane first, him being family and all.”

  “I mentioned my plans, but I didn't offer it to him. He's made it clear he's settled in a different direction. Photography is just a hobby to him.”

  Realization began to sink in that she might be settled in her own livelihood. “Oh, Merle, this is just too much—”

  “I won't heard a word about it unless you simply don't want the business. In that case, I'll put it up for sale. But I'm hoping you'll take the opportunity.”

  “Oh, yes!” She grabbed her boss and hugged him hard. “I can't believe this! It's incredible!”

  He laughed as she released him. “I was hoping you'd be pleased.”

  “I'll do a good job, Merle, I promise.”

  “I'd never doubt it.”

  Faith stared at him, excitement whirring within her at the possibilities ahead. “This is all so sudden. I had no idea you were thinking in this direction!” Her smile collapsed. “Are you all right? This isn't due to any health concerns, is it?”

  “No, no, I'm just fine, I assure you.”

  “So, you just decided to travel...?”

  What she could see of her boss' cheeks turned brick red.

  “Well, I admit there is a compelling reason.” He loudly cleared his throat and rocked back on his heels. “You see, I met a lady and I plan to ask her to marry me.”

  Faith's eyes widened. “Merle! That's wonderful! Who is she? When can I meet her?”

  “Her name is Helen. I thought we might all, including Shane of course, go out after church on Sunday.”

  “Have you told Shane yet?”

  “No, but I think he might have guessed.”

  She shook her head in wonder. “So that's where you've been lately!”

  “Well, that, and I've had the paperwork drawn up for you to become the new owner here.”

  “Wow. I mean wow!”

  He laughed. “I appreciate your enthusiasm. I'm looking forward to this new phase in my life.”

  “You seem confident Helen will accept you.”

  The color in his face deepened. “Ah, well, yes, I admit I am rather confident.”

  “When will you pop the question?”

  “Tomorrow.”

  “Text me when you get your answer!”

  He rolled his eyes, chuckling. “Faith, my dear, you know I haven't figured out how to use my cell for anything other than a phone call!”

  ***

  Rain had finally come to the area and poured down in sheets as Faith ran to her Nissan after work, her mind still abuzz with Merle's news and the prospect of owning her own business. Lightning flashed overhead, brightening the trip to Shane's house. After a brief stop to grab some take-out for dinner, she pulled into his driveway and turned off the motor. The lights glowed with warmth, beckoning her.

  Faith's heart swelled with emotion and gratefulness that she was able to spend this time with Shane, but at the same time she wondered if he really didn't want Bascombe's. Maybe he just didn't want her to feel dependent on him. It was odd. Merle's ne
phew was the rightful recipient of his uncle's largess. She felt a little like an outsider horning in on an inheritance. Then again, her mind zinged with a hundred different ideas of where to take the company.

  Still stunned by the offer, Faith grabbed her bags and hurried up to the porch. Shane was suddenly there, pulling her into the house and kissing her before she could get her dripping coat off.

  When she came up for air, she said, “Merle is getting married and is giving me Bascombe's.”

  Shane brushed a damp lock of hair from her face, his eyes alight. “I know.”

  She tilted her chin. “You know about Bascombe's but he hasn't told you about the marriage thing.”

  “'The marriage thing', eh?” He smiled. “No, he didn't mention it, but he didn't need to. He's been very cagey lately, and blushed like a teenager when I teasingly asked if there was a new woman in his life. Plus I've seen him talking to a woman at church quite a bit.”

  “Is she pretty?”

  “Very.”

  Faith frowned. “How come I didn't notice my boss being cagey?”

  Shane shrugged. “Probably had your head in the clouds...literally, since you always seem to be climbing some mountain somewhere.”

  Ignoring the jibe, she regarded his relaxed expression. “And you're okay with him giving me the business?”

  “Of course.”

  Faith put her hands on her hips. “You don't want it for yourself.” It was a statement.

  He mimicked her actions, his lips twitching. “We've had this conversation before. I don't want your job.”

  “This isn't a job, it's a whole company.”

  “And it's yours. But—”

  It was her turn to grin. “Let's hear it.”

  “I'd like to occasionally submit photographs—”

  “For which you'll be duly compensated.”